#it boggles me to follow along and i love it

[burningembers91]

Rare - The Salesman x Fem!Reader (NSFW)

Follow up piece to:

Freak of Nature

On Display

A Game of Cat and Mouse

Crime of Passion

Synopsis: The Salesman wants to play a game with you. But when he changes the rules, so do you

A/N: I am immensely proud of this series. It’s unlike anything I’ve written before and I love exploring the darker sides of characters. This particular fic is probably my favourite so far. I wanted to thank everyone for the frankly mind boggling love I have received on all my fics so far. Thank you ❤️

It had been two weeks since your mysterious man in the grey suit had saved you. Two weeks since you’d given in to your desires. The day after he fucked you so hard that your bed slats broke, an entirely new bed arrived. One with a plush, cream, fabric headboard and a mattress that felt like you were sleeping on a cloud sent straight from heaven.

His heroics in the alleyway, the transition from something psychological to physical had changed the dynamics of your relationship. He didn’t want to admit it, but he could feel himself falling under your spell. It was a constant struggle to maintain the upper hand, to continue the illusion that you were entirely at his mercy. But you both knew it was a mutual torture, that each of you had the other twisted so deliciously around your respective fingers. The other night he had come so close to telling you his name. It had been so long since he’d spoken it, he wasn’t entirely sure he knew what is was anymore. But there was something about you, something deliciously dark bubbling after your soft, shea scented skin. You could be the death of him, this beautiful femme fatale. He wasn’t quite ready to relinquish control to you though; he still wanted to try and break you.

You received a phone call one day, requesting your attendance at an incredibly high end dress store in Myeong-Dong. As you made your way through the doors, the eye watering price tags made your jaw drop. You could never in a thousand lifetimes afford a dress like this; but you knew someone who could.

You were whisked into a private area, where several women with tape measures took measurements of your body. They didn’t speak to you, didn’t answer any of your questions. You were there less than five minutes, after being instructed to return to the store the next day to pick up your purchase.

“But I didn’t order anything,” you exclaimed, “can you just tell me what’s going on.”

“Our client is very discreet,” the store manager responded. “Please arrive promptly tomorrow to collect your purchase.”

You couldn’t text Mr Grey Suit to ask him what he was up to. You still weren’t privy to any personal information about him, including his phone number. He didn’t come to see you that night, leaving you to stew in your own thoughts about what he could have possibly ordered you.

The next day, you arrived at the time requested, and were once again greeted by the store manager who handed you a dress bag, with a note attached. I will see you tonight, 7pm. DO NOT LOOK IN THIS BAG UNTIL THEN. I will know if you do. You headed home, desperate to look inside the bag. You didn’t dare though, you had absolutely no doubt he would know if you took a peek.

Your grey suited man arrived at your apartment at 7pm sharp. He nodded appreciatively at your immaculate hair and makeup, cupping your chin in his hand as his eyes explored yours.

“Tonight,” he explained, “you will do exactly what I say, when I say it. If you disobey me, you will be punished. If you perform satisfactorily, you will be rewarded.”

“If I perform satisfactorily?” You scoffed. “I didn’t realise I was a circus monkey.”

He wiped his thumb along your lower lip, smearing the lipstick you’d applied not 10 minutes ago.

“You will do exactly what I say,” he growled. “Now, get dressed into the gift I gave you. And clean your face up. You have 5 minutes. Do not keep me waiting.”

You did as you were asked, presenting yourself like a piece of meat on a platter for him. He nodded approvingly, his hand trailing down the burgundy silk of the evening dress that fit you like a glove, the one he’d had made especially for you. You were a vision, an angel sent straight from heaven. He wasn’t going to tell you that though; he didn’t want to give you the satisfaction.

He took you to the most expensive restaurant in Seoul, where a private room had been set up especially. The staff were very discreet, and he’d need exactly that for what he hand in store for you tonight. You sat down opposite him at the small table, classical music quietly playing through the speakers. The room had no windows, lit only by the dimness of the candles dotted around the room.

“I took the liberty of ordering for you,” Mr Grey Suit said. “I’d expect you to eat every single bite.”

Champagne arrived, followed by oysters. You hated oysters with a fiery passion, but you forced yourself to finish every single one. You refused to show your distaste for them, refused to grimace as the slimy substance slid down your throat. Next up was steak, rare, the meat still oozing blood into to your plate, seeping into the accompanying potatoes. Your stomach turned; you hated red meat. You hadn’t eaten it since you were 10, the smell of it sending your stomach churning.

“I can’t,” you whispered, the metallic smell of the dead animals blood seeping into your nose.

“Are you disobeying me?” He asked, tutting as he tucked a linen napkin into his shirt. “I’m supposing you want to be punished then?”

“Please,” you choked, “anything but steak. I can’t, it’s the smell.”

“Stand up.” He told you. You stood to attention, ignoring the rising bile in your throat. “Come here.”

You did as you were told, your breath hitching as he pulled up your dress to your waist.

“Bend over,” he instructed. You obeyed, hearing the sound of his steak knife slide through the fabric of your lace underwear. You cried out as a sharp, swift slap was delivered to your right cheek, quickly followed by another, and then another. Each hit was harder than the last, tears streaking your face. The mixture of pleasure and pain was exquisite and yet so unbearable.

“Will you do as you’re told now?” He asked, his breath slightly ragged. You were soaking wet as you nodded, and he to resist sliding his fingers inside you. He was supposed to be punishing you after all, not giving you what you wanted.

You sat back down, the skin of your ass stinging as it made contact with the leather chair. Mascara smudged your cheeks, your face flushed. You looked down at the rare steak, then back up your mystery man. He was smiling so smugly at you; he clearly thought he’d won this little game. You smiled sweetly back, picked up your knife and fork, and sliced into the meat. You did your best to ignore the blood that seeped from it. You hardly breathed as you ate, swallowing the bile that continued to rise. A flash of anger contorted his usually handsome features; you were besting him yet again.

You proudly showed off your empty plate, sweat peppering your forehead from the immense effort. You refused to show you him how unwell you felt, choosing to down your glass of champagne to remove the metallic taste from your tongue. He begrudgingly poured you more, both of you smiling as you tried to figure out the others next move.

“What do I get then?” You finally asked, when the silence became too much.

“I’m sorry?” He said, dabbing the corner of his napkin as he surveyed you.

“You said if I did everything you asked, you’d reward me,” you reminded him.

“Ah,” he chuckled, “but you didn’t do everything I asked.”

“Yes, I did,” you snapped back. “I wore the dress, I ate the oysters and the fucking steak!” Eating that piece of meat had almost made you sick, but you’d done it. And he was reneging on his end of the bargain.

“But I had to punish you before you would eat he,” he smiled.

“And I did,” you hissed back at him, fists clenched under the table. “You can’t do this.”

“I can do whatever I want,” he whispered.

You looked him up again, his smug face looking entirely slappable in that moment.

“And so can I,” you decided. “Goodnight.” Throwing your napkin down on the table, you headed for the door.

“Wait!” His voice was desperate, panicked. He didn’t want you to leave. You stopped in your tracks, turning slowly to face him. He looked uneasy, wondering why his game wasn’t going the way he wanted.

“Fine, you sighed, “I’ll stay, but you’re going to play one of my games now.”

You fucked him on the floor of that private dining room, straddling him as you pressed the steak knife to his throat, the one he’d used to slice off your underwear. He quivered underneath you, entirely at your mercy as your slick, tight walls swallowed him again and again. He came with a strangled cry, thrusting his hips up into you as you drained every last drop of his seed.

Leaning down, you planted a single tender kiss on his lips.

“Goodnight, Mr Grey Suit,” you whispered. Standing up, you left him lying there on the cold marble floor, his cock still hard and his breathing ragged.

He had seriously underestimated you. What had started as a game of control, was now something entirely new to him. For the first time in his life, he was entirely at someone else’s mercy.

[mandarinmoons]

Spencer x wife!reader who’s insecure about her postpartum body? I just know he’d be the sweetest little smorgasbord of love ever

"smorgasbord of love" omg I love that

The past few years have been the happiest time for you. You met the love of your life and after some time of dating Spencer proposed, which you obviously agreed to, and not long after that you both welcomed a precious bundle of joy into your family.

Your little girl, Bailey, was your angel and the apple of Spencer’s eye. The second you saw her in Spencer’s arms your love for him quadrupled, if that’s even possible, and it seemed to grow even more as time passed. Every second of spare time Spencer had he made sure to spend it with his daughter, whether it was watching cartoons with her or helping you change her diapers, he was a dream come true.

Even though everything seemed to be perfect from the outside, things weren’t always so beautiful in your mind. Something you struggled with for as long as you could remember was your body image and now that you managed to carry a baby through 9 months of exhausting pregnancy the image you had of yourself began to warp even more. You knew you shouldn’t think that way, after all you were healthy enough to bring this beautiful little miracle into yours and Spencer’s life, but sometimes the dark thoughts took over and you weren’t able to ignore them.

There you were, stood in front of the mirror as you lifted up your shirt to see the skin loose around your stomach. Stretch marks riddled your sides, which were already present before the pregnancy, but were now more apparent than before. You sighed as you put your shirt down and rubbed your hands over your face to try and soothe yourself and a moment later you felt arms wrap around your waist along with a few kisses peppered over your shoulder.

“You okay hun?”

As you removed your hands from your face and looked at the mirror in front of you, you saw Spencer looking up at you with the same amount of love they’ve always carried. How he managed to look at you the same way after all that your body had been through was mind boggling to you.

“I know I shouldn’t feel bad about the way that I look, but”, your eyes filled with tears, but before you were able to finish your sentence Spencer pulled you into his chest as his hand caressed your back in a soothing manner.

“Sweetheart, you are so beautiful to me and the way you look now only adds to your beauty. Look at you, you carried my child and every little mark on you is a reminder of that. You could never be more beautiful to me and if we ever have more children then you will only keep getting more beautiful to me.”

Your head rested on Spencer’s chest and a small smile creeped up on your lips as you heard Spencer speak, how could this man get any more loving with you? 

“Thanks Spence, I really do love you.”

“And I love you, more than you could ever know.”

You giggled and pressed a sweet kiss to Spencer’s cheek which in turn made him smile, however the moment was cut short as both of you heard a cry coming from the other room.

“I got this,” Spencer hurried to the other room to take the crying baby into his arms and you followed suit. Walking through the door you saw Spencer cradling Bailey in his arms as he shushed her and lightly sang along to a lullaby. You walked over to them and caressed Bailey’s head as she slowly calmed down and you and Spencer looked at each other.

“Good job Dr. Daddy.”

Spencer chuckled and pressed a kiss to your ear, “You did a good job too mommy.”

Taglist: @radioactiveinvisible @whoisspence @sreidisms @lanascinnamongirls @luvkatryna @iluvreid @notn4t

If you want to be a part of my taglist go here!

You can find my masterlist here!

My requests are open so feel free to send one in! (SFW only)

[leiatalon]

The Eternal Library February Progress Report and Author Update

Author Update:

After pushing hard to wrap up chapter four earlier this month, I've been feeling a bit burnt out and needing a break. One of the things I promised myself when I started writing this project was that I would take breaks as needed, making health and family my priorities, so I'm doing my best to stay true to that. This is another reason I chose Hosted Games for this story, so I can write what I want to write when I want to write it, and not have the stress of deadlines.

I have not yet started in on chapter five, which is actually ch_5a and ch_5b because the split in the story means two different adventures the MC can take during that time period. One of the challenges with writing Interactive Fiction is the mind-boggling overwhelm that can feel like an insurmountable wall when you think about the labyrinthine branches that must be written.

Is it the anticipation of those many branches and two separate chapter fives that's making me want to take a break from writing? No doubt that's a contributing factor, but I've climbed that mountain before. The truth is, there's an ebb and flow to my creative process.

Sometimes time spent away from my computer is exactly what I need in order to figure out new twists or to recharge my energy so I can dive back in.

Sometimes I need to move my body and change my perspective in order for the pieces of the story to fall into place. Walks with my dog and puttering around the yard while my kids slide down a snowy embankment are just the thing to get my brain unstuck.

Cleaning the house and baking cookies are good for the soul.

Progress Report:

Since I released the first 40k demo of The Eternal Library on Dec. 23, 2024, I've written over 55,000 words for the game and many thousands more in POV scenes that aren't yet incorporated or might never be part of the main body of the IF novel. I've created the art, integrated feedback, playtested, edited, maintained Patreon and Tumblr accounts, and responded to comments on the CoG forum. That's a lot for two months!

I'm really liking the integration of POV scenes to fill in elements of intrigue that happen "off page" in the game. This is something I didn't do in my last two IF novels, and it's wonderfully revealing to get into other characters' heads.

I love the many layers coming into play and the massive amount of story that is chapter four, which is currently available in the Patreon demo and will be released publicly toward the middle of next month.

While I'm taking a short break this week to recharge, I'll start to chip away on one of the chapter fives soon. Perhaps I'll do a Patreon poll to see which one people want me to write first!

Thanks so much for following along as I write The Eternal Library! 🙌 I hope you have a wonderful week! 💞 👑

[mikaela-the-slut-expert]

Hello!

Can I request for a yandere Hualian x reader but reader is actually okay with their behavior?

I do not Mind

Hualian x gn!reader

Heyyy... 😔🙏 I've been gone for ever again, I love y'all🩷 I swear. A little nervous about this one because how far is too far with a yandere 😥 like some readers want their yandere to murder someone for them some people just want them to be obsessive... Comment and tell me if it's too much y'all, I'll edit it.

Also I'm very unfamiliar with yandere territory so! I don't know if I'm able to capture them quite well😐!!!

____________________________________

It started innocently enough, your relationship with them. You've never had two boyfriends before but you found yourself enjoying it. How could you not? They love you and care for you. Xie Lian was so sweet and gentle with you, always caring. Hua Cheng is protective and devoted to you, so loving. Some people are lucky enough to find a good man, you were lucky enough to find two of them. Maybe your luck is better than Hua Cheng's.

All had been going well, it was like any normal relationship! You guys would go out on dates, you would all spend time with one another, care for one another, gift things, give affection, and of course have sex. Normal, healthy relationships. Arguments were few to none and it felt like you were in a state of bliss, contentment. It was... Well it was perfect.

So perfect, and so content that it took you quite a while to notice when strange things were starting to happen. It wasn't mind boggling, just different. Hua Cheng's devotion to you his protectiveness seemed to become tenfold, and Xie Lian's caring nature -while you loved him for it- seemed directed to keep you in their sights. It was not unusual for you all to go separate ways throughout the day, but suddenly you needed to be near one of them at all times. Even if you were going out with some friends, one of them or both of them would come along. You didn't mind you like spending time with your lovers, so you think nothing of it. You thought maybe these incidents were just coincidental.

For starters, for some reason you just can't bring yourself to leave, you feel faint and dizzy when you try to leave the doors of your alls home. So you don't leave, you tell your lovers you feel unwell and stay mostly in bed. It's strange though... As soon as you leave the proximity of the doors you feel well again. And another thing! Your lovers have been all over you. You enjoy it of course, you love them dearly but they're acting very needy. As more days pass you find Xie Lian and Hua Cheng are always attached to your hip. You're half sure your hand is stuck in a curled position from holding Hua Cheng's hand all the time!

Hua Cheng had always been devoted to you and Xie Lian but it's been more like... Admiration! Obsession. He'll follow you around everywhere and if he can't there's always silver butterflies resting in your hair, they're cute so you can't complain. He'll stare at you with his one eye, all day! You found he's been making piles of drawings of you in many different ways, and even a statue or two here and there. That's really suspicious. Maybe he's just really taken the time to admire you! He loves art after all, and maybe you've become his muse.

Oh and Xie Lian, don't even get started on him! His "selfless" nature and the feeling of going out of his way for you? It's a too cute! much. You need to go out to town? Oh he'll go get it don't worry about it, stay home. Oh you haven't seen your friends? No worries he'll update them that you aren't feeling well! Every little thing you want or need seems to be taken care of by them. Just stay here, don't leave stay home, don't leave get some rest. Don't leave.

That's not even to mention when they both gang up on you. The need for validation. "Do you love us?", "Aren't we good to you?", "Are you happy here?", "Will you stay?", "Promise, promise promise".

You've been cooped up for quite a while, and of course you don't stay cooped up all the time. You go out to ghost city with Xie Lian and Hua Cheng! Your friends must miss you though because one of them come to check on you. When you talk to them, they seem quite worried, pale faced. "Do you need help..?" Why would you need that? Xie Lian and Hua Cheng have been taking care of you. They dote and spoil you all the time, honestly you've barely noticed how long it's been since you've been isolated anywhere near the heavens, or spent time with anyone else! You want to reassure them but Xie Lian ushers you away from the door, to the bedroom. He just doesn't want you to leave feel faint again, so just let Hua Cheng talk to them. What a caring lover!

When Hua Cheng comes back to the bedroom he doesn't mention anything, he must have sent your friend off. How sweet. So sweet you don't notice anything amiss. Definitely not the red splatter on his cheek. How would you notice any of it when most of it blends in with his clothing anyhow? E-ming rattles in the sheath.

So yes, it has been strange these past couple of months. Although it did take you a little while to even notice, although you can be quite oblivious, you are not stupid. You are not blind. Hua Cheng and Xie Lian's attitudes have changed to clingy, and obsessed. Your dizziness these past few weeks is most definitely because of the strange incense you keep smelling near the doors of your home, and the seals that have been placed in obscure places. You don't find yourself minding these things. You love them, their attention, their clinginess, their obsession and love.

So no you don't pay mind to the frequent disappearances of other gods whom you're acquainted with. You pay no mind to Hua Cheng's, or Xie Lian's robes having to be washed because of stains, you stay naive to E-ming needing to be cleaned so often. In fact you welcome it.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng must know that you know too because they don't try to hide it anymore. Their needy questions and need for validation have become demands. Sweet ones, so how could you ever resist them, when they obviously love you so, so much?

You can't

____________________________________

So how do we feel guys? First time I think I've ever written yandere stuff so this is very unfamiliar territory I'm welcome to criticism!

[keitorin3]

So I had a Thought,

There have been stories where Merlin waits for Arthur for hundreds of years until something or other, he has enough and timetravels back to see him again or something along those lines.

This is literally always on our minds after Season 5.

And then there is the alternative, those fics (which I personally love and want more of) where Merlin actually manages to save Arthur but dies instead.

Here is where I'm getting at. I don't know if it's because he doesn't have a cryptic lizard to spout prophecys, or druids who worships a legend, but Arthur who survives never lasts long.

Like I know we in the Fandom always say that without Merlin, Arthur would not survive long, but it boggles my mind how true it can be. It's not that Arthur doesn't have faith if he does hear some magical being telling him that Merlin would return.

It's just where Merlin who has powers, he feels useless to change anything. Where as Arthur, he is powerless, but hopeful and stubborn to the very end. He has the power of a King, it's not enough to change the weather or summon fire, but in those days it's to have power over people, to only say it and others would follow.

Magical Being: When the time is right, you're Warlock shall return to you, my King.

Arthur: Not good enough, I want him now.

Magical Being: That's not how this works...

Arthur: Then clearly you don't know Merlin or me very well. If my Merlin doesn't come to me when I want him, I find him and drag him back kicking and quiping by the ear! Now, either you help me revive him or I'll take up arms with the next magical for a better answer. *Channels his inner Pendragon*

Magical Being: ... *Sweats in slight fear* Right, I'll look into it.

Arthur: Good.

I especially love ones where Arthur learns or somehow inherits Merlin's magic and uses it to find Merlin in a different world or timeline or time travels back.

Arthur is noble and just, but with Merlin he is a selfish dragon who wants his friend *cough*husband*cough* back.

Anyway to conclude my thought, Merlin could wait years for his King until his breaking point. But Arthur would be relentless to have his Servant, his best friend, (his world) back.

Uther tried to get rid of magic, to get rid of Merlin. Arthur will bring Magic back.

Arthur will have Merlin back and by his side (*Whispers* Forever~!)

[bloopitynoot]

Reading SVSSS: Bonus- Chapter 23

For those who don't know, I am reading SVSSS for the first time and sharing my thoughts!

If you have not read it, there will be spoilers! Consider this a warning.

Also- if you want to follow along, I am aiming to post updates daily. You can find all the posts in the tag bloopitynoot reads SVSSS. You can also check out the intro post for context on my read.

I was home sick again today (I think I should be okay for tomorrow?? Depends on if my sinuses decide to cooperate or not tonight). So I got cozy with an apple and some coffee (I do not recommend the combo flavour wise - it is really not so good).

Let's get in to the succubi chapter!!!

I haven't even started this chapter yet and the title is already giving me fantasy porn energy; "Recalling an Experience of Fighting Succubi with Great Master Liu".

Oh! The last extra was a direct continuation, but now we are moving into the past- just after the abyss kick. p63

"After I take care of this support ticket- ah, I mean, after I take care of those succubi" p63. When you've worked in any IT or IT adjacent field

I also would not be surprised if there were a ton of fics ft Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge. "In truth, Shixiong's only looking out for you. The rumors at the foot of the mountain say these succubi adore beautiful men who are full of vigor, so if Liu-shidi insists on coming, they'll undoubtable target him." p64

You're honour. I think this man is gay or ace. Re: "Liu Qingge clearly had no intention of chatting with this member of the opposite sex; he showed no remorse for destroying the madam's gate as he turned his head away." p66

Liu Qingge is 100% just annoyed with the entire experience and SQQ is sitting over here wishing he had a snack and some tea while he witnesses the show that is the succubi attempting to crack his shidi p68

The longer this scene goes on, the more I do think that Liu Qingge is queer or on the ace spectrum. pp68-69

Shen Qingqiu over here feeling anxious for "some reason" about his romantic future (this man is so deep in the closet at this point). p69. It makes me laugh that anytime he talks about women in this book he's like "nope, cant, not her because [Insert Reason]" without fail.

You cannot tell me Liu Qingge is not some shade of queer. The way in which he leaned in for the T about SQQ's love life speaks to my soul on a spiritual level p70

The succubus was Stunned. RE: her seeing details about SQQ's Binghe. p71

The mental gymnastics SQQ is going through right now to convince himself that his future fated one is a woman is boggling. p71 He's really trying so hard

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL The moment Liu Qingge clocks who the succubus is talking about ahahahah p73

OMG this really isn't helping the case that Liu Qingge isn't gay/ace spectrum. The FURY when the succubus said he wasn't SQQ fated one so he shouldn't worry about it pp73-74

Oh My God. And the succubi have an aphrodisiac. Poor Liu Qingge (but my god I can see the fics already). p76

SQQ in this moment: . LQG: This poor sweet man. p77

Okay wait, might be the neurodivergence but I feel like I am missing some subtext here. What did Liu Qingge mean by "You asked me how I felt, didn't you?" asked Liu Qingge, "However you feel right now, that's how I felt" p80.

Another bonus chapter done!

This one was short and sweet, but I do love getting more insight into the lore of the book. I love it when we get to see new creatures or learn how the world works and this chapter was cool for that. I cannot wait for the next one though- I took a peak at the title and saw that it is in parts so here's to hoping the next one is longer!

[bangtanhoneys]

GRACE & BTS - BRITISH THINGS

Merry Christmas to my lovely followers! Thank you so much for being an amazing support on this crazy journey of Grace, my writing and putting up with my lack of updates. I hope you all have a lovely time whether you celebrate or not. Enjoy your break. Love you all!

SEOKJIN - AFTERNOON TEA

The Ritz Hotel in London is famous for its stunning architecture and history, the Royal Warrant for Banqueting and Catering Services, and its famous residents. Everyone who is everyone has walked through the doors of the hotel to either stay or dine in its famous restaurants or even try the famous afternoon tea. This is one of the many reasons Seokjin found himself in a smart day suit, of navy blue while being escorted by a man in what seemed to be a penguin suit. 

The whole idea had been for Grace’s parents to join them for the famous afternoon tea but they had taken on babysitting duties when Bora became ill last night and encouraged Grace & Seokjin to go and enjoy themselves. They were in London as part of BTS’ world tour and though they were only in London for a short period, there was no way Grace would miss out on taking Seokjin to what she knew would be an interesting experience. 

Dolled up to the nines in the proper dress code, walking past people who probably had more money than them combined and to a table for two near the pianist. The menu boggled Seokjin’s mind, not because it was all in English, but because of the many tea options alone. “Twenty,” he muttered to himself as he counted. And there was the food! There were six options of sandwiches, scones and clotted cream with jam, an assortment of cakes and pastries, and then champagne (three options!) or a glass of sherry.

“This is nuts,” he said causing Grace to chuckle.

“It’s the Ritz, what do you expect?” she asked, knowing how full-on an English afternoon tea would be. 

“Well, put it that way, champagne it is!”

YOONGI - THE PROMS

“What are you watching?”

Grace glanced up from where she was seated on the couch in the dorm’s living room, having the whole thing to herself, with a blanket wrapped around her legs. “What was that?”

“What are you watching?” Yoongi repeated himself, nodding in the direction of the screen while an empty coffee cup dangled in his hand. 

“Ah,” Grace started while propping herself up more. “This is BBC Proms. It’s an eight-week season of daily orchestral classical music concerts, mostly held at the Royal Albert Hall and this is the last night. They’ll start with the winding down part soon, which is full of British patriotic pieces.”

Yoongi looked to the screen and his cat eyes narrowed, hummed to himself then disappeared towards the kitchen.

Rolling her eyes, Grace shifted the blanket again so it was tight around her and paid no attention to the ghost boy. He came home from the studio an hour ago and the rest of the group were dotted around the dorms or out and about. Knowing she had time to indulge in something she used to watch as a kid growing up thanks to her mother and her love of classical music.

“Budge over.”

Yoongi’s voice startled her just as the conductor started to play the beginning notes of Edward Elgar’s Pomp & Circumstance March No.1. Yoongi reached over and grabbed the remote, whacking up the volume just a bit as he settled himself on the corner of the couch.

“Now, explain again and tell me what the piece of music is.”

HOBI - TEA

For Grace, getting British tea in South Korea was always hard in the early days. It had been one of her drinks of choice as an early adult and trying to find proper tea bags in a country that lived on coffee or iced coffee, it had become a nightmare and an expensive one at that when her mother was buying tea bags from London to come over to Seoul. And as a trainee, it was even harder when you were on a limited budget.

But now with her own money, Grace could indulge in her favourite tea. 

Though Hobi had no idea why he had been dragged along. He found himself at the Lotte Department store in Myeong-Dong, expecting some kind of shopping spree but he found himself, along with his noona and two bodyguards, outside the TWG Tea store. The racks were lined up with artisan-painted tea tins and there were bone china cups, and a sign boasted they had over 1000 varieties of tea. 

“Don’t worry, I know what I’m buying,” Grace grinned as she saw Hobi’s face fall at the idea of being in the shop for hours as she decided on her tea. But then again, it would be returning the favour over the countless of hours she had spent with Hobi, Jimin and Taehyung as they shopped for clothes. 

Half an hour later, which was down to the sales assistant more than Grace, there were two big paper bags in the hands of one bodyguard.

“Are you stocked up for the year?” Hobi grinned but that soon dropped by Grace’s answer. 

“A year? More like two months.”

NAMJOON - COUNTRYSIDE

They were all back together as an eight and the tightness in Namjoon’s chest eased with each passing moment that he could look at all his members in the face without there being strict military controls. And the tightness eased more when they were allowed some time off to be together as a group again as well as individual time off to just get back to what was considered normal.

Grace, their noona, had announced one evening that she had organised a week's trip for the eight of them. There was a PowerPoint presentation and everything which Seokjin and Yoongi had giggled at and got a pointed stare in return. A trip to Grace’s mother country, where she would drive them from London to Manchester, her hometown, go through England’s countryside and then back to London where they would fly home. A car had already been rented, though it was more a van when they saw it in person, but it fitted them all comfortably and their suitcases.

Namjoon was up front for their journey from Manchester across Yorkshire where they would spend the night in a cottage in the Yorkshire Dales and then down to the Cotswolds. They had managed to fit in quite a bit already on their trip and their phones had been overloaded with photos. 

The greenery, rambling hills, the stone walls, narrow roads where Namjoon gripped the armrest every time they turned a corner, but the scenery spoke so many words and he spent most of the time staring out the window. “Penny for your thoughts?”

Namjoon glanced over at Grace, still in the driver’s seat but she was the one with the most experience driving in England, and shook his head. “Nothing, noona. Just enjoying the countryside. Thank you for bringing us.”

“No problem, Joon. Just make sure you write a song at the end of it.”

JIMIN - ROAST DINNER

Ever since Jimin’s period of dieting and the consequence of what happened afterwards, roast dinners on a Sunday had become a common thing at the Bangtan dorm. However, the more popular they got, the less time they actually spent at home and more in hotel rooms across the world and each Sunday disappeared without there being a roast dinner. 

They had been home less than six hours and early in the morning, Jimin woke to the sound of movement in the kitchen. Knowing it was probably someone getting a snack or a drink (likely coffee due to jet lag), he rolled over and tried to get back to sleep. But these sounds sounded different and instantly he got a whiff of something. 

“Roast dinner,” he whispered to himself and like a dart, he was out of bed and down the hallway. 

Of course, it was too early for there to be a roast dinner but as he got closer to the kitchen and the smells, he could see his noona (showered, dressed and looking fresher than any of them which was a feat in itself since she had four hours sleep) chopping away at the carrots.

“Is it roast dinner day?” Jimin softly asked, not wanting Grace to jump out of her skin.

She jumped anyway but luckily no fingers or carrots were hurt in the process. “I know it’s a Wednesday and we just got home but since we haven’t been home in awhile or eaten homemade food, I thought now would be a good opportunity before we have to leave again.”

The chicken, a full one, was in the oven and he could see the lamb had already been cooked from where it was on the counter. Potatoes, peas, broccoli and the gravy had yet to be tackled so with the energy that he didn’t have before, Jimin rushed to the shower, got changed and got back to the kitchen to help his noona with the vegetables. 

TAEHYUNG - SHAKESPEARE

“By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes.”

“Macbeth.”

The frustrated sigh caused Grace to smile to herself. Taehyung had found a Shakespeare play book during one of their outings and while he knew enough English to get by, he translated some of the words into Korean so it was slightly easier to understand. And now he was quizzing their resident born and bred British girl to see if she knew what quote he sprouted off matched to which play. 

So far, she was winning.

“Let me be that I am, and seek not to alter me.”

That made Grace pause and she frowned to herself, trying to remember all her Shakespeare from international high school and from her homeschooling. However, before she could get to the answer, Namjoon had beaten her to it.

“Much Ado About Nothing.”

“Hyung!”

“Thanks Joon,” Grace laughed as she reached over to high five him. Taehyung pouted and flicked through the pages to try and find something harder. 

“What’s going on?” Namjoon asked, eyes wide at the size of the book. 

“Tae is currently quizzing me on my memory of Shakespeare and if I can remember certain quotes from the plays. So far we’ve had Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Hamlet, Richard III and the Tempest and I’ve guessed those ones, apart from yours just now.”

Namjoon chuckled just as Taehyung found the play he was looking for and just before he could pick a line, Grace stood up and patted the young man’s shoulder. “Tae, as much as I love to do this with you, your noona has lunch to figure out. So parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say goodnight till it be morrow.”

Taehyung watched open-mouthed as his noona left the living room and his eyes darted to Namjoon who sighed, “That was from Romeo and Juliet.”

JUNGKOOK - ACCENT

“Buggering hell!”

Jungkook was startled out of his daydreaming by a clear British accent coming from down the hallway and one of the bedrooms. “You alright, noona?”

“Oh for fuck sake,” came the response which made Jungkook laugh and stand up, heading in the direction of where the swearing was coming from.

Grace had been unpacking her room for the past couple of hours and she had been trying to hang some of her photos in frames on the wall using those stick and peel things but she was either reading the instructions wrong or she was an idiot because nothing was working.

“Your accent is hilarious noona,” Jungkook said as he took the picture off her and with ease of the Golden Maknae, stuck the picture to the wall. 

She sighed and pouted at the wall, resting her hands on her hips. “How was that easy for you and I couldn’t figure the bloody thing out,” there was a mix of Korean and English there which had Jungkook doubled over with laughter.

“Listen,” she gently whacked his shoulder. “Stop laughing at your noona and help her out. And just watch when your Busan satoori enters the picture.”

Jungkook chuckled to himself as he did as instructed, putting the pictures in place while not cursing. However, the voice behind him which exclaimed “Oh you arsehole” had him on his knees in seconds. While it wasn’t exactly a satoori, just hearing his prim and proper noona curse in her British accent had him doubled over for hours afterwards and he went around the dorm, repeating the words to himself while giggling. 

[ggomos-maribat]

2 | a girl named Marinette Dupain-Cheng

Part 2 of Marinette Dupain-Cheng is Dead | Masterlist

Tim came rushing into the Batcave with an armful of papers which he dumped by the computer in front of Jason. "I remember now. Why her name was so familiar."

"Lila Rossi's?" Jason looked up at him. Ever since the news blew up, Tim had been visibly restless, like the whole ordeal was a mind-boggling case. Though Jason, too, couldn't quell his own curiosity.

"No, that girl she supposedly killed. Marinette Dupain-Cheng." Tim pulled out a folder from the bottom of the pile and slapped it on top. Jason caught the same name on the case's title. "Her death two years ago was a cold case I found. Damn it, why didn't Damian tell me?"

"And you solved it?"

Tim huffed out. "No, I didn't have the time to go back to cold cases again and it kind of got buried with the other ones."

Jason opened up the folder with one hand and skimmed the content. Both Lila and the 'Marinette' girl were from Paris—he remembered how the media was raving on about the death being a mystery, and Lila, Lilia Ross, must've been involved in it. Of course, there wasn't definite proof as all rumors went.

On the corner of the paper, there was a stapled photo: a girl of East Asian descent, with dark hair and blue eyes. She wore a knit sweater, beaming at the camera with her hands clasped on the strap of her bag.

Just then, Jason heard a ping, followed by a curse from Tim.

"Lilia Ross just posted a video." In an instant, he was right by Jason's side so he could see it too. "Looks like she's addressing the accusations."

"Why would she do that?" Jason knew Bruce got all sorts of backlash too, but not once did he ever seriously address all the rumors since that would be equivalent to admitting they were true.

"Honestly this isn't something she can actually ignore. It blew up pretty badly and the online market is important for her business."

Jason looked at the video in scrutiny. Lilia Ross' setup was simple but still put together: there were brand products displayed in her background along with trinkets on the shelves reminiscent of Paris. The brunette's face seemed solemn, but he couldn't get a read if it was forced or not. The title of the video was short, all caps, bordering on being click-baity—'MY MESSAGE TO EVERYONE...'

"Hi everyone," Lilia managed a small smile. "Recently it has come to my attention that an anonymous poster broadcasted that I'm a suspect for murder. I didn't want to talk about it at first, but I decided to tell everyone the truth not for my sake but for the sake of everyone who was affected by that incident."

"Her name is. . ." She paused as if choked up suddenly. "Her name was Marinette Dupain-Cheng. She was my friend and classmate in collége and lycée back in Paris. Two years ago, she . . . she passed away—they found her near Pont des Arts. We were told it was suicide."

Lilia took a deep breath and her eyes glazed over. Jason wanted to think that she actually looked remorseful. "Well, I should say her parents didn't say anything else other than that so we were kind of left in the dark about the details. But all of us—our class was really close—we're still grieving. If I knew she was hurting that badly, I . . . I would've done something before it was too late. Marinette was a kindhearted girl and we all loved—love—her. She was taken away from us too early."

Her expression shifted from sad to silent rage. "That's why I can't stand people using her name for this useless sensationalism. This is hurting her close friends, her family, everyone who knew her. Please don't bring her up again; give her some peace. She doesn't deserve this kind of treatment. And please think twice before spreading awful rumors about something so serious."

Jason tore his attention away from the video to look at Tim, who had his lips pursed, thinking deeply. Tim set down his phone. "The facts add up with Marinette's case file, but she's lying."

Tim opened up the folder again. "It's true that the police ruled it out as a suicide and there's still a lot of mystery surrounding her death. But based on what I've gathered, Lilia—er, Lila—and Marinette weren't friends."

"What do you mean?"

Tim picked up another folder, showing Marinette's school record. "According to this file, there were some reports of Marinette bullying her classmates, some issues of theft, blackmail, cheating . . . Lila made it seem like she was likable to everyone, which doesn't seem to be the case."

"But if Lila's intention of making the video was to partly clear her own name, obviously she won't badmouth Marinette." Jason frowned.

His brother shrugged. "Yeah, I thought that too. I'm not pointing at Lila as a likely suspect in this, actually. This case is so confusing that if there was actually an answer to it that makes sense, I doubt a then nineteen-year-old girl would've pulled it off by herself."

He sighed exasperatedly. "But then again, anyone could've been the culprit, and that includes Lila."

"Wait, so you're sure it's not suicide then?"

Another presence suddenly entered the cave. Judging by the soft humming, Jason figured that Dick was home from Bludhaven.

The eldest strolled into the room, hands casually in his pockets. "Hey, Alfie told me you guys were down here!" He greeted. "Did you guys see that accusation on Lilia Ross? That was crazy."

Jason stared at him. "You follow Lilia Ross?"

"I see her stuff here and there—I'm not a boomer, you know."

"So you know about everything then." Tim turned to the computer next. "We're investigating the case."

"What case?"

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng's death," Jason replied. "It's one of Replacement's cold cases and Lilia Ross is tied to it."

"So it wasn't suicide?" Dick walked towards the table, eyeing the papers scattered around. "Hold on, tell us everything. From the beginning."

Like the cop he was, Jason could tell that Dick was showing interest in the case as well. If it wasn't something Tim could crack right off the bat, it must be that difficult. Tim began typing things into the large computer, pulling out the case files in digital form to show the two of them.

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng, only child and daughter to Thomas Dupain and Sabine Cheng, who own a bakery in Paris. She died when she was just eighteen years old." Tim presented a few pictures. "Attended Francois Dupont in collége and lycée, the same one Lilia Ross went to . . . they were also classmates with a few other notable people: model Juleka Couffaine, physicist Max Kante, the current director of the Louvre, Alix Kubdel, and others. She had a perfect record up until the end of collége when she started getting tardies and absences, then she had three cases of theft, two of cheating and a few reports of bullying and harassment in lycée. She got suspended twice because of that."

He switched to another file. "And then . . . her death. April sixteenth of their last year in school. Locals found her body in Pont des Arts, near the foot of the bridge. The investigation only lasted about three days, but the police declared it a suicide despite the fact that there was no note found, no signs of tendencies before that day. I don't know if it was her parents' decision, but they didn't investigate any further."

Jason shifted on his seat. There was no clear picture of the body, only a blurry photo taken from far away, showing a motionless figure lying on the bridge, with police tape serving as its barrier. She was still young .  . .

Tim's expression turned grim. "Apart from that, here's where it gets weird. Her parents consented for an autopsy and I dug around for the file. They found nothing significant."

"Nothing significant?" Dick echoed.

"As in nothing. No marks on her skin, no sign of injury, no organ failure, no traces of drugs or poison anywhere, no fingerprints, no DNA other than hers." Tim clenched his jaw. "Nothing. Which means . . ."

"They didn't know the cause of death," Jason continued for him.

"Yes, but she was deceased. Only they didn't find out how and they couldn't even estimate the time of death."

"Maybe the coroner faked the report?" Dick suggested.

Jason crossed his arms. "Yeah, but if they wanted to cover up something, then they would've written a fake cause of death, right?"

"Exactly," Tim agreed. "Literally all it says on paper is 'no significant findings. Cause of death unknown'. That's all!"

"So if they don't know the cause of death and there was no note . . . they can't just say it was suicide," Dick concluded.

"Could they just have missed something?" Jason asked Tim.

"That's a possibility, but I'm not convinced it's a suicide with so many things unaccounted for. An accident or suicide would've left some kind of clue, which this case lacks. With evidence this meticulously covered up, it must be predetermined. Homicide."

"Is that why Lilia Ross was accused?" Dick wondered out loud.

"According to the anonymous post, she allegedly tormented Marinette which makes her a suspect in her death," Tim explained. "There's no evidence pointing to her though. Like I said, there's no evidence at all. Since the investigation period was so short, the police never questioned anyone other than her parents so even if her classmates had something to say about it, there was never a record."

"What about the cameras?" Dick said.

Tim looked a tad bit insulted. "You think I didn't check?"

He quickly opened up more files, video feeds of the day of the incident. The cameras didn't quite give a clear view of the bridge itself, only the roads on either side of it. "No sightings of Marinette or anything weird. Before, during and after the body was found . . . just a small crowd from the commotion. Marinette was last seen alive the morning before, but the cameras caught her going home but not going out after."

Jason searched the feed for anything out of the ordinary but unsurprisingly, nothing stood out for him. "What about her parents? What did they say?"

"They . . . they said Marinette was always stressed out and busy but they never thought she'd resort to suicide. She seemed normal the day before," Tim answered solemnly. "They saw her coming back home but didn't catch her leaving, but apparently she had a habit of sneaking out sometimes."

They all fell silent, seemingly at a loss on how to resolve all their questions. Jason couldn't wrap his head around the whole thing because it all appeared like the impossible did in fact happen. How did she get to the bridge? How did she even die? If there was a killer then why would they . . .?

Then Jason noticed Tim looking at him.

"What?"

"Bruce only asked me to look into this. Why are you so invested?" Tim leaned against the table.

"Why does the reason matter?"

"Like . . . I'd expect you to say something like 'leave the dead to rest in peace' or something like that."

Jason snorted. "First of all, as the spokesperson of the dead, I wouldn't say something like that. More like 'the dead need the living to bring justice for them.'" He averted his gaze. "And secondly, I want to know more. No, I want the truth because . . . because I think I've seen Marinette before."

Taglist: @hammalammadamdam

[bluerose5]

hmmmm... maybe Zevran/Halsin, whether on its own or as a side to Zev and Astarion

(for @melvinthedepressedrobot )

Can I just say how much I loved writing this? 💙

"I've been thinking about what you said."

Halsin didn't even so much as flinch when Zevran snuck up behind him, staring up at the moon as the latter took a seat at his side on the ground. He spared Zevran a questioning glance, followed by a soft smile.

His chest warmed at his very sight of him.

"I think you might need to be more specific than that," Halsin told him. "We have spoken about a lot these past few days."

An understatement, if there ever was one.

Zevran took a deep breath, bracing himself.

"You mentioned before that you wanted more."

Halsin instantly replied, "I still do."

Zevran’s heart fluttered at that, but he was quick to avert his eyes, ducking his head with a furrowed brow.

"Which is to be expected," Zevran joked, but he gave up on that approach as soon as his attempt at humor fell flat. "I guess that my uncertainty lies in the fact that I—" Feeling a lump form in the back of his throat, Zevran swallowed past it, his stomach twisting into knots while he forced the words out. His voice lowered into a whisper. "I do not believe that I can be what you want me to be."

Halsin watched him closely, but Zevran was careful not to meet his eyes. It felt as if he was sporting a fresh wound, left raw and open and vulnerable before him.

"What do you mean by that?" Halsin asked, gentle, patient.

Too good for this world.

"Look," Zevran sighed, combing his fingers through his hair in frustration. "I am what I am, and what I am is a killer. A liar. A thief. I enjoy what I do. I am no hero, I will not pretend to be, and I will not change who I am for the sake of another. I have lived my life far too long as a tool, honed into a weapon for others to use as they saw fit. I cannot— will not become anyone or anything else besides what I want to be."

A fact that Astarion knew and related to all too well.

It was part of the reason why he and Zevran worked so well together, but Halsin was another matter entirely.

A second of silence passed between them before Zevran felt a hand cup his cheek.

He couldn't help it. He leaned into Halsin's palm, and he met his eyes.

Halsin's thumb brushed along the outline of his cheek.

Eventually, he asked, "Why would I dare hold a paintbrush to what is already a masterpiece?"

Zevran choked on a mix between a laugh and a sob, staring at him with a wobbly smile.

He didn't even realize a tear had fallen until he felt Halsin's thumb smear it across his skin.

"Why would I seek to change the one who makes my heart stir with so much joy?" Halsin breathed. "I know perfectly well what you are capable of, but I would not dare try to alter your nature. You said it yourself. You are who you are, and I very much like who that person is."

"Halsin—"

"You care so much for those around you, for the world you live in," he continued without skipping a beat, "yet you give yourself so little credit. You have achieved so much already. I am in awe of you."

Zevran stared at him, unable to comprehend how he got so lucky.

"You spoke with Astarion." Not a question, but a statement.

"I did," Halsin said, shifting closer to him. "Both as a necessity and as a show of openness and honesty. I told him of my feelings for you, of what I wanted, and I answered any questions he had to the best of my abilities. He seemed to appreciate that, I think." He paused, considering. "And you? Did you speak with him?"

"I did," Zevran answered. "He needed some reassurance."

Halsin nodded in understanding.

"As to be expected."

"But he was open to what you suggested." Which was mind-boggling to Zevran. He didn't expect to care for another in such a way when he ended up in Faerûn. He didn't expect to find a reason to stay. To be able to share in that experience with not just one but two others again? There were no words to describe how he felt in that moment. "You know, the last time I was involved in such an arrangement, it ended only in tragedy. Most of it inflicted by my own hand, no less."

Taliesen. Rinna...

There came a vulnerability to being with another, opening up all sorts of doors to potential heartbreak.

"That need not be our fate," Halsin assured him.

Zevran decided to take a chance.

He decided that Halsin and Astarion were worth the risk.

"Then, kiss me."

"Gladly."

And when their lips finally met, Halsin took his breath away.

[banapsha]

The Art of Plot Twists: A God-Tier Guide

Hey there, sunshine(s) and moonlight(s)! Do you want to rock your readers' worlds with mind-boggling plot twists? Well, lucky for you, I recently met a mind reader in my basement and they told me you want to know this. Buckle up, because we're about to begin a journey into the abyss. Kidding! We are going to the Kingdom of Twistano-Turnano; narratives that'll leave jaws on the floor and minds on some walls. Strap in, grab your favorite snacks and let's get this party started. (I believe that one was too much, right? Coz’ who’s got time for any parties? Or am I the only one missing out?) 

What Makes a Good Plot Twist?

Let's kick things off with the basics. A plot twist isn't just about throwing in a random curveball– oh no, it's about shaking up the very fabric of your story. A meaningful plot twist should be a seismic shift in the audience's perception, whether it's through an unexpected event, a shocking revelation, or a philosophical awakening. We're talking external, internal, and philosophical shifts that make the audiences question everything they thought they knew. It's about changing your audience's reality.

The Three Types of Shifts: External, Internal, and Philosophical

The external shift– think unexpected deaths, hidden treasures, and jaw-dropping identity reveals. These twists are all about rearranging plot elements in ways that leave readers gasping for air.

The internal shift– this one's all about messing with your audience's emotions. One minute they're feeling all warm and fuzzy, and the next, BAM! You hit 'em with an event that leaves them shaken to the core. Just make sure to keep things clear, or you'll have a bunch of confused readers scratching their heads.

The philosophical shift– the granddaddy of all plot twists. This one's all about making your audience question their beliefs and perceptions. You take 'em from thinking they've got it all figured out to realize that maybe, just maybe, they've been wrong all along.

To really knock your readers' socks off, you gotta apply all three shifts. That's right, no half-measures here. Using just one or missing one entirely is just going to confuse the shit out of your audiences. Trust me, you don't wanna do that.

What makes a plot twist good?

Shock Value: First things first, a good plot twist needs to pack a punch. We're talking about leaving your readers reeling, jaws on the floor, and minds blown. If it doesn't make 'em gasp, it ain't worth it. The key is to not settle for the first twist that comes to mind. Dig deep, get creative, and find a way to really knock your readers' socks off.

Believability: Sure, we love a good surprise, but it's gotta make sense, ya know? You can't just say that the human we have been following around is a dog disguised as a pizza! Nope, we ain't gone believe that boy. Keep it real. Actually, the real(er) the better. Foreshadowing is your best friend. Drop hints, plant seeds, and lay the groundwork for your twist early on. That way, when it finally hits, it'll feel like a natural progression of the story. (Maybe show me a barking human to make me go along with the pizza dog twist.)

Impact on Characters AND Plot: A truly great plot twist doesn't just shake things up for the sake of it. It needs to have real consequences, affecting not only the characters but the entire storyline. Don't just focus on the shock factor – think about how your twist will affect your characters and your plot. Will it send them spiraling into chaos? Will it force them to confront their deepest fears? Make it count.

Variety in Tropes: Cliched tropes are good but if you can manage to twist it up, that's even better. Try to give us something we've never seen before. Surprise us, delight us, and keep us guessing 'til the very end. But don't be afraid to break the mold. Sure, some tropes are tried and true, but the best twists are the ones that defy expectations. Surprise your readers, challenge their assumptions, and leave 'em begging for more.

Timing: Timing is literally everything. You need to build up to the right moment for that twist like a mastermind supervillain. Keep your readers on their toes. Drop breadcrumbs along the way, build up the tension, ratchet up the suspense, and then hit 'em with that (do-do do-do) twist right when they least expect it. You gotta know exactly when to drop that grenade. Trust me, it'll be worth the wait.

Plot Twist Techniques:

Breadcrumbs: The classic "how did I not see this coming" twist. Make 'em scratch their heads and wonder, "How did I miss that?" Lay the groundwork for your twist by dropping subtle hints and clues throughout your story. It's all about planting those breadcrumbs and watching your readers play Sherlock Holmes.

Misdirection: The good ol' red herring. Lead your readers down one path, only to yank the rug out from under them at the last minute. Get 'em emotionally invested in a particular outcome, then flip the script and watch 'em squirm. Mix this with the breadcrumbs and you have a beautiful pie.

The False Win: Picture this – your characters are riding high, victory is in sight, and then BAM! You hit 'em with the ultimate plot twist: it's not over yet. Give 'em a false sense of comfort, then snatch it away like a cruel twist of fate. 

The Unprovoked: Ever seen a plot twist  that leaves you scratching your head and wondering, "Where did that come from?" That's the unprovoked twist. It happens out of nowhere, catching everyone off guard and leaving 'em reeling. It's unexpected, it's unpredictable, and it's oh-so deliciously twisty.

Types of Twists: The classics

Identity Reveal: Remember the "I am your father" moment? Yes. There's nothing quite like the shock of discovering that a character's true identity isn't what it seems. Whether it's a long-lost twin or a secret agent in disguise, identity reveals never fail to leave readers gasping for air. Mix it up to make it newer and you have an even tastier sandwich.

Motive Reveal: Ever wondered why that one seemingly innocent character was acting so shady? Well, it's time for a motive reveal – the moment when all becomes clear and the true intentions behind a character's actions are laid bare. It's like peeling back layers of an onion, only way more dramatic. (Plot twist: This entire post has been written so you will buy my book, The Sinner and The Scarred from Amazon! It is available in both Paperback and Ebook formats but if you have Kindle Unlimited you can read it for FREE!)

Background Reveal: Behind every great character is a great backstory. Well, these backstories can also be great plot twists. (What? The hero's love interest is the villain's child. WHAT? The hero's love interest is the villain! WHAT? THE HERO IS DATING BOTH THE VILLAIN AND THEIR CHILD!!) From dark secrets to hidden traumas, background reveals add depth and complexity to your story.

Character Deaths: Sometimes, the only way to shake things up is by "killing your darlings." Actually, whether it's a beloved hero sacrificing themselves for the greater good or a villain meeting their untimely demise, character deaths are guaranteed to leave readers in shock and awe. Especially when done right. (Set the mood for a fun wedding. Then kill someone at the wedding. Kill the bride. Or the groom. Kill 'em both. Have them kill each other!)

Destruction of Setting or Important Elements: Say goodbye to the status quo, because we're about to shake things up with a little destruction. Whether it's a beloved setting crumbling to the ground or a crucial element of the story being obliterated, destruction twists add a sense of urgency and chaos to your narrative. (Burn your hero's house down. Extra points if their family was still inside. Minus points if their dog was in there, though.)

Timeline Shift: A timeline shift can turn your story on its head, sending characters hurtling through time and space or revealing shocking truths about the past, present, and future. (It will be a weird way to find out you’re adopted, you know?)

Surprising Events in General: Sometimes, you just gotta throw caution to the wind and hit your readers with something completely unexpected. From random acts of kindness to bizarre coincidences, surprising events add an element of unpredictability to your story that'll keep readers guessing until the very end. 

Special Ability Reveal: The moment when a character discovers they've got powers beyond their wildest dreams, things start getting out of hand. Whether it's flying, telekinesis, or the ability to talk to animals, special ability reveals add a touch of magic and wonder to your story.

Do remember when it comes to plot twists, the sky's the limit. But placement is key. Whether it's smack dab in the middle of your story or right at the climax, the timing of your twist can make or break its impact. 

Now, let's touch on what NOT to do. Forced twists? No, thank you. Unbelievable plot developments? Hard pass. And let's not even get started on the dreaded plot armor– nothing kills the vibe faster than a last-minute rescue by bad writing. (Leave a comment if you’d like to learn more about what NOT to do!)

In conclusion, mastering the art of plot twists is no easy feat. It takes careful planning (AKA outlining of the story), strategic execution, and a whole lot of creativity. So go forth, soldiers, and twist those plots until they're unrecognizable. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility – don't abuse those twists, and always respect your readers' intelligence.

Now, go forth and twist to your heart's content. Happy writing! 🌀✨

[whatchuwaitinfor]

Taking A Rest

Sebek X Prefect

Summary: Sebek is struggling mentally with thinking Malleus and Silver don’t like him nor care about him. Yuu wants Sebek to rest for once in his life but Sebek had to be convinced by Lilia to go with Yuu for a rest. Sebek thought that resting would make him slow and weak but now he seems to like this ‘resting’ thing if he’s doing it with Yuu.

Silver… everytime I do something extraordinary, Silver gets more attention still from Malleus. I just want to be told that I am appreciated and loved by him… my older brother figure.

There was an evening where Yuu came to the Diasomnia dorm to be around me and mentioned that they wish for me to slow down and take a rest. My mind was boggled at the thought of resting, I thought it would make me slow and weak. Too much of those two things to protect Malleus from harm. But that thought was a misleading one according to Master Lilia. He told me that my grandfather learned to have a ‘work-life’ balance. One that made him more effective to protect Malleus’ mother. He found what he was fighting for and just fighting for your queen or your king was not good enough to be effective on the battlefield to protect them. My grandfather was also fighting for his family and friends. They gave him more motivation to remain vigilant and strong on the battlefield. Resting is how he found that epiphany. Lilia told me that he couldn’t find said epiphany and all his life during those days was to fight then to train, fight then to train, etcétéra. Day in, day out. He’s surprised he even survived. That life-style he played was simply fatiguing, one where he felt no emotion for those he killed; and he wishes Silver and I to not face it. He told me Silver rests while on his own accord or not because of his issues and whatever he gets in rest, he makes up for in training. Malleus does the same, he spends half his time doing things he enjoys and the other half studying and schooling in general. He now rests more than trains, but that is expected for his age, he said. Each and every word he’s told me has been in my mind and now I will try to gain a ‘life-work’ balance if it will make me more helpful to Malleus. Master Lilia also wants me to find what else I’m fighting for other than my king. This is a hard egg to crack.

I look to Yuu and say, “Human, I would like to rest with you.” I don’t know why I chose the human over my brothers and father figure but I did. This seemed to please Master Lilia and Yuu was surprised but they placed a finger on their chin and decided, “Let’s rest with something you might enjoy, taking a walk.” So we put on something warm and went outside into the cold dark night.

The breeze was a nice breeze for any human to run around without a jacket on. But of course, I left mine on. Crocodiles cannot be out in the cold without layers. Stupid human. Anyway, we walked and talked. The North Star was bright and a beautiful sight to behold, surrounded by soft clouds and no moon that night. I spoke so highly about it and mentioned that my characters in my books follow that star along with a needle compass if they cannot find it. Since that’s what we do in Briar Valley and what other countries used to do. They spoke that they want to take photos of it for their art they create. But after an hour of this walk, they started to get cold and wished to sit down on a bench nearby us. They put on their jacket that I made them bring and sat beside me on the bench.

A stray dog came by us and wanted to play, it handed a slobbery ball in my hand and I said, “Is it sure it wants me to throw it? It will be running for miles if it does.” The dog only looked up at the ball excitedly and I looked back at Yuu and they shrugged. I threw the ball in a direction for the pup and it ran after it. But I heard the ball drop nearby, me of all people and only a minute later, the dog was back with the ball, wagging its tail and dropping the round object at my feet. I stared at my hand and I was astonished. “Is this rest making me weak?!” I cannot have that! Malleus needs a knight of strength. Not a knight of weakness! Yuu shook their head and informed me, “You cannot get weak from one measly rest, especially one that’s walking. You might’ve just had an instinct of wishing to care for a creature lesser than you, the ball fell closer by so the dog’s energy wouldn’t be gone within the first throw. It’s a human thing.” I looked at Yuu and sighed, I picked up the ball and threw it again and as the dog rushed after it and brought it back, my throw got less and less. But the excitement I gave that dog made me feel so appreciated, so loved. But when helping Malleus, I feel under appreciated and I’ll be it… unloved. More like a nuisance. As I picked up the ball and threw it another time, I watched as the dog ran after it. But this time, the dog stopped and just sat by us. He wasn’t excited or happy, I panicked and tried to grab the ball again but the dog took it in his mouth, and looked at me and once I let him be, he dropped it and laid down.

I looked at Yuu, “Human! Why is it not dropping the ball at my feet anymore?!” Yuu looked confused and said, “Have you never had a pet before? Branwen doesn’t count.” I shook my head, “No, none of us had pets before that I know of, my father used to but not anymore.” Yuu sighed, “Alright… The dog just needs a rest, you tuckered him out. But in about ten minutes, he’ll try and hand you that ball again.” I looked at the dog who looked up at me and I nodded, “Right. Okay.” I then stared ahead, quietly. I couldn’t think of anything to talk about or say but I remember what Yuu said a bit ago, it has registered and has now begun to bug me but I don’t know why I’m not too upset. I hear Yuu speak, “You being quiet is a scary thing, are you alright?” I looked over at them and responded, “Oh nothing, I was just thinking about something.” Yuu looked at me and asked, “About what?” I sighed and leaned back on the bench. “What you said earlier about me wanting to care for a lesser creature, you said it was a human thing and I’m not necessarily mad about it but it worries me if anything.” Yuu looked at me confusedly. “I’m worried that if I accept my humanity, will I be allowed to return to Briar Valley? I was allowed to stay there because of Lilia, my mom, my siblings and the fact that I ‘was fae enough they guessed’. I may be Malleus’ guard, but would that still be enough? It’s better to be fully human there than half one. I’m an abomination to most of the fae there and yet they tolerate me, but if I were to accept my humanity, would they tolerate it?! They despise humans there!” Yuu looked worriedly at me and placed a hand on my shoulder, “They allow Silver there and I know you said being a full human there is better than a half fae but are you so sure about that?” I shook my head, “It feels like I should be sure…” Yuu sighed, “Sebek, if they try and keep you from staying at Briar Valley, you know Lilia is going to make them allow you to as well as Malleus—” I got Yuu’s hand off my shoulder and said, “The thing is, I’m not so sure Malleus would push for me to remain by his side, not even Branwen. I’m unsure about Silver’s stance on that too. But I know Lilia would.” I stared ahead, “My mother, sister and brother would…” Yuu leaned on me as the wind blew, they shivered. “I’m sure all of them would, Sebek. Despite how they act, they love you with every fiber of their being. Malleus, Branwen and Silver are the usual ‘big brothers’ that see their little sibling every day. Especially when their sibling is glued at the hip with them.” Yuu smiled reassuringly at me and I felt the corner of my mouth arch slightly. Then the dog came over with the ball and dropped it at my feet again. My smile got wider and more noticeable and I began to throw the ball for the dog again.

Some time in the evening went by and we made our way to Ramshackle Dorm. Yuu put on a movie and we ate a good dinner and watched it. A relationship in the movie was deteriorating because of the fact that the two leads are struggling with one feeling like they’re always giving and never receiving and Yuu was saddened by it, I could tell but they didn’t cry. At the end of the movie, I looked at them with concern and they said, “I’m fine, I never had a relationship where I felt like that or anything…” They smiled awkwardly and I arched my brow and argued, “I know you did, you consented to Lilia showing your memories you’re remembering from your life away from here to us.” Yuu sighed. “Alright alright… yeah, that scene of the one feeling used upset me.” I nodded, “It’s alright, human.” I reassured them. “I would like to get in something more comfortable than outside clothes. You can turn around.” They suggested. “Okay.” I affirmed what they said and turned around. Yuu got up and spoke, “Though I don’t mind if you watch me, I’d think your ‘knight’s chivalry honor’ or whatever would make you freak out if you did.” I was confused and before I said anything, I noticed they were struggling with something. “Do you need help?” I asked and they sighed, “Yeah, I’m struggling to get my bra off.” I nodded, “Then I shall close my eyes whilst helping you.” Yuu shrugged, “I’ll guide your hands then.” They turned their back to me and I closed my eyes, put my hands out and they helped me feel for the back strap and I unhooked it. Then I turned around once again. “I don’t understand why you care, because even within the knight’s code, I’d be considered an object, a harlot.” Yuu said and I felt offended that they would think that me and any other knight would consider them a harlot. But I held my tongue about that lecture for now. Yuu then walked over next to me in a night dress, placed a hand on my shoulder and let me know, “You can look now.” I turned to look at them and that’s when I decided to tell them, “To be honest, I only look away because I wish for you to feel important.” That seemed to have caught Yuu off-guard and they blushed. “I…” they couldn’t speak.

I took that moment to start my lecture and scold, “A knight’s code doesn’t discriminate against any femme presenting person and being in general. A knight is always chivalrous to any femme presenting person who’s been insulted or treated badly. If I were to witness the femme person being insulted or hurt and I do not step in, I must rid myself with my own blade or beg for forgiveness, especially if I am the one to hurt them. If I witness foul activity like that of soliciting the femme presenting person who isn’t consenting, I must duel that person or fellow knight most likely to the death. Every femme presenting person is royalty and above you no matter how little or many partners they have! That is the knight’s code of chivalry. That and that alone. No discrimination. Just respect and worship.” Yuu looked shocked and albeit a little lost, so I shortened my rant apologetically, “No matter who you are Yuu, a knight’s code of chivalry counts you as a power I must respect, protect and make sure you feel as important as you are.” I smiled partially, to be honest I was feeling quite cocky. Yuu blushed furiously and scolded me, “Alright that’s enough, idiot!” I felt a frown come to my face, “Not the response I hoped to hear,” I then grinned again because I felt a laugh coming on, knowing how Yuu can be. “But I can’t say I didn’t expect it.” I added and Yuu leaned in me and punched my chest, it felt like a mosquito bit me, “Just stop… idiot.” I held Yuu close and said, “Very well, human.”

The coo-coo clock in the lounge struck the curfew time of ten at night and I gasped, “I hadn’t gotten permission from Malleus to stay here tonight! I have to go, it’s curfew!” I released Yuu and ran toward the door to leave the lounge. But I paused and looked back at Yuu, “Sorry human, I’ll see you in the morning!” I said and I went over and kissed Yuu on the cheek then I ran out the lounge and out the doors of Ramshackle.

Once I returned to the Diasomnia dorm, I processed what I just did and I grinned at myself and looked at the mirror I’d just come through. Honestly huffing and puffing from my run here. Lilia appeared behind me and teased me, “You’re back past curfew, how was your date~ with Yuu?” I looked back, “I don’t know, was it a date? Regardless, I enjoyed my resting time and I believe I know now what I’m fighting for. Thank you master Lilia. I must get some sleep now.” I bowed at Lilia and then went toward my bedroom and saw Silver in the hallway who looked at me with a teasing grin, “Did you enjoy your time with Yuu?” He also teased me (a given), and I couldn’t be mad, “Yes actually. Goodnight Silver.” I went toward my bedroom and Silver seemed to be shocked that I didn’t react, he asked, “Did you find Malleus? He hasn’t come back tonight.” He was trying to make me react negatively in his eyes, loud and boisterous. “Malleus has Branwen, he’ll be fine.” I say behind gritted teeth. Then I heard Master Lilia pipe in to stop him, “Silver, leave the boy alone! You go get Malleus’ roaming ass. Goodnight Sebek!” I am relieved that Lilia stepped in and I smiled and remembered my resting night with Yuu as I got dressed to go to bed and plopped on my it, slowly falling asleep in a blissful daze.

[theshowliveontour]

Niall Horan brought his headlining tour, THE SHOW LIVE ON TOUR 2024, to Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on Monday night (June 3), and delivered an impressive set that highlighted his evolution from boy band heartthrob to a bona fide rock star. The concert marked Horan’s first time headlining an arena in Nashville and follows his previous visits to Music City, when he headlined The Ryman Auditorium and Ascend Amphitheater.

Sold Out Concert At Bridgestone Arena In Nashville

The sold-out show served as a testament to the 30-year-old singer/songwriter’s solo success, drawing fans of all ages adorned in homemade merchandise and Niall Horan-inspired outfits, eagerly awaiting the former One Direction star’s arrival.

As the lights went dim, a pair of eyes appeared at the top of the stage and then a cinematic introduction was projected on a vintage theater style stage set up complete with curtains and clamshell foot lights, bringing an old school vibe that flawlessly fit Horan’s set.

“Good evening Nashville,” Horan shouted, greeting the crowd with a big smile on his face, as he exploded into a high-energy performance of his fan-favorite tune, “Nice To Meet Ya.”

”I Have Dreamt Long And Hard About This Night”

Donning a black leather vest, black tank, black pants, and a handkerchief in his pants pocket, Horan looked every bit of the rock star he has become and kept the crowd in the palm of his hand throughout the entire concert.

“Welcome to The Show Live On Tour Lovers! Holy smokes, this is insane, thank you so much for selling out the famous Bridgestone Arena for me. I really appreciate it,” Horan said graciously. ”I have dreamt long and hard about this night, and thank you so much for selling this arena out for me, it’s mind-boggling, I can’t believe I am here. Nashville is one of my favorite cities in the world, and I love coming here. I love the music in this town, I love writing in this town, and it feels like home here. I love it, so thank you so much for welcoming me back.”

He continued, “All the memories that I’ve had in this city over the years, I just love the place. There are some cities that just stand out to you and just make you feel comfortable, and Nashville and the people in it just make you feel like you’re at home.”

Surprise Guest: Noah Kahan

A highlight of the show was his intimate acoustic set. With the curtain shut behind him, Horan took to the microphone stand with just an acoustic guitar and delivered a raw and heartfelt performance of “Put A Little Love On Me,” followed by the crowd-pleaser, “This Town,” which featured a surprise guest, Noah Kahan.

“Since we’re in Nashville, there’s some good songwriters around the place,” Horan said before welcoming Kahan to the stage to join him for the performance. The excitement to see the “Stick Season” singer was palpable, as he was welcomed by deafening screams.

He concluded the acoustic set with “You Can Start A Cult.” After Horan wrapped his set, the capacity crowd offered thunderous stomps and applause demanding an encore, which Horan obliged and returned to the stage for a two song encore that included “Heartbreak Weather” and “Slow Hands.”

21-Song Set List

Horan’s 21-song set included songs from all three of his solo albums: Flicker (2017), Heartbreak Weather (2020) and The Show (2023). He also threw in a cover of One Direction’s hit, “Stockholm Syndrome,” a fan-favorite that prompted a massive sing-along during his set in Music City.

Throughout the concert, Niall Horan made it a point to connect with his fans on a personal level. He took a moment to read many of the handmade signs brought by fans, interacting with them in a way that made the massive arena feel intimate. His gratitude was evident as he thanked his fans multiple times, often becoming visibly emotional as he watched his dreams unfold before his eyes, with a capacity crowd singing along to every word.

“I just want to thank you all for the loyal support over the last 14 years, it’s just been absolutely bonkers. Whether you’ve been there since day one or you just watched The Voice and said ‘well, I like him,’ thank you I really appreciate your support, and I am so happy to be here in this arena tonight with you,” Horan exclaimed with a big smile emblazoned on his face.

From Boy Band Member To Solo Superstar

Niall Horan’s concert at Bridgestone Arena was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of his journey as an artist. From his days in One Direction to his impressive solo career, Horan has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. His genuine connection with his fans, coupled with his undeniable talent, made for an evening that Nashville will not soon forget. With this tour, it’s clear that Niall Horan is not just a former boy band member, but a solo superstar who has truly come into his own.

Niall Horan kicked off his world tour in February of 2024 in Belfast, UK, at the SSE Arena. The North American leg of the trek launched at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, on May 29, 2024. Produced by Live Nation, the stint will continue through the end of 2024.

[margowritesthings]

MARGO'S 1K CELEBRATION I - TROPE BINGO

Y'ALL. I can't believe this. 1,000 is such a mind boggling number to me, considering these weird word children would otherwise just be sitting in my brain on their own. I can't thank you enough for your support over the last year. this blog is one of the best things that has happened to be, and now that i'm pursuing my dream of becoming a published writer i truly believe it has changed the course of my life. YOU have changed my life. thank you for being there to read and support. i love y'all.

soooo reading and writing romance is basically my only prsonality trait, so why not celebrate 1k followers with the thing that got me here! im putting you guys as the star role in your own romance- follow along the steps below and send me an ask with your trope and character selection + any extra info.

STEP 1 - PICK A TROPE (please pick up to 3 tropes!)

➼ friends to lovers ➼ enemies to lovers ➼ s/he falls first ➼ one night stand ➼ grumpy x sunshine ➼ small town ➼ billionaire ➼ mafia ➼ forced proximity ➼ marriage of convenience ➼ fake dating ➼ second chance ➼ one bed ➼ childhood sweethearts ➼ surprise pregnancy ➼ why choose? (send up to 3 characters for a reverse harem ship) ➼ random!- i will use a generator ➼ writer's choice- i will choose based on your profile (mutuals only)

STEP 2 - PICK A SHIP there are 3 ways to get your ship:

➼choose a fandom (or multiple fandoms) from the below list and I will choose for you (the more info about yourself you provide the better this choice will be) ➼choose a specific character from the fandoms in the list (or multiple and I will choose) ➼(mutuals only) tell me your fandoms and I will choose for you based on your profile/what i know about you/what you provide me with (even if the fandom ISNT on the list below)

FANDOMS PARTICIPATING IN THIS CELEBRATION: ➼ red dead redemption ➼ bridgerton ➼ marvel ➼ starfield ➼ fallout ➼ skyrim ➼ stardust ➼ star wars ➼ doctor who ➼ daisy jones and the six ➼ mad men

STEP 3 - EXTRA INFO

IMPORTANT- INCLUDE YOUR GENDER AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION IF LETTING ME CHOOSE THE SHIP. Add anything about yourself you want me to know. If you're on anon, this is very important!! I cannot make anything personalised for you if I do not know anything about you. Any icks, anything you want me to include, turn ons, etc. Basically provide me with anything you think might help me make the best gift for you!

RULES

➼ Followers only please, I cannot police this as I have asking on anon enabled, but this is a celebration for my followers so if you are gonna enter please do ensure you are following me

➼ Likes and reblogs are really appreciated! if you do enjoy my work you can also check out my masterlists which can be found here or buy me a coffee here!

➼ At the least, I will be able to make a moodboard for your ship + tropes, but if the inspiration strikes me I will write headcanons and drabbles too. These are a bonus and should not be expected with every entry

➼ 18+ - some of these tropes will include explicit detail, so 18+ only please

➼ Please grant me patience! i am doing this alongside a full time job and have some personal stuff on, but i do want to celebrate so im trying to fit this in as best i can. please be kind and respectful of my lil internet space :)

➼ all posts will be tagged #margo's 1k celebration

tagging my frens to say THANK YOU cause i couldn't do it without ya <3: @inkandbloodbound @cowboydisaster @musicallisto @saradika @sickvictorianangel @alottanothing @twola @photo1030

[appleflavoredkitkats]

do you have any headcanons on what russell went through during his time with the utopians?

HELLO ISSY!! im in the middle of plotting my version of ivywood so i have SOME things... but not everything is fully fleshed out! here r some of them (under the cut!)

since it's sort of implied that russell's been raised there since birth/childhood, i feel like his parents only joined because they were struggling financially, which the utopians would have aided

i do think russell would have HATED the strict regulations at a young age. like obviously, he would still grow to adapt to some things (ie. desperate need to prove himself worthy, because the utopians would have deprived that of their followers) but to me, russell is just too much of a curious child. he wouldn't have kept his curiosities at bay, especially since he loved learning about more mind-boggling things like cryptic codes, linguistics, the human brain, etc. at a young age

i think this guy! would have been a very lonely child! esp since he's austistic and trans! since he's afab, i feel like his autism diagnosis would have come in late (like maybe 10 years old?) and that's the same time he would have realized he was trans. so he basically became a disappointment amongst the utopians. like parents would tell their kids that russell would be the child NOT to imitate u get me

but i feel like as much as i think russell would come out of this with insecurities, i think his pride is one of the reasons that got him out of there in the first place? and i mean, call him egotistical all you want, but the last thing russell would want to do is doubt his capabilities because that's EXACTLY what the utopians would have wanted.

in my version of ivywood, i made "once upon a crime" happen AFTER "wild wild death" because i hc that trevor neuman was responsible for russell's interest in psychology. but don't get it twisted, he doesn't rlly like the kid- rather, the higher-ups in utopia saw potential in his intelligence and wanted to profit off of that. to me, russell might have possibly made the foundations for their brainwashing mechanism, but russell himself doesn't realize that it actually works

i do think russell was genuinely close to his parents, although they don't get along all the time because the two are depressed servants of the cult. i do think russell would have had a closer bond to his mother though. i'd like to think she actually helped russell escape at 16. the only reason she didn't go with him was because she wanted to convince jupiter to go with her, but he adamantly refused out of fear.

the higher-ups definitely knew that caroline (russell's mom) assisted his escape and so they would have murdered her and framed it as an accident. when this happened, they utilized jupiter's grief to make him stay in utopia even longer.

after hearing news about his mom's death, russell would have sneakily watched the funeral from afar. that's when he received the note that says he has nowhere to hide.

i need to flesh this out even more, but i definitely think russell reached out to the pbpd after he escaped. i think it would be funny if andrea assigned frank to look after him, at least up until russell finds a secure job to move out lol. there is a reason these two are at each other's throats all the time !

to return to the utopians though, i genuinely think that the fact russell was raised in a cult fucked up his sense of identity and vulnerability, in a sense that. this mfker HATES showing his true self to anyone in fear of it being used against him. his flirty, manipulative mask is definitely just. a mask. because it's a survival skill he developed after escaping !

moreover i do think he gets impostor syndrome sometimes because as much as he's a genuinely prideful person, sometimes he thinks he feels the need to grab everyone's attention because he was so deprived of it when he was young. so sometimes he does have to grapple with that, because he HATES thinking that a part of him is still disgustingly utopian

[pink-onyx-au]

We interrupt this mental breakdown for a special announcement!

THANK YOU! Every one of you brings joy to my day. I am so happy to have this many people along for the ride with me.

As a note, this AU blog is interactive, so feel free to leave a note or things, even little comments, and characters can answer in real-time. Mental breakdowns willing. Your things left by the den may even make it into the comic!

Out of character/storyboards/doodles/memes/shitposts about the AU are available @ceephorsshitshow

Search or follow the "pink onyx au" tag to filter! Because I never thought this AU would have more followers than my meme blog. The mind boggles.

Thank you! We love you!

[qroier]

edited my post from yesterday on spiderbit eurydice and orpheus to be clearer. it is now. way longer klsdjfk. but the idea is the same. anyway enjoy reading if you do and uh. pues f if you don't, no? lskdfjsdk. kinda already mentioned it in the post but should clarify here that i'm 100% talking about the greek myth.

-

Thinking about spiderbit as eurydice and orpheus is so interesting to me, cause I think depending on how you look at it and how you think of the story, there's an argument for both. And then you remember everything that was purgatory and how clear of a parallel it is to the myth hdksjdks. Honestly though, I feel like the purgatory parallels are the biggest reason roier cubito as orpheus is winning out on that one poll, and I kinda have to disagree with that. The evidence for orpheus roier is there from the start. Roier cubito is always and forever a perfect, permanent orpheus figure even before considering purgatory, and it's down to the devotion roier and orpheus cling to and the grief they both drown in. (The rest under the read more)

Backtracking first for a bit to set the stage. There are many different versions of the eurydice and orpheus myth out there, and its nature as a myth means that interpretations (and translations of any original latin or greek versions) are always changing. Disclaimer of course that my understanding and general knowledge of the myth has been mainly influenced by the wider english-speaking cultural approach to it. I'm focusing on the orpheus archtype from my understanding of what it means (which I'll explain along the way) because otherwise if I didn't I'd end up getting too boggled down in "virgil said this according to this translation" and "ovid went more in this direction following this translator" details. and there is no way in hell i'm struggling through translating on my own with my measle little two years of latin classes under my belt lskdjfkldfj.

But regardless, here's a very basic and brief summary that most versions tend to follow: Eurydice and orpheus are married. Eurydice dies. Orpheus treks out to the underworld through the power of music to save her and get her back. He's told the only way he can have her is if he makes the treacherous trip back to the mortal realm without turning to look at her once. He looks back right before he makes it, and fails in saving her. Sounds familiar, right? slkdjfsk

Don't get me wrong, orpheus cellbit still makes sense in a way. That's part of why the poll and idea in general is so interesting. Heed the disclaimer again but to me, the biggest, most obvious, and most immediately linked connotation the myth has always had is one of devotion. Like the type of devotion that would take you all the way into the afterlife and all the way back in the hopes that that might save the person you love. Cellbit cubito is nothing if not devoted, and normally in the loudest ways possible. He loves shouting out his devotion at all times to anyone in close proximity. It just makes sense that if anyone could hold the level of devotion necessary to be orpheus it'd be him, cause we all know he'd do anything for roier.

Plus being honest, it also makes sense just going by the dynamics in their relationship that they most often present to others. Roier cubito kinda likes playing into the dynamic of asking other people to "save" him, whether that's from mobs or hunger or anything, so long as it's not something actually serious. So much so that the idiot (said lovingly) has conditioned everyone, and I do mean everyone, both islanders and audience alike, into thinking he's defenseless and needs saving. Maxo put it best that one time when he said he felt like roier after cellbit saved him from some mobs, only for cellbit to have to correct him and say that it's usually the other way around. As far as most are concerned, cellbit does the rescuing while roier gleefully asks for the help. It is very easy to make the jump from the idea that eurydice is being saved and the image of roier cubito calling out for help with a scorpion that he could (normally at least, I know he didn't have any weapons or gear that one time during purgatory) bring down on his own. It definitely doesn't help that cellbit is, of course and as always, already running to roier with a weapon in hand to kill the scorpion. At the first chance, he's already trying to help. Anything for his husband.

So it makes sense that orpheus cellbit, who clearly loves doing the saving, would drag himself through hell in his devotion to save eurydice roier, who loves being the one saved! But then you start remembering how the story came about. You start wondering, well, why does the devotion need to be so strong? Why does eurydice even need to be saved? What has brought the both of them to the gates of the afterlife? Oh. Right. It's because she died. She's dead. Eurydice, the love of orpheus’ life, is dead. 

Saving her takes and is devotion, yes, but it's also an attempt to escape grief. If she’s saved, there’s no need to mourn. If she’s saved, then she’s not dead and there’s no grief. And, always, there is no one more grief-riddled than roier (except maybe maxo, whose grief has permanently killed him). No one knows more intimately than roier how tough of a fight it is to escape constant grief because he is constantly grieving, and it just keeps getting worse. His number one recurring theme since arriving on the island has been that he will lose loved ones. To the point that sometimes, even if the person is still technically around, the grief around them and the relationship that once was finds ways to persist (just look at the mess that revolved around spreen cubito before he was confirmed to be dead).

The devotion still applies to him too, of course. Even though it's in quieter ways, there's no denying that roier is as equally devoted to cellbit as cellbit is to him. Cellbit once promised roier he'd rescue him if the feds ever arrested him. Roier once told cellbit he'd go after him and wouldn't stop until he got him back if the feds tried taking cellbit again. And that's not even the only time roier has promised that, he's said similar things multiple times before. He even had to fulfill that same promise once already, back during the regret arc when cellbit went missing trying to save felps. If there is one thing that is true, it's that roier is not lacking in orpheusian devotion.

Actually, extending that devotion from being based in romantic love to also including familial love just makes it all the clearer how much of an orpheus roier has already been. Orpheus fights through the journey, holding on to hope and powering himself through devotion, because the alternative of having permanently lost eurydice, of having to succumb to grief, is too much for him to take. Roier fought through the entire island and later a dungeon, holding on to hope and powering himself through devotion, because the alternative of having permanently lost bobby, of having to succumb to the grief of loosing his son to something outside of his control, was too much for him to take.

And then they both fail. Orpheus looks back too early. Sometimes he forgets, in his excitement to be so close to the end, sometimes doubt gets the best of him and he has to check, and sometimes the need to see his love again overwhelms all his senses. Sometimes maybe it's somehow all three. Roier also looked back too early, in a way, but cucurucho only knows what way that actually was. It could have been that he technically did die right at the very end before he could make it through the dungeon, or it could have been that the gods were feeling particularly cruel that day. Either way, bobby wasn't returned to him. Either way, eurydice vanishes in the morning light after orpheus gets one last glimpse of her. Either way, Bobby vanishes behind the door after roier and jaiden are given only 10 minutes to say goodbye.

This is all without even touching on some of the details about how roier's singing charms everyone he meets and how music is such an important part of his character (for those of you unfamiliar with the myth, orpheus' connection to music is so deep that the greeks named a constellation after his lyre). Or, as notes in the last version of this post pointed out, how his previous journeys to the underworld have shaken his faith and trust (which would probably need to be a whole entire other post on its own). 

Roier is just permanent orpheus. He can't help it. If you believe that characters in myths are left behind, endlessly retelling their journeys even once the book is closed, then orpheus is still there, making that trip to the afterlife and back. His story is being retold through roier, who is here now. Roier, who has already gone on two trips to the afterlife and back, already told this story twice before, and is now preparing himself for a third (even a fourth, if you want to extend this whole thing and include purgatory and the eggs). It’s retold in how Roier has to do the saving, again, because he keeps getting left behind. In how he’s always drowning in grief, in some way or another. How he’ll drag himself through the journey every single time if it means a chance at saving someone he loves. If it means saving himself from more grief.

So the stage is set. Purgatory happened. Orpheus has loved, again, and he's lost, again. Roier may like it when he's the one being saved but he's been forced yet again into a position where he has a chance to do the saving. He's facing an increasingly insurmountable mountain of grief on one side and a plunging chance at salvation on the other. The book has been turned back to its first page. The story is rewinding to tell itself again. We know what path he'll pick. Now all that’s left is to see if this third trip succeeds. To see if this retelling is one where orpheus does not look back. And if he does? Well.

"Dying again, [Eurydice] did not blame her husband — What could she complain of except she was loved?" - ovid, translator: stanley lombardo