#real marble fanfiction……….

[theevilicecreamsoda]

The only rpf i accept is rpf about the marble league marbles ☝️

[locamotivednp]

okay i just spent like 3 hours combing through my google history to find my first dnp video and i think it was

which yeah, of course. What's wild tho is that I really only used youtube for music until summer 2012. Except of course

[creepiefarm]

Masky grief fic is finally up for reading! I've been working on this since June 10th 2022 and i can confidently say this is even better than my pre-entry 59 Tim fic. :x

Enjoy or...feel really sad i guess

[miabebe]

Camp Seventeen: Chronicles

Dive into the profiles of the members of Camp Seventeen!

Name: Choi Seungcheol (Coups, Cheol) 

Descent: Son of Zeus, King of Gods, God of Sky, Thunder and Lightning

Symbol: Thunderbolt 

Role: Camp Leader - Sets rules and assigns roles in camp to everyone. Responsible for overseeing team members and ensuring discipline on camp. 

Residence: White marbled mansion, surrounded by oak trees, located on higher ground than everyone else so he can keep an eye on camp.

Companion: Eagle called Zephyr who is often seen patrolling the skies to protect camp. Seungcheol has a special whistle call to make it land on his shoulder. 

Profession: Meteorologist - He has a very good understanding of the weather and can accurately predict changes. Although he does not enjoy his job as he despises working in spaces where he does not have control aka isn't the boss. On the orders of his father he’s also pursuing a degree in astronomy.

Fun facts: Seungcheol’s anger is quite destructive - surprise, surprise, it thunders when he’s mad. His hair was black when he was born but streaks of gold started to appear whenever he used his powers and now it is fully golden blonde. Seungcheol also has an insane appetite and is also always making sure everyone eats well.

Name: Yoon Jeonghan (Han, Angel Boy) 

Descent: Son of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, Warfare and Handicraft 

Symbol: Medusa’s head 

Role: Quest strategist - Studies warfare strategies of other camps and develops a plan of action for his team. Assigns roles in Quests to all members. 

Residence: A tree house nestled on top of an olive tree that surprisingly no one can seem to climb other than the man himself. No one on camp has seen the inside of his house though all have tried - it is believed to house the rare luxuries he collects without anyone’s knowledge.

Companion: Bratty owl called Nox that only comes out at night, god knows where it goes off to in the day. (Dino often has to go on his knees and beg it to help deliver letters) 

Profession: Lawyer - He originally wanted to be a teacher however his level of intelligence was too high for a kindergarten job. In fact, he’s so intelligent that he often has to downplay his smartness at work. The only reason he enjoys being a lawyer is because of the cunningness the profession requires. 

Fun facts: Being the son of a virgin goddess makes Jeonghan a rare demigod - there’s very few known children of Athena. He’s also the camp prankster and though he gets on everyone’s nerves with his jokes, all the members adore him. He’s incredibly scared of spiders and refuses to visit Australia for the same reason. 

Name: Hong Jisoo (Joshua, Joshie) 

Descent: Son of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, Sex and Beauty

Symbol: White swan. 

Role: Camp manager - Responsible for all non training related operations on camp - meals, residences etc. Conflict resolving between members. 

Residence: A small cottage by the lake that was personally crafted by his mother's helpers hence it has all her favorite things in it - red roses, seashells, sea foam etc. To no one’s surprise, there are also mirrors everywhere in his house. 

Companion: Joshua once went to a bird shop to adopt a pet but came back with nearly every single dove, pigeon and sparrow because they would not stop screeching in his absence. Now they go everywhere with him - he’s a mini snow white.

Profession: Writer - Joshua writes romance novels often relying on real life experiences of his many affairs. His books are world famous under the pen name Mr.G (apparently short for gentleman) and they always have happy endings. 

Fun facts: When he’s not writing, Joshua loves to make his own accessories, especially with pearls. He also loves reading other’s writings - particularly fanfictions of his characters. He is also a very good singer, often playing the guitar during evening campfires. 

Name: Wen Junhui (Jun, Moon Junnie) 

Descent: Son of Demeter, Goddess of Agriculture, Harvest and Seasons 

Symbol: Cornucopia 

Role: Camp Farmhand - Growing and harvesting crops needed for cooking. Cooks dinner for all members. (Breakfasts and lunches are each member’s personal responsibility, though Jun insists on packing lunch for members who go to work.) 

Residence: A small farmhouse in the middle of his fields at the foot of the hills. It’s got windmills and creeks and bales of hay - very picturesque 

Companion: A two feet long rough green snake called Fluffy. Unlike its name, it's skinny and clingy and is wrapped around Jun at all times. 

Profession: Acupuncturist - works in a small clinic at the edge of the city and is quite renowned for his skill. Although looking at how most of his patients are young women with barely significant health issues, maybe he’s more renowned for his looks. 

Fun facts: He's the one that most members from other camps have a crush on - he’s always having to run away from fawning girls during quest season. He loves adventure sports and often goes off on his own to do something outdoors. Hates the city, never visits it unless he has no choice.

Name: Kwon Soonyoung (Hoshi, Tiger) 

Descent: Son of Dionysus, God of Wine, Festivity and Theatre 

Symbol: Pinecone 

Role: Camp PR - Establishing social connections with other camps. Entertaining guests who come to camp to form treaties. 

Residence: Luxurious purple and green mansion which looks a little rustic from the outside with all the grapevines and ivy but on the inside it's the very epitome of lavishness. 

Companion: Horang the leopard tiger - He had requested his father to gift him a tiger but his drunk old man sent him a leopard and Hoshi refuses to accept it. He often dresses it in a tiger outfit so it's safe to say Horang is actually quite sick of him.

Profession: Club owner - Hoshi owns a small underground club which has an even more underground secret room only for demigods. There he *cough* illegally *cough* sells his own brewed alcohol which is a big hit and makes him big money. 

Fun facts: Makes and sells alcohol but does not drink as he cannot handle it at all. During his free time, he either studies the art of wine making or takes dance workshops in the city because he’s passionate about it. The loudest possible introvert you will meet with the largest possible social circle - literally no one hates him (except Horang) 

Name: Jeon Wonwoo (Wonu, Jeon-sshi) 

Descent: Son of Hades, King of the Underworld, God of Death and Riches

Symbol: Black Ram

Role: Camp patrolling - Patrols and secures camp borders at night. Not exactly his job but somehow always ends up doing the dishes. 

Residence: He lives in a cave underground which is quite high tech and equipped, like the bat cave. He’s got all sorts of computers and screens set up everywhere for the ease of his job. 

Companion: None. Wonwoo’s father gifted him Cerberus, a 3 headed puppy but Wonwoo gave it to Mingyu after he lost his own pet in a Quest. Natalie for some reason, likes to follow around Wonwoo like moth to a light. 

Profession: No one knows really. It’s some big secret government job that he rarely goes to the headquarters for - mostly works from the comfort of his own home at whatever time is convenient for him. 

Fun facts: He’s extremely rich - his job makes him a lot of money but also his father keeps sending him a lot of gifts, mainly gemstones. Children of Hades tend to be loners and do not join camps but Seungcheol fought tooth and nail to get Wonwoo into Camp Seventeen. Wonwoo loves to bike and often takes his motorcycle, Night Fury, to the countryside for long drives. 

Name: Lee Jihoon (Woozi, Uji) 

Descent: Son of Apollo, God of Sun, Music and Healing 

Symbol: Lyre 

Role: Camp Patrolling - Patrolling and securing camp at daytime. Also responsible for the healing wounded members 

Residence: Woozi and Vernon own neighboring twin houses - Woozi’s is white and gold and is filled with his instruments and music equipment

Companion: A pure white cow which is named….Cow. It was a reward that he got in one of the Quests years ago and its milk has medicinal properties and helps him to heal members. Cow also has a little calf called Daisy which is the common camp pet - it’s fond of all the members and is very playful with everyone, especially Vernon’s hounds. 

Profession: Music producer - He’s very good with sound and can play most musical instruments. Sometimes DJs at Hoshi’s club when Hyungwon, Jeonghan’s little crush, isn’t available

Fun facts: Woozi works from his own home studio so he barely ever leaves camp. He also doesn’t attend many social events unless really necessary. Spends longer hours than most members in physical and combat training - members suspect he considers himself a little weak since he’s the shortest and tend to hype him up at every given chance. He has the most beautiful long golden locks that he loves to style in various buns and braids.

Name: Xu Minghao (Myungho, Hao) 

Descent: Son of Ares, God of War, Battle-lust and Courage

Symbol: War helmet 

Role: Camp trainer - In charge of training members of combat. Assigns weapons and maintains the ones stored in reserves.

Residence: Brick House at the edge of the training field with his personal gym and simulation combat room.

Companion: None. Minghao does not feel any emotional attachment towards any living thing. 

Profession: Tattoo artist - Minghao always liked things that were rebellious in nature and he’s a very talented artist so he decided to combine the two as his profession. 

Fun facts: He’s one of the best warriors the world has ever seen - he's trained in many camps before he decided Camp Seventeen was it for him. The camp lost two Quest seasons because Minghao had to fight for the Amazonions as a favour to his dad but now he has the eternal support of the entire tribe. Although his father is the very symbol of rage and fury, Minghao tends to be quite calm and meditates often to keep inner peace.

Name: Kim Mingyu (Gyu, Big Boy) 

Descent: Son of Hepheastus, God of Fire, Forges and Blacksmiths

Symbol: Smith's hammer 

Role: Weapons master - he makes all the weapons and equipment for the members. Handles all engineering related matters on camp as well. 

Residence: Has the only two storey house on camp - ground floor is his personal forgery and above it is his residence which the most automated, high tech place ever - seriously, he’s made a machine for everything 

Companion: He used to have a baby donkey but lost it in a quest. (last it was seen was when Hoshi took a photo sitting on it) then Wonwoo gave him his dog because he was lonely. 

Profession: Firefighter - being the son of the god of fire helps with that. Plus Mingyu is always looking to help people in need so it was a no brainer for him when the time came for him to pick a job. However now he’s considering leaving the job to become a chef

Fun facts: Mingyu is the tallest seventeen member so it's always hard to get gear for him - it's always too small or too tight. Mingyu isn’t particularly a fan of biking but knows it's one way he can spend time with Wonwoo so he built his own bike, FireBolt. Since the terrain on camp is too uneven for a bike, he built it to be able to transform into a mechanical bull at the click of a button allowing him to ride it around everywhere no camp, inducing mini earthquakes as it runs. 

Name: Lee Seokmin (Dk, Min) 

Descent: Son of Poseidon, God of Seas, Storms and Horses 

Symbol: Water waves 

Residence: He has a boat house in the middle of the lake which the members love to use as a party yacht much to his dismay. 

Companion: Pegasus, a big stallion actually meant for battle but in reality it is a scaredy cat. Often runs the opposite side of combat regardless of Seokmin’s instructions 

Role: Camp trainer - in charge of morning warm ups and drills. Helps members with general fitness and health. 

Profession: Surf instructor - he spends pretty much all his time in and around sea because that is where he feels strongest. Often helps capsized boats and trapped animals though he’s not supposed to interfere and falls in trouble because of his good nature 

Fun facts: Seokmin was deadly scared of water as a child and would not even go near it. His father personally trained him and prepared his son for demigod life. He is one of the only members who has lived in Olympus for a while in his younger days. He's incredibly sweet and considerate though most of Poseidon’s many many sons tend to be arrogant and rude

Name: Boo Seungkwan (Uri boo, Kwan) 

Descent: Son of Hera, Queen of Gods, Goddess of Marriage, Family and Women

Symbol: Diadem 

Role: Camp PR - Like Hoshi, he too establishes alliances and treaties with camps. Often the messenger to Olympus because his mother is queen - loved by all the Gods (except Zeus) 

Residence: A Greek style house that Hera had instructed him to construct right in the middle of camp because she wants him to be the center of everything. Seungkwan dislikes it and often bunks with Vernon who’s the only one who hasn’t shooed him away when he approached. 

Companion: Patricia, the peacock that his mother gifted him but it's a bit too high end and spoilt to be in a place like camp. 

Profession: Wedding planner - Seungkwan loved weddings since he was a child mostly because he always saw his mother at one when she came to bless the unions. He decided to start his own company after nitpicking about how everyone was getting them all wrong and wanting to teach the world the right ways again. 

Fun facts: If it's not already obvious, he’s a mummy’s boy. Though Hera is the very symbol of faithfulness, the growing number of her husband’s children prompted her to have children of her own, Seungkwan being the one she’s most fond of. He’s the latest addition to camp and within days of arriving, he had already boosted Seventeen’s image beyond their expectations. He runs a secret instagram page for Camp Seventeen who’s followers are mostly girls from other camps, because the pictures are mostly the members shirtless.

Name: Chwe Hansol (Vernon, Bonon) 

Descent: Son of Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, Wilderness, and Chastity 

Symbol: Wolf  

Role: Camp patrolling - along with Woozi, he too patrols the camp at daytime. Hunts wild animals which tend to find their way into the camps.

Residence: Twin houses with Woozi, his is silver and white and has a large enclosure for his hounds. His house shines according to the cycle of the moon - brightest at full moon, almost invisible at no moon. 

Companion: Fifteen hounds that are descendants of the hounds that his mother hunts. He can’t remember fifteen names so he’s named as the numbers - One, Two, Three, so on.  

Profession: Video gamer developer - Vernon had a lot of experience as a child when he was caste as Tv show host. Though, as much as he’s used to the entertainment industry, he likes to steer clear from it hence venturing into game development 

Fun facts: Vernon is also the child of a virgin goddess and hence also a rare demigod. He’s famous for his chiseled features and is often babied by the Hunters of Artemis. Demigods aren’t allowed to meet their mortal families after initiating into camps but Vernon always sneaks out to meet his sister Sofia who he is very close to and fond of.

Name: Lee Chan (Dino, Maknae) 

Descent: Son of Hermes, Messenger of Gods, God of Trade, Luck and Travel 

Symbol: Caduceous 

Role: Camp messenger - Much like his father, Dino plays the active role of camp transport-in-charge. Any and all deliveries are his job - even when Mingyu needs a ton of iron to weld. 

Residence: A large camp tent at the entrance of camp - When he first came he claimed he wanted it to get ‘camp feels’ now he hates it but Cheol won’t let him change it. 

Companion: A tortoise named Speedy which is as slow as he is fast. Always has to run, then wait for it to catch up, then run again and wait again and so on. 

Profession: Cab driver - doesn’t particularly enjoy the job but it makes things easier for him. He says he’s saving up to go to med school one day but Woozi swears Dino said chest muscles are called pecs because they are short for spectacular so yeah, that’s probably not happening

Fun facts: He’s a kleptomaniac - he’s always stealing stuff from the members, his house is full of such artifacts. He’s also the most in touch with his demigod half siblings - the sons of Hermes are a tight bunch. Being the youngest in camp means he’s most teased but also most adored - camp messenger isn’t even a legit job, they just give him as little work as possible. 

Name: [                             ]

Descent: Daughter of Hestia, Goddess of Hearth, Home and Hospitality 

Symbol: Fire

Role: Not yet assigned 

Residence: Not yet built 

Companion: Natalie the piglet who she found stuck in the trashcan one day and decided to raise. Natalie is a fledgling meaning its a creature of Olympus and does not follow time in the mortal world

Profession: Studying her last year of Architecture

Fun facts: She's the exact opposite of everything her mother is known for - very confrontational, not hospitable and not homely at all. Most Demigods are discovered when they are 16 but she made it to 25 undetected, no one knows how. Mingyu was the one who found her because of an accident that landed her in a lawsuit - Olympus assigned Camp Seventeen to her under the suggestion of the oracle.

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[creepy-friday]

How I imagine a Creepypasta movie

I can see the movie being special made for the fans so a lot of headcanons the fandom made a long time ago would be canon in the movie

(Realistically,a full cinematic movie would be only made by the fans since it would be a pain to try to contact all the creators)

One song that I can totally see in the movie is "Wolf in sheep's clothing".

The soundtrack would include Myuu ( Scent of Night) the piano version of "Sweet Dreams", "Candy Man" and by the end of the movie "Dead Silence"

It would also include the classics of Madame Macabre, "The Greatest show UnHearted" , "Dollhouse" and "Don't you dare forget the Sun" we all know for who character

The start would include a fresh kill by Marble Hornets and cutting to running trough the forest.

Half of the movie would be flashbacks from the characters past(the moment Toby was recruited while his house was burning,Jeff trying to fight Slenderman,Hoodie and Masky's buddy-hate relationship,and so on)

We see multiple points of view and witness a lot of their interactions,daily life and work.

The climax includes some gore by The Operator killing the typical group of teenagers exploring the forest and taking Sally who followed him back into the mansion so that she won't see the massacre.

The plot twist at the ending would be that Slenderman kills people who do research about his existence for a good cause

He knows about the fandom,the fanfictions,about the people who idolize him and the other killers

Much like Zalgo,he would be a multidimensional creature, his true intention is to not make anymore children commit crimes to see him in a reality he doesn't even exist. (Yes,I included the real life Slenderman crime)

(Throughout the movie BEN keeps on saying things that would only make sense by the end of it since he knew about The Operator on the internet and because the blonde can't be killed he was recruited.)

I hope this would fuel someone's ideas!

[dawnbreaker-mylove]

𝑨𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒂𝒘𝒏

Disclaimer: This is a fanfiction of the game Love and Deepspace. Some characters are from the game, and some are original characters. The rituals and traditions aren't from any specific religion. If there are any similarities to real people, it's purely coincidental.

A/N: Zayne a bit ooc but it's for the plot, trust. Special guest at the end (＾▽＾)

‘I am the Master of Fate.’

When your eyes fluttered open again, a searing heat coursed through your body, every limb feeling as though it had been weighed down with stones. Your back ached, and your head pounded as if someone had split it with a hatchet. The sky outside was awash with soft hues of orange and red, dawn slowly approaching.

It was then you realized this was not your home.

You sat upright, heart racing as your eyes darted around. The room was big, far larger than the entirety of your house in the fields. You found yourself lying on a bed, its wooden frame adorned with intricate carvings. The mattress beneath you was so plush it felt like resting atop the clouds unlike the simple quilt you had known, which you’d always spread upon the hard floor.

Your gaze fell upon your clothes (if you can call them that). The thin silk draped over your body offered hardly any modesty, shimmering against your skin but failing to cover your pebbled skin or hide your hardened nipples. You tugged at the fabric in disbelief, trying to make sense of it all.

You scolded yourself under your breath. "Never trust a priest, nor anyone from the temples," you muttered, raking your fingers through your disheveled hair. As your hand brushed your head, something cold caught between your fingers. You froze, pulling the object free—a golden ji. The hairpin gleamed in the dim light, delicate jasmines etched into the surface. Your eyes widened in recognition, dread settling in your stomach like a stone.

“No, no, no...” You shook your head vigorously, dropping the ji onto the bed as if it had burned you. “This cannot be happening. How...?" The words stumbled out, incoherent and panicked. A wave of disbelief washed over you, the meaning of the hairpin too clear to deny. You glanced back at it, heart pounding. It was too much to process.

Then, your ears caught the faintest sound—footsteps. You stiffened, listening as they approached the door, growing louder. The door creaked open, but no one stood in the threshold. Instead, trays of food hovered in the air, as if carried by invisible hands.

“What in Heaven's name…” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper, watching in disbelief as the plates floated toward you. Bowls of steaming noodles, fragrant dumplings, and perfectly cooked rice were set before you, the rich aromas instantly filling the room. You couldn't tear your gaze away from the surreal sight, hunger gnawing at your stomach despite the confusion.

Without a second thought, you sank back down onto the plush bed. All manner of decorum abandoned, you grabbed a bowl, the warmth of the food chasing away the cold shock that still lingered in your veins. You didn’t care how disgusting you looked at that moment. You ate with abandon, savoring every bite, each flavor bursting on your tongue in a way you had never experienced before.

If this was a dream, you mused between mouthfuls, you could only hope never to wake.

After downing the cup of rice wine, you noticed the door had been left ajar. Hesitation washed over you as you looked down at the thin silk nightgown draping loosely over your body, barely decent enough for wandering. But curiosity gnawed at you, compelling you to move.

Your bare feet touched the cool marble floors, each step soft and uncertain. You took in the surroundings—this place reminded you of a siheyuan, the type of home where the middle-class and nobles lived back in your village. A compound that held generations within its walls. The air here carried a faint, pleasant fragrance, drawn from the massive jasmine tree that stood proudly in the courtyard, its white blossoms filling the open space with serenity. You inhaled deeply, savoring the quiet and beauty of the scene.

Yet the silence was unnerving. Where was everyone? Who had brought you here? Questions spiraled in your mind, pushing you further into the unknown.

"Oh!" A jolt shot through you as something brushed against your shoulder, causing a nearby vase to tumble and shatter on the floor. Your breath caught—no one was there. But the shards lay scattered, evidence that something, or someone, had been close. Squinting, you made out the faintest silhouette in the sunlight, barely visible. Then, as if carried by a gust of wind, the shards were swept up by an unseen force, the invisible figure moving away with them.

"Sorry?" you muttered, shaking your head. This place was playing tricks on your senses, you were sure of it.

As you wandered deeper into the compound, you stumbled upon a large room, more expansive than the bedroom. It had the look of a study, filled with scrolls and elegant furnishings. And there, for the first time since morning, you saw a human—a man. His long hair fluttered slightly in the gentle breeze as he leaned casually on his hand, playing Go with no visible opponent. The board pieces shifted after his move, and when he won, the other pieces trembled in what seemed to be anger.

"That's rather rude," the man chuckled, clearly speaking to his invisible opponent. He gestured lazily for the game to be put away, and only then did he turn and notice you standing in the doorway.

Recognition struck you like a thunderclap. The handsome face from the temple—the man who spoke of the Master of Fate. Your mouth gaped in surprise as you pointed at him. "Y-You! What are you doing here?"

The man rose to his feet, his height only making him more imposing. His robes, embroidered in intricate blue and gold, shimmered under the soft light. It was immediately clear he was no mere traveler. "You're awake at last," he said gently, a smile tugging at his lips. "How are you feeling?"

You crossed your arms, glaring at him. "I'm in shock, and you have the nerve to ask how I feel?" Your tone was sharp, though justified by your bewilderment. "Where am I?"

The man's smile remained, unfazed by your bluntness. He lifted a hand to his lips, pointing. "You have a grain of rice, just there," he said, amusement in his voice as if suppressing laughter.

Your cheeks flared with heat, and you hastily wiped your lips. “Enough of this nonsense,” you demanded, your voice sharp. “Where am I? Who are you?”

The man's eyebrows lifted slightly, as if taken aback that you hadn't yet recognized him. “I am merely a traveler,” he said simply.

“Bullshit!” you snapped, stepping forward as anger surged within you. The closer you got, the more you noticed a faint pink flush on his ears. Was he…blushing? Your frustration mounted. “I need to know where I am, so I can get home.” Probably also to look for that priest so you can slit his throat.

The man hummed, clearly amused by your fury. “You are home,” he replied, his tone as calm as ever. “Everything here is yours.”

Your brow furrowed in confusion. “What on earth do you mean?”

A low chuckle escaped him, as if he found your bewilderment endearing. He bowed his head slightly, the golden-green hue of his eyes fixed on you with a strange intensity. “I am the Master of Fate,” he said, his voice rich with quiet authority. “The god of the mountains, and I am married to you.”

The weight of his words settled in the room, thick and suffocating like a dense fog. You let out a laugh—hollow, bitter—though none of this struck you as amusing. The god’s eyes narrowed slightly, perplexed by your reaction. “You mortals are truly curious creatures,” he murmured, his voice edged with amusement.

“Wait,” you said, raising a hand as you stifled the laughter, trying to regain your composure. “If you’re truly the Master of Fate, shouldn’t you be a dragon?”

His eyebrow arched, his expression shifting. “You doubt me?”

“That, or I choose not to believe,” you retorted, a hint of defiance creeping into your tone. “Prove it. Show me you’re really a ‘god’.”

You knew enough of the stories to realize challenging a god was folly, but your frustration overruled your caution. Instantly, you felt the change. His aura grew colder, the warmth of the room draining away as though the very air recoiled at your insolence. The silk draped on your skin offered no protection from the sudden chill.

The god’s eyes, once warm with flecks of gold, now gleamed with an otherworldly glow. His pupils shifted—elongating, narrowing into slits, reminiscent of a dragon. He took a slow, deliberate step towards you. Though he didn’t lay a finger on you, something invisible lifted your chin, forcing you to meet his gaze, your breath catching in your throat.

“You dare question me?” His voice was calm, yet it carried the weight of a storm, the power of the mountains he was said to rule. You felt small, fragile under his scrutiny, the air around you pressing down with unseen force.

His gaze flickered down to your lips then they lowered. In an instant, the intensity in his eyes softened. The golden light dimmed, and his pupils returned to their human-like shape. The invisible force holding your chin vanished as quickly as it had appeared. He stepped back, a hand covering the lower half of his face as if trying to conceal his embarrassment. His ears, you noticed, were faintly tinged with pink.

“My apologies,” he murmured, his voice no longer cold, but gentle. “I did not mean to lose my temper.”

He smoothed down his robes with a swift motion, composed once more, though you could see the faint trace of unease in his demeanor. When he turned to face you again, his usual serene smile had returned, but it carried a hint of warmth now that had been absent before.

“Let us… start over,” he said, his tone lighter, almost as if he were making a peace offering. “I am indeed the Master of Fate. But as your husband, you may call me Zayne.”

It was utterly ridiculous—this stranger, this god, claiming to be your husband. Before you could protest, his hand gently reached for your neck, his thumb brushing lightly against the scar left by the dagger. The sensation made you freeze. "It is healing quickly," he remarked, his tone soft but deliberate. "Still, I advise against overexerting yourself. The wound might reopen, and I would not want to see you hurt."

You fought to keep your expression neutral, suppressing the flutter of warmth his concern stirred in your chest. You had to remind yourself of your situation—he wasn’t tending to you out of love. To him, you were no wife, but a mortal… a pet. Gently but firmly, you took his hand away from your throat, furrowing your brows. "I appreciate your concern, Master," you replied, your voice polite but laced with underlying defiance. "However, I cannot accept being called anyone's wife, especially when no marriage has ever taken place."

Zayne’s brow arched slightly, amusement flickering in his gaze. "Is that so?" he mused, the faintest hint of a smile touching his lips. "But you are my wife. The ceremony at the shrine, did it not confirm as much?"

THAT WAS A WEDDING CEREMONY?!

"Oh, so you mean to tell me that being a sacrificial lamb is your idea of a ceremony symbolizing devotion and love?" you challenged, your tone sharp.

Zayne’s lips curved into a faint smirk, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Is that what you mortals think marriage is?" he mused, an eyebrow lifting. You crossed your arms, raising your own brow in return. "Is it not?"

He tried to suppress a laugh but failed, a snort escaping before he broke into quiet chuckles. The sound of it made your face flush with embarrassment, though you tried not to show it. "Is it not?" you repeated, more insistent this time, though now you felt a bit foolish for asking.

His laughter faded into a knowing smile, and he shook his head. "Marriage to a god is far beyond mortal customs of devotion."

You wanted to ask more—how all of this came to be, why he had chosen you as his “wife”—but your words faltered as a cold breeze swept through the open windows. A shiver ran down your spine, reminding you of the thin silk nightgown clinging to your skin, offering little warmth against the chill. You wrapped your arms around yourself, rubbing at your arms for some heat. Zayne’s eyes flicked to the way your skin prickled from the cold and how your nipples were now prominent.

You heard his breath hitch but before you could snap at him, he moved closer, and though his presence was commanding, his touch was careful as he lifted the silk draped over your shoulder, pulling it back into place with a certain grace. The warmth of his fingertips lingered on your skin longer than they should have, and despite yourself, a strange heat rose in your chest, contrasting sharply with the cold.

"Would you care for a change of clothes?" Zayne asked, though his gaze betrayed him, lingering far too long on the exposed skin of your chest. His eyes trailed down in a way that made your skin crawl with awareness.

You scowled, your arms instinctively crossing over your chest as heat rose to your cheeks—not from embarrassment, but irritation. “Please," you replied, your tone sharp, cutting through the air like the wind. If he weren't a god, you might have slapped him for such boldness.

Zayne, noticing your displeasure, raised an eyebrow, the corner of his lips twitching upward as if amused by your indignation. "As you wish," he said, his voice smooth, though his gaze held a hint of mischief that made you even more wary.

Now that you've changed into a hanfu of rich crimson and deep azure, the intricate patterns reminiscent of Zayne’s own robes, adorned with motifs of delicate jasmines, fierce dragons, and majestic mountains. As you strolled back to the courtyard, you found yourself captivated by the vibrant plants and blossoms that surrounded you, their colors a feast for the eyes.

As you meandered along the riverbank, the gentle sound of water cascading from a nearby waterfall reached your ears, blending harmoniously with the soft rustle of leaves. You paused, captivated by the fish darting playfully beneath the surface, their scales glinting like jewels in the sun.

Then, from the corner of your eye, you caught sight of an extraordinary deer. It stood as grand as an oak tree, its coat a pristine white, glowing like freshly fallen snow. Its antlers, gilded in gold, sparkled brilliantly in the morning light. With each careful step it took, the earth beneath its hooves came alive, sending forth new blades of grass, as if nature itself rejoiced at its presence.

“The Si Ji,” Zayne said, his voice low and respectful as he approached your side. He inclined his head toward the magnificent creature, admiration evident in his gaze.

The Si Ji lowered its majestic head to drink from the river, its silken coat shimmering like polished ivory in the dappled sunlight. “It’s beautiful,” you murmured, captivated by the sight.

Zayne hummed thoughtfully beside you, nodding in agreement. “If I were to be frank,” he began, his tone contemplative, “everything in this world possesses its own beauty. It is a lamentable truth that mortals often overlook.”

You found yourself agreeing, struck by the realization. Mortals tended to take the wonders of life for granted, blinded by the weight of their daily struggles. It stirred an uncertainty within you; what was life, really? What could unfold in the next hour, or even the next breath? You wondered if the gods, beings of such grace and power, held any clarity about the uncertainties that plagued humanity. Glancing up at Zayne, you hesitated to voice your thoughts when the hint of sorrow in his eyes caught your attention. What was the source of that? Who had caused it?

Zayne caught your gaze, his brows arching slightly in curiosity. “Yes?” he asked, a gentle challenge lingering in his tone.

“Nothing,” you replied, shaking your head as you turned your focus back to the Si Ji, willing yourself to concentrate on its elegance. “So, the Si Ji,” you continued, “the one said to govern the seasons.”

“Indeed,” Zayne smiled, his demeanor brightening. “In but a few weeks’ time, it shall traverse the land, cloaking the world in a blanket of snow.”

Your thoughts drifted to your village, to the familiar faces and daily routines. You shouldn’t care; after all, they lived as they always did. You were the one who had experienced a life turned upside down overnight. Just yesterday, you were a commoner ensnared in the machinations of the temple priests. Now, you were married to a god.

"Come," Zayne called, his voice soft but commanding as he turned and began walking toward the entrance of the compound. His steps were light, purposeful, the silken folds of his robes barely stirring. You prepared to follow, but a faint splash from the river behind you made you pause.

Your head whipped around sharply, eyes scanning the water. At first, there was nothing. Then, a figure emerged seemingly out of nowhere, his presence so sudden it stole your breath. His eyes, strange and multicolored, gleamed as they locked onto yours.

“Greetings,” the new voice said smoothly, as if the river itself had spoken. You gasped, taking in the sight of him. His bare torso, covered in intricate blue markings that coiled across his skin, looked as though the heavens themselves had inked them there. His smile, though charming, sent a shiver down your spine. Most unusual was his hair, a deep shade of purple, falling in soft waves that shimmered in the light.

“My, such a fine jade,” he murmured, stepping closer and lifting your chin with a light but possessive touch. The warmth of his fingers was unsettling, his gaze lingering on your face.

You bit back your discomfort, gritting your teeth, refusing to be yet another plaything to this stranger. “Unhand me,” you said, your tone sharp like a blade. You stepped back, eyes narrowing.

“Rafayel!”

Chapter 3

[apollos-boyfriend]

my roommate just said the realest fucking line of "i mean every slenderman media is just marble hornets fanfiction to me" he's so fucking real

[holllandtrash]

hi friends im alive i miss u all

sadly, for the time being, i have stopped writing fanfiction. i need to focus on my career and also on writing a story that i so desperately want to turn into something real

i wrote a little synopsis of something im working on if youre curious and you can read a snippet and see the chat gpt curated cover below the cut lol

The Art of Falling

Indy Brookes has spent her life immersed in the art world, navigating the delicate balance between creativity and commerce at the prestigious Westmont Auction House. She understands that every masterpiece holds hidden depths—stories layered beneath the surface. So when the new Head of Client Relations, Sunil Dival, steps into her world, she can’t help but see him the same way: a piece of art waiting to be unraveled.

Indy thrives on passion and instinct, while Sunil holds tight to logic and control. Though they each bring something valuable to the table, their visions for the future are fundamentally at odds.

As their lives begin to overlap, Indy realizes that Sunil, much like the art she loves, has more to him than meets the eye. In the fast-paced world of auctions and high-stakes deals, they find themselves navigating not only their work, but the unspoken connection growing between them.

Wine bottle in hand, I headed back upstairs, my footsteps quiet on the marble floors. I was going to grab my bag from behind the reception desk when something caught my eye in the gallery—Sunil, standing alone in front of the red painting I had just shown Ms. Bass.

His hands were slid into his pockets, his posture relaxed from what I could tell. The soft glow from the light fixture above the painting cast shadows across his side profile. Much like Ms. Bass, he stared at the painting in confusion. But instead of asking what he was supposed to feel, Sunil stared at it as though if he stood there long enough the answer would jump out. I waited in the doorway, watching him for a second longer than I probably should have.

The painting had a way of doing that—drawing people in. But it was strange seeing him like this. Still emotionless, but more composed. I couldn’t tell if he was just in work mode or if there was something else.

I leaned against the doorframe, the bottle dangling loosely between my fingers.  “Admiring the art?” I called out, my voice sounding more casual than I currently felt.

Sunil didn’t turn right away, his gaze fixed on the canvas. “Something like that,” he replied, his tone flat, as if he were working through something in his mind.

I took a small step into the gallery, unsure if I was intruding on a moment I didn’t fully understand. “What are you thinking?”

He finally glanced in my direction, though not quite meeting my eyes. “Just wondering why people are drawn to it,” he said. His voice was measured, detached. “There’s been so many calls about it, you know? It was the piece that Ms. Bass was here to see too, wasn’t it? I just don’t get what makes it worth the attention?”

I hesitated, not sure if he wanted a real answer or if he was just thinking out loud, but I had just had this same conversation only minutes prior. I took a step closer. “It’s about how the artist uses color and texture to create emotional tension,” I said carefully. “The red isn’t accidental, it has a purpose—it’s layered with meaning. Passion, desire, love. It’s almost as if the artist wanted you to feel conflicted, to question what you’re supposed to see.”

I paused, watching for any reaction, but Sunil’s expression remained impassive, his eyes still fixed on the painting. 

“The longer you look at it,” I continued, “the more it forces you to engage with that tension. That’s why people are drawn to it—it’s not just about what they see, but how it makes them feel. It doesn’t let you be a passive observer.”

He didn’t respond right away, then, without glancing in my direction, he said, “Or maybe people just like to overthink things.” His tone was flat, but the words cut through the air with a dismissive edge.

I stopped in my tracks, realizing at that point that he wasn’t asking for an explanation the way Ms. Bass had. He didn’t care about the history or the artist’s intent. This was something else.

“It’s nice, I guess.” he muttered, almost to himself. 

Nice. 

Nice. 

That word felt like a direct slap to the face. Nice? I had spent years studying pieces like this—pouring over the intricacies, the layers of emotion, the painstaking detail behind every ounce of effort put into it. And Sunil stood there, calling it nice? It was like hearing someone call a symphony ‘catchy’.

The part of me that wanted to set him straight bubbled up to the surface. I wanted to tell him that this wasn’t just a painting you glanced at and deemed ‘nice.’ This was a masterpiece, something you had to feel, something that deserved more than a casual shrug and a throwaway word.

A mild summer breeze was nice. A freshly-mowed lawn was nice. This painting landed in a category of its own that I was actually offended by his comment. 

I could almost hear the lecture forming in my head—something about the delicate use of the color red, the emotion hidden beneath the shadows. I wanted to ask if he even knew what it meant to truly see a painting like this, to understand the depth it carried.

But then I stopped myself, the words slipping away as quickly as they came.

What was the point? He wasn’t here to appreciate the art the way I did.

He wasn’t a curator. He wasn’t a historian. He was Head of Client Relations. His job revolved around the sales of the auction, not the beauty that was stored within our walls.

Sunil wasn’t asking for an analysis or a history lesson. He didn’t need to be corrected or belittled. Maybe, for him, ‘nice’ was enough. At least he was taking the time to even look at the piece.

I bit back the urge to put him in his place. Sometimes people just needed to have their own moment and this shouldn’t have been about me proving I knew more. 

For a moment I was envious of the lack of emotion he felt. I knew too much about the artist and his collection. I felt too much, but it wasn’t my place to force someone to feel the same. Maybe he just needed to stand in front of it, lost in whatever he was seeing, without someone like me shoving meaning down his throat.

So I stayed silent. I let him have this. His moment.

I took a step back, muttering a quiet "Goodnight," as the space between us grew. 

Sunil nodded, still looking at the painting. "Goodnight," he repeated, but there was something in his tone that made me pause. It wasn’t cold, exactly, but it wasn’t warm either. It was just…there. Like everything else about him since he’s arrived—distant.

I lingered for a second longer, waiting for some kind of clarity but it didn’t come. I couldn’t get a read on him. With a small sigh, I twirled the wine bottle in my hands and made my way out, leaving Sunil alone in the gentle glow of the nice painting.

--

yes her name is indy like indy car!! u can take the girl out of motorsports but u cant take motorsports out of the girl !!

[nyrasbloodyclover]

when the lights go down (maven calore x reader)

cw: nightmares, hurt/comfort

a/n: this is my first ever fanfiction i think, originally posted on ao3

I got up, gasping for air, not being able to see clearly. The room spun in front of my eyes making me sick to the stomach. I desperatly needed to puke.

I was almost used to it by now. Waking up in sweat with fear that just behing my closed bedroom doors death is waiting. That's what years of terror did to a person. War was cruel and had no mercy towards anyone.

I brought shaky hands to my wet face- from sweat but now burning tears slid down my cheeks as i let out quiet sobs. It was so stupid but understandable at the same time. In front of my eyes—it was so real i couldn't breathe sometimes— i was losing everyone i loved all over again. Everyone i cared about on the verge of death. I saw him, barely breathing, silver blood sliding down his neck—dying—and i just stood there, not being able to do anything.

I had never even admitted that to him- my feelings or the nightmares because i knew his mother took all of it from him. He wouldn't understand so it was all pointless.

The memory, not real, and it will never be real, i swore to myself, made my chest hurt, i started sobbing even harder this time.

And it was desperation or need for comfort that made me get out of that haunted place i called my bedroom and walk out the door.

The marble floors were cold underneath my bare feet as i walked slowly still with tears in my eyes.

The palace was huge and anyone could get lost in it, even me, but there was one path i always knew- towards him. Maven's chambers stood out to the rest of the palace, at least to me. Anytime i was with him i felt as if no one could hurt me. Like i was safe from the rest of the world. In his head we probably weren't that close, but i could comfort myself by pretending.

I was still convinced this was one big mistake, but now that i found myself in front of big doors that led to his private rooms, i couldn't go back. Maybe he will toss me out, laugh at how weak i am, after all we lived through the same experience.

I didn't care. All i wanted is to at least see his face or hear his voice, no matter what he was saying to me. So i knocked once and secretly prayed that he wouldn't hear me. If he doesn't open i will have to suffer alone for the rest of the night, afraid to close my eyes. It was familiar to me that my sleep was cursed by nightmares. It would be easier than to appear weak in his eyes.

But no one heard my prayers as he opened the large woden doors. I tried to wipe my tears as much as i could.

His eyes were still half closed, soft white shirt crinkled from sleep and hair rustled. He didn't seem very happy that someone woke him up. He looked so unfamiliar to me in that moment because i was so used to his organized-put together self. If i hadn't been so miserable i would even laugh.

At the sight of me it was like someone had sobered him up.

"What are you doing here?"

"I couldn't sleep." My voice was weak. It was the longest explanation i could give him.

After studying m for a moment Maven crooked his head, "Are you okay?" He spoke gently, like i was some wounded animal that needed his saving. And in some way, i really was.The look on his face made me know that he was aware of my cursed dreams

That was it, i thought, my breaking point. Something really cracked in my chest as i practically threw myself at him.

He was caught off guard he froze for a moment. I didn't care if he's going to mock me for the rest of my excistance for this, i needed it, needed him.

Few seconds passed and he relaxed a bit wrapping his slender but strong arms around me. Then i started sobbing into his chest.

"Hey, what's wrong?" He whispered into my hair, "What happened?"

He closed the door behind me and guided me to the edge of his bed. I sat down and he kneeled beside me, looking up with his blue eyes, searching for the answer.

"I watched you die," my voice cracked mid-sentance making it sound even more painful. And when he realized what i said his eyes grew wide. I wasn't sure what was going through his head now, but i still continued, "I watched you die, and i wasn't able to do anything—"

Now was my time to feel caught off guard as he took me into his arms. I never saw Maven hug another human being, but he should do it more often because now, he held me so i don't break.

"I am alive," his hand brushed the back of my head, "I am alive because of you, don't ever doubt that." His words made me sob harder into his chest.

His scent consumed me as i closed my eyes against him.

Maven never broke the hug and we sat there, in the dark of his room, until i parted us and looked at his beautiful, beautiful face.  

"I hate nightmares," i said after minutes of silence. "Sometimes, i wish your mother took them from me too."

He frowned at that, still holding my hands, "She took my nightmares, yes, but with them she robbed me of my ability to love, to care."

His fingers traced invisible patterns on the back of my hand. He wasn't looking at me. "Sometimes, you make me forget that." And i felt as if my heart was beating again.

I didn't know what to do after that. Did i get the comfort i wanted? I wasn't sure, but his words did make me feel better, so i got up and started walking towards the door. I hope our relationship wouldn't change much after tonight. I knew i would feel stupid and even more miserable in the morning but i guess it was worth it.

Then suddenly i felt the burning hand around my wrist, "Why are you leaving?"

Did he want me to stay? "Well, i tho—"

"You thought wrong. Come here," he said as he pulled me closer to him, and under the red covers. 

I layed my head on the burner prince's chest that rose and fell with each of his breaths. The proof that he was alive. Alive and well and beside me.

After a while, when the lights completely went down, i wasn't sure if i was asleep yet but i heard him whisper, "I will take your nightmares if it means you'll sleep peacefully."

[sylphiesweet]

: ̗̀➛ Rarijack Fanfic - Ch1 ౨ৎ

- ͙۪۪̥˚┊❛ w/c: 6.5k ❜┊˚ ͙۪۪̥◌

a/n: hello !! this is my first real post on here. i don't typically use tumblr, and i don't typically write fanfiction ! but i love to write, and i figured i would rather write stuff that others will want to read than write stuff that will collect dust in my folders. constructive feedback is much appreciated :)

Summary: A humanized MLP:FiM alternate universe set in the 90s where Rarity- a now famous fashion designer living in Canterlot- visits Ponyville for a reunion with her friends. Centers on the Rarity x Applejack ship. Lots of fluff, only involves the mane 6, very wholesome.

enjoy ♡

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

Under the warm lamp light of the Canterlot Carousel’s tailor shop fervorously work the delicate and nimble fingers of Equestria’s greatest designer. It is well past close, the streets just beyond the doors of the boutique are desolate, yet Rarity is intent on completing her remaining custom orders. Through her rubied cat eye frames this artist fixates on the precise stitching of her sewing machine. The fabric of the garment being constructed is ethereal, it possesses an otherworldly luster that practically lights up what is an otherwise pitch-black room. Nights like these, where this lady of refined elegance works her magic for hours on end, are what have gotten her so far in such a cutthroat industry. They are also, however, what tends to be the blockage between her and a healthy social life.

Under the obnoxiously loud whirring of Rarity’s sewing machine approaches the faint sound of heels clicking against the boutique’s shiny marble floors. She doesn’t hear the voice calling her name, too stuck in her trance-like state of work. It takes the sewing machine being turned off mid-seam for her to finally look up. “What do you think you are doing, Sassy?! I am in a time crunch here!”

In front of the dramatic damsel stood Rarity’s store manager, Sassy Saddles, with the unplugged cord to the sewing machine in hand. She had a partially amused, mostly concerned expression. “I was closing up the boutique when I heard you back here. You’ve been sewing for a while, Rarity. I haven’t seen you step away from your desk all day.”

She gave her manager an unamused expression. “Time crunch, darling. Pay attention. Now plug the machine back in, will you?” Rarity instinctively bent back into position, expecting Sassy to obey and the machine to resume.

Sassy sighed. She knew there was no use in arguing, not with Rarity of all women. “Before you continue, I came to give you this.” From her skirt pocket, she pulls a wax-sealed envelope addressed to Rarity.

This got her attention. “Oh? Give it here.” She held her hand out and received the letter. Searching for something on her desk to open it with, she glanced up briefly to her manager. “Who’s it from?”

“I believe your old friends from Ponyville. It has the Princess’s logo on the seal- see?” A well-manicured finger reached over the sewing machine and tapped on the crimson wax holding the envelope together. It did indeed have the insignia of their nation’s beloved princess pressed into it.

Rarity took her embroidery shears and sliced the parcel open. The letter inside contained the iconic calligraphy of a royal friend from a lifetime ago, she would recognize it anywhere. If the wax seal and the regal writing didn’t already give away the author of such a letter, it was the words themselves. Nobody else in all of Equestria wrote with such intellectual grace. The same level of attention to detail in each sentence could be achieved by no one other than the Princess of Friendship herself; Twilight Sparkle. Seeing the penmanship of a friend from her girlhood brought a smile to Rarity’s face. It sometimes still felt like it was only yesterday that they were having sleepovers together in her quaint library, giving each other facials and sharing the local gossip. That was back when she was still a small-town girl, running her first and only boutique with a head full of dreams and a heart full of passion. The more she reminisced, the older she began to feel. The gray hairs on her head were probably multiplying with each memory. She should just read the letter already.

As her boss read, Sassy discreetly began to wrap up the sewing machine’s cord and hook it onto the side of the desk. She loved when the boutique had plenty of business, but she also knew from past experience that an overworked Rarity could lead to catastrophic things. A sigh of disappointment from the tired designer came once she finished reading. Sassy looked up, quickly folding her hands in front of her to hide her crime. “What’s wrong?” she asked hesitantly.

”Nothing is wrong… Twilight is hosting a reunion.” Rarity set the letter aside.

Sassy smiled, yet still held that look of worry in her brows. “Well, that’s wonderful!… Is it not?”

”It’s all the way back in Ponyville. That’s a trip I simply do not have the time to take, I will have to decline the invitation.” She began searching around her desk for a pen and paper to write with.

”Now hold on, Rarity!” Sassy stepped around the desk to face Rarity, mostly so they could stop talking over the sewing machine. “You have been working yourself to the tips of your cuticles. There is not another lady in Canterlot more deserving of a break than you. Speaking as both your manager and your friend, you would be mad not to accept this invite.”

Rarity paused her searching. Sassy wasn’t a stranger to dramatic speeches, nor was she, yet it was surprising to hear her actively protest like this. “How deserving I am of a break doesn’t matter when we have New York Fashion Week rapidly approaching. My schedule is absolutely full! I have to go back up to Manehattan on Monday to fit the models for the line, and then down to Fillydelphia on Wednesday for a meeting with the design team coming from Milan, and next Saturday I am flying out to Las Pegasus for the opening of the Carousel Boutique on the strip.” She had begun to spiral into one of her fast-paced, extra-dramatic rants. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Rarity looked up at Sassy and took her glasses off. “Tell me, where am I meant to fit a trip to Ponyville in all of that?” The name of her hometown was spat out with a coat of contemptment, like it wasn’t good enough to be considered on her roster of Equestria’s top fashion cities.

Sassy sighed quietly, she never knew how to calm Rarity down. “I’m not sure, but you are great at making things work. When is the party?”

Rarity put her glasses back on and pulled the letter over again. “…This weekend it seems.” Well that invalidated most of her argument, and Sassy was quick to pick up on it.

”Perfect, you could leave for Manehattan straight from Ponyville. If you think about it, a relaxing trip home before your busy week would be a fantastic reset. We both know that you can’t avoid burnout.”

Holding the paper, Rarity chewed the corner of her lip as she stared at the date written down. She took a moment to think. “I’d have to book my train tickets first thing tomorrow…” It seemed she was genuinely considering this trip.

“I would be happy to do that for you,” she replied with a smile.

Rarity’s brow furrowed in deep contemplation. “I… will think about it. Thank you, Sassy. You can go home now.”

Satisfied with that answer, Sassy nodded and turned to head out. “Good night, Rarity. I will see you tomorrow.” Her heel clicks followed her out the door, with the ring of the storefront bell signaling her exit.

It was a few more minutes of silent thinking before Rarity sighed and set the letter down once more. The decision seemed obvious, Sassy was right in saying she needed a break, yet something in the back of her mind still worried about falling behind. The days before New York Fashion Week were always ruthless, yet if one managed to stay on top of it all it could boost their reputation tremendously. If they fell behind, the consequences could be dire. Rarity had worked too hard to build a name for herself just to let big opportunities slip away.

This was a choice that could be made tomorrow, she had orders to fulfill now. Getting back into sewing position, she tried to start the machine. When it didn’t start, Rarity finally noticed that Sassy had wrapped up the cord. “What- Oh, for Celestia’s sake!” She groaned and leaned back in her chair, defeatedly. Her persistent assistant had won. It was too late to continue, anyways.

Rarity took off her glasses, leaning back even further to stretch out her stiff spine. The silence of her studio consumed her. She stopped bringing Opalescence to work with her recently, the boutique gets overwhelmingly busy and she’s an old kitty now, little lady needs her rest. Ever since then, nights like these bring a strange sense of loneliness to Rarity. When she’s not working, work is all she has to think about. She is living her dream, so where is the fulfillment that was meant to come with it? Ever since permanently moving out of Ponyville, this lonely feeling has haunted her relentlessly… Perhaps this reunion will do her good.

She gets up and turns the lamp off, leaving everything as it is to be resumed in the morning.

—

Celestia’s Sun had yet to begin its rise over Sweet Apple Acres on the day of the reunion, yet Ponyville’s hard-working orchardist was already starting her day. As was usual, the farm was quiet in the morning. Only the songs of the earliest birds could be heard. By noon, the crickets and cicadas would join them. It didn’t get much louder than that around here, not since Apple Bloom went off to college. Big McIntosh and Sugar Belle had their second kid not so long before that, and they decided it was too much work to raise their family while living on the farm. Now, it’s just Applejack and Winona left.

While it was still the quietest it would be all day, AJ ran herself a refreshing shower. “Freezing” might be the more accurate word, or at least the word most would use, but there was nothing like a shot of ice-cold water at 4 AM to wake a gal up. Purified and straight from the same rivers that ran through the orchards, the water trickled down her long, golden locks. She let out a sigh, closing her eyes and running her fingers through her hair. No one would be able to tell, not with the naked eye, but AJ had grown plenty of grays amidst all those blonde strands. The stress of managing the farm without Big Mac to help her had probably only doubled them by now, she wasn’t the same spry and young girl she used to be.

A hearty breakfast is typically in order after her rinse-off. Three eggs sunny side up, four bacon strips, two sausages, and a slice of toast. All accompanied by a shiny red apple, plucked straight from a tree in her backyard. One doesn’t acquire the muscles she has by simply working on a farm, a diet full of protein is a must. Although, coming from a long line of farmers on both sides of the family, AJ’s natural 6 '1 stature did attribute to her well-toned physique.

Today, she would be needing this protein-filled breakfast. Not that she didn’t need it every day. The reunion Twilight was throwing would be held at her barn- a good old-fashioned hoedown. Her friends were meant to arrive this evening, so she had the whole day to get her daily chores done and set up for the party. It would be a bit of a crunch to fit all that into one day, but it was worth it for her friends. The only real social interaction she got these days was on her weekly trips into town to sell her apples. It would be great to chill for a night and catch up with her gals.

Mid-apple crunch, an unexpected knock came from the porch door. Winona started barking relentlessly without hesitation. Well shit, she wasn’t presentable in the slightest. Her hair was still wet from the shower, sitting on top of the towel draped over her broad shoulders. Aside from her not-so-fashionable accessory, AJ was in just a tank and shorts. The door had to be answered regardless! She set the half-eaten fruit down and got up. If she could make a list of the least expected guests to be showing up on her doorstep before 5 AM on a weekend, this girl would be dead last. AJ had to do a double take when she opened her door. “Rarity?? Huh! Well, I’ll be!”

The plum-haired beauty smiled up to her old friend. “Applejack, darling! Good morning, dear. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” She was carrying Opal in her mini bejeweled feline carrier, no bigger than a fashionable purse.

”Only breakfast. Come on in, gal!” AJ pulls Rarity in for a warm hug before stepping aside.

Their embrace, which was probably the first real hug either of them have experienced in some time, lasts enough time for their bodies to melt into one another, as if in an attempt to make up for all the time spent apart. It also lasts long enough for their pets to start bickering, with Opal hissing down at Winona from her carrier.

Rarity laughs apologetically, scolding her cat on the way into AJ’s house. “Bad kitty! This is not how we behave. You’ve known Winona for years, quit it!”

AJ chuckles, quieting down Winona as well as she follows Rarity inside. “I must say, I’m surprised as all get out to see you up so early. Are you finally past the point of beauty sleep?” She said this with an obvious joking tone, always loving to tease her “girly” obsessions.

Joining her host for a seat at the dining table, Rarity playfully scoffed. “One doesn’t simply stop needing beauty sleep, darling. Honestly, I would rather be getting said sleep now… My assistant- Sassy Saddles, you remember her right? Well, she booked the earliest train from Canterlot. Too early, in my opinion! So, here I am.” She smiled and pulled Opalescence out of her carrier and began stroking her fluffy white fur in her lap.

AJ couldn’t help but smile as she listened to the most elegant woman she knew speak her mind. It had been too long since they had spoken, her ears wanted to soak up every word she said. There was just something in Rarity’s voice, her cadence and tone and choice of words, that could hypnotize a girl like Applejack in seconds. “Well boy howdy it sure is good to see you again, girl. But, uhh… Why’d you come to my place? The party ain’t for ten hours.”

Rarity sheepishly giggled. “Who else in all of Ponyville is going to be up at sunrise on a Saturday?”

She got her there. AJ laughed wholeheartedly. “Y’ain’t wrong about that! Can I get you some breakfast? The trains serve nothin’ good.” Getting up from the table, she opens the cupboards like she already has an idea in mind of what to make.

“Oh, I’m quite alright. Thank you, dear. I will take a tea or coffee if you have any.” Rarity looked around the kitchen. It was amazing, hardly anything had changed. The only notable difference was the new pictures here and there. Their most recent family photo caught her eye. “Heavens! Is little Apple Bloom really that grown up?” She set Opal down to get up and look at the frame on the wall.

AJ, already brewing a pot of coffee, smiled to herself at the mention of her little sister. “Crazy, right? Feels like yesterday she was still runnin’ around in my old treehouse with their little crusader club… How’s Sweetie Belle?”

It took Rarity a moment to respond, still in shock at how much the Apple family had changed. “Oh, she’s just fine. I believe she’s coming home for winter break. Perhaps we could stop by to catch up with you and Apple Bloom when the time comes.” The bell on Opal’s collar jingled as she rubbed herself against Rarity’s ankles, purring at her to be picked up. Still examining the pictures, she bent down and scooped her kitty up to be held.

Sunlight had finally made its way over the hills and in through the kitchen window, streaking amber rays across the walls. The light bounced off floating dust particles, it reflected on the glass over hanging pictures, danced across the kitchen’s cutlery and crockery. Most notably, it illuminated Applejack in an enchanting halo. She turned around with a smile as bright as this early morning sunrise, pouring Rarity’s cup of coffee as she spoke. “That’d be mighty swell! Here ya’ are, darlin’.” She set the mug down and slid it across the kitchen island with a smooth wink.

Something caught Rarity in a trance. She seemed to be frozen, holding Opal in her arms and staring at AJ. The way her hair, all dewy from what she could only assume was a shower, was highlighted by the sun rays. Her gorgeously toned muscles had a glowing golden aura, as did every lash, freckle, and mark on her face. Her friend had suddenly transformed from the town farmer to a goddess sculpted by the sun. How come she had never noticed the beauty in all her chiseled features before? Sure, AJ was always a strong and tall lady, but she’s aged like a fine apple cider. She couldn’t help but continue to stare… for an uncomfortably long time.

”Uh… Rarity? Somethin’ wrong?” Applejack chuckled nervously.

”H- Huh?? Oh! Pardon me, nothing is wrong, darling. Thank you for the drink.” She set Opal back down and stepped over to pick up the coffee. One could tell from just the scent that it was as fresh as it gets, the beans were most likely hand-ground by AJ herself today. Everything on Sweet Apple Acres had that realness to it, that pure authenticity that the Apple family stood by. It could be tasted from the first sip Rarity took, rich and dense in flavor. “Mmm, it’s lovely.”

Applejack smiled, feeling the self-consciousness of being stared at wash away. “Oh! Glad to hear it.” She lifted the towel from her shoulders and wrung out her hair one last time before tossing it over the side of the sink. “So, what’ve you been up to lately? I heard the Canterlot Carousel’s doin’ swell.” In a small town like Ponyville, news of any resident’s success travels quick, doesn’t matter if they still live there or not. She walks back over to the dining table to sit with Rarity and chat.

Sipping her coffee and sitting down as well, she lets out an exasperated sigh. “Ohhh busy busy busy… I have just been eternally busy with my boutiques.”

”Wait- Boutiques plural? I thought your business in Canterlot was the only one you’ve got! Not since the Carousel Boutique closed…” Rarity’s first store location had closed not too long ago. Now it just serves as her home when she comes to visit.

She nodded, understanding the confusion. “I opened a second store in Manehattan when I closed that one. It has proven to be most successful, and I'm looking at real estate in Las Pegasus for a third store! My goal is to have one location in all of Equestria’s major fashion cities.”

Again, AJ couldn’t help her smile as Rarity spoke. “Well that’s fantastic! Congrats, Rare. Figures that a star-studded gal like you would make it so big, ain’t nobody in this town who had more passion and talent than yourself…”

While AJ had no intentions with such a compliment other than to speak the truth, it left Rarity pink in the cheeks. “Awh! Wh- why thank you, Applejack! How about you? The farm looks marvelous, I must say. Walking through the orchards on my way up here was absolutely scenic.”

She chuckled. “Scenic, huh? I appreciate it, but what you see ‘round here really is what you get these days. Those trees out front are the majority of what I have now. Had to cut a lotta acres since Big Mac moved out, it’s just too much work to handle all by my lonesome.” Applejack went quiet for a moment, looking out the window as the sun continued to rise. “Truth be told, I don’t want to lose the farm, but it just ain’t what it used to be. I ain’t what I used to be. I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout it an awful lot recently. That maybe I’d keep workin’ for a few more years, just enough to get Apple Bloom through college, and then sell it all once she’s settled…” Realizing she had gone on a little tangent, she scratched the back of her neck and laughed. “Pardon me, Rarity. That’s stuff that only Winona usually hears.”

The little border collie who was curled up under the table stuck her head up upon hearing her name. AJ bent down and petted her head as a painfully tense silence sifted between them. It took Rarity a bit to find her words. “…I’m… I’m terribly sorry, Applejack. That’s quite the burden to be carrying, especially for just one girl.” She reached out and placed her hand on top of AJ’s.

The difference in their skin was apparent not just visually, but even more so tactilely. One’s hand was tanned from the sun, calloused by years of hard work, muscular even down to the tips of the fingers. The other’s was soft, feminine, had a beautiful manicure, and only calloused where sewing needles prick. Yet, despite the polarity of their physical makeups, each one standing on the opposite ends of what society deems to be a woman, the intimate connection sparking between the colliding cells of their separate beings was undeniable.

Tender affection like this had been absent from Applejack’s life for longer than she could remember. The feeling of Rarity’s gentle skin on hers, the calming words of comfort she could give, they quickly made this a moment to savor. An urge somewhere inside herself began to crave more of this. She hadn’t even realized there was an absence of anything in her life, and a subtle taste of what she had been missing ignited a desire for more. Carefully, Applejack supinated her hand so that their palms were facing one another, and she held Rarity’s dainty fingers with her own. “Thank you, Rare. Sorry to toss all this on you, I know it’s kinda heavy.”

Rarity squeezed AJ’s hand back. “And yet you’ve been carrying it all by yourself… Both metaphorically and physically, my dear. I mean, good Celestia! You’ve really been running Sweet Apple Acres all alone? Not even a farmhand to help you?”

AJ chuckled and shook her head. “Nope, just Winona and I. But I could say the same about you! You’ve been runnin’ all these fancy stores across the country by yourself? No business partner or nothin’?”

”Oh don’t flatter me, a boutique is hardly comparable to a farm. And I have managers, assistants and such. As strong as you are, darling, you’re carrying the load of three… Have you discussed any of this with your brother?”

Talking wasn’t something she and her brother did much of recently. There wasn’t any animosity, they had a great relationship. Life had just gotten in the way. “Ah, he’s got his kids to deal with… We did have a long talk before they decided to move out, and he was worried about just this. In the end, we chalked it up to “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” And, uh…” AJ chuckled in a defeated manner. “I’ve gotten to that bridge. Now I just ain’t sure…”

Rarity also wasn’t sure. She hated seeing one of her closest friends in such a tough situation, but she was also in no position to give advice. What she could do was set her coffee down, let go of Applejack’s hand, and lean in for a hug. “I am not sure how much weight my words hold, but I am sure that whatever you decide to do will be the right choice, Applejack.”

Those words held more weight than she could carry, enough weight to knock some of the unbearable pressure off her shoulders. AJ returned the hug with a smile, squeezing Rarity gently in her arms. “Thank you…”

—

The barn at Sweet Apple Acres was lit up and lively that night. Atmospheric lighting emitted by the lanterns that hung from every pole post created a cozy environment, perfect for a long night of reconnecting with one another. Applejack and Rarity had spent the day cleaning the space up, shoveling hay out of the way and setting up tables. In between that, Rarity assisted with some of the farmwork that needed to be done. As per usual, all of the decorations credit goes to Pinkie Pie, who showed up around noon with a truckload of party supplies.

By sunset, everyone had arrived. The organizer of this party was the last to show up, as she got caught up with royal duties before she could leave. When she finally made her appearance, it was in an official royal motorcade. She embarrassedly had to command her guards to leave her there, not wanting tonight to be any different than the hangouts they all used to have in the past. If it were up to her, which it should be, she would have driven herself up here. Alas, official procedures say otherwise.

Still dressed in her formal blazer with her hair wound in a tight bun, Princess Twilight Sparkle joined her friends inside the barn. Only now, she wasn’t a princess. She was just Twilight. Almost instantly, she was wrapped in a hug of 10 arms and squeals from her 5 favorite girls.

“Thank you all for coming!! It’s so great to see you girls again.” There was a shared wave of ease that washed over the group as they were all together for the first time in years.

Attempts had been made at group reunions like this in the past, at least once a year. It was almost impossible for everyone to be free at the same time, someone always had to decline. That someone had typically been Rarity. Her surprise presence hadn’t gone unnoticed, and it was quick to be pointed out. They all moved to the lounge pit made of hay bales to chat.

“I was starting to think you hated us, Rare!” Rainbow Dash leaned over and elbowed Rarity playfully. “Your fancy Canterlot life too good for us?”

Rarity nervously laughed, pushing Rainbow off of her in an equally playful fashion. “Of course not! You know I love you girls.”

“Then how come you’ve missed our last, like, three hangouts!!” Pinkie Pie giggled from across the pit, sitting criss-crossed on her hay bale and sipping some cider.

She knew this was just friendly fire, but a part of her felt bad for being so absent. This invitation would’ve also been declined if it wasn’t for her assistant’s insistence. “The fashion industry is ruthless, darlings. Free time is nonexistent! Not if you want to survive...” Rarity was extra dramatic with this delivery, which got everyone laughing.

The ever-quiet Fluttershy took her own shot at Rarity. “Twilight is the ruler of Equestria and she can make time for us, that’s no excuse.” Everyone “oohed” at Rarity after that.

Twilight laughed this off, not wanting to draw attention to herself. “Hey now, it’s not her fault if she has a busy schedule! Besides, Canterlot is a far trip from Ponyville.”

Applejack chimes in, this time making a jab at Twilight. “Yeah, we can’t all travel in a limousine with a motorcade.” The whole group laughed, and it felt just like old times again.

The hours passed quickly, and the sky went from a peachy array of pinks and oranges to midnight hues of blue and black. The girls drank cider fresh from the orchards, snacked on pastries from the Sugarcube Corner, told stories from their lives over the past years, and laughed at jokes as old as their friendships. At some point in between all of the drinking and laughing, Applejack had snuck out of the barn. Rarity was the first to notice. She excused herself as well to go find where the party’s host had gone.

Just beyond the barn doors, under the spread of twinkling stars and Luna’s moon was a hard at work Applejack. The thud of her axe rang out through the silent field as it came down, splitting a log in two. She grabbed the fallen pieces and put them back together, taking another hard swing to split it into quarters.

Rarity cautiously stepped over to AJ, partially amused at this late-night wood cutting. “Needed some fresh air, did we?” She stopped far enough away that no stray wood chips would come flying at her.

Applejack turned and smiled at Rarity as she tossed another log onto her stump. “You think everyone would be up for a bonfire? It’s a beauty of a night out here, perfect weather for one.” She raises her axe once more and brings it down with a slight grunt, continuing to repeat the process from before. “I wish I had the idea for one earlier, woulda been convenient to do this before sundown.”

”That sounds like a lovely idea!.. Can I help you?” She asks this hesitantly, very aware of her lack of bonfire-making skills.

As the fresh quarters of wood topple over around the chopping block, AJ puts the head of her axe on the ground and leans on the handle. She wipes some sweat from her forehead with her arm as she turns to Rarity. “…You… You wanna help chop wood?…” Her words ended with a quiet chuckle. Who is this girl, and what has she done with the helpless damsel Rarity?

Taking offense to this, she crosses her arms and pouts. “Is that not what I just said?? I don’t understand what’s funny.” Actually, she does indeed see the humor in this. Normally she would pull up a chair and watch the hard work be done for her. Maybe it was all of the cleaning they did together earlier, the feeling of accomplishment a hard day’s work gave her that was incentivizing her to do more. Or maybe it was just the idea of being around Applejack.

Adjusting her leather Stetson hat to brush some blonde strands out of her face, AJ chuckled again before nodding to Rarity. She beckoned her over with two fingers. “Alright, gal. But I gotta teach you how to properly handle this thing first.” The axe handle was carved from an apple tree grown on the orchard, sanded and polished by AJ herself. She grabs a smaller, more easily choppable log and throws it on the stump.

“That’s fine! Looks easy enough. You just grab and swing, no?” She tries to take the axe from AJ, but it quickly gets pulled back.

”Whoa-ho-ho! Slow your roll there, sugar. You could pull a tendon or send this here axe flying buck wild without proper form, and I’m not tryna have any ladies hurtin’ on my farm tonight.” The axe gets placed up against the stump while Rarity gets her schooling in wood chopping. Placing her hands on her shoulders from behind, AJ guides her into position.

That same rosy pink blush from sunup today had found its way back to Rarity’s cheeks. AJ’s grip was firm yet gentle, and just one of her hands covered the entirety of her shoulder. The heat of her palms also felt nice on her skin in contrast with the crisp night air. More than anything, it was the way she effortlessly moved her to where she wanted. She couldn’t have tried to resist even if she wanted to, though she knows AJ would never actually use force on her in such a way. Regardless, the mere potential of being restrained by Applejack’s sheer strength… it made something deep within Rarity double over.

Maneuvering Rarity to the right distance from the stump, AJ then bends down behind her. She keeps one hand resting on Rarity’s waist while the other gently pushes on her thigh, manually shaping her stance. Although unusually flustered, Rarity lets herself be posed like one of her fashion mannequins. Her hand migrates from the top of her thigh to the back of her knee, using just enough pressure to force a bend. It’s taking Rarity more and more strength to stay standing, this is more touching than she expected wood splitting to warrant.

 Once AJ is satisfied with the stance, she gets up and grabs the axe, placing it in Rarity’s hands. It’s much heavier than she expected. ”Alright, now grip your left hand at the base of the helve like this… And then start with your right near the head…” As she explains, she places her hands on top of Rarity’s to guide them accordingly. AJ’s body is pressed right up against Rarity’s in doing this, with her head peering over her shoulder. A sewing needle couldn’t wriggle its way between them.

At last, this designer has been molded into the image of a lumberjack, with just an additional farmer hanging off her behind. AJ turns her head slightly towards Rarity’s and smiles. “You ready, gal?”

Still profusely blushing, Rarity nervously swallows and nods. She doesn’t feel ready at all, but she also doesn’t know how much more manhandling she can take.

Applejack, still guiding Rarity’s hands, steadily raises the axe above their heads. She then swiftly brings it down onto the little log. It splits with ease, tumbling off either side of the block. Rarity couldn’t help but smile. She got a rush of excitement at the power that chop had, even though it was almost entirely AJ’s doing.

They separated, and AJ finally let Rarity hold the axe by herself. She had the proudest grin on and gave her a pat on the back. “Well done!! Think you can handle one by yourself?” She grabbed another easy log.

Rarity nodded eagerly, readying her stance now that she knew what to do. She took a swing at the log and partially split it. AJ came over and helped unstick the head. “That swing wasn’t half bad! Give it one more go, you got it.” Her tone was encouraging in an almost motherly way. It was internally strengthening to receive praise and assurance from someone who knows what she’s talking about.

She took another swing, this time with a power-packed grunt. The log split on the second strike, sending the halves toppling to the dirt. She cheered, doing as much of a celebratory jump as she could while still gripping the axe.

AJ cheered with her, grabbing the log she split and assembling it again for a quarter split. “Hoo-Wee! That’s a clean chop, Rare! Didn’t think you packed such a punch.” That’s a lie, everyone knows Rarity is capable of going off the rails when she wants to. “Go at ‘er one more time, and we’ll have some good kindlin’ for the fire.”

”Oh no, thank you, darling, but I’ve had quite enough.” She gently sets the axe down on the stump and steps away, wiping her hands off. “I’ll give you motivational support from over here!”

Back to the same old same old. AJ chuckles and takes over, splitting the log again in one fluid motion. “Well, I appreciate the help. And I commend you for still tryin’ new things at our age. You’re always full of surprises, sugar.”

A few more split logs later and Applejack had gotten a roaring fire going. Everyone migrated outside, sitting down on whatever plank, bale, or barrel they could find. Faces were hot from the radiating heat of the fire, and backs were chilly from the cool air of Luna’s hour.

Pinkie Pie plucked an apple from the nearest tree and managed to skewer it. “I bet this will taste just like warm, sugary apple pie!” she giggled in excitement.

“I… don’t believe that’s how it works-” Twilight hesitantly watched, nervous about the fruit going up in flames.

Rainbow cackled from across the fire as she toasted a marshmallow. “You’re lacking a few ingredients, Pie.” Her mallow then proceeded to catch fire, to which she frowned and tossed it into the pit to watch disintegrate.

“No I’m not! See?” Miraculously, Pinkie held up a pie tin, already lined with crust dough. The rest of the girls took a moment to process her antics… and then all burst into laughter.

Toads chirped their song from the grass and trees, the cindering logs crackled harmoniously, and these six soulmates laughed with each other until their lungs were void of oxygen. Their riotous joy soon simmered into a quiet appreciation of each other’s company, watching the fire under the moonlit sky. Pinkie Pie shared slices of her freshly fire-baked pastry while Rainbow Dash munched on her first successful s’more, and Applejack brought her guitar over to play for everyone. It felt like an almost ceremonious closing to their reunion.

She sat on the haybale next to Rarity with her guitar, angling the neck away so as not to hit her with it. As she carefully checked the tuning of the strings, she quietly leaned into Rarity with a question. “What song should I play?”

Had she been more awake, perhaps Rarity would have gotten slightly flustered at yet another intimate moment with her shockingly gorgeous, strong, kind-hearted friend. But it was late, and the fire was cozy. Even the butterflies in her stomach were fluttering their way to sleep. She thought about the question for a moment. “...What’s that one slow song by Elvis? It’s the only thing coming to mind at the moment.” She yawned, covering her mouth with her hand.

AJ thought for a moment, a small smile curling at her lips. “I think I know which one ya mean… Does it go like this?...” She begins lightly picking the strings, and the song is instantly recognizable after just a few chords. It perks up the other sleepy heads sitting around the fire, as their attention is all directed to the music.

Rarity nods, her eyelids slowly growing heavy. “Mhm… That’s the one…”

“Alright, doll.” Applejack begins playing, gaining an audience of all her friends. The flames, dying down now, dance in a way that nearly matches the song’s rhythm.

The sweetness of her music quickly lulls Rarity into the sleep that has been prodding at her. As AJ begins softly singing the lyrics, Rarity lays her head on her shoulder and closes her eyes. The blush that had been haunting her all day transferred at the touch of their bodies, it was finally AJ’s turn. Her cheeks grew rosy, but she didn’t stop her playing. A smile brighter than the fire in front of them could be heard through her words as she sang…

“… Wise men say

Only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you

Shall I stay?

Would it be a sin

If I can't help falling in love with you?...”

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

ending song reference:

thank you all for reading, even my friends who i begged to. chapter 2 will come if enough people enjoyed this one ! ( ˘ ³˘ )♡

[aley-nag]

Creativity. My beloathed.

My next fanfiction project was Ipseity by @skyisgray. If you ever where in the Stucky Fandom, you've probably already read this. And if not you should go do that!

I don't want to spoiler to much, but it is very Bucky-centric and follows him through his time with Hydra and how he copes with all the awfulness. It has some very compelling original characters and some lines and events occupy my thoughts even years after reading it. I cried sooo much while reading this. Eventually there is some Stucky which is also really heartrending and the entire story keeps you on the tips of your toes. Go read it, it's so beautiful.

I tried to keep with the very dark themes of the story and make the design stark and stern. But I also wanted it to be pretty and I'm a sucker for cursive so there's that.

It was also the first real project I tried the marbled edges with.

It bleed a little inside, though.

I really struggle with ingenious designs. On here are so many pretty creations and mine always leave me a little dissatisfied. This was an attempt to go a little beyond my comfort zone. I used different types of foil and some decorative elements. The picture on the first page exists also due to this.

You can't really see it, but the circles are holographic!

Some more pictures from my progress with the endbands:

Binding Details Body Text: Garamond, 11 Half Title/Chapter Heading: Scriptina, 26 Full Title: Eternal Call, 100 Word Count: 248.612 Pages: 480 Paper: publishing paper A4, 80g, 1,5x volume (from my friendly neighbourhood printer)

[tilvcei]

► 𝐑𝐀𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄

⭢ In which: you feel left out and in the blind when ethan hangs out with his new friends and is around tara a lot, he barely tells you anything which makes you think he doesn’t like you anymore and has lost interest in you.

☆ | warning(s): language, alcohol,

☆ | note: I just wanna tell you guys or warn you guys, this may be a bit of ooc!ethan I don’t know, you’ll enjoy this though, I promise :)

☆ | gender: they/them (reader)

☆ | key: (e/c) means eye color

☆ | REMINDER: nothing in this fanfiction is real, it’s just all written for fun, do not take this seriously. writing is meant to be fun anyways! also do not copy nor translate without permission.

Ethan had called your number, asking if you could pick him up. he was at some party with his friends, he probably got drunk again and is now wasted which makes you think you’ll probably have to carry him inside the car.

You had your car keys in your hand, making your way into the house and once you made it inside you were immediately faced with crowded people who were everywhere.

Making your way through the musty, drunk, and sweaty crowd you found yourself in the kitchen. Ethan wasn’t there either.

"Hey, excuse me-" the bystander was paying you no mind, her phone was in her other hand, she must’ve been facetiming someone.

She laughed, you could smell the alcohol from her breath, making your face scrunch in disgust.

"Hey, excuse me. ma’am?" you said again, trying to get her attention. she slammed her red party cup on the marble designed countertop, turning to glare at you.

She clicked her tongue, "can’t you see I’m talking on the phone with someone? or are you blind or something? people barely have any patience nowadays, it’s crazy!" she exclaimed.

You squeezed the car keys in your hands, sucking in some air through your nose, holding your composure.

"Listen, all I wanted to ask is if you seen ethan? he’s this boy with curly brown hair and a dorky weird smile and brown eyes." you explained, all she did was giggle.

Was she high? no, you didn’t have time for this dumb shit right now. you had to find ethan.

"I haven’t seen no kid with brown curly hair. lemme add the laughing emoji beside that. anyways hotshot, you want a drink? I can make a special one for you." The girl said, grabbing your hand and placing a sloppy kiss on the back of it.

Oh how you wanted to just sock her in the face from just doing that, but surprisingly you didn’t. if that was anyone else who wasn’t drunk they’d definitely knock her out. and you were one of them. but you’ll admit it was kind of nice of her but she was drunk right now— and it made you weirded out and uncomfortable.

Your face felt like it was about to go red, wasn’t she just annoyed by your presence a few minutes ago?

"Yes, yes I know I was annoyed by you a few minutes ago but when I see someone like you? I can make time for it. so, beautiful, what’s it gonna be?" She asked, her words sounded like they were slurring from how much alcohol she consumed.

You sighed and yanked your hand out of her grip, "okay look, I just need to find my friend. and my advice for you is to go home and sleep the alcohol off. alright?" you told her.

"My names Andrea by the way. I think I’ve seen you in my classes, which one is it? uh- English? yeah, that class. I’m not that drunk, but erm, the boy with the curly and weird smile? I saw him talking with his roommate Chad. he’s somewhere in this damn house." Andrea explained, you gave her a slight nod.

"Uhm, thanks Andrea." you said, her eyes had a flash of sadness in them for a moment before she smiled and it quickly went away, "I have this campaign coming up with a couple of people who are interested in science. I was hoping.." Andrea trailed off before handing you a flyer. you took it from her hands, her fingers brushing yours for a minute before she pulled away with a very visible blush which you somehow weren’t able to see.

"I was hoping you’d come. all seats are opened, we just need a few more members and I thought you’d fit the spot. it’s up to you if you feel like it." Andrea said, you stared down at the flyer with a tilted head, reading the guidelines.

"I’d love to come." you told her, but then it completely slipped your mind— you had to look for ethan.

Andrea felt a ghost of a smile appear on her lips, "okay, I’ll see you then. go find you’re friend." she continued and giggled while placing a hand over her mouth.

You nodded and left her in the kitchen, at least she had the courage to speak to you. if she wasn’t drunk then maybe she wouldn’t feel so embarrassed- but right now she felt extremely embarrassed. especially when you had to see her like that.

Making your way into the livingroom, you saw tara, anika, and Mindy. you barely talked to the three of them since ethan never introduced you.

"Hey, I know I don’t know the three of you, but have you guys seen Ethan? Ethan landry?" you asked frantically, Tara recognized who you were.

"Oh, you’re (Y/n)! it’s nice to finally meet you. he’s uhm, over there I think. he’s also slightly drunk. kissing a few girls here and there." Tara explained, you felt the world around you come to a halt.

"She joking. the dude could barely even walk up to a girl or ask her out." Mindy added, you sighed in relief and stood up.

"Thank you, guys." You said, his friends were rather cool. but you really had to get to know them first before befriending them.

Hm, the only place left to search was upstairs. you hurried and fastened your pace, getting through the crowd of sweaty and drunk people. it was weird how you managed to get upstairs but you did not want to go through the crowd again.

As you searched every room for ethan, you could hear what sounded like— moans? no, no, kissing. that’s what it sounded like.

What was this little dork up to again? if he could find a girl that likes him- that’d be the first time he ever got someone to date him.

But they said he was 'slightly' drunk. so what harm could it possibly be? you placed your hand on the doorknob and opened the door slightly.

Ethan pushed away the girl that was on top of him, "Sorry, sorry. I just don’t think I’m in the right mind to do any of that stuff right now—" the girl that he had pushed away rolled her eyes and walked out the room, brushing past you.

Don’t get it wrong, you would always come and help ethan if he needed anything. of course you would. but this? it’s a huge NO for you.

Ethan smiled, "heyyy." he said, dragging the 'y'. he tried standing up but could only find himself leaning against the wall for support.

"I was waiting for you, pretty thing." said ethan, he wasn’t that drunk. they were right, but you were extremely pissed.

Your hands balled into fist, "Are you..serious? you were supposed to come and study with me. not do this dumb shit, and you lied to me too? you told me you had econ. you said you weren’t going to a party with your friends." you stated, reminding him of what he told you over the phone.

"I was at econ. I swear." Ethan stuttered, you stood there with crossed arms, "you keep lying. this is the 10th lie you’ve told me. what is it ethan? why don’t you want me to hang out with your friends or meet them? why— why are you being so goddamn distant?" you questioned.

He didn’t answer and scratched the back of his neck nervously, "I just don’t want you to be around those type of people-" you cut him off.

"But you are? Ethan there’s more than what you’re telling me, isn’t it? you’re starting to change, man." You told him, Ethan frowned when those words came from your mouth.

"I-I’m sorry that I lied. there..there’s really not much more for me to say other than I’m sorry." Ethan replied, fiddling with his hands.

"Sorry? you think that’s going to cut it? Hell no! I come every night to see you just drunk. every single time. when you should be fucking studying with me and working with me! it wasn’t just assigned, I had to do all the work my goddamn self! it just goes to show how much you leave me out now. you’re slacking on a lot of shit. but guess what? I’m doing it alone now. all the shit I do I’m doing alone. alone." you said.

A sigh escaped from ethan’s mouth, he realized what it was now, "you’re just jealous. you’re mad that it’s not you who I’m kissing. isn’t that it?" he said.

a shocked expression came from you, did he really-?

"JEALOUS? How can I be jealous? Half of the time when I try to fit my schedule in for you, I do it because I want us to hang out! I could never be jealous of someone I’m friends with, I’m not on that type of shit! I’ve been there for you since day one. day-fucking-one. there’s always excuse coming from you! there’s no time for me, for us! It’s always them. you’ve seem to have grown very close to them as I see. but I’m the one always picking up after you. of course I’d do that for you! only you. but what I’m upset about? I’m upset that we rarely hang out anymore. It’s been four months, ethan. four months. but you’re so stuck up on your 'friends' that I have to deal with the fact that I can’t even talk to you anymore. not even that, it’s the fact you hardly care what I have to say anymore! you were supposed to be the shoulder i lean and cry on for support. but no, I can’t have that either. but I’d do it for you. even if you didn’t ask, does it look like I care? I’ll only leave out of your life when you ask me to! but you keep disappearing ethan, you only call me or text me when you need me! And I don’t want our friendship to be like whatever the hell this is! I want us to be able to confide in each other and be able to speak our minds to one another without any judgement. and we can’t even do that. what is it ethan? what happened to us? I’m so desperately trying to reach out to you and grasp onto you, to see what changed. what really happened to us..?" you said, the tears were now falling down your eyes.

Ethan wasn’t able to say anything, he stood there speechless and shocked. this is what you expected anyways. he didn’t know you felt like that.

"If you want me out of you’re life just say that. but don’t keep me in the dark, I’m so sick of what you think is right for me. I’m so tired of everyone telling me that! so I’m asking you, to end this friendship either now or I end it for the both of us myself." You told him.

Ethan felt tears running down his eyes, you were his ray of sunshine. his everything. but he didn’t want it to end here like this. you were the only thing keeping him sane and protected.

"Say it already, so we can end this. I’m tired of being left in the dark, I’ve already been through enough. don’t make it harder for me." You said, he could see the dark bags under your eyes and as well as the tired look in your (e/c) eyes.

"I am so sorry, I didn’t want you to feel like that. I’ve never wanted you to feel like that, that wasn’t even my intention- I swear. I’ve just…been busy with some things." Ethan told you, and that was the truth.

"If not then why do I feel like it now? you don’t care about me. I see it now, there’s probably someone else you like. you go kissing these girls just for fun but they don’t like you. I know the truth stings but that’s the truth. they’re only using you to get things off their minds. it’s like having a one night stand." You explained.

Ethan walked closer to you, now the two of you barely inches away from each other, noses almost touching.

"I know that. but lately I’ve only been having one thing on my mind." Ethan told you, cupping your cheek.

"I’m not gonna be some fling, and I’m not like every other girl and guy. if what I’m feeling is real, then it’s real." You told him.

Ethan smirked, "so do something about it." he said.

"Wha-What?" you replied, stuttering a bit from the reply he gave.

He pulled you closer, "I said do something about it, love." he repeated.

"I expected you to kiss me and everything but not this." Ethan said, leaning against the window.

You stopped at a stop light, the music you were listening to earlier was now on low volume, you were bopping your head to the music while tapping at the steering wheel.

The song (< press it) you were playing was pretty nice actually and you’ve grown to love it ever since.

"You done drunk all you can drank~." You sung while tapping the steering while in rhythm to the beats, Ethan chuckled.

"I think that lyric is specifically aimed at me, isn’t it?" Ethan asked, you nodded in answer while paying attention to the road.

He groaned, "fuck, my head hurts. I think those Jello shots weren’t meant for me." he said.

"You think?" you added while still tapping at the steering wheel with the rhythm of the song, he placed his hand on your thigh.

"Thank you for knocking some sense into me back there, I really needed it." Ethan said, you shrugged.

"Like I said, I’d do anything for you. but now you have to be around me 24/7. catch up on the times we missed." You explained, Ethan nodded and yawned.

"m'gonna take a quick nap, tell me when we get there." Ethan said and turned away, he grabbed your jacket from the backseat and used it as a blanket.

You found yourself giggling at his actions, the red light eventually turned into a green light, you were almost near campus which was about 50 minutes away.

You really loved Ethan. you just hoped he would learn from this. cause like he said before: you were his ray of sunshine.

And he’d remember to cherish it this time.

Eh, I could’ve done better but let me know if you’d like a part to or just to keep this as a single and only part of Ray of sunshine :)

[littlecrow-rogue]

Trough the Lens: A Mötley Crüe fanfiction - Chapter One

Hi!

So the other day I made a post aboute writing a Mötley Crüe Nikki Sixx x OC fanfiction.

I did it!

I am bit nerves posting it cause english is not my first language so this was a bit hard, and even tho I asked some help from Google and transolaters to fix my grammer mistakes probobly there are still some mistakes left or wrong usage of words. But I hope it's still enjoyable.

If you read this have fun and let me know if you think and if you'd like a second chapter for it.

XoX - V

Chapter 1: "The Beginning"

The band members of Mötley Crüe sat huddled around a cluttered table in Nikki's flat, the air thick with anticipation and the remnants of their brainstorming session. Empty beer bottles mingled with scattered papers, evidence of their search for the perfect promotional plan and a testament to the chaos of their creative minds.

Tommy tapped his fingers impatiently against the table, his dark eyes darting restlessly around the room in search for inspiration. The weight of their first gig hung heavy in the air, a silent reminder of the task at hand.

Suddenly, Nikki's voice shattered the silence, cutting through the haze of uncertainty that had settled over them.

"Alright, guys, time to get down to business," he declared, his tone commanding attention.

Vince lounged back with a smirk, tossing out a suggestion that earned a mixture of amusement and disdain

"A little spray-painted graffiti on the side of Sunset Boulevard could drum up some serious buzz”

Nikki shook his head with a wry smile.

"As much as I appreciate the guerrilla marketing approach, we need something more polished," he said, running a hand through his tousled hair as he leaned forward, his gaze fixed on his bandmates.

Mick nodded in agreement.

Nikki arched an eyebrow, his gaze locking onto Tommy’s with a curious intensity.

"Do you have any ideas, Tommy?"

A mischievous grin spread across Tommy's face as he leaned back in his chair, confidence radiating from every pore.

"Actually, I do," he declared, capturing the attention of his bandmates.

"My sister, Katie, she's a photographer. She could help us make some flyres with some killer shoots."

The mention of Tommy's sister piqued the band's interest. They had heard stories about Katie Lee, Tommy mentioned her a lot, but none of them had ever met her.

Mick, ever the pragmatist, cut to the heart of the matter with a single question.

"Is she any good?" he asked, his skepticism evident in his gravelly voice.

Tommy's response was immediate.

"She's incredible," he declared, his voice brimming with pride.

"She's been working as a photographer in downtown LA for the past two years, but she has been obsessed with photography since we were kids. Trust me, guys, she's the real deal. "

Vince grinned.

"Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's go pay Katie a visit and see if she can work her magic for us."

As their car glided to a halt in front of SutterLux Studios, the first thing that caught their eyes was the imposing sign, polished to a mirror like perfection, a testament to the studio's prestige as it boldly announced its name to the world. It stood as a beacon of elegance amidst the bustling cityscape, its modern architecture a symphony of clean lines and sleek facades that mesmerized passersbys. Every detail, from the smooth curvature of the walls to the precise symmetry of the windows, spoke of craftsmanship and artistry that left an indelible impression on all who saw it. Surrounding the entrance, a meticulously curated garden, a lush oasis of greenery, provided a tranquility to the building's exterior.

As they stepped out of their car, the band's rock and roll style clashed brilliantly with the polished surroundings. Leather jackets, ripped jeans, and a smattering of tattoos made for a striking contrast against the backdrop of elegance.

Stepping into the studio, they were greeted by a receptionist girl seated at a marble-topped desk, her workspace packed with notepads and notebooks in neat order wich spoke volumes about her attention to detail. With a shy smile playing on her lips, she chirped a warm welcome, while her eyes scaned the group of men before her.

"Welcome to SutterLux! What can I help you?” her voice was light and airy.

Tommy leaned casually against the desk, flashing his trademark grin as he addressed her.

"Hey there, we're here to see Katie Lee. Is she available?" he inquired, his voice laced with confidence.

The receptionist's bashfulness only added to her charm as she inquired about their appointment, her eyes flitting towards the calendar as she searched for any openings.

"I'm her brother, and I just want to talk to her if she's free," Tommy explained with a nonchalant shrug, his charm evident in every word.

Recognition flickerd on the receptionist's face as she realized who Tommy was

"Oh, you're Katie's brother Tommy? She's mentioned you," she remarked, her shy tone melting into a warm, friendly demeanor.

"Let me see if she's available. Please take a seat. I'll be right back."

With a graceful gesture towards the plush black sofas on the other side, she disappeared into the depths of the studio, leaving the band members alone in the lobby. The air crackled with anticipation as Vince, Mick, and Nikki exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what to expect when they finally met Katie Lee.

As the receptionist girl reappeared with Katie by her side, the room seemed to brighten with her presence. Her fiery red hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall of flames, framing her face with an aura of vibrant energy. Her eyes twinkled with a mischievous sparkle, and every step she took radiated confidence.

"Tommy!" Katie exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine delight as she enveloped her brother in a tight hug.

"What are you doing here?"

Tommy returned the hug with equal enthusiasm, his grin stretching from ear to ear.

"We came to see you, sis," he replied, pulling back to gaze at her with fondness.

"Who’s we?” she asked couriously as her gaze shifted to the other men standing behind Tommy, her smile widening at the sight of them.

"Nikki, Vince, and Mick," Tommy introduced, gesturing to each member of the band in turn. "Guys, this is my sister, Katie."

The band members exchanged greetings with Katie, their admiration for her evident in their eyes. Her easygoing demeanor and magnetic charm left an impression on each of them, drawing them in with her infectious energy.

"Do you have a little time to spare for us sis?” Tommy asked eagerly.

"I hope so.” Katie replied with a grin.

"Sam, when's my next client scheduled to arrive?" Katie turned to the receptionist girl, who quickly returned to her desk.

Sam scanned the schedule and checked the clock on the wall before responding,

"You've got about an hour and twenty minutes until your next appointment."

Katie nodded thoughtfully.

"Great. In that case, why don't we head over to that coffee shop down the street? We can grab a table and chat," she suggested, turning back to the band with a warm smile.

"Sounds like a plan," Tommy cheered, his excitement matching hers as they left the building.

As Katie and the band strolled down the bustling streets of downtown LA, the city pulsed with an electrifying vitality and amidst the vibrant chaos, they sought refuge at a quaint corner table in a cozy café, where the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped them like a warm embrace.

After placing their orders, Nikki leaned forward, his piercing blue eyes fixed on Katie.

"So, Katie, Tommy's been singing your praises as a kickass photographer," his voice as smooth as silk. "We're on the hunt for someone with your skills to help us make a splash with our upcoming gig."

Katie nodded, her interest piqued.

"I'm all ears," she replied, leaning back in her chair.

Tommy, unable to contain his excitement, leaned forward eagerly.

"We've headlining at the Starwood Club next month," he announced, a grin spreading across his face. "But we're not just looking to play; we want to rock the joint!"

"And to light up that stage, we need some badass posters, flyers, and all that jazz, something that draws  a lot of people in" Vince chimed in, his voice hyped.

Katie soaked up their vibe, a glint of excitement dancing in her eyes.

"Consider it done" she declared, a smirk tugging at her lips.

"But first could guys maybe show some of your music for me? Just to get a better image of Mötley Crüe.”

The band exchanged looks, a smirk playing on their lips.

"We'll crank up the amps and give you a taste," Tommy promised, a grin spreading across his face.

"You just got a backstage pass to our sonic circus," Nikki added, a playful twinkle in his eye.

"Why don't we invite you to my place? We've got a rehearsal space set up there, so you can experience what we're all about."

Katie's eyes gleamed with excitement.

"That sounds perfect," she exclaimed, a radiant smile gracing her lips.

"Then it's settled," Mick declared with a decisive nod. "We'll make our way to Nikki's place once we're done here."

With the first part of their plan solidified, the band and Katie lingered over their drinks, their conversation flowing with easy.

As the time drew near for Katie's next appointment, the group decided to escort her back to work. Upon the arrival, Katie vanished into the studio to finish her job for the day.

As the band settled into the reception hall, time seemed to stretch out before them, each minute feeling like an eternity as they waited with for Katie's return.

At long last, the door creaked open, and Katie emerged with a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

"Sorry for the wait, guys," Katie apologized, her voice carrying a note of excitement as she joined the band.

"I'm ready to roll now."

With a renewed sense of anticipation, Katie and the band made their way to Nikki's car, the excitement practically crackling in the air around them. As they headed to the Sunset Strip, Katie couldn't suppress the thrill bubbling within her, eager to delve deeper into the realm of rock 'n' roll.

Arriving at Nikki's apartment building, Katie was greeted by a surge of excitement at the thought finally getting to know the band wich her brother was part of.

As Mötley Crüe and Katie entered Nikki's flat, they were greeted by a space that perfectly encapsulated the rock 'n' roll lifestyle. Posters of iconi musicans adorned the walls, while instruments were scattered haphazardly around the room. Amplifiers hummed softly in the background, hinting at the music that was created within these walls.

The furniture was a mix of vintage pieces and modern comforts, giving the space a lived-in yet stylish vibe. A plush couch sat against one wall, its cushions worn from years of use, while a sleek bar area beckoned from the corner, stocked with an impressive array of spirits.

Nikki led the group into the room with a grin, gesturing for them to make themselves at home. "Welcome to my humble abode, where the magic happens" he said, a twinkle in his eye turning to Katie

"Make yourself comfortable."

As Katie and the rest of the band settled in, Nikki made his way to the fridge, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Alright, folks, what'll it be?" he called out, opening the fridge door to reveal an assortment of beverages.

"Beer, wine, whiskey? You name it, I've got it."

The band members exchanged glances, a collective smirk crossing their faces.

"Surprise us, Nikki," Vince replied, a playful edge to his voice.

Nikki chuckled as he retrieved a selection of drinks from the fridge, passing them out to the group with a flourish. As the band settled in with their drinks, Nikki turned to Katie with a grin.

"Are you ready for your private show, Katie?" he asked, his eyes alight with anticipation.

Katie's face broke into a wide smile.

"Absolutely," she replied, excitement coursing through her veins as she leand back comfortably in the couch, drink in hand. With a casual ease, she propped her legs up on the coffee table, fixing her gaze on the band with eager anticipation.

With that the band took their place on the stage, wich was the other side of Nikki’s living room, and launched into their first song. The music was filling the room with its raw energy. Katie's eyes danced with delight as she listened, completely captivated by the electrifying performance unfolding before her.

Song after song, Mötley Crüe poured their hearts and souls into their music, each note resonating with passion and intensity. Katie couldn't help but be swept away by the sheer talent and charisma of the band, her appreciation for their music growing with each passing moment.

As the final chords faded into silence, Tommy and Nikki took their seats on either side of Katie, their faces flushed with exhilaration. Vince and Mick settled into the armchairs surrounding the coffee table, their expressions mirroring the sense of accomplishment that filled the room.

"So, Katie, what did you think?" Nikki asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

Katie's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she took a sip of her drink, considering her response.

"I loved it," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

"Each song had its own unique energy"

With the mood buoyed by Katie's praise, she launched into her ideas for the flyers and posters, drawing inspiration from the music she had just heard.

The band members listened intently, nodding in agreement as Katie outlined her vision for the promotional materials.

"I love it," Vince exclaimed, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.

"It sounds like you really understand our vibe and what we're all about."

Katie smiled, feeling a surge of pride at the band's reaction.

 "I'm glad you think so," she replied.

"I can't wait to get started and see what we can create together."

As the excitement of their collaboration filled the room, Katie and the band members of Mötley Crüe quickly settled on a date for the photoshoot.

"How about Saturday, two days from now?" Katie suggested, her eyes alight with enthusiasm.

The band members exchanged eager nods, they couldn’t wait to see Katie's vision come to life. "Sounds good to us," Nikki replied, a grin spreading across his face.

"We'll make sure we're ready to rock and roll."

With the date set and plans in motion, the group toasted to their upcoming photoshoot, excitement buzzing in the air. As they continued to chat and laugh late into the evening, Katie couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the creative journey that lay ahead.

As the evening wore on and the excitement of their collaboration began to wind down, the band members of Mötley Crüe started to make their exit.

Vince, with a mischievous glint in his eye, rose from his seat, his voice laced with playful banter.

"Alright folks, see you on Saturday. I'm off to see my girl" he declared, his announcement met with teasing cheers from the rest of the group.

Shortly there after, Mick followed suit, offering a nod of farewell before vanishing into the nocturnal embrace of the city.

Tommy glanced at his watch, realizing it was time to pick up his new flame.

"I better get going, my date is waiting" he said, flashing a grin at the others.

"New girl?” Katie asked quirosly.

"We will see” he answered with a huge smile still plaster on his face

"But before I head out, Nikki, do you mind taking Katie home?"

 "I'd be happy to make sure she gets home safely." Nikki nodded in agreement, a warm smile on his face.

Katie smiled gratefully

"Thank you, Nikki," she said

"I appreciate it."

With goodbyes exchanged Tommy dissapiered and soon after Nikki and Katie made their way down from the flat to Nikki's car, the cool night air greating them as they stepped out side. They exchanged casual banter as they walked, their laughter echoing off the surrounding buildings.

 "So, Nikki, where did you and my brother crossed paths?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Nikki's gaze drifted to the road ahead, a nostalgic smile gracing his lips as he recounted the story.

"Well, it was after I had a falling out with my former band's singer and decided to quit London," he began, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

"I was feeling pretty lost and unsure of what to do next."

He paused for a moment, lost in thought, before continuing.

"I found myself sitting in a diner, flipping through the ads of musicians looking to join a band," he explained.

"That's when Tommy walked up to me out of the blue."

A smile tugged at the corners of Nikki's lips as he recalled the memory.

"He was this cocky guy with wild hair and an even wilder personality," he said.

 "I remember him saying he had my poster on his bedroom wall” he laughed and Katie started giggeling next to him.

"And then he just seated himself infront of me and started twireling his drum sticks and as they say the rest is histroy”

Katie glanced over at Nikki, a smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"It's amazing how things just seem to fall into place sometimes," she remarked, her voice filled with admiration.

"It's like the universe has a way of bringing people together when they need it."

Nikki nodded in agreement, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Yeah, it's funny how life works out like that," he replied, his voice tinged with reflection. "Sometimes the most unexpected encounters can change the course of your life in ways you never imagined."

They fell into a comfortable rhythm of conversation, sharing stories and laughter as they made their way through the city streets. Before they knew it, they had arrived at Katie's apartment building, the glow of the streetlights casting a warm halo around them.

As Nikki pulled up to the curb, he turned to Katie with a smile.

"Well, here we are," he said, his tone lighthearted.

"Thanks for the company, Katie. I had a great time tonight."

Katie returned his smile, a sense of warmth and gratitude filling her chest.

"Thank you for the ride, Nikki," she replied, her voice sincere.

With a final wave goodbye, Katie stepped out of the car and watched as Nikki drove off into the night. As she made her way up to her apartment, a sense of contentment washed over her, grateful for the unexpected connection she had formed with Nikki and the band.

[gothhabiba]

I’d propose a game where you see a post decrying readers of fanfiction, YA and romance and/or people who don’t succeed in academia as depraved, lazy, infantile, sexually perverse “freaks” who are anti-intellectual and hate putting effort into anything and are too stupid and childish to recognise the edifying powers of suffering, and would benefit from reading some real literature such as that written by the ancient Greeks—

and then you have to guess whether it was written a self-proclaimed communist or by an overt fascist with a Greek marble bust pfp.

I would, but the game would be too difficult to be any fun and you’d always just end up wildly guessing.

[angelbroad]

"It consumes me"

Type: Fanfiction

Fandom: One Piece

Characters: Donquixote Doflamingo, backround Sir Crocodile and Left Wing

Left Wing had called it an infatuation, obsession, perhaps.

It was shortly after Doflamingo had become a Warlord of the Sea that such feelings had begun to show, and it all led back to one man. 

Sir Crocodile.

Maybe it truly was obsession. In the beginning, Doflamingo thought it might have been his usual need to stand tall among others, to let them know he was not shy to show off how much of a threat he truly was. But what he had towards Crocodile was something else entirely.

That man was a brick wall, a marble statue that would not entertain any of Doflamingo's attempts to get under his skin. If anything, he would treat Doflamingo like some disobedient child that had never been told 'no' before.

"He might be true on that one.", Left Wing had commented when he had told her this.

Doflamingo was aware the woman herself was not one for emotional subjects, so he practically had no one to confide to about this strange occurence and get a a good answer. So, he was stuck analyzing this all in his head.

Just what was it about Crocodile that made Doflamingo's blood boil? Certainly not anger from the constant rejection from the man, who somehow hadn't bothered to take more measures to ensure that Doflamingo would stay away. Certainly not his determination and resolve that was strong as iron. Not his strength or his nature that was as cunning as a true reptile, and certainly not his strong figure-...

He had only started to consider the traits he had found appealing in Crocodile after Left Wing had somehow managed to get into a real relationship. And her being with that Marine's sister had him wondering.

What was it that he felt towards Crocodile?

That question had plagued him for the longest time, and through that process he had been eager many times to chalk it up to wanting to toy with the stoic man, wanting to see that facade crack using his words. But words gradually evolved with the need to touch.

And that worked. Oh, how he would get the chills to run up his spine every time he would make contact with Crocodile, even if his skin was shielded by the thick fabric of his clothes. Left Wing had been right, so many things about this man had made Donquixote Doflamingo infatuated.

"This feeling you had mentioned.", he had told Left Wing one night, "It consumes me."

It would not even be the casual contact or conversations the two would have. When they fought, those rare times, it filled the man with joy. It was as if Crocodile had mistaken him for one of his cigars and had set him on fire, Doflamingo doomed to burn at his touch. And if that was how Donquixote Doflamingo would perish, he would do so with the biggest smile on his face.

He still didn't fully understand what this feeling was. But he loved it.

[venusjeon]

hi guys! not back yet but i feel i should comment on this given the type of stories i write and the fact i'm white.

i see fanfiction in a different light, personally. instead of using the boys' real personalities for my characters, i use them as actors—if the story demands them to be evil or dicks, i don't see anything wrong in making them be so because it's not how i'm claiming they are irl, but how the characters i've created and i'm "fancasting" them as are like. i honestly thought that's what everyone did. otherwise fuckboy fics wouldn't exist when the boys are sweethearts irl, and i don't think of them as fiction, but fanfiction. of course that is not to say my preference is the only acceptable one!! just that it's that, a matter of preferences.

now, because i mostly write historical fics set in europe, where i'm from, i make my characters be from there. a suspension of disbelief comes without saying here. you're supposed to imagine that both you and x member were born and raised in 15th century florence, 19th century london, or bronze age greece. i'm not from either of these places and european culture isn't universal, so i have to do a bit of imagining too just as i will when i set historical fics in south korea, my ocs looking like me in my mind and me being pale white. i've even had members be ocs' biological siblings, so that's even crazier. see it as fantasy if it makes it easier. but it would never cross my mind to portray the guys as white or any ethnicity/race other than korean! i occasionally write them naturally blond but i genuinely thought there was nothing wrong with that, like when other fic writers ask readers to imagine "agust d yoongi" or "wings era hoseok" etc, as the appearance of their characters.

in my fics, i expect you to take for granted that people of different races aren't "out of place" despite the time period and place, and that no one inside the story questions why there's an asian knight in medieval spain. you're more than allowed to consider all other characters as asian or black or whatever, sort of like in bridgerton or the witcher.

the reason i come up with more material for europe is not because i'm not interested in the boys' culture (i absolutely love it), it's because i'm more familiar with its history and the research is more accessible to me (checking primary sources without speaking korean makes that difficult). i couldn't set hysteria or angel in the marble in joseon as i would then be morphing korean culture to be more similar to mine and comfortable to me, and that i do find wrong.

these are my thoughts on the matter, by which i don't mean to invalidate anyone, just explain where my intentions come from. they're good, obviously, but i know that's not enough and it doesn't exempt me from partaking in racism. i will be more conscious from now on. if you see anything wrong with my fics regarding this issue, i welcome the criticism to learn from my mistakes (but please assume i made them unawares).