#so here's a quick fun piece based on a song

[seldomsee]

And Michael you would fall

And turn the white snow red

As strawberries in the summertime

[weebsinstash]

I know the show isn't out yet but Stayed Gone is stuck in my head and I'm chugging my yandere Vox juice so hard right now. I think he has the capacity to be absolutely insufferable

---for starters THE SPYING POTENTIAL WITH THIS MAN. You're telling me he can directly plug himself in to the city power grid and see through all televisions, potentially even phones and computers too? Could he put himself on your phone and start going through your texts? Could he even just put himself on your phone real quick while you're sleeping to check in on you? You couldn't even have privacy in your own home because of whatever screens are around he could potentially shoot himself to or watch you through. Imagine just being in your apartment completely alone and he's suddenly on your tv. Like what if you had just been sitting there topless or with your dick out or something or 👀 I mean. He could see so much, really...

---God honestly like. You know I keep mentioning the Instagram without ever attaching pics or anything because I'm on mobile and I'd have to use the hazbin Instagram archive blogs here on tumblr to go find them back like, you know Val would openly post the meanest shit, would literally post Vox's face being busted up because he woke Val up from a nap or i think it was he literally just brought him the wrong soda (which to be fair was taken from Velvet and was half empty), and then you go over to Vox's account and his pic was taping his pieces back on while being really frustrated and kinda lowkey looking like he would cry

Like Val's out here "women are stupid also men are stupid too" and talking about how he adopted a dog and killed it within like 48 hours and here's Vox celebrating his pet's birthday with cake and a party like. Why are these men together. Why. Why. Don't get me wrong I love to be the involuntary third in a toxic codependency but--

look all I'm saying is... do any of you get really really upset when you see someone being mistreated, especially more so a friend of yours?

READER JUST LOSING THEIR SHIT GETTING FERAL ANGRY SHOUTING AND SCREAMING AT VAL BECAUSE HE PULLS SOME SHIT and like that's IT for you because 1. Valentino might like actually backhand you one as well, do you think he wears rings so it hurts, 2. Vox sees you defending him and like, it's based on your own preferences really but if he wasn't already gaga this CEMENTS it and 3. especially if he watches you have to take a blow for trying to stick up for him. Like what if you cry. I have a low pain threshold, I'd be sniveling and crying at the least. Valentino storms off and Vox is helping peel you off the floor cause you curled up into a ball or some shit and he's sitting there thinking "wow they suck at this but they still did it for me 🥺"

---during his song with Alastor, it's a little confusing because they show an actual camera crew when he's turning the TVs on, but i think it's pretty clear that he can control whatever the screens show visually, thus his little zany sketches and being able to talk to himself and at one point, showed the visual of himself blocking the radio Alastor was projecting on right next door. I can just see him using this to kind of.... fuck with you, really! Or do whatever he wants? He's trying to suck up to you and he's surrounded by roses, or you're his co-host/guest host and he thinks your joke was funny and gives a little audience laughter as a treat

Or you know... you're running from him down the street, passing all these different screens and displays as they power on and show things like, him "jumping in front of you" while demanding you stop or, trying to show some kind of blackmail publicly, or just, begging you to just ACCEPT HIM and showing you all the fun things he could do with you, "cmon, I said I was sorry, stop freaking the fuck out! We can- we can do that thing you've always wanted to do, what about that?!" as he tries to project you two doing something fun, but most importantly, doing it TOGETHER. You're running from him terrified and he's showing you images of like you two smiling and happy or, it becomes scarier as he's more desperate

"Don't-don't make me do something fucked up!! I'm serious, STOP RUNNING" and he's like freaking out, showing shit of trying to hold you down, tying you up, and/or shoving you into a locked room

Sudden thoughts of "what if the more emotional and unstable he becomes, the less he can control his intrusive thoughts and shows his more impulsive darker desires". He's tweeking and the screen glitches and you briefly think you see yourself completely restrained, blindfolded, gagged--

---he's just like OBVIOUSLY so prideful but also immature and whiny ("who gives a shit about alastor?" Well you, mr hes just quietly minding his own business and I'LL start beef because i feel threatened and STILL LOSE, like awww my poor little pogchamp got publicly humiliated in an argument HE started out of nowhere, he's my little sad wet baby lmaoooo) and we already know his relationship with Val can become physically abusive, so, you pair him staying in that kind of relationship, being codependent, with this personality of his, and I can just see.... ACTUALLY FUCKING TRIGGERED LIKE LITERALLY CRYING UPSET VOX BECAUSE YOU REJECTED HIM like he's pissed he's hurt he's lonely he's heartbroken and HELL NO IS HE GONNA ACCEPT THIS

Vox would be over here proudly claiming on his TV show that NO HE REJECTED Y O U, not the other way around! He's not upset! He's totally fine! Meanwhile everyone watching can tell this man is manic and visibly hotboxing copium, "I didn't even really like you anyways!!.... no, I mean, shit, fuck, COMMERCIAL BREAK--" *cut to technical difficulties screen because the man is CRYINGGG*

-- Valentino and Reader bonding over teasing Vox and making him flustered and of course, obviously, the inverse. I still kinda like the idea of "they both think you're cute but like nothing exciting until one night they bump into you unplanned and you're all dressed up". Like Val is from the 70s or 80s so they go to a roller rink disco whatever kinda place because I'm sure the coke game there is INSANE and you're just like, swaying your hips spinning around to Let It Whip or September or something dressed in some shorts that make your ass look just right 🤌

You're sneaking back into the studio after a night out and they're both lounging somewhere and Val's like "uhhhh who is THIS coming in without saying hi to Daddy?" and you pull your sunglasses down like "SIR??? 😳" And now HE'S flustered because he didn't know that was you and Vox is feeling some new kinda way because he's used to seeing you in like, your work uniform or casual wear

Val who then makes your work uniform really slutty and you have to serve him and Vox wearing it 😩❤️

---I have this thought of like lmao imagine walking down the sidewalk with Angel and seeing Vox on TV and Angel is like "ya know he can see everything outta dese things when he's plugged in" and you're like "bullshit, he couldn't possibly process that many screens at once, it'd overload his brain, he wouldnt be able to concentrate" and you're like "here I'll prove it, hey Vox, check it out you fucking dweeb" and flash him your bare titties or you MOON HIM

scenario A would be that he INSTANTLY barks out laughing, "hey Val, that dumb slut who brings you drinks just flashed me!" And he just totally shows it on the air, maybe partially censored, maybe not at all, your phone is ringing IMMEDIATELY, of COURSE it's Val, and Vox is broadcasting your mortified embarrassed expression, "our big story tonight: drunk bimbo fucks around and finds out! More updates after this word from our sponsor!" and the man will noooootttttttt stop bullying the fuck out of you afterwards, because he's got a crush on you and you're like someone weaker than him his insecure ass can punch down on

Scenario B is that he instantly turns pink and about 5 seconds later he blue screens and the entire city experiences a blackout and when he comes back on the air he's like stammering and, glancing at, it FEELS like he keeps glancing at you, but, is he really?

------

I dunno... like I'm sure Valentino is gonna wind up being unstable in his own way but I guess there's a certain, ALLURE to Vox being a little bratty and whiny while also having these very VERY handy, actually quite scary abilities and resources 👀 like boy show me what that screen do 😫💦

[fetishfairytales2]

Under the Bed, Pt. 1 (Story)

Based off an old favorite story that has long since disappeared from the internet, updated to fit new characters.

————————————————————————

"Let's go, little sissy," I smirked, pulling her by the leash into the master bedroom. "I know Mommy hasn't let you in here for a while, but Daddy and I have a special surprise for you!" Brandi looked terrified as she crawled into the room. She froze when she saw Connor standing behind me, placing his hands possessively on my hips. I laughed at the fear in Brandi’s eyes at the sight of my bull, "Don't worry, sweetie pie," I purred, kneeling down to stroke her cheek. "Daddy won't hurt you...yet."

Connor let out a smug laugh as he spoke. "That's right, you pathetic fucking loser," he taunted, making sure to stare directly into Brandi's eyes as he gave me a strong spank on the ass. "We're just here to have a little fun with you..." He grabbed a handful of my hair and pulled me in for a kiss, never breaking his gaze from the diaper wearing sissy, who was watching with tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Have you noticed any changes since you’ve been sweeping in your cwute wittle nursery, sweetie?” I mocked; “and no, I'm not talking about my new tattoo..." I playfully twirled and lifted my skirt, revealing my lacy black g-string and Connor's name tattooed on my ass. Brandi let out a pitiful sob. "Aww, what’s wrong pumpkin? You know Connor owns my ass now, not you." 

I plopped down on the freshly-made bed, its wooden frame and canopy giving off a modern vibe. It was all part of my plan to make it seem like a normal, unassuming piece of furniture. But in reality, Connor had not only built it, but also put in some serious work in it. I couldn't wait to see the look on Brandi's face when she realized what was waiting for her. "Welcome to our new bed," I said, giving the mattress a pat. I turned to Connor with a loving smile. “Daddy built it just for us and him and I will be sharing it. Don’t worry though cucky-wucky, Daddy thought of you too…” I added with a wink to our little Brandi, who looked terrified and heartbroken all at once. It was perfect. “Why don’t we let Daddy show you?” I asked sweetly. 

"And, here we go again, you fucking freak," Connor rolled his eyes, yanking Brandi by her leash and dragging her towards the nightstand. "Watch closely," he taunted, smacking her diapered butt way too hard. "I'll save the real fun for you later, babe," he snickered at me. Without another word, Connor grabbed a small touchscreen and pressed a button. Brandi let out a squeal as the bed started to hiss and lift up.

I cackled at Brandi's shocked expression as she glanced at the bed, "Looks like we scared the poor girl enough to pee herself!”  I stood next to Brandi as we all peered into the tiny and cramped leather padded space under the bed. "Daddy really didn't leave much room for a sissy, did he?" I laughed, "it looks like he made it just big enough for you to lay down uncomfortably!" I paused and grabbed Brandi's chin, making her look into my eyes, "But don't worry, I made sure to ask for enough room to pad that cold leather with your warm squishy diapees. Aren’t I so thoughtful?”

“Oh, speaking of messy, let me just…” I paused to dig through the night stand drawer. It seemed like Brandi couldn't handle the suspense, the poor darling tried to make a run for it! Of course, Connor was too quick for her. I turned back around to see him pinning her down with a single strong, muscular arm. "Thanks, babes," I gushed as I gave Connor a passionate kiss right over Brandi. "Can you hold her mouth open for me?" 

I giggled as I dangled a huge dildo gag in front of Brandi's face as I knelt down next to her, twirling the massive cock by a series of wires hanging from the other end. "This is going in your mouth," I taunted, sing-song style. "Isn't it just so impressive? And so lifelike!" I moved closer to Brandi's tear-streaked and trembling face. "Do you recognize this beautiful dick?" I asked, teasingly. "It's Daddy's! It's molded right from the real thing, all 9 inches and every single vein!" I grinned sadistically as I watched Brandi's expression. "That little sissy tongue is going to feel right at home wrapped around this!"

"There's also a matching buttplug that you'll get to feel later," I said with a wicked grin. Connor grabbed Brandi's cheeks and pushed them together, which let me shove the gag in and buckle it tight behind the pathetic loser's head. "You might notice these wires here," I forced her to nod by pulling on the wires in front of her. "They're quite long, aren't they? Well, deep under that leather cucky coffin is a bunch of motors and even a couple of special containers! When we plug in this gag and special booty plug, they have magic powers! See those cameras and microphones on the top of the bed?" I turned Brandi's head to look up despite being pinned down. "They help too, isn't that exciting?"

I looked into Brandi's scared eyes, God this is so fucking hot. "Guess what Brandi? Every time that microphone hears me moan and scream Connor's name, or beg him to fuck me, or even call him Daddy, it will make those new friends of yours vibrate and thrust inside of you! Can you imagine that? Both of us feeling that amazing dick at the same time! And you, you lucky slut, you get it from both ends! It can even tell the speed, so the faster he fucks me, the faster those dildos will fuck you. How amazing, right?” I stopped, just to watch as she started to sob again, harder this time. “Aww!” I stroked her head, don’t cry yet girlie, there’s still so much to tell you about!”

"She’s such a kinky bitch, isn't she?" Connor chuckled, pushing Brandi aside with disgust. "You better not move or else I'll make you regret it, loser," he sneered, not even bothering to look back at her. He ran his hand underneath my skirt and grabbed my ass, God he was so powerful. Pulling me in for a rough kiss, he asked, "you’re a wild chick, aren't you?" giving my ass a hard slap. "Tell her all the other kinky shit you've been doing."

To be continued…

[grimesrhees]

Good Luck, Babe.

pairing: maggie greene/rhee x fem!reader

genre: angst, mostly.

warnings: mentions of intimacy & alcohol

notes: I rarely write so please enjoy my own self indulgent attempt at it solely for my queen Maggie<3 (this also took me forever, thanks adhd😅)

summary: based on Chappell Roan's song Good Luck, Babe! Set (mostly) before the zombie apocalypse, Maggie struggles with her feelings towards other women. reader gets caught in between, falling for her knowing Maggie isn't ready to accept herself yet.

-Pre-Zombie Apocalypse-

How the hell did I get here again?

You thought to yourself as you lay sweaty and tingly all over, staring into the void of the dark ceiling above. You knew exactly how you got here, in bed with Maggie Greene, yet again. All she had to do was bat those eyelashes your way and use that sweet southern drawl and you were a goner. Ever since you started getting to know each other at the beginning of the semester 6 months ago, you wanted to show her all the ways you could make her feel good. But from the start you were aware that this was experimentation for Maggie, being with another woman. She didn’t want to admit to herself that she was attracted to women along with men. There were many occasions she’d drunkenly called or text you to come pick her up after one too many shots at the bar, only for you to walk in and find her making out with yet another man. But you always came anyway. Because even through the heart ache of this situationship, you couldn’t help but to start falling for Maggie. She was so smart and kind, gentle but fierce all the same, when she wasn’t being a stubborn bull in denial over the two of you.

Letting out a heavy sigh, you turned to face the soft, bare back of Maggie’s. All those days in the hot Georgia sun on her daddy’s farm had her shoulders and back peppered with freckles. You tried to take in every inch of her while you slowly drew your fingertips up and down along her spine. Maggie hummed sleepily at your touch, and you could feel you heart swell and break into pieces at the same time. You didn’t think you could take this, whatever this was between you and her, much longer.

You woke up early the next morning, way before Maggie, and decided to take a quick shower and brew some coffee. You poured two cups, set them both down on the small table and sat. After wrestling back and forth with your thoughts last night, before you mercifully fell asleep, you decided that it was best to talk to Maggie about what was going on between you two. You sipped the hot coffee slowly and stared into the black liquid abyss in front of you until you heard the small creaks of the floorboard.

Maggie’s figure appeared, wearing nothing but an oversized flannel shirt and a pair of lacey underwear. Her hair, completely disheveled from the passion of the night before. You couldn’t help your heart from fluttering at the sight. She leaned against the door frame and flashed you that winning, toothy smile of hers, signature lip bite and all. It quickly fell when she noticed the sad look on your face as you looked up from your coffee.

“Darlin’ why the sad face, what’s got you down this mornin’?” Maggie cooed in that sweet southern drawl of hers.

“After last night I cain’t have nothin’ but a smile on my face.”

You took a deep breath and looked up into Maggie’s big green eyes.

“Mags, what are we doing? Why do we keep doing this to ourselves? What are we?”

You prepped for the inevitable response you were going to get.

Maggie let out a huff and folded her arms across her chest.

“Whatta ya mean ‘what are we doin’ and ‘what are we’? We’re havin’ fun, it’s just casual sex y/n. We’re not anything but that…” she trailed off, almost as if she was convincing herself at the same time as the words were coming out of her mouth.

God she was so fucking stubborn.

You looked away from her and felt your eyes stinging with inescapable tears. Keeping those tears from falling would take everything in you, so you set your coffee down and started to get up from the table.

“Wait, y/n I didn’t mean it quite like that, you know how much I care about you," she shifted her body up straight,

"But this is just the way it is I can’t-"

You stopped her before she could finish.

“I know that this,” you motioned your pointer finger back and forth between the two of you, “is more than “nothing”, more than just “casual” sex. You know that I love you, Maggie.”

Maggie’s mouth went agape for a brief moment before it snapped shut, her jaw tightening and brows furrowing. A mix of emotions flashed across her face, fear, frustration and sadness. She couldn’t will herself to say anything back to you, so you continued on.

“Y'know what, it’s fine. It's cool. You can kiss a hundred guys in bars, shoot shot after shot just to try and stop you from feeling what you know is true about yourself. Make all the excuses , give me all the stupid reasons, but I won’t be here for them. I can’t do this anymore.”

You stood quickly and snatched your bag off the back of your chair, walking over to Maggie and getting only inches away from her face. Even having just woken up she was exceptionally beautiful, and her scent was something you could get drunk off of. You had ripped the band aid almost all off, you had to control yourself, had to end this now, even though almost every ounce of your body was tempted to push her up against the wall and kiss her until you were both breathless and gasping for air.

“This isn’t something you can just hide from forever, Maggie Greene. And you will think about this, years from now, until maybe you finally fucking realize that. Face to face with my ‘I told you so,’ and a longing for what could have been.”

Maggie continued to just stare at you but with tears now brimming in her eyes, still too stubborn to respond to any of your words. Her eyes fell to your feet until you brushed past her and towards the front door. While reaching for the doorknob you turned and looked back at Maggie, tears already steadily rolling down your cheeks.

“Good luck, babe,” you managed to choke out before swiftly opening the door and closing it behind you with a thud.

-Some months into the Zombie Apocalypse-

Flashes of different images and sensations danced across her mind.

The wind whooshing through her hair as her arms stretched out through the car sun roof.

An arching back and the feeling of sweat rolling down her chest, in a state of complete pleasure. Soft moans and wet kisses.

Giggles rang in and out but soon faded into silence.

Your tear-stained face looking back at her, "I told you so," echoing loudly, and the slamming of a door. Suddenly a mirror appeared and only her heartbroken face was staring back at her.

Maggie awoke with a small gasp and sat straight up in her bed. She took a minute to steady her breathing while trying to recollect the dream she just had. Next to her she heard Glenn let out a sleepy sigh and shift in his sleep. Maggie squeezed her eyes shut and put her head in her hands. The world ended and you were right, she couldn't hide the truth from herself forever. She had loved you, completely. Always did. Maggie laid her head back on her pillow, breathing a sigh of relief, finally allowing herself some acceptance.

[thisismeracing]

MICK DATING A K-POP IDOL | MS47

― Warnings: mentions of family members; not proofread. ― A/n: Just a quick reminder that there are many shades, experiences, and backgrounds when it comes to Asian people and their culture, what I am writing does not resume everything, but rather brings a piece of it to the table. <;3 ― Based on this requested here

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Everyone always took Mick as the country music type of guy, so when he started liking things about K-pop and added a few music from the genre to his official F1 playlist fans started to suspect something was up;

And as it happens, it was because a few weeks later you were walking on the paddock and getting to the Mercedes garage. Getting to Mick;

Your relationship was quick to become public, and Mick would attend concerts whenever he could;

It took him some time to get used to how famous you were. And how you would be giving him gits regularly, but everything you gave was always so thoughtful, especially when he got a song for his birthday - a whole song about how much he was your sunshine boy;

He loved watching your choreographies and would totally ask you to show them to him whenever you're home together.

You guys would share a bunch of stuff about your cultures. Constantly traveling between Asia and Europe between the holidays;

Mick was also the first boyfriend your fandom actively shipped. He would be all flush and happy about it, especially when he attended concerts, and some fans asked him for pics too;

He would put your songs to play in the garage, no questions asked;

Not only would Mick love watching you dance, but he would also try to learn some moves himself;

Would love it whenever you sang at home. Like truly love it;

The proudest boyfriend;

Would wear your merch around like one wears a wedding ring and proudly shows the world;

Mick would get into other K-pop groups too, and you would love to see him immerse in the culture;

Truly the sweetest and most comprehensive boyfriend you could've asked for.

― ⋆🪩 VOICEMAIL: Hi, besties! I hope you guys like this piece! I don't know much about K-pop, so if anything is inaccurate or something please just let me know!🤍 make sure to let me know your thoughts by reblogging and leaving me an ask!

Side note: Thank you for the request, nonny! It's been a beat since I last heard K-pop music, and I did while writing this piece - it was so much fun!! <3

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©thisismeracing ― Do not copy, steal, or translate my work. Do not repost on a different media platform.

[theship-thewalrus]

This is My Idea || Benedict Bridgerton

benedict bridgerton x reader

based on the song 'this is my idea' from The Swan Princess

word count: 1682 words reading time: about 7 minutes warnings: none really

I can't believe I'm stuck with her all summer I bet she doesn't wrestle, hunt or box

The boy who stood in front of you looked conceited. The brown, untamable hair that looked similar to a bird's nest you had passed in the carriage. He looked rather unimpressed as his eyes scanned you, for someone so young he seemed to resemble a sour-faced mother.

"Where are you manners dear? Introduce yourself."

The voice of your father filled your eyes, causing your eyes to cast back to him for a moment. You were sure your face convey a look of uncertainty almost asking if you truly must indulge this idea. The carriage ride to the countryside had taken some time, Adurey Hall, they had called it. The best place to spend the summer, or so you were told.

"(Y/N), a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

As you bowed her head slightly to show respect there was a beat of silence. It caused your eyes to flick up, wondering what fool did not understand how to greet someone. You watched the shoulder of the boy in front of you get knocked forward, a puff of air leaving his chest. A scowl formed on his face as he stepped forward bowing his head and holding out his hand.

"Benedict."

As he took your hand in his there was a small pause again, both of you looking back to your parents. Almost pleading for them to intervene, asking them with your eyes if they were truly going to make you both do this. Yet, all that was returned were encouraging smiles. The kiss on the back of your hand was quick, you quickly retracted your hand to wipe it on your dress and him to wipe his mouth with the back of his hand.

What a fun summer you had in store.

We've tried all summer but we just can't lose her

"Wait up! Anthony! Benedict! This isn't funny!"

Three pairs of footsteps could be heard running across the floors of Audrey Hall. Maids clinging to the walls of the halls as three children barrel through. The two boys were much fast than you, something you blamed on your skirt. You could hear their mutters of each other, encouraging the other to run faster in an attempt to lose them.

The doors flung open as the trio ran outside, the boys gaining ground against you. The wooden floor you had been running on quickly changed to stone and then uneven grass, that you were sure you were going to trip over. The ground only worsen as you trailed the boys to the forest that encased the grounds. Perhaps if you were in the first under better circumstances you would not be so annoyed.

"Quick, Anthony! Before she gets here."

You could hear Benedict urging his brother to climb the rope ladder to their little treehouse. Moving forward, your fingers just missed the rope of the ladder to the treehouse. The two boys are much too fast in pulling it up and away from you. Looking up at them with an angered and displeased expression you were only met with their smug ones. Having gotten out of having to spend any time with you for now.

"You'd think she'd take a hint a learn to read."

You could hear Benedict tease, waving a piece of paper at you from his higher position. Squinting you could make out 'no girls' in scratchy words and a terribly drawn picture of what you assumed to be you.

"This really isn't fair." "We really couldn't care."

With a huff, you picked a plank of wood that stood tall near the tree. Though it seemed to be the main support of the tree house as you heard the planks of wood groan and shift under the boy's weight. Before it all came crashing down around you, boys included.

She tries to talk me into playing dress-up She's always flirting with the castle guards

You don't quite remember when you had given up trying to befriend Benedict. It was clear the pair of you simply had no intention of ever wanting to get to know each other. Perhaps if you both had not been forced together for months, since you were both young, it would be different. Now you seemed to spend your time with the Bridgertons entertaining his younger siblings, gossiping with Daphne and talking to the various servants.

It was not unusual to find yourself outside, you enjoyed the time away from the ton and in the countryside. Yet, this particular time you seemed to be occupying your time talking with a footman. He was rather young and you must admit, easy on the eyes. You sparked up the conversation with him during your walk around the grounds. Asking him to accompany you on a quick walk in the nice weather.

"Why, I did not know you were so knowledgeable on the different Flora around Britain."

Your voice was smooth as you spoke, looking at the young man from the corner of your eyes. The pair of you stood a respectable distance apart. You heard him chuckle before he answered, turning his head to face you.

"Well, miss, I tend to find myself out in the forest in my free time." "How wonderful,"

You muse a small smile on your face as the pair of you turned to head back to the manor. Though a figure in one of the many windows caught your eye. Squinting slightly you attempt to figure out who happened to be spying, you assumed it would be Daphne, the girl would want to know everything as soon as you get inside. But much to your surprise the figure was none other than the man you were avoiding, Benedict. You could not make out his face, but you could tell by his body language that he was not in the greatest mood.

I'd like her better if she'd lose at cards

Sitting across from Benedict you peer over your cards at him. There was one thing you both agreed on, and that was a love for card games. At times you had both been known to wager something, a necklace here or a few coins there. But during your winning streak, Benedict was too fearful, having already lost too much. He already owed you one of his paintings and some poetry.

You pretended to not notice Colin peering over your shoulder, trying to grab a look at your cards. You doubted he could see much or even knew how to play. You watched Benedict's movements carefully, you doubted he would suddenly win this round, you weren't worried about losing.

"Four sevens and a ten." "I think I've won again."

Your words were covered in honey as you showed your card. Displaying them opposite his with a smirk playing on your lips. You could not help yourself, it felt nice to win against the boy. Considering you could never seem to win against his older brother. Small cheers from Daphne and Eloise were heard as Benedict groaned and leaned back in his chair unimpressed.

For as long as I remember We've been told we'd someday wed

Somewhere along the years you and Benedict had figured out the reason why you were both forced together every June until September. Your fathers had been friends and you guessed they desired a way to keep your families close. Unfortunately for you, you had simply been born close to Benedict. Thus, it seemed simple that the pair of you should wed. Though it was rare they spoke about it, there were always countless hints and pushes to shove you both together.

Being pushed around in this manner was not want you had expected during this visit to the Brigdertons. You could feel your father pulling and shoving you in all sorts of directions. Your unhappy grumbling going unheard by the man. That morning you had been shoved into a rather nice dress and your corset did up so tight you were sure you were going to pass out.

I see him smiling and my knees start buckling I see inside him and my doubts are gone

You heard the door shut behind you, your father leaving you in a room by yourself. Hearing another door slam shut on the other side of the room. Casting your eyes over you saw Benedict. He seemed to change over the last time you had seen him, matured a bit more. He did seem so brash and aloof as before, more refined and put together.

You watched his eyes as he scanned you as well, realising he was not alone. Confidently you took a few confident steps towards him. Though he seemed to stumble a little at the start he was quick to extend his hand as he meet you in the middle. Extending your hand he grabbed it softly, you took note of the charcoal on his fingertips that he had not seemed to clean yet. Though you did not seem to mind all that much. Softly kissing the back of your hand he would straighten up once more. Yet kept his hand on yours, it brought a smile to your face.

"How have you been these past months?"

Your question breaks whatever trace the man was under, bringing his attention back to you. There was a pause as you watched him think of a response. Perhaps not all that much had changed since you were young, the man still needed to be pulled through conversation.

"G-Good! I've been good." "That is good it hear."

There is another pause for a small moment before he seemed to catch on to what you were waiting for.

"And how have you been?" "Well, I spent the colder months inside by the fire." "Good, good. I had painted the manor in a winter setting. I would be happy to show it to you." "It would be my pleasure to see."

This is my idea This is my idea What a good idea, it's such a charming and romantic notion.

[xinganhao]

ⓘ frequently asked questions.

put together a quick list of common asks i get, just to make things easier. ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧ may update as i see fit. last updated: dec. 29, 2024

what apps do you use?

i primarily use social maker; secondarily, social dummy. unfortunately, both apps are no longer on the app/play store. :( i've seen people use memi message as an alternative for texts + twinote for sns.

how do you do the instagram stories?

i go in depth on it here. the general gist is that i make a highlight on instagram -> rename the highlight to the 'username' i want -> add to the highlight & screenshot from there.

how do i read all of your work?

my masterlist is in my pinned tweet, but you can also check out the #── ᵎᵎ ✦ mine tag to scroll through my work without my answered asks, yapping, etc.

how do i know if/when requests are open?

i indicate on my pinned post whether requests are open or not. as i've mentioned in my guidelines, i don't consider requests sent while the requesting period is closed.

what types of requests are ok?

🟢 fluff, angst, crack. established relationships, platonic relationships/friendships, poly relationships. a range of au's including non-idol, idol!reader, etc. boyfriend!svt, brother!svt, husband!svt. reqs based on songs, media (i.e. movies, series), tropes, or prompts. 🟡 smut/suggestive (can be difficult to translate in this format). cheating/infidelity, emotional hurt/comfort, themes of grief, high school aus. reqs based on another author's body of work (unless they've explicitly stated they are okay with remixes/spin-offs). 🔴 abuse, age gaps, character death, emotional manipulation, gender swap, sa/sh/ed, terminal illnesses, yandere. reqs based on a different user's smau/text imagines.

why haven't you answered my ask for a certain request?

i'm still slowly but surely working through my inbox. sometimes, i'll time/schedule a release, which is why i may keep an ask as i consider how to execute it. i'm never intentionally unresponsive; there's just a lot of asks to work through and, again, i sometimes like to bide my time to ensure the quality of my work. there are also times where i simply do not have the inspiration for a certain request. i sometimes still keep an ask, just in case i might be inspired at a later date/time. otherwise, i make no promises on the fulfillment of any requests/prompts sent my way.

will [insert verse] have a part two?

sequels to any verse is always subject to inspiration. i don't mind getting asks/comments like this, if only because it gives me some idea of what people might want to see more of! but please understand that━ for the most part━ each piece of work should be able to stand on its own, unless otherwise stated.

can you give us more headcanons/drabbles for [insert verse]?

gladly! it's sometimes easier for me to come up with brief headcanons or drabbles for my work, and i love, love, love talking about most verses. if you have any questions or clarifications, my inbox is always open. i'm usually more open to these than making a full second 'part'.

what are your favorite tropes/alternate universes?

second chance romance/exes to lovers, enemies/rivals to lovers, first loves, slowburn, idiots in love. aus: soulmates, dystopias, college/university, sports, entertainment industry.

why don't you follow back?

xinganhao is a sideblog to @ylangelegy.

are you filipino?

🫡 so feel free to interact with me in fil/eng! hehe.

who are your bias/es?

i ult hao (surprise, surprise), but my bias line includes vernon, jihoon, and soonyoung.

what other groups do you stan?

stray kids is my ult. i also follow day6, tomorrow x together, xdinary heroes, and p1harmony. fun fact: i got into k-pop via yook sungjae of btob! (•ᴗ•,, )

🧾 © xinganhao, est. 2024. good morning, and in case i don't see ya— good afternoon, good evening, and good night! 🧸

[koji-haru]

Lucky for Me

[Merry Christmas everyone!! Here's a little Christmas special from me! Title and story heavily based off and inspired by 'Lucky for Me' by Laufey. I recommend listening to the song for the full experience! Also, thank you @inubaki for gifting me a drawing for this piece!! ❤️]

Winter, December 24th, Christmas Eve. While the snow covered streets outside were in a peaceful slumber, the buildings that lined them twinkled brightly in colours of green, red and yellow as loud bubbly music and Christmas cheers seeped out into the layers of snow. Young people clad in thick, colourful jumpers adorned with intricate designs and flashing lights with red cups in their hands as they roamed stumbling about the cramped room to spread their merry-making from one group of friends onto another. 

A tired yawn managed to escape from Michael as he tried to remain standing in a group circle, listening to everyone’s adventures and plans for the holidays. The month had been an exhausting one for him, what with projects he had to finish and exams he had to study for. But that was all over now, the winter holidays were here and despite the difficult semester, everyone seemed to have regained their vigour just in time for the Christmas party. Michael pulled his sleeve back a little, looking at the time on his watch. It was just a little past midnight. He turned to the person standing not too far from him, who seemed to be enjoying all the buoyant laughter and drinks parties like this usually brought. Parties usually went on for much longer, and while Michael was just about ready to head home and sleep, he didn’t want to interrupt and ruin everyone’s fun. And so, he remained standing there, slowly sipping at his drink, which was more juice than alcohol, and idly listened to everyone's stories through the haze of loud music and alcohol. 

No matter how inconspicuous Michael tried to be, Adam still noticed the yawn the shorter man let out as he turned to look at his watch. A hand lightly over his mouth, Adam suppressed the chuckle that was spilling out of him at the sight of Michael sleepily ‘socialising’ with their classmates, though all he did was quietly sip at his juice as he idly stared at nothing. And as adorable Adam found the sight to be, it was also a little pitiful. He did, after all, drag Michael along with him despite knowing that events such as this weren’t really something he particularly enjoyed. 

And so, with some quick words and acknowledgements, Adam slipped out of the conversations he was in, tossed his now empty cup into the bin, and made his way through the tight crowd back to Michael. 

“Hey,” Adam said as he easily plucked the still almost full cup from Michael’s hands, with the other a few seconds too slow to realise his drink had been snatched away from him. “You ready to head home?”

The look that Michael gave Adam was akin to that of a relieved child with the way his dark blue eyes shone with muted relief and joy at the offer of returning home. Still, ever the too considerate partner, Michael instead opted to ensure Adam’s preference first. 

“We can stay longer if you want,” Michael replied, his gentle voice barely audible in the crowd.

“Nah, I’m bored already, so let’s go,” Adam reaffirmed.

“Are you su–”

“Yup! So let’s go already,” insisted Adam as he grabbed Michael’s hand and dragged him through the crowd, placing the cup still in his hand on a random table while they made their way towards their exit.

I just wanna take you home Call a taxi in the snow

One of their classmates tried to rush towards the door in wobbly steps, one hand reaching out for the pair that had one hand already on the door knob, ready to leave. 

“Adam! Man, no way,” they said as they finally managed to grasp onto Adam’s shoulder, the drink in their cup threatening to spill over. “You’re leaving already?”

“Yup, too tired already. So, see ya!” 

Without further ado, Adam turned the knob and pushed the door open, dragging Michael along with him out into the snowy streets, where they stood in the cold for a few minutes waiting for a taxi to pick them up. 

Once their ride finally arrived, both Adam and Michael quickly entered the taxi, their shivering forms trying to escape the freezing cold they both subjected themselves into. A content sigh left both of their lips as they relaxed into the back of the taxi, enjoying the comfortable warmth inside the vehicle. 

A winter wonderland zoomed past their windows; icy landscapes with naked trees only covered up by thick snow, houses adorned with either simple, homely lights or complex designs involving moving figures and patterned light shows. All those flashing lights, eye-catching decorations with vibrant colours, and yet, all Adam had eyes for was the man beside him with hair that was like woven gold, cheeks like the starry night, and deep blue eyes that reflected the shining lights like galaxies in the vast expanse of the universe. For all the wonder and joy Christmas brought, Michael was definitely Adam’s favourite gift.

The winds outside flurried the falling snow past the taxi window, and despite the heat provided by the car, Adam noticed that Michael wrapped both of his hands around himself, hidden beneath his coat. Just then, an idea hit Adam. He knew exactly how to warm up Michael. 

Adam subtly eyed the rear view mirror, waiting for a moment when the driver focused more on the road, before he made his move and lightly tapped Michael on the shoulder. As soon as he got his partner’s attention, Adam made a swift move, leaning over for a brief moment to place a light kiss on Michael’s cheek. 

When the driver can’t see Steal a kiss from you

A deep red heat quickly blossomed on Michael’s cheeks, even spreading to his ears, as he sat surprised for a moment before hiding his flushed face under his gloved hands. 

“How sneaky,” Michael murmured beneath his gloved hands.

“What can I say? I’m an opportunist and I saw an opportunity,” Adam shrugged playfully, before receiving a playful shove. 

—-

Adam stood frozen still by their accommodation’s door, eyes blankly staring at his empty hands. No matter how many times he had searched and flipped his pockets inside out, no key turned up. 

“...Adam..?” Michael asked, peeking over Adam’s shoulder. “Wait, one moment…” he said as he began to search his own pockets as well, hoping that he brought his own set of keys as well. 

Realised I forgot the keys Think that it was meant to be

After a minute or two of shuffling and searching through every pocket he had, Michael also turned up empty handed. “Well…that’s unfortunate. Hold on, I’ll send a message to– Ah, Adam, don’t–!”

The door to their accommodation rattled and shook loudly as Adam irritably twisted the knob while simultaneously banging on the door, causing as much of a ruckus as possible. Despite his smaller frame, Michael managed to pry Adam off of the door, putting himself between Adam and the door to prevent further attempts. 

“What are you doing?!” Michael whisper shouted. “You’ll wake everyone up!”

“Exactly!” Adam tried to get past Michael to rattle the door once more, but was kept in place by the shorter man. 

“No, don’t ‘exactly’ me. It’s like…,” Michael paused briefly to check the time on his phone, “it’s 2 am in the morning, Adam. Let’s not wake people up. I’ll send all our friends a message instead, maybe one of them is awake.”

“Fine,” huffed Adam, arms crossed as he backed away and moved towards the railings instead. 

Light footsteps soon followed Adam, and beside him was Michael, who had joined him to rest on the railings. Just a little outside the centre of the city, the night sky was a captivating darkness, devoid of the artificial lights from towering buildings and was instead sprinkled with small shimmering stars as the moon glowed brightly high up in the sky, like a far, unreachable goddess. The fresh winter snow fell like the lightest of feathers through the air, piling ever so gently on top of one another. Adam’s eyes followed one particularly large snowflake danced lazily in the cold winter breeze, slowly swirling its way towards the top of Michael’s hair, where it landed delicately like a kiss. And just as Adam’s eyes landed on Michael’s hair like a snowflake, Michael himself turned to face Adam, a small smile on his lips as their eyes met, both shining in the darkness.

‘Cause we sat outside You looked in my eyes,

And for a moment there, despite the freezing temperatures, their bodies shaking with an uncomfortable chill, the night sky so endlessly dark, and the air far too crisp and cold against their faces, the little space Adam shared with Michael kindled a warming flame within him. A flame warm enough and bright enough to keep the deadliest of chills and the darkest of nights away. In the dead of winter, a summer was kept alive between the two of them.

When the sun goes away in the autumn And the leaves trickle down from the trees The heat of the summers, forgotten You’ll be here, so lucky for me

“Is there something on my face?” asked Michael, his head tilted a little in confusion when Adam kept on staring at him in silence. 

Adam had half a mind to brush the snowflake off of Michael’s hair, but instead opted to leave it there. His hands swerved down and away from reaching for the snowflake and grabbed onto Michael’s scarf instead, where he rewrapped the fluffy scarf around the shorter man’s neck. 

“It wasn’t wrapped properly,” said Adam, trying to play it cool. 

“Thanks,” said Michael as he pulled the bright scarf a little closer to his face, snuggling deeper into it. 

A comfortable silence sat between the two of them as they watched more and more snow dance through the air, the blackness of the sky becoming closer to a dark grey as more clouds gathered to dust the land with more snow. 

“By the way,” Michael started, eyes fixated on the falling snow. “How’s your band going?”

At the mention of his little side passion, Adam visibly perked up, his idle gaze into nothing immediately brightening up into one of vigorous enthusiasm. He shifted a little so that his body faced Michael as he leaned more comfortably against the cold railing, the frost falling off it from his movements. 

You don’t tell me to shut up Even when I talk too much

“You wouldn’t believe what happened like four days ago,” Adam replied with much excitement. “Lute– You remember Lute, right?”

Michael nodded wordlessly.

“Okay, good. So, Lute. There was this guy, she barely even knew him by the way, and…”

Adam droned on and on about both the troubles and ‘fun adventures’ his band got into, from having the police called on them to being invited to a fancy venue they were sure was a case of mistaken identity, but money was money so they performed anyway. The topics moved and hopped from his band  adventures to pilling college stress and useless group mates to personal grievances against their accommodation neighbours. And as Adam babbled on and on about everything that had recently happened in his life, Michael simply listened in silence with the occasional nod and hum to let Adam know that he was still paying attention. 

“What a crazy bitch, right?” asked Adam, though he wasn’t really looking for affirmation. “Can you believe she actually…” Adam suddenly trailed off, his eyes looking back down towards Michael, his lips closed shut. 

“She did what?” queried Michael as he leaned on his hand, eyes bright and focused at Adam. 

“Sorry, I just realised I was babbling again,” Adam answered a little sheepishly, one hand scratching the back of his head. “I must’ve talked your ear off again, sorry.”

A light chuckle slipped from Michael’s lips at Adam’s awkwardly bashful display in front of him. He found it rather funny in an especially endearing way. How someone of Adam’s stature, tall and imposing, matched with his loud and overly confident presence, could suddenly act so cute and oddly polite at the most random of instances. Michael found it so sweet, he could just eat Adam up!

However, the two were outside, in public, so instead Michael settled on something a little more civil for now. 

“Nono, you’re alright. You didn’t talk my ear off,” Michael assured with a tender smile. Truly, he didn’t mind; to him, listening to Adam’s voice at length was akin to listening to the most heavenly of melodies. “In fact, I could listen to your voice all day.”

You’ll smile at me, say,  “Don’t worry”

This time, it was Michael’s turn to cause red blossoms to flourish all across Adam’s cheeks, heating him up just like Adam did to him during their taxi ride. 

“You’re cringe as fuck, you know,” Adam mumbled as he placed both of his hands on his cheeks, his eyes darting to the side. 

Michael simply hummed a soft, merry tune in response. A little proud of his handiwork. 

When the sun goes away in the autumn And the leaves trickle down from the trees The heat of the summers, forgotten You’ll be here, so lucky for me

Trying to escape the starry-eyed gaze directed at him, Adam tried to act casually as he fished his phone from his pocket to see if any of their friends had seen and replied to their messages yet. The screen’s bright light flickered across his face as he scrolled through his phone, still trying very hard to not let Michael’s gaze affect him much. Then, his fingers stopped suddenly, the red flush on his face swiftly fading as a relieved happiness washed over him in waves. 

“Oh finally!” he exclaimed before turning his phone towards Michael.

On the screen in front of him showed Emily, one of their friends, having read and replied to Adam’s message, saying that she would head down soon to open the door for them. 

“Oh, nice,” Michael commented as Adam pulled his phone back and typed a reply to Emily. 

With the help of the phone’s light, Michael finally noticed then, a mistletoe hanging on the overhang just above both him and Adam. Odd. How a mistletoe could just coincidentally be above them both. Suddenly, Adam’s words from earlier echoed back in his head and a little mischief bloomed in his mind. 

Remembering on which floor Emily resided in, Michael calculated in his head that he should have just enough time if he acted quickly enough. And so, with a light tap, he got Adam’s attention away from his screen before he swiftly grabbed the front of Adam’s coat and pulled him down so he could plant a chaste kiss on the brunette’s soft lips. 

“Wha–” stammered Adam, the heat on his cheeks returning brighter than ever. 

Michael let go of Adam’s coat before pointing up to the mistletoe that hung over them. 

“What can I say? I’m an opportunist and I saw an opportunity,” he mimicked Adam’s words from before, a satisfied smile on his face before turning to face the door that had finally clicked open with Emily looking very much concerned for the both of them.

“Adam?” Emily called out.

At the call of his name, Adam finally snapped out of his initial shock, giving himself a light slap on his cheeks before finally following suit. “Yeah, yeah, I’m coming.”

You’ll be here, so lucky for me

[steddieunderdogfics]

This week’s writer spotlight feature is:  @alwaysurvalentine! alwaysurvalentine has 11 fics in the Stranger Things fandom on AO3 and all of them are in the Steddie tag!

@dame-zoom-a-lot recommends the following works by @alwaysurvalentine:

bad days were meant to be shared

three strikes and you're out!

aquariums and sweethearts

"If I had to put an image to their fics… I'd say a warm blanket and a piece of cake.

Their slices of life fics get cooked with so much care and thought. A lot of them are my go-to when I'm feeling kind of off or lonely. They approach conflict with so much empathy and realism. No one's just shitty out of the blue with zero reason, and characters talk things out in a way that feels like how real people would talk. There's rarely clear villains or clean-cut forever happy-ending type resolutions in real life, and their fics shine at showing the beauty of that." -- @dame-zoom-a-lot

Below the cut, @alwaysurvalentine answered some questions about their writing process and some of their recommended work!

Why do you write Steddie?

Honestly, I just really vibe with both of them as characters. It’s easy to draw some of my own parallels with how Eddie sees the world and Steve’s fall from grace within my personal life - so it’s nice to play around with characters who I can understand. Plus I love taking the “protectors” from the narrative and forcing them to allow others to care for them.

What’s your favorite trope to READ?

I’m a sucker for any type of soulmate au, the ones with soulmarks are my guilty pleasures. Just something about knowing there’s someone out there destined to care about you makes me feel all warm and fuzzy

What’s your favorite trope to WRITE?

Anything slice of life or found family - I just love getting to give characters all the love and care they deserve. Especially when canon has put them through the ringer!!

What’s your favorite Steddie fic?

With no cross to bear (these words just come out) by hitlikehammers https://archiveofourown.org/works/45052120/chapters/113340064 I come back to this fic again and again. Love their Eddie POV and all of the reactions from the party feel authentic and I just love a fic that really shows how much everyone cares about Steve (even if he doesn’t see it).

Is there a trope you’re excited to explore in a future work but haven’t yet?

I’ve had a big idea about a possession type fic starring Eddie. It’s gonna be a big project though so it may be workshopped and shelved for another time while I work on some other stuff!

What is your writing process like?

Music is my biggest inspiration and I listen to Spotify all of the time (my spotify wrapped is about to be WILD), but usually I’ll get a spark of an idea from a song, scribble down a quick interaction I can see, and then once I get home it’s getting it all out on a doc. It usually takes me a few days to a week for me to get a fic where I want it, especially when the characters take things into their own hands for the narrative (I’m looking at Eddie and Robin here)

Do you have any writing quirks?

I actually write everything in red text until I decide I like the section. I have so many documents that have different colored text based on how I feel about it. Black means it’s ready to be proofread/don’t change, purple or blue for things I want to rewrite, and then red for what I’ve gotten down but isn’t edited/reviewed yet. Besides that I also go in thinking I’m going to keep it short and sweet and then I blink and we’re 2k in - but it’s been fun nonetheless!

Do you prefer posting when you’ve finished writing or on a schedule?

If I’m doing a prompt challenge usually it’s as soon as I’m done (totally not because I finish the day of…totally not that) but other than that I have a personal schedule to have certain things done by, otherwise I’ll nitpick forever.

Which fic are you most proud of?

Three Strikes and You’re Out! It was super fun to play around with connecting baseball terms to DnD in a way that still made sense and wasn’t just a block of info text.

How did you get the idea for aquariums and sweethearts?

It was actually a little followup I did for another fic, where Eddie visited the aquarium with Uncle Wayne but wasn’t able to get the souvenir he wanted. And I wanted Steve to kinda complete that circle, plus I wanted them to have a moment where they could kinda be kids again.

When writing aquariums and sweethearts, what was something you didn’t expect?

I honestly didn’t expect it to be so long, I was just going to write a tiny follow up but got carried away with my own aquarium memories and research so I just kept wanting to add more and more

What inspired three strikes and you're out!?

I feel like I’ve seen a lot of fics where Steve meets Eddie halfway with his interests and I wanted to see the opposite. Like it’s one thing for Eddie to concede that being a jock isn’t so bad, but it’s another for him to go out and learn about a sport/something that doesn’t interest him at all, ya know?

What was your favorite part to write from three strikes and you're out!?

Oooh! Such a hard question, for me it’s a tie between the conversation Eddie has with Lucas and his conversation with Uncle Wayne. I just liked putting Eddie in a situation where he was the one learning, instead of being the one in charge/control.

How do/did you feel writing bad days were meant to be shared?

It was a little hard starting out, I knew a couple things I wanted to happen but besides that I really went in kinda blind. Once I got into the groove though, it felt like it just wrote itself. Steve knew what he was feeling and just guided me along.

What was the most difficult part of writing bad days were meant to be shared?

So fun fact, I actually wrote the first draft completely from Eddie's point of view. I was trying to find his voice (still feel like I’m working on this but progress is progress) but it just wasn’t flowing right and Dame-Zoom-A-Lot actually helped beta for me. They’re the one who suggested the point of view switch and it worked so well!!

Do you have a favorite scene and/or line from any of your fics?

A favorite scene I’ve written has to be in aquariums and sweethearts when Eddie and the Mime gang up on Steve to poke fun at him, it just felt like something Eddie would play along with and enjoy.  These couple of lines from Three Strikes and You’re Out! Make me really happy, like sent my friends a dorky screenshot because I liked them so much: “Eddie’s world narrows to the smell of Steve’s cologne, something that smells like rain on freshly cut grass and a hint of vanilla. Just as soon as Steve leaned in, he leans away, the sun painting orange and pink highlights in his hair when he tilts his head grinning.”

Do you have any upcoming projects or fics you’d like to share/promote?

I’m working on a Steve Harrington ‘character study’ from Hopper’s point of view currently and might be starting on an Anastasia AU starring Chrissy as Anya and Robin as Dimitri - super stoked for both of these!

Outside of these questions, Is there anything YOU would like to add?

Endless thanks to my nominator!! I just started posting for Steddie this August and it’s been unreal. So thankful for all of my new friends and can’t wait to share some more of my little ideas and chat with other people about their art and stories! <3

Thank you to our author, @alwaysurvalentine, and our nominator, @dame-zoom-a-lot ! See more of alwaysurvalentine's works featured on our page throughout the day!

Writer’s Spotlight is every Wednesday! Want to nominate an author? You can nominate them here!

[thornybubbles]

Forever My Queen (Yandere Diavolo x Reader)

**Note: This is the first story in a collection of stories based on songs. All of the songs used as inspiration have lyrics that sound a bit “yandere-ish” to me. Each song was paired with a character that I personally think it suits the best.**

**Note 2: Features a female reader. Diavolo may seem a bit out of character here, but I figure that by this point, after having gone through the death loop for so long, his already unstable mind has snapped completely. So have fun with that, Reader. Be warned that I haven’t proofread this so it may contain mistakes. I’ll go back over this and fix any mistakes I find later. In the meantime I’ll go back to working on “Kinder Than Love”. 

WARNING: Mentions of suicide, death, and other dark themes. Read at your own discretion. Remember that you alone are responsible for what you choose to read. 

Inspiration: “Forever My Queen” by Pentagram

How much longer would he have to endure this? How many times would he have to endure the agony of death? 

Over and over and over again… 

Would he ever be allowed to die and just stay dead?!

Diavolo’s wild, green eyes darted around, making note of every little thing that could possibly kill him. He deemed it all dangerous. After all the times he died, he learned a very important lesson: 

Death could come at any time, from anywhere, from anyone or anything. 

From being stabbed, burned, shot, poisoned, strangled, electrocuted, drowned, starved, crushed, chopped to pieces, eaten alive, torn in half, beaten to death, he’d experienced nearly every way a human being could die. He couldn’t take it anymore. 

How would it happen this time?

Would it be slow and agonizing or quick and painless? 

He stared about, cringing in on himself and trembling. It had already been about ten minutes and he was still breathing. It offered him no comfort. He knew it was only a matter of time before the end came. Then he would end up somewhere else and die again… and again… and again… 

“Please…” his voice came out in a trembling whisper. 

“Please!” 

A few people walking down the sidewalk glanced in his direction, shook their heads at the obvious madman, and kept walking. 

“FOR FUCK’S SAKE! GET IT OVER WITH! JUST KILL ME ALREADY!” he screamed, glaring at the people that turned to give him strange looks. 

How did the saying go? “Oh, how the mighty have fallen.” Diavolo, the man that had once held an entire country in the palm of his hand had been reduced to a cowering, trembling, paranoid lunatic that screamed obscenities in the streets while people looked on in shock, concern, and occasional amusement. 

The King was king no more. 

He had nothing. 

He was nothing. 

His subjects had all turned against him. His kingdom had been stolen from him. He was exiled  into a never ending loop of death, defeated by a mere child. King Crimson was gone. Dear Doppio, his companion soul, was dead. And now, the only thing he had to look forward to was death.

He fell to his knees and tried to keep from bursting into tears like a pathetic child. Most of the people that had been distracted by his little outburst had already walked away, some more hurried than others, but all wanting nothing more than to be as far away from Diavolo as possible. He could keel over right there in front of all those people and none of them would care. They would just step over his corpse as if he were just a pile of trash. No one cared what happened to him. 

He had nothing at all to live for.

Nothing to live for… 

Diavolo chuckled at the realization. Of course. Why hadn’t he thought of it before? It all made sense now. It was the one death he hadn’t experienced yet! 

Suicide. 

He was supposed to kill himself this time. 

He couldn’t help but laugh, elated at the idea. He could resist of course, but he knew that the death loop would increase his despair until he finally gave up and ended himself. But he wouldn’t resist. No. He wanted to die this time. And he would enjoy it, too. It would be the only time that the death loop allowed him to choose the nature of his elimination. What would he choose? He wanted so badly to savor his brief moment of control, but he felt that the death loop would grow impatient if he didn’t act soon. So he would have to work with what was around him. He looked around his immediate area hoping to find something that could end his life in an at least tolerable way. Eventually he lifted his gaze to the rooftop of a nearby apartment building. Why not go with the old standard? He would climb to the roof of that building and jump to his death. 

Diavolo entered the building, feeling something akin to peacefulness in his soul. He didn’t know what future horrors the death loop would bestow upon him, so he would relish this single moment of mercy. He decided to take the stairs, forgoing the elevator completely. He just wanted to enjoy the moment as this had been the longest he’d ever been allowed to stay alive. He could safely say that this would be his favorite death. 

The door to the rooftop was thankfully unlocked. He opened it and walked out into the late afternoon glow. The air was so clear up there and Diavolo took a moment to breathe it all in. He walked up to the edge of the roof and stared down at the city. It gave him a great sense of tranquility standing there, looking at the skyline and the setting sun. He had no idea where he was, but for a moment, he imagined that this city was his kingdom and he had just climbed up to the roof of his sprawling villa to survey his domain. 

Just like old times. 

The feelings of despair hit him hard then and he knew it was time. He looked back down at the streets below and took a deep breath. It wouldn’t be the first time he fell to his death. He’d done it at least five times before. He knew it would hurt, it would be extremely painful, having nearly every bone in your body crushed by the force of gravity and your flesh splitting open as your insides spilled out all over the pavement would always be excruciating, but at the very least it would only last for a moment. Painful but quick. Diavolo supposed he’d take that over slow and agonizing. He held his arms out wide and started to let himself fall forward. 

Something grabbed a hold of the back of the mesh shirt he wore and yanked him back onto the roof. He spun around and locked eyes with you. 

--------

You had come up to the roof to watch the sunset and have a little smoke. You didn’t smoke often, but sometimes the events of the day wore you down and having a little nicotine in your system helped you deal with it. You had just finished your cigarette when the door to the roof was suddenly thrown open, startling you. A man dressed like a mannequin in the window of a Hot Topic shuffled out onto the roof with a spaced out look on his face. You weren’t sure but, he might’ve been under the influence of something with the way he was acting. He lumbered past you as if he hadn’t even seen you. You watched, with growing concern, as he made his way to the edge of the roof. He stood there staring out at the horizon before throwing his hands out and leaning forward. 

SHIT! 

You had a terrible feeling that he was going to jump the moment you saw him heading for the edge of the roof. You moved with speed that you didn’t know you possessed and grabbed a fistful of the netting on the back of his “shirt”, if you could even call it that, and yanked him backwards. He almost fell backwards on top of you before pulling himself out of your grip and turning his manic green eyes on you. He seemed shocked, confused, and maybe a little bit angry. 

“WHY THE HELL DID YOU STOP ME?!” 

Okay, maybe very angry. 

You didn’t know how to answer him. 

“I-I just… you were going to…” was all you could say. 

“What business is it of yours?” he asked, voice dropped to a quieter, but just as threatening growl. “What compelled you to interfere?!” 

Again, you didn’t know how to answer. Frankly you thought it was obvious. 

“I guess… I just didn’t want you to jump.” you said, wincing at the sound of your own voice. 

The man sneered, painted lips pulling away from his teeth. 

“You shouldn’t have stopped me! I was meant to die here! I was….” 

He trailed off and a look of stunned realization came over him. His mouth dropped open and he stared at you as if you just gave him the answers to all of life’s problems. 

-----

The gears in Diavolo’s head were turning. Something had changed. He could feel it. He felt it the moment he felt you grab him and yank him back before he could let himself fall to his predestined death. All throughout the death loop, not once had anyone bothered to come to his rescue. You did. Where had you even come from? He hadn’t seen you at all when he walked onto the roof. There was a moment where the paranoia rose within him again and he thought that maybe you were meant to be his death, but why would you save him only to kill him a moment later? At the very least, he could trust his deaths to make sense. The paranoia within him faded when he looked at you. No. You wouldn’t hurt him. You weren’t the type. He knew full well what the look of murderous intent looked like in a person’s eyes. The only thing he saw in your eyes was confusion, discomfort, and a little bit of fear. 

He felt as if a chain around his neck had been broken. Gone was the ever present atmosphere of impending doom. 

It was over.

He was free. 

Somehow, when you pulled him back onto the roof, you managed to pull him out of the death loop as well.

Something stirred within him and he absently placed a hand over his chest. That presence that had always been with him since his birth had returned. Doppio. His dear Doppio was a part of him again, he could feel it! Not only that…

He stood up to his full height and took a few steps back. 

“King Crimson!” he shouted, causing you even more confusion. 

His ever grimacing Stand appeared beside him, looking as if he had never been lost. King Crimson cast one sideways glance in your direction before Diavolo mentally dismissed him. 

He turned back to you. 

“You fixed it.” he said, sounding completely wonderstruck. “I don’t know how, but you fixed it. You gave everything back to me!” 

Well, almost everything. He was still a king without a kingdom, but now that he had Doppio and King Crimson back, it was a problem he could easily deal with. 

“Um, sir…” 

Your timid voice interrupted his thoughts. His crazed eyes met yours and you took a step back. No, he wasn’t high, but he was very clearly mentally ill or at the very least mentally distressed. 

“...is there someone that I can call for you?” 

He answered you by suddenly sweeping you into his arms and pressing his lips to yours in a much too passionate kiss to be shared between strangers. You tried to pry yourself from his hold but his grip was like iron. He deepened the kiss in a way that had you both panicking and swooning at the same time. You didn’t know who this guy was, but he kissed like he was trying to suck the life out of you. You were getting dizzy and your vision was filling up with black splotches. You were on the verge of passing out when he finally pried his lips away from yours and set you back on your feet. 

You lost your balance instantly, and fell over on your rear. Your head was spinning and you took a moment to catch your breath. You could feel the heat in your face and you were certain that it was roughly the color of a tomato. Your dazzled mind was at war with itself. One part of your mind was screaming that you needed to pick yourself off the ground and get the hell out of there before that psycho did something worse to you, while the other side of your mind was nervously dismissing the whole thing, saying that he was just showing his gratitude at you saving his life. Once your head began to clear, you scooted backwards on your ass until you felt you were out of his immediate reach. You weren’t going to let him touch you again. 

“I will repay you. You have my word on that. I know you don’t fully understand what you’ve done for me today, but I will repay you for it.” he said. 

He turned away from you, his eyes filled with a frightening kind of determination, and left the rooftop looking like a man with a mission. 

You lay there on the roof, desperately trying to comprehend what just happened to you. 

-----

Several months later… 

You shook your head as you read the morning news. 

“Man, this city’s gone to shit.” you murmured and took a sip of your coffee. 

Almost overnight, your city’s crime rate skyrocketed. Murders, assaults, beatings, robberies, gang wars… there didn’t seem to be any end to it. Sure all of that stuff existed before, but not to the extreme level that it had reached in only a few months time. Something was definitely going on with the local criminal organizations and you wanted NO part of it. You glanced over at the pile of real estate brochures that rested on the kitchen counter. You had already been wanting to move for a while now, and the way things were going, you may have to move for your own safety. Young woman living alone? Yeah, you were a prime target. Luckily your apartment building was the only one in the neighborhood that hadn’t been broken into yet. Keyword being “yet”. It was only a matter of time. If there was ever a time to move out to the country, now was it. You quite frankly hated living in the city anyway. It was too noisy, too hectic, and lately, too dangerous. 

A crashing sound caused you to look up from your paper. That came from just outside your door. You set the paper aside and cautiously approached the door. You reached out and put one ready hand on the handle of the baseball bat you kept next to the door and looked through the peephole. You didn’t see anything right away so you slowly opened the door. Sprawled on the floor was a little guy with pink hair who was pinned underneath a rather heavy looking box. He struggled to push the box off of himself but it wouldn’t budge. You let go of the baseball bat and threw the door open. 

“Need some help?” you asked, stepping out into the hallway. 

The little guy looked over at you and immediately blushed with embarrassment. 

“N-no! I’m okay!” he said, rather unconvincingly. “I can handle it.” 

He grunted as he tried to push the box off of himself again. It just wouldn’t budge no matter what he did. He looked back over to you, giving you a sheepish grin. 

“Uh, actually… I could probably use a little bit of help… if you don’t mind…” 

You couldn’t help but smile. Whoever he was, he was oddly charming. He seemed a little dense though, but hey, nobody’s perfect. You went over and knelt down next to where he lay. You pushed the box off of him and he sat up, sighing with relief. 

“Thanks!” he said.

He got to his feet and looked up at you. His face flushed again, and he looked around himself, seemingly trying to avoid looking directly at your face. 

Aw, he’s shy! You thought. 

“I guess I overestimated my own strength…” he said and chuckled nervously. 

You glanced over at all the other boxes sitting just outside of the open door to an apartment room. 

“Guess this means you’re my new neighbor, huh?” you observed. 

“Yep!” he said with a nod. 

Getting over his shyness a bit, he offered a hand for you to shake. You smiled and shook his hand. His grip on your hand seemed to linger slightly longer than necessary before he finally let go. 

“My name’s Doppio. Vinegar Doppio.” He said. 

-----

Diavolo was overjoyed to have both his Stand and his second soul back. Not only that but he was slowly rebuilding his empire. The best part of it all was that he was no longer stuck in that infernal death loop. 

He had you to thank for that. 

And thank you he would. 

He already made sure that you were the most protected being in the entire city. All of those under his rule knew that you were off limits. Your apartment was a safe zone and any of his underlings that passed it by wouldn’t even look at the building for fear of his wrath. Only one upstart thief thought that he would try his luck and attempt to break into your apartment. Doppio, who had been observing from the building across the street, quickly put a stop to it. Diavolo allowed his other half to deal with the disobedient worm however he desired. His dear Doppio was very thorough in his punishment. The thief's brutalized body was hung by its entrails from the ceiling of the local thieves' den. The message was very clear. Any slight towards you would be met with swift and horrific punishment. There would be no forgiveness, no chance at redemption, and NO MERCY. 

Diavolo didn’t know what strange parallel world the death loop had taken him to, but what he did know is that you were destined to rule it alongside him. You hadn’t just saved his life that day you kept him from jumping from the roof, you gave him back everything that had been taken from him. You were special to him. You were clearly meant to be his. His Queen. With you by his side, he would bring this new world to its knees. 

[lukkabloom]

Fun Facts abt the residents according to Ikevamp Radio (ヴァンなま) Part 1

Found a playlist of Ikevamp Radio that occurred multiple years ago so I decided to collect my findings about the residents in a list. I haven't seen anyone translate it or talk abt it so I decided to do it for a bit of fun. Anyways, here are episodes 1-3!!

Some quick things to note before:

Vincent/Aramaki Yoshihiko (Makki) is the MC, Sebas/Morishima Shuta (Morishi) is a guest (but he’s in every episode he might as well be the 2nd MC). They also have other people as guests in some episodes (other ikevamp VAs or others related to the game itself)

Episodes 1 & 2 occur before Ikevamp’s release

most of my findings are from a segment from the livestream where the residents (mainly Vincent and Sebas) talk to each other & ask each other questions about the lives while they spend some bonding time in the thermae. The segment's called "I love yu" which is a pun on "I love you" and yu (湯) which means "hot water" or "bath"

There are also other segments where the VAs draw based on a designated theme & the viewers vote on the best art (van Gogh's drawing section), and another one where the VAs read the summary of the game in their in-character voices (but the VAs interrupt and make it funnier & less romantic) called "Ikemen Vampire, a guidance for you" (I won't talk abt these sections much tho)

ALSO!! This is not a translation of the whole livestream, just bits and pieces of it. I don't have the time and energy to do that

Episode 1: feat. Leonardo's VA Tsuda Kenjiro

Question: Which historical figure/genius do you respect the most?

Napoleon: Oda Nobunaga

Mozart: Johann Sebastian Bach

Leonardo: Michelangelo (which I thought was interesting since real-life Leo and Michelangelo had some beef w each other)

Morishima (Sebas’s VA): Newton (bc of the apple & theory of universal gravitation), Edison

Tsuda (Leonardo’s VA): van Gogh

Aramaki (Vincent’s VA): Liu Bei, Zhao Yun (I think that's who he was talking abt? I'm not familiar much w/Chinese figures' names in jp---they're read differently in Eng)

The other VAs joke that Aramaki’s similar to Napo in the sense that they both admire soldiers/military commanders

Question: Favorite part of a woman’s body? (This sounds so wrong in both jp & eng)

Napoleon: from the neck to the shoulder, he's prob talking abt the shoulders to the neckline or vice versa（首から肩まで）

Mozart: voice (so he can understand what his partner’s thinking & feeling)

Leonardo: thighs (bc it’s soft & he likes lap pillows)

Tsuda said Leo’s a bit of a pampered/attention-seeking child (甘えん坊), and not an ore-sama (which he thought Leo would be), an unexpectedly cute reason considering how reliable Leo looks

Vincent gets a bit sad when he’s bathing alone

Leo can sing a song that he’s only heard once (as expected of a genius)

Sebas can be seen hanging the sheets outside from Vincent’s room

Leo’s unsatisfied that there’s only men in the mansion (this was before MC stumbled to the mansion)

Vincent doesn’t want women in the mansion bc he wouldn’t know how to act in front of them

Sebas thinks Leo is an expert in handling women, Leo is confused when he became one

Leo’s weak against Vincent’s pleas/suggestions (honestly who isn’t??)

Sebas thinks it’s impossible for a woman to stumble upon the mansion (foreshadowing)

Leo thinks that fate will play a trick on them, his mumbling confuses Vincent and Sebas (more foreshadowing)

Episode 2: feat. Jun, singer of Ikevamp theme song "Rouge"

Jun is a repairman who fixes things around the mansion… HE'S ALIVE IN THAT ERA???? (Idk if its canon)

He also sings “Rouge” while he works which means the song exists in the 20th century (again idk how much of this is canon)

Jun also sells milk in the mansion, acting as a different person as the repairman, although Sebas & Vincent are suspicious of him (he literally just enters the bath to sell milk to Vincent and Sebas lol)

Vincent and Sebas talk about MC, she has arrived @ the mansion

Vincent worries abt her since she is surrounded by vampires in an unfamiliar environment, but to Sebas, it looks like MC enjoys her life and is headstrong (aka Vincent is just nice to others, nothing new)

Vincent believes that Sebas is cool and can do anything, to which Sebas indirectly disagrees (he coughs)

Sebas is weak to Vincent’s innocent eyes (just like Leo from the previous episode, again, who isn't?)

Sebas breaks the 4th wall talking abt a popular romance game where you can fall in love w/vampire-turned historical figures

This is literally the beginning of how Sebas goes ooc (becomes weirder) throughout the series (is it even ooc if it’s basically approved by official??)

Sebas says that Theo is overprotective of Vincent, Vincent comments that he’s supposed to be the older one

they also introduce my fav segment (Can you tell me... your name?) where they have listeners vote on quotes they want the VAs to say, and they will say the line w/the listener’s names so it sounds like the VAs are speaking to them. Vincent's & the guest (if there is one) will have legit cool lines (like “(y/n), Don’t let go of me” or “(y/n), you’re the only one in my eyes”) but Sebas always has one funny line as one of his options (ex. “Hey, do you wanna have a takoyaki party?” or “Do you want to fry one more sanma?”) and every single time the weird line gets voted and ITS FUNNY AS HECK

Also in the same segment the viewers will sometimes submit funny names for the VAs (especially Sebas) to say & it adds to the laughs

Ex. for Sebas’s “Hey, do you wanna have a takoyaki party?” some viewers gave names of Anpanman characters (a children’s anime in Japan) so Sebas will literally say things like “Jam-ojisan, hey, do you wanna have a takoyaki party?”

There was also one whose name was Tako (octopus in japanese) so Sebas would say “Tako, do you wanna have a takoyaki party?” so he’s asking the octopus to have a takoyaki party where the octopus will be eaten (the irony as well as the dark underlying meaning behind it is very funny)

Also the way the other people are laughing while Sebas’s VA is trying to keep his cool is so hilarious

It’s predetermined and agreed upon the Ikevamp staff that Sebas (or Morishi) is willing to do/say weird things for the audience

This whole segment is a whole ride in and out of itself

Episode 3: feat. Leonardo’s VA Tsuda Kenjiro once again

Sebas once again breaks the 4th wall by referencing episode 1 of the show

Sebas teaches Leo the basics of manzai (a type of japanese comedy)

Leo says “Vannama” (the name of ikevamp radio) and “tendon” (the food and a manzai phrase)  in a weird accent further proving that he doesn’t understand Japanese (or maybe it's bc the two phrases are too specific idk)

Sebas tells Leo to ignore what he’s saying as he is saying metafictional expressions (メタ発言) basically how he is breaking the 4th wall, and Leo just accepts that as another one of Sebas’s quirks

Vincent comments that Leo’s very manly, Sebas further compliments him saying that Leo is a man amongst men

This episode has one of the funniest (imo) “Can you tell me… your name?” segments ever. Vincent and Leo’s VAs had amazing lines, but Sebas… oh gosh where do I even start. (ok Leo’s VA did say “Ushi (cow), wait for me by the bed,” and “Namamono (raw food), wait for me by the bed” & that was funny too but…)

One of the options for Sebas’s lines (and the one that was ultimately chosen to be said) was “Do you want to fry one more sanma (a type of seasonal fish eaten in fall)?” and the viewers got crazy with this one.

There were some legit names but most were for jokes, choosing names going along with the theme of fall foods and creatures (tuna, matsutake, karaage, grasshoppers, etc.)

There was “Akashiya, sanma mouipikki yaku?”(Akashiya, do you want to fry one more sanma?) which was the funniest one. Akashiya Sanma is a very famous Japanese comedian and it’s very genius of the viewer to connect the person with the food. I laughed straight for like 10 min when I first listened to this (I still laugh just remembering it. The double-entendre!!!)

Literally any episode with Tsuda is chaotic (this isn’t the last time where he shows up)

At the end of the episode, Vincent’s VA couldn’t stop laughing and messed up his lines multiple times (I don’t blame him everything is just so funny)

[patrice-bergerons]

It's me again! I'm your big fan sheakspeare

For the ask game this time: Law AU and "processing" and also "theme song"

🩵

send me fic asks!

Hiiii my JMW Turner (highest personal honour I can bestow on any artist) 💞😍I love you for this ask, because I can talk about the law au ad nauseam, although for that very reason you may soon regret your ask hahah

Re the theme song, I thought about it and I really do not have a good answer - so I will turn it back to you and ask if there are any songs that remind you of this verse.

Re process: this au started as a quick one shot - I was tired one weekend and wanted to write a little h/c piece, to soothe my own soul as much as anything else. And then it grew wildly out of control because (a) I have been toying with a rival lawyers set up for years without finding a ship that fit it well, (b) the reception the story got was more enthusiastic than I could dream of and (c) I realised I am fascinated by this specific version of James and Francis, and how elements of canon translate into its particular modern setting.

But because it was meant to be a one shot, I really did not write what we are owed with any master plan in mind. So writing more for the AU became an exercise of- who are these people? what formed their views of the world, including in large part, their lived experiences up until that point? in what ways is that similar to and different from canon? And given who they are, where do they go from that moment of unexpected, genuine connection? And how can I help or hinder them with Plot TM.

Because what we are owed is from James's POV - who really does not know Francis well - it took some thinking and trial and error in principles or sleep to get Francis' voice - as well as his reactions - right.

Then on James's side, I am absolutely fascinated by what his not even being fully english and a bastard in canon means to him - in the context of canon, and also equally, here, where the absolute repercussions for both are far lower. And yet, class structures are still so wildly entrenched in England in a way that eclipses both Turkey and the US, so where does that leave us? And immigration and cultural identity themselves are themes that are very personally relevant to me.

So I have gone and built this whole backstory for him., which kind of mirrors and kind of differs from canon. He is also wildly traumatised. And yet, he has unpacked none of it and so even if *all that* is driving much of how he reacts to the world around him, he himself is not necessarily aware of the causal links. Further, his own sense of self vs what he projects onto the world vs what Francis thinks of him are three very different things - and we do only have Francis to interpret his motives for us, when that itself is based on incomplete info and coloured by Francis's own world views and insecurities and depression.

SO writing from Francis's POV means that I must first chase every plot event and interaction to that place of shame and guilt and trauma for James, let it inform what he will do, decide why he thinks he is doing what he is doing, as well as what he wants Francis to think, and then put that input thru the framework Francis has for how the world in general and James in particular works.

This is at once immesensely and wildly fun as a writer but also frustrating because a part of me wants to tell the whole world about that very source - without painstakingly building for a reveal. I do hope though that once the readers know James's whole story, they can go back to re-read all the earlier installments and think OH OH that makes SENSE. Fingers crossed.

[loafandfish]

After getting multiple requests for more soul crushing angst by multiple people, I have finally obliged. While writing, I was listining to Two by Sleeping At Last, and although the story isn’t based on the song, the line “I will love you without any strings attached” gets me every time so I had to make it a theme.

No Strings Attached// John

⚠️WARNING⚠️ Mentions of being attacked, blood, and violence. The people have spoken and this is what they want.

For as long as she’d known John, everything came with strings attached. She wanted to join him and James on a trip to the docks? Only if she gave him half her lunch. She wanted him to bring her extra leftovers from Salome? Only if she helped him with his chores. That pretty much meant doing them all herself while he goofed off.

And when it wasn’t favors, it was contests.

…

“Hey if you beat me in a staring contest, I’ll give you this cool rock I found. I’ll probably get to keep it.”

“Oh, you’re on!”

…

“I just beat Andrew in arms wrestling and I think I can beat you.”

“What? No you couldn’t. I’d bet my lunch on it.”

“Hah! And I’d bet my dinner.”

…

No matter the circumstance, there was always strings attached. It’s how it had always been between the two. Deal after deal and bet after bet. It made their lives more interesting, more fun.

Even when Y/n began to follow Jesus along with her fishermen friends, their friendship never changed. It wasn't selfishness that kept these deals going. Y/n would've done anything for him, and she knew he would not hesitate to do the same. It was just a habit for the both of them. By now it was practically their love language.

And speaking of love, the contests really helped cover up her crush on him as well.

So never in a million years did Y/n ever imagine something would change that. Especially not something as simple as a walk.

...

"How about these? They look edible enough." Y/n picked a few berries off a branch, presenting them to Mary. Her friend shook her head, a small smile on her face. "Not unless you want to vomit for a week. Let's keep walking."

Y/n's shoulders slumped as she tossed the berries onto the ground. They'd been searching for too long now and she was starving. She could only imagine how much worse Jesus and the disciples felt after such a long day. She silently prayed they would happen upon something to eat.

Mary stopped in her tracks, pointing to a small tree in the clearing a head. "Look over there!"

Sure enough, the fruit of the tree looked ripe. If Mary was happy, they must've been edible. Y/n thanked Adoni for answering her prayer and hurried over to the tree.

After a quick inspection, the women began to fill their baskets. Y/n had to hold herself back from eating it all right there.

"It smells so sweet, I don't know how long I can wait."

Mary laughed, reaching for a taller branch. The larger fruits grew higher. "I know! I'm very excited to get back to camp."

"The boys will be happy we actually found..." Y/n paused halfway through her sentence. Mary froze as well, her hand lowering slowly.

They had heard a noise coming from the road.

Hesitantly, the two turned toward the sound. It was one both Y/n and Mary were familiar with, but they hoped they were wrong. But no matter how much they wished, there was no mistaking that noise. It was a horse clad in metal armor. A Roman horse.

Sure enough, a soldier came riding around the corner. Mary dropped her basket in fear.

Y/n's heart hurt for her friend. She only knew bits and pieces of her story, but enough to assume the trauma a Roman had caused her.

Without moving, Y/n whispered at her friend. "It's alright. Maybe he won't notice."

Not a second later, the man turned his head, staring straight at them. He had noticed.

Mary's breath hitched and Y/n stepped closer to her. She knew she had to do something before he came over. She needed to protect her friend. Slowly, Y/n faced the raven haired girl, placing her hands on her shoulders. "Mary, you need to get out of here. I will distract him."

The poor girl never tore her eyes off the man. She was horrified at the sight of him. Still, she managed to get a few words out. "But... but you'll be here-."

"No buts. I'll be fine." Y/n took a quick glance at the soldier. He had hopped off his horse. "Go back to camp and I'll catch up with you."

She nodded quickly and as soon at the Roman began to walk towards them, Mary took off in the direction of camp. Y/n watched as she disappeared into the trees, then began to walk quickly in the opposite way.

To her terror, the plan worked as the man ran after her. She sped up even more, hoping he would give up.

"Hey, woman!"

She lowered her head, beginning to sprint.

"Don't ignore me!"

His footsteps sped up.

"I command you to stop!"

At this, Y/n ran as fast as she could. Her feet kicked up dirt as she dashed toward the denser part of the woods. The trees were so close. Just a little further...

A harsh shove caused her to tumble forward. The Roman man towered above her, but she would not let herself freeze. Y/n scrambled up, ready to somehow fight off this stronger, more skilled man. He was a soldier, for goodness sake! She was just some kid from Capernaum.

"Why do you keep running, woman?" The Roman sneered. "I don't like being ignored."

Y/n backed away, but he followed. He reached out, grabbing her wrist. "There's no use in making me angrier."

So Y/n shoved him back with a strength she didn't know she had. The Roman flailed his arms, stumbling backward with a shocked look. It was so out of character, that had Y/n not been in a life threatening situation, she would have found it amusing. Before she could make her escape, his shock turned to anger.

"Well now you've done it." He sneered, gripping her arms so that his fingernails dug into her skin. Y/n gave him the nastiest glare she could muster, stomping on the man's foot.

He let go of her , quickly reaching for his injury. Y/n took this chance to sprint, this time in the direction of camp.

As a child, she and her friends would often race, whether it be to win a bet against John, or just to spice up a walk. Unfortunately, she had never been the best runner and usually ended up next to Simon in these competitions. So Y/n couldn't bring herself to be surprised when the soldier eventually caught up to her once more. The act of defiance had only made him more infuriated.

He grabbed her arm, shoving her up against a tree. Y/n's head hit the trunk and stars danced in her vision. The Roman brought his face so close to hers, she could smell his vile breath. "You are dead, woman."

With a swift movement, his hand was around her neck, squeezing the air from her lungs. Y/n panicked, unable to breathe or even think. Her chest was burning from the lack of oxygen. She clawed at his arm, but he didn't let go. Her head was screaming with voices that weren't her own. Under different circumstances, she would have been confused, but now was not the time to question. The absence of air was making her crazy with fear.

Just before she thought she'd black out, the soldier was ripped off of her. She dropped to the floor, gasping like a fish out of water. She drank in the fresh air desperately, putting a hand to her chest in an attempt to slow her racing heart.

Looking up, she saw a few of the disciples and relief flooded her body. Her friends were here and she would be safe. Those voices in her head were not from insanity after all.

The ringing in her ears eased enough to hear James and John pouring out their passionate, "Sons of Thunder" rage toward the Roman. For a moment the man didn't know what to do.

But he was still a soldier. A ruthless killer.

So with a skilled swipe of his hand, he unsheathed his dagger, pressing it to John's chest. Y/n felt her heart drop.

"Step back!" He ordered the rest of the men. With a nervous glance, they stood down, moving away. The rage in Big James's eyes nearly made the Roman falter.

"If you touched her, I will burn you to the ground." John hissed at the man, ignoring the knife completely. He was not afraid.

But the Roman wasn't either. He sneered, barking out a harsh laugh. "You're hardly in any position to be threatening me."

He lifted his head toward the other disciples, gesturing at the dagger, still pressed against their friend's chest. "None of you are."

When none of them replied, the soldier smiled. "Good." He looked back to John. "Now you're coming with me."

Y/n stumbled to her feet in horror. She knew exactly what the man would do. He was going to imprison her friend for attacking a soldier, but not for long. Those who crossed Roman officials never survived for more than a month. Their supposed "life sentences" were always cut short.

So without thinking, she launched herself at the man, tackling him from the side. Not for a bet, not to win a contest. This was for John, no strings attached.

Y/n hit the ground hard, bringing the soldier down with her. His helmet rolled off completely as the two wrestled to pin the other. What Y/n didn't realize was the Roman had not let go of his weapon.

Before any of her friends could step in, the soldier pierced the knife through her side, just below the ribs. Y/n pushed herself off of him in shock, her hands flying to her stomach.

It took only seconds for blood to seep through her fingers.

For a moment, John could only stare. He didn't even breathe. Everything that was happening... it wasn't possible. But when his eyes locked with Y/n's, he felt reality sink in.

A pained whine caused him to tear his eyes away from the girl he loved. He spotted the Roman on the ground, the one responsible for this.

In that minute, all he could see was red.

If anyone ever asked him to recall that moment, he wouldn't have been able to. It was almost as if he'd blacked out. All he knew is that one moment, he was staring at the man on the ground, and the next, the disciples were dragging him off of the Roman. He didn't know how long the gap in his memory was, but it had been long enough to beat the soldier to a pulp.

With rage filling his veins, he tried to go back, but his brother stopped him with a hand to his chest. "Don't."

John's eye twitched as he watched the soldier writhe in pain. James spoke again, catching his full attention. "Y/n is hurt, brother. Think of her."

Just like that, the soldier left his mind as quickly as the anger. He turned to see Andrew leaning Y/n against the trunk of a tree. Her jaw was clenched in pain as he sat her down.

In an instant, he was kneeling in front of her, cradling her face in his hands. His eyes searched her for any other injuries he didn't know of. Of course, the stab wound was most prominent. The more he looked at it, the quicker his heart raced.

“No no no, Y/n you‘ll be okay.” She had never heard John’s voice sound so soft before. His words were gentle, but the panic shone clearly in his eyes. He was holding himself together, but it wouldn’t last long. “Just stay with me, please.”

"Hah, I saved your life." She let out a light laugh, half delirious. "Guess you really owe me one."

Under normal circumstances, John would have laughed too. He even would have joined in on their little habit of favors and bets. But now was not normal, not when his world was crashing down around him. He glanced behind him at the group of a shocked disciples, gesturing at one in particular. “Matthew, I need one of your handkerchiefs.”

Keeping his eyes away from the injury, Matthew fumbled for the cloth, quickly handing it to John and backing away just as fast.

Y/n hissed as the handkerchief was pressed over the wound. She knew the pressure would slow the bleeding, but it only made it hurt more.

“I know it hurts. You just have to trust me, okay?”

She did trust him, that much was true. She trusted him with her life, but the searing pain made her push his hand away. “Okay, you can stop n-.”

Another agonizing pang shot through her as he ignored her words. “Stop.”

“But Y/n we need to-.”

“No.”

“You’re bleeding out!”

“There’s nothing you can do!” Her shout caused a silence to fall over the group. They knew she was right. None of them were even close to being doctors. Y/n shook her head, bringing her voice back to normal. “We can wait until Jesus comes back. He can heal this.”

Her eyes met with John’s and her voice dropped to barely a whisper. “Until then, can you hold me?”

Without hesitation, he gently pulled her to his chest. She gasped as the wound sent a jarring shock to her body, but it was worth it. Hearing his heartbeat soothed her.

John, on the other hand, was not comforted at all. His heart ached as he cradled his best friend in his arms. It should have been him. He should have gone with the Roman. Any prison sentence was more bearable than this.

Glancing back at the others, he grew angry realizing they were doing nothing. Now was not the time to stand around in shock. Y/n was right, they needed a miracle right now. "You heard her! Go get Jesus!"

Big James nodded, masking his worry for both his friend and his brother as he led the group back to camp.

The two were left alone in the clearing. All that was left to do was wait. John knew he couldn't do anything and it drove him insane. He gently brushed the stray hairs off of Y/n's face.

“I’m sorry, Y/n.” John choked back a sob through clenched teeth. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you.”

A ghost of a smile crossed her lips as her hand cupped his cheek. John leaned into the touch, placing his own hand on top of hers.

“Please… don’t apologize.” Y/n’s voice was airy and light. “It’s not your fault. Promise me you’ll never think that.”

He didn’t understand this. It was his fault. He hadn’t been there for her. He should have been there. And now it was too late to take it back. He knew this was the truth, but how could he say no to Y/n? John owed this to her, to keep at least one promise. He throat tightened as tears sprang to his eyes. He moved his head to the side, placing a soft kiss on her palm.

“I promise.” He whispered, his voice still muffled as he pressed his lips to her hand once more.

“Good.” A real smile crinkled at the edges of her eyes. The sight sent knives into John’s chest. He knew she was in agony, yet she smiled for him. Her selflessness baffled him.

With a shaky breath, allowing herself lower her hand. “I’m so tired. I need to-.”

“No.” The rough edge to his voice surprised her. He almost sounded angry, a complete change from moments earlier. She knew that anger was not directed toward her. For the first time since she’d known him, John was scared. Purely, inexplicably terrified. “You need to wait until Jesus gets here.”

“I don’t know if…” Against her will, here eyes fluttered shut. She wanted to keep them open, but it was so difficult. Her eyelids had grown heavy and she couldn’t bear it any longer.

“Don’t close your eyes, love.” Yet another change of tone. His breath came out shaky from the effort of holding back his tears. “Keep them open for me, yeah?”

She hummed in response, but couldn't bring herself to open her eyes. John shook her gently, which should have hurt but she felt nothing.

"I can't lose you, can't you see that?!" He buried his face into her shoulder, shutting his eyes tightly. "I'm not strong enough for that."

The sudden absence of pain allowed Y/n to move. She carefully wrapped her arms around him, gently patting down his messy curls. "John, you're a son of thunder! You can handle anyth-."

"Not this." His shoulders shook with silent cries.

A few moments of silence passed, aside from John's muffled sobs. All Y/n could do was run a comforting hand through his hair. After a second, she spoke up.

"John?"

"Yes, love?"

She breathed deeply, but she still felt nothing. "The pain is gone."

"The pain...?" He lifted his head, worry etched on his face. He glanced at the wound which hadn't stopped bleeding. In fact, the handkerchief had long been soaked through. "But that doesn't make any sense."

"And I feel..." She tried to think of the words to describe it. "I feel like I'm floating almost. Everything is hazy."

John's heart sunk to his stomach. She was getting worse by the second. He prayed that Jesus would come soon.

With tears staining his face, he pressed his forehead against hers. Neither of them said a thing. Y/n was slowly loosening her hold as she grew weaker by the second. John was determined to take in her presence as much as possible. He so desperately didn't want this to be his last moments with her, but that wish was foolish. Jesus was still nowhere in sight.

"Y/n, I have something I need to say."

He could feel her light breath on his face as she answered with a soft hum. The response was the only indication she was alive. Her body was completely limp in his embrace. He knew time was running out. It was now or never.

Before, he would have been nervous at the mere thought of confessing. Now, it could be his last chance. The thought terrified him to the core. She had saved his life, so she deserved to know.

“I love you, Y/n."

All bets were off. It was the honest truth.

"I love you without any string attached.”

He sat up straight again, opening his eyes to see her face. Despite the tears blurring his vision, he could see the small upward tug of her lips. No words were said, but he didn't need any. He knew the smile meant she loved him too, no strings attached.

Right then, John heard his name being called from a distance. He looked back to find his brother running toward him at full speed. For a moment, John felt his hopes were lifted. But Big James came near, kneeling before he gave him the bad news. "We searched everywhere. We can't find Jesus.”

“What do you mean you can’t find him?” John felt a pang of dread hit him again.

“I mean exactly what I sa-.”

“Well you can’t mean that.” John cut off his older brother with a hiss. “We need Jesus now!”

James shook his head, trying to keep himself together. He wanted to scream and shout, but his little brother was in distress and needed him. He was the oldest and had to keep his emotions in check. For John, he had to.

“Let’s get her back to camp, brother.” Big James stood up, clenching his jaw to keep his voice steady. He had to look away, knowing that the sight of his dying best friend would break him for good. “Maybe He will be back by then.”

John nodded, slowly at first, but faster as his hopes were raised once more. It would be more likely that Jesus would be near the camp. He shifted Y/n carefully in his arms so she wouldn’t fall as he stood.

James put a hand in his brothers shoulder, giving him the most hopeful look he could muster. “She will make it.”

The two brothers prayed the words would be true.

…

Back at camp, the disciples were in disarray. No one could find Jesus anywhere. Mary had been gone for quite some time as well. After telling the disciples about the Roman, she had disappeared completely.

John rushed Y/n into the women’s tent, setting her down gently. Mother Mary gave him a reassuring look, promising to do everything she could. Despite her kind words, John still had to be dragged out by his brother.

So there the disciples sat in deafening silence. Simon had suggested doing something useful to pass the time, but no one had the strength in them to move. The weight of stress was crushing, an exhausting burden to carry.

John eyed the tent, unable to tear his gaze away. Every bone in his body told him to rush in and make sure Y/n was okay. But he knew there was nothing he could do.

In that exact moment, Mary came out of the tent. The group stood up, their hearts racing. Her face was sullen as she looked at each of the boys. She locked eyes with John for a moment, then glanced away. Slowly, she gave the disciples a small shake of her head, and casted her gaze back toward the ground.

For a moment, no one dared to move. No one even breathed. No words had been said, but they understood Mary as if she’d spoken clear and loud. A simple gesture set their world on edge. No one wanted to accept the horror of it all, the meaning of her gesture, the truth behind the tent’s curtain. Y/n was gone.

Then John broke the silence, letting out a humorless laugh. “You’re lying.”

They waited impatiently for the punch line of this horrible joke. Surely, it was all a prank. Any minute now Y/n would walk out, her smile glowing in the evening sun.

Any minute….

But that minute never came.

“You’re lying!” The younger disciple’s blood had run cold. For many, the weight of reality hit them like a rock, but for John the horrors slowly dawned on him one by one. It was not a single moment of realization, but many moments. He was frozen as the truth tortured him from inside until it was no longer fiction.

Mary could not look him in the eye again. “I’m sorry.”

With that, he rushed forward. Toward the tent, toward his beloved. He needed to see her.

But the strong arms of Simon and his brother held him back. He strained against their hold, heels digging into the dirt as he tried to push himself away from them. “I have to see her. Let me go!”

They did not let go.

“Please I need to see her! I have to-.”

The words died in his throat as he fell to his knees. His body shook with sobs and his fingers dug into the ground. His heart burned like he had been stabbed himself. She was gone.

Then there was Big James, kneeling directly in front of him. Without a second thought, he pulled his younger brother into his arms. The sound of John’s cries were muffled in his shoulder.

There sat the Sons of Thunder, holding onto each other so tightly in their grief. The silent tears of the older brother were vastly different than the weeping of the younger, but they felt the same pain.

“I should have been there.” John gasped through his tears. “I should have been with her but I- I wasn’t… and now…”

He couldn’t bring himself to say it.

His grip tightened in his brothers shirt as he let out a strangled cry. “I was going to ask for her hand.”

Big James shut his eyes, more tears falling in the process. “I know, brother. I know.”

“I loved her so much, James. I still do.” He finally lifted his head from his brother’s shoulder. Grief was etched into his face. “No strings attached.”

At that moment, Simon walked up behind him, placing a hand on John's shoulder. Andrew came up with tearstained cheeks, doing the same. Slowly, each disciple followed, comforting each other as they mourned their friend.

...

As evening turned to dusk, a familiar face came into the camp from the woods. Jesus of Nazareth had returned from a long day of praying and preparing. When He saw the disciples in their circle, He took a breath, preparing Himself for what was about to happen.

John heard His footsteps before He had come near. With a broken voice, he spoke to his teacher. "Where were you?"

"I was preparing."

"Preparing?" John stood up, his voice growing louder. "We needed you here!"

"John-."

"You were the One who could heal her!" The disciple continued, taking a step forward. It was foolish to be angry at the Messiah, but he couldn't help it. Jesus could have fixed this but He hadn't. "How could you let this happen!?"

James put a hand on his chest to stop him, but his younger brother continued. "The Messiah is supposed to bring good to Israel! Well, this isn't good! If you were here, you could have healed her. But no, you were away and she had no one to help. Now she's..."

The burning in his throat cut him off. For the first time that day, he really looked at his teacher's face. Just like him, there were tears in His eyes. Just like the rest of them, Jesus wept for the loss of a friend.

John bit his lip to stop it from trembling. What was he doing? This was the Christ, the Savior of the world! How could he be angry? How could he chastise the Son of God?

Jesus shook His head, placing His hands on His disciple's shoulders. "John, didn't I tell you there would still be heartbreak? That there would still be suffering?"

He lowered his face to the ground in shame. "You did, Rabbi."

"If I told you that there would still be trials, then why do you doubt My goodness? Why do you doubt that I cannot use evil for good?"

"I'm sorry, Rabbi." For the hundredth time that day, John cried. "I'm sorry for my lack of faith."

Without hesitation, Jesus pulled him into an embrace. John was in awe at His compassion for a sinner like him. He had just rebuked the Messiah, yet he was in His arms.

"I forgive you, but in your suffering, remember the goodness of God. For I turn sorrow into joy."

John sniffed, nodding his head. Jesus stepped back, holding John's face in His hands.

"Now that won't always mean raising a loved one from the dead..." A smile tugged at Jesus's lips. "...but perhaps this time it will."

Without another word, He promptly made His was toward the tent. John was frozen, unsure if he had heard his Rabbi correctly. Jesus turned back before entering, addressing Ramah and His mother. "May I?"

Mary nodded, a knowing smile on her face as Ramah watched, her mouth open in shock. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Neither could any of the disciples.

When Jesus disappeared into the tent, all was silent. No one knew what to expect. The Messiah's words had been plain as day, but they were miraculous. They waited, for what seemed like a lifetime, for their teacher to return.

When He finally did, Y/n was at his side, smiling as brightly as usual. She was standing in front of them, completely alive. No one dared to moved.

There she was, the love of John's life, the girl who had nearly died in his arms. She was right there. He blinked slowly, like he was in a dream.

It wasn't until Jesus gestured for him to come over that the miracle finally hit him. Y/n was alive. She was dead and now she lived. Jesus, the Lamb of God, had done this.

John ran forward, pulling Y/n into his arms and spinning her. The impact of the embrace left to two breathless, but their smiles were as bright as day. He touched his forehead to hers, holding her face in his hands as he soaked up the fact that the was still here.

After a moment, he let go, looking back at Jesus. He stood behind them, watching the scene with misty eyes. John immediately ran and hugged Him tightly. "Thank you, Rabbi."

"You don't doubt that I turn sorrow into joy now, do you?" Jesus laughed, patting His disciple on the back. He then nudged John back toward Y/n.

"Forgive Me if I'm wrong," said the Messiah who was never wrong, "but I believe you two have something to talk about."

John raised a brow in confusion, but Y/n grinned sheepishly. "He's right. I think there's something I owe you."

"You? Owe me?" John blinked incredulously. "You sacrificed you life to save me. What could you possibly owe me?"

"The truth." Y/n answered so quickly, she nearly interrupted him. "I heard what you said before. I couldn't speak then, so now I owe you the truth. I love you too."

She loved him too.

He didn't know what to say in response. It was everything he'd ever dreamed of. So instead, he took a step closer. "May I kiss you?"

A smile tugged at the corner of her lips as if she had been waiting for the question. "You may."

And so without a second thought, he pressed his lips to hers. He poured out the love he had felt for her for years, the pain and and anguish of losing her, and the overwhelming relief of getting her back into that kiss.

When the two parted, John's heart was exploding with joy. His arms were still wrapped tightly around her, like he was afraid to let go. He closed his eyes again, his face so close to hers that their noses touched.

“I will love you forever.”

“No strings attached?” The grin was evident in Y/n's voice. John's smile brightened to match hers before kissing her again.

“No strings attached.”

[starry-nights-17]

Thank you @blue-disco-lights for the tag.

Can't believe that year has passed; in the blink of an eye. But what a year it's been for me, so many ups and downs. My health was a struggle at times but writing always got me through. On the flip side however, I've made so many amazing new friends and found this online community which has been so welcoming. And, in addition to all of that, I actually got to meet I&M in real life, our lovely Cam and Noel. A dream come true. Here's to hoping next year can beat that (unlikely lol)

----

1. How many words have you written this year? 560k according to Ao3, which is absolutely nuts. Plus I started writing drabbles a few months back too.

2. How many works did you publish this year? 19

3. What work are you most proud of (regardless of kudos/hits) probably "In the Fade" because it was my first time writing in the alpha/omega genre which I literally had only discovered a few months previous. And I'm pretty pleased with the result.

4. What work of yours has the most hits? Parachutes, nearing 15k which is amazing. (TY!)

5. What work of yours got more feedback than you expected? "You've Been Served", that one comes to mind because it was just a funny, smutty piece but seems very popular.

6. Favorite title you used. I hate trying to come up with titles and still cringe at many of them. I often use songs; either directly borrowing or inspired by them. So I'll pick my first ever work, "Safe & Sound" because it's cheesy but works and is a direct reference to Mickey's favourite artist, Taylor Swift. But also, I kinda like "Circles" for its simplicity.

7. If you use song lyrics, which artist’s songs did you pull from the most? oh wow, well I use music a lot; even wrote an entire fic based around one particular artist. But I have used Taylor Swift a few times, Bon Jovi too and Katy Perry. All direct throwbacks to the show of course.

8. Pairing you wrote the most for this year? Ian & Mickey

9. Favorite pairing you wrote for this year? Ian and Mickey, shockingly. Though I just wrote a story where Lip and Mickey are friends and really enjoyed that.

10. What work was the quickest to write? I remember writing "Sweet Like Chocolate" in one afternoon, around Easter time. A recent one, "Jingle My Bells" was quick too because I'd written a drabble first and just elaborated on the existing idea then.

11. What work took you the longest to write? think "Parachutes" is my longest but "Footprints In The Snow" took some time because I had quite a lot of research to do on snow/winter sports and stuff like that.

12. How many WIPs do you have in your docs for next year? technically none cos I can't work on multiple fics at a time. I always finish one before moving to the next. But my to-do list is never ending and I've enough ideas jotted down to last a couple of years!

13. What’s your longest work of the year? Parachutes (83k)

14. What’s your shortest work of the year? Shots Fired (just under 3k)

15. What WIP are you taking into next year with you? about to start a new multi chapter fic which also came out of a drabble I wrote. Features architect Mickey and secretary/admin Ian. A total smut fest. Watch this space!

16. What’s your most common “Additional Tags” tag? smut and fluff. 100% lol.

17. Your favorite character to write this year? Mickey is my favourite overall. Love writing his sassy, smart mouth but equally adore writing his softer side. I generally write both his and Ian's pov. This year I wrote my first multi pov story though, featuring all the Gallagher siblings which was a bit of a challenge but fun. Especially enjoyed switching into Carls head. Oh and have to mention Iggy too, love him so much!

18. The character who gave you the most trouble writing this year? I've stayed away from writing Fiona the most because I think I'd struggle more with her character. Also wrote an original teenage character (male) so that was definitely a challenge.

19. What’s one pairing you want to explore next year? I recently wrote Lip and Mickey as friends and that was really nice so I'd like to explore that more. Maybe Tami and Mickey too.

20. Which work of yours have you reread the most? Probably "Against The Grain" cos I've an extra soft spot for it. It was like my love letter to Chicago, which I visited for Lollapalooza. Also I just love Newton Faulkner, who's music I used as the "originals" (for Ian). And I had some really sweet feedback on it which almost had me in tears at one point.

21. How many kudos in total did you get this year? 3,201. Absolutely amazing, thank you all!

22. Which work has the most comments? "Footprints In The Snow". Thank you again!

23. Did you do any collaborative works this year? no, I'm only new to the extended community and getting involved in challenges, tumblr etc. I do get ideas and help from my circle of friends though and would be lost without their support. 

24. Did you write any gifts this year? not specifically but have written some fics with particular people in mind who would be mentioned in the notes at the end.

25. Did you receive any gifts this year?

I received the most amazing surprise gift ever, original artwork for "Circles", from the incredible @sweetperversiongirl It's beautiful and a true honor.

26. What’s your most common category/trope? flirting, banter, smut, fluff. I do write sexy stuff but always try to balance out with emotional/romantic stuff. I also write them as "idiots in love" quite a lot, either in denial at first and falling in love or as happy husbands in the post s11 world.

27. What do you listen to while writing? nothing, I'd get too distracted otherwise. Sometimes my dog snoring though!

28. Favorite work you wrote this year? probably "Parachutes"

29. Favorite line/passage you wrote this year? Can't really think off-hand so I'll just go with the last lines of my most recent work, "This Could Be Our Year", considering its pretty apt.

(Spoiler Alert lol)

----

"That was the thing though, the endless possibilities. The future was theirs and no matter what happened, Ian could be certain of one thing, it would be beautiful.

“You know Mick,” he whispered into the darkness, as they lay together for the last time in that bed, “I think this is gonna be our year”.  

Mickey’s head tilted back towards him, the contented smile on his face becoming visible now.  

“Well it’s about damn time Red”.  

30. Biggest surprise while writing this year? that I could actually write a longer story that was almost completely smut free!

(I think literally everyone I know or who exists on here is already tagged, so hence no tags).

[jerzwriter]

Crushed

Book: Open Heart (Post Series)

Characters: Tobias Carrick x F!MC, the David Gandy

Rating: Teen +

Warnings: Sexual innuendo, nothing big

Words: 1,245

Summary: This is sort of a follow-up to Starstruck, based on this ask by @liaromancewriter. Casey always thinks she's seeing stars - the celebrity version - and on this quick getaway with her husband, she really saw one. Now, Tobias claims he has, too. Does Casey believe him?

A/N: In my HC, Casey has a crush on David Gandy, and she insists he does not look like Ethan. (Conversely, in E/K land, Kaycee has a crush on Jesse Williams and insists he looks nothing like Tobias! lol) So that made this little ask more fun! Ironically, the Tobias & Casey edit was also made by @liaromancewriter - so this works perfectly!

Their flight was delayed…again. As much as Casey and Tobias enjoyed their little getaway, they were anxious to get home to their little girl. Tobias sensed that this latest delay was pushing his wife to her limits. So, doing what any good husband would do… he immediately offered to get her chocolate. After an appreciative kiss, he was on his way. 

After a short wait on line, he was heading back to Casey with her Snickers bar in hand, nibbling on a Kit Kat of his own, when the collision occurred. Tobias and both candy bars tumbled to the ground as the man who knocked him down struggled to stay on his feet.  

“Ah, shit!” Tobias moaned as the well-dressed man offered his hand to help him to his feet. The look of sincere contrition on the stranger’s face disarmed Tobias immediately.

“So sorry, mate!” The man stated with a distinctly British accent. “Completely my fault. I heard the announcement of a gate change after bumping my flight for the fifth time, and…” he sighed. “No matter, it’s no fault of yours, and now look what I’ve done!”

“Hey, no sweat,” Tobias grinned as he dusted himself off. “Accidents happen. There were no casualties, so we’re good.”

The well-dressed man looked down to see a scrape on Tobias’s knee and two pulverized chocolate bars.

“I think those chocolate bars would disagree with you, and look at your knee….”

“Ah, the knee is nothing,” Tobias waved. “My wife and I are both doctors. We can more than handle a little scrape. But I better get her another candy bar, or she might not be willing to help me at all.”

“Oh my, I do feel bad,” the gentleman fretted as he grabbed his wallet and handed Tobias a fifty-dollar bill. “Here, this is the least I can do. Get some sweets for your wife before you return to her. I’m a family man myself, and you know the saying, happy wife, happy life.”

“It’s really not necessary…” Tobias started… when something about the man’s smile stopped him cold. “Hey, wait a minute… I know you… you’re….”

Attention all passengers. Flight 4776, departing from gate 26 to Heathrow International Airport is boarding. Final call for all passengers on flight number 4776 to Heathrow.

“As much as I’d love to stay and chat, I’m afraid they’re playing my song.”

“Yes! Go! Go! But please take this,” Tobias attempted to hand back the money.

“No! It’s the least I can do! Get something sweet for your lady, and tell her David is terribly sorry about your knee!”

“DAVID!” Tobias gasped as the suited man disappeared into the crowd. 

Still a little flabbergasted, Tobias returned to Casey sans chocolate bar. She looked up from her book as he approached with a slight pout.

“Tobias,” she frowned. “Where’s my Snickers?”

“Pulverized,” he deadpanned.

“Huh?”

“Case… you’re never going to believe what happened. I was minding my own business, eating my Kit Kat, when some guy plowed into me.”

She looked her husband over, interrupting him when she reached his knee. “Oh my goodness!” she blurted upon seeing his knee. “Tobias, you’re bleeding!”

“Ah, that’s nothing. Just a little scrape but… the candy bars didn’t survive.”

“That’s OK,” Casey smiled, “as long as you come back to me in one piece, it’s all good.”

Still dumbfounded, Tobias stood dazed, the fifty still in his hand, and Casey was becoming concerned.

“Tobias,” she started. “Are you… OK?”

“Yeah, uh… you’re never going to believe who my assailant was.”

“Well?” She asked with a questioning brow.

“David Gandy.”

A loud snort escaped her. “OK. I had thought you’d stop teasing me about celebrity sightings. Yes, that wasn’t Harry Styles the other night.  But I did see Noah Kahan, and that’s been proven! So can you stop mocking me now?”

“I’m not mocking! I’m serious as a heart attack! He was rushing to his flight, and he slammed right into me! His flight was about to take off, so he gave me this $50 to buy you a new candy bar since he destroyed yours….”

Casey already had her phone in hand. “Tobias, dear. I love you, but what would David Gandy be doing in North Carolina? I mean, come on, he….” her voice trailed as her eyes went wide.

“What is it?” Tobias asked, leaning over her shoulder for a better look at David Gandy’s latest Instagram post.

Tobias plopped into the seat next to Casey, a satisfied smirk on his face. “I told you.”

“You’re the guy he crashed into!?”

“Yep, and he pulverized your Snickers bar.”

“Well! Where the hell is it!?”

“What? The candy bar?”

“YES!!!”

“In the trash.”

“TOBIAS! Why would you do that? David Gandy destroyed my damn candy bar… and you threw it out? I would save that for life!”

“You’re joking, right?”

“I’m not joking at all! But wait! His post says his flight was delayed again… Oh my God! I can find him! I can get another candy bar, and I’ll ask him to step on it so I can keep that one instead!”

“Yeah,” Tobias shuddered, “because that wouldn’t be weird.”

“OK,” Casey jumped to her feet. “I’m going to find him.”

But Tobias grabbed her hand, tugging him back to him before she got far.

“Uh, sweetheart… before you run off… you know that ‘hall pass list’ we always joke about… that is just a joke… right?”

Casey crossed her arms, an impish grin on her lips. “Why, Dr. Carrick? Are you telling me I’m not allowed to screw David if I find him?”

“Well, after you ask him to step on your Snickers bar, I’m sure he’ll be all turned on, but should the opportunity arise… I would really prefer it if you declined.”

“You understand that means if Shakira comes dancing over to you the second I leave… you have to say no, too.”

“Baby,” he sighed. “I don’t want Shakira. I only want you.”

“Right…. tell me you haven’t had a little Casey and Shaira fantasy run through that little mind of yours one or two hundred times?”

Casey broke into a fit of giggles as Tobias yanked her down onto his lap. 

“What are you doing?” she playfully protested.

“Using you to conceal anything that may… come up… if you keep talking like that!”

Casey wrapped her arms around her husband’s neck and plastered a kiss on his cheek.

“Take it easy, Dr. Carrick. The list is all in good fun. You are the only one that I want.”

“You sure of that? ‘Cause far as I know, his flight hasn’t taken off yet.”

“I’m very sure! But, I wish David had merch like Noah – there should be a way for me to get something out of you for this.”

“Well,” Tobias said, lifting the fifty-dollar bill. “You could get fifty dollars of something on David?”

“He really gave this to you?” she asked, eyes full of wonder.

“He did.”

“So… he touched this?”

“That’s kind of how it works, Casey.”

Casey took the bill from his hand and held it against her chest momentarily before carefully placing it in her purse.

“What are you doing with that?” he asked.

“Framing it. The second we get home!”

“I’m hoping you’ll hug Sammy first?”

“Of course.  Then… this is being framed. Oh, what wall should we put it on?”

“You’re not serious?”

“Oh, I’m serious, baby.  Serious as a heart attack.”

Tagging in reblog.

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[childlikegoblinqueen]

Writing Notes! A Song of Thunder and Ice

I’ve gotten a few questions about writing the last chapter’s Bard fight scene , and these kind of asks make me GIDDY AF.

Prepare for a long explanation!

Spoilers below.

I ALWAYS listen to music when I write, but before that I usually spend some time walking and listening to music. The movement and music jumpstarts my thought process, but it gives me a chance to shuffle through various forms of music and see how the intended scene is going to work.

For the regular scenes, the mood and lyrics are key. Sometimes I have an idea and I just can't seem to get it to work ... then random pulls up the PERFECT song ... and I discover something new, or rediscover something I forgot and -- boom -- I can hear the dialogue and the flow of the plot moves naturally.

Other times it just doesn't happen.

That's how it happened the first time Hunter faced down the false Golden Guard. All the songs I wanted Hunter to use to kick butt just didn't work. Then a friend started talking about Pulp Fiction, and I remembered Miserlou. The more I researched it, the more I realized how perfect it was.

We've seen Hunter use Bard magic a few other times in the series, but this was his second BATTLE and he is fighting it alongside Raine who we now know was his teacher and has become a close friend.

Even though Raine taught Hunter (more than just guitar) they have distinct styles. We know that they have jammed together in the past with Steve for fun, but fighting together was a different beast.

I imagined they'd use their fox violin/palisman (whom I called "Freddie" after Freddie Mercury in a shorter fic.)

Obviously, Hunter would summon his Rickenbacker... so I began to think about how rock music and violin would fit?

I began to think about Lindsay Stirling and her electric violin, which led me down a rabbit hole of her catalog. Roundtable Rival was a real contender here ... but I wanted Hunter to use a song that was closer to the quick sharp sound he'd used in that first fight.

I also wanted there to be a weather component to it since this fight takes place during Winter on the Boiling Isles.

Thunderstruck by AC/DC leapt right out at me. Yeah. Hunter would play Thunderstruck and summon a storm.

I began listening to the opening of Thunderstruck along side several of Lindsay Sterling's Violin pieces and came across Ice Storm ... which was just TOO good a match up. Ice Storm had a similar fury to what I was going for -- it had a weather based title, and it managed to be elegant while maintaining a modern undercurrent that hit the right notes (pun intended. I'll show myself the door.)

Aside from listening to the two songs back to back, I also listened to 2CELLOS version of Thunderstruck, which is as close to an actual mashup of the OG AC/DC song and Ice Storm as exists IRL.

Hope this wasn't too self indulgent!