#no more gate keeping edits in my drafts

[everything-y-nothing]

Late Night by @newtonsheffield

“For those of you who don’t know, Kate and I are old friends. We go way back.” Both of Kate’s eyebrows shot up now, and her lips parted in surprise as she leaned back in her own chair, “Friends?” Anthony stalled, something in the back of his head telling him to be careful of her tone. “Y-Yes, we were friends. My younger sister Eloise went to university with Kate’s younger sister, Edwina. We all used to hang out a lot when we were both sort of establishing our careers. We had a lot of fun.” Kate clicked her tongue, scrunching up her nose, “We did hang out in a group situation a fair few times, that’s true.” Anthony laughed, “And did I not make you feel like we were friends? We get along great.” “Yeah, and then we had the most utterly humiliating date of my life.”

[redrrem]

cw: yandere!Gojo, revolutionist!Gojo, royalty au, mentions of sexual relationships, unhealthy behavior, manipulation/coercion, blood, death, abuse of power, gaslighting, toxic relationships, possessiveness, and jealousy. not proofread lol

a/n: I had this idea come to mind when I was cleaning lol, might make this into a mini series, like 4-5 chapters? this was in my drafts for a while, but it went through some VERYY heavy editing

a/n 2: imma kms and everyone for not telling me I spelt coronation as coordination 😭😭😭

Gojo Satoru who's been obsessed with you since childhood, the kingdom's beloved princess and heir in line for the throne. Betrothed to another, a man of the neighbouring kingdom for the sake of diplomacy,

Gojo Satoru—your shadow, your other half—your best friend since childhood, trusted with your life by your parents. Gojo Satoru, a mere servant, and yet he was entirely yours to serve.

The years passed, and what was once an innocent friendship blossomed into something more. Childhood years that were spent in the same bed, throwing sleepovers and tossing feather pillows at each other were now spent with longing glances, shared whispers, and stolen touches beneath the very same sheets.

But of course, no one could know.

The King and Queen would never allow it—their pride and joy, the heir to the throne—lusting after a mere servant? Unbelievable. After all, you were a princess, meant for greatness, beyond whatever a mere palace worker could offer you.

And yet, behind closed doors, your secret was kept safe.

Behind closed doors—you were his. Each day began in his arms, and each night was spent in his arms.

In the eyes of the court, both of you kept up the act.  

Gojo who kept you busy during galas, an arm wrapped around your waist, guiding you towards the ballroom, away from the prying eyes and hands of the men. Meanwhile you, just as possessive of your lover, who kept the female servants busy and as far away from him, because even if he were a mere servant, he certainly was a sight for sore eyes across kingdoms. 

Of course, this secret would not last forever. 

Not when the king and queen, bless their old souls and frail bones, had dreams of grandchildren running around the floral grounds of the palace. Not when they announced your coronation and engagement in front of the whole kingdom. 

While the kingdom rejoiced, streets bustling with excitement as preparations began, that night, you wept in the arms of your lover, crying for your untold future as he held you close. Sobbing into his chest, gripping onto him like he was the only thing you knew. He held you tighter, soothing you and whispering sweet promises in your ear. 

Promises he intended to keep. He would never let you go.

Overnight, the kingdom was taken down.

Your so-called in-laws never made it past the palace gates. Their carriages left abandoned at the border, the once-pristine gold and polished wood torn down. And not a single soul in sight—only a trail of blood leading into the depths of the wood. Yet no one said anything.

Not when the crown was placed atop Gojo Satoru’s head. Not when he took his rightful place on the throne and the kingdom could only bow.

Your parents—silenced with a mere look—could only watch as they were exiled, sent far away from the imperial palace, and kept under his watchful eye. 

After all, how could they object? 

He gave them everything they wanted. 

A kingdom. A legacy. And above all, an heir with eyes as blue as his. 

And he would never let them—or anyone—take you away from him again.

𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐄𝐃 © 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐆𝐎𝐉𝐎𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐏𝐒 — do not copy, translate, repost or modify my works on any platform.

[clockwayswrites]

A Bird in the Woods is... part 41

masterpost (this is a first draft, please no editing or concrit <3)

Danny’s hand rested on the open side of the car, drumming along to the radio. His head was tilted back, eyes closed to the breeze as the convertible wound through the forest. He resisted spreading his wings fully only because he didn’t want to accidentally take off. After all, he didn’t know if he could actually fly in this form.

Flying as a ghost would be easy, but that wasn’t really about the wings. Besides, as much as he was growing closer to the Wayens, he wasn’t ready to talk ghosts yet. People tended to struggle facing their own mortality, and Danny saw how much Jason’s supposed death was still a scar on the family. He didn’t want to add to to that pain.

Instead of giving into the urge, he distracted himself by asking, “Is it an insult if I say that you’re a better driver than I expected?”

Bruce chuckled. “I think it might be. Do I come across as that reckless?”

“The dad that you are? Never. But there’s a difference between driving in the city when Alfred is busy and flying down these winding roads like this,” Danny pointed out. He tipped his head over so that he could watch Bruce think how to respond. He was becoming very fond of all of the small, barely there expressions that Bruce made.

“I’ve raced F-1 cars before, you know,” Bruce said, clearly amused.

“I clearly did not know,” Danny teased back. “While I hear things, I’ve never actually looked you up, not outside of who you are as the driving force behind WE and your charities. And that was for job search reasons.”

“No checking into my past? My sordid affairs to see if I’m dating material? My sex tape? Tapes? I’m not sure what’s been leaked at this point,” Bruce said. Danny didn’t miss the way Bruce’s hands tightened slightly on the wheel.

Danny reached out and rested his fingers on Bruce’s arm for a moment. “I’m not dating your past. I’m dating the man you are now—the dad and the philanthropist and the person who keeps trying. And never, no one deserves to be exposed like that against their will.” Danny paused and then added in an attempt to lighten the mood. “Besides, I’d rather wait to learn any intimate things myself. It’s much more fun that way.”

Bruce’s grip relaxed again. “Well, it is a long weekend.”

“And a secluded one,” Danny agreed. It wasn’t that he needed the weekend to go that way, of course not, but it had been a long time. “Or so I’m assuming. Are you going to actually tell me about where we’re going now?”

“Can you be patient for about fifteen more minutes?” Bruce asked instead.

Danny gave an exaggerated sigh. “If I must.”

Bruce just gave a little smile and kept driving them down the winding roads at a pace that maybe was actually a little reckless, but Danny wasn’t going to complain. He trusted Bruce enough—and wasn’t that a thought— that it was easy just to enjoy the ride. It really was a beautiful area.

Before Danny knew it, Bruce was taking a turn that Danny hadn’t even noticed. The whole path (road seemed generous for the gravel way) was surrounded tightly by trees. Set well back from the road was a robust but utilitarian gate set into a tall fence.

Danny resisted the urge to frown and the chopped up wilderness. “Is the whole area fenced in?”

“No, just enough to discourage people coming in off the road,” Bruce answered as he keyed them in. “There are some signs up about entering private property, but the rest of the area is unfenced to allow the wildlife to roam. Which also means these woods are wild, and if you go out to be mindful of that.”

“I don’t think I’ll wander far without you,” Danny said as he leaned over on door to watch the trees pass. “They’re beautiful, but woods aren’t exactly my natural environment.”

“Says the man who’s apartment is halfway to a jungle.”

“Jungle, not woods,” Danny corrected with a laugh. “Besides, you’re the man with a conservatory.”

“One that is woefully empty,” Bruce said. “I’m afraid none of us are plant people. Plants were my father’s thing. While he was alive, the conservatory flourished. His orchid especially were something. It was one of my favorite places in the house to read.”

“I’m sorry that you don’t have that anymore.”

“It’s alright, time passes. Alfred help me press some of the flowers after their deaths, and a few of them a framed in the library. It’s a nice… nod to him and what he loved,” Bruce said with a soft smile.

That did sound nice. Danny made a mental note to reach out to Sam and see if she might be willing to help out with a little project. He was sure he could barter with information about his new relationship.

While Danny was thinking, the trees opened up a little and Danny got the first peak of where they would be staying. It was a cabin, wood and stone that set it lightly in the forest. It was like the cabin was a gentle guest, rather than an invader to the woods despite its size.

“Another of my father’s passion projects,” Bruce explained as he brought the car to a stop in the half round drive. “He felt getting out of the city now and then was important. I don’t do it as often as I should.”

“I can’t judge you,” Danny said. He stepped out of the car and raised his arms, and wings, over his head in a stretch. “Though I’m very much enjoying the excuse this weekend.”

“Good. The cabin has been freshened up, and the fridge is full with food that we only have to put in the oven,” Bruce said. “I thought we would settle in, have lunch, and then perhaps wander down to the lake? It’s not large, but it’s beautiful at sunset if we wanted to take a bottle of wine with and lounge.”

“Are you trying to get me to never leave?” Danny teased.

“Never,” Bruce said. He grabbed both of their bags from the trunk. “Lucius would kill me if I kept you away from WE for too long.”

“Too true,” Danny agreed with a laugh as he followed Bruce up the flagstone steps and into the grand cabin.

[lynaferns]

The Forest On The Other Side

Chapter 1: I want to go home.

Ver. [ENGLISH / SPANISH]

EDIT: This fic is now on AO3

A girl gets lost in the forest and finds a misterious gate in the middle of nowhere. At the other side she meets a... very peculiar individual who seems to only want to befriend her and play. Everything seems fine. Until night falls and someone else joins to play...

Again, I appreciate feedback about the english adaptation. English is not my first lenguage and I still mess up sometimes.

This is in some way a more "joyful" story than BIOMáquina, still with its dark themes. I wrote this a year ago. By this I mean I forced myself to get it written down and ended up hating it and burning myself out. A couple of weeks ago I decided to reread it and I though it was pretty ok actually, so I edited it a bit to make it flow better. It used to be written more as a script for the comic I wanted to draw buuuut that didn't happen (cough stressed myself out cough forced myself cough don't force yourself to make content out of a hobby, a hobby is supposed to be for your own fun). I'm not completely satisfied with the final draft but I think is good enough for my first ever fic written.

I originally planned to make it a Y/N thing but that didn't last long. But I keeped the original idea of the first person POV. The Y/N stories I've read has always some narrator telling you what you do insert you in the story. I thought of making the MC the narrator, this way the reader can insert themselves like it's their story or they can read it as if someone else is telling them a story. This is also a bit limiting, since the narration is also the MCs thought process and sometimes I may skip details MC couldn't have seen.

AU, Magical forest, DCA centered, Sun fnaf, Moon fnaf, Elves Sun & Moon, OC, Selfinsert, Character & OC, platonic, friendship, slowburn (kind of), Moon is agresive at first, Moon is also a bit of a gremlin, Protective Sun (I think), OC is a potty mouth, Female Main Character, First person, Angst.

The first post where I showed this AU and my first sketches ideas.

Tumblr archive with all of the art, ideas and anwsered asks.

Youtube Playlist which I'm pretty proud of how it turned out :] It's in a specific order but you can put it on mix.

Note: even though I try to keep things light some things may be triggering for some readers.

CW: Anxiety, Suicide ideation, Implied death, Choking, Non sexual abuse.

Wordcount: 9,700 (It's not rounded, that's literally the number Word tells me it's at lol)

Welp.

Here we are again, in the old village house (yey...). Well, 'I am', my family won't arrive to settle in for another week. They brought me here beforehand a few days ago for organizational reasons. They took a quick look inside before they left to see the state of the house, if it needed any repairs and such, and they headed back to the city. While they finish preparing everything, I take care of the house and text them messages about anything that may be needed for when they return.

We haven't been here in years, the house needs some repairs, and I'm sorry for the spiders, but it could use a deep cleaning. We can't do a deep cleaning but I have been cleaning what I can these last few days, at least so that it looks decent... at first glance.

Well, it's not like anyone is coming to visit.

It's a quiet town, until the kids from the town next door come to make a racket with their bikes. They play in our field, scare away the cats and throw cans around. They are assholes.

Anyways, the people in the village are nice. The adults I mean, the kids I used to play with, I don't get along with them anymore. Some of them aren't kids anymore, we have grown up and are going down different paths. But those who are still kids... they're still interested in the only older kid in the town who listened to them and let them do whatever they wanted, to a certain extent.

I don't want them to come looking for me to go out and play. I've been avoiding them by saying that I'm busy cleaning the house and getting it ready for when my family arrives, but I feel like interacting with them less and less. That's why I'm going out to the woods behind the house to get lost for a while, as always. The kids don't go near the forest so they won't bother me there.

There is an area for tourism and hiking but not many people come, some police cars border the forest from time to time but they never go inside. The reports of missing people in this forest have been coming in for decades, only some lost children have returned but there is no trace of any of the adults who disappeared along with the rest of the children. The areas marked with signs are safe but you can't go out of bounds unless you want to disappear with those people.

And I, who right now am alone and with no one to notice my absence if I go missing, am going to head straight to the forest. Don't you think, I don't want to disappear, I just don't like people and I usually go into the forest but I don't go too far away. As long as I see my house in the distance, I know how to return.

I grab my bag with my sketchbook and pencil case, in case I feel like drawing (probably won't) and step out to the back porch. The outer sliding metal door that protects the inner one is rusty and difficult to open. It would be better to oil it but I don't know when it will be done, considering that the broken railing has had a wooden board tied to it for years. I already sent my mother a message talking about it.

I enter the forest and start walking around. It's hot, of course, it's early summer, but it's quite noticeable after being in the cool inside the brick and stone house. That's the good thing about coming here in summer, the houses are made to stay cold inside and it's great, sometimes I even need to wear a jacket. But outside I'm dying, the trees don't provide enough shade. In fact, some trees are missing. I used to have my routes memorized but time has passed and some paths have changed, some have disappeared and others have formed. I admit that it makes me a little sad... I began to walk absorbed in my thoughts not paying attention to where I was going.

I'm walking away, I should go back. I'm not going to draw anything here anyway, and it's hotter outside than inside so I'm gonna to turn around-

I hear screams and laughter in the distance, the sound of the voices produces me an immediate disgust. It's those kids from the next door village. They must have come to 'investigate' about the disappearances or maybe they don't care and they just came to be idiots-

They're getting closer.

I don't want them to see me. God. Don't let them see me. Anyone but them. They're getting closser. Don't let them see me. I can't go back home now. They're cutting me off. Of all the people who could have found me. It had to be them. No, please. Don't let them see me. I have to go further into the forest, I can't let them see me. They're getting closer. Don't let them see me. I want to leave. I want to leave. I'm getting too far. I want to leave. I don't see my house. I want to leave. I don't see the village. I want to leave. I don't see the kids.

...

...

...

Where am I?

Fuck.

Where am I?

I want to leave.

I want to leave.

I want to leave.

I want to leave.

…

—

Now I'm wandering through the forest. I don't want to go back. I want to get out of here. Even though I'm walking in a straight line I feel like I'm going around in circles, and I'm not going to get out of here now. Great. I'm lost. Now what? People who get lost in this forest don't return, no one has returned except for some children.

...

I'm going to disappear.

...

For now I keep walking until something happens. Maybe there's an animal that kills people who get lost, or maybe it's a group of kidnappers, or maybe I should stop giving myself anxiety and focus on getting out of here. Maybe if I find a field or road, or even the tourist area, I'll be able to get out of here and return bordering the fores-

...

There is... colorful graffitis on the trees. Someone has painted eyes, hands, stars and more on the bark of the trees...

What's this?

I don't know where I've come to, I didn't know this was here, in the middle of nowhere in the forest. The trees have red leaves like in autumn even though summer has just started... The first thing I thought was 'climate change's fault' but there is something that stands out in the middle of this entire flat area and it is disturbing me.

In the center there is a kind of circular gate made of stones supported by roots.

Okay, maybe it doesn't sound aaaaas disturbing as, I don't know, a totem with a human figure being impaled or something, but it's giving me a bad vibe. What is this place? Who built a stone arch in the middle of everything and why?

A bird appears flying from behind me and goes through the gate, but nothing comes out on the other side... wait what? how? The bird has crossed the gate, and disappeared behind the stone arch? ...I had to imagine it, it's not possible that that happened. I approach the arch but not before picking up a rock from the ground and throwing it to the other side of the gate.

It's still there.

…

For some reason the thought of going through the gate makes me uncomfortable, so I go around it.

...

...And the rock? It's not there.

I go back and look from inside the portal.

The rock is there.

...

I look from outside. The rock is not there. I repeat this multiple times. Rock. No rock. Rock. No rock. Rock. No rock... What?

Alright, this is weird, this is VERY weird.

Even though it is clear that this isn't normal, I have to go back, pick up a fallen branch from the ground and pass it through the portal. This time I don't throw it, I've grabbed a branch long enough to see it peek out from the other side of the arch.

...

Welp.

I should be seeing not only the branch, but also my hand sticking out of the side, but I'M NOT SEEING IT. OKAY. OK. ALRIGHT. IT'S CONFIRMED. THIS IS WEIRD.

I'm asleep, right? Or unconscious. I must have passed out from exhaustion from endlessly wandering through the woods and I'm delirious or something. No, wait, it can't be, in my dreams I'm not this aware of what's around me. Where am I?

A breeze begins to pass through the gate. It's getting stronger but not enough to push me. The leaves rise from the ground and float towards the portal, none slipping outside, all entering through the stone arch. Suddenly the breeze that had become wind stops. The leaves fall to the ground.

...

I look back for a moment, as if there was something behind me that could help me make a decision. Grabbing with both hands my bag strap I look back at the portal again. Okay. Alright. This is possibly the death of me. I'm going to cross. I'm going to go to the other side. I'm just one step away from crossing. I wrinkle my face and narrow my eyes before taking the last step.

...

Nothing has happened. Everything seems the same. However, I know it's not the same... Or at least it doesn't feel the same!

Well, I've already crossed. I'm gonna... keep walking, I guess, even though this is scaring me and I don't know if I'll know how to go back. For now I'm moving forward. The red leaves have disappeared several meters ago. It's starting to look like a normal forest, except for the multicolored drawings and handprints that I keep seeing on the trees. In fact, it seems like the trees are taller with every step I take. So high that I can barely see the top. I almost tripped while looking up. Whether this is the same forest I come from, I no longer know.

This was a bad idea. I just hope to find something that'll help me know where I am, a sign or the road if possible.

*cling*

...?

I hit something with my foot. There is a ball attached to a small chain on the ground. Oh, no, wait. *cling diring ding* It's a rusty bell, I think. It doesn't have the typical cross-shaped hole or slot, rather it has several holes in a pattern. It looks like it can be opened.

There's nothing inside.

?

There's nothing? But I could have sworn it had rang. I close it again and shake it.

*...*

Nothing.

I'm going to put it in the bag, it's totally a good idea. I'll think about it later, for now I'm moving on.

—

I've been walking for a while now and throughout this time I had a constant chill on the back of my neck, as if someone had their eyes on me.

*din dirring* I hear a soft tinkling in the distance.

Okay, I'm not alone, awesome, what do I do now? Do I say hi and risk the potential danger finding me? Do I ignore the sound of bells and keep moving? It's very possible that whatever made that sound is watching me right now...

“Hello?” Still nervous, I try to say hello looking around “...” “Is someone there? H-hello?”

“-HEEEEELLO!”

“AAAAAH-!” I cover my mouth with my hands as I turn to look at what the hell has greeted me back. I take a few steps back while I look at the figure of earthy and sunny tones who responded, he seems as surprised as I am, I think (with the scream I made, normal), at least it looks like he's surprised. He wears a two toned wooden mask... it looks like a sun, with a crescent moon on its right... It gives the impression of two faces merged into one... Damn, he is tall, he's almost doubles my size. He appears to have two skin tones dividing him in half, his right side being the lighter and the left darker, especially the arm, which also has a light-colored tattoo of lines representing a sun symbol that covers from the shoulder to the pectoral and to the middle of the bicep. The right arm is covered by a long fingerless glove that reaches to the shoulder and is tied around the chest. He's wearing baggy pants with leaves coming out of the waist and legs, some... cloth boots? with a long toe bending sharply and curving in a geometric swirl with a bell at the tips, a bag hangs from the waistband of his pants and falls below his hips. His chest and neck are tied by ropes decorated with hanging stones, metals and crystals, he wears a pendant that ends in a carved symbol of a crescent moon with rays. Some of the 'sunrays' on his mask have ropes tied between them holding them in place and some metal dangling. Some red ribbons along with bells hang from his wrists.

“um... Helloooooo.” He greets again, this time he lowers his tone of voice. I manage to react, I turn around and walk away. “¡ah- eh- Wait!” Nope, I'm not going to wait and see what he does with me, I'm leaving. “He-! Hey!” Nope. I quicken my pace and try to get lost among the trees, changing direction every time he appears in my vision angle. “Human? Human-! FRIEND. Can I call you friend?!” Nope, nope, nopnop, nop, nop, nope. “Friend! Hey!” God, no, god, god, no, why are you following me? “Look, I know what you're trying to look for...! And believe me, you're not going to find it~!” How are you still following me? Where do you come from? “Hey! Listen! Why don't we do something else besides running in circles!?” Noooooooooo... “There are TONS of other activities we could do! Like... HOLY MOLY, look at this stick! Do you like sticks!?” Leave me aloneee... “You aren't looking at it! Okay, alright, you don't like sticks, erm... what might be of interest to you...” If I don't look at it it doesn't exist. “Could you help me a little here?” I want to leave... “Look, no matter how much you wander around, you won't find the portal-!”

“STOP—! STOP FOLLOWING ME! LEAVE ME ALONE!” The sudden scream startles him again, making him jump in place. He stands completely still looking at me. I'm leaving before he gets angry.

“B-but I- ...okay.” I thought I heard him say before I left him behind.

It seems that this time he's not following me, finally... Although I'm not calm, he could still be following me and simply not be in sight. Anyway, I think I'm coming back? I hope I am. I want to find that portal as soon as possible and go back to the house- what the fu-? “WHY?”

He's there. Right where I left him. Sitting on a rock. Waiting. “...! I haven't moved from the spot!”

“Yeah- but- WHY?”

“Because I knew you were going to come back here!”

“...What?”

“Is what I was trying to tell you! You can't leave! No matter how hard you try to find the portal, it won't appear before you!” The Sunman exclaimed.

“…” I'm just about to turn around. In fact, I'm already turning around.

“N-No, wait! Please don't go!” I stop in my track and look back at him. He gets off the rock he was sitting on but remains squatting, almost at my height, a little below. I move back, keeping my distance. He puts his hands up. “Look, I'm not doing anything! I won't chase you! Just- ...don't go.”

“…”

“L-look, listen, there's no way it's going to show up! Well, not to you at least. But even if you find it back, it won't work! It only works when it wants to work.”

“...” Let's imagine that I trust what he says “Ok... and when does it want to be working?”

“...” “No idea!”

“...”

“...”

I'm about to collapse on the spot. At least he doesn't seem hostile, for now. “...” “Okay... Good... Great...” “...” “FanTAS-tic.”

“...” “You don't seem like it.”

*ಠ_ಠ* I could only look to the side in frustration in response to that. I looked back at him with concern showing on my face and grabbing the strap of my bag with both hands. “And... what... do you plan to do with me?”

He took his hand to the chin of his mask and with the other he held his elbow in a comical thoughtful pose. “MmmmnnDUN know! What do you plan to do?” He asked so nonchalantly. He ended up sitting on the ground crossing his legs. “You have a good while until the portal opens again...!”

“...”

“...”

“...”

He started swaying. The silence has become uncomfortable for a while now, but I can't organize myself on what to say, and I don't know if I trust him. I don't even know if he's human, although something tells me he's not.

“You could wait here.” He suggested, breaking me out of my thoughts. “Or anywhere else, if you want. I would recommend somewhere high like the treetops (for no particular reason)! If you're going to wait... But wouldn't that be really boring?” There was something in his tone of voice... “Being there... at the top of a tree... waiting... alone... with no friends to hang out with (can I call you a friend?). Aaall on your own until the portal opens again.” He looks aside for a moment “...” And back at me again. “With no one to be with you.” He repeats the head motion “...” “alone...” Wow... I wonder what he's implying, ahem. “Wouldn't you want to have someone...? ...Someone...keeping you company?” Yeah, yeah...

“...” I guess... “I-I guess I wouldn't want to be alon-?”

He rises to his knees. “That's what I thought! Do you want me to accompany you? Only if you want! But can I?” He clasped his hands together as if asking a favor.

“um...”

“Can I?Can I?Can I?Can I?Can I?Can I?Can I?” He approaches, dragging his knees on the ground.

I'm starting to miss personal space. “Okay! Okay, alright...”

“REALLY?” He started hopping and jumping around me. “OH, ohoho hO! Great! Oh, there are TONS of things we could do! Like... Like...!” He moves faster, doing bigger and bigger flips and jumps, it almost seems that he is very light, as if the breeze of air lifted him. “We could paint and decorate trees! Or we can also paint on rocks! Or paint leaves! Or paint us! Oh! We can tell stories! I'm very good at making shadows and puppets.” He moves from place to place with each sentence he says. “We can also play something!” It's moving so fast all I can see is the wind and the leaves it stirs up as it moves. “Anything! Whatever you want!” Finally he stopped in front of me half crouched. “What do ya say?! Hmm! Friend!?”

“Don't... call me like that.” Makes me feel awkward.

“Oh...why not-? Oh true, true! How silly, I don't know your name! What do you call yourself, potential friend?”

“...”

“...” “Aren't... you gonna tell me your name?”

I twist the bag strap “Depends...” I must say I'm a little skeptical about this. “Are there any consequences for telling you my name?”

“...Consequences...?”

“Like... I don't know... Mmm-by telling you my name I become your possession and cannot regain my freedom until... certain conditions are met...”

“...”

“...”

“Why- how-? Where did you get that from!?” It did sound a bit stupid when I said it out loud.

“I dunno- that's what they say in old children's stories about elves and fairies!” I just hope the embarrassment isn't showing on my face.

“Really?” I could feel his deadpan expression behind the mask.

I shrugged.

“...” “Okay... Oh, what if I tell you my name first? Will you tell me yours? It's only fair, I'm Sun!”

“...”

“Can I know your name now?” He asked expectantly.

“...How do I know you're not trying to trick me?”

“...” I must be driving him crazy with this “The only thing I can do with your name is treasure it in my memory.” He put his hands together as if he was carefully holding something and brought them to the forehead of the mask. I gave him a distrustful look. It doesn't seem like it made him desist “Please?”

I grip at my worn out bag strap “...” “ Fern...” I ended up murmuring.

“Hmm? Fern? OH, I like it!” “Sounds like FRIEND.” He emphasized the last word by making a gesture like jazz hands, leaning to the side and moving his head closer to me.

“Yeah... I think you are missing a couple of letters.”

He straightened his posture again. “Nope, I don't think so!”

“You're still not my friend.”

“Oooowwwwwnnnnnggghhh” He lowers his head dramatically until it practically touches the ground “nnnnnnngggghh, alright!” And cartwheels to stand up again “So... what will it be?”

“Hm?”

He straightened his posture and puts his arms on his hips “We have plenty of time, ya? What do you wanna to do?”

“I don't know, what do you want to do-?” Bad mistake.

“Come with me!”

“aaAAAAA-!” Before I knew it, he had grabbed my arm and I was being dragged through the woods. We visited several places and he offered me an activity to do in each of them.

—

Sun took me to a place where the trees were full of colorful paint “We practice painting on the trees here!” He said.

“Ah.” That explains the crossed out lines and the repeated imperfect shapes. By the look of it is also where he tests the quality of the paint.

“Do you want us to paint something!?”

“Not really...”

“Oh, would you prefer it to be on a rock?”

“Nah.”

“...And in star leaves-?”

“I don't want to paint, Sun.”

“Oh... Well, I can show you more places!”

“OkayyEEEEEE-” And I'm being dragged away again.

—

He brought me to another area of the forest, the ground here seemed more leveled. Not a single tree was straight, all of them were twisted and even seemed to be hollow. “How about playing something!? Like hide and seek-! No, wait, I can’t let you out of my sight.” He mumbled at the end “And chase?! We can climb a tree and see who reaches the top first! We have a place full of vines and it's perfect for swinging- and jumping from one tree to another-!”

“I don't... really want to move a lot…” With the way he runs without getting tired and me, who doesn't exercise... he would let me dead.

“Oh... well, theeen-”

—

We arrived at a place full of vegetation and humidity. Sun seemed quite excited... “This place is full of insects! We can look for cool bugs!”

“Mmmmmnoooo... I don't want to.” I had to tell him, trying to show as little disinterest as I could.

“You don't like them?” He sounded a little disappointed hearing my reaction.

“No, I do like them, some of them, but I don't like to touch them.” And I'm terrified of them flying into my face.

“Oh, well, it's okay!” He said brushing it off and we moved on to the next stop.

—

“I know that bird!” He stopped us on the way to point at a robin high up on a branch.

“ah.” I said as I removed leaves from my hair and clothes, and checked that I still had my glasses.

“He's a little rascal!”

“...” I think the bird is making us the equivalent of 'mooning'.

—

“Look fish-! Oh, they're gone…” The noise must have scared them away “We can go find more places to look at them if you want!”

“...” “...no, pass...”

“…”

—

“Look at this stick!” Sun had suddenly sprinted past me, picked up something from the ground, and came back just as fast, showing me the stick as if it were a sword.

“oh.” It's a cool stick, must admit it.

“Do you want to look for more sticks!?”

“No...”

“oh...” He looked at the ground in disappointment.

“Why would we go looking for sticks? There are all over the ground.” Specifically, in this area the ground was all sticks. We are literally just stepping on sticks right now. I don't see the ground.

“Variety!” Sun said pointing at the ground with both hands. A branch is heard falling in the distance.

—

“That's a deer!” He pointed at the deer passing nearby. The deer stopped to look at us.

“Yeah, I see.”

“We call 'em Adoquín!”

“...Why is it called Adoquí-?”

*THUMP!*

“…”

The deer smacked itself against a tree when trying to run away. It stands still for a minute, processing the hit, looks at a side and then the other, then runs off again but this time avoiding the tree.

Another *thump!* is heard in the distance.

“...” Alright.

—

“Do you wannaaaa look for pine cones? There will be some fallen around here. Oh! We can also look for mushrooms!”

I keep saying no to everything he suggests and it doesn't look like he's going to run out of ideas to pass the time. In fact, he's very insistent that we do something. I guess at some point I'll have to say yes to something. “...” “...okay...”

“Hmm?! Okay? Okay to what?” His exaggerated surprise offends me but I don't blame him.

“To... I don't know, pine cones?”

“...You don't look very convinced.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“OKAY! On the hunt for pine cones then!” I startle a little at the sudden shout. He makes a pose pointing in a direction, as if he were leading an expedition.

He takes me through the forest looking for pine cones. We aren't finding many, especially me who's not paying any interest. He tries encouraging me to put more effort into it but I keep looking at my boots.

We passed near a shingle river. I find a pebble at my feet and bend down to pick it up and take a better look. It's like a bluish gray, it has some reddish lines in the shape of waves, it feels good to the touch.

I hear the soft tinkling of a bell and feel a shadow fall beside me. “You like pebbles?” Sun is crouched next to me with his arms full of pine cones.

“…” I nod.

We go down to the river and spend some time collecting pebbles with curious shapes or small details of colors, lines, spots, etc. He comes over to show me one every time he finds weird shapes.

“…”

*rin* This time he's hunched over resting his hands on his knees. “You look… a little down.”

“…”

“Hey... we can do something else if you're tired of the pebbles.”

“...” I drop the pebbles I was looking at on the ground.

“...” He turns his gaze from me to the sky. It hasn't gotten late enough to be getting dark, but it's been a while between the walks we've taken (dragging me from here to there), looking for pine cones and then pebbles in the river. He looks back at me. “Oh, I know! Can I take you to one last place? A better place than the ones I've shown you!”

“…” I got up from the ground and waited for him to start leading to follow him.

We enter the increasingly thick forest. The trees are taller and bigger, in fact, I start to see platforms and bridges lying between the trees, I even see small shanties in them.

“Wait here!” He takes a run and jumps onto one of the trees with bridges. He takes three steps running up the tree, with a jump he pushes himself off and climbs with agility until he reaches the platform and climbs on it. “Just a moment!” It can't be seen from here but I can faintly hear some squeaks. I have no idea of what he's doin-

*rush*

“........eh?”

A rope.

A rope has fallen. At the level of my head.

“.......”

What?

…

He said he knew a better place.

No. It can't be this.

“Is it at a good height?! Can you reach it?!” He says...

It can't be.

A better place.

He can't be referring to this.

A better place.

A better place. A better place. A better place. A better place.

“Can you put your foot in?!”

“..........” For some reason what he said throws me off. “WAT-?”

“Can you put your foot in the loop and hold on to the rope so I can pull you up!?”

“..............”

“You can't climb trees, can you?! ...or you can?"

… “...” Oh “....It's...It's too high!”

“Okay!” Squeaks are heard and the rope descends to the ground.

I put my foot into the rope as he told me and hold on to it. “O-okay...!”

“Are you ready!?”

“Yes!”

“Okay!”

He begins to pull up the rope (which doesn't tighten around my foot as it supports my weight) and helps me up to the platform. (That's what it was for, obviously, what else would he want? I'm such an...) “Come on!” He says cheerfully, as always, and takes me over the bridges. “You seem tense... Don't tell me you're afraid of heights!”

“S-something like that... it's nothing.” He tilts his head at that but he says nothing. I have an unpleasant sensation in my throat.

We arrived at a high place with a view of waterfalls, I can't see above the trees. We sat on one of the bridges, resting our arms on the rope that serves as a railing and letting our legs hang off the bridge. I've thought about taking out the sketchbook to draw... but I don't really feel like it right now, so I just quietly observe the landscape. It is a better place, yeah.

…

I feel watched. I turn to look at him ...Of course he was looking at me. I don't even know whether to say something or keep quiet. ...I decide... not to say anything and look to the front.

“You... aren't very talkative, huh.”

“…”

“Not that it's a bad thing! Many people who have come here weren't very talkative at first either.” More people...

“...” “I have… nothing to talk about.” I don't want to talk.

“...” “Well, I do.”

“…”

“If it's okay with you, of course.” He laughed. Although something tells me that he is going to talk anyway.

“…”

“...” “What brings you to the forest?”

“...” Really? “I got lost.”

“Yeah, I already know!” He says between laughs “But what made you get lost?”

“...” “There was a group of kids I didn't want to get close to and I decided to go into the woods to lose them.” He makes a 'hum' sound and looks at me expectantly waiting for me to continue “And... I ended up getting myself lost...”

“...” “Only that?”

“...” “Well, yeah.” What do you mean 'oNlY tHaT'?

“...Mmm...” He places his hand on the chin of the mask.

“...” “What?”

“Nothing!” “...” “You know? You're the first human to visit the forest in a loooong time. For several cycles now…”

“Cycles?”

“Mhm” He nods.

“...What are cycles?”

Sun points to the sky “The turns that the Moon makes in the sky!” He emphasizes by rotating his arm in the air. It's pointing right at the Moon that's visible in the sky.

“Oh...” He uses the lunar cycles to know what day he's in, makes sense. “...” “So no one has been here in a while.”

“That's what I said! Well no, but yes!”

“A-and so the humans who came are still here? Have they been here all this time?”

“Yeah...! Well, no!” He paused. “They're gone!”

“What do you mean they're-?” He didn't let me finish the question.

“They are gone! They 'left'!” It sounded like he had given this answer many times already.

“What do you mean they left-?”

“They 'left'!”

“...” “...You mean...they disappear-?”

“Nope!” “...” “Something like that!” “…” “Mmmore or less…” He hesitated between one answer and another.

It seemed worthless to ask about the missing people. “...okay.” “Can I ask you-?”

“You can ask me anything!” A hint of nervousness escaped his tone.

“...okay. What is this forest?”

“My home! And the home of many other animals.”

“...” “Alright, and... how many are you...? How many of you live here? I mean. You have taken me everywhere and we haven't seen anyone of your…” I make a pointing gesture, spinning my hand around in the air. He can't be human, it doesn't look like he is. “...” “Honestly, I don't know what you are.”

“...” “There's only me... And someone else!” He looks away, as if trying to hide something.

“Oh... and who's that someone?”

“Oh! N-no, don't worry! He’s… just a friend… But it’s not important that you meet him or anything!” He brushes it off making a gesture with his hand. “Uh-um- How about we talk about you!? huh? What things do you like? Earlier, since you said no to everything, I thought you didn't like ANYTHING!” He continued talking without letting me respond. “I didn't know what to do if I ran out of ideas. I started to worry! But at least you're not one of those who spend all day shouting and threatening with a weapon in hand, ahaha...” He let out a nervous laugh.

“Um-”

“Well, you ran away screaming, yes.” He began to gesticulate widely as he complained “Like everyone-! No, not like everyone, some don't run, but those who, apart from running and screaming, attack you...! I mean...!” Something tells me he wasn't going to shut up and I was already half listening. “First they throw rocks at my head, then they insult me and run away. And I have to run after them because I can't just leave a human running around alone! No! I can't! Not in this forest! Anything could happen to them! But they never let me warn them!” He sounded tired. “And when I get them to stop running away from me, they throw things at me again and yell before demanding me to tell them where are they and how to get out of here, and when I explain it, they yell at me even more and accuse me of lying!” He turns to look at me with his hands pointing to his chest. “What reason would I have to lie?!” I don't know if he hasn't noticed or if he's ignoring the deapan I responded with. “UGH! I don't know what to do with those! But anyhow... I'm so glad we found something to do in the end!

“eh?” I snap out of my thoughts. It seems that now he is directing the conversation to me.

“The pebbles!” He sits turning his body towards me, leaving one single leg hanging from the bridge and the other resting on it. He takes out of his pocket some of the pebbles that he had been collecting with me. “I don't know why I assumed you wouldn't want to look for rocks. Maybe because you didn't want to paint them before... You left them back in the river in the end tho, I thought you would keep some.”

“Ah... I don't know. I didn't think I could take them with me.”

“You can keep some of mine!”

“No, it's okay.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

“You suuuuure??” He insist.

“Yeees.”

He puts a pebble very close to my face “Suuuuuuuure?” Each 'u' sounding higher than the last.

“...” I push the pebble away from my face “Yeeeees.”

“mmmh... Okay! But I hope you don't regret it later when you don't have a cool rock like these and think 'Oh man, I could have a cool rock right now!'.” After a bad impression of me, he keeps the rocks in his pants. “So... Besides pebbles, what else do you like? Mm? I haven't been able to deduce much from today.”

“Don't know.”

“What do you mean you don't know!? Oh! Is it a secret?” He approaches and starts to whisper, putting his hands to the mask's mouth “I won't tell anyone, promise.”

“No. I don't know.” I looked to the side. “I can't think of anything... so suddenly.”

“ooow...” He slumps a little over the railing, looking sad.

“…” I hesitate whether to say something or not “...Drawing...”

“Mmm?!” He no longer seems sad.

“And listening to music, I guess.” “It's... all I do... most of the time.”

“Really!? Oh! I also like drawing! And music! But is that really all you do all day? Don't you do other kinds of things? Like reading! Or writting. Don't you go out for a walk or play with your friends?” I wrinkle my face at that last bit and he tilts his head in confusion.

“I don't go out.” “I have comics, but I rarely read.”

“Comics?”

“Um... They are stories but instead of narrating what happens there are drawings and only what the characters say is written.”

“...It's a book with drawings?”

“Yeah, but with a lot of drawings on each page, from start to finish.”

“WOAH.” He sounded perplexed. “That's drawing A LOT.”

“Yeah, it is.”

“Ahh, I'd love to see what they look like.” He rested his arm on the railing to hold his head in his hand “Too bad I can't…”

“I didn't bring them anyway.”

“Do you normally carry them around?”

“No, it's just that I didn't bring them to the village with me, I left them at home.”

“...” “Oh!” It seems that something has clicked on him. “You are not from the village.”

“No, I'm from a more urban area. My family used to come to the village every year in the summer, but we stopped coming. Now it seems that we are trying to get back into the habit.” I sighed.

“Why did you stop coming?”

“...That's personal.”

“Oh... okay.” He let a minute of awkward silence pass. “Hey, I can bring some books that I have at home! I think you might be interes-!” He looks away from me to the sunset behind us, the sun is almost gone. “-ted...” I look at the sunset too and then at him with confusion. “...” “...oh...oh-OH, Oh-no!” He stands up abruptly causing the bridge to shake slightly. What could have he seen? “We have to move!” He extends a hand to help me up. “We have to start moving!”

I get up in a hurry on my own, ignoring his hand. “O-okay, to where?”

“Come, run!” Once again he grabs me by the arm and leads me over the bridges between the trees until we reach a tree hut. It's small and dark, it looks like a small shelter. He opens the door and enters “You'll spend the night here, stay inside, do not go out, try to hide well and don't open the windows or doors, okay? Here, there are some blankets. I'll come back later.”

“Wait wait wait! What? What do you mean you'll come back later? What's happening? Why do I have to hide-!?”

“Sssh-ssh-sh” He grabs me and covers my hand with his, his left hand resting on the back of my right hand. He begins to speak in a calmer tone, with a voice that I had not heard him use until now. “It's okay, nothing happens. I have to go, I'll come back, but I can't stay now. You hide, try to rest, I'll be back, I promise.”

“...” I take my hand away from his. “Okay.” “I'll stay, but don't take too long.” Please, I don't want to be here alone.

“Yes. I'll be back.” He affirmed one last time. I watch him run away and disappear among the trees and undergrowth. I enter the small shelter to inspect it.

*TAP TAP TAP* *PLOK* *TAP TAP FOOSSSH! *

…? A noise comes from behind me. I turn around and there's a pebble on the floor.

…

Okay.

I take out my phones flashlight to see better inside the house. There are what appear to be some trunks, small cabinets, and a trapdoor in the floor, It seems that there are corners and blind spots for the windows where the little moonlight that enters through the cracks cannot reach. It's freezing cold and I haven't brought my jacket. I leave the bag on the floor against the wall, I cover myself with the blanket and curl up in a ball in the most hidden corner I can find. I'm tired, I want to sleep, but I can't close my eyes.

…

—

It's been a few hours now.

…

I can't sleep, I simply can't.

…

It doesn't look like he's coming back.

*creek*

…?

*rin*

*tap tap, creek*

Sun?

“S-...” I pause before saying a word, I have the feeling I shouldn't speak. I remain silent and wait.

*tap, tap, tap, creeeeeek, tap*

*rin dirrin*

If it were Sun he would have already let me know it is him. That or he's playing a prank on me which isn't funny, but I'd better stay silent. From the shadow I look at the windows. I notice movement through the cracks, something has just passed through the wall next to me.

*dirriring dirring*

I cover myself more with the blanket, back against the wall, I stay as still as I can, I leave a gap between the blankets and the floor to see. A red glow sneaks through the cracks in the window and scans the room.

…

The glow is gone.

*tap, tap, rin, tap, dirring, tap, tap*

It's on the roof.

…

*tap, tap, tap...*

It moves again.

*rin *

…

It sounded on the other side of the wall.

…

…

“nghehe...”

It laughed. Why did it laugh? Whatever is on the other side of the wall just let out a laugh that made the hairs on the back of my neck and all over my back rise.

…

Oh no.

Oh no no no no no no no no.

I have to move. I have to get out of here. I can't stay here.

*creeek*

It came from the door. It's trying to get in.

*rin*

The trapdoor.

*rin dirring*

Where was the trapdoor?

*creek creeeek*

I crawl across the floor making the minimum noise, carefully feeling the floor, looking for the edge of the door.

*tap tap ring dirring*

…!

I found it. I open it carefully. It's too high. I'm at a very high altitude, I don't know if I'll be able to go down.

*rin, creeek...*

…

Fuck it. I slip through the gap quietly, closing it slowly, but that doesn't stop the door from creaking. I cling to the bark of the tree-

…

I left my bag. If it comes in and see it it'll know for sure that I have been there-

…

It doesn't matter now. I have to focus on getting down from the tree without killing myself. My fingers hurt and I can't put my foot down properly because of the soles of my boots. I feel like I'm going to slip at any moment. Somehow I make it to the ground. Still attached to the tree, I look up at the house. I don't see it-

…

A shadow appears from behind the tree. I press myself against the tree and hold my breath. It's looking for something. When he doesn't seem to look I move to a nearby tree, he moves to another tree, I move to the next, and the next, and the next. We continue like this until I start to get further and further away from him. When I think I've lost him I start running. I hide behind a tree to catch my breath.

…

I slowly peek out from behind the tree.

*rin*

…

It sounded above me.

…

I don't look up, I run.

“nnghehee...” He laughs.

He gives me a few seconds advantage before coming after me. The chase begins.

I run forward as much as I can, I hear his footsteps behind me but I don't look back, there's no time for that. I hear him laughing like a madman as he moves from left to right, from one tree to another, crawling on the ground, trying to confuse me, waiting for me to make the slightest mistake to catch me.

“Ah-” I trip. As soon as I fall to the ground I get up, ripping my stockings and scraping my knees, falling again, my nerves not letting me stand up.

“Nnhehehhehe...” Asshole. He has stopped running, he approaches by walking. I try to keep as much distance as my hands and legs allow me to move. I search desperately with my hand for something on the ground to throw. Finally my hand finds something.

I throw a rock at him “AGH!”

The rock passes by him, flying one or two meters away from him. He hasn't even moved, he didn't move a single muscle to avoid it, he just watches me still from where he is. I hear the nearby *pof* of the rock falling to the ground.

“...”

“...”

…

I get up and run. He grabs my leg and I fall to the ground again. He won't let me get up, every time I try he throws me to the ground. I struggle, I kick, but I don't break free from his grip. He never stops laughing, he is enjoying this. He drags me closer to him, no matter how much I twists, he doesn't let go. “ACKH-!...Hhhh-hh...-hh-h...” He grabs me by the neck, red pupils stared at me, I'm looking straight into his crescent moon mask (or waning, I don't know. Do you think I care right now?). He raises his free hand and his veins begin to glow a platinum color that extends to his fingertips. The hand approaches my face, I don't know what it's going to do to me, I'm scared, I don't want to look. I close my eyes, cover my face with my hands. I wait.

…

…

…?

Nothing's happening. It stopped. Why?

“Mun, nïe.” I hear Sun's voice. I open my hands a little to see what's going on. Indeed, it is Sun, several meters away from us... He looks exhausted. The one with the moon mask stares at him for a moment, until he decides to look at me again while bringing his glowing veiny hand closer. “¡Mun!” The Moonman looks at Sun again “Fehreh.” He seems to speak another language, I don't understand what he says.

“...” “Nïe” For the first time I hear him say something else besides laughing. Even though I can't understand him.

“Fïer pehgïer.” Sun responds.

“...” Moonman remains silent again.

“Bïelïe óubseh góuh...” Sun continues.

“Móu txehb móunsuvïe.” The Moon responds.

“Lïe bóu ¿Sóundïe mïesugïeb fehreh nïe txehtehrlïe?”

…

The air feels tense. Probably because of the hand grabbing my neck.

“¿Zkaóu fuóunbehb txehtóur tkaehnvïe nïe bóueh mehb zkaóu ïesreh rehuh óunsóurrehveh óun leh suóurreh?” Longest sentence I've heard him say so far.

“...” “Fïer óubseh góuh.” “...” “Vóuyehmóu óuntehrdehrmóu vóu óulleh” Sun takes a step forward “Nïe suóunóu fïer zkaóu ehtehkehr ehbu” Another step forward “Nïe sóunóumïeb fïer zkaóu txehtóurlóub... óubsïe” Another step “Óullïeb bïelïe óubsehn... fóurvuvïeb.”

“...” There's no response from the moon man.

“Behkehb tïemïe óub óubïe.”

“...”

…

The hand that grabbed my neck now grabs my shirt and yanks it. I grab his wrist as he pulls me to my feet and drags me to Sun, making me stumble. He throws me against him. Sun catches me before I fall over.

“Ska óubpkaóurhïe óub óun gehnïe.” The moon says something as he walks past. Sun puts a hand on his shoulder before letting him go, there's a pause between the two. The Moonman disappears into the trees. Wind and leaves are heard passing by.

…

He's gone. I feel dizzy. I fall down.

—

…

…

…

A faint light begins to seep through the cracks, illuminating enough to wake me up and make me open my eyes, I look around. I see my bag propped against the wall. I'm at the shelter where Sun left me.

…

My body aches, I have a hard time keeping my eyes open, it feels like I've been sleeping on the hard floor. No, wait, there are some blankets underneath me... It's still too hard to sleep well, either that or as I said, it shouldn't help me at all that everything hurts. After a while of staring at the ceiling I try to sit up. I emphasize trying. With every slight effort a pained moan escapes me.

“Oof...” Hurts.

*creek, tap tap tap tap*

Those wood creaks bring back bad memories from last night (which by the way, I'm alive, wow, I just realized), I can't help but cringe at every noise, I hear footsteps approaching, I try to move but the stinging pain prevents me from it.

*creek... *

The door opens.

Triangular shapes appear through the door followed by orange earth tones. “…Oh…!” “Early bird!” Thank god it's Sun and not the other one, or something worse “I didn't expect you up this early!” He says laughingly.

“ah?”

“How are you feeling?” He walks in. When he sets foot inside I lean back, towards the wall. “...” I don't really know why I did that. Sun stands at the door showing confusion with his usual head tilt. “...Arrr...re you okay, Fern?”

“...” I became tense suddenly. I really don't know still if I can trust him? He hasn't done anything to me yet but that doesn't mean that I can trust him. I don't know if he plans to do something with me like whatever that other one, the moon one, was going to do last night. “...ehh...hhh...h...” I can't get a word out, I'm afraid to ask.

“Mm?”

“...” I don't know what to say to him. My eyes go somewhere else.

…

He enters further into the house, ignoring that I keep my distance from him, leaves a bag he was carrying on the floor and begins to open the windows, letting in the little light of the dawn that is just beginning. He kneels on the floor in front of me with the bag. “Are you hungry?” He opens the bag and takes out an apple “Do you like apples?”

“...”

“No?”

“...”

“Um... I also brought berries... (It's what I had on hand coming here) There are... different types, you can choose” He brings the bag closer to me. I move further away. “uhhh...”

“...” I want to leave.

“You don't like them either...?”

“...” I don't want to eat. I want to leave.

“...”

“*snif... *”

“u-um...!”

“...*snif* *sob*...” I started crying out of nowhere.

“Ahhh...! D-do- don't cry! Ah-I-Um- Ca-can go find other things you might like-!”

I felt ashamed for crying and I put my hands to my face trying to wipe away the tears, but they wouldn't stop coming. “*hic, sniff, snif *” I looked away in an attempt to cover my face. I ended up looking at the floor, letting my hair act as a curtain.

“I can go in a moment!” Sun was already getting up.

“...w-want to leave...” I managed to get a murmur out.

“...W-what? Um...”

“...” *hic, hic *

“O-okay, um... If you aren't hungry... -we can do something else- uh- we can go look for rocks like yesterday in the river!”

“...” I don't want to do anything “...want to leave...”

“O-or we can do something else! Ah-bah-b-b-b- W-won't you like to go draw??! Somewhere, some landscape?! Wherever you want! We can draw together! If you prefer we can look for animals instead of landscapes!”

“...leave...want to...go... *hic, snif *”

“¡D-don't n- uh! ¡L-let's... um- let's not- uh!” He no longer knew how to order his words “H-hey, ¿Why don't we go to-?” He extends his hand towards my arm.

“I want to go home...”

He stops before touching me and removes his hand. “...” “...home?” There is a pause. He remains silent and unmoving. He finally speaks “Do you want…?” His tone became more serious.

“...”

“...to... go see the portal?” I look up slightly, I can't see through the tears and the fogged lenses of my glasses.

“...” I nod my head.

—

…

We didn't walk far until the red began to become visible. He brought me back to the portal. The same plain of red leaves and stone arch in the center of it all, as yesterday.

…

Sun has been quiet the entire time.

He advances towards the portal and stands facing it. He turns. “Come.” He extends his hand towards me. “You can pass through.”

“...”

I advance towards the portal. I stop before crossing. If it doesn't take me back home, what do I do? I don't want to stay.

A breeze begins to come out of the portal. The breeze turns to wind, the leaves rise, they pass through us. It's the same thing that happened yesterday when I went to cross. I turn to face Sun. Motionless, he looks back at me, the leaves pause in the air for a second as if time has stopped, the wind changes. From where the wind and leaves came now they come in, they push me towards the portal. I finally cross it.

…

Am I in the forest I know? I turn to look at Sun who stayed behind in the portal. “...Sun?” He's not there. I look around. He's not here. I've already crossed the portal, he must have left.

I notice a sudden draft pass by me. It's soft, like someone walking past you. I turn towards the forest, I have to start moving, I don't want to be here another minute.

...The air current that I noticed has lifted some leaves, they reach the trees, between them the wind does something strange, it forms a transparent silhouette. It looks like Sun, I can barely see him but I could swear it's him. The wind figure raises its hand and makes a gesture, it wants me to follow it. When I approach it turns around and walks into the forest, leaving a trail of leaves behind it. I follow the trail of the air current. Sometimes it stops to look at me, making sure I'm still following it. The red-leafed trees and the paintings disappear from view the farther we go. We crossed the forest until we arrived at the entrance of the town, near my house. There is no one on the street. If I walked into the house and pretended nothing had happened, officially no one would have noticed my absence.

I'm not one hundred percent sure if the wind figure that guided me is Sun or not, but I should at least thank him for bringing me back.

…

The air current has dissipated before I turn around. I look around, there's no one.

…

…

…

I enter the house, go up to my room and throw the bag on the floor. I go to the bathroom to wash. …I feel something strange in my hands but I couldn't say what. Doesn't matter. I change my clothes and get into bed, the tiredness of the previous night makes my body succumb immediately and I fall asleep instantly.

—

…

…

…

“ah...!” I wake up with my lungs begging for air. I need a moment to calm my breathing. I look at the clock without lifting my head from the pillow.

…

It is 12 midday. I rub my eyes and from my eyes I move to my face. I'm still tired. My body still aches. I stare at the ceiling.

…

My bag. I reach out to pick it up from the floor, making strange positions so as not to get out of bed.

I open it and search in the pockets. The bell. I put the bell to my ear. “...” I shake it.

*rin, diring diring*

“...”

I open it.

…

It's empty.

[agreeewrites]

Tips on writing a book?

you've opened the flood gates, please bear with me

writing a book is one of the most challenging and rewarding things a person can do. there will be days where it's the most fun you've ever had, and there will be days where you'd rather smash your fingers with a hammer than write another word.

it's all part of the process. It's a labor of love; labor being the key word. It is as mechanical as it is creative.

that being said, here are my trade secrets:

REMINDER!! EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. TAKE WHAT RESONATES. LEAVE WHAT DOESN'T.

Know your characters before you start writing. You don't need a plot really, or even a world. The best novels have the best characters, they are the single most important part of your story. When you reflect on your favorite books, most of the time, it'll be the characters you remember loving and cheering for (or rooting against), not specific plot points or descriptions.

Now, you don't need to know their zodiac sign, favorite food, and preferred sleeping position, but you need to know what drives them, what pushes them to do the things they do? Is it a loved one, an item, a legacy? Keep it small, keep it specific. Saving the world is far too large, but repaying a blood debt to a childhood best friend is compelling. Then, how far are they willing to go for it? And at what point do they stop? What needs to happen to push them beyond that point? Therein lies the soul of your story, and the rest of the body will be built around it.

Build a writing routine that works WITH you. Writing a novel requires a lot of work and time. Look at your current day-to-day, not your IDEAL day-to-day, what it actually is. Be brutally honest with yourself. Whether you've got three hours of downtime, or twenty minutes in the pick-up line, figure out how much of it you want to commit to writing, and build a WC goal that fits into it.

For me, 1,500 words a day is the sweet spot. I can knock out a fairly clean chunk of 1,500 in about an hour and half. It's not hard for me to find that time, but it'll look different for everyone. Find what works for you, be flexible, and most importantly, BE KIND TO YOURSELF.

Even just 100 words a day is a win.

Fill your creative well regularly. Writing is an act of reaping. You are pouring forth and creating something from nothing. That requires a lot of energy, and it's absolutely vital that you replenish that energy and nourish your imagination frequently. It can be books, movies, music, whatever. Find what inspires you and consume it like air. You will be a better writer and a happier person for it.

All a first draft has to do is exist. That's it. If the first draft exists, regardless of form or quality, it's a victory. You cannot improve upon a blank page.

It's okay to write out of order. If you've got a scene at the end of the book that's taking up all your brain space, but you're only a quarter of the way in, just write it. Get it out of your head and onto paper. No one says you have to write the book in linear order. You'll feel more inspired and energized without all the mental clutter, and you'll curb any feelings of resentment or guilt that are motivation-killers.

Write for yourself first. We all have big dreams of being published (and that's ok!), but when you're focused on the selling, it sucks energy, focus, and authenticity from the actual creating. Write for fun, edit to sell. Or else you'll get nowhere fast.

Give yourself permission to be cringey and bad. Be self-indulgent. Be cliché. Be cringe. And do it badly. Write steaming piles of scalding hot garbage. Then do it again. I promise there will be nuggets of gold buried beneath the shit.

Now, some less lofty advice:

Find one tool to plan/plot and stick with it. I recommend Notion for digital planning.

Have a dedicated writing space. Kitchen table, closet floor, meticulously organized writing desk, I don't care, but have somewhere you can go that is predominantly for writing. For me, it's one specific chair at my dining room table.

Use a writing program that you can access anywhere and is backed up to the cloud. Back it up often. I use Reedsy.

Read craft books by the masters in your chosen genre. Learn the genre standards. You have to know the rules before you can break them.

We are no better than dogs. Treat yourself recklessly and often.

There is a worse writer than you getting published as we speak. Anyone can do it, and that includes you.

You only fail when you quit. Keep writing.

I believe in you!!!

[graysparrowao3]

Fic Writer Questions

Helloooo! <3 Sorry to not have been around lately, life has been a bit rough but we persevere! Fic writing has kept me going, so this felt apt. On that note, you are loved and valid whoever you are and whoever you love 💛

P.s. While I was responding to this I saw some hugs come in for the hugs tags and I genuinely got a little touched 🫂 Virtual hugs to you all Tumblr friends <3 Please do feel welcome to let me know if I missed any of your amazing creations.

Thank you for the tag in dear @effelants! Who is currently sharing the long-awaited Dragon Age Alistair/Warden fic Sanguine!

An open invitation to all the writers out there who are missing a tag, and also tags to pass along the game and share if you'd like! <3 @dustdeepsea @beesht @velocitross @lolliputian @dutifullylazybread @lostinforestbound @kimberbohwrites @forget-me-maybe @reverieblondie @rinwellisathing @crowwolf @falcatas @shewolfofvilnius @lemonsrosesandlavender @redroomroaving @vera-king-hrfl @lizziemajestic

1) How many works do you have on AO3?

34 works.

2) What's your total AO3 word count?

274,996 words.

3) What are your top five fics by kudos?

I think by and large this mostly reflects when the fics were posted.

What If Rolan Was a Companion - Rolan/gn!Tav multichapter.

The Night at Last Light Inn - Rolan/M!Tav one-shot.

A Perfectly Reasonable Exchange - Rolan/gn!Tav one-shot.

What If Aradin Pushed Zevlor Too Far - Aradin/Zevlor oneshot.

A One Night Stand at The Blushing Mermaid - Rugan/Aradin one-shot.

4) What fandoms do you write for?

Baldur's Gate 3, that's what got me started on writing fanfic and I'm still deep in that brainrot.

5) Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Yes, even if I can't get to it right away. How kind that someone spent their time to read something I wrote and share something about it with me, I mean, that's the dream right there. I want to be sure to share gratitude for it. Also, that social aspect has been so lovely in general, meeting readers, other writers and fandom friends, and I'm always stoked if I comment and the writer replies to me.

6) What’s the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Hoo boy. The 10th installment of The Northern Bastards for sure, which was supposed to 100% be the end (and most of the ones before it lolol). At the time I really was committed to it, then things happened in the world and I needed to manifest a happy ending somehow someway. My eternal gratitude to everyone who saw/wanted more even before I was moved to continue writing it.

7) What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Oddly enough, I think it's going to be How to Keep a Man and Lose a Devil, which was suggested and named by @crowwolf! We're 2 chapters from the end, and it's turned the series in a legitimate romance with a happy ending. I'm currently editing out the angsty moments in the rest of the draft because it just started to get sweeter and sweeter and less and less angsty. What a transformation!

8) Do you get hate on fics?

Maybe some that was less-than-thoughtful and discouraging, but not hateful, no. If anything I did almost expect some when I started the NB series but everyone has been incredibly supportive and kind.

9) Do you write smut?

Well, I do now! I've shared before, but for my own psychological safety I was very cautious about that and hadn't written smut before, but it's been very liberatory in adding that to my writing and definitely improved my skill and depth overall. I tend not to write it in isolation (my smut-writing 'experiment' "oneshot" is now 133,365 words and counting, whoops!).

10) Do you write crossovers?

I haven't as yet, but I did have an idea I enjoyed about the Zhentarim crew from BG3 doing a charity episode of Great British Bake-Off which I think would be hilarious.

11) Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know of.

12) Have you ever had a fic translated?

Not that I know of.

13) Have you ever cowritten a fic before?

I think The Night at Last Light Inn with @bihanny's Tav, Nox, would count! That was very fun.

14) What’s your all-time favorite ship?

Huh. Well I'm not sure about all-time favourite. Much like 'fic', I didn't know what 'ship' was until someone told me it's what I was doing 😂 I suppose if I go through the games I like where there are choices, these are the couples that I always go for:

Mass Effect: Kaidan x M!Shep

Dragon Age Inquisition: Cullen x F!RogueLavellan

BG3: ...I don't know what happened. I appear to be smashing Rugan and Aradin together against all of our wills until it became a thing. I enjoy a lot of the NPC ships though, with other NPCs or OCs it's all good!

16) What are your writing strengths?

I think I've received good feedback on my characterizations, especially where it pertains to dialogue. I like to think I'm also fairly good with regards to writing and conveying emotions, personal conflict, and relationships, particularly so far with regards to angsty and emotional stuff.

17) What are your writing weaknesses?

Well I had to relearn dialogue grammar, but now that's out of the way... I think sometimes I struggle with coming up with fun and interesting, exciting original things, which is probably why I like writing other people's OCs and fic/plot suggestions. It gives inspiration to go places I might not have come up with otherwise. For fic I also tend to fall back on familiar words/phrases/constructions, but I'm okay with that. It's all for fun.

18) Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in a fic?

I haven't done. I don't have the fluency or knowledge to make it accurate and culturally respectful, but with research or lived experience it would be great to read cultures and languages diverse from mine.

19) First fandom you wrote for?

Baldur's Gate 3, baybeeee! Still here deep in the BG3 brainrot.

Technically my first work on AO3, and how I found the site, is actually a series of posts following the first 3 Dragon Age games, but it's not really fanfic per se.

20) Favorite fic you’ve ever written?

What If Rolan Was A Companion was my first fic, so it will always be a bit special, even though I didn't even know 'writing fic' was what I was doing at the time lolol. There's a lot I'd do differently in it if I were to write it now with the knowledge I have, but it was the start of something special that lead to a lot of things I never would have expected so its meaning extends beyond the writing itself.

[realtrashyracoon]

"I'm a Rockstar Babe"

Todd Ingram X Bottom Male! Reader

☆ Summary: [Name] reunites with an old high-school friend turned rockstar things take a turn when they restart their old high-school ways.

☆ NSFW

☆Request: Yes or No

☆ Word count: 2,836

☆Genre: Angst to Smut (Kinda)

☆Warnings: Smut, degradation, manipulation (kinda, tbh I just tried making him cocky but rereading it it sounds like bro is manipulating), Bl♡wjobs, slapping, just douchy rockstar things, spitting (he's one of those ppl)

☆Authors note: Dude, I rewatched the movie and reread the novels, and why is Todd so mf fine like WHAT? And why are there no stories about this man? Anyways enjoy!! (P.s this has been in my drafts for like 2 months now and I've never finished editing it for some reason...)

Also look at the comic version of him like WHAT A CUTIE like yeah sure he's arrogant, narcissistic, uncaring, and may or may not be a pathological liar, and a walking red flag but like that red looking a little orange so??? PRAYING SOME OF YALL READ THIS!!

Did this count as being a groupie? No. It's not like I'm some obsessed super fan like Joseph I mean for fucks sake I knew Todd in high school [Name] thought as he lay on the mattress of the cheap motel room waiting for Todd to get out of the shower.

10:15 P.M. - some time earlier

[Name] was shoved and pushed around by the hundreds of thousands of fans who had gathered to watch the band play. The band in question was none other than The Clash at Demonhead. [Name] new one of the members (while technically two if you count Envy but they didn’t know each other. They were more of acquaintances really.) Todd Ingram who he was close friends with. Really close.

He'd given him head a couple of times (and slept with him too) but that didn't mean anything to them (yes it did.) it was what Todd considered a "bro-job" whatever the fuck that was. But that's not important (yes it is) what is important is how quickly their friendship ended after he got with Envy. They tried to keep in touch but after the band blew the absolute fuck up he cut ties with him.

Did it hurt? Yes. A lot. But [Name] didn't let it get to him he still supported Todd even if Todd himself didn't know it. [Name] bought every CD, vinyl, and cassette tape, and got tickets to most shows. He even tried to get backstage passes to rekindle his relationship with Todd but the prices were far out of his price range.

There have been times when for a quick second he'd seen Todd after a show or two and waved to him or said a quick word but he didn't recognize him. Which also hurt. How can you not recognize someone you spent almost TEN YEARS of your life with? But [Name] was determined to catch up with his best friend so after pulling a couple of night shifts and saving up some money he... still didn’t have enough.

10: 50 P.M.

"Todd's so hot!"

"Jesus Envys even hotter in person!"

"Why's that chick got a robotic arm?"

These are just some of the things [Name] heard throughout the event which was on the verge of ending.

12:10 A.M. - Later

The concert was over and [Name] pushed and shoved his way out of the venue and quickly rushed towards the back of the building looking for the band.

"Come on please don't tell me I missed them!"

His shoes thudded against the gravel, and as he rounded the corner a gate came into view.

"No. No, no, no, no!"

The gate door was slid open. How safe right?

"Envy? Do you wanna get a bite to eat or something?"

[Name] stopped for a moment as he saw Todd standing there his guitar case in hand talking to Envy. He took a deep breath and stepped through the gates. Fuck?

"T-todd?"

Todd turned to look at him a look of shock and anger upon his face.

"Who the hell let you in" Todd asked as he stepped closer to [Name] his voice coming off as aggressive as his eyes and hair started to glow.

"N-no one the gate was open."

"So you just snuck in?"

"I'm [Name], [First name], [Last name] we went to high school together. Remember?"

Todd's eyes and hair stopped glowing as his hair drifted back down in front of his face.

"You're kidding?!"

Todd dropped his guitar case and ran up to [Name] his tough guy rockstar persona shedding completely. He threw his arms around [Name] and pulled him into his chest. [Name] could feel the heat rising to two places as his face was smushed into Todd's rather large pecs.

"Todd you're squishing me..." [Name] said his voice muffled.

"Sorry!" He pulled away. "Jesus it's been a long time since we've seen each other... I'm a Rockstar!"

"I can see that!"

"Todd, what the fuck is going on," Envy asked?

Todd turned to look at them wrapping his arm around [Name's] waist. "This is [Name] from high school! He's my best friend remember?"

"While to me he looks like a fucking groupie! Let's go" Envy replied.

"I'm not a groupie..."

"Do you think he can come back to the motel with us?"

"No."

"Find some other cheap motel to fuck in," The Bionic arm bitch said.

"He's not a groupie and we're not gonna fuck! He's my friend and I wanna catch up with him!"

"Find. Another. Motel." Envy said the tone of her voice showed her annoyance more than anything.

12:30 A.M.

And they did find a cheap motel in an extremely unsafe part of town. Fits the stereotype, huh? A rockstar takes one of his fans to a cheap rundown-looking motel just to get it in.

[Name] once again was hugging Todd but this time was looking up at him.

"I'm so sorry for ghosting you [Name]."

"It's fine."

Todd's hands traveled down [Name's] back and reached his ass and groped it firmly, making [Name] let out an involuntary yelp. He pushed Todd off of him, causing the blonde boy to let out a laugh.

"What's the matter [Name] just like old times!"

"Todd aren't you dating Envy or something?"

He shifted his weight on his feet annoyingly.

"I'm a Rockstar babe we don't date," Todd said cockily.

"Oh?"

"I'm gonna hop in the shower. I know I reek of sweat... care to join me?"

"Smooth Todd.... real smooth."

He winked at [Name] and waltzed into the bathroom and shut the door behind him. After a minute or two he heard the shower go on.

Did this count as being a groupie? No. It's not like I'm some obsessed super fan like Joseph I mean for fucks sake I knew Todd in high school [Name] thought as he lay on the mattress of the cheap motel room waiting for Todd to get out of the shower.

"Do I wanna do this... again?"

The first time [Name] and Todd ever did anything together was on his eighteenth birthday. They were both unbelievably drunk, and both were bored lying on Todd's bed in silence. One of them now and then would say something, and they would have a short conversation.

"H-heyyy~ [Name] can I ask you for a favor," Todd asked his words coming out slurred.

"Yeah- hic! What'sss ~'s up?"

"Do you think you could um... s-suck me off?"

"Why?"

"Well, I'm one drunk! And two horny as fuck~! So can you?"

"You know what fuck it! You are my best friend!"

[Name] slid his basketball shorts off and then his boxers and grabbed at his length.

"I've never done this before so um... bear with me~."

Todd nodded his head a goofy grin on his face. "Do it as if someone's doing yours."

[Name] took him into his mouth slowly going down inch by inch the girth was almost too much to handle. Almost.

But that was years ago. They were two dumb eighteen-year-olds who were just helping each other out. But [Name] didn't feel that way anymore... but reminiscing on their old days made [Name] slowly begin to get hard in the shorts Todd had given him.

[Name] rubbed himself through the fabric and pushed down on it, making him release a soft moan. He needed Todd he didn't realize how badly he did until right then and there. The door opened to the bathroom, and [Name] quickly through the blanket over his lap.

Todd walked out with just a towel around his waist, his bulge catching [Names] eye as well as his body, which was still wet and glistened in the light.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting another pair of boxers, I forgot to bring them into the shower..." Todd looked at [Name] and noticed the tent that was forming underneath the blanket. "Aw, are you happy to see me like this again, baby?"

"What! No!"

"Come on..." He said huskily. The cockiness was back. "I heard you moan... were you thinking of the times I fucked you? The times you begged me to fill you up? The times I came on that pretty face of yours?"

[Name] could feel his cock growing harder with each question.

"N-no" [Name] whimpered out.

Todd walked to the side of the bed grabbed [Name's] hand and placed it on his groin.

"You miss my fat cock don't you," He asked his voice sounding oddly humiliating.

"I don't have to say anything."

Todd started to move his hips grinding his bulge against the palm of [Names] hand.

"Todd we can't... you have a girlfriend."

"I told you we rockstars don't really - truly date, and if anything, it's just another bro-job, remember?"

[Name] pulled his hand away and sat up and using both hands opened Todd's towel up causing his cock to pop out and slap against his happy trail.

"Fuck~," [Name] whispered out.

[Name] reached out and pumped his cock twice.

"Yeah that's it~ I know you fucking missed it haven't you?"

[Name] let go of Todd's cock and adjusted his position so he was sitting on the edge of the bed. Todd backed up a little.

"Please don't like- hurt me that much. Please?"

Todd chuckled and ran his hand through his wet hair.

"You sweet dumb thing, you know I can't promise that."

[Name] grabbed Todd's cock once more and spat on it and stroked him off spreading the saliva over his cock.

"I haven't done this in a long time... so I'm a little rusty."

Todd smiled down at him. The grin was a mixture of amusement and humiliation.

[Name] placed the tip on his tongue and licked it gently before wrapping his lips around it and slowly going down on it.

[Name] couldn't lie he truly did miss this. Not only did he enjoy it, but it honestly made them closer as friends.

[Name] gagged on the base as he looked up at Todd with tearful eyes.

"Aww you look so cute with my big cock in your mouth," Todd said softly his voice coated in lust as he gently patted [Name's] cheek.

[Name] began to slowly come off his cock before Todd placed a hand on the back of his skull and slammed him back down causing him to gag and for drool to pour out of the sides of his mouth.

"Mmm-hmm-agh." [Name] groaned out.

Todd pulled his cock out of the boy's mouth and slapped it on either side of the guy's cheek.

"You took it so well [Name]~."

[Name] looked up at Todd with innocent eyes, his tongue sticking out a little as he gasped for air.

"Jesus you look so fucking gorgeous."

"I-I think you bruised the back of my throat!"

Todd grabs [Names] chin as he angles his head straight aligning his cock with [Names] lips.

Todd spat on his cock (and on [Names] face) and slammed it down [Names] throat before pulling out. [Name] stuck out his tongue and licked a stripe down his cock.

"You're such a fucking slut baby. I bet you've been craving my cock since you heard about our band haven't you?"

[Name] nodded his head embarrassingly. Todd placed a hand on the back of [Names] head and leaned in, planting a kiss on his lips as his hands traveled down his body. His hands reached the bottom of the boy's shirt and began to pull it up over his head, breaking the kiss in the process.

Todd pushes [Name] down onto the bed by his chest and crawls on top of him, attacking his neck, causing [name] to let out a soft moan. Todd kisses down his neck while unbuckling [Names] belt and gently pulls them off along with his boxers.

"I don't reckon you have a condom do you?"

"I have one in my wallet in my left pocket," [Name] says, his voice barely above a whisper.

Todd grabs [Names] jeans off the floor and pulls out the condom from the wallet before discarding them back onto the floor.

Todd rips the wrapping of the condom off with his teeth and slides the rubber on. He places [names] legs on his shoulders and lines himself up at his entrance.

[Name] squeezes his eyes shut as Todd pushes himself into him. A sudden wave of pain and pleasure washes over him, causing him to grab onto the sheets, twisting them in his hands. A soft whimper escapes his lips as Todd continues to push deeper into him.

"Shit- Todd, you're so fucking- ngh~ big!" [Name] whimpered out, causing Todd to look down at him with a cocky grin.

Todd had pushed himself into the other boy and slowly began to pull back out, only to slam back into him, which earned him a low groan.

"Does that feel good?"

[Name] nodded his head and let out a whimper. Todd began to rock his hips in and out of him, the tip occasionally brushing against his prostate. His thirst got faster and quicker he reached down and grabbed [Name's] hands and placed them above his head.

Todd began pounding into [Name]. The sound of skin against skin filled the room as well as screams of pleasure from both boys.

"Ugh~ F-fuck! You're going to har-!" [Name] wasn't able to finish his sentence as Todd delivered a gentle (but still hard) slap across his face.

"Don't tell me what the fuck to do!" Todd growled out.

[Names] cock twitched as pre-cum drizzled down his cock causing a moan to escape from his lips.

"Don't tell me you're into this shit you slut?"

"S-s-shut up Todd~"

Todd smirked and began rocking his hips.

"How bad do you want it?"

"W-what?" [Name] stuttered.

"I can pull out right now and leave and not let you finish you."

"Please don't~ I'll do anything!"

"Then admit it.'

"What?"

"Admit you're a filthy whore" Todd said his voice thick with lust.

"I'm not going to- ah~!"

Todd pulled out of [Name] leaving him feeling empty and somehow even more fucking desperate.

"Todd please" [Name] begged.

"Then say it."

"I-I’m a whore okay? Is that what you want to hear from me? I'm a fucking slut for you okay?!"

Todd looked down at [Name] with a cocky grin.

"Good boy."

Todd leaned back over [Name] and placed a soft kiss on his lips before pushing himself back into him. He wrapped his hand around [Name's] throat and began pounding into him. The sounds of skin against skin filled the room once again.

Todd raised his hand and brought it across [Names] face with enough power to cause a sting of pain leading [Name] to let out a dry moan.

"I can't believe your into this shit!" Todd said with a cheesy grin.

"Shut up!" The boy underneath him whined out.

Todd smirked and removed his hand from [Names] neck and grabbed him by the waist and slowed his thrusts.

"What are you- agh~!"

Todd pulled [Name] into him driving his cock deeper into him pushing past his prostate. [Names] jaw dropped as the sudden feeling causing a high pitched moan to erupt from his throat. Todd took this opportunity and grabbed his jaw holding it open and dipped his thumb into his mouth.

"Don't close your mouth got that?"

[Name] replied with a whimper as Todd's thurst became annoyingly slow as a string of spit slowly began to fall from his lips and landed in [Names] mouth.

[Named] closed his mouth after Todd gave him a look that practically yelled at him, too swallow. Todd's slow thrust became faster and faster. Todd wrapped his hand around [Name's] dick and began jerking him off as [Name] placed his palm at the back of Todd's head.

"I'm so close!" Todd groaned out as his rhythm began to go out of sync.

His movements became harder and harder as he felt himself getting closer and closer to finishing.

"W-where- fuck~ where do you want it?" He moaned out.

"On me..."

Todd placed a hand behind [Names] head as his thurst became sloppy he spat once again at [Name] the salvia covering his face before pulling out and jerking himself off.

"Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!"

With one final moan ropes of cum erupted from his cock covering [Names] body in white ropes. Todd pumped [Name's] cock for a minute before he came their cum mixing on his stomach. Todd scooped up some of his cum off of the boy's body with his index finger and popped it into [Names] mouth.

"How's it taste?"

"Salty... can you get me a towel?"

1:35 AM

[Name] lay on the cheap hotel's mattress, his head on Todd's chest, listening to his heartbeat.

"Hey, have you ever thought of being a roadie?'

"A what?"

"A roadie helps the band set up... you could be one for us so we could keep in touch and..." He wrapped his hand around [Names] body and groped his ass "Have some more time to ourselves."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS MAN IS SO FINE ARGH. I NEED HIM SO BAD LIKE I WANT HIM TO FULLY REARRANGE MY INSIDES.

Authors note!!

Again, sorry for the break. School is still once again kicking my ass :) I do plan on writing more over Christmas break, but I do have like half-written stories in my drafts, so here are some of them. (Some of them have titles, but they are to be determined, so kill me or wtv) .

Darry Jenner x Male reader (Fluff)

Miguel Ohara x Male reader (Smut)

Chad Meeks x Male reader (TBD)

Simon Kalivoda x Male reader (Fluff)

[lovely-foxes-exe]

Northwest and Pines

Fandom: Gravity Falls

Quick A/n: So There is no such thing as Dipper Northwest this is just an idea I had one day. Also if you are trying to gate keep as a fan, I started watching when I was 9 when it first came out and when it ended when I was 13, it also my favorite show to this day so don’t come at me. Either way I hope you enjoy this fic! Edit: I also bought the exclusive Barnes & Nobels Book of Bill with the poster. So yeah.

Pair: Dipper Northwest x Gender neutral reader

Tw: Dipper's real name, not edited, and yelling.

Key: (Y/n)-Your name

(Y/n)'s POV

"I guess I'm kinda difficult." Dipper spoke as I smiled. "You could say that." I told him with a small giggle. "Maybe I could make it up to you Pines." He spoke as I looked away and laughed ruffling my hair. "How so Northwest?" I asked as he smiled softly. "Let me take you on a date." He spoke. "Is Dipper Northwest asking me on a date?" I asked with a smirk. "I told you not to call me that! My name is Mason!" He exclaimed angrily as I chuckled at his flushed state.

"Either way isn't scandalous to ask out a commoner as a rich man yourself?" I asked and he looked away. "Money makes problems go away." He said as I smiled. "Holy shit you like me?" I asked as he let out a groan. "No I do not." He told me. "Well, I tolerate you. I'll go on this date under one condition." I told him with a smirk. "What $1000 bucks, a pony, a rare fish, fancy chopsticks, a quail-" "No wait what are fancy chopsticks?" I asked.

"Doesn't matter what do you want Pines?" He asked as I smiled. "You have to kiss me on said date, deal?" I asked and he sighed. "Well, why didn't you just say that at the beginning?" He asked and I blushed. "What do you-" He interrupted me by kissing me. Mason Northwest just kissed me. I blushed and he smiled when we pulled away. "I think I'll risk the scandal of kissing a commoner." He whispered in my ear and I hugged him. "Okay." I spoke. "Maybe I do more than tolerate you." I told him still red. "I like you (Y/n) Pines." He whispered and hugged me back.

"SEE YOU DO LIKE A COMMONER!" I yelled. "(Y/n) who's at the door?" My sister Pacifica asked. "Oh no one!" I yelled back. Dipper looked amused. "So I'm no one now?" He asked and I growled. "You are the one who left his comfy mansion to talk to me." I told him and he shooed away flys coming too close to him. "I know don't remind me." He spoke. "Oh please you just like me too much." I said. He grabbed my hands and brought out chests touching. "So what if I do?" He asked. "Mason Northwest." I spoke and he smiled. "(Y/n) Pines." He spoke. "Pick me up at 7:30, be on time." I told him and I shut the door and saw my twin sister Pacifica. "Did you just get a date with Mason Pines?" She asked and I smiled nervously. "Maybe."

A/n: So my bf did break up with me and now I am tired and I had this in my drafts I hope you enjoyed it as much as enjoyed finishing it. I will update next month as well, but as always if you have any requests at all please request! It would mean a lot. Comment if you do have requests or send an ask! I love you all!

[misiahasahardname]

[NAME OF SCHOOL WITHHELD] au detail bullshit or smth (censored edition so i don’t get doxxed)

everyone here is in S5 for simplicity

apple

subjects:

art

graphcom

drama (acting)

apps

english (set 5)

dance for games

other stuff:

[RED HOUSE]

pse teacher forced her to start attending homework club (she hates it there)

has been begging her form rep to tell the student council to let older pupils take part in lego club

has basically every additional support option the SQA can offer for exams (smaller room, typing, spellcheck, +35% extra time, allowed a small calculator for non-calc papers)

forced to sit at the front in every class

balloon

subjects:

rmps

latin

psychology

mods

english (set 1)

badminton for games

other stuff:

[BLUE HOUSE]

stuck in all B purgatory

english teacher loves him, but keeps chewing him off for always going over the word count in his folio drafts

never goes out for lunch, just follows his mates around with his packed lunch

frequent at the nurses office

baseball

subjects:

mods

geography

spanish

maths (set 1)

english (set 2)

cricket for games

other stuff:

[SILVER HOUSE]

felt bad for constantly skiving in the toilets with nickel so he took a bunch of extracurricular to make up for it

took pe in nat 5 and was actually really good at it, but dropped it because the others kept fat shaming him

tries to hang around [NAME OF SHOPPING CENTER WITHHELD] for as long as possible so that he can spend as little time in the hettie* area

*the hetties are what we call the toxic straight guys. they tend to hang around the bag racks at the front gate of the school

blueberry

subjects:

pe

chemistry

business

maths (set 3)

english (set 3)

badminton for games

other stuff:

[BLUE HOUSE]

sits alone in every class

probably the only person that takes badminton seriously

always sleeps through pse (and is consequently always late for his thursday period four class)

absolutely CRACKED at rugby. part of the school team

pse teacher is annoyingly pushy with him. always asking “how are things at home?” (partially because of the sleeping thing)

bomb

subjects:

french

pe

computing

physics

english (set 3)

badminton for games

other stuff:

[YELLOW HOUSE]

beleived in the [LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT] ghost story in S1. pickle still digs on him for this

is exempt from talking exams because of his stutter

i feel like he’d like swimming for some reason… always participates in the swimming gala

back when cross country was mandatory, he would start off actually putting in an effort, but would start to linger when he looked back at where pickle and cheesy were

bot

subjects:

art

engineering

computing

classics

english (set 4)

hockey for games

other stuff:

[SILVER HOUSE]

took computing and engineering in case they ever wanted to make more alterations to themself

helps the alliance* organise stuff for diversity week 

goes to dnd with fan

took classics thanks to dr [TEACHER’S NAME WITHHELD]’s very convincing presentation

always goes to taco bell at lunch with goo

*the alliance is a group in our school for lgbt stuff 👍 i used to attend but our lunch breaks are wayyyy too short for that and i lost interest

bow

subjects:

drama (costume)

photography

music

graphcom

english (set 4)

dance for games

other stuff:

[RED HOUSE]

she thought graphcom would be like technology and she could make chairs and wooden trinkets :(. decided to stick around anyways because she likes drawing and discovered a passion for 3D modelling

always keeps a sharpie in her blazer so she can vent in the vent stall in the scientology* girl’s bathrooms

always auditions for the school show, always gets ensemble

*scientology is what my friend group call the science and technology department because i would keep combining the words by mistake (i speak too fast)

box

subjects:

history

ancient greek

classics

maths (set 2)

english (set 3)

hockey for games

other stuff:

[BLUE HOUSE]

oh she is ABSOLUTELY a history geek i just know this

uses every possible excuse to get out of swimming in pe

hangs around the library at break

HATES group projects. had to carry her group through ypi*

would do those open doors tours when she was in P7

*ypi = youth philanthropy itiative. some project you do in S4 where you make a presentation about a charity and get judged for it. winning presentation gets a few thousand pounds for their charity

cabby

subjects:

psychology

mods

history

biology

english (set 1)

can’t do games

other stuff:

[SILVER HOUSE]

girl why did you take so many subjects that are on high floors?? 😭😭

has a special door card to access to the lifts so she can actually get around

part of the src*

always copies her notes word for word off the board

gets +10% extra time for exams

*src = student representative council

candle

subjects:

psychology

rmps

music

maths (set 2)

english (set 1)

yoga for games

other stuff:

[RED HOUSE]

took psychology to better understand yinyang :]

rmps teacher saw candle ground silver from one of their ‘tantrums’ almost instantly and immediately changed the seating plan so they would sit next to eachother (decision was reverted when yang started throwing pens at silver from the back of the class)

working on her gold dofe* :]

always comes into school with the most stunning, jaw-droppingly beautiful traditional clothing on diversity week

*dofe = duke of edinburgh. some project thingy where you do a bunch of activities (volunteering, physical and skills) and then do some hiking trip??? idfk. i quit at our practice trip </3 looks good on uni applications, apparently

cheesy

subjects:

drama (acting)

french

german

apps

english (set 4)

badminton for games

other stuff:

[YELLOW HOUSE]

he took french and german for the easy A (he’s swiss and speaks both languages at home)

was part of the first group of kids to do the german exchange (just like me fr)

he’s a BRILLIANT actor, was able to convince people he was an S6 in S3 so he could participate in muck up day*. got a week of detention for this

pestering the src for a comedy club

keeps losing his door card

*muck up day is the day before exam leave. it’s a VERY special day for the S6s. they’re allowed to do whatever they want because this is the last proper school day they will ever have. there’s loads of pranks, and at lunch, loads of singing! can’t wait for my form class to kill it in house karaoke next year :3

cherries

subjects:

drama (acting)

physics

chemistry

maths (set 3)

english (set 4)

basketball for games

other stuff:

[BLUE HOUSE]

self proclaimed rule breaker — though all he really does is chew gum and plays hangman in the bathrooms

constantly scoring Cs and Ds because he keeps zoning out and staring out of windows in class

plays blooket in the library

clover

subjects:

art

biology

geography

spanish

english (set 1)

badminton for games

other stuff:

[SILVER HOUSE]

studies gaelic in her free time

straight A student

VERY outdoorsy, naturey person, so she signed up for dofe in S3. she enjoyed it, but decided against moving on to silver.

her group won ypi!!!

absolute joy to have in class. teachers LOVE her

went to greek myths club for a while

dough

subjects:

drama (acting)

music

graphcom

apps

english (set 5)

rugby for games

other stuff:

[RED HOUSE]

wanted to do dance with bow but it filled up quickly so he went for rugby as a second choice. he described it as “very sexy” (freak)

takes piano lessons. often forgets to email teachers about them

makes everyone use his boots advantage card when they buy their meal deals so he can get more points

actually kinda sucks at acting but he’s funny so people like being grouped with him for improv (him and cheesy are a great duo)

fan

subjects:

computing

mandarin

physics

maths (set 3)

english (set 1)

badminton for games

other stuff:

[BLUE HOUSE]

very dedicated member of dnd club. great dungeon master, always comes up with brilliant storylines

sucks ass at computing, except for html and css (has experience from customising his tumblr blog’s layout)

did some work for the school production club because he figured he didn’t do enough extracurriculars

his favourite part of the year is the final week before the christmas holidays because he gets to show off his useless trivia skills

the floor

subjects:

geography

biology

human biology

maths (set 3)

english (set 4)

can’t do games

other stuff:

[YELLOW HOUSE]

banned from the snack shack

a friend from another school said they were going to take home ec and, upon finding out what that was, the floor got reaaaallyyyyyy salty that [NAME OF SCHOOL WITHHELD] doesn’t have that as a subject

exempt from most uniform rules due to the nature (hah) of his body. still has to wear a tie tho

once lent his door card to cheesy since he doesn’t really need one (teleportation powers). a week later cheesy loses his card (sigh)

somehow got roped into the src??? (having mephone as your form teacher can result in many strange things)

goo

subjects:

art

geography

classics

maths (set 5)

english (set 5)

can’t do games

other stuff:

[BLUE HOUSE]

took geography for the fun trips! (it was not fun)

also gets a cool lift pass because he physically cannot use stairs. he and cabby have history and geography at the same time so they always wait for eachother so they can have quick chats in the lift

NEVER let this guy write presentations. his speaker notes for a single slide can last half an hour

was part of ms [NAME OF TEACHER WITHHELD]’s film club in S1 + S2

always gets himself and bot an ice cream at [NAME OF PARLOUR WITHHELD] on fridays. (and at the end of term… and after founder’s day… and before they go to watch a school show… the guy really likes ice cream!)

knife

subjects:

spanish

pe

human biology

history

english (set 4)

rugby for games

other stuff:

[BLUE HOUSE]

took human biology for the lols

he is BANNED from playing football because he always underestimates the force of his kicks and was able to break three windows in one match

reoccurring character in detention. always there for petty reasons

pse teacher is BEGGING her to get evaluated for autism

lifering

subjects:

human biology

pe

spanish

environmental science

english (set 3)

netball for games

other stuff:

[YELLOW HOUSE]

was fully locked in for that drug assembly in S3*. he hated the presenter for bragging about making people faint but he was INTRIGUED

always makes the podium for the swimming gala

always trying to hype people up to join house events. he’s not even a part of the src???

constantly being told off for wearing his midlayer** under his blazer

did volunteering with the [NAME OF JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTS CLUB WITHHELD] for dofe, decided to stay after the six months because he enjoyed it

*a very, very infamous assembly we had on one fateful day in S3. it was INSANELY graphic and really fucking disgusting. two people fainted during the presentation. i was bordering on having a panic attack. everyone had english afterwards and there were MULTIPLE people who were taken out of class because they were crying or feeling sick. i was one of those people. i was so disturbed i nearly had a seizure… yeah, it really was THAT bad.

**part of the pe kit. we’re not allowed to wear it outside of pe. kinda stupid rule imo

lightbulb

subjects:

art

latin

classics

maths (set 5)

english (set 4)

badminton for games

other stuff:

[BLUE HOUSE]

took classics and latin for ya boy, dr [NAME OF TEACHER WITHHELD]!!! (also she didn’t know what else to take)

will be doing creative industries in S6

always first in line to the snack shack somehow…

another frequent visitor of the nurse’s office

absolutely CRACKED at win, lose, draw*. does it every year

lost all her marks for her nat 5 physics exam because she can’t stop doodling on her hands…

*a house event. basically just REALLY fast and REALLY competitive pictionary. it’s my favourite house event (and the only one i participate in)! my house ([RED HOUSE]) got second place in the S5 win, lose, draw this year which was TOTAL BULLSHIT!!!!!! 

marshmallow

subjects:

rmps

mods

french

art

english (set 2)

dance for games

other stuff:

[RED HOUSE]

was dragged into art by apple. i feel like she’d enjoy doing ceramics but otherwise she kinda just floats through lessons

NEVER able to make it to the library on time. has beef with the S1s and S2s (and cherries)* because of this

breaks the uniform rules constantly, but she’s very subtle about it (hides her friendship bracelet under a [FOUNDER OF SCHOOL’S SURNAME WITHHELD]’s tartan scrunchie, paints her nails a SUPER pale pink colour, rolls kilt up only a teeny tiny bit, etc)

*THESE MOTHERFUCKERS ARE SOMEHOW ABLE TO TELEPORT TO THE LIBRARY ALMOST INSTANTLY, AND THEY ALWAYS USE IT TO PLAY BLOOKET. US OLDER YEARS HAVE EXAMS WE NEED TO STUDY FOR, YOU HAVE PRACTICALLY NO RESPONSIBILITIES, GO OUTSIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!

mic

subjects:

music

computing

pe

spanish

english (set 2)

hockey for games

other stuff:

[SILVER HOUSE]

best buds with knife because they were in the same set in S1

got a good luck duck* before her first prelims in nat 5. she still keeps it in her breast pocket

she and knife sit at opposite ends of their spanish class because their teacher has learned not to trust them together. they spend most of their time in class messaging eachother lol

gets straight As in music

*little figurines of ducks. one of my english teachers gave me one in S4… i think i lost it </3

nickel

subjects:

business

accounting

spanish

maths (set 2)

english (set 3)

cricket for games

other stuff:

[SILVER HOUSE]

did everything he could to avoid being in a class sign lifering. they ended up in the same english class (L bozo)

spends half his time in the toilets. he’s one of the reasons the boy’s toilets don’t have doors anymore*

pse teacher HATES him. so does his form teacher. and most of his teachers actually

*yeah, i don’t know why they thought that was a good idea either. kinda fucking gross ngl!

oj

subjects:

mods

physics 

business

economics

english (set 1)

tennis for games

other stuff:

[SILVER HOUSE]

part of the src, of course. hoping to be a school captain in S6

won an award for nat 5 chemistry, maths and business

everyone knows this guy. EVERYONE.

does s shit ton of extracurriculars. his favourite is model un

has attended [NAME OF SCHOOL WITHHELD] since nursery

actually enjoyed ypi (madman)

paintbrush

subjects:

art

graphcom

chemistry

maths (set 3)

english (set 1)

hockey for games

other stuff:

[BLUE HOUSE]

sits next to silver in english. finds it HILARIOUS whenever they read parts in plays. had to be sent out one time because they went into hysterics at silver playing blanche dubois

got a detention in S2 for throwing their lunch tray at fan (they had INSANE beef with him at the time)

hates the [SOCIAL SUBJECTS/HUMANITIES + ART DEPARTMENT] building with a passion (but at least they’ve got strong legs after five years of walking up and down all those stairs!)

paper

subjects:

mods

business

psychology

apps

english (set 2)

badminton for games

other stuff:

[SILVER HOUSE]

gets extra time in exams because he always manages to send himself into a panic attack

chose badminton for games because it’s least likely to kill him

his teachers call him a “diligent but strange little boy” (they really need to study this freak)

goes to chess club like some kind of NERD

somehow got himself locked in the vent stall in the scientology girl’s bathrooms (don’t ask how he ended up in there) and actually started writing on the door to pass the time (it was… oddly therapeutic)

pepper

subjects:

photography

drama (costume)

chemistry

music

english (set 4)

netball for games

other stuff:

[BLUE HOUSE]

almost always late to seventh period because she INSISTS on going to primark at lunch 

that girl that always “forgets” her pe kit

whenever she gets a new jotter she HAS to doodle a bunch of tiny stars on the cover

always gets sent to the small study room with bow and salt so as to not be disturbed by the actors. they usually just end up gossiping the whole time rather than doing any work

pickle

subjects:

computing

history

physics

maths (set 5)

english (set 3)

badminton for games

other stuff:

[YELLOW HOUSE]

was one of the poor souls that chose [NAME OF CAMP PLACE(?????) WITHHELD] for S2 projects week*

a sweat at blooket. he takes it wayyy too seriously

did house choir one year and hated every second of it

sits next to bomb in computing — always lets him copy his work if he’s struggling (pickle ROCKS at computing)

everyone suspects cheesy and bomb are an item (which they are, but bomb doesn’t like the idea of people knowing), so pickle fake flirts with cheesy to throw them off

got absolutely zero sleep before the english prelim and ended up describing stanley kowalski as “freaky” in his essay (he failed)

*projects week is a week which is kinda supposed to be a pay off for all the hard work you put in over the year (though S3 and S4 projects are kinda just… more hard work?). in S1 you get a selection of club activities, in S2 you get a trip somewhere abroad (except for when my year (which is also THEIR year) was in S2… i went to edinburgh, but i heard HORROR STORIES about the trip to the camping or whatever place (ahem, the shit bag incident)), S3 is a bunch of community service (funner than it sounds), S4 is ypi (absolute asscheeks), S5 is the same as S2 but the trips are wayyy better, and in S6 you get. nothing

salt

subjects:

photography

drama (makeup and props)

spanish

music

english (set 5)

netball for games

other stuff:

[YELLOW HOUSE]

did highland dancing in primary school. is VERY embarrassed about this now

constantly getting in trouble for rolling up her kilt

had no idea what she was getting into with makeup (she HATES the bruise wheel and latex scars with fake blood)

took spanish to get closer to oj (he speaks portuguese)

silver

subjects:

drama (acting)

french

rmps

mods

english (set 1)

cricket for games

other stuff:

[SILVER HOUSE]

absolutely DESPISES cross country. the best part of graduating S4 was not having to do cross country anymore

annoying english cunt shocks teacher by ordering in perfect french (they’re actually half french (and a quarter french-polynesian) and, like cheesy, took it for the easy A)

HATED eating in the lunch hall in S2. would always sneak out* to buy some REAL food (their height helped them blend in)

they take drama VERYYYY seriously. people partnered with them for the practicals may find them REALLY pushy, but they just care a lot about doing well in their exam.

to everyone's annoyance, they’re actually a very good pupil.

*you’re not actually allowed to go out for lunch until you hit S3. after that you’re not allowed to eat in the lunch hall (mostly cus it’s really cramped, which is weird considering the size of the school + the funding)

soap

subjects:

biology

chemistry

music

maths (set 2)

english (set 2)

dance for games

other stuff:

[RED HOUSE]

part of the senior choir, and takes it VERY seriously — especially during the christmas service

though she doesn’t take drama, she’s pally with a lot of the pupils and teachers because she always takes part in the school shows

went with dance because she REFUSES to do any sport that involves holding or touching anything

people thought she was a weirdo because she was still wearing a mask in S3

suitcase

subjects:

history

art

psychology

rmps

english (set 2)

badminton for games

other stuff:

[SILVER HOUSE]

now she WOULD be another nurse’s office regular if it wasn’t for the fact she kept her hallucinations a secret

she’s really good at history, but history isn’t really good for her…

was one of the people that fainted during the drug assembly

regular attendee of wednesday wind down* — could do those super-detailed adult colouring pages for hours (sometimes she invites balloon or knife to come with her)

her kilt is WAY too long for her

*wednesday wind down is a club held on wednesday lunch times with loads of peaceful activities. the teacher always plays some corny calm music compilation from youtube. i am too loud to attend wednesday wind down.

taco

subjects:

french

spanish

physics

maths (set 1)

english (set 1)

hockey for games

other stuff:

[YELLOW HOUSE]

unlike in canon, she was genuinely a silly and goofy girl through primary school and S1. puberty (and the pressure that comes with it) hit her pretty hard…

cheats in kahoots and blookets

successfully blackmailed a group of girls she caught vaping in the [SOCIAL SUBJECTS/ HUMANITIES + ART DEPARTMENT] toilets. got them to do whatever she wanted for a month (she stopped because she got bored)

took out five different jackie w books from the library in S1 and lost all of them. has avoided the library like the plague ever since.

test tube

subjects:

physics

chemistry

biology

engineering

english (set 1)

badminton for games

other stuff:

[BLUE HOUSE]

perfect attendance record. hasn’t missed a single day of school in all thirteen years of her school career

takes model un a little TOO seriously

accidentally set someone’s hair on fire in chemistry

INSISTS on going to the mini science display whenever they go to [NAME OF SHOPPING CENTER WITHHELD] to get lunch, even though it’s lame and basically empty

tissues

subjects:

german

geography

human biology

maths (set 5)

english (set 3)

can’t do games

other stuff:

[BLUE HOUSE]

has only ever taken subjects he finds fun, easy or interesting since he knows he’ll never get to do anything considering his condishawn

rarely ever seen in person. his teachers usually just set up a google meet for him to join

in S2 he went to the bathroom during a lesson and fell asleep on the toilet. no one came looking for him because they assumed he just went home, so he just slept through the whole day.

trophy

subjects:

photography

pe

geography

maths (set 4)

english (set 3)

basketball for games

other stuff:

[SILVER HOUSE]

always plays football by the junior school building/hettie area at lunch

part of the rugby team — he isn’t opposed to playing dirty (though he’s good at getting away with it)

participates in EVERY house event, regardless of how lame he thinks it is

trophy REFUSES to stand up for hymns on founder’s day

yinyang

subjects: 

psychology

mandarin

rmps

physics

english (set 3)

rugby for games

other stuff:

[YELLOW HOUSE]

yang is constantly getting them into detention

yin has to take control very often so they can ACTUALLY get any work done

yang has gotten them banned from entering the lunch hall because he kept sneaking in to steal jelly and ice cream

yin has accidentally bitten off a chunk of skin from his arm because he was absentmindedly biting it in class 

[inquisitor-gayfax]

Next chapter of Twice Smitten, Thrice Damned (aka Helynna Valeria's no good very bad series of decades) is up!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/57314635/chapters/161275054

Commentary on why this took longer than expected (and looks nothing like the original draft chapter) beneath the cut. cw for discussion of chronic illness and spoilers for Mindshackle, I guess?

This will be a bit stream of consciousness, you have been warned.

When I started writing this, I had just recovered from a pretty bad bout of burnout and was so terrified the inspiration would desert me again that I crashed through drafting (what I thought at the time would be) the first five chapters. The original chapter 3 covered everything up to Cavlock's destruction and Valeria's subsequent vendetta against Emil Darkhammer, as well as the transition from enemies to crushes for her and Trazyn in an extremely condensed, summary format.

It had its moments, but the more I tried to edit it, the more I realized how pivotal events I had simply glossed over were, and how I felt it didn't do justice to the years-long slow burn between them. So, one chapter became three, and once I had wrangled that new structure, I returned back to (the new) chapter three, which now covered Helynna's early research into the necrons and burgeoning correspondence with Trazyn (aka enemies to penpals) in the form of six vignettes.

Easy, right? Wrong.

I have a running joke with my friends that if I say "a series of vignettes" they need to take the computer from me, sit me down, and explain that what I actually mean is a whole-ass multichap fic. You can perhaps see where this is going.

Once I realized the first "vignette" (lies) was double the length of the prior chapters, I realized that what I actually had down as chapter three was in fact chapters 3-8.

Which, fantastic! More Helynna! More fleshing out her retinue!

Except, well, the other reason I've been slower lately than when I came out of the 40K fanfic gate. (cw chronic illness)

I've been struggling with chronic illness and pain for a few years now, and unfortunately it's gotten to the point where I had to leave my job to focus on getting better. I can't tell you how many times I wished I could quit my job and write full-time, so in some ways, it might seem like a dream come true, except for the fact that what kept me from being able to work affects my ability to read and write in the exact same way. I'm not going to go into detail, but I don't see this changing in any meaningful way soon, and that's been hard to handle, to say the least.

Sometimes it feels like the world is passing me by, but all I can do is cherish the times I feel well enough to write, let go of unreasonable expectations, and do my best to enjoy the hobby I love.

If you're an artist struggling with chronic illness and/or pain, I see you, and you and your art are no less valuable because of it. Whatever you create is worth waiting for, and only you can do it. There is no deadline for joy, no mandatory update timeline for happiness. It's hard to internalize, I know, but it's the truth.

Having long-term projects like this one keep me going, and I'm so happy other people seem to enjoy it as well! It might be a long, slow ride, but it's one I'm excited to take together. <3

[theheartmold]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

thank you @flowersforthemachines for tagging me in this!

i will gently tag @v-arbellanaris and @symphorine; it's a lot of questions so no pressure! answers under the cut

1) How many works do you have on AO3?

Currently have 20 works posted! Which is really fun, good round milestone to post on. I have thousands more in my drafts though.

2) What’s your total AO3 word count?

121,857. Woof that's actually so much more than I thought!

3) What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

(102) missing the mark - bg3 (EXPLICIT), (70) memento mori - bg3 (EXPLICIT), (66) the audience - DA, (38) the exeunt - DA, (37) outside everything i love is melting - DA

4) What fandoms do you write for?

Dragon Age, Baldur's Gate 3, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, Lord of the Rings... that I've posted. Star Wars & Fallen Hero not posted :)

5) Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Yes, all of them! I love comment interactions and I view fanfic as a community experience. I took the time to write, you took the time to read and comment, let's keep the convo going!

6) What’s the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Probably "wear me down, it's not in my hands now"; it's about a sibling relationship falling apart lol. i don't write a lot of fics that end on angst.

7) What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Most of mine don't end on such emotional notes or are longfics/wips, but the one that stands out is "say yes to me" which was a Gale/Tav oneshot that I still think is really cute!

8) Do you get hate on fics?

No and god willing it remains that way!

9) Do you write smut?

I kind of do. missing the mark and memento mori are both smutfics (HEED THE TAGS) but are really very fraught with other darker tones. I wrote them when I was going through a really bad place in my life and I can't reread them now--proud of them, but can't reread. Any attempt to write smut ever since has fallen flat out of... idk. Something blocking me. I'd like to do it again one day.

10) Do you write crossovers?

No, and I likely never will. I don't enjoy them.

11) Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not to my knowledge.

12) Have you ever had a fic translated?

Not... to my knowledge. I wouldn't mind if so.

13) Have you ever co-written a fic before?

"A longing that's killing me" was written by @symphorine but a joint effort between us in terms of plotting it out; likewise, "Over Tea" was written by me but with their help :) I count those.

14) What’s your all-time favorite ship?

All of my favorite ships are OC x OC ships with my friends, tbh. In terms of OC/Canon my top two are Steelstep from FHR and Revan/Malak from KOTOR. Canon/Canon is uhh Stobotnik from the Sonic movie series tbh.

15) What’s the WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

I would love to finish the smutfic with Illario/Andrea. It's set post-VG and is more of a character analysis through sex lol... In it's current state I could post it with strong mature tones, but I'd like to actually write the smut.

16) What are your writing strengths?

I'm told that my dialogue and world-building are my strengths! I do love writing dialogue a lot. World-building not so much but I work hard to make up for my distaste.

17) What are your writing weaknesses?

I actually really hate editing, which is bad, because I fuck up my tenses and definitive articles a lot :(

18) Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in a fic?

I don't know enough of a language so fluently to do so. If someone else does I'll translate it.

19) First fandom you wrote for?

Unposted? Marvel. Posted? Lord of the Rings.

20) Favorite fic you’ve ever written?

"in bloom" I just like writing really dreamy prose sometimes. It's not everyone's cup of tea but it is mine.

[mercedesbennie0612]

Tales of An Uzumaki

erm... went through some old google docs and found this WIP in the drafts this is an edited version because i'd rather die before i post the OG 2017 version. i was 11 when i first wrote this, so this is kind of me paying homage to my first ever fanfiction! this is just a fun little passion project for me, honestly! i really miss writing, so this might be a fun chance for me to get back into it!

☼⭑――――――――――――――――――――――⭒☾

Chapter One:

WC: 2.2k

synopsis: Raised separated for years until finally, Koemi Uzumaki makes her way into Konoha.

Chapt. 2, Chapt 3

☼⭑――――――――――――――――――――――⭒☾

Chapter One:

☼⭑Konoha⭒☾

Konoha: The Village Hidden in the Leaves. Koemi stared at the voluminous gates. Her breath trembled with each precarious stride she took closer; a step into this village led to a step closer to finding her brother. Her mind raced with images of who her brother was. Was he some miraculous genius? Was he a gifted ninja? How would she compare to him? Her stomach bubbled and churned with an overwhelming sense of emotion indiscernible to her. She tore her eyes away from the gate and forward to the city that lay within it. She drew a deep breath in, putting one foot in front of the other and approaching the guard post. To her surprise, the two guards there, supposedly keeping look-out, were dead asleep. A slight huff of air befell her lips as she rolled her eyes. She slammed her hands on the table of the post, hoping that one motion would wake them from their slumber. Both guards awoke with a jolt, their heads whipping side to side wildly before falling on Koemi. Upon seeing her face, their bodies straightened like a shoot of bamboo—one even cleared his throat—and shifted their composure in the blink of an eye. Koemi nearly wanted to laugh at the two, but she held her poker face. Ruining her only direct shot at meeting her brother didn't fit into her agenda at that moment. "Who goes there?" One asked, eyes narrowing into slits as he peered into Koemi's being. "I've come from the Land of the Waves. My name is Koemi, and I'm looking for the Hokage Tower," She informed. She tried to maintain a composure of formality as she spoke, just as she practiced on the way over. Even if these two irritated her—their voices grating to her ears. What she found most irritating being how relaxed they seemed to even have the luxury of sleeping on the job. Koemi wished home had that same security.

"Ah—of course. It's the largest tower near the Hokage faces," The one on the left described. He proceeded to elaborate the directions on how to reach it. At least they seem competent enough to relay directions. She nodded as she took in the information and continued on her way.

The village held an air of liveliness to its atmosphere—an atmosphere robbed from the Land of Waves. Her heart ached as she reminded herself of the home she abandoned. A fish out of water in a village that prospered in its lands. A child unused to wealth to this degree. Could life truly be so easy had she been dealt better cards? Lost in her clouded mind, she came close to running face first into the Hokage tower's front door. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight before her. She gazes at the handle of the door blankly, her body frozen in place. Another moment of hesitation clouded her mind. Another step closer. Breathe in. Breathe out. She pushed away her anxieties, planting her right foot on the first step of the stairs and began her ascent.

Several flights of stairs later, she found herself in front of the Hokage's office. She expected a view more grandiose than the one that greeted her. Instead, all she met with was a humble looking hallway, lightly decorated with hand painted scrolls on the walls and a few framed pictures. Even the foliage looked simple, a small potted tree sitting in the corner of the hallway. Two guards stood at either end of the door and took a step in front of the door, blocking Koemi's way. She could not make out their faces, hidden behind navy blue masks, and she had only their piercing eyes to gauge any form of cues.

"State your business." The guard positioned to the left of the door ordered.

"I must speak to the Hokage." Koemi affirmed, her tone firm. If one listened closely, however, a slight tremble shook her voice as she looked her potential future in the eye. The two guards looked at each other and then back to Koemi.

"For what reason must you speak with the Hokage?" The guard positioned at the right end of the door queried, crossing his arms.

"I'm searching for my brother. I was told he may be from Konoha." She explained as calmly as she could. She understood why they were questioning her, but that didn't stop her from getting annoyed from it.

"State your full name, and your message will be relayed to the Hokage. He is currently in a meeting, you may enter once it is complete." An involuntary sigh slipped from her lungs. She didn't enjoy the idea of waiting even longer, but it had been 12 years; an hour more didn't make much of a difference.

"Koemi Uzumaki." She stated just as they directed. The two guards share a look, a flicker of surprise sneaking out past their mask of stoicism. Koemi's eyebrow twitched in response, gritting her teeth to stop anything unpleasant from leaving her throat. This village must love staring contests.

"Perhaps it may be best if you enter now." One suggested, knocking on the door. A faint "enter" passed through the thick slab of wood before being pushed open by the guards and allowing her access into the office. Koemi stood face to face with the leader of Konoha. Her heart hammered in her chest as she caught the old man's pleasant gaze. She hadn't anticipated for him to be so...old. She knew to expect an older person, but not elderly. He appeared stern—intimidating Koemi with his sharp yet gentle gaze, which in response returned Koemi's presence with a welcoming smile. His smile allowed her a breath of air to relax.

Before him sat a team of kids around her age consisting of a blonde boy bearing whisker-like birthmarks, a girl with long, pink hair, and a pale boy with black hair kneeling in front of him. Kneeling along with the children was a man with gray, spiky hair who she assumed to be their teacher.

"How may I help you, young lady?" The Hokage spoke up, the crinkle of his eyes intensifying. His soft-spoken demeanor offered Koemi a deep sense of relief as she cleared her throat.

"I hoped to find my brother here in Konoha, and I thought you were the best person to ask." She replied. Her gaze remained glued to her fingers as she twiddled with down at her lap. The Hokage's expression shifted, that smile flickering in the slightest twitch but enough for Koemi to capture; he knew something. She followed his eyes as they darted towards the blonde boy then back to her. So it's him.

"That is quite a bit of faith you have in me." He joked, a light, raspy chuckle following. "You were smart to come to me, Child. All we need is your full name."

"Uzumaki Koemi." Emphasizing on her last name, she observed the reactions of the students and teacher in the room; eyes fell again on the blonde boy. The Hokage nodded, placatingly absorbing the information given to him. His mouth was agape, and he gestured his hand to the blonde boy whose eyes had grown to the size of saucers .

"Naruto, please come up and greet your sister." The blonde boy jumped to his feet and dashed to Koemi.

"You're my sister?! Like—actually!?" He exclaimed. He grabbed hold of Koemi's hand. His aqua blue eyes--eyes just like her own--gleamed with excitement, that wide toothy grin of his contagious. He's kind of a dork. But in a good way. Seeing his joyous reaction, she found herself unable to resist returning him a smile of her own. She set her hand atop Naruto's feigning an uncertain nod to his question.

"I believe so." She laughed softly. The skin of her face burned like a wildfire, and her eyes glistened over with a layer of water. She held her breath, doing everything in her power to stop the water from spilling over. Naruto engulfed her in a hug, his embrace capturing a fraction of the desperation and yearning for a family.

"All this time...I thought I had no one. I'm—I'm so happy you're here..." Naruto's voice cracked and trembled, and his hold around her tightened. He buried his face into her shoulder, droplets of his own tears staining her clothes.

Koemi's heart shattered, each cracked syllable that left his throat leaving a sinking feeling in her stomach. I'm here for you now. You won't ever be alone anymore. She returned his embrace, reciprocating his desire for affection as she held him tight.

It seemed like hours had passed before Koemi pulled away, turning back to the Hokage with an arm still around Naruto. With a swipe of her thumb, she wiped away a tear that snuck its way down her cheek. She bowed her head down to the Hokage, taking in a deep breath before she spoke.

"Thank you."

"Please get up, child, there is no need. However, I must inquire you on a couple of things." Koemi's brows knit together at the mention of any sort of interrogation. Does he need something in return for reuniting me with my brother? Her body tensed as she braced for what compensation he may ask her for.

"I won't bite your head off." He chuckled, maintaining a light tone of voice that eased her up slightly. "I simply wished to know of your knowledge of Shinobi skills." She raised her eyebrow, but she chose to keep her comments to herself. She nodded.

"Ah. I was top of my class." Subconsciously, Koemi puffed her chest to display her headband tied loosely around her neck proudly.

"Perfect, then a transition to a Konoha genin should be child's play to you, yes? I could hold the exam right now for you." He's being considerably generous right now. She held her poker face even as her suspicions rose toward his hospitality. He could be compensating for something. She turned her attention to the gray haired teacher in the room in hopes of a sign of confirmation; to her luck, his face remained completely unreadable to her with ninety percent of it covered by his mask and headband. She relented for the mean time, only annoyed that more questions popped up in her stay.

"That's very kind of you, I would greatly appreciate it." She replied, offering him a polite smile.

"Very well. Please perform a clone transformation jutsu." Taking her arm off of Naruto, she stepped to the side. Koemi signed each symbol with precision, gathering her chakra in her body to unleash at her command.

"Water Clone Jutsu!" She announced. Three pools of water formed beside her. The pools whirled and swished beside her until with fluid movements taking shape into three perfect copies of herself. Her gaze fell back on the Hokage who offered a smile as he glanced between each clone with a nod of approval. With a drop of her hands, her clones dwindled down into little puddles before evaporating entirely into oblivion.

"Wonderful." He smiled. His hand trailed off his desk and into the drawer beneath him. Out of it, he pulled a dusty, rugged looking Leaf Headband and set it on his desk. "The Leaf Village welcomes you, Koemi. I apologize for its age, a newer one will be issued to you on a later date." He chuckled sheepishly. She grabbed the headband from the table, wiping away at the dust on the skirt of her dress. She removed her current headband, replacing it for the of the Leaf Village and stashing her former on into her bag.

"Thank you again."

"You're the best, Koemi!" Naruto praised, flashing her the brightest smile as he slung his arm around her.

"That was nothing." She replied, shaking her head as she leaned into his half-embrace.

"And Kakashi, to simplify things, may I place Koemi in your hands along with your team?" The Hokage hummed, turning his gaze over to the gray haired teacher who merely nodded indifferently.

"That's no issue for me." He replied, his tone matching his indifference. Naruto eagerly sat back down and patted the seat beside him for Koemi to sit. She wasted no moment of time as she obliged to his request and took her spot beside her.

"Excellent, then we may return to business. Per Naruto wanting a harder mission, I'll oblige what he said and give this squad a C-class mission." He mused, his tone holding a hint of reluctance. Naruto celebrated and clapped his hands. Hearing the groan and scoff of the two team members beside Naruto sent a burning flame down to her chest. She grit her teeth, keeping her attention up at the Hokage. Don't cause a scene. You just got here. She paid them no mind.  

"It's an escort mission and-"

"Who are we escorting?! An imperial lord? A prince? A princess?!" Naruto interrupted, leaning forward to take in every word the Hokage would say.

"I'll let him in right now." On cue, a gentle tap of wood echoed through the office. "Ah—right on time. Please enter." The offensive odor of booze singed Koemi's nostrils as soon as he took the first step inside. She scrunched her face up, her hand flying up to her nose. Despite its offensiveness, a sense of familiarity followed the stench. Her stomach twisted into a knot as she met his crinkled gaze.

"Papa." She blurted out, just loud enough to capture everyone's attention. Everyone's head whipped over to Koemi, their eyes the size of saucers.

☼⭑𝕋𝕠 𝔹𝕖 ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕦𝕖𝕕⭒☾

[cafeinthemoon]

Ruins - Part XVIII

Chapter 18

Wordcount 2,3k

Title Part XVIII

Fandom Shuumatsu no Valkyrie / Record of Ragnarok

Previous chapters 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 10 . 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 . 17

Symbols ⭕ . ➕. 💛

Warnings: none

Tagging @holdyourwine @lilacshouko @shirayuki-ayumi (If you want to be tagged in any of my stories, just leave a comment on this chapter or send an ask or a message)

N. A.: So... its been a while lol First, let me tell you that this time I've spent without posting on social media was important, because I was really tired. I was stressed from work, I started college and was worried about all of this, so I barely had the time or the energy to sit in front of the notebook and write something, or even edit my drafts. I was feeling saturated from it, and sensed that if I continued to do it, the results, that is, the next chapters of my ffs, would be trash. I hope you understand this time.

This chapter is like a transition, and that's why it's short compared to others. The next one we will finally have the process of marriage and the rest, which I've been wanting to work on for too long! Now I'm really excited for that! So have this brief update and I see you in the next one :)

You didn’t wait until they approached your spot, neither you said anything to express your surprise: once you laid your eyes on them, you let go of Hades’ hand and, without waiting to see if he was going to follow you, you started running toward the group. There was no mistake: there you had your parents, your sisters and your niece, all of them marveled by the vision of the Gardens and cheered up by the fact that you were the first person they met once they crossed the Gates.

Your happiness deepened when you reached them at last: they were all well dressed and had refreshed expressions, indicating that, as much as your own travel to those lands, theirs was far from tiring despite the distance between Valhalla and Midgard.

As a little child who were left in a neighbor’s house for an entire day, once you saw your mother, you passed straight by a surprised Hermes and threw yourself in her arms. All the thoughts, anxieties and expectations you carried that morning came back at once, and you just started to cry.

– Mom – you mumbled – Is that really you, mom?

Though she responded to your gesture with equal emotion, even she was surprised with all those tears.

– My baby! – she laughed – You’ve missed us this much?

– You have no idea – you whispered back, now looking into her eyes.

Your father, who was watching everything with diversion, approached you two, and you opened your arms to hug him too.

– Y/n-chan, is it just me or are you a bit taller since the last time we’ve saw you? – he joked, putting his hand upon your head – What have they been feeding you?

You laughed until you were breathless: not only you’ve long passed the period of growth, but you were also the shortest among your sisters for most of your lives, and that has been a matter of interest for your father since you were, in fact, little. You used to get angry with this in the beginning, but later you’ve learned to send the provocation back to him, just like you did that time.

– Well, maybe you’ve became shorter, dad. It’s just a matter of perspective!

Everyone laughed, and you finally turned to your sisters.

Luna, who, just like you, shared physical resemblance with your mother, was dressed in blue and had her hair tied in a single, long braid; Helena, who was more like your father, had a pair of big eyes glowing with all the things she was seeing, and a curly hair left untied, spreading around her shoulders, where she had a rosy shawl to protect her against the evening’s breeze. Though she was way younger than you, she has passed you in height, and everything indicated that she would keep growing.

Luna was the one holding Ellie, your niece, and the baby let out a sequence of little screams when you arrived, eager to get your attention. She started laughing when you took her in your arms and the girls came to hug you.

– How are you doing, girls? – you asked between the hugs – You’ve never looked so beautiful!

– The same could be said about you – it was Helena’s calm response.

You laughed.

– They have really good cosmetics around here!

– I’m willing to try them, then! – Luna commented, enthusiastic.

Still holding the baby, you finally turned to Hermes.

– Thank you so much for bringing them here, Hermes-sama. It’s the best gift you’ve ever gave to me.

The gods’ messenger, always in his composed manners, nodded.

– I was just doing my job, y/n-san.

Ellie was the first to see when Hades approached, pointing at him with a curious expression. You turned and immediately felt the heat coming up to your cheeks: you’ve got so excited when you saw your relatives that you just left him behind, and only then you realized that this wasn’t the most appropriate thing to do, for despite being his bride and having built a strong, intimate bond with him, you were still human and he was a god, and that could be seen as offensive for anyone who would hear of this.

With this in mind, you stepped ahead and were going to apologize for your behavior, but you had no chance, for you were no longer the focus of the group: while Luna and Helena stared at him with a mixture of curiosity and fear, your parents, immediately understanding they had another divine being before them, bowed their heads in respect.

You soon took the responsibility of doing the presentations.

– So… This is Hades-sama, from Greece – you spoke in a low, shy manner – He’s the King of the Underworld and, as Hermes-sama might have informed you, my future husband.

Hades, now by your side, smiled with sympathy.

– It’s a beautiful family you have, y/n – and, approaching your parents and putting one hand on each one’s shoulders, – You are the family of my future wife. You bow to no one.

Their faces brightened up at those words, said in a soft, comforting tone, and you felt a sort of pride with the scene: if there was any chance of your family not accepting your relationship or not trusting him – after all, that marriage meant taking you away from them and to Hellheim – it disappeared the moment they were treated with genuine respect. You mother, in particular, was satisfied with what she was seeing, which you noticed in the clear message you’ve caught in her eyes: being the responsible for three girls who would soon start their own lives out of her guardianship, it was only natural that the kind of people with whom they’d chose to live was among her biggest worries, and, whatever she was expecting in this sense, to see one of her girls becoming a god’s wife was beyond her imagination; but, if you were happy with this, she wouldn’t ask for more.

Hades greeted your sisters with manners that reminded you of the old gentlemen you used to see in important events at your city, nodding and making brief comments about their beauty. You and the girls always made fun of this, because the old – and, many times, uninteresting – men were the only ones who would behave like this, but having that polite, handsome man making use of those manners without the affectation typical of those other ones convinced them of the honesty of his words, and that left them ecstatic.

Finally, he turned to you and to your niece, who has been observing him with attentive eyes since he arrived and had no problems in being picked up by him, laughing and stretching her little arms to the stranger who received those gestures with diversion.

– And this is my niece, Ellie – you introduced the baby while passing her to his hands; and, with a playful smile, – I guess she likes you!

– Me or my earring? – he asked in return, laughing as he tried to keep the girl’s hand away from his ear; and, to her, – Your curiosity surpasses my expectations, little one!

Though Ellie clearly didn’t understand what curiosity or expectations meant, she seemed to enjoy being held by Hades more than by yourself, because, after playing with her for a moment, she refused to return to you when you tried to pick her back, provoking everyone’s laughter.

And, as expected, your mother was the first to verbalize her opinion on this.

– You have a way with small children, my Lord! That’s surprising, to say the least!

Hades turned to her with a sort of prideful, nostalgic smile.

– I am the eldest of four brothers – he let Ellie hold his index finger – I still remember when each of them were just like Ellie-chan.

Hermes, who was observing everything in silence, was the first to reply that time.

– Let’s pray that this conversation never reaches Poseidon-sama’s ears, uncle.

– I agree with you, Hermes-sama – you, the only human there who met Poseidon, completed with a clever smile.

***

Hermes led your family to rooms on the wing of the apprentices on the human lodge, so that you would stay close to them for the entire period of their stay. It was established that, while your parents would have one room for themselves, your sisters and the baby would stay in a contiguous one, both located on the floor under your own room; to access them, you’d only need to walk down the stairs and cross a corridor for a few meters.

Just like the apprentices, they were all allowed to visit the Gardens and take their meals at the common room, and they enjoyed each opportunity in that sense. Well, actually, your parents decided to turn their stay at the blessed lands into a second honeymoon, something that was first pointed out by Helena and confirmed by you and Luna when you saw them walking with their hands entwined in the Gardens in the next morning of their arrival; your sisters, on their turn, had no difficulties in making friends with the other girls, particularly with Heracles’ disciples, so that later he came to express his contentment in knowing this, stating that you were lucky to have such excellent siblings.

***

Those days spent in the company of your beloved ones were the happiest since your arrival at the divine lands: having your relatives and the man you loved in the same place, and seeing them getting along, was more than your could ask for, even when you knew it wouldn’t last forever.

About this, you already have established your opinion, which was discussed later.

You were taking care of your flowers at the Green House. Your garden, by the way, was growing larger, and that only added to your contentment.

That afternoon, you were upon a small staircase, watering the flowers above your table, when you heard the door opening; you recognized the visitor’s steps and smiled.

– You’re late – you warned him as you walked down the stairs and put the watering can on the floor, beside the table, then crossed your arms to pretend irritation – We were supposed to to take a walk at the Gardens… but this was half an hour ago.

Hades, who was in fact the visitor, walked around the table and stopped by your side, surrounding you with his arms.

– Will you forgive me for this small crime, little one, if I reveal my reasons to you?

You shrugged.

– You can try.

As you imagined, he was with your parents.

– We’ve spent a wonderful time together – he explained – During which interesting conversations happened.

Your face heated up with that.

– Well, if these conversations didn’t include my parents narrating embarrassing episodes of my childhood that I intended to keep out of your knowledge, it’s okay for me.

This caused laughter from your partner, who replied that he then preferred to stay silent about the topics of the said conversations.

***

You had your arms leaning on the wood guardrail as your eyes followed the stream passing under the bridge. The murmur of the water, as sweet as the first time you heard it, was now like the music from a dream, from a memory you’ve long lost and then happily retrieved: yes, you were revisiting the places of the garden where you met for the second time, and now you were in the middle of that bridge where you had your first conversation about your dreams. Those events happened months ago, but to you it hasn’t been more than a few days, and the emotions you’ve experienced that day were vivid inside you.

Apparently, Hades had similar feelings towards it, and he showed it to you: you felt his fingers brushing your hair, then his hands bringing you closer, for a hug.

– Your mood seems lighter now that you have your family here, my y/n – he kissed the top of your head – The time you’ve spent with Heracles was really worth it.

– Indeed, it was – you murmured, passing your arms around his waist – Honestly, I feel even better now that they’re here. If I was scared by all the reasons I’ve told you before, now I know that it was silly of me to be afraid. There’s only room for happiness in my heart these days. Heracles-sama taught me to value the time I have with them instead of concentrating in the future days, in a time when they won’t be with me. And this is what I’m trying to do right now.

– A wise choice – Hades commented – And, judging by what I’ve learned from your parents, they must have the same view on this question. Have you already talked to them about it?

You sighed and moved away from his hug.

– Not yet. I know I have to do this, and they’re probably waiting for something of this type, but I’m still nervous about taking the first step.

– Well, if this helps, you can try to find a chance to bring out the subject during an informal moment. You know, sitting around a table and discuss things like a meeting between monarchs is quite stressful.

You turned to him with a frown.

– This is something stressful for you? – and, with a giggle, – You never told me that!

His lips stretched in a smirk in response.

– There are a few things I still haven’t told you, my girl. For example… – you felt his hand surrounding your waist and bring you back to him – I was sent straight to our future when I saw you holding your niece in your arms. You created such a beautiful scene together.

Your cheeks heated up.

– Our future? Are you talking about…? – you gasped – Hades, we will have a long time to think about this, don’t you think?

The god approached his lips from your ear, as if his next words shouldn’t be heard by anyone but you.

– I do. But there’s nothing wrong in speaking about this right now.

Part XIX

[witch-hazels-musings]

hi! i saw that you wrote a novel (that might be getting published?) and i'm really curious to know what pushed you to start, how was the progress, and do you have an editor + are you self-publishing or are you with a publishing company! writing a novel is a dream of mine but it feel so far-fetched. it's inspiring to see that you've written one, and i would like to know how i might do the same too, if you don't mind sharing! -- @milkstore

hello fellow author <3 im so excited to hear about your dream! there are countless stories out there, but no one can write yours :)

as for what made me start - it was you all. the constant support, love and encouragement, and providing me inspiration and opportunities to practice with characters I love in a world that's fantastical.

my main character was inspired by a genshin OC that I had (Fai) and blossomed into who she is now!

my process was pretty simple really. I started with a general plot. identified what I wanted to happen in the story and the beats (points) i wanted to hit along the way, then I flushed out the two main characters and started writing their story.

after getting draft 0 i realized the plot (especially in the middle) wasn't working. in fact, it suuuucked. so I did some edits, a lot of cutting and rewriting and then I got a beta reader - they liked it, but I didn't - enter my work on draft 3. Now my story has substance, it has way more engagement and a lot better characters.

My next steps will be to read it out loud for another round of edits and - as I go - really ensure my character motivations are in there, the plot (where the whole story ends up) has build-up, and that I'm not going to set myself up for continuity errors. Once that is done I have two options

I can send it off to an editor I found and like, have them look it over and give me feedback - make changes - and then start querying for agents

I found a potential publisher that works with indie authors GreenLeaf Book Group. They might help me with editing, story, and other things if they like what i have - so i can skip some of the steps myself! - They seem very promising and actually may be a good place to start right out of the gate, but I've always been told to never give a publisher nothing (well, unless you're already working with them lol)

From here, the end goal is traditional publishing but i have a few barriers to that. 1. my book is too long, 2. it may not be as engaging as they may like, 2. it's a duology (publishers don't often pick up debut authors that pitch more than one book to them (i.e. they want a standalone before investing their time and money into the book)

Of course, I'll keep you all updated as I go -- you can also follow me on Instagram! I post updates there and information about my book :) --- you can find it via my Author Cardd

I won't gatekeep or tell you this process was easy. It wasn't - but it was rewarding, perfect, and brought me closer to my dream. To be able to look back and tell my younger self we wrote a book is everything to me - her stories deserve to live, as do yours <3

I'm rooting for you.

You got this

OH AND join writing groups! I am now the moderator of one - The Writers Factory. I give lots of advice there and feedback on peoples stories when I can. I also post some writing exercises and other stuff (its not a social discord though - the mods are very strict lol - its for working on your book/story/ect. -- so feel free to join us if this is something you want!)

[sasuhinasno1fan]

Felix's family - Lukadrien Day 25-26

So I was a bit hesitant to post this, it kinda ears on the edge of salt, but here's the thing. Gabriel Agreste is not a good parent. Even if he greives his wife the whole show, he almost never gives Adrien attention, so I'd definitely think a new kid arriving before his wife passes wouldn't make much a difference in how he reacts. Adrien however, would absolutly take his new sibling under his wing. Plus, Luka and kids just seems like the most obvious thing. This is a no Miraculous au. My 1st draft has a bit more explination, but Luka and Adrien are dating when Felix is adopted, so when Emilie passes, they normally are the ones looking after Felix. Adrien leaves modeling and becomes a voice actor and Luka is a musician. It's the same in this, but not said cause I couldn't fit it in. I decided to take inspiration from episode 35 of Tokyo Mew Mew, the orignal one, where Zakuro's fan spends her birthday without her parents because they're busy working. Hopefully you guys like it.

Edit: One of the first things I say is Felix dosen't like cake and then have his brother give him a cake, so I had to change the dessert.

Family

He wasn’t coming. Felix knew that, the oversized cake ordered from the bakery said that, but he’d been hoping.

“Felix, don’t you like the cake?” He looked up at the delivery girl. She looked familiar, long dark hair pulled back into pigtail braids and ladybug shaped earrings. Her bright blue eyes were nothing like the cold firmness of his father’s.

He crossed his arms and looked away. “I’m on a diet. I’m not a glutton like you.”

“What did you just call me?” the girl snapped before she remembered she was in front of customers. “That’s not very nice.” She stressed, looking annoyed. He really did know her; it was on the tip of his tongue.

“If I’m going to be anything like my brother, I can’t eat sweets like that. Besides,” he said, taking in the pastel green box made of cake, with macarons sitting in the space it was cracked open, “I hate cake.”

For some reason the annoyed look on the delivery girl’s face dropped. He wondered if she heard something in his voice. Luka was like that, somehow always having words for his emotions before Felix could figure them out. mind, being 6 wasn’t supposed to be the time to have full understanding of emotions, but he was an Agreste. He was better than everyone, according to his father.

Even if he hated feeling like it.

The cake was divided between his class group and the next. Felix ignored his group mates talking and enjoying the cake, instead focused on the TV playing a commercial for a new cartoon series. He strained his ears, listening for the voice of the male lead.

“I won’t let you hurt my friends!” the dark-haired character, with a decorated sword in hand. He was amazing and his voice actor was even more amazing.

His big brother, Adrien.

___________________

Felix fully expected it would be the same as normal. All his classmates would get picked up by their family or some nanny and as the teachers would get the classrooms reset for Monday, keeping an eye on him until he’d make his way to the playground right outside the window, waiting for Gorilla to finally be free of all the errands Felix’s father would send him on and come get him.

Not this time. This time, he heard the loud rumble of a very familiar vehicle. He knew it shocked everyone, watching Felix Agreste, resident stick in the mud – one of his many taunts from the crueller children – rush over to the same window his teachers would glance out to watch him sit on the swings in the setting sun. he could see the gates from there and parking in front was a familiar silver and snake green motorcycle with two riders. Attached to the side closest to the gate, was a side car, that was a shade of peacock blue.

No way. No way!

He watched the two riders get off the bike, pulling their helmets off. Adrien pushed his messy blonde hair back, looking nothing like the put together model he was when Felix was born. Luka retied his low bun as he followed Adrien through the gates to the front office. Felix wasn’t allowed to run to the office without permission, since the doors had to be unlocked with a button either the teachers or the front office knew of, so he was stuck waiting. He stared at the door, hoping that even with all the evidence, that his eyes hadn’t been lying.

The slight buzz of the door being unlocked caused the door to be pushed open and finally released Adrien and Luka into the classroom.

“Adrien!” he yelled, running over.

His brother scooped him up, squeezing him tight. He felt Luka pat his head, ruffling his hair and he unearthed his face to see Luka smiling at him.

“Happy birthday, little feather.” Luka said.

“Happy birthday Fefe.”

Felix pouted at the nickname Adrien almost always called him. “Why are you here?”

“Sleepover.” Adrien said, adjusting his grip on him. “We’re going out to dinner tonight.”

He was supposed to go to dinner with his father tonight. Nathalie already told him ahead of time but he felt nervous. He was sure he’d sit there the whole night waiting to his father. they were supposed to all go out to dinner on the anniversary of his mother’s passing, but his father didn’t show. Luka and Adrien had been late, a delay at the recording studio for them both, so they were surprised to find Felix at the table alone, minutes before Nathalie arrived to pick Felix up, an apologetic and guilty look on her face.

“Is father…?”

There was a brief expression that passed Adrien’s face before he smiled at him. “You’re all ours for the weekend.”

“Really?”

“That ok with you?” Luka asked.

“Yeah! Are we going in your bike?”

“Yep. Got your helmet and everything.”

Felix thought the cat eared helmet Luka gave him the first time he got to ride in the bike’s sidecar was silly but he loved watching the world go by.

“Felix, who’s this?” one of the newer teachers asked.

“This is my brother Adrien. And that’s Luka, his boyfriend.”

__________________

Felix loved it at Adrien and Luka’s apartment. It was a loft apartment and compared to the Agreste Mansion, it was the best. The wood floors were so much fun to slid across, more so when the sun went down and they’d turn on the fairy lights that were thrown over the exposed beams. It felt like a fort, like the ones he and Adrien made in Adrien’s room before he moved out.

“Snack?” Luka asked helping him out of his leather jacket – a requirement for riding in the sidecar, even with Adrien sitting next to him and holding him close so he didn’t squirm.

“Yes please!” since he hadn’t eaten the cake his father had delivered to the Maternelle and rejected the snacks that were offered in place, he was hungry. If he was home, snacks were no sugar, bland and no fun. He knew his brother ate like that while living in the Agreste Mansion, which was why whenever Felix came over, the younger Agreste was allowed to choose whatever he wanted. “pain au chocolate please.”

“I’ll check and see if we have any left over from our last order.” Luka said, heading to the kitchen. “Babe, you want anything?”

“I’m good. Come on, little feather.” Adrien said, shedding his own jacket, pushing his sleeves up.

Felix’s eyes went to the tattoo of the black cat on Adrien’s wrist. It hadn’t been there before, but, “You got it!”

“Yeah. Do you like it?” Adrien asked, letting him rush to the coach in the living area so he could sit down. Felix pulled his brother’s arm onto his lap. The cat looked like it was made of an ink splatter, the fur looking long and fluffy. Adrien loved cats just as much as Felix loved peacocks, and he really loved peacocks.

“It looks like that stray.”

“Plagg. Yeah, he was sort of the inspiration. He’s been coming in and out, I think he might want to be an indoor cat soon.”

“That,” Luka called from the kitchen across the room, “might be because you feed him cheese.”

Felix giggled as Adrien stuck his tongue out at Luka. “He likes me more than Luka. He’s still upset we can’t get a snake. Landlord finally said no.”

“Can I feed it if he ever changes his mind?” Felix asked Luka as he came with a plate in hand.

“You’ll be the first. Promise. Here you go, remember.” Luka said, waiting for Felix to shuffled against the coach pillows.

“Be careful to keep crumbs on plate.” He recited. He didn’t mind; he wasn’t a fan of making messes. He didn’t know why he didn’t mind that rule from Luka and Adrien, but hearing it from his father made him feel itchy. It was probably related to knowing his father cared more about work than him. he was 6 but he wasn’t stupid.

Felix knew he was adopted. The only reason he and Adrien looked almost identical was because their mothers were twins. He didn’t know Aunt Amilie very well, just that she was a carbon copy to his mom and seemed reserved compared to what he learned about his mom. Aunty hadn’t wanted to raise kids, so she let her sister adopted Felix. But the woman he knew as his mom had passed when he was 2 years old. He didn’t know what it was, Adrien hadn’t told him yet, but Felix knew his father was different when his mom was alive. Adrien said there was grieving, but Felix knew Adrien was as well. Adrien always had time for Felix, even if it was a quick phone call. Adrien and Luka never made him feel like he was being annoying, even when Felix knew he was being the worst. Adrien and Luka knew what Felix liked and didn’t like and also never left him to wait in a restaurant or at school, alone, for hours. They weren’t perfect, his brother and his boyfriend, but to Felix, they were his family more than his father was.

He wouldn’t say that to his father or Adrien though. Whenever the two argued over Felix, it made everyone upset and Felix feel bad. He felt that every other time, but not today.

“Good?” Luka asked, Felix’s cheeks puffed up with the pastry and chocolate.

“Good.” He answered, slightly muffled with how full his mouth was.

___________________

Felix expected dinner to be at whatever restaurant his father had booked, but it was at the place Adrien’s friend’s owned, Floral Mouse. It looked like a jungle had exploded inside the dinning room, full of potted plants and flowers. It helped that the owner, Mylene, was kinda the most awesome person ever, asking him questions about his life since he’d last been there. The tables were covered white paper as opposed to table cloths, so Mylene always gave him a bunch of crayons while they waited for their food.

“Happy birthday Felix!” she said when they came in. she smelled like flowers when she had him lean over from Luka’s shoulders to place kisses on his cheek. Ivan was tall enough to reach his hand out for a high five.

“6 years old, little man. You’re getting big!”

“And heavy.” Luka teased, letting out a small yelp as Felix tugged at his hair. It was really his own fault for leaving the long blue locks out of any bun or braid while Felix sat on his shoulders.

“You’ve got the Tea Time table.” Mylene told them. “The, other thing, will be here soon.”

“Thanks, Mylene.” Adrien said. “What do we say?”

“Thank you.” Felix replied, Luka pulling him off over his heads, so Felix could follow Adrien to the table.

It was set near the back, so there was a flower arch growing on the wall. The table was big enough for the three of them and Felix immediately went to the teal chair in the middle. There were already crayons waiting and after the adults were seated, he pushed the pile of them forward.

“tick tac toe?” Adrien suggested.

“You cheat!” Felix reminded.

“No, I don’t!”

“Babe, yes you do.” Luka said, smiling as Adrien stuck his tongue out at him. “You’re a child.”

“An amazing child, thank you very much. World’s best belongs to Felix. How about this, I promise to play fair and if you win, you get your present now.”

“Really?” Neither had brought a bag with them on the ride over, so it had to be small. “No cheating.” He clarified before drawing the 3 x 3 box.

The game wasn’t as quick as it normally was. Felix stared at each move, trying to guess where Adrien would go next. He heard Luka laughing at them, but this was important.

“Should I even put this plate down?” Ivan asked, hovering with the plate of Felix’s favourite appetizer. Pate was probably a strange thing to love, but Felix didn’t care.

“Put it by Luka. Don’t eat it all!” Felix warned, turning back to the game, making sure there wasn’t a sudden new mark. Adrien did that all the time.

By the time Felix won, Luka had already cut and spread the pate onto the pieces of bread, handing Felix one with a smile.

“Nice work, little feather. Knew you could do it. we should order before Adrien keeps his promise.”

Felix nodded, Luka ordering for all of them. Felix and Adrien had habits of choosing what they wanted before arriving at the restaurant, since they didn’t get to choose what they wanted when living at the Agreste Mansion.

One of the waitstaff took their order and picked up the empty plate, replacing it with a gift bag.

“I hope you like it. Adrien and I asked a friend to help us with it.”

Kneeling on his chair to reach, Felix pulled the tissue paper out and grabbed the top of the fuzzy head he saw. He thought it was a peacock plush – Adrien and Luka gave him several – but this was better. While he liked peacocks more than cats, he and Adrien love Mofusand cats and this one was the orange furred one in a peacock onesie.

“I didn’t know they had this!”

“They don’t. we reused one I got and had a friend make the costume.”

Felix squeezed the plush hard, smiling at the two adults. “I love him! Thank you! his name is Duusu!”

“Very nice to meet you Duusu.” Luka seriously said, shaking the paw near him.

Felix didn’t think the dinner couldn’t get better when dessert arrived, with a very familiar person. The same person he’d been rude to and dropped off the cake he didn’t want appeared in front of the table.

“It’s not green.” She promised. Marinette, that was her name, Marinette.

The small crepe cake was layered with blue whip cream, not teal which was his favorite colour but closer to the colour Luka’s hair was. Place around the top of the cake, curling like a tail, were sugar feathers, with Felix’s name written in cursive in the free space.

“Happy birthday Felix.” Adrien said, swiping a bit of cream off one of the layers to tap it onto his nose. “Here’s to many more.”

“And you’ll be there?” Felix asked. He felt happy, happier than he did earlier when he was dropped off at Maternelle by Gorilla, expecting to hate his birthday. Finding out that he’d stay with Luka and Adrien for the whole weekend, plus a whole afternoon of doing things he wanted, he didn’t want it to end. He’d get to see Luka and Adrien whenever he wanted, he knew that wouldn’t change, but he didn’t want to leave this moment.

“Of course we will. Promise.”

That night, snuggled between his brother and Luka, holding tight to Duusu, he wished this was his family. Not just his brother and his boyfriend, who’d be there whenever his father got tired of him, but the ones who took care of him all the time. It would take him a while to realise that Luka and Adrien, the two people who looked after him since he was a baby, would always be his family.

[vinff7]

This update got me looking at and editing some of my Head canons, so posting those here. HC for how Gortash started worshiping Bane. And other ‘young Gortash’ HC

The game gives us very little hints about how and when Gortash started worshiping Bane. (Except for that one draft of a biography that seemed to place it in his adulthood, but doesn’t mention Hell? I think that might have just been when his Bane worship got more pronounced and noticed by that author not when it really started)

So I’ve made my own headcanon as I’ve seen multiple different versions around.

For me I think he started worshiping Bane in the House of Hope. Not right off the bat. I HC that Gortash likely was enslaved down there around the age of 10. Obviously a very difficult transition for a child to start living in Hell. But I think he eventually got to a point where he was aloud to wander somewhat and read in the library to educate himself. But was also taught by the Walock that brought him there to start (In-between him getting tortured and abused because I love whump to much to not imagine that there were horendious things done to him)

During this time around age 11 I like to think that he caught the attention of an awful demon/devil that would take torturing him really far, citing how amusing it was to get Enver to cry.

I also like to HC that young Enver had really bad anxiety and fear around crying. Like when he was in baulders gate his parents would get furious and yell at him to shut up. So if he noticed he was getting close to crying he would panic, which would pretty much ensure he would cry. And it would be a fun awful spiral of self hate thoughts at himself to be quiet and stop crying making his crying worse.

Anyway, awful torture keeps happening to the kid in between him needing to work and learn. And then Enver’s warlock teacher misses his lesson, and the next one. So Enver is hiding out trying to avoid the houses inhabitants when he finally spots his Walrock teacher and approaches them. Tries to figure out when his next lesson would be. Only to get dismissed with a wave. His mentor tells him The devil that had taken an interest in him has a habit of killing and breaking prisoners and he out ranks the Warlock, so the Warlock is giving up teaching Enver since trying to argue that he should be left alone would be more trouble then it’s worth.

Outright tells an 11 year old “Yeah, maybe not today, but I bet by the time 6 months has passed he’ll have tortured you to death. So there’s not really a point in teaching you anything anymore. No matter what you or I do you’ll end up the like mindless tormented souls soon.“ seeing how terrified Enver looked he says “Best you can do is try convince a god to fish your soul out of here after that devil gets bored or reckless enough to torture you to death.”

Which uh, def fucks with Enver’s head. So he does start deep diving into the Gods and trying to figure out if he can find any he aligns with enough that they would take him. And during this search he finds books about Bane and I fee like Bane’s philosophies is something he would immediatly relate and cling too.

Bane started as a slave and became a God. Bane teaches that the world is truely an Evil place by default, and pretending it isn’t is a lie. Someone who has only seen the worst the worlds have to offer must feel so validated reading that. To me Bane teaches so much about Self Disciple and self Control that some of his books written by worshipers must go into methods of self control. I can see young Enver finding a book of Worship with mantras to repeat when feeling weak or when needing to focus and clinging to those like a life raft.

Repeating phrases like mantras over and over in real life can have mind altering properties. Add a religious one to a word with magic and maybe there is an added Boost that actually works for getting in the zone via worship.

I don’t think Bane answered or noticed Enver at first, at all. I don’t think this discouraged Enver at all, the mantras helped and he figured he needed to do more to earn his gods favor so he worked at it. The focus on his self control helped. He could endure toruture quietly more and some of his tormentors lost interest in the now more stoic boy. Learning to master himself became a thing he could control to keep himself sane in Hell through the torment.

Obviously things didn’t ever get kind in Hell. But I also imagine after a few years of contactless worship Bane does notice Enver since getting prayer pings from Hell is not the most common. I doubt he would often interveen. Enduring torture is good training for a Banite.

I do think the first time they speak is an intervension though. Gods are able to see the future when it comes to things under their portfolio and so I imagine he could see that Enver has a LOT of potential. But he notices that the potential vanishes if all is left with nothing changing which gets him to interveen.

In my head the violent devil that started all of this does decide he want’s to break Enver during a point where Raphael might have been out of the house. Bane notices looking into the future that the torture they have planned for Enver would shatter him, and while Bane approved of discipline, he knows the difference between being weak and being put through so much agony that it’s unreasonable to expect discipline to cary someone through.

So I imagine Enver getting dragged from his cell, trying to fight down panic and start praying as a devil taunts him about his up coming torutre then, vision starts getting very dark and far away as Bane reaches in and just puuuulls his soul away. Bane is able to posses his followers so in my mind he does that for Gortash and pulls him away for a private chat.

I imagine being possesed by Bane is a bit like The Sunken Place from Get out. There is a viewing window you can look out to see what you body is doing, and otherwise Bane sponsored darkness. I feel like they had a short chat, nothing huge for Bane but life altering for a kid, someone actually caring for him enough to help. I feel like Bane would make an agreement with Enver that he will make sure Enver will never have to go through anything so bad that he would not be able to overcome it, which is a huge boost of self confidence for Enver. Now anytime he’s getting tortured in the future he has the promise of ‘My God knows this won’t break me’ going off in the back of his mind.

Bane also tells Enver that he won’t step in to free Enver, Enver needs to free himself, but he will grant him power if needed so that Enver can rise up as long as Enver loyaly serves him.

And so that is how they meet and Enver becomes even more loyally tied to Bane in my HC! I also have a couple ideas I’ll toss here at the end about him escaping since I’m already rambling.

I like to think that once he was older Enver was able to escape by using the Helldusk boots since he has those in game. My though was somehow the boots magic was used almost like a magic key? So he stole those, wards noticed the boots and figured whoever had them must be aloud to be there else why would they have them, so they helped him get past some magic locks and escape.

I did see in a fic about Enver leaping through those portals that could cause insanity and just giving a ‘hey help me out’ prayer to Bane to help him survive which worked and I always liked that idea.

Last Gortash ~ Bane idea that I like is that once Gortash escaped from the House of Hope Bane gave him his approval and told him like “You’re a Watchful Brother in Bane’s church, now you’ll never be called a Slave again.” And got to skip that ‘rank’ in normal Baneite hierarchy.