#short Stories

[rivai-hana]

Levihan 🤌

The Library That’s Covered In Dust

DISCLAIMER: This is a fan translation, so 110% accuracy is not guaranteed. However, we did our best to keep it as close to the original as possible without breaking English.

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The place that the Survey Corps decided to take shelter from the rain was in an old castle that had a strong structure, regardless.  The echoing sound of rainfall beating against the large windows created a noisy atmosphere.

“No way… What a mountain of treasure!! Those ancient writings… If I could read them that would be nice. What the!? I still can’t decode this!”

That backside of someone who was lively as ever, merrily searching for documents was Hanji’s.

“Oi, Kuso-Megane. Did you let your squad members free to roam the place, leisurely?”

“Ah, Levi? That’s not the case because Moblit is taking care of everyone’s concerns. He’s an excellent and valuable subordinate, isn’t he?”

Without looking back, Hanji searched through the books – various types of ancient documents and picture scrolls, that were in this room which seemed to be a library in the past. She tried to pull a book from a place much higher up than her own height, and staggered.

“Ohhh!!”

“Tch!”

Because mountains of books were caused to fall down, altogether, he barely managed to snatch the neck of her jacket, pulling her out of the way.

“Uwaa… You saved me, Levi. If I was hit by such a large amount of books, it would have been a spot that would make my head strange.”

“Don’t worry. It wouldn’t become any weirder. Honestly, you should pay more attention to your surroundings.”

Hanji corrected her hanging, dislocated goggles. She then brushed the dust off of the book she had taken out.

“This book here, for example… This old castle that exists inside the walls, there are many books and stored supplies written with letters that we can’t read right now. Such historic ruins are dotted in great number inside the walls. Seems like an extinct civilization, doesn’t it?”

“Don’t tell me the extent of your outlook. After all, I know your head is sharp. This is why I tell you that your life is important. If it weren’t for me being here right now and you were hit in a fragile place, the bones of your neck would have been broken.”

“You’re kind.”

Levi felt as though he were annoyed. He even made a face as if to show he was in a bad mood. He hates his own character being expressed with such words.

“You say this on purpose, knowing that I don’t like it.”

“Ah ha ha! Saw right through me, huh?”

Hanji, then, sat of the floor with a thump. She opened a book while lifting her face.

“What sort of business is it, so soon?  You came to see me, didn’t you?”

“Ah. It’s about Eren. He wants permission to roam around this old castle, that as a military, we give the approval for him to come out of the basement.”

“It’s safe. The outer walls here were build using a solid method of construction. Furthermore, in the unlikely event that Eren transforms into a titan and busts through the roof, there are a good number of footholds on the tower for our maneuvering equipment……. Ah, if only I could understand the meanings of these pictures while cramming in the impressions of these books and such…” Hanji said, carelessly.

“Understood. That helps…Also…”

“Yes?”

“Before searching the place, dry the clothes on your body. It’s unseemly that your shirt is showing through.”

He points at the fire in a fireplace which was probably lit by Moblit who was worried about the soaking wet superior officer. Levi glared at her with a look in his eyes as if looking at raw garbage.

“Understood. It would be good if I read over there.”

Levi sighed at the view of Hanji’s back as she slowly moved to position herself before the fireplace, and then he left the room.

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NOTES: “Raw Garbage” is the literal translation of the word “Namagomi”; nama meaning “raw” and “gomi” meaning “trash”. Interestingly, “nama” can also mean “crude” if used colloquially. I’m not sure if this is the case with “Namagomi”, however given the context, the scenario it’s being used in, it makes me wonder if he meant crude. Yes, I know the ending sounds rude, but ya gotta remember, this is Levi, the guy who’s bad at expressing himself. He obviously doesn’t look down on her because he was just telling her that her life is important, that he knows she’s smart. CHANGES MADE: Apparently because of the way it was worded, 「お見通しか」Hanji was noting that Levi saw through her (not her through him). When glaring at Hanji, it spoke of the expression in his own eyes, not hers. Thanks to a friend for pointing these out!

[episodes-ff]

Strong Man

Happy Veterans Day, y'all! As a daughter and niece of veterans, I wanted to give you all a little treat. Especially after remembering Jacob was in fact in a military movie and Aaron plays a former military man. Also Reggie and Terry are Marine Corps men so why not have him join the fold. Enjoy!!!!

P.S. This is just a one-off where Armando always knew his father and joined the Marine Corps with his friends Terry and Reggie instead of leading the cartel...

Armando

Finishing the final strides to my barracks, I came back one last time to say goodbye to my family. "Ohhhh! He's growing so fast!" My uncle Marcus wailed sniffling into his tissue as my dad and I shook our heads. "Will you quit your nonsense, Marcus?" "I can't help it, Mike. He was just a little baby on your hip, now he's going to the Marines." He cried more and more as he suffocated me into a hug. "Don't you have your own family to say goodbye to?" I asked pointing out his daughter and wife as they hugged her boyfriend, Reggie." "Damn, Reggie! You're my nephew, man. I'm gonna miss you."

Chuckling, I hugged him before turning my attention over to my dad. "C'mere, man." He smiled on the verge of tears as he pulled me into a warm hug. "You're not turning soft on me are you, old man?" "I see you got jokes, son. This old man can still whoop yo lil Mexican ass." He chimed as we laughed together. Patting my back, he held my forehead to his and smiled. "I'm proud of you, son." "Thank you, papa. That means the world to me." Giving out all the last hugs and kisses I could afford, I dapped up Reggie before we grabbed our duffle bags and headed inside to start our new lives.

**MONTHS LATER**

Dapping up my boys, Terry and Reggie, I strapped on my gear as we chattered about our plans for the night on the way to our dorms. "So run it by me again, man? What's the plans?" "We hitting the bar on McIntosh in downtown. You in, Reggie?" "Nahhh, not tonight guys. I'm taking a visit to my lady." Reggie said holding his hands up in defense as we groaned. "Ohhhh, baby girl got you pussy whipped, huh?" Terry jibed while he nodded. "Aye, that's my wife you talking about. And yea, I like spending time with my baby." "Awwww, your babyyyy. Answer me this? When you gone make an honest woman outta Megan? It’s been long enough, bro." I said recounting when they met. "If she'll take me, hell tonight." He smirked flashing us the bright ring he had stored in his duffle. "Ohhhh shit! Now that’s what the fuck I’m talking about." Tee hooted as I smiled. "Tryna tell you young bucks, you gotta find the woman for you and her an honest one." "Young buck? Bro, we're the same age." "Hey, I'm just saying." "Whatever, man. Tell us how it goes." "Gotcha gotcha."

Throwing on my shirt, I threw on my watch and chain before hitting myself a couple times with cologne and grabbing my phone and wallet. Headed up to Terry's dorm, I sent a few raps to the door before waiting for his arrival. Watching him come out, I frowned my brows before laughing. "Bro, what the fuck do you have on?" I questioned analyzing his choice of attire. "Hey, what can I say? The ladies love coming to the gun show." He boasted pumping his swollen biceps as I shook my head. "Whatever, dickhead, let's go."

Pulling up to the club, we parked valet before heading in and taking our place at the bar. Ordering a couple beers, we waltzed over to the pool tables as we each scoped the scenery around us. Bumping my head to the music, I stopped squinting my eyes as they landed on this beautiful woman sitting at a booth with her friend. "Aye, I'll be right back." I said leaving Terry as I headed over. "I see ya, boy!" He hooted surrounded by thirsty women. Walking over, I stopped just behind her as friend looked up and smiled. "Well, hi there!" "How are you ladies tonight?" I said putting on the charm as she turned to fully face me. Gorgeous was an understatement with this one. "My name is Armando, and you are?" "My name is Laila and this is my girl, Diamonté." "Diamonté, huh? That's a very unique name." "Why thank you. I can say the same for you, Armando." "Oh can you?" I smirked eyeing her lustfully as I smoothly brought her hand up to my lips.

Terry

Watching my boy work his magic, I cheesed before bringing my attention back to the ladies surrounding me. "You said you're in the Navy, right?" "Marines, little mama." I flirted tapping her chin as she flushed red. "So is that how you got such big arms?" "Nah, I been working out long before I joined. Want me to demonstrate, baby?" Nodding nervously, I smiled a devilish grin before whisking her up into my arms and hitting some bicep curls as she giggled with her friends. Setting her down, I cheesed as they all flirtatiously offered their numbers.

Heading out of the bar with Armando in tow, we drove back up to base and signed in before heading up to our rooms for curfew. Whipping off my sweaty and smelly clothes, I tossed em in the laundry basket before taking another shower. Coming out, I let the steam wrap me in a warm embrace as I looked down at my phone to see if I had any missed notifications. Seeing none from the one girl I actually wanted to talk to, I clenched my jaw as I logged into Facebook. Smiling at the memories of old friends and family as they updated on their current lives, I tapped the search bar and smoothly typed her name. Watching her page come up at the top of the search as it always did, I tapped her profile breathing a ragged breath as an image of her with another man shadowed my view. Clearing my throat, I shook my head quickly logging out before tossing my phone to the side and laying down on my pillow. I can talk to all the girls in the world, it'll never compare to her.

Y'all the outpouring of love I've been receiving is truly heartwarming. I had truly given up on writing after the mishaps with my other stories and you guys are giving me the push to continue 🥹🥹🥹🥹

Tags (Based on interactions, if you’d like to be added or removed let me know): @violetmuses @believeinthefireflies95 @brisunique @kaylaahisthebestest- @madxlov3   @casualsludgeshoetoad @mauvecherie-writes @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @theereina @kumkaniudaku @geneziesm @megamindsecretlair @simpledopeme @goldenjasssy @vivaalenaa @playgurlxoxo @ghettogirly @luuvprincess @perfectlyimperfectme @tbmotw @comfortzonequeen @melanin-honeyy @strawberrymoon45 @luckygirlszn @kindofaintrovert @secretlifeoofmarpessa @cmbmjbfan @summwerella @qdancer22 @ihateyallniggas @rebelrel0987 @x-moonchild-xxxx @1love-rere-spread-the-peace @tamyanicoleeeee @markspliers @armandosbabymama

[night-market-if]

November Merripen story - Part 2

I was inspired and part two for our November Merripen stories is already up on Patreon. Head over there and check it out. :)

🪷✨🪷✨ If you want to support me 🪷 ✨🪷✨ 

🌿Book 2 WIP🌿 Book 1 Free Demo 🌿Book 1 Steam🌿Book 1 Itch.io🌿🌿Patreon 🌿Discord🌿FAQS🌿

[whereserpentswalk]

There was, in ancient times, whenever those times may be, when Atlantis still stood above the waves, and when the Titans still ruled Olympus, a city was devastated by a plague of black ink. Those infected would have their blood turn thick and dark, and the black liquid would leave from their eyes and mouths, until their skin itself melted to that foul ink.

And when half, no more and no less, of the city's citizens had been claimed by the plague, a paladin made of glass walked into the city. His skin, and his eyes, and his teeth and his hair were all transparent glass, only his blood and his internal organs were flesh and blood, able to be seen through his transparent skin. And his armor too was glass, but a thick obsidian, yet less breakable than even steel. And he rode into the city's marble streets, and past it's great towers and pyramids and silver skyscrapers. And he rode on a creature that was more spider than it was horse, and behind him were an entourage of goblins, with blue scales and the heads of vultures and clothing made from mammoth's bones.

And the paladin walked to a white temple, at the city center, and told the plagued people in an inhuman voice. "Bow to me, and strip all your temples of their gods, and worship but me alone. And if you find a single soul who worships your old pantheon put them to the sword and give them no life here. Then and only then will I save you from this plague, and all illness will not exist here. For I am your only hope."

And the elder priests, and the elder statesmen, and the elder warriors all agreed, that this creature was worth any submission as long as he could cure their plague. So, they bowed, and their gods were expelled from their temples, and their statues burnt, and all temples that stood became the temples of the glass paladin. And the plague ended, slowly at first, as all who the paladin's cold glass hands touched were healed, and slowly less and less carried the illness. And all the meanwhile the rotted bodies of those who refused to worship their new savior rotted in the street, as the goblins poked them with spears and chewed their rotting bodies.

And time passed, and years passed, and people lived with the paladin's rule, knowing that the alternative was worse. And when plagues came again, and people wanted to rid themselves of the paladin, the elders said that they could not because the plagues would destroy them without the paladin. And when there were no plagues, and the people were healthy, and people wanted to rid themselves of the paladin, the elders said that they could not because plague would come again without the paladin.

Then one day the city was struck by famine, as the paladin sat in his temple. It had been generations, so many that not the oldest of them remembered the paladin's arrival. The famine marched on and the food was gone from the stores and the markets, and not even the rats had anything to eat but the corpses of the starving, and even the princes failed to fill their feasts. And all the cities' allies had no food to give in time, and all the great stores of goods were empty, and there was nothing anyone within the city's walls seemed to be able to do.

And when half the people had starved, no more and no less the glass paladin spoke to them. He had not spoken at all until his first statement. He walked out of the white temple, and told them, "We have made a deal before, let us make one now. I have become lonely in my temple, and desire company. Let me pick one young girl from whatever house or apartment I may, one every year, to be one of my brides. And even if they resist, I will not kill them but strike away their fingers and eyes until they can resist no more. And in turn I shall give you the nourishment you need, I shall fill your plates with sausages and cherries, and your cups with wine and bubble tea until even your beggars are fat. For I am your only hope."

And it was a dark thing to do, and they questioned if it was right. But the people decided that it was better to have their daughters given to their only hope, then to see them die of starvation. And in time the people were given what they needed to eat, and the famine ended slowly, and the ground touched by the glass paladin was made fertile. And in time what was justified as a necessary evil became a good, and people thought it the highest honor to give their daughters up to the paladin. And there would be great celebration for those who were carried off never to be seen again each year.

And time passed, and years passed, and people lived with the paladin's rule, knowing that the alternative was worse. And when starvation came again, and people wanted to rid themselves of the paladin, the elders said that they could not because the famine would destroy them without the paladin. And when there was food in plenty, and the people were well fed, and people wanted to rid themselves of the paladin, the elders said that they could not because famine would come again without the paladin.

And one day they city was struck by raiders, as the paladin sat in his temple. It had been generations, so many that not the oldest of them remembered the paladin's request for brides. Harpies from the north who came down from the sky to pillage and loot and ransack their treasures. And even the best marksmen of the city could not shoot them out of the sky for the creatures were too fast and too agile. And blood and corpses lined the streets, and the great treasures and works of the city were carried off.

And when half the people were killed or had been carried off as slaves, no more and no less, the paladin spoke to them. He had not spoken at all since the famine. He walked out of the white temple, and told them, "My dear friends near friends, it has come time for me to protect you again. But now the time is but more dire, and as I age these centuries, I grow weak and need new nourishment. I need a new source of food, and to my eldritch form your young men look so very sweet. Once a month send me one of your young men, select them as you will, and I will devour them. And for their sacrifice I shall darken the sky so no wing can fly through and arm my goblins as steadfast soldiers. I will protect you. For I am your only hope."

And at that point who could say no, they would already be struck with famine and plague if the paladin left, and the harpies killed more than the one soul a month the glass paladin wished to eat. It was the obvious choice after all. And in time the goblins fought the harpies well, and the skies grew cold, and the raids became less and less. And in time the priests said that the souls of boys eaten by the glass paladin had the highest place in heaven.

But soon it was too much. And though people said there would be plagues and raiders and famine if the paladin left, weather they were there or not, it just wasn't enough for many. Rebellions began, and people begun to speak of a world without the glass paladin ruling over them all.

And then one day, as the paladin sat in his temple. It had been generations, so many that not the oldest of them remembered the paladin's request for human flesh. The newest boy set to be eaten by the paladin, and the newest girl set to be his bride met within the glass paladin's temple. And they spoke, for hours, for they had nothing else to do but wait for their dark fates. And they became as close friends as people who knew each other's dooms could be. And they hatched a plan, that when the boy was waiting to be cooked in the kitchen, he would meet with the girl, and sneak her a knife, a small one that she could hide. And when the girl spent her first night with the paladin, she would unveil it the moment she undressed and break his glass form. The girl knew the glass paladin would kill her for this, but she decided that she'd rather him take her life then her freedom, that the pain the worst death he could bring her was worth no longer being his toy to control. If men older and more powerful than her had decided such things generations ago she would not have to make such a choice, but she did anyway.

They say the next day, the boy was eaten as expected, and the girl hung for her crimes. The paladin appeared before his people, but his face way shattered and broken, taped together crudely, the glass had been shattered by a knife. The girl had stabbed him right in the eye, honorable as she was, it was not enough to kill him, as broken as his glass flesh was, he stood. And he spoke to his people for the fourth and final time, "Subjects you have been infected with traitors and heretics. They will expel me from this city and leave you to be doomed by raids and famine and plague. So drastic measures must be taken to keep you loyal Tomorow, line up before the temple at dawn and I shall turn you into my goblin subjects, mindless and loyal to me, and you shall live forever without fear of treason. This must be done, or else surly treason shall infect you all, and you all shall die if you are not my children. For I am your only hope."

And they say the next day, the city was empty. And it's great marble streets, and its pyramids and silver skyscrapers had few to behold them. And a precession of goblins left with the glass paladin, ready to find another city afraid of death. But a few, a few who had rebelled and resisted the paladin, a few who had refused to line up, still stood in the city, ready to rebuild it, stronger and wiser, by their own hands.

[flowerytale]

Anaïs Nin, from the short story “Elena”, Delta of Venus (published posthumously in 1977)

[torpublishinggroup]

Though it might be tempting, don’t venture into hedge mazes…no matter what

Be mindful of triggering the wrath of revenge ghosts lest you become a ghost yourself

Beware the dangers of underestimating “docile girls”—it could be a killer mistake

Summoning an ancient evil demon is NEVER a good idea. Seriously. 

Trying to steal someone’s home might cost you your soul. It’s never worth it. 

Understand that haunted houses have feelings too—the problem is sometimes they’re evil.

Tips provided by Terry J. Benton-Walker, editor and contributor of The White Guy Dies First: 13 Scary Stories of Fear and Power.

WHAT IT’S ABOUT

Killer clowns, a hungry hedge maze, and rich kids who got bored. Friendly cannibals, impossible slashers, and the dead who don’t stay dead....

A museum curator who despises “diasporic inaccuracies.” A sweet girl and her diary of happy thoughts. An old house that just wants friends forever....

These stories are filled with ancient terrors and modern villains, but go ahead, go into the basement, step onto the old plantation, and open the magician’s mystery box because this time, the white guy dies first.

Edited by Terry J. Benton-Walker, including stories from bestselling, award-winning, and up-and-coming contributors: Adiba Jaigirdar, Alexis Henderson, Chloe Gong, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, H. E. Edgmon, Kalynn Bayron, Karen Strong, Kendare Blake, Lamar Giles, Mark Oshiro, Naseem Jamnia, Tiffany D. Jackson, and Terry J. Benton-Walker.

A collection you’ll be dying to talk about…if you survive it.

[metamorphesque]

"Good morning, Jack. How was your night?", Vardges Petrosyan (translated by metamorphesque)

[ghettogirly]

how do you think armando would react if he is in love with the reader, but she shows no sign of feeling the same way, (he's so devoted when it comes to the reader) And he'd like to know if she feels the same as him, I wish it would end in a passionate way (you know what I mean) 🔥

𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎 𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍!

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎 𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐒 𝐗 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 𝐈𝐒 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄 .

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-> synopsis: Armando was obsessed with everything about you. Yet, you never showed him the same energy back. Until one night.

-> theme: one sided love, smut.

-> format: drabble + story?

-> warning: hardcore smut, slight mention of dacryphillia, armando is a little rough and cocky asf, mature language, mention of guns, mention of alcohol, he does not understand the meaning of personal space, i think if he wants something he’ll go after it!

-> authors note: 2 updates back to backkk! thanks for requesting! Hope you enjoy it! 𝐑𝐄𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃!

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[🕷️] 𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒:

᯾ Ever since he first noticed you when meeting the team, it was love at first sight for him.

᯾ He would definitely show how much he’s obsessed with you in implicit ways, not fully going for you as that’s not his personality.

᯾ Would definitely prefer to do things that make you notice him, however, he could chase you if he wanted to.

᯾ He would definitely stare at you in the locker room or on the plane, on the way to whatever location you guys are needed.

᯾ His eyes would start at your legs before slowly glancing up to your lips.

᯾ You already know he’s a playboy just like his dad.

᯾ However, regardless of his obvious interest in you, the feelings wouldn’t be reciprocated.

᯾ Nevertheless, he wouldn’t tease you too much on missions. Not loving you enough to the point where he wants his life to be compromised.

᯾ He always has his eye out for you. Need more ammo? he’s got you.

᯾ Need a cover? He’s got you on that too.

᯾ You couldn’t even hate him, skilled in his fighting he was an excellent addition to the team. The way he effortlessly handled any weapon that was given to him, effectively killing anyone in his path. Giving assistance to anyone within the team, you really couldn’t hate him.

᯾ He knew he was good at what he does too.

᯾ And sooner then later, you’d realise he’s good in bed too.

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[🕷️] 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐄:

᯾ You hardly talked to him, always avoiding his path.

᯾ Celebratory drinks? On the other side of the table.

᯾ Group talks? You’re never next to him.

𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎𝐎, until you guys saw each other at a club. Neon lights were flashing as people danced and drank excessively. There was you, with two friends, dancing within the crowd. You rolled your hips with the flow of the music, this being an escape from your fast-paced life of being a law enforcement agent.

That was until you saw him, surrounded by men looking like him. Armando’s tan skin and beard being the main thing that stood out. He wore a simple black shirt with tight, slim black jeans. There was a fresh slit in his left eyebrow while his gold cuban chain hung off his neck, slightly longer than shoulder length.

He looked back up, and smirked. Shaking it off, you went back further into the crowd and continued to dance with your friends.

“We’re going to switch it up now, introducing some dancehall! Ladies get ready to whine up yuhself! Men, get ready to catch that whine!!” The DJ shouted over the music before switching up the song.

𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄 & 𝐊𝐎𝐓𝐂𝐇 - 𝐉.𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐫𝐢 & 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊.

Cheers and woos erupted in the building, more people coming to the dance floor as ladies bent their legs and arched their backs, ready to whine their life away.

Your friends started whining and dancing, screaming the lyrics as their body began to move with the music as if they were in a trance.

You decided to do the same, letting loose, you began to put your hands on your knees. Whining along to the music by anyone who pressed up behind you. That was until you felt those hands.

Looking up , you noticed Armando holding your hips, a suggestive look on his face as he controlled every circle and buck of your whine. You hated to say it but he was really skilled.

He didn’t even say anything, just focused on you and the music. Slowly pushing your hair on the left side of your face, his hand creeped up to your neck while the other one was still rested on your hip. His touch igniting a flame of zeal within you, the air between the two becoming hot and heavy.

This was forbidden, two co workers were not supposed to have any sexual relations with each other. Yet, you both did not care. Too overcome with lust and desire.

“Volver a casa conmigo..” Armando whispered in your ear, causing a tingle to happen down there.

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𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐏𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐌. Symphonies of groans and moans escaping the two lovers’ lips as they engaged in a heated kiss, fighting each other with their tongue, burning passion radiating off them. The white, satin sheets barely covered the male as he was focused on thrusting into the woman below. His cock pistoned in and out of the woman’s leaking pussy as her legs were up in the air, rocking backwards and forwards as she jolted up and down due to the roughness of her lover’s actions. Her wetness causing a thin coating on his dick.

“Te sientes tan bien amor..” Armando whispered, gently biting on the woman’s earlobe as she moaned in his ear, hypnotised by the feeling of his thick clock filling her up.

The male noticed and withdrew from her earlobe, still continuing the same pace as he held onto her hips but instead he could see the pleasure in her face. Tears of pleasure slowly slid down your face, to the point where you tried to push the male back, to no avail. “You got to take it mamí.”

“It feels too good.. i can’t.”

“Oh yes you can.” Armando grunted. Randomly flipping you over, your face was roughly met with the pillow. The man then started pounding with even more passion as you gasped and whined underneath him. “Just like that Armando..”

Your little comments turned him on more, feeling the reach of his peak coming. Your quiet nature before this now contradicting the lewd activity commencing now. And he loved it. He knew you would eventually come around. “Ah.. ¿Así que tu bonita boca puede hablar?”

Too dazed by the pleasure to understand the sarcasm dripping off his voice, you just nodded. Your hand slowly crawling down to your clit as you rubbed it in desperation. The overstimulation forcing your orgasm to come crashing down before you could even warn him. “Oh my god!”

This caused Armando to absolutely lose it. Your own impulsive decision to coming back to bite you caused him to begin chasing after his own orgasm. Still thrusting while you tried coming down from your own, before pulling out and releasing his seed onto your stomach.

“estás loco.”

“Estoy loco por no amarte antes.”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

[🕷️] 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒:

“Volver a casa conmigo” : Come home with me.

“Te sientes tan bien.” You feel so good.

“ ¿Así que tu bonita boca puede hablar?”: So your pretty mouth can speak?

“estás loco.” - You’re crazy.

“Estoy loco por no amarte antes.” - i’m crazy for not loving you sooner.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

[🕷️] 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓:

@milliumizoomi @thedarkworldofhananerea @5tarlan7 @deadpool15 @wizewhispers @amplifiedmoan @loakswifesworld @sarcasticbitchsblog

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

Creating Compelling Character Arcs: A Guide for Fiction Writers

As writers, one of our most important jobs is to craft characters that feel fully realized and three-dimensional. Great characters aren't just names on a page — they're complex beings with arcs that take them on profound journeys of change and growth. A compelling character arc can make the difference between a forgettable story and one that sticks with readers long after they've turned the final page.

Today, I'm going to walk you through the art of crafting character arcs that are as rich and multi-layered as the people you encounter in real life. Whether you're a first-time novelist or a seasoned storyteller, this guide will give you the tools to create character journeys that are equal parts meaningful and unforgettable.

What Is a Character Arc?

Before we go any further, let's make sure we're all on the same page about what a character arc actually is. In the most basic sense, a character arc refers to the internal journey a character undergoes over the course of a story. It's the path they travel, the obstacles they face, and the ways in which their beliefs, mindsets, and core selves evolve through the events of the narrative.

A character arc isn't just about what happens to a character on the outside. Sure, external conflict and plot developments play a major role — but the real meat of a character arc lies in how those external forces shape the character's internal landscape. Do their ideals get shattered? Is their worldview permanently altered? Do they have to confront harsh truths about themselves in order to grow?

The most resonant character arcs dig deep into these universal human experiences of struggle, self-discovery, and change. They mirror the journeys we all go through in our own lives, making characters feel powerfully relatable even in the most imaginative settings.

The Anatomy of an Effective Character Arc

Now that we understand what character arcs are, how do we actually construct one that feels authentic and impactful? Let's break down the key components:

The Inciting Incident

Every great character arc begins with a spark — something that disrupts the status quo of the character's life and sets them on an unexpected path. This inciting incident can take countless forms, be it the death of a loved one, a sudden loss of power or status, an epic betrayal, or a long-held dream finally becoming attainable.

Whatever shape it takes, the inciting incident needs to really shake the character's foundations and push them in a direction they wouldn't have gone otherwise. It opens up new struggles, questions, and internal conflicts that they'll have to grapple with over the course of the story.

Lies They Believe

Tied closely to the inciting incident are the core lies or limiting beliefs that have been holding your character back. Perhaps they've internalized society's body image expectations and believe they're unlovable. Maybe they grew up in poverty and are convinced that they'll never be able to escape that cyclical struggle.

Whatever these lies are, they'll inform how your character reacts and responds to the inciting incident. Their ingrained perceptions about themselves and the world will directly color their choices and emotional journeys — and the more visceral and specific these lies feel, the more compelling opportunities for growth your character will have.

The Struggle

With the stage set by the inciting incident and their deeply-held lies exposed, your character will then have to navigate a profound inner struggle that stems from this setup. This is where the real meat of the character arc takes place as they encounter obstacles, crises of faith, moral dilemmas, and other pivotal moments that start to reshape their core sense of self.

Importantly, this struggle shouldn't be a straight line from Point A to Point B. Just like in real life, people tend to take a messy, non-linear path when it comes to overcoming their limiting mindsets. They'll make progress, backslide into old habits, gain new awareness, then repeat the cycle. Mirroring this meandering but ever-deepening evolution is what makes a character arc feel authentic and relatable.

Moments of Truth

As your character wrestles with their internal demons and existential questions, you'll want to include potent Moments of Truth that shake them to their core. These are the climactic instances where they're forced to finally confront the lies they believe head-on. It could be a painful conversation that shatters their perception of someone they trusted. Or perhaps they realize the fatal flaw in their own logic after hitting a point of no return.

These Moments of Truth pack a visceral punch that catalyzes profound realizations within your character. They're the litmus tests where your protagonist either rises to the occasion and starts radically changing their mindset — or they fail, downing further into delusion or avoiding the insights they need to undergo a full transformation.

The Resolution

After enduring the long, tangled journey of their character arc, your protagonist will ideally arrive at a resolution that feels deeply cathartic and well-earned. This is where all of their struggle pays off and we see them evolve into a fundamentally different version of themselves, leaving their old limiting beliefs behind.

A successfully crafted resolution in a character arc shouldn't just arrive out of nowhere — it should feel completely organic based on everything they've experienced over the course of their thematic journey. We should be able to look back and see how all of the challenges they surmounted ultimately reshaped their perspective and led them to this new awakening. And while not every character needs to find total fulfillment, for an arc to feel truly complete, there needs to be a definitive sense that their internal struggle has reached a meaningful culmination.

Tips for Crafting Resonant Character Arcs

I know that was a lot of ground to cover, so let's recap a few key pointers to keep in mind as you start mapping out your own character's trajectories:

Get Specific With Backstory

To build a robust character arc, a deep understanding of your protagonist's backstory and psychology is indispensable. What childhood wounds do they carry? What belief systems were instilled in them from a young age? The more thoroughly you flesh out their history and inner workings, the more natural their arc will feel.

Strive For Nuance

One of the biggest pitfalls to avoid with character arcs is resorting to oversimplified clichés or unrealistic "redemption" stories. People are endlessly complex — your character's evolution should reflect that intricate messiness and nuance to feel grounded. Embrace moral grays, contradictions, and partial awakenings that upend expectations.

Make the External Match the Internal

While a character arc hinges on interior experiences, it's also crucial that the external plot events actively play a role in driving this inner journey. The inciting incident, the obstacles they face, the climactic Moments of Truth — all of these exterior occurrences should serve as narrative engines that force your character to continually reckon with themselves.

Dig Into Your Own Experiences

Finally, the best way to instill true authenticity into your character arcs is to draw deeply from the personal transformations you've gone through yourself. We all carry with us the scars, growth, and shattered illusions of our real-life arcs — use that raw honesty as fertile soil to birth characters whose journeys will resonate on a soulful level.

Happy Writing!

[troubledminnesotan]

ITS HERE!!!

My 18 page autobio comic about siblings struggling to communicate but finding common ground in video games is out now!

Check it out on here and I hope you enjoy!

[teslacoils-and-hubris]

We need to be more focused on fucked up short stories as a society. We've all read the yellow wallpaper, the lottery, lamb to the slaughter in middle school but then we never talk about fucked up short stories outside of "haha remember when Ms Johnson made us read that story about the lady killing her husband with a leg of lamb then feeding the murder weapon to the police?"

That ends today!! Appreciation for fucked up short stories time!! Comment your favourite weird story your English teacher made you read that still sticks with you to this day PLEASE I need to read more fucked up short stories

I'll start- the veldt by ray Bradbury, rappachini's garden by nathaniel hawthorne, and this one is a little bit of a cheat because it's a graphic novel but The Nesting Place by Emily Carroll still haunts me (every story in her through the woods collection really, but nesting place especially)

[marlynnofmany]

It’s back!

If you missed it the first time around, the “human are weird” anthology is back for a second printing. (There’s even a new story included: “Black Box” by Dara Brophy.)

Here’s the blurb:

In science fiction, humans are usually boring compared to other races: small, weak, with no claws or tentacles, and no special abilities to speak of. But what if we were the impressive ones, the unsettling ones, the ones talked about by all the other aliens? What if we're weird?

If you’d like a collection of excellent stories about humans inspiring awe, fear, and utter confusion, it’s available everywhere books are sold!

[whereserpentswalk]

Humans sometimes wonder what separates them from other races like elves and dwarves and orcs, like what makes them unique. Some people say humans are generalists, some people say we're the most adaptable. But actually there is something that stands out about us that all the other races find super weird. Humans are the only sentient creature to reproduce sexually like animals do, and because of that we're the only species with romantic or sexual attraction, and ideas like sex and gender.

Elves and dwarves create new members of their races slowly and methodically, like works of art. Harpies, angels, demons and dragons are all individually and personally created by their gods. Orcs and goblins are spawned from spawning pits on mass. Merfolk come close with how they lay and fertilize eggs, but even then any individual merfolk can both lay eggs and fertilize, and they don't meet when they do it. Vampires and other undead are spawned from other races. Fae just sort of show up.

So the idea of having sexes, and genders constructed around them, and sexual and romantic relationships is all incredibly weird for other races. Most humans don't notice it because they just naturally assign members of other races genders when they meet them.

Diffrent races have diffrent ideas around these constructs. But most of them find it some level of confusing. A lot of them just ignore it. But it's really disturbing for some, romantic relationships seem like weird bonds that can't be explained, like some sort of unexplainable and volatile connection. Sexual attraction seems like some dark animalistic instinct. Gender is incomprehensible, and also seems wrong and immoral to most races. And sex itself seem like the darkest of any reproductive ritual or magic. Because of all of this humans who don't experience some or any of these things often have an easier time connecting with other races.

This has also lead scholars to belive that humans are the only sentient race to evolve naturally. Something often thought impossible before studies on humans occurred.

[flowerytale]

Leonora Carrington, from ‘The Sisters’, The Complete Stories

[nkjemisin]

Well, it's official, and now I can talk about OUT THERE SCREAMING, a new anthology of Black horror that's edited by Jordan Peele. I have a brand-new short story out in this, and I'll be sharing a Table of Contents with Dr. Chesya Burke, Nnedi Okorafor, Cadwell Turnbull, Tananarive Due, P. Djeli Clark, and more!