#just the usual writting struggle of would he say/do/think that

[trash-ainu]

The more Silmarillion brainrot hits me, the more pumped I am to write smth about Maedhros in Angband but it just so happens that yours truly is far better-versed in Trash Aniur™ than Disaster Eldar™ :')

Which brings me to asking 👉👈 Would anybody like to shout about Maedhros at me? Whilst I do my research on the ancient tomes aka the canon books? It can be literally anything, from favourite moments of him, through headcanons, to hot takes - I would welcome and apreciate all of the above :3

Also, in case anybody needs a reassurance - don't be scared, I'm not a tolkien pursit ;D All thoughts about ships and pairings are welcome, too!

Mae just seems to be one of this fandom's favourite children and, what? Nooooo, i'm not at all scared of doing him an injusitce, pffft, proposterous idea, ha-ha... ha... ha...

[24hlevi]

congrats in the 2.5k followers!! your writting is very enjoyable <33 for the event, can i as for a " ... i guess i'm just scared of losing you" (fluff prompt list 2) with Nagumo?? thank you sm!

aaaah thank you so much for requesting 🫶

he finally has a first name, what a win for the saka days community

— BLEED IT OUT

nagumo yoichi (sakamoto days) x gn!reader

genre: hurt/comfort

summary: fluff prompt ("i guess i'm just scared of losing you") from my 2.5k event

warnings: none!

waiting for nagumo to return from missions was one of the worst, dreading times of your life. wondering if he was going to come back bloody and beat or come back at all. just like tonight, where you sat on the couch in your living room, attempting to focus on the show that was playing, but you couldn't. not when you were unsure if he was okay.

suddenly, you heard the front door lock click and the door slowly creaked open. you quickly jumped up off the couch and hurried to the door, seeing nagumo stumble inside gripping his side, his body bloody and bruised with some of his clothes torn.

"jesus, yoichi!" you exclaim, catching him before he hit the ground, letting out a short grunt at him fully leaning on you.

"sorry," he says in response, struggling to follow you to the couch and he plops down on his back. "i'm okay."

"let me get the first aid kit," you say, rushing to the bathroom and getting the first aid kit and getting back to nagumo. "what the hell happened?" you ask, crouching down in front of him and opening the first aid kit on the table.

"what usually happens," he answered.

you let out a sigh and pour some alcohol on a cotton ball before bringing it to his face and gently dabbing it on the cuts. "i know this is your profession and all, but don't you think you should start being more careful?"

nagumo shrugs lightly, wincing in pain at the cotton ball touching his cuts. "i'm an assassin, being careful could get me killed."

"and not being careful enough could get you killed as well," you tell him, taking the cotton ball away and grabbing some bandages. "just because you're an assassin doesn't mean you have to be careless. what do you think would happen if you didn't come back one day?"

"i don't know," he mumbles, already sulking at your scolding.

"something not good is what," you answer for him, lifting his shirt up and starting to wrap the bandages around his abdomen area. "i guess i'm just scared of losing you, and i don't want you to do something dumb out there."

you finish bandaging him up and he sits up, cupping your face in his hands as he looks at you. "you're not going to lose me, don't worry. i'll try being more careful from now on, i promise," he sags, pecking your lips.

"you better be serious about that," you grumble out.

"i am, trust me," nagumo responds. "now let's go to sleep, i'm exhausted."

"mhm, i'm sure," you nod your head as he pulls you down onto the couch on top of him.

"i love you, y'know," he says, gently running his hands through your hair.

"i love you too," you reply, your head resting on his chest.

nagumo presses a soft kiss to the top of your head before closing his eyes, almost immediately falling asleep which made you chuckle lightly. even when he was severely beaten and bruised he could fall asleep anywhere if he was tired enough.

[beanswrites]

Who I Should've Been

ya'll the idea for this popped into my head as i was writting the first chapter of my Peter B. Parker fic (soon on ao3!!) and i just had to do it immediately

i know it's just like a drabble but lmk if you want a whole, one-shot version, i think this has some VERY GOOD angst, second-chance romance potential

also brace yourself this is ANGST angst, i know there's no like major death or anything but it still HURTS😭😭😭

pairings: Peter B. Parker (from Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse) x fem! reader

tags: angst, regret, hurt/no comfort, kind of a cliff-hanger??

summary: Peter is your ex-boyfriend, which you broke up with because he never put in much effort into your relationship. Seven months later, you find Spiderman on your rooftop after one of his patrols.

requests are open!! | masterlist | rules for requesting

It was a cold night in NYC, usual for November. You had just gotten off from work and were in a desparate need for some fresh air, so you made way to your building's rooftop.

It wasn't particularly nice - nothing that would get people to come regularly. Especially you. This place was your secret place with Peter, that jerk of you ex who didn't bother once to call and ask you how you've been in the last seven months. Seven fucking months since you got in a fight and broke up, and he never even asked you how you've been.

Yet, it seemed like the only option, so tonight, it wouldn't matter. He wouldn't matter.

There was another figure out there - one of your neighbors, you assumed, sitting on the edge of the rooftop with his head in his hands, looking over at the city lights.

Wait, was the figure... Wearing a mask?

"Oh, Mr. Spiderman, hello! What.. are you doing here? Any villains? Oh, god- Should I leave?"

Spiderman seemed equally as surprised and starstruck to see you as you did him.

"No, uh, no! Just, on patrol.."

You didn't believe a word he said. You knew very well how to spot a man in despair - and he looked like one.

"Could I.. sit here?"

"Sure."

You sat next to him, wallowing in the beauty of the many lights. The silence between you two was uncomfortable, since it was obvious he had something weighing heavy on his mind.

"Are.. Are you okay?" You ask, unsure whether you should try and pride in.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm.. I'm gonna be okay."

"You don't look fine to me..."

Spiderman bit the inside of his cheek, like he was struggling to say whathever was wrong.

"I, just... Going through a break up"

"Yikes. Bad one?"

"Yeah. Pretty bad."

"Me too. I know it sucks, but it'll get better over time"

He chuckles sarcastically, shaking his head. If only you knew...

"No, not really. Not for me, at least"

"Aww, come on! It will get better, it always does-"

He cut you off sharply, a stern look in him.

"No, it never does. Not when you fucked up as bad as I did. Not when... Shit, not when you lose as much as I did."

An uncomfortable silence reigned. You felt bad for him, but in the end, you could relate. You, too, were trying to heal from a break up that broke you.

"You love her?"

He looks at you. His eyes are covered by the mask and yet, you feel how he's looking at you: full of regret and sadness.

"More than anything... But I fucked up. She won't take me back."

You nodded, your gaze returning to the city skyline.

"What about you..? You miss him?"

Please say yes. Please say you've been a wreck without me like I've been without you.

"Well, it's... Complicated. He was the greatest love I've ever known but.. He just wasn't there for me. Ever. And it eventually got too much for me. His abscense, his lack of attention, everything. It's been a long time, and I think I moved on pretty good. But.. But I still miss him sometimes."

Spiderman smirks.

"He must be an idiot"

You chuckle sweetly, enjoying your time with the superhero.

"Yeah, I guess he kinda was. It's one of the things I loved most about him"

He smiles sadly, suddenly getting up.

"I should go now, got some bad guys to catch. You take care of yourself, alright?"

All you could do was nod before he swung from your building onto another, and then another, and then another....

Maybe it was just your imagination, but the sound of Spiderman's voice sounded awfully comforting. Awfully familiar.

that's all for this one (or is it???)!! thank you sm for reading, follow for more! and lmk if this should be a one shot!! <33

[cesium-sheep]

okay I finished volumes 1-11 of witch hat atelier, I'd read volume 1 a while ago and I got the rest in a humble bundle.

in short, I'd call it deeply, deeply thoughtful. but not in that tiresome way of a high school edgelord, but in a really genuine way. the way you say "that's very thoughtful of you" when someone gives you a particularly well targeted gift, or when they reach out to check on you when you're having a hard time. that kind of thoughtful.

there will be some spoilers below the cut <3

the art is very very pretty, and it's not uncommon to see builds and skin tones and even facial hair styles that do tend to be uncommon in manga as a whole, though our leads are still generally fairly conventional. I love the magic system, and its flexibility, and I do find it very compelling that the rules surrounding forbidden magic aren't just being taken as writ, and especially with a later character we clearly aren't meant to just assume all people who use forbidden magic are inherently evil in some way, especially since the reverse, the one exception to the rules, is absolutely not viewed as inherently justified.

one thing that stood out to me that wasn't really obvious from the first volume is a remarkable emphasis on accommodation and accessibility. it's not only the appearances of a body that are more realistically varied than usual here.

for example, early on a character's legs get crushed in a natural disaster, and he is briefly shown receiving a sealchair, a chair carefully carved and enchanted so that it can walk about on four legs and serve a similar function to a wheelchair, with different tradeoffs. this brief panel showing that this is a mobility aid is never directly mentioned, but when another character, one of the three head witches essentially, is also shown using a sealchair to gambol about, we are to understand as soon as we see it that this is a mobility aid. without including that one panel, given the rest of this character's presentation it would be very easy to mistake his sealchair for a bit of theatrics or indulgence, rather than something he needs. and, while he frequently appears as smoke copies, he still always appears in his chair, rather than taking advantage of the illusory form to appear to walk. these smoke copies have additional limitations of their own which the apprentices are shown actively considering and accommodating for when designing a spell for him, by widening the corridors around him so they don't poof away.

this same head witch is shown in the same volume in his own bed, clearly set up for his own access and comfort, with no commentary whatsoever on his disability while still clearly demonstrating it. he is also later shown suffering from pressure sores, exacerbated by staying in a castle where no magic is possible, which also necessitates him occasionally being carried by other characters, which is again shown with no commentary whatsoever. it is treated as no more remarkable than an abled character standing up from his seat.

the stationer's grandchild is colorblind, which he had already mostly learned to work around in his own environment but he'd been told it prevented him from becoming a proper witch. one of the apprentices is able to help him devise a new workaround in a moment of need, and this new accommodation greatly encourages him.

the character whose legs were severely injured comes back later on, using his chair sometimes recklessly. two of the kids put their heads together to develop better accommodations for him, specifically because they see the struggles he has and explicitly say they wouldn't have thought of it otherwise, and that it makes sense but sucks why the witches who designed the sealchairs didn't either. the process of developing these accommodations is shown, and they explicitly ask for his input once they think they have a route worth pursuing. he is also shown expressing a lot of bitterness and hurt over being probably-permanently injured, though he never once says he is ungrateful that he was saved from the natural disaster.

later on he is offered a magical cure, despite it being forbidden to do magic directly to the body. this is clearly morally/ethically fraught by the rules of this world, and the "cure" he receives is not actually a cure at all, more of a grafted assistive device if anything. he does not feel misled by this cure, but he is extremely upset with his friends for withholding the knowledge of how to do magic from him.

even small things, like a friend being able to recognize someone's glasses have a spell drawn on them to block out harsh light, or someone retrieving the returned sealchair recognizing the existence of temporary disability in their internal monologue.

there are many other less concretely mechanical limitations that also come up, and the answer to all of them seems to be the same according to witch hat atelier - know your weaknesses, and use your strengths to work around them. it never feels like a character is meant to simply power through a weakness, and while sometimes there are instances where weaknesses can be put to use, other times they require consideration of an alternative path that may be better than the usual way, and other times still they are simply there to be lived with.

another pervasive theme throughout the series is the responsibilities of adults. these tend to be more explicitly stated in the series, rather than much of the stuff about disability, so it's kind of less important for me to write it all out :v but some adults take their responsibilities towards their young apprentices very seriously, while we are also shown others that are neglectful, or spiteful, and other adults who are explicitly worse. but the adults who take their responsibilities seriously, though they are never depicted as infallible, are depicted being very conscientious in those situations, whether they're present during or simply come along in the aftermath. there's a firm rule that all apprentices get to choose their own master, rather than being beholden to whoever chooses them. there are even instances when the apprentices are certain it's do or die, but we and they find out later the adults still had a handle on things. (then again, there are some instances where it really is out of control.)

there is one chapter that deals with sexual assault, nothing is shown on page and it has a clear and comprehensive warning prior to the start of the chapter at least in the copy I have. there are also multiple instances of emotional abuse that are not warned for, most prominently in richeh's first big focus chapter which iirc was when they're taken out to the second test. there is also an instance of someone being bodily transformed into a beast on-panel. there are several instances of forced memory erasure, and this is treated as very grave.

also there's very much not an emphasis on it, and there are plenty of friendships portrayed of many different gender combinations, but the small bits of potential romance we do get are extremely sweet. whether it be the pen grip moment between two apprentices or the little detail that the two masters of our main atelier switched hat decorations somewhere in the course of their lives -eyes emoji-

overall the tone starts off very lighthearted and fun other than the inciting incident, but there seems to be a general weight that grows over time, though there are still lighthearted moments and I get the impression this is a writer who can be trusted to bring it to a conclusion that may not be all sunshine and rainbows, but will still ultimately be hopeful. if they ever get there ofc, as such is the nature of manga sometimes.

I'm only one volume behind, and it's on sale right now. I think it's worth catching up to add it to the release date list.

[bl00dh0rs3]

the thing people dont get abt writting a good Quaritch redemption arc fic is that he himself just Saying he's "not that man" in the movie... doesn't actually mean anything. Because he is literally ONLY saying it for the sake of his own comfort--He saw his own corpse, proof that his methods (the same ones that had kept him alive on Pandora for anywhere from 10 to 30 years up until That Point) Failed him, catastrophically and humiliatingly. That is terrifying, and that is humbling--two sensations that your typical man of his demographic would not take well.

He's lying to himself, because even though his body may be new and his methods may be skewed to take full advantage of that fact, he cannot truly be any different because his MOTIVATIONS are still functionally the same; Revenge and dedication to his career. He's acting like he's already partially 'redeemed' (for the crime of dying and losing the Battle at the Hallelujah Mountains.), like his body actually does somehow automatically make him 'a new man'--it doesn't. It provides a very streamlined opportunity to become a new person, but it is Not a "100% it will happen!!" Guarantee--it's likely in canon that he won't*.

He can only begin to really start taking stride in changing when he finally admits to himself that he Hasn't changed. Papa Dragon needs to start developing a little self awareness to recognize that he sucks before he can start figuring out how to be better, to even decide what better MEANS--and yes, it will be Cringe. It will. It's not going to be sexy and it's not supposed to.

* I stand by that he probably won't BUT it is integral that I mention there are inklings of him starting the process of reassessing himself and his methods Because of Spider--He follows Spider's lead with the Ikran, and he chooses not to kill any of the people during the village searches Because of Spider, and for a man as formerly ruthless as Quaritch, that's a pretty significant detail.

His personal kill count in Avatar; The Way Of Water is a 0. A zero. A big fat goose egg. But like i said before--he has yet to change his motivation entirely. Even after sacrificing his mission to save Spider from Neytiri, he still swears revenge--and rather violently at that. His priorities simply now include Spider's well being--Spider hasn't replaced any of them.

And imo, that's usually the key to a solid, believable Q redemption fic. He needs a New priority, and Spider is the most straightforward and automatically intriguing option, simply due to how challenging bridging that cultural Gap is going to Be for Quaritch--it FORCES him to reassess his priorities and his prospects, is forces him to step out of his career conditioning, it forces him to ask himself uncomfortable questions and make difficult decisions--these are all just, months, YEARS worth of challenges that he needs to undergo in order to grow as a person.

He's a stubborn man. It's baked into everything about him, even the way he moves--he is stiff, tensed, sometimes even awkwardly so. He is not going to be redeemed easily, no matter what the motivation is--so don't let it be easy. Make it hard. Make him struggle. Make him regress and regret and be a hypocrite and face the consequences of his actions and sit in a corner and think about what he's done.

And remember, then--that a redemption arc is never actually finished. It is a sisyphean task--to consciously choose to be better every day, and to keep the upsetting memories that remind you why you're doing it. Forgiveness for what he's done is not required--and even if it is given, it is not the same as crossing a finish line.

He killed hundreds of people. Men, women, and children. He's gotten his squad killed. He left his own son an orphan, and now his son has explicitly disowned him. His crimes are irreversible, and (depending on what, if anything, you as an author decide to do with Lyle) he is now pretty much alone.

Let him live with that.

[thistle-whistle-ffxiv]

The Things We Do For Coin Chapter 13

U'rabta makes some amends and a new friend as well.

AO3 Link

The dimly lit corridor leading to the alchemists guild was unsettling. It felt as though it should be outdoors, but there were walls and canopies above them blocking out the sky. It made U’rabta feel icky in a way she didn’t know how to explain. It was even worse this early in the morning when it was so empty.

She wanted to have used the aethernet to just teleport straight there, but Azami was still scared of teleporting. So they had to walk. Which was still fun! She liked walking with Azami. Even if Azami was walking more slowly than usual.

“Are you still sad from talking to your guildmaster?” U’rabta asked. Not that Azami had done much talking back there. U’rabta had been the one to do the explaining. Azami had been too nervous and hadn’t been able to find the words.

But that was why U’rabta had gone with her! To help her. U’rabta was used to people being disappointed in her, so she was real good at apologizing. And the pugilist guildmaster hadn’t even been upset. If anything he had seemed proud that Azami had fought such a scary monster.

“No.” Azami huffed.

U’rabta couldn’t think of any other reason Azami wouldn’t be keeping up with her. She was real excited to join the alchemists’ guild yesterday! So she should be trying to get there faster. Unless!

“Do your legs hurt real bad?” 

“No.” Azami said, more forcefully this time. She looked away from U’rabta with a big huff. So her legs were hurting her. After a pregnant pause Azami asked, “Why? Is your arm bugging you?”

“A little.” U’rabta lied. In truth, her arm didn’t hurt at all. Even though the wound had been pretty bad. It should have hurt, but she felt just as healthy as she had before the monster from yesterday had broken her shield and cut up her arm. 

That wasn’t important! Azami was hurting! They needed to do something about it! 

Azami was just like the ladies in her village. She cared more about her pride than her own comfort and safety. If she was allowed to do whatever she wanted, Azami would just hurt herself worse. She needed to be tricked into taking care of herself. 

And luckily, U’rabta had plenty of practice tricking people into resting!

“And I’m a little tired.” she said, her ears and tail drooped as she looked down at her shoes. U’rabta worked real hard to look as pathetic as possible. Like somebody had dumped a whole bunch of water on her and she was just so sad about it. That was usually enough to bait the ladies in the village into wanting to help her.

The trap had been set! All that was left was for Azami to walk right into it.

The shift in Azami’s expression was barely perceptible. A slight softening of the eyes, a microscopic downturn of her lips. Anybody who hadn’t been looking for it would have missed it. U’rabta’s trap was working!

“Ah. There are some benches by the fountain up ahead. We can rest there. Do you think you can make it that far, or do you need me to carry you?”

No! U’rabta hadn’t considered that she might offer something like that! Was the trap failing her?

“I can make it!” she insisted, sprinting off towards the benches. She took a seat and looked pointedly back at Azami who sighed before following after her. 

“You suddenly don’t seem very tired.” Azami huffed, taking the seat next to her.

“I am! Being in pain makes me tired!” U’rabta insisted. Azami shook her head. 

They fell into silence. The only sound being the water of the fountain behind them echoing off of the unnervingly empty corridor. U’rabta didn’t mind the silence exactly, but she needed to say something. There wasn’t going to be a better opportunity to do it.

“Azami? I’m really sorry about yesterday.” she said.

“What? What happened yesterday?” Azami asked, confusion writ plain on her face. 

“I got hurt, and now you’re real sad about it. So… I’m sorry.”

“No! No… you don’t…” Azami frowned, struggling to find the correct words, “I’m the one who should be sorry. You only got hurt because you were pro- Because I was careless. So… I’m sorry.”

“No! It’s because my shield broke. If I had a better shield it would have been fine. And I didn’t have any potions left either! I wasn’t prepared, so I’m sorry.” U'rabta huffed. Why was Azami making this so difficult? Didn't she realize how bad U'rabta felt? Making everyone upset and worried about her like that?

“No! I’m the one who’s sorry. Because you wouldn’t have broken your shield if I had been paying attention!”

“No! It’s my fault! I’m sorry.”

“Why are you being so stubborn about this?”

“Because I’m right!”

“You are so annoying!” Azami groaned, burying her face in her hands. Elbows resting on her knees. U’rabta leaned over, resting her head on Azami’s shoulder. She didn’t want this to turn into a fight!

“Can we both be right?” She asked quietly. U’rabta had to try not to jump when she felt one of Azami’s horns gently poke her as Azami moved to lean against her as well.

“We can both be right,” Azami mumbled, “I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry too.”

“We’ll need to get you another shield… where did you get that one anyway?”

“I made it myself!” U’rabta announced proudly. It hadn’t even been that hard! She had found an old crate that nobody was using anymore, and glued some of the planks together. It had given her a couple of splinters, but U’rabta thought that the result was well worth the effort. At least until it had shattered and her arm got torn up.

“Ah… that explains it then.”

“Hey!” U’rabta pouted. She had worked hard on that shield!

Azami pulled away gently, letting U’rabta righten herself before standing up. 

“Are you feeling ready to get going?”

“What?”

“You… were tired? So we stopped to rest?” Azami reminded her, her eyes narrowing. For some reason she seemed like she was suspicious of U’rabta. 

“I was tired?” U’rabta asked. That was right! The trap! She had forgotten all about it! 

“I don’t know why I bother worrying about you.” 

“Aw! You were worried about me?”

“No!”

“But you just said!”

“I’m leaving!”

The alchemists’ guild was just as exciting as the first time they visited. Even though it was still early in the morning lots of people were working, using strange machines that hissed and whirred. Occasionally one of the alchemists would laugh. Or maybe it was a cackle. It was difficult to say. 

“Excuse me!” U’rabta said as she bounded up to the counter, pretending not to notice how disgruntled Azami looked as she zipped past her, “I’m looking for Mister Cocobusi!”

“Oh, um…” the woman at the counter seemed taken aback. People often seemed taken aback by U’rabta. She wasn’t quite sure why.

“I’m Cocobusi…” A small voice said. U’rabta turned and greeted him with her biggest friendliest smile.

“Hello again! I wanted to talk to you!” she announced.

“To me? Oh. You’re that thaumaturge from yesterday, aren’t you?” Mister Cocobusi looked up at her with a big frown. U’rabta knew it! He was mad at her still. After a long pause he finally said, ���Perhaps we could speak outside.”

“Alright! Bye Azami! Have fun being an alchemist!” U’rabta said, only to get an irritated grumble in return as she wandered off. Was Azami mad at her too? U’rabta thought they were done fighting? They had both agreed to be right and be sorry. So why was Azami upset at her again?

U’rabta held the door for Mister Cocobusi as he went to find them a quiet place that they could talk. U’rabta followed after. It was going to be alright! She had practiced her apology a bunch of times, and had done a bunch of apologies today already. She was practically an apology expert!

“What can I do for you?” Mister Cocobusi asked.

“I wanted to say that I’m really sorry about yesterday. I didn’t know it was your turn, so I cut in front of you and I’m really sorry. If you want, you can do my next lesson before me. That way we can be even!”

“What? Oh… no, it’s… I’m not upset with you, miss thaumaturge.”

“I’m U’rabta!”

“Miss U’rabta. It’s not you I’m upset with. It’s my brothers.”

“Because they promised you could try to fight the vulture first?” U’rabta asked. She wasn’t sure she understood. There were lots of vultures in the desert! Surely he could try to fight one today?

“Because they won’t let me join the guild at all.”

“What? Why not?” 

That seemed so mean! The guildmasters hadn’t seemed mean before. They had even let her join despite her many shortcomings. And they hadn’t even kicked her out yet! So why were they being mean to their own brother?

“I have a very low aetheric conductance. So… I have trouble wielding even the simplest spell, I’m afraid.” Mister Cocobusi said, “Even so… I wish to become a thaumaturge.”

“Do you not need to be able to use magic to do alchemy?” U’rabta asked. She had always thought that potions were basically magic as well.

“No… no. The crystals we use as catalysts handle that part for me.”

“That’s good!”

“I suppose.”

“Well then… why can’t you use those crystals to do magic?” she asked.

“I’m afraid thaumaturgey doesn’t work that way. At best nothing would happen. But at worst…” Mister Cocobusi trailed off as though voicing the thought might speak it into existence. Mister Cocobusi visibly shuddered. U’rabta nodded, understanding what he meant.

At worst he might summon a primal.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Well… perhaps. I’ve been researching ways to use alchemy to enhance my aetheric conductance. Sometimes that research takes me out into the field, but…” he smiled up at her sheepishly.

“But you can’t use magic to protect yourself!” U’rabta helpfully supplied, “But I’m real good at using magic to protect myself. So I can go with you and protect you from any scary monsters!”

“That would be most helpful, yes.”

“But I’m not allowed to go on any adventures for a whooooole fortnight. The chiurgeons said so after I got my arm scratched up real bad by a voidsent yesterday.” U’rabta pulled her sleeve back to show him the bandages.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah! It barely hurts at all, but I’m still not allowed to have any fun adventures.” U’rabta tried her very best not to pout about it. Even though this was exactly the sort of thing she should be pouting about. She wanted to go on fun adventures right now!

“That sounds difficult.”

“Yeah! But! I’m gonna go try to learn how to be a weaver instead. I’m gonna make real pretty dresses.”

“Wouldn’t weaving work also be hard on your arm?”

“Do you think so?”

“I would imagine so, yes.”

“Oh no! Mister Cocobusi what am I gonna do?” 

This was easily the worst news U’rabta had gotten all day. If she couldn’t even do fun weaving work, then she wouldn’t have anything to do until her arm got better. Nothing except trying to read the difficult tomes her guildmasters kept giving to her.

And that would only make her want to go out and practice her magic even more. The temptation would be too much for her, and Mhig and Azami would get mad at her and the chiurgeons would give her a scolding!

“Well! I’ll just have to think of something.” U’rabta resolved. 

She would find something fun to do while she waited. Maybe she would go see if Mhig wanted to spend time with her! The city was so big, there was always something fun going on! U’rabta just needed to find it!

“I suppose you’ll have plenty of time for that.”

“Bye Mister Cocobusi! Let me know when you want to have a fun adventure!”

“Oh! Uh, bye U’rabta. It was… interesting talking to you.”

[miss-tc-nova]

Betting Backfire - Azul Ashengrotto x Reader

I’m immensely torn between Leona and Azul. That’s it. I’m just in hell forever. Kay thanks. Bye. 

Premise: Azul makes a bet, not getting the outcome he expected.

Music Inspiration: Love So Soft - Kelly Clarkson

~~~~~

              Truly, the Monstro Lounge VIP room makes the perfect study room. A scritching pencil can barely be heard over the low, smooth jazz playing in the background, studiously taking notes. The chair, almost a throne, is comfortable without allowing its occupant to slouch and slack off. Before it sits the desk upon which some cunning documents have been writ is admittedly needlessly large, but does it’s job as a surface for my homework. Should one choose to, one of the two sofas may also make for fine seating for a reader. The coral lamp, however, provides the perfect amount of lighting for me, so desk it is. The only downside is the minor chill, though I suppose I can’t fault it too much considering the usual occupant of the room.

              Pen aside, requiring the briefest break, I take up the glass just within reach. A loud, empty sound breaks my perfect study aura to alert me to my empty drink.

              Normally, annoyance would be my first thought but today is a special day. Remembering the shining, silver bell on the corner of the desk is like a drug, flooding my veins with glee. The petite instrument gives off the most beautiful chime when lifted. And it summons the greatest prize I’ve ever won.

              It takes mere seconds for my reward to arrive. A scowl rests on that pretty face, his grey eyes hard, and arms folded.

              “What do you want now? I have customers to take care of.”

              “Oh don’t be mad.” The delight in my voice clearly grates on him. “I just need a refill on my drink.”

              That sigh is filled with his struggle to resume composure, but the housewarden stalks closer to take my glass. Aggravation laces his enquiry. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

              Perching my shameless smirk atop interwoven fingers, I say, “No, that should be it.” As he turns to leave, I tack on just a bit more salt for his wounds. “Thank you, Zuzu.”

              It takes him not long at all to return with a new beverage. By then, I’ve resumed my homework with a question to ask him.

              “Hey Zuzu, remind me what the traits for the Great Seven are?”

              There’s no hesitation in his answer. “Strictness, persistence, benevolence, mindfulness, tenacity, diligence, and nobility.”

              “Right. Thanks.”

              Eyes narrow at me. “Wouldn’t you be more comfortable studying in your own quarters?”

              I mock consideration. “Mmm, nope.” One of the sofas holds my bag and I make my way towards it. “You got a nice little set up here. Besides, how could I ask you questions if I’m in my dorm and you’re here?” There’s at least three other classes I have homework for.

              “If homework is all you needed help with, I would gladly help you,” he says. “Provided you’re willing to wait until the Monstro Lounge is closed.”

              A loud slam sounds from my books hitting the desk. “Oh no no no.”

              Startled by my retaliation, he backs into the desk.

              One finger meets the brim of his hat, sending it to the floor. “We made a deal. Whoever got the lower score on the potionology test had to drink the potion made by the other.” By his scarf, I make a point. “And last I checked, ninety-nine is higher than ninety-eight.”

              His cool demeanor falters. “Yes, but I—”

              “You what? Didn’t think I’d score higher? Didn’t think I’d brew an obedience potion?” Arms fold. “Because I sure as hell know you would’ve made me drink every last drop of whatever you concocted. Isn’t that right, Azul? Say it.”

              He sighs. “Yes.”

              “And what was it you intended to make me drink? Poison? Eternal sleep? Maybe you also made an obedience potion.” Azul, some aggravation on his lips, looks away. “What was it?” We both know how this will end. “Tell me.”

              Immediately, the magic compels Azul to react. “It was a l—”

              But the boy, in some sad effort to fight his fate, slaps a hand over his mouth. That piques my interest: a potion he’s ashamed of despite wanting to use it on me.

              “Azul,” I warn. “Don’t make me force it out of you.”

              His head shakes in denial and I almost admire the fight in him. That shade of red creeping across his face is far more intriguing though.

              “Uncover your mouth and tell me.”

              Hands strain against the magic, but inevitably pull away from his mouth. Once free, his lips let loose his secret.

              “It was a love potion.”

              The shock that jolts my system is taken advantage of; Azul bolts for the door. A panicked grip snatches the handle, thwarted by just my voice.

              “Stop.”

              He freezes.

              Even I’m not sure what I’m doing. “Close the door.”

              It clicks shut.

              “Come back here.”

              Slow, reluctant steps bring him back to me, his face ruby red.

              “Sit down.”

              He does as he’s told.

              A hand presses to my mouth as I try to come to grips with my situation.

              It’s no secret that Azul has a reputation. He’s beautiful, smart, and crafty—granting any wish with steep price to match. He always comes out on top. Nevertheless, we got along well enough. That didn’t stop the Monstro Lounge manager from dangling his golden contracts in front of me, throwing out offers I have no doubt he could fulfill. Enough distance could not be put between me and those though, no matter how tempting that satin voice of his was. But what he wanted from all those trades never crossed my mind.

              It wasn’t until two weeks ago, when I stupidly took the bait for our wager. The terms seemed fair enough—until I thought about them later—and I figured it would give me the motivation to study. I had better odds sprouting wings than beating Azul in a test so I came to terms with my ill-conceived fate. When I say we both got surprise of our lives when the results came back, that’s an understatement. And in my jubilation, I hadn’t put much thought into what the consequences of losing were. Even if I had, I don’t think I could’ve ever guessed it would be this.

              It takes some effort to summon my voice. “So you were going to make me drink a love potion.”

              Silver eyes avert.

              “Why? What do you get out me being infatuated with you?” I’m an idiot. “Unless that’s what you wanted because…”

              Oh, that deepening shade on his face confirms it all and I’m torn between being speechless and flattered.

              “How long do those potions even last?”

              “A few hours,” he murmurs.

              “And what did you have planned for those few hours?”

              Immediately, he blurts out, “Nothing untoward! I assure you!”

              “Uh huh. So what did you think you were gonna do?”

              His mouth opens. Then closes. Then opens and closes again. He repeats this a few times, never actually coming up with an answer.

              “Nothing untoward, he says,” I scoff. “You’re saying you just wanted my attention? Is that it?”

              Azul’s hands make for a poor disguise. First defeated, then forced to obey, and now exposed as a poor octopus craving attention: today must be miserable for him. I, on the other hand, find myself enjoying this never-before-seen Ashengrotto.

              Little thought goes into the process when I decide to take up Azul’s lap. Muscles practically turn to stone beneath me and yet it takes only the smallest pressure to guide his gaze up. The shudder of his breath ghosts my lips, ruffling the butterflies in my chest.

              “Is this what you wanted?” The excitement rising in me nearly overwhelms my words. Azul, his skin burning beneath my fingers, swallows thickly. “Answer me.”

              It’s minute, but distinct; he nods.

              I have to say, the lightning that strikes when our lips meet, I was never prepared for. All thoughts instantly become covetous for more. Lips softer than air press back with an addictive coolness. There’s a nervous tension behind them, not that my infatuation-riddled mind really acknowledges that; I may as well have taken that potion for how hard this hit me.

              A few more kisses, however, and this craving turns insatiable. He’s holding back. Whether that be from the situation or the image he thinks he has, I want to break it. I want to rip out and expose that desire he’s been hiding from me all this time.

              “Relax, sweetheart,” I whisper against his mouth.

              In a soft exhale, stone lives again. There’s more reaction, more want in him, but it feels only like teasing. It’s still not enough—like a freefall perpetually waiting to hit the water.

              Frustration bubbling in my chest, I lean back to stare down at him. There’s searching in his eyes; he’s analyzing me for something. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, in this moment, I know I’ll never get what I want if he’s thinking.

              With a growl, I leave the epicenter of my craving behind for the desk.

              “Wh-Where are you going?” There it is, deep in him; I just have to pull it out.

              Drawers nearly spill their contents for how forcefully I open them.

              Immediately, Azul tries to stand. “What are you—”

              “Stay right there,” I demand.

              There it is, just sitting among his things: the bottle of pearlescent maroon liquid. The pop of the cork is surprisingly satisfying, as is the insecurity brewing on that pretty face.

              Eyes follow in horror as the bottle is extended to him.

              “Drink it.”

              His hand reaches for the bottle. “Wh-What?!”

              A smirk tugs at my lips. “Come now, don’t be shy.”

              “But I already…” The bottle trembles in his grasp.

              I divert his gaze to upward, lulling him into dropping his guard. “I know. So let’s remove some of that inhibition, shall we?” This weakness, just for me, has me on the edge of my seat. “Drink it.”

               His glasses come with me as I pull away. Azul steels himself before tipping the bottle to his lips. I watch the contents disappear, the excitement building in my chest. Unable to help myself, I pull the empty flask from his hand and set it beside his glasses. Silver eyes train on me as I settle in once again and I see his apprehension losing its grip, giving way to the emotion he’s been trying to contain.

              My lips lower. Just before finding his, I pull back, earning a tighter grasp on my hips. I didn’t even realize he’d taken up holding me. Still, rather than delve in just yet, I swipe my tongue across his lips, clearing away the drop that escaped him.

              I don’t know what I thought a love potion would taste like, but an instant addiction was not my expectation. The sweetest, juiciest fruit had nothing on this, an immediate, euphoric buzzing infesting my skull. I can only imagine what it’s doing to him right now, but that groan gives me some indication.

              That exhilarating shock hits again, instigating the buzz in my brain. This is what I wanted: everything. Azul doesn’t take charge—I don’t think it’s his true nature—but he answers my every demand, plunging us both headlong into the passion.

              The time spent in our heavy make-out eludes me. Before I know it, we’re left panting messes by the time it begins to die down. Winning this wager of ours has opened my eyes to the kind of person Azul really is—and perhaps a bit about myself as well. Knowing has made me all the better with no intention of letting him go any time soon.

              Treasuring his face between my hands, I hum, “Just look at how gorgeous you are.”

              It’s been present on his face from the beginning, but that dust of pink across his nose brightens.  

              “I love you,” he murmurs.

              A fresh wave of heat crashes on me, but I laugh as I situate myself to lie across the sofa. “No, you don’t. Not yet.”

              To my delight, he moves with me, his head on my chest. “I mean it.”

              “That’s the potion talking, love.” Fingers card through his hair. “Just…enjoy this.”

              “But I—”

              A palm silences him. While it was fun to unearth his true desires, I feel letting him spill all his secrets while under the influence is a bit unfair.

              “No more talking. Just close your eyes and listen.”

              Arms around my waist tighten, but Azul complies and I know he’s focused either on my heartbeat or my breathing. Regardless, it does the trick, eventually lulling the housewarden to sleep.

              I, myself, am not down for an afternoon nap, even if I’m now pinned on the sofa. Thankfully, I have Azul’s phone—courtesy of his pocket and the thumb to unlock it—to entertain me. So I spend the next few hours mindlessly scrolling Magicam.

              A groan pulls my attention to the boy resting against me. Considering I’ve never had a hangover in my life, I assume that’s what Azul’s feeling after consuming two mind-manipulating potions.

              Careful fingers brush the hair from his face. “Hey there, sleepy-head. How’s that headache?”

              The fist against his face must be an attempt to relieve the pain. “If I live, I will never make another deal with you for the rest of my life.”

              “Bet you never had a deal backfire on you like that, huh.”

              Azul pushes himself up, staring down at me with a mix of mortification and annoyance. A smile blooms across my face as a blush blooms across his. Immediately he removes himself from the sofa.

              “Aw, Zuzu, don’t be mad. Didn’t you have fun?”

              Those shoulders tighten, but my question goes unanswered. Those pretentious glasses slide back into place. “What is the effective time limit of that potion of yours?”

              “Oh it wore off before you drank your love potion.”

              Ooo, he’s just as cute when he’s flustered as he is when he’s irritated. “Excuse me?!”

              “Oh yeah. I’ve got it down to a science. It ended sometime between making you confess and making you drink the potion.” I give him a wink with my cheeky grin. “And you still listened like a good boy.”

              The hat is next to take its place, aiding him in hiding his fluster. “I don’t suppose there’s anything troubling you as of late?”

              “Breaking your vows already, love?” My eyes slide to the housewarden. With his back to me, he pretends to peruse his tomes. Too bad I can still tell he wants something. “What’s the catch?”

              A slim digit traces a spine. “An NDA.”

              “Hah! No.”

              He whirls back on me, his frustration in full view. But a second time, he dips his head to hide that expression. “My dear, be reasonable.” The negotiator in him is beginning to return, bringing with it some confidence. “Surely we can come to some sort of agreement. There must be something you want.”

              “Of course there is. I am mortal after all.”

              I see the smile before I see his face. He’s really trying to convince me. “Then name it. You can have whatever it is your darling heart desires.”

              Having seen the state of him only hours ago, I know that gentle persuasion to raise my gaze to him is a façade. “I want…”

              “Yes?” Only slightly too eager to hear my wish. “What is it?”

              “—you to ask nicely.”

              The request wipes his face blank. “What?”

              On my feet, I snake my arms around his neck. “Oh Zuzu. You can’t treat me like a client—not anymore. I’ve beaten you, seen that poor, adorable, flustered boy behind the mask. I had you on your knees at my every whim. I would’ve hoped by now you would view me higher than those you scam out of their allowances.” A smirk takes my lips. “Or was this all just some little fling to you? You were gonna use your potion, taste my tongue, and just drop me?” He’s crumbling again. “You got your fill, Zuzu? Or do you maybe wanna try this again some time?”

              The tremor in his chest is answer enough. Still, he does as I ask.

              “Please don’t tell anyone about what happened.”

              My thumb brushes his bottom lip. “Oh, sweetheart. This beautiful, vulnerable face—that’s only for me behind closed doors.”

              I enjoy being the instigator, drudging up this side of Azul I doubt many have ever seen. Still, I want him to know vulnerability is an option with me.

              A softer side shows itself. “Your secret’s safe, Azul. Trust me.”

              He blinks once, twice, and then wraps his arms around my waist, resting his forehead against my shoulder.

              “Thank you.”

~~~~~

Nova’s Twisted Wonderland Masterlist

[teagrl]

Andor ep 11

Oh man this show has something for everyone, doesn’t it?

How neat was that mini dogfight at the end? This ep seemed to be kind of talking back to people who accused the show of not being Star Wars enough. Like yes, it’s short of comedic moments, but I don’t mind that. I’m sure the cartoons have plenty of those.

What I’m referring to is the inclusion of aliens, robots, and that great escape by Luthen at the end.  When he was asking for a transponder, I was squeeing like the big dork fangirl I am. One thing is to see scenes like that in novels, but for someone who hasn’t watched either Rebels or TCW to see them happening live action is super fun, even if it makes Luthen go into the whole supercool dude category, which I’m usually leery of.

On other news, humanizing B2EMO was also a quintesencial star wars move, seeing him process grief was wrenching (that opening show where it’s like he’s submerged was very effective, I thought). I hope he has a part to play in the finale.

Seems like Bix does too! I’m looking forward to that. Speaking of wrenching seeing what’s become of her after her torture is horrific (the echoes of the chanting then being Leida’s was such a brilliant transition, I caaaan’t). I really really hope that the narrative will allow her to take well deserved revenge. All along as they are asking her about Kreegyr I keep thinking about the adage that torture victims will tell you what you want to hear because they just want it to stop. If Andor nails it, that will be even more aces.

Aliens! Although I enjoyed their presence here, I do miss more of them being present in the narrative. That said, their willingness to aid Cassian and their own hate to the Empire is great. I also liked Saw’s soldier (and that scene with Luthen saying he was the mole was fantastic as was the back and forth where they decide on being ruthless. Seeing Saw struggle with it too was a good moment for him -- although I thought fifty men would die, not thirty, but I only watch the eps once). 

Unfortunately I feel a Vel deathwatch coming on. Her fear as Mon describes the trouble she’s in was visceral. You could see her working out how many people would suffer if Mon lead the Empire to Luthen and then Luthen led them to others -- even if circumstancially. I really hope she won’t thrust herself into martyrdom to keep Mon safe. I see the narrative heading there since Cinta told her that the struggle comes first and having her repeat that to Mon. Then her recklessness in straight up approaching Kleya was...not great. I hope I’m wrong.

And I could be -- easily. Mon said she found a way out and you see her being torn up about Leida. Her way out is simply to let Leida continue drifting away from her. Leida is already throwing herself headfirst into conservatism as her own rebellion against her mother, to throw herself into marriage is part and parcel of the same thing. That doesn’t make it any better, mind you. Mon knows that at the end of the day, tradition can be stifling or at least she doesn’t seem to be all that happy in the marriage she made as a child (nor does Perrin), and this is without mentioning how unhappy she’d be at seeing her family linked to another whose values she abhors. It didn’t seem like she agreed with the business man (I forget his name) that limits were liberating (which I agree in other contexts, not necessarily in Andor’s, so I see where Mon’s coming from). It’s her experience which leads her to want something better for Leida down the line, but Leida right now is too caught up with opposing her mother. I find this whole dynamic and the heartbreak in it fascinating. I love how it ties the very personal to the political writ large.

What more can I say about Luthen and Saw? As I mentioned the exchange does so much to show us what kind of principled soldier Saw is. It bothers him to betray Kreegyr, but he comes to see this as war which opens up all sorts of permissible moves. I do wonder if Luthen did truly mean to give Saw the option to lose Lonnie/alert ISB of his existence or if he had another plan up his sleeve. I remembered how he gave Cassian a way out too before Aldhani with the kyber. I kinda don’t want to think he’s that principled, too much is at stake for him, I like thinking that there are traps within traps, but in any case, people do act the way he hopes.

And Cassian! Agreeing with Melshi that they have to tell people. He’s come a long way from wanting to keep his head down. Seeing him hear of Maarva’s passing tempted the audience into witnessing his radicalization right there, hearing him give some powerful speech or something. I’m guessing we’re going to have to hang in there for the last ep to witness him fully tip into the Rebellion’s side -- perhaps with a grand gesture? That is if Narkina Five wasn’t enough, but I’m greedy like all fans. 

Argh, I am so sorry that next week is the finale. I’m going to miss this show so much!

[crymeariveronceagain]

Do you have any recommendations for someone trying to get into poetry? All I've read so far is some Lagston Hughes and Edgar Allan Poe stuff. Like not even specific types just poetry.

I TOO STRUGGLE WITH POETRY! I AM A PROSE GIRL THROUGH AND THROUGH. I do have a deep appreciation for the poetry and those who enjoy it, though, so your interest is commendable and I love that you want to get into it.

but, basically, my favorites are the old guys from england

Willy Shakes, probably my all time favorite poet, from his plays to his sonnets, love pretty much everything he does.

Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove: O no! it is an ever-fixed mark That looks on tempests and is never shaken; It is the star to every wandering bark, Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken. Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle's compass come: Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, But bears it out even to the edge of doom. If this be error and upon me proved, I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

Just. Vibes. Yeah. I love it. So much.

I love Tennyson. I'm a fool for him. I love is style, I love his writing. It's beautiful.

But in her web she still delights To weave the mirror's magic sights, For often thro' the silent nights A funeral, with plumes and lights        And music, came from Camelot: Or when the moon was overhead Came two young lovers lately wed; 'I am half sick of shadows,' said        The Lady of Shalott.

it's just so pure and crystal clear and i live for that kind of poetry, honestly. The simple, clean way of speaking through the poetry really makes me happy. I know a lot of people don't necessarily read poetry like i do(very literally. i love deep meanings but when it comes to poetry i usually aim for the most literal sense i can grasp).

Emily Dickinson is amazing, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is so good with words. Keats is good if you like pages and pages of flowers. Literal flowers. I enjoy that on occasion. Robert Frost makes me want to take a nap either in the sunshine or cuddled up under a blanket. I love his poetry. Elizabeth Butler isn't bad, although she's not my favorite. T. S. Elliot makes me want to write kotlc dystopian fanfiction. I could live and die in the discussion of religion and progressivism that Wallace Steven's Sunday Morning poem brings up.

I would say to stay away from poets who don't have any sort of rhyme scheme or meter. They bug me on an intellectual level. It's like, why are you writing your prose all chopped up. Like. If you're gonna write flowery short form prose write that. Don't pretend it's poems. Idk. People are welcome to their opinions and this is mine. I'll die on this stupid highbrow hill of what I think makes poetry poetry.

But yeah. These are some of my favorite poets! I hope you like what you find of them!

Also. Langston Hughes. 10/10. Love his stuff. Poe is good too. They're both excellent picks, imho. :D

[yandere-toons]

Something that makes me curious. How do you analyze the character's personalities when writting about them?

Many characters have a twisted sense of responsibility for the object of their obsession. For the outcasts, it's often a misplaced idea of camaraderie (e.g., Abraham Sapien). For the powerful, it's usually either a belief that this individual is too weak or naive to be safe in the world without their protection or a desire to exploit their authority and show the person why it's wise to do what they say (2015 Danger Mouse vs. Mephisto Pheles).

Examine their preexisting traits and ask yourself how each one would translate to a relationship. Are they paranoid about the intentions of others and tend to assume the worst? Someone who has difficulty with trusting people is more inclined to stalk and be invasive, as they want to be aware of any possible threats and take preemptive measures to resolve the issue before it hurts them and/or gets out of control.

In this line of writing (i.e., yandere), you must also consider a character's attack style. I don't just mean whether they prefer sharp objects, blunt instruments, or magic.

Are they the type of character who doesn't give second chances and goes for the kill on the first try (e.g., Invader Zim)?

Perhaps if they have the resources or intellect, are they the type who hires or manipulates someone else into doing the dirty work for them (e.g., Petyr Baelish/Littlefinger)?

Maybe they don't like physical methods at all and prefer to verbally or socially destroy their enemies (e.g., the Flim Flam Brothers).

If you're struggling to imagine the key differences, think about it as a spectrum. One end holds the most ferocious stalkers and killers in the fandom list, the other end holds the good-natured peace seekers, and the middle holds everyone in between.

For an example of an extreme case, let's take a look at Vaas Montenegro from Far Cry 3. He's violently impulsive, exceedingly short-tempered, and has years of repressed anger that resurface in the form of unchecked aggression and a cruel sense of humour derived from inflicting pain on others to elicit the same feelings of helplessness in them that he experiences. Should Vaas ever manage to have a positive connection with someone (however one-sided it may be), he would react with vicious hostility towards any perceived threats to the relationship because it is all he has in terms of intimacy.

For an example of the opposite extreme, let's take a look at Fluttershy from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. She's the alleged embodiment of kindness, a pacifist, and doesn't want to hurt or upset anyone unless there is no better option. Fluttershy was, in the beginning, content to pass through life unnoticed by all except the woodland creatures in and around her house. Her methods of confrontation are subtle and only happen after multiple offences and hours of giving herself pep talks in the mirror.

Most characters fall somewhere in the middle, with their readiness to choose violence and capacity for mercy determining their status. Tom Lucitor, Smaug, and 2017 Doofus Drake are all examples of a character who leans to the aggressive end, while Wander from Wander Over Yonder leans far to the peaceful end. If you have additional questions, feel free to ask them.

Additionally, the kind of analysis depends on whether I'm writing headcanons or a scenario. Headcanons function as a clean and honest summary of the character's personality and nothing else. Its main points need to be direct and explicitly stated, so I focus on describing and expanding the central traits of the character.

A scenario receives the opposite treatment, for its increased length and addition of a moving world means that the character's personality is expressed in a wider variety of ways. Now, even the tiniest pieces of characterization are important. Do they have a slouch when they stand? Do they emphasize certain words or use specific hand gestures when they talk?

Rewatching and/or rereading the source material is helpful to freshen your memory and catch more of their less obvious mannerisms.

[francesderwent]

I do like Marvel, and it saddens me to say this, but Spiderman: Far From Home is just not a good film.

it’s seriously confused about whether it is a Spiderman film or an Iron Man film. I know, I know. that’s the point, that it’s Peter realizing he doesn’t have to “live up” to the mantle of Iron Man because even Tony struggled to do that (???). but my point is it doesn’t work. it tells you that Tony didn’t intend for Peter to “be” Iron Man and then it shows you Peter...being Iron Man. it plucks Peter out of NYC (and then switches locations so often you get whiplash). the villain is Tony’s villain, Peter merely caught in the crosshairs of an old feud. after they have a nice heart-to-heart about Tony’s expectations, Peter turns around and picks up Tony’s tech like he was born to it while "Back In Black” plays and Tony’s old assistant gazes on fondly. is this Spiderman coming into his own or is this the new Iron Man? the audience is getting VERY mixed messages.

Mysterio is a weird choice for a supervillain without any superpowers (especially because, again, this puts him in the realm of typical Iron Man supervillains and not Spiderman ones). the sequences where Peter is trapped in an illusion don’t work for me because I keep thinking “wait, how is this working with drones??” those sequences might have been okay if Mysterio had initially claimed to have illusion powers. but he doesn’t make that claim, and even after Peter finds out it’s all illusion, there’s no point at which he thinks it’s “real” magical illusion, so he knows it’s drones, too. drones and projections laid onto real people? so when a whole crew of spidermen jump on top of Peter, smothering him, that’s just regular people jumping on top of him for the Aesthetic? what???

Mysterio’s desire to “become the next Iron Man” makes very little sense. the movie candidly admits that if there were any other avengers around he would get his ass kicked five ways to wednesday, so Mysterio’s plan is only going to work for as long as they’re off-world. and even if the avengers stay off-world, what’s Mysterio’s plan for when something actually bad happens? and you can’t tell me he’s just unhinged, because he got dozens of people to sign onto this plan with him, so the plan ought to make sense.

as previously stated by others more insightful than I, the whole conceit of who “ought” to have EDITH is absolutely insane. nobody ought to have EDITH. all those weaponized drones should be launched into the effing sun. Captain America didn’t almost drown taking down the hellicarriers for Project Insight for this kind of bs to continue--and Tony didn’t repent of creating Ultron to just turn around and create something like this! it’s bad character writing! and it’s bad morality!!

the plotline with Peter’s spider sense not working (??) needed to be way more spelled out. this could have been at the center of the film, Peter’s exhaustion and uncertainty of whether he’s Spiderman or Iron Man leading to the loss of his spider sense. they could have showed it slowing him down in the fights, and letting him be tripped up in his regular life, making him look even more awkward than usual. but as is, it’s just a plot device which allows him to get stuck in those aforementioned illusion sequences, and magically disappears just in time for Peter to stop Mysterio from shooting him in the head.

the final post-credits scene with Nick Fury being not the real Nick Fury is an absolutely off-the-wall terrible decision. in a movie which is in some sense about Peter learning to see through illusions to what’s underneath, to what’s real and what matters, to then turn around at the end and say “but not this, haha, you were all fooled!” leads to just feeling cheated, and for no good reason. and the movie is already struggling to deal with the loss of Tony as Peter’s mentor figure, so to replace Tony with Happy and Not-Even-The-Real-Nick-Fury is a crazy move.

the Happy and May subplot drives me nuts. the writers dance around it--do they have a thing? don’t they?--but then they refuse to commit at the last second because it’s only interesting to them insofar as it’s funny, they don’t want to actually have to deal with the emotional implications of Peter’s aunt having a new relationship, which is LAZY and CHEAP. and it’s worsened by the fact that Ned and Betty break up at the end of the film, too. everything is played for laughs, not played for keeps.

[yellingart]

Introing OCs part 2

One more, this time is Eloise's moment to shine, I don't think I've had the chance to ramble about her anywhere yet and there's quite a lot to say about this pretty lady-

(Keep reading at the bottom for facts and stuff about her <3)

This lady was born not long ago earlier this year I believe and yet she has managed to absolutely steal my heart away, she's gorgeous and open minded, very easy going, easy to befriend (and crush on???)

She's a take on a character that lives with kinda a lot of privilege, her family is very well off, has a lot of money, like old money or whatever, I have really not thought a whole lot how they really got that kind of money but I do think it's old money so it probably comes from way back. Which takes a whole book of struggles of her shoulders, she likes to take advantage of the money for traveling, and actually using that privilege to buy good, durable clothes that aren't fast fashion, hand-made jewerly, invest in local artists like *really* invest in them.

She desires to create as well and is lucky enough to have a life that allows her to dedicate a lot of time to her hobbies, but she sucks at drawing and painting no matter how many teachers she gets, she can copy from reference just good enough but struggles to come up with the actual composition of a completely original piece on her own, and still she enjoys it a lot. But her favourite way of creating is actually through writting, even if I don't know how original she would be, I'm sure she does a lot of self insert and tell about her life in fantasy settings. Her favorite genre of book is romance.

On what respects to her family, she has quite a big one:

Now the siblings:

Her parents, Cedric and Ophelia, while they love eachother, they're kind of bad at showing it to their kids. They're kind of stuck up people and don't really know how to show their emotions properly so they kind of show their love through phisical gifts to their children. Because of this specially the younger kids are very spoiled, none of them ever had to worry about not having what they wanted but that left a bit on the line their emotional needs and Eloise always felt a bit ignored and not really connected to her parents.

Eloise just as her older sister also tends to be quite religious but not in the same way as her, she's religious in a very more casual way, in the way of she believes in something bigger and bigger meaning and she feels like she finds that sort of feeling at church but not necesarily identifies with the cristian identity or discourse. However, she does have more traditional views in some things (for herself, doesn't push it on others, obviously) but she kind of likes the idea of a traditional marriage and having a bunch of kids and being a stay at home mother.

Evette: She's the oldest, 15 years older than eloise, she's often very disconnected from her family, being the eldest she probably felt the most that emotional distance her parents have with them and often she relays on spirituality and religion to fill that void, she usually becomes a nun to follow that spiritual call

Leigh: He's the second oldest, 10 years older than Eloise, he's very... normal, marries early, follows the steps of his parents, has children and is kinda emotionally distant, but has quite a good relationship with Eloise

Then Eloise: She's the middle child, I guess, middle child by excelence.

Earlene and Gabrielle: They're twins, both 3 years younger than Eloise, they're kinda bratty and trouble makers, they get sent away to study at a prestigious school so they only see their family and siblings on holidays.

And last, Riley: He's 7 years younger than Eloise, and he's the absolutely sweetest little boy, he doesn't have an ounce of evil or even mischief on his poor soul.

This is her actual reference, from the au she was created which i believe was something royal adjacent, and also I know it was in may because i couldnt stop myself from drawing her as a mermaid (and she looks stunning)

But I think that's all for Eloise so far!

[odetojeons]

ok ok ok but what kinks do you think mingyu has 👀👀

okay so i’m gonna start answering the requests now like i didn’t disapear for one month :’) and omg i’m excited. I already said this before, I think mingyu is more of a sub than anything, but there are times. there are TIMES. when he doms it’s not too kinky, it’s more like carnal and (very fucking) rough sex in which he gets too impatient to be a good boy and grabs you by the hips, takes what he wants and just completely destroys you,, ANYWAYS, you can read more of my thoughts here. Y’all better sit down and buckle up cuz I have A LOT to say about this man (especially with how fucking much I miss him).

Praise Kink — I HAD to start with this one. I think you can all agree with me how much Mingyu loves being praised. There is actually a video of him getting red all over and whining because he got too happy when he was praised by the other members and IT’S JUST SO CUTE. Mingyu would downright meowl every time you told him how much of a good boy he is and how he’s perfect, so pretty just for me. But I also think he would love to praise you too, wants you to know you’re everything he’ll ever need.

Pet names — Idk if this is considered a kink, but please, he gives me such vibes of being into the pet names puppy or pup. We all know he’s considered the puppy of Seventeen, so I think it suits him and his personality a lot, especially because I think he would be so horny and desperate when it comes to sex. Calling him baby boy, angel, sweetheart, he would love it so much. Although he would love to call you by cute names too, and I think his favorites would be princess, prince and my baby.

Degradation — HEAR ME OUT, I absolutely think he would love being degraded. I just,, I can’t even begin to explain how much I think he would enjoy that. Mingyu is just so dirty, he would go all red when you tell him how he’s the filthiest little slut or are you that desperate for me you can’t even stay still? while he humps his cock on the pillow, too needy to wait for your touches. He could even cum just from such kind of words, in all honesty I think this is one of his major kinks ever, not just the verbal aspect of it but also the physical part too. 

Begging — Oh, yes. YES. Mingyu is all about begging. No matter how many times I think about it, I can absolutely hear his throaty and whiny voice saying please, please, please, let me cum, I have been so good, and he sometimes doesn’t even have to have a purpose or an incentive to do it, he just mumbles it without thinking like it’s the only word he remembers. It would come with the fact that he’s too horny for his own good, seriously, y’all don’t understand how much horny energy I feel this man exhuding.

Exhibitionism — We been knew how much he likes being watched. He may be shy about it, but I guess it can be related with his love for compliments. Although Mingyu would not only like people watching him, but also you as well. The way you move your body on top of him as you ride his dick, or the way he would put a hand on your lower back and make you arch impossibly more just so he could drill into you harder; the contrary of how he would cry and beg later when you edge him and tell him how much of a needy slut he is, being this desperate just because people are watching. ALSO ummm,, I try hard not to talk about other members here but, can I just say that I think him and Wonwoo are so much into watch each other fuck people. God, I even wrote like 18K words of porn of this particular thought. You can read it here.

Breeding Kink — Does this even need explanation? Mingyu would feel an almost animalistic need of putting as much cum inside you as he can. This would do as much as make him feral about it, when he has a stressing day or just because he wants to see his seed dripping out of your hole; no matter what compells him, it would get him aroused to the point where he wouldn’t even be able to wait until both of you get to the room, would rip and thorn both of your clothes off, put you on your knees and make you suck him off until he cums all over your face, just so he could fuck you against the wall afterwards. Which brings me to the next kink:

Strength/Size Kink — Well, is it possible to have a strength and size kink with yourself? Because he does. Mingyu would love to manhandle you around the place, fuck you against every surface of the house, especially if he gets to hold you up as your back is pressed somewhere. Not only that, but I also think it would be due to the movement of his hips. Or better yet; what comes after it. The way your ass and the back of your thighs would get red with how hard he’s thrusting into you, won’t be satisfied until you’re drooling because of his cock and simping for his muscles, bulging over the effort of fucking you. And I just know, I KNOW he would have a dirty mouth about it, would make questions like yeah? You like how strong I am? All this time on the gym gotta pay for something or falling appart on my big cock like you were made to, hm?. Fuck why am I like this. I LITERALLY BRING PAIN TO MYSELF.

Bondage — I think I’m writing too much so I hope y’all keep up with my horny ass, because I can’t stop until I say everything I want to say about him,, so, about this, Mingyu would love to tie someone up as much as he would love to be tied up... Okay, maybe I think he would love to be tied up more than tying someone up, if I’m being completely honest. He just gives this kind of vibes, maybe even as punishment for misbehaving, since he would sometimes be too desperate to wait like a good boy, and he knows you end up letting him take what he wants just because you would tie him up later and make him “regret” (the little shit would never regret anything, and neither would you).

Overstimulation/Edging — Oh, fucking definitely. I have this very vivid image of Mingyu sitting on a chair, hands tied up behind the chair back, legs spread and completely falling appart as you jerk him off. Flick your wrist faster and faster, just to get him on the edge and let go when he’s just there. Then, make that again and again and again, until he’s crying and begging for you to let him cum, and when you finally do, you only keep going, grip unforgiving. Watching his labbored breath of relief turn into little meowls, hips jerking away or closer, none of you are quite sure, but he wants it, saying don’t stop more like a moan than actual intelligible word.

Pegging/Anal Sex — Mingyu would be so shy about it at first. He would come to you, mumbling words you struggle to understand and cheeks burning red, until he manages to get out he wants you to fuck him. But oh lord, when he tries it out he would go absolutely insane. I really think he would be into it, into you rocking your hips and nudging your cock (plastic or not) against his prostate. Just imagine him with a dark blush all the way down to his chest, little whines and meowls that sounds too high and sweet for his own ears, body writhin all over the bed and fists clenching the mattress as his back arches. So damn cute and hot at the same time :( he just wants to be taken care of sometimes, being able to just lay down and have someone fucking him to oblivion.

Power Play — More like fighting for power to be honest. He really enjoys subbing, but when he does it he wants you to put him on his place, because Mingyu is irrevocably and completely a brat. He would tease you to the point where it drives you insane, just so you could snap at him and take what you want, as much as he loves when you do the same to him.

Spanking — Hmmm Mingyu and spanking. And he would do it hard. Full on open fingers going down on your ass until he leaves his handprint. To be honest, I totally think he’s the kind of boyfriend who would be possessive, wants his marks all over you neck and body, however, oh however, I also think he really really reeeeeally love when you do it to him. Everything, from the crescent shaped marks on his back, to the bite on his shoulder you accidentaly gave him when he was fucking you on missionary position, to the mark of your fingers on his cheek when you slap him for being a brat. Okay I kind of lost myself in the kink but yes. Mingyu and spanking.

Double Penetration — HOLY SHIT please tell me you agree with me. Like, fuck, there’s this evil side of him who wants to see you being speared open in more than one cock, wants to see you fucked into another dimension and reduced to an incoherent drooling mess, and it’s just so dirty of him, usually possessive and guarded, to let someone else get their hands on you just so he could watch you fall apart with two cocks. Or even him alone with a dildo, what it matters is to have two things inside you absolutely wrecking you. Or him. Oh shit why did I have to say that cuz now the image of him being double penetrated won’t ever leave my mind IT IS BURNED BEHIND MY EYELIDS FOREVER. Bye.

Choking — You damn right I think about his hands on my neck all the time. They look so big, and I’m sure it’s also something of his size kink, seeing his huge hands wrapped around your throat would make something ugly, something hot burn in the pit of his stomach. You doing it to him too, especially when he’s tied up, only being able to take what you’re willing to give him.

and that’s that! sorry (?) for writting too much, this always happens when I stay too much time without writting any filth,,, last time that happened, I speant two years without any smut so then I wrote 18K words of porn in two days (no, I didn’t sleep) AND I DON’T EVEN REMEMBER WRITTING HALF OF IT??? and the time before that, I simply wrote 12K words. what is wrong with me. anyways!! hope you liked it, tell me what you think and your opinions too!!

[zmayadw]

'Goodbye', but not 'the end'

- a Duskwood based (Jake x Mc) story - PART THREE (final part)

->PART ONE<- ->PART TWO<-

„Maybe not all goodbyes are the end – and that's what makes them good.“ - Gwendolyn Heasley

In the time that followed after she learned of his fate, Mc tried, and god how she tried hard, to survive day after day without falling apart. The process of trying to heal her shattered heart was no fun at all.

She would move around her apartment in daze, eyes swollen, wondering if the tears will ever stop. And in the rare moments when they did, she would break down and cry again over silly things, like spilled milk or a broken nail. She would force herself to eat, swallowing every bite with disgust and try to keep it from coming back. Night after night, she would toss and turn in her bed, just to be awakened by the same nightmare, with those cursed words echoing in her head long after it.

Those days quickly turned to weeks, weeks became months, and in the blink of an eye the seasons changed, too.

Then one morning, dragging herself tiredly through the apartment, she stopped at her window and stared through it in awe. She just stood there motionlessly not daring to blink, afraid that if she do, this breathtaking scene she was seeing would disappear on her. She situated herself dreamily on the window bench, and for the first time in months her shattered heart jolted in excitement, as her eyes once again got lost in the beauty of her cherry tree.

Its soft pinky-white blossoms were long gone, foliage in mesmerizing shades of red, orange and gold taking their place. They moved playfully with the wind, the sun illuminating them giving the illusion of a thousand tiny flames dancing before her eyes. She was hypnotized.

Her tree looked so vibrant, its grief over lost blossoms erased by this new emerged beauty. With that thought, she cried one last time, that thought stirring up a trace of hope in her, that maybe, just like her tree she, too, could feel alive again. And once again, the sight of her beautiful tree helped calm the restless spirits inside her, to make her pain begin to lessen, and allow for her shattered hear to slowly, but surely begin with the process of healing.

~~

Week after week, she began to feel better. The pain of his loss was still much present within her, but it was no longer unbearable or threatening to break her again. Each new day brought more peace to her restless mind, and she slowly returned to her usual routine. But there was an unexplainable and constant feeling deep inside that something was still holding her back, that there was something she still needed to do to really be able to move on with her life. But she couldn't quite figure it out.

~~

Walking back to her apartment from the store, Mc shivered. The fall was coming to its end, the branches of just recently colorful trees almost completly bare by now, and the hint of winter slowly creeping in was felt in the increasingly colder air. Impatiently waiting for the green light to cross the street, her gaze fell on the headline in the sports sections of the newspapers the man in front of her was holding. "Goodbye to another first division team" For some unknown reason, she lingered thoughtfuly on that first word, not realizing that the man started crossing the street.

„That's it!“ she suddenly exclaimed out loud, noticing the green light and hurrying across. That's what she needed, a goodbye. She never said a proper goodbye to him, and that's what was missing. She needed a definitive closure, the end, before she could truly move on. But how to do it? How was she suppose to say goodbye, when the person who she needed to say it wasn't here? How to do it meaningfully, so it won't just seem like empty words spoken into the wind? As if hearing her thoughts, the wind whistled in her ear, making her tuck her hands deep inside her pockets and quicken her steps.

When she reached her apartment, she was still contemplating on how to do it. And when the evening came, she was still completely clueless. And frustrated. How hard can this be? she thought, sitting down on a sofa with a heavy sigh. She got up again, pacing frustratedly around the room. She suddenly stopped, turning around and hastily moving to her desk. She sat down opening the drawer, and with a shaky hand took out her light green letter writing set.

Emotions stirred up in her, thinking of all those letters she wrote before. All the feelings she poured out in them resurfaced back, but exactly because of that the idea of writing one more letter, one last letter to say her goodbye with it, appealed to her more and more.

And so she decided to do it. At least she tried. She started with the letter so manny times, but each time after writting just a few lines she would crumple the paper in frustration throwing it on the floor. And after a while, she ended up just staring numbly at the blank paper in front of her.

Suddenly it dawned to her why she was struggling with this so much. She was doing it wrong all this time, constantly trying to write down something that was completely unneccessery. Shaking her head she chuckled to herself and reached for her pen. At the end, she wrote down just three words, before neatly folding the paper and placing it inside the envelope.

She began to feel lighter looking at the envelope in front of her, as if some invisible weight was finaly lifted from her shoulders. The pain was still there deep inside her, and some tiny piece of it will probably stay there forever. But she was happy, managing to find a way for the end she needed to move on. And she found her perfect ending right there at the beginning of it all.

----------------------

„Oh come on, Nym, don't look at me like that! I'm not doing anything wrong here!“ A little black pup tilted his head sideways as a young man spoke to him. „And besides“ he started again raising his eyebrow at the pup „Didn't we agree at keeping an eye on her? Just out of precaution?“ The pup barked in response, happily wagging his tail. „Mhm, I thought so.“ he said smiling and scratched Nym behind the ear. He turned his head back to his laptop, to a live feed from a CCTV camera on it. The smile slowly left his face, looking at the girl sitting at the window table of a coffee shop.

The reality of not being able to be close to her and hear her voice, to move a loose strand of hair behind her ear, or not being able to feel her warm touch on his skin, or savour in the sweet taste of her lips – the reality of it all hit Jake hard as he watched her, he hasn't noticed when the tears started falling down his face. The little pup suddenly jumped at him, calling for his attention. He looked at the pup with teary eyes, lifting him onto his lap. „Don't worry, Nym, I'll be all right.“ He hugged the pup, his little muzzle finding its way to his face licking at the tears. He closed his eyes with a chuckle „All right, all right, I get the hint, Nym. No more crying, I promise.“ The pup licked at his face few more times, then jumped from his lap running off, happily wagging his tail. Shaking his head after him, her turned back to his laptop.

Mc was now in a company of a friend. And after so long, her face was finally smiling, the trace of agony of the past events nowhere to be seen. After what he put her through, seeing her like this made him a little bit relieved. But that devastating pain he felt when he decided to fake his death, and knowing the effect it will have on her with the cognition of it, was still much present at him. But it was crucial for her to belive in it, to truly belive in what happened to him. He couldn't risk the tiniest possibility for her to know anything about it, then all of this would be in vain. Like this, with time, they will leave her completely at peace and she will be safe again, her life returning to normal.

His gaze then turned to the light green envelope lying on the desk next to his laptop. It was the last letter she sent, the one that contained only three words, but those words were the saddest and most painful ones he ever read. Nym suddenly barked next to him, Jake turning to look at him. The little pup had his leash in his muzzle, impatiently pacing in the spot. „All right, Nym, lets go.“ He said with a chuckle, taking the leash from the pup. „I did promise you we'll go explore our new place of stay.“ Nym barked excitedly before rushing out through the doors leading to the yard of their new place. Jake got up, glancing once more at the envelope on the desk. 'Goodbye, my love.' That was written on the paper inside it. Just three words, but they were more than enough to break ones heart.

Stepping outside, Jake welcomed the warmth of a winter's sun hitting at his face. Nym was eagerly waiting for him, wagging his tail so fast from the excitement upon seeing him, scattering snow all around him. He started walking towards him, and even though the pain in him was going strong, he couldn't stop a mischievous smile coming to his face. Ofcourse, the consequences of what he have done are no joke, nothing to laugh about there, and saying goodbye is never an easy thing to do. But then again, if you really think about it, some 'goodbyes' don't mean 'the end', you know?

[blue-pastel-cat]

Xiaobedo Fanfic Recommendation

Welcome to my personal “if you are new to xiaobedo peeps please read these” list. As said before this is my personal list so please feel free to reblog/comment/hit me for not including any gem here. I might miss a lot of them because I am drunk or blind. (mostly have them on my to read and then forgot as I am being assault by real life shit).

I would like to say first that so far there are 150+ Xiaobedo fics on Ao3. I can’t review all of them but I can say that I have read a majority of them. Most of them are just pure love and I would like nothing more than a thousands thank you for all the fic writers who spent their free time writting these gems for us to read for free. But these...these takes the cake as it finds a special landing spot in my heart that I would just thrust them into someone’s hand if they say “I am new to this ship can you recommend me?”

1. Orange dust by bobamilkteas (Wes)

In which Xiao learns to open himself up to the world a little more after the collapse of Rex lapis's contracts but it was not always easy for a soul doomed to eternal damnation. Meanwhile, Albedo liked to tempt fate where the extraordinary are concerned.

If only the traveler's comrades are made of saner bunch.

Comment: Long ago when I like both Albedo and Xiao as a character, I was wondering hmmm....will anyone actually even write about them lmao they never met each other. I am surprise to see this one as the 3rd fic in the whole 3 Xiaobedo fic on Ao3 (yeah back when there’s literally only 3 fic for this couple). I was like I’ll read it for the curiosity, I’ll probably won’t ship them. And that people is how I put my clown make up on my face upon finishing reading it. This ONE fic alone convert me into a devotee of Xiaobedo. Please consider joining me in this circus if you want to know what is Xiaobedo. I would put this as the first of my “Big 3″

Orange Dust also come with its compliation of short stories over the course of the game and a big sequel to it. Please also consider reading ALL OF THEM.

2. Solar Wind by birdpriestess (Sparrow)

For the yaksha, his duty was his life, and his life was his duty. No human could ever hope to understand the eternal war he fought out of sight and in silence.

So why, then, did he feel that Albedo would understand?

---

Finding himself at death's door once more, Xiao is saved by a surprising person, setting off the unlikeliest of adventures.

Comment: Do you like crying? Do you like the feeling of getting your heart ripped into pieces as the author destroy your emotions over the end of each chapter as the story picked up the climax? Yeah, this one is for you masochists. The action, the characterisation, the drama THE EMOTIONS OH WOW. I kid you not that it was so good I read this while workinng when I am not suppose to me. Also, this fic has my favourite characterisation of Gold ever. I love that dramatic queen Mad Alchemist. AND DAIN. I LOVE DAIN IN THIS FIC. Our dearest Sparrow manage to toy with our feelings like how I bully ruin guard for big numbers lmao. This is the secound of “Big 3″ of my Xiaobedo list.

Again, just like Orange Dust, Solar Wind comes with its own compliation of short stories of what came after that. Please also consider reading ALL OF THEM.

3. Castle of Glass by AlchemicalStardust (Morgie) 

A black shadow rises over Huaguang Stone Forest. Caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, Albedo flees the shaking ground and the crash of boulders tumbling form the sky. As the dust settles, Albedo finds a young man – an Adeptus – amidst the carnage. Despite the karmic agony ripping his body from the inside, Xiao’s only question is “How?” How did a human survive after witnessing his battle?

Comment: The last of the “Big 3″ of my Xiaobedo list. And it is still on going! Castle of Glass? More like I AM IN A GLASS CASE OF EMOTIONS! Have you read a fic about 2 people yearning, longing, reaching out for each other so damn well that you just want to throw your phone in the air as they both had their impending doom coming down upon them? Yeah this is one of them. You will like want to be stuck in the moment they express how much they just yearn for each other’s love and care that you want to shake the author for what comes next. Like...everytime Morgie update I am expressing my gratitude at the end of the chapter by writing on Xiaobedo discord “MORGIE COME HERE AND LET ME BONK YOU WHY ARE YOU ENDING IT THERE”

trust me when you read you will def feel the same. With just Big 3 and their compliation alone that would give you like a LONG list of reading already LMAOOOOOOO

4. Find a place to call it home  by yamajiroo 

Our room, he said. Xiao’s brow twitches. Zhongli never said anything about this. But then again, perhaps he should anticipate this from the beginning...

Xiao looks over at Albedo, who is now tilting his head, his look as innocent as ever.

“Are you not okay with sharing a room?”

Comment: College AU for Xiaobedo! One thing that I love this is the slow burn and what made me LOVE LOVE LOVE this fic more is how cute Klee is in this fic. Their relationship in this one is very simple, but that simplicity highlight why their chemistry work. Xiao is someone who was just very gentle, who was largely misunderstood by his lonesome nature. Albedo was someone who like peace and quite in his introvert bubble. And how they respect that bubble that each other has actually made their relationship work. I love it when fic highlight this and this one captures it.

5. I Can't See Your Face From the Other Side of the Classroom by MissWeaver  

When Albedo and Xiao unexpectedly start eating lunch together, they begin to find that they have more in common than anyone would have realized. They both struggle in their own ways with blossoming feelings, too many assignments, and annoying classmates as they navigate a relationship for the first time.

Comment: I’ll be honest, I usually hate high school au just because its so cliche. I don’t even watch and drama/anime surrounds high school student anymore LMAOOO (unless it’s very good). So if there’s an high school AU that I actually keep come back and read after a couple of chapters, it means that the cliche that I hate wasn’t there or barely was there at all. The pinning in this fic makes me want to bang their head together sometimes LMAOOO The tag wasn’t kidding when they said both Xiao and Albedo are bad at feelings. Also that’s a lot of heart broken caused by these two idiots XD

6. new world, same me, same bullshit  by  bobamilkteas (Wes)

At the belly of Dragonspine, Albedo lost control to the festering corruption that permeated his senses and watched, from the recesses of his mind, as his devoured body turned his allies into enemies. Before his rampage reached its climax, he is sealed in a crystalized confinement by the last hand of Reindottir, where he then reawakens centuries after, in a rebooted Teyvat.

Comment: Yeah I know it was list in Orange Dust but here me out. This sets out in an entirely different universe. And if you like Polyamory, this one has Zhongli joining the duo and I love it because I also love ZhongXiao with my life. Time Travel is my biggest kink. Especially when I am the person who love it when people explore Archon War era/ Alatus!Xiao. So this one hits double of my kink. Of course it is still on going and I will bully Wes whenever I can to see that new chapter. Albedo is a total fucking badass in this story and I completely agree from using him in Abyss so often. Everyone should write badass Albedo.

7. misplaced heart of mine by  inkburn           

“If you are ill, then you should be resting at home. In Mondstadt.” He emphasized Mondstadt with a pointed look in his direction.

“I assure you I won’t be troublesome, Adeptus Xiao,” Albedo said, “You’ll find I’m a rather low-maintenance traveler.”

“Travel,” Xiao scoffed, “without airstep?”

Albedo looked him up and down. “Are your legs just for decoration?”

(albedo is sent to liyue on mandatory vacation. xiao is his unfortunate bodyguard.)

Comment: Most of the time you will see Albedo and Xiao starting their relationship with one of them taking interest in another. But this one took another approach, they starting off by make them hating each other’s guts LMAOOOO and I live for every second of it. There’s only 1 chapter so far but wow it was SOOO GOOD. I am really really excited for next chapter and is waiting patiently ;w;

8.  Blossom of Grace  by birdpriestess  

One day in Liyue Harbor, Albedo watches a street performance by an enigmatic dancer named Xiao. And he becomes completely obsessed.

Comment: Have you ever look at Xiao fight and thinking that he’s one of the most beautiful deadly thing ever? How it was like he was dancing around the battlefield? How about actual dancer Xiao being so absolutely beautiful and perfect and that slow burn of Albedo falling in love with that beauty with a touch of Modern AU and cute Ganyu as the Wing woman. Yes, Sparrow delivers yet again another beautiful slow burn and while it’s still ongoing it is worth the read.

9. i think we could make this work (could get used to this) by outspaced               

“Xiao? What are you doing out here?”

“I—”

“It’s raining,” Albedo says, as if it isn’t obvious. “You could get struck by lightning.”

“What are you doing out here then?” Xiao does the only thing he knows how to do, he challenges Albedo. “It’s raining.”

Albedo just hums. “If I get struck by lightning, it’s for science.”

Comment: A short one-shot where I read the summary and went “This is it... this is their relationship.” I am sold immediately. Oh god Albedo why are you like this.

10. Ephemeral by criedprinz        

“It’s not for your investigation, is it?” Aether asked mildly.

Albedo traced a finger around the sketchbook, considering the question. “No,” he admitted finally. “I... I just want to see them again.”

He opened the sketchbook to reveal the drawing he’d just finished. Aether nodded, clearly recognizing the sharp golden eyes.

“Xiao,” he said. “You were rescued by an adeptus.”

When a visit to Dragonspine goes horribly wrong, Albedo is rescued by an unknown stranger, wielding powers he's never heard of. Led on a search to find out who it is, he finds himself in the middle of an unforgettable encounter..

Comment: A really really well written one-shot that I love. The yearning oh godddd the yearning from Albedo side is just so so much that I have to put it here. (I think you can see the trend here lmao. I am a sucker for yearning). And the moment they get to meet each other again is just chef kiss. MWHAA

11. Idle Yaksha, Brilliant Yaksha by Pit0fTheEarth

Alatus didn’t have a lot of responsibilities to keep. He spent most of his days dancing across the sky and eating away all nightmares that plagued a person’s sleep.

But one fortunate encounter led to too many unfortunate ones, taking his carefree existence and plunging it in darkness. His wings, stripped from him. His gentle touch, replaced by an unforgiving grip of destruction.

There was a lot of blood on his hands. With each passing moment, it became harder for Alatus to recall the last time someone gently held him.

Comment: This is one of the ongoing fic where I am very very much excited on the take of Naberius. And the way the author portray Xiao when he’s still the innocent Alatus is just *clench fist*. Baby ;w; Baby why do you have to lose all that innocence. Also the fic has long LONG flashback to Xiao past and his relationship with Naberius. We are unwielding more what happened to both of them and why perhaps does this have to do with Albedo.

That’s it for now, might add more later! Thank you <3

[slightlycrunchy]

Number 7 “ who did this to you? “ “ silence* “ hey, look at me. look at me. who did this to you? Some Dadzawa and Shinson?

Thank you, Sam. I haven't written dadzawa in too long! 🥺

Dadzawa and shinson, WC 1000~, rated G, pretty fluffy honestly

It's not really the fact that he's tied to a tree, wrists bound and mouth covered, scalp digging uncomfortably into bark, that bothers him. It's not really that he's sweating through a fabric that wasn't made to be breathable or comfortable in any sense of the word, or that he can hardly take said breaths through the small opening left for him above his lip, nose whistling with each wheeze, either. No, while none of those are pleasant, that isn't the part that makes his cheeks heat with shame.

No, that comes from who finds him, an hour (he thinks) after he’s been left to be found.

Hitoshi could roll his eyes at the universe right now. You’re a fucking asshole, he projects strongly into the astral plane. Of course it wouldn’t be anyone else other than a very specific dark figure making their way over the crest of the hill.

Aizawa.

It all plays out in slow motion to Hitoshi, the wildly searching eyes squinting in recognition, confusion turning to concern. Hitoshi stopped struggling a while ago, but he picks it up again now, simply out of embarrassment. He has to show that he fought, that he tried. As Aizawa walks closer, Hitoshi feels his breath catch in his chest, his failure writ plain for his mentor to see; wrapped up tight in his own capture weapon.

“Shinsou,” Aizawa says gently, only spending a moment to take in Hitoshi’s entire mummified body before starting on the knots around his hands. Never did Shinsou understand the length of his capture weapon better than now, when the lengths of it have been wrapped around him multiple times. The ends at his wrists come loose, followed by the ones at his chest, mouth, forehead. The other boys had held him down roughly, and he had fought, his skin turning red with scrapes against the tree.

He thought he had been alone; just another way he failed. He didn’t hear them coming.

Hitoshi can't look up at Aizawa when the man is done, grey fabric piling onto the ground with a soft rustle at Hitoshi’s feet that does nothing to betray what the cloth had been used to accomplish. Hitoshi can’t help eyeing it warily from the corners of his vision. His own weapon used against him...how pathetic.

“Shinsou, look at me please.”

Hitoshi’s stomach plummets to his feet, falling out to rest right next to his scarf, he’s sure. He feels heat behind his eyes and tries to blink it away rapidly.

“Please, kid. It’s alright.”

Aizawa is being so gentle and Hitoshi hates it. He loves it and he hates it. How long has he wanted something like this? An adult showing clear and obvious care for him? But not like this, he thinks hatefully. He’s so unbearably selfish, isn’t he?

Unable to disobey Aizawa in anything however, Hitoshi finally looks up and immediately wishes he hadn’t. Aizawa’s face is flat--’unreadable’ is usually what Hitoshi would call it but now he can swear he sees the disappointment already felt radiating off of the man. This is it. This will be the final straw that Hitoshi has been expecting from day one. Aizawa will tell him the words he’s been ready to hear, “You couldn’t even do this one thing? Fight back against a few teenagers that were probably smaller than you? Pathetic.”

But those aren’t the words he hears.

“Who did this to you?”

It takes a moment for Hitoshi to realize his mouth has gone agape, closing it with a snap. He can’t look anymore, eyes darting back to the ground--

“Hitoshi.” There’s a hand on his shoulder now, firm and warm, warmer than the summer heat that soaks Hitoshi’s clothes even under the shade of the tree. Some of the sweat is from his fear, but whatever. He’ll ignore that bit. He can’t ignore the hand though, his focus pinpointed on his own body. He hears Aizawa sigh heavily.

Oh, now Hitoshi understands.

Aizawa wants to know who did it, so that he can be sure just how much of a fuck up Hitoshi is.

“I don’t know their names, sensei,” he begins, every word hard won from his own mouth. He feels like he’s walking to his own death, and he clasps his hands together in front of him so that Aizawa can’t see how they shake. “I think they were a class above...maybe. I dunno.” His words fade into a whisper. Every second of this is horrible.

The hand disappears, slowly and just as gently as it had come and with its lost weight Hitoshi knows this is it. He nearly flinches when Aizawa opens his mouth to speak.

“That’s fine. Nezu has cameras all over this place, I’m sure we can find them. Attacking other students is prohibited, and both he and I don’t take it lightly.”

Hitoshi can’t help it now as his head shoots up, lips parted in disbelief as he stares at Aizawa. “Wh-what?”

Aizawa’s face is still calm, though maybe Hitoshi imagines a sort of fire in his eyes, an intensity he only gets when he and Hitoshi spar.

“‘What’, what kid? Did you think I wouldn’t care that I found my student tied to a tree, road rash all up and down his arms, sweating in this heat with no access to water for an unknown amount of time? I do care. I care a lot.”

And god Hitoshi believes him.

Aizawa always does this, says things like there would be no other way to interpret them, like every word that comes from him is law and fact and shouldn’t be challenged. Hitoshi wouldn’t dream of it.

His chest suddenly feels lighter than air.

“You hungry? It’s almost dinner time at the dorms,” Aizawa says, shifting his weight almost imperceptibly as if he is done with all of this, but not in a cruel way. He almost seems uncomfortable. Hitoshi feels a small smile tug at his lips.

“Yea, sensei. Starving.”

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