#sorry for not being the artist i used to have been extremely busy and extremely depressed

[chunkysoup22]

[ikroah]

A girl can get somewhere in spite of stringy hair or even just a bit bowed at the knees if she can show a faultless…personality! —“Personality,” Johnny Mercer and the Pied Pipers (1946)

It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin’ #26 - Ring-a-Ding-Ding V

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Notes / Original Pencils / Transcript:

Notes:

ohhhhh my god why did i make this script so long my hand hurts this took forever aaaaagh

Welcome to the Lucky 38! This is a script that has remained basically the same for a long time but went through COUNTLESS extremely small rewrites over the course of production just to really nail Mr. House's dialogue. He's a long-winded guy, this whole issue is basically just him doing monologues, and I wanted to make sure it was all interesting and non-repetitive. I think I took out at least three uses of "merely" from the first draft.

One of the biggest production decisions of this issue was whether or not to cut the scene with Agnes and Cass and Victor, which immediately follows the end of the previous issue. The reason to include it was because it very necessarily established the change in location from the Vegas Strip to the Lucky 38 penthouse, which would have been jarring otherwise; the reason to exclude it was that it the issue was already extremely long and I thought opening right on Mr. House would have been more impactful. Ultimately, I did keep it, which was a good decision, but only because of the literally issue-saving idea to convey it as closed-circuit television footage instead of actual panels. Every single attempt at overlaying them with the lead-in to Mr. House was way too busy, but that idea really tied the page together like a nice rug.

And lastly, the framing device of the tarantula and the tarantula hawk was actually an extremely late addition to the comic. I had already finished the first three pages when I thought of it. My problem was that Mr. House's constant monologuing and Agnes' sad expressions got pretty repetitive. I needed something to break the action up while adding thematic heft and artistic variety. I've become a real enthusiast for wasps and tarantulas over the last couple months, so this one really was just a stroke of luck. It took only minimal revisions to make room for the framing device, with the most dramatic change being the complete replacement of the last page (which was originally just a splash page of the Lucky 38 in Vegas; bookending the first and last pages is so much better). So you see, the only reason for weaving a scene into this issue of a skittish desert-wanderer getting paralyzed and dragged toward a certain demise by a predator almost perfectly evolved to destroy it was just that I like bugs a lot. That's the only reason, yep.

Original Pencils:

Due to all of the photo-collage in the final version of the comic, there's a lot of panels and details that I (thankfully!) didn't have to draw myself. Sorry that the pencil isn't blue on the last three pages, I've been on the move for the holidays so they got scanned in grayscale by accident.

I did experiment with drawing the tarantula framing device myself, but ultimately went with the photo-collage method because the artistic juxtaposition actually made it much more readable when interspersed with the proceedings in the Lucky 38.

Transcript:

EXT. DESERT OUTSIDE OF NEW VEGAS. The city glitters in the distance, nestled between the shadows of mountains, with the spire of the LUCKY 38 towering above all else.

In the wilderness, a TARANTULA emerges from its burrow.

EXT. THE NEW VEGAS STRIP. On closed-circuit television monitors, a SECURITRON ROBOT approaches AGNES SANDS and ROSE OF SHARON CASSIDY, saying

VICTOR: Well howdy, partner! Fancy meetin' again here in Vegas!

CASS: What the fuck?

AGNES: Victor?

Unlike the usual police units, VICTOR's robotic "face" is that of a cowboy.

VICTOR: And heck, ya clean up nice! Sure lookin' a lot better now than when I rustled ya outta the bone orchard back in Goodsprings*--

CAP: *As was explained to Agnes way back in IKROAH #2. --Lou

VICTOR: --so how's about ol' Vic skips the rigamarole, huh? 'Fore all my yappin' makes ya want to go back, heh-heh-heh! I'm the welcome wagon, see. I'm to come and collect ya.

CASS: Agnes--

VICTOR: Boss wants t'see you, is what I'm sayin'.

AGNES: Boss?

VICTOR: Only of all of Vegas, friend!

CASS: Agnes.

MEANWHILE, the TARANTULA crawls beneath the starlight.

VICTOR: So why don't we mosey on over to the Lucky 38? And your good pal can come along, too!

CASS: I need to know what the fuck is going on, right now.

AGNES: I...I don't know.

VICTOR: And y'know, boss ain't ever let a soul inside before, least for not as long as I've been rollin' around on my spurs, so this ain't just an everyday social call, mind...

On the closed-circuit television monitors, VICTOR escorts AGNES and CASS to the entryway of the LUCKY 38.

VICTOR: ...but heck, I reckon ya'll oughta get along like franks on a fire! So come on! Lift's in the lobby here, and up to the top floor--and we can get the formalities out of the way before ya'll get [cut off]

INT. THE LUCKY 38 PENTHOUSE.

AGNES stands awestruck, looking upward, bathed in electronic green light. With horror, she ekes out a single question.

AGNES: ...what are you?

???: A "Hello" would have been preferable, but it'll take more than a crude faux pas to tarnish this moment. Who I am, Agnes--

What AGNES is looking at is a gigantic SUPERCOMPUTER and terminal, flanked by closed-circuit television monitors and guarded on both sides by SECURITRON police units. On the supercomputer's massive screen is the green-lit image of a face. The face

MR. HOUSE: --is ROBERT EDWIN HOUSE. The President, CEO, and sole proprietor of New Vegas--and more to the point, the intended recipient of a long delayed package.

AGNES: Oh, you...you mean the platinum chip?

MR. HOUSE: Correct. It's a...very precious artifact of the old world.

MR. HOUSE: My world, once.

In the back of the room, beyond AGNES, is an oil painting of MR. HOUSE, standing outside in front of what must have been a very large robot.

MR. HOUSE: In that world, I was the founder of RobCo Industries--a titan of innovation. We created a litany of robotic solutions for diverse markets, such as the Securitrons that you see here, and even a line of consumer-grade devices like the wrist-mounted Pip-Boy. But the platinum chip was, more than any other, my design. It was my vision.

MR. HOUSE: But it never left the factory in which it was originally made. Before it could even cool off from its assembly...we had the Great War. An international, thermonuclear bombardment of unimaginable power that annihilated the world in all of two hours.

MR. HOUSE: But not the entire world. Not Vegas. Not my Paradise. From my fortress of the Lucky 38, I saw to that. But as for the rest of the world, and my platinum chip--it took generations.

MR. HOUSE: First for the scarce remnants of humanity to crawl out from under their rocks, and for the world to at least resemble a functioning society again in which to do trade. And then for the work itself--of countless scavengers, treasure-seekers, and the like, all contracted to comb over the wreckage of Sunnyvale. It cost millions of caps, and later, New California dollars. And a not insignificant piece of my pre-war fortune as well. I, quite literally, moved mountains.

MR. HOUSE: I do not believe in providence, Agnes, but I do believe in destiny. How else to explain it? It was pristine when it was found. Neither the bombs nor the passage of time had so much as scuffed its sheen. But still...its value far transcended the mere market price of pure platinum.

MR. HOUSE: Amusingly, despite the discovery, I was still only as close to acquiring the chip as I had been originally in 2077. A final ordeal remained for me: how to ensure the safety of the platinum chip en route to its destination, from Sunnyvale to Vegas, without broadcasting its preciousness to thieves, armies, and raiders--or worse, to heavily armed fetishists for pre-war technology like the Brotherhood of Steel?

MR. HOUSE: Misdirection. Through a network of anonymous liaisons, I contracted the Mojave Express for a batch of deliveries, all superficially similar knick-knacks, to various intermediaries of myself. All but one of the orders were totally worthless decoys. But your identity as the carrier of the one genuine item was somehow compromised, leading to you getting attacked, and to the second disappearance of the chip.

MR. HOUSE: But look around you. Look where you are. You've made it, haven't you?

AGNES, still staring up at the visage of MR. HOUSE on-screen, doesn't respond. She frowns, nervous. The SECURITRONS guarding MR. HOUSE observe her stoically.

MR. HOUSE: Let me clarify: I had nothing to do with Benny's ambush. Heavens no! It goes completely against my interests. It would have been a perfectly quotidian day's work for you if not for his, and I stress, unexpected involvement. The platinum chip...belies its significance. For Benny to have not only discovered its delivery route but possibly enough of that significance to motivate such an act, this constituted a very troubling breach of my security. And I had been looking into it...but in a way, the issue seems to have resolved itself. Hm?

MR. HOUSE: A wild card. Now removed from the deck.

AGNES' gaze sinks to the floor.

MEANWHILE, a small shadow blots out the starlight in the desert outside of Vegas. It flies over the exploring TARANTULA.

AGNES looks back up at MR. HOUSE.

AGNES: I killed him.

HOUSE: So you did. I only wish that we could have spoken before you went rogue on my former protégé: if this story breaks, I can grant you amnesty, but not without controversy. And your infamy as an assassin could make our further arrangements quite difficult.

AGNES: Um...I didn't think there would be more to it than delivering the--

MR. HOUSE: Oh! Of course, of course! My apologies. Two hundred years of anticipation and yet I'm still getting ahead of myself. Well--would you mind? I've been waiting a long time for my mail.

The SECURITRON closest to AGNES wheels forward with its claw outstretched. AGNES reaches her fingers into a pocket beneath the belt of her dress to produce it: the PLATINUM CHIP. She holds it in her hand for a brief moment.

MEANWHILE, the shadow descends; the TARANTULA HAWK engages the TARANTULA.

AGNES relinquishes the PLATINUM CHIP to the SECURITRON.

MR. HOUSE: Thank you--it's a relief to pay for this chip for the final time.

The SECURITRON inserts the PLATINUM CHIP into a slot in MR. HOUSE'S supercomputer, feeding it into the drive with a CLIK.

MEANWHILE, the TARANTULA is fighting the TARANTULA HAWK.

From behind AGNES, another SECURITRON presents her with a stack of NEW CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC DOLLARS, which she gingerly takes in her hand and looks over.

MR. HOUSE: And I trust that you're satisfied with the agreed-upon compensation from the delivery contract, yes?

AGNES: Yeah, it's...it's fine...I'll be going now. Thanks.

MR. HOUSE: Oh? But you've only just arrived. I insist that you make yourself at home.

SFX: KZZSZZZTTT

The faces on the screens of the SECURITRONS in MR. HOUSE'S penthouse suddenly change from policemen to soldiers. AGNES recoils and tries to step away.

AGNES: H-hey, uh--

MEANWHILE, the TARANTULA HAWK pierces the underbelly of the TARANTULA with its stinger.

SECURITRONS surround AGNES.

MR. HOUSE: You are the first guest ever through the doors of the Lucky 38, you know. Nobody has so much as checked a coat inside since the war, so this meeting confers you a significant level of privilege...and inevitable celebrity. The people of Vegas have always gossiped, after all. Many have even clawed at the door desperately with dreams of being where you now stand. Surely you can comprehend how this compulsion to leave after such a deliberate and remarkable invitation risks considerable insult--to both myself and my citizenry? And very deliberate this invitation was. Don't you realize: if handing off my package was all for which you were needed, why wouldn't I have just had Victor relieve you of the chip outside? No, no, you see, as necessary as its acquisition was, the chip is ultimately just a key, for unlocking a new frontier...of possibilities.

MR. HOUSE: Possibilities for prosperity, peace, and technological advancement that haven't been seen in two hundred years. Possibilities greater than anything the New California Republic or Caesar's Legion could dream of, let alone achieve, by playing pretend in the clothes of their forebearers and convincing everyone else that it's statecraft. Possibilities--which if they key is turned by human hands--become certainties.

AGNES (a whisper): Are you not human?

MR. HOUSE: Don't let the video screens and computer terminals fool you: I am a living human. No less so than you. I just live with a particular set of, well...handicaps.

AGNES: You said you'd waited hundreds of years to--

MR. HOUSE: One could argue that the world has been waiting hundreds of years for this moment. Waiting for me. For the chip. For the long-dormant doors of the Lucky 38 to finally open, to a single and specially ordained individual: you, Agnes. And there are tremendous things waiting for us, waiting for us to accomplish them, together. I certainly couldn't do them with Benny. What do you say?

MEANWHILE, the TARANTULA has become completely paralyzed by the TARANTULA HAWK'S venom. The TARANTULA HAWK seizes its prey.

AGNES: ...no.

MR. HOUSE: I'm sorry--"No?"

AGNES: Yes--I mean, no. No! I don't want to help you! I...

Tears well in AGNES' eye.

AGNES: ...I just want to go back home.

MR. HOUSE: ...I see. Hmm.

MR. HOUSE: How do I put this in a way you'll understand?

MR. HOUSE: The die is cast.

AGNES, crying, looks up at MR. HOUSE again. Fear bulges on her face.

MR. HOUSE: Throughout the long delivery of this chip, several precise plans and fortuitous coincidences have aligned in just such a way as to make you, you specifically at this exact juncture, an irreplaceable asset in the ongoing endeavor of this wounded world's recovery from otherwise hopeless ruin.

MR. HOUSE: Your cooperation going forward is not merely crucial to this endeavor's success, but it's utterly non-negotiable. Should you entertain the moral issue of what's at stake, it's obligatory, even. It's why your refusal comes as such a...genuine surprise. Can't you see?

MR. HOUSE: I'm not a fascist, Agnes--I would never force you. But given the circumstances, I'm entitled, wouldn't you agree, to at least a brief demonstration of my vision? The vision that the platinum chip promises? Victor has surely seen your companion to the presidential suite by now--my other Securitrons can escort you to the basement, where I'm sure you can make a...properly informed decision.

The SECURITRONS close in on AGNES, who screams in protest.

AGNES: No! I said no! I already delivered your chip, I--I killed Benny! I-- I-- ...what do you want with me!?

MR. HOUSE: Haven't you been listening? I want what's best for you--for us. I know it's a lot, but bear with me for one moment longer, and I can assure you--that this is the beginning of something very incredible.

MEANWHILE, the TARANTULA HAWK has dragged the paralyzed TARANTULA back to the entrance of its own burrow.

The TARANTULA HAWK shoves its helpless prey into the hole, and then crawls in after it.

The TARANTULA is not seen again.

[a-constant-gay-panic]

Can I make a request for soft!dom Eddie Munson x fem!Reader with prompts angst #7 "wake up, please!" and smut #19 "shh it's alright. I'll take care of you." Maybe where the reader is almost taken by Vecna and they're both so emotional after that they just HAVE TO fuck! Peas and carrots! ❤️❤️❤️

Close Call

masterlist

pairing: soft!dom eddie munson x fem!henderson reader

summary: after you have a frightful near death experience at the hands of vecna, eddie can't hide his true feelings for you anymore and he decides to show you just how much you mean to him. 

warnings: a little bit of swearing, smut, porn with a lot of plot basically, unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it people!), angst, slight s4 spoilers but if you haven't watched it by now, what are you doing?

word count: 2.3k

a/n: here’s your eddie munson fic @... sorry it took such a long time!   it’s been a while since i saw season 4 so vecna’s parts may not be fully accurate and for that i apologies. just go with the flow and ignore it if his words seem uncharacteristic-  i am a firm believer in the eddie x henderson!reader trope and i won't apologies for it nor will i apologies for the ending. i’m in a angsty mood 

the song used in this fic is called "The Day Before You Came" by ABBA, i do not own it in any way shape or form. all rights to the original artists.

— — — — — X — — — — — 

your heart beats frantically and blood pounds painfully loud in your ears as you feel your body give into exhaustion. you slump to the ground as he approaches you, slowly, tauntingly, knowing that he’s won yet again. you gasp for breath as a vine wraps around your throat, your air flow being constricted as you’re forced up and into the air. 

“you can’t escape it y/n. you can't escape your destiny.” vecna’s words ring in your ears as tears stream down your face. “you and your friends will all die. there’s no stopping me.” 

you can practically feel his breath ghost over your face as he stands in front of you, ready to make his promise of killing you a reality. thoughts of your friends and how you’ve let them down cloud your mind. your heart aches as you think of not seeing your brother, dustin, again. your own regrets make another wave of tears roll down your dirty and scraped face and your mind wanders to eddie. although you’ve never admitted it, you've grown extremely fond of the local freak, admiring his bond with dustin. 

“say your goodbyes, y/n.” vecna mutters, his hand slowly rising to hover over your upturned face. your eyes close and you hold your breath, waiting for your end… that is, until a soft yet recognisable melody seemingly drifts through the red, overcast sky of the upsidedown. 

“must have left my house at eight, because i always do

   my train, i'm certain, left the station just when it was due

   i must have read the morning paper going into town

   and having gotten through the editorial no doubt i must have frowned” 

your eyes open and you see vecna's hand is still, extended in the air above you but his face is turned to the side. you can almost feel his annoyance and rage at the sudden interruption. 

“i must have made my desk around a quarter after nine 

   with letters to be read, and heaps of papers waiting to be signed 

   i must have gone to lunch at half past twelve or so

   the usual place, the usual bunch

   and still on top of this i'm pretty sure it must have rained 

   the day before you came” 

your breath comes out ragged as you remember dancing to this daily with dustin and later eddie. the thought of them alone is enough to make you claw at the vines around your neck, desperate to see them one last time. 

“i must have lit my seventh cigarette at half past two

   and at the time i never even noticed i was blue  

   i must have kept on dragging through the business of the day

   without really knowing anything, i hid a part of me away”

you look behind vecna and notice a gate open up, figures which appear to be your friends on the other side. you start to kick and thrash, the urge to escape becoming even stronger. you couldn't let them down, you couldn't let yourself down. you refused to give in to him just yet. 

you see eddie cradling your body and you can almost hear the words which he seems to be screaming at your limp form. 

“wake up, please! please y/n, wake up!” 

his cries are enough to light a fire inside you and you suddenly remember the lighter in your pocket, courtesy of eddie himself. 

your hand blindly reaches into the back pocket of your jeans and you pull out a zippo, flipping it open on your leg and lighting it in the same movement. you raise your shaking hand and the flame licks at the vines keeping you in place. vecna looks at you sharply as your body falls to the ground, the vines unravelling when they feel the fire.

you drag yourself back as he stalks closer. “trying to escape is futile.” you continue to move further away from him, the sound of ABBA continuing to break the eerie silence. your hands sting from the roughness of the ground, your face is covered in dirt and dust and your voice is hoarse yet you find the strength to mutter, “i don't care. i'm not dying today, you bastard.”

with that, you muster up all your energy and make a run for it. tripping and stumbling over vines which try to slow your run but you refuse to let him win. your eyes are set on the image of eddie cradling your body in his arms while dustin kneels next to him.  

objects fall from the sky in attempts to block your escape but you make detours around them, trying your best to run as fast as your sore legs could carry you. your breaths come out in pained huffs, chest screaming at the lack of oxygen you’re getting. 

‘damn me for being so unfit.’ you think to yourself. 

you can almost feel your escape, relief starting to fill your whole body. you hear a loud rumble as the ground beneath you starts to shake, vecna’s shouts echoing in your mind as you jump through the gate, the soft melody coming to an end and darkness consuming your every sense. 

“and turning out the light 

   i must have yawned and cuddled up for yet another night 

   and rattling on the roof i must have heard the sound of rain

   the day before you came.” 

— — — — — X — — — — — 

a warm sensation fills your tired body and light floods your vision as you force your eyes open. you realise that you’re laying on your bed, your familiar bedroom wallpaper a clear indicator as to where you are. you gaze at the faces staring down at you, each with a worried expression plastered on their face. 

“i feel like shit.” you croak out and dustin laughs despite the tears which cloud his vision. “really? you almost died and that’s what you have to say?” steve deadpans and you chuckle before breaking out in a fit of coughs as you try to sit up. “sorry mama steve.” you tease him in an attempt to cover up how sore you were. 

“hey, at least she’s not dead!” robin defends you as she chases after steve who’s walking away, not ready to deal with you. nancy smiles softly at you before kneeling on your bed and giving you a gentle hug. “i’m glad you’re ok, y/n… don't scare us like that again.” she says as she pulls away. you give her a lopsided grin, “i’ll try not to get killed again, i swear.” she shakes her head at you before standing and walking towards the bickering pair who are standing outside your room. 

you turn your head and your eyes lock onto eddie’s, his face is red and his eyes are puffy, clear evidence that he’s been crying. “hey eddie.” you mutter. “hey…” he trails off, kneeling on the ground with his arms resting on your mattress. his eyes wander your fragile frame, inspecting you closely for any possible injuries.

you turn away from him and dustin is the next one to tackle you in a hug. “are you ok? are you hurt? what happened?” he throws question after question at you, all while keeping you in his vice-like embrace. “i’m fine alright? nothing happened.” you reassure him. he lets you go and eyes you suspiciously. “really, i'm ok.” you sigh. 

dustin doesn’t seem to believe you but he lets it slide when he looks at eddie who is still staring at you in a daze. pulling you into another hug, he whispers, “talk to him. he was panicking the most out of all of us.” 

with those words, he stands up and smiles. “glad to have my annoying big sister back.” he calls as he walks over to the other 3 who seem to be in a heated discussion about god knows what. 

“i’m sorry.” you mutter into the silence, the tension between you and eddie is thick and feels suffocating. he seems to snap out of it and looks at you in confusion. “why are you sorry?” you smile sadly at him, unconsciously grabbing his hand to play with the rings on his fingers. “sorry for worrying you… for leaving you like that.” your voice is small and it makes his heart clench. 

“you have nothing to be sorry for… i’m sorry that i couldn't save you.” his words make you shake your head. “no, you did… the thought of you was enough to keep me from giving up…” you glance at him and see his mouth hanging open before quickly adding, “the thought of you, dustin and the others kept me going…” 

neither of you noticed how silent it went, nor did you notice that your 4 friends had been listening to your conversation and decided it’d be best to leave the two of you alone together, closing the door behind them to give you some privacy.

“y/n… i-” he cut himself off. your eyes bore into his, an expectant look on your face. “i’m happy that you’re safe now.” he mumbles. you sit there in silence, deep down hoping for him to say something else… the three words you want to say to him and want him to say to you. 

‘i love you’ 

eddie’s eyes snap towards you and you feel your face heat up, realising that you said it out loud. 

“what?” he asks dumbfounded. “i… i love you.” you whisper, figuring that there’s no going back now. you close your eyes and hang your head low, embarrassment coursing through your veins. that is, until you feel a pair of lips against your own. your shock wears off quickly as you kiss him back, pouring all your emotions out into that single kiss. 

“i love you too… so much it hurts.” he breaths into your ear as you pull away for air. 

“are you hurt anywhere?” his voice is worried as he eyes the bruises around your neck caused by the vines. you shake your head, “i’m fine. how many times am i going to have to say-” 

his lips against yours cuts you off and you intertwine your fingers in his hair. soon enough, you find yourself lying underneath him, his chest pressed against yours as he glides his tongue over your lips, silently asking for permission. you allow him access and hum in pleasure as he explores every crevice of your mouth. 

breaking away for oxygen, his lips travel down your throat and press soft kisses to the bruised skin and you bite your lip in an attempt to silence your sounds. he moves up to your ear and his breath fans over it, causing shivers to run down your spine and a quiet whimper to escape.

“shh, it’s alright. i’ll take care of you.”

his hands slowly start wandering lower and lower, raising the hem of your shirt before sneaking underneath it and stroking your soft stomach. “i love you so much.” he whispers before he helps you sit up and pull the shirt over your head. your hands move to his jacket and tug on it, silently asking him to take it off. 

he complies and soon enough, both of you are bare chested. his rough hands rub and sooth every part of your exposed flesh before his lips find home on your breasts. soft bites and kisses being left in his wake, he moves lower until he reaches the waistband of your pants. “may i?” he asks and you nod in response. 

just moments later the two of you are as bare as the day you were born, his arms wrapped around you in a loving embrace as he mutters sweet nothings into your ears. you gasp in pain and pleasure as you feel him enter you, your walls squeezing him tightly and your breaths becoming more laboured. 

his hips still as you wrap your arms around his neck and bury your face into it. “move… please…” you whisper after a while of adjusting to the feeling of  him inside you, 

soon enough, soft moans and grunts fill your room, mixing together to form a symphony of sounds which makes your head spin. eddie’s thrusts are gentle and steady paced, fulfilling his promise to take care of you as your mind goes foggy from the pleasure he’s giving you. 

“please… please eddie.” you whimper, not exactly sure what you’re asking for. he however seems to know and his hand ghosts over your body before coming in contact with your clit. “i’m here… let go, i’ve got you.” he coos as he quickens the pace of his fingers against you. you squirm underneath him and pull his face towards yours, placing a desperate and feverish kiss on his lips. 

this action almost pushes him over the edge and he pulls away from your kiss. “let go… come on, y/n… i’m right here.” his words make your eyes roll back as you feel the knot in your stomach tighten. “come for me.” he whispers and that's all it takes for your body to give in. your mind is clouded with pleasure and your vision goes white as you come undone underneath him. 

he groans and pulls out from you, releasing onto your stomach before his body slumps against yours. jagged pants are all that can be heard from the both of you as you come down from your high. eddie stands with shaky legs and walks to your bathroom to grab a warm cloth to wipe you down. he helps you up and carries you to the bathroom in order for you to use it. 

slowly placing you back onto your bed once you’re both cleaned up, he engulfs you in a hug. 

“i love you.” he says as he places a loving kiss onto the top of your head. you smile and manage to get out, “i love you too.” before sleep overcomes you, eddie following suit.

you couldn’t be happier than you were in that moment. if only you knew that you’d never be that happy again… if you had known what the future held, you wouldn't have fallen in love with eddie munson.

you wouldn't have fallen in love with a dead man.  

— — — — — X — — — — — 

[ckiine]

Hello everyone. I am bacckkkk!!!! Sorry for disappearing for such a long time.... Things had been a bit busy at my end.

Here is a shinran short story to cheer you up. Cause I don't know about you guys but I am definitely having shinran withdrawals (I constantly have ShinRan withdrawals).

For all the images used, all the credit goes to the original artists. These are not mine.

So without further ado. Happy reading!

TITLE - Half - Love

"I am in half-love, half-love will be yours."

"With each these halves our love will be fulfilled."

"These small steps will help us cross the miles of a long journey."

.......Ran is humming again.... Conan listened quitely

"Slowly and slowly this newfound colour of love will get deeper."

"These small steps will help us fulfill all our promises."

....... A love song......

Conan felt a complex tumble of emotions. He felt a lump stuck in his throat, almost like a stone had been dropped in his stomach. His gaze was fixed on Ran, a little forlorn, sad, even perplexed with some underlying sparks of joy as well.

At the moment Ran was humming a cheerful love song, her footsteps were light and floaty. She was preparing for dinner and was delighted, why you ask? Because she had just finished talking to Shinichi. She was feeling happy and blissful after talking to her 'boyfriend.'

Oh my god!!! It is real! He really is mine!

Ran still couldn't help but internally squeal with joy, feeling a rush of butterflies and her cheeks taking a rosy hue. She really felt as if everything that happened at Kiyomizu dera was still a dream.

After concluding the call with Ran as 'Shinichi,' Conan came back home only to be brightly greeted by Ran. He settled down in the drawing room where he planned to do his 'homework' but once again he was distracted by Ran.

He knew that she loved him. He had known that she at least liked him since the day he became Conan, but sometimes he would get overwhelmed by seeing the same love in action. As 'Conan' he was literally a third-party observer in his own relationship.

"Can this situation get any more absurd!?" Shinichi would sometimes sit blankly thinking about it.

Shinichi was terrified of hurting Ran especially when he was the cause, even the thought of her being in pain or distressed made his blood crawl backwards. Initially, he never said anything to her even after knowing her feelings was because he didn't want to hurt her as he 'physically' could not be by her side as 'Shinichi.' But now things were different, so very different. Whenever he talked to her, he felt bittersweet and frustrated at the same time.

As Conan, he could see Ran being directly affected by his actions. He did his best to not hurt her but he would cave in to his own desires too sometimes, but this warm-hearted woman would even find joy even in his most meagre steps.

Just one step from me towards her makes her sunny and gleeful.

'......the red gloves I gave as a Christmas present.....'

'.....the time I accepted the Valentine's day chocolate without her knowing.....'

'..... the time I gave her my phone number....'

There were so many instances in his mind that he could not even recount them all.

If I don't call her she is beside herself with worry and the worst part is that this is the one time she is extremely good at hiding her emotions.

'....Immediately after I shrank and was on radio silence for an entire week.....'

'...... Heck, I had not even realised that Ran was having insomnia due to her worries.....'

I can't thank Hakase enough for making the voice-changing bowtie.

'.....The passing forlorn wistful look in her eyes.......'

These moments were almost like glass shards piercing slowly and painfully into his body.

So this is how it feels, to see firsthand, seeing someone love so unconditionally.

To be her first thought in the morning,

To be the main character in her life, to be her favourite,

The reason she hums a romantic tune,

To be completely reflected in her eyes,

To be a home she craves for,

To have her life revolve around mine.

Conan sighed deeply and slumped on the table in despair but felt overwhelmed as well, being cherished by the person he adored had its own sense of bliss.

He imagined that at this very moment, he would turn in 'Shinichi.'

Slowly he made his way towards towards the kitchen where Ran was humming and was oblivious to his presence. He leaned at the door frame drinking in the sight of hers, Shinichi, almost as if in a trance walked towards her. His heart was beating furiously but calm at the same time. He was just half a step away when he heard her gasp in surprise as if she had felt his presence. At the same moment, Shinichi enveloped Ran in a hug from behind. His arms were sure and strong, tightly enveloping her.

"....Shinichi??" Ran's voice was a mix of surprise and confusion.

"What? How?" She mumbled.

"Hush now," said Shinichi, tightening his hold even further. Ran went still and blushed profusely.

Shinichi tightly clung to Ran, one arm crossed over her shoulder and the other encircled her waist, pulling her into a human cage. Shinichi buried his face in her neck.

"Your heart is beating so fast Ran," Shinichi murmured in a low husky voice.

'-Bec-because you are suddenly....and how??? and randomly .... from where....???' but it was almost as if someone had glued her mouth shut.

It felt wonderful to have her tucked away in his arms like this. His entire world was completely within his grasp.

Shinichi, slowly, very slowly trailed feather-like small kisses from the nape of her neck to her cheek. Her skin was soft and supple, her scent mild and addicting.

"I miss you so much," whispered Shinichi

His voice was tinged with sadness and longing as his lips lingered on her cheeks

*******

"Oi brat wake up the dinner is ready."

Kogorou's gruff voice startled Conan awake who looked around in a daze and half asleep.

Conan looked over to the kitchen to see Ran's back and quickly turned away feeling as if his cheeks were on fire. The dinner table was set and ready.

"Oi Ran, I am switching to the news."

"Haaiii."

"....The headlines for the day..."

"......Breaking and entering in the Haido-cho apartment..."

"....A new approved drug for appetite control...."

".....New mascot for XXX brand...."

Conan could barely concentrate on the news and ate with his head down with his ears still very much red. He couldn't even bring himself to look at Ran.

"Dad, Conan-kun, I am done. I have a ton of homework so just clear the tables I will do the dishes later."

Ran rushed to her room like a gust of wind and slammed the door shut.

"....Alright..." Kogorou just looked blankly at the now-empty space.

What the hell just happened? Ran and that brat are acting strange? Why are both their faces red? Is it flu season? Especially Ran, she had such a feverish look where right down to her neck she was completely red?

******

Ran slammed her door room shut and collapsed against it. Her breath was fast and erratic. Not just her face but it felt as if her body was burning.

What was that!? What was thaaattt!?

What's happening to me!?

I know I miss him. I know that I want him to come back as soon as possible but to have such thoughts where he...

Where he... touched and- and- and a kiss like thaaaattt.

Ran's face was steaming. It really resembled a freshly boiled crab, but she felt it even now as clear as day, her back pressed tightly against his, the intimate feel of their bodies, the warm breath, the low murmuring voice, his arms holding her tightly.

It felt so vivid and real, almost like a clandestine sweetheart visit.

Somehow Ran made it to her bed and hid in the cocoon of her blankets. Feeling too shy and embarrassed to even rationally process the tricks her mind played on her.

She opened her gallery and scrolled for his photograph. With a pang, she realised that the only recent pictures of him were from the school trip that too were mostly group pictures and had Sonoko not teased them enough to take a picture she may not have even had that. She scrolled further and came across a picture of him.

It was a candid picture of Shinichi looking elsewhere while holding a camera, he was smiling softly and looked very handsome.

(A/N - Cause he looks adorable)

Ran gently caressed the picture with her thumb.

I love you. I really love you a lot already, baka. So, please come quickly, I want to see you again.

She had an urge to call him again, to hear his voice but decided not to and fell asleep.

In her sleepy daze she remembered that Shinichi's candid photograph was clicked by Yukiko-san when he was clicking Ran's picture while they were in New York, a year ago.

*****

Conan sat on the balcony and was trying to cool his head. His dream or imagination or whatever had ended up ringing alarm bells in his mind.

'I want to hear her voice.'

He sighed, 'I' literally talked with her today and not to mention this is a one-sided long-distance relationship where I am actually living with her.

'I should not be this greedy.'

Conan opened his secret folder and yes he did have a secret folder full of Ran's images but the major culprit for it was Sonoko. She would occasionally send him Ran's pictures, she had been doing this for a while but the frequency had increased ever since he had become 'Conan' and Shinichi would simply not delete them.

He was not entirely at fault and this was a secret he was willing to keep for a bit longer than others.

He paused at the image which he had taken while they were in New York.

They were looking around the central park and Shinichi ended up clicking her picture as she was admiring the trees and just turned towards him. A shy surprised look as the sun and the wind gently caressed her.

(A/N - Cause she looks adorable too. I couldn't find a coloured picture, but the artist has done a fabulous job!!)

Shinichi felt the same burst of adoration as he always did when looked at the picture.

'I will be with you soon. I will come back to you as soon as I can and I will do my best to never leave you alone ever again.'

'Wait for me just a little longer.'

Almost as if his body moved on its own he gently kissed the screen and went back inside.

****The end****

A/N 1 - The images are NOT MINE. All the credit to the original artist.

A/N 2 - I hope you guys enjoyed reading it.

A/N 3 - Do forgive me for the grammatical errors

Please like and comment your thoughts.

BONUS cause the credit for this definitely goes to Sonoko.

These precious babies!!!

[bteezxyewriter12]

With You

Pairing- Tae x Named Reader

Word count- 3.8k

Includes- Heavy themes, assault, rape, life support turned off, drug use, overdose, suicide, death, funeral

Tag List- @mingtina @jaxminnie @yeosayang @delightfulmoonbanana @tannie13 @y00nzin0 @marsstarxhwa

@borntowalkaway @soulseobi05 @kpop-bambi @seokwoosmole @meowmeowminnie @realisticnotes @effielumiere @svnbangtansworld @pinkies-things @insomniacatiny @marvelfamily3000 @amyz78 @blueie-things

Gif Credit- Vonita

Masterlists- check out for more fics

📝Masterlists 📝BTS Masterlist 📝Tae Masterlist

Present

Tae POV

"Sign here Mr. Kim"

I can't believe I'm doing this

I don't want to

It's killing me

But she's been here with no change for a year and a half

And her parents are pressuring me to do this

They can't make this decision since she's my wife

It's my decision

I also know that she'd never want to live like this

If you can call it living

I'm doing it for her and no one else

I sign the fucking paper and the nurse takes it back

"The doctor will be in in a few minutes", she informs me

I just nod

When she leaves, I let the tears I was holding back, fall

I take Joanne's hand in mine and just wait

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

One year and a half ago

I pick up my phone

"Hi baby", I say

"Tae, where are you? Did you forget?", Joanne asks

I didn't forget

I just can't go

And I haven't told her yet

"No baby, I didn't forget", I answer

She's going to be so mad

Her best friend is having a birthday party to celebrate her 25th birthday

And Joanne wanted me to go with her

She asked me and I told her yes

I can never tell her no

And I want to go with her

We got married last year but with the constant touring we haven't really been out together

She comes with me on the tours since she's one of our makeup artists but it's not the same as actually going out and doing something

I'm usually extremely exhausted after a concert or if we do go out it's with the guys sightseeing

It's not just me and her

I've taken her out to eat when we're on tour but that's only for like an hour or so

This would of been the first time it was just me and her for the whole night being around her friends

Friends she hasn't seen in a year

She never asks me for anything

She deals with the idol lifestyle and everything that comes with it

She never complains and is always there for me

So the one time she asks me for something I always try to give it to her

"Ok so where are you? You said you'd meet me here after your meeting. That was over an hour ago. When are you going to get here?", she asks

Here goes

"I can't come baby"

"What?", she asks, sounding confused, "I thought you made sure that you told everyone you needed to that you were busy today. You said you got off for this"

"I know baby"

"Then what the hell Tae?"

"Baby I did get the day and night off like I told you. But at the meeting the managers told us we have a performance tomorrow and we have to practice"

"Seriously Tae? Seriously? You have to practice? You'll be there for hours", she says, disappointment in her voice

I hate disappointing her

That's the worse thing ever

All she does for me and I can't even do this one thing she asks

She should never feel disappointed because of me, she should always be happy

I try to make her happy as much as I can

"I know Jo. I don't want to be here, I want to be with you."

She sighs, "I know Tae. I just miss you. I was excited for you to be here with me. I always have to go to these things alone when I wish you were with me"

I'm such a fucking ass

All she wants is me and I can't give her me all the time

"I'm sorry Jo. I'm so sorry"

"I know Tae. It's ok. I get it", she says quietly, "I'll let you get back to practice"

"Baby", I start

"It's ok Tae. I promise it's ok. I'll see you at home ok. I love you so much", she says

Fuck, I hate doing this to her

She never gets mad at me and she always forgives me

She shouldn't have to, I should fucking be there with her

"I love you too Jo. More than anything. I promise I'll make it up to you."

"I know you will Tae even though you don't have to. I love you"

"I love you too baby"

"Bye Tae"

"Bye"

She hangs up the phone and I yell

"FUCK!"

"What happened? Tae what happened?", Jungkook asks worried

"Nothing. I just have to be here instead of with Joanne like I promise her I'd be"

"You're supposed to be with Joanne?", Namjoon asks confused

I roll my eyes, "Yes. I told you guys that I had plans to go out with her tonight. And now I can't because of this fucking performance tomorrow"

"Yeah but Tae, she knows how things are with us. Surprise performances and events are normal for us", Jimin reasons, "She knows that"

"Of course she knows that! But she shouldn't have to be disappointed because I can't be with her. The one time she asks me to go somewhere, I tell her I can and then I have to cancel on her. She never asks me for anything and the one time she does I have to blow her off. She never gets mad at me, she gets disappointed and that's worse than anger. And she always forgives me, always telling me it's ok and that she loves me. It's not fair to her", I explain

"Tae-", Hobi starts

"I don't want to hear it ok? I don't. I just want to practice and get the hell out of here so I can go home to her. She'll be home by the time we're done and I want to be with her. So just turn on the fucking music"

I walk away from them and stand to the side getting ready for the choreography

---------

I'm still at practice when my phone goes off again

I stop doing the choreography to look at it

It's Joanne

I turn and leave the practice room to talk to her

I don't give a shit if they get angry

"Baby?", I answer

"Tae! Tae!", she calls, fear in her voice

"Joanne, what's happening? What's wrong?", I ask panicking

"I'm being followed Tae. I left Tracy's apartment and two guys grabbed me. I got away but they're following me", she cries, sounding out of breath

I immediately start running to the door of BigHit and to my car

"Baby I'm coming. Where are you?"

"I..I don't know. I'm just running", she panics

"Jo, please, get to a corner and tell me where you are"

I need to know which way to go

"Uh", she says, silent for a minute

She tells me where she is and I put it in the gps

As soon as the directions come up I floor it.

"I'm coming baby ok. I'm coming"

"Tae I hear them. They're looking for me."

Motherfuckers

I should of been with her

"Can you hide somewhere?", I panic

"Nnno, it's an empty alley. There's nothing to hide behind or in"

"Ok. Ok.", I answer trying to think

"Tae I'm scared. I want you", she cries

"I'm coming baby"

I look at the gps

Fifteen minutes until I get to her

If I go the normal speed limit

Which I'm not

"Baby run and try to get someone to open their door for you until I get there ok?"

"I tried. No one is opening their door"

"Keep trying Jo ok?"

"Ok", she sobs

I'm fucking terrified

I'm trying to push it away to be here for her but I'm not doing a good job

I hear her running and knocking on a door

"Please open the door. I need help. Please", she cries

I don't hear anything

No door opening

I hear her running again and knocking again

"Please help me. Please"

"There she is", I hear a voice yell

"Shit", she yells, "Tae no one is helping me."

What is wrong with these people?

Why aren't they helping someone whose asking for it?

She has clear distress in her voice

How can they ignore her?

She's not a guy, she's a girl

"Tae they're coming, Tae. What do I do?", she sobs

"Baby", I choke out

I don't know what she can do except run

"Just run baby. I'm almost there and you can tell me where you are ok?"

"Come here!", I hear a guy yell

"No!", I scream, "No Jo, run"

Five minutes

I'm five minutes away

Please please

Don't let anything happen to her

Please

Joanne screams so loudly

"Shut up", I hear someone yell and what sounds like a hit

"Joanne!", I shout

"Get off. Get off me", she cries

"Get her on the floor", one yells

"No. Get off her! Get off her" I scream

"Tae! Taehyung!", she screams

"I said shut up"

I hear another hit and rage flood my body.

I'm going to kill them

"Ahhhhh. Stop. Stop. Get out. It hurts. Get out!", she sobs, "Tae!"

What the fuck are they doing to her?

Are they.....raping her?

They're dead

So fucking dead

"Tae! Tae!"

It's killing me to hear her call for me and I can't help her

"Shut up. He can't help you"

"I'm going to fucking kill you!", I scream in the phone

I hear her phone being picked up

"Are you Tae?", the guy asks

"Yes motherfucker. You're fucking dead, do you hear me? Get the fuck away from her"

He laughs

Motherfucker actually laughs

"You're already too late"

Then he hangs up her phone

"Fuck!", I scream

I need to get there now

----------

"Joanne! Baby where are you?", I yell

I tried to call her back but her phone is off

I don't know what they did to her phone

I just parked my car at the street she gave me and I've been running up and down the blocks looking for her

Calling her name

But she doesn't answer

There's so many alleys all over this area

"Joanne! Baby please answer me!", I cry, "Please baby, where are you?"

I pass an alley and I hear something that makes me stop

"Ttt....Tae"

"Joanne?", I call, hoping it's her

"Tae"

I shoot down the alley, looking for her

"JOANNE oh my god!", I shriek when I find her

"Baby no. Baby", I sob, kneeling next to her and pulling her into my arms

I'm going to kill these motherfuckers

Her entire face is bloody and she's not responding, not breathing well

There's bruises all over her body

Her clothes are ripped and her pants and underwear are pulled down

They raped her

They fucking raped her then beat her

My baby

"Jo, I'm sorry baby. I'm sorry I wasn't here. Please baby", I cry hysterically, "Please don't leave"

"Tae?", she whispers

"Joanne, baby"

"Tae?"

"Yeah baby, I'm here. I'm here baby", I answer

"Tae... I...I love you"

"I love you Jo. So much baby. You're going to be ok"

"Tae", she says, then her body goes limp in my arms

"No! Joanne! Baby wake up! Wake up!"

I need an ambulance

I pick up my phone and call one

Then I sit there, holding her and waiting

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

Present

The doctor comes in

"Is this a good time? Do you need more time?"

Yes I need more time

I need a lifetime with her

But I can't have it

"It's never a good time for this. I'll never be ready. But just do it"

The doctor nods then goes to her

He unhooks her from the things that are keeping her alive

He turns off the ventilator and unhooks her from it

Then he says, "I'm sorry. I'll leave you alone"

I just nod

After he leaves I get up and move onto her bed, holding her in my arms

----------

After the ambulance came, they took Joanne into surgery right away

I was crying hysterically

I call the guys and they came to the hospital to stay with me

She was in surgery for a long time

When the doctor came out, everything ended

She was alive, but barely

I was told her brain swelled and bled from being hit over and over with an object

Because of that she doesn't respond to anything or show any signs of awareness

The doctor told me she's in a vegetative state and she may never come out of it

I was told she may open her eyes or move but it's just her body functions

She's not conscious

She was raped also but I knew that

The thing I didn't know that absolutely killed me was that she was pregnant

Two and a half months

And the baby didn't survive the attack

I was already completely destroyed finding about about Joanne's condition

This just pushed me over and I had a breakdown

I found out later that she was going to tell me that night

After the party, we were supposed to go home where she decorated the apartment announcing the pregnancy

She had "You're going to be a dad" balloons and sonogram pictures

When I walked into the apartment to get some stuff to bring to the hospital, I saw everything she did

And I couldn't stop crying

I felt like I was dying

And I've been feeling that way since that night I found her

----------

She was moved to a facility with doctors and nurses who care for her

I can stay overnight a few times a week but not all the time

I can't stand being away from her

I still practice and do performances, fan meets, events but it's torture for me

I missed the last tour because I flat out refused to leave her here for months alone

ARMYS are not happy but I don't care

They know what happened to her

They know those motherfuckers who did this to her were never caught

And they expect me to be over it in a few months?

Yeah right

A year ago, the doctors told me that she's in a permanent vegetative state and advised me to stop the little life support she gets

I flat out refused and almost took the doctors head off for even suggesting it

They guys tried to talk to me to get me to see both sides but I didn't want to hear it

Her parents tried to talk to me but I told them no, then I didn't pick up their calls anymore

I just kept hoping she'd get better

And I still do

But a few months ago I told Namjoon about what Joanne's parents were telling me

Joanne had caught an infection, from where I don't know and it was bad

She had to be put on a breathing machine to help her breath because it was very shallow and she was having a hard time

And she never got off of it

The infection messed up her lungs and she needs the machine to help her breathe

I needed someone to talk to so I talked to Namjoon

And he talked to me one on one

He wasn't trying to change my mind, he was trying to get me to see both sides of the decision

He told me it was ok to want to keep her alive because even though the chances of her coming out of this is slim, there's still a chance

He also told me to think about her and the quality of life she's living, to think if she'd want to live this way on a hope that may never happen

I thought about it for a long time and I came to the decision to let her go

It's selfish of me to keep her here, it's not fair to her

They way she is, that's not a way of living

She's my everything but she's not really there

She's trapped inside and can't get out

She has a fucking machine helping her breath because she can't do it by herself

I hate that I have to let her go but I will do it for her

Everything I've ever done was always for her

-----------

I hold her close in my arms, running my fingers in her hair and singing to her

The doctor told me to talk to her, that she may be able to hear me

So I talk to her all the time and I sing to her a lot

She always told me my voice was her favorite even when we were just friends before we got together

She loved how deep my voice is and asked me to sing to her all the time

She's been off the machines for twenty minutes

She's still breathing, her eyes closed

I was told that it could take hours to days for her to go

Most likely hours because she needed help breathing

I hate this

I hate that I have to hold her until she's gone

I hate that she's going to die in my arms

But I would never leave her alone

I'd do everything and anything for her

Always

-----------

I open my eyes, hearing a steady beeping sound

Shit, I fell asleep

I was up for hours with her and she was still here when I closed my eyes

I look up at the heart monitor that was left on her and it's a continuous flat line

"Baby? Joanne? JOANNE!", I panic

I press my hand to her chest but I don't feel a heartbeat

I sit up, laying her in the bed and putting my ear to her mouth

She's not breathing

She's gone

She's really gone

My heat breaks into a million pieces and the pain takes over

"Baby, no, baby", I cry, picking her up and holding her to me again

I press the button on her bed for the nurse or doctor

A minute later someone comes inside the room

"Did you call"

I nod sobbing, "She's, she's gone"

"Let me get the doctor", she says, hurrying out

The doctor comes in a few minutes later with the nurse

"May I check her please?", he asks

I don't want to let her go but I do

I move off the bed letting the doctor check her

"I'm sorry Mr. Kim. She's passed"

Doesn't he think I know that?

Of course I know that

I just nod because what else can I say

"Do you need more tim-", he starts

"Yes. I want to stay with her for a little while longer"

Both of them nod

"We'll give you some time. And again I'm very sorry", the doctor answers

"Thank you", I choke out

They leave and I wait a minute to make sure they're gone

I reach into my pocket and take out the drugs

I planned this from the second I decided to sign the papers

I can't live without her

I just can't

She's part of me, she's my other half

Part of me died when she did and I can't live without that part

And the truth is I don't want to

I have zero interest in being in a world where she's not

I want it to be quick and I don't want to be saved

I asked around and found a drug dealer willing to sell to me

I asked him for the strongest drug he had

It's something called grey death

It's heroin mixed with other drugs and a synthetic opioid

I don't care what it is as long as it kills me

I did looked it up before I bought it and it's an almost instant death if a large amount is taken

I bought a lot and I asked him how to take it

Injecting is the best way, so I'm heating up all of it

When it's a liquid, I pull out a large syringe and fill it all until there's nothing left

Moving to the bed I lay down with her

I slide the needle in my arm and press the plunger all the way down

The effect is almost immediate

I feel so sleepy and I feel like I can't breathe

Turning to Joanne, I pull her close, facing her

My hand shakes as I run it in her hair one last time

I kiss her lips and snuggle close to her

"I love you Joanne. I'm coming baby and we'll be together forever"

It's getting harder to breathe, so I close my eyes and wait

🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯

Jimin POV

I can't stop crying

Jungkook is standing next to me, crying and holding me up while I look at Tae in his casket

Joanne's is next to him in hers

My best friend is gone

He killed himself

I knew he was so broken from what happened to Joanne

He was never the same after her attack

I knew he was having a difficult time deciding what to do

I knew he was going to be lost, distant and destroyed from her death

But I never thought he'd commit suicide

The doctor found him dead, in the bed with Joanne

He died next to her, holding her close to him

After tests we're done on his body his death was ruled as a suicide by overdose

He had so much drugs in his system

We found out he used the drug called grey death

The kind he had was a mix of heroin, furanyl fentanyl, a synethic opioid called U-47700 and carfentanil

All of that is bad but the main one that he had the most of was the carfentanil, which caused his death

We were told that carfentanil is a animal tranquilizer for large animals like elephants and is extremely deadly to humans

It stopped his breathing

The doctor estimates that he died right away, maybe five minutes after he took it based on the levels in his blood

He just couldn't handle being without her

I couldn't believe it when we were told he was dead

I thought it was a sick joke

And I denied it up until today

When I saw him laying there it hit me and it became real

He's gone

Then seeing Joanne was a double blow

She was my best friend since we were kids

We grew up together and she was like my sister

I don't know how I'm going to deal with this

We lost them both the same day

I don't know how I'm going to get through this day

Today is the burial

We're going to the cemetery soon

They're being buried together because that's what they wanted

I can't believe this

A year and a half ago, everything was fine

They're were happy, married, in love and going to have a baby

And now they're both gone

How does shit like this happen?

How and why?

Why them?

They never did anything to anyone

They were just happy together

They shouldn't have died

Those assholes who attacked her should be dead, not them

"Jimin we're leaving in a few minutes. They're giving us time to say goodbye", Namjoon says softly

Fuck I can't do this

This day is going to be a nightmare

But I am happy about one thing

And that's that they're together

Wherever they are, they're together

[phychohex]

I Met a Vampire Down in Santa Carla. Chapter Five

(A/N. I just want to say sorry for taking so long for this chapter. I had writer's block for a long time and was busy with life. I will try to put the next chapter out in a day or so.)

I rummage through the box that I brought with me to work. I have to restock the snacks and drinks, which has become quite popular. "what are you doing?" I glance over to see Tyler leaning against my doorway. Things with him haven't been great. From the moment I walked through that door he has treated me as a lesser being. He had an ego to him one that I loved crushing. It'd be one thing if he was just confident in his work, was proud of something, and showed me that's normal. If I show him, he nitpicks it, boasting how he could've done much better. It pissed me off to no end. 

"Restocking" I mutter trying not to give him the time of day he craved.

"You're wasting your money" He scuffs I roll my eyes.

"No, I use my tip money" There is a silence I grab the now empty box and brush past him.

"You get tips" his surprise made it clear he didn't I nodded with a big grin on my face. "Wow," His voice was quiet as if pondering the idea. "How do you get that"

"By doing a good job" I shrug "It isn't that big of a deal they usually just round up the total. Like if the tattoo ends up being seventy-five they give a hundred. It helps pay for the snacks and other things I need at home. It's fun money."

"Damn, you know when you started I didn't like the idea of working with you," He admits.

"Yeah, you made that very clear" I turn to him.

"Sorry," he scratches the back of his neck, "You think we could start over? I've grown to respect you and your work. I've met plenty of by-the-hour artists who tattoo for like twenty minutes and then use the rest of the hour for a break charging people an arm and a leg. You don't do that I barely see you take any breaks you have an outstanding work ethic. Hell you are making more than I am" 

"Really?" That was a shock. "How do I get paid less than you" I was only doing twenty-five an hour he was thirty. He had been tattooing longer than I have. 

"Tips, and you take more customers even the ones who have a short budget and can't pay hourly" That was true he never took in people who could only pay like twenty bucks but just wanted something extremely simple that took like thirty minutes. I also get more booked customers. "Hell, you've brought in more customers. The day shift gets people asking for you it's insane." He laughs obviously jealous. "I just, I've been an ass and I'm sorry" 

"You're forgiven"

"Fresh start" I nod smiling.

"Fresh start." We head back inside getting ready to close shop for the day. 

"So what plans do you have?" He asks 

"After work, I'm meeting up with a friend" 

"No, like in the future do you plan on working here forever or"

"Oh yeah um. I don't know yet I would like to open my own shop one day but there are so many here. There are three right on the boardwalk. I guess I would run mine differently but that isn't going to happen anytime soon." 

"Why, you'd make good money I bet if you saved you could do it" He was right.

"Yeah but I kinda want to go to a community college and get a business degree so I'm better prepared ya know" I start getting my stuff together. I am meeting up with David again. We have been doing that a lot lately. It's been only a few days yet we have been either staying up texting or we've been hanging out. We usually just hang out at the bookstore where we first meet. Tonight was going to be a bit different. He wanted me to meet his 'brothers'. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nervous. I never enjoyed meeting new people, especially a group of guys. It isn't safe to do I don't know these guys. I trust David though he hasn't given me much reason not to. 

I head to our meet-up spot going through our texts as I wait. We usually talk about random shit like a movie that we want to see that's coming out or events that are going on at the boardwalk. In person is different though, we always seem to talk about deeper stuff. Stuff that I don't usually open up about honestly. He knows so much and always find myself confused. Why do I tell him any of it? He knows about my son, who I had miscarried at six months due to the abuse. He knows that I have trauma which I never go deep into. Whenever I say something that brings me back he seems to know and changes the topic. We were at the bookstore one night and I was looking for a specific book that had just come out. It was a horror novel. I did find it and had been talking about it for days. 

"Well, what's it called?" He was able to look at the higher shelves.

"The dying flower" I look down the aisle in search "The lady at the front said they got it yesterday but wasn't sure where they put it" My eyes dart to the words of the title. "Got it!" I grab it to read the back and fliping to the first page. It had a trigger page and was loosely based on a true story. As I go down the list I realize this book sounded great but was too real. I close it and put it back a bit shaken by the triggers. 

"Thought you wanted it" He picks it up flipping to the page I just read. "Holy shit" He was taken aback by what he was reading. "Why did you want this anyway?"

"It sounded good, I didn't realize it was that bad though." He looks at me our eyes meeting. I look down trying not to go to that place.

"Well we aren't going empty-handed" He puts the book back and goes down the craft aisle. I follow curious. He looks through the adult coloring books finding a pinup coloring book. We ended up sitting down and coloring for hours. 

I look at the time it is close to our agreed time to meet and as if on cue I hear the engines of motorbikes coming my way. David parks close to my car getting off his bike, flashing a bright smile. "Didn't keep you waiting did I?" He asks. I shake my head standing up straight having just been leaning on my car. 

"Nice car" One of the other blondes comes over. He walks around the car taking a good look at it before coming over to me and doing the same. I felt self-conscious suddenly being checked out was a bit shocking. I instantly knew this was Paul. He smirks at me. "Driven by a very sexy driver at that" I look over at David nervously. He was watching very closely. 

"Ignore him" The shorter blonde comes over moving Paul out of the way and holding out his hand. "I'm Marko that's Paul he is a whore so just ignore him" He smiles. I chuckle shaking his hand. That leaves Dwayne who comes over to check out the car. 

" Rory it's nice to finally meet you guys. David has told me a lot about you" I smile. 

"Same he won't fucking shut up" Paul is shot a glare that could cut through stone. "Can't say I blame him though" He smirks giving me another once over this guy was a hoe. Dwayne, Marko, and David start laughing as Paul rolls his eyes. It was as if they heard my little note to self. I was confused but didn't focus on it. David wraps an arm around my shoulders as we walk the boardwalk's fair area. When me and David came it was just for the Farris wheel and nothing else. We walked around looking at all that it had to offer which was a lot. We get some tickets enough for a few rides and start looking around. 

We eventually made it to a fun house. I feel someone grab my arm dragging me. It was Marko jumping around like a kid who just ate a whole birthday cake. He leads the way as we go through the mirror maze first. I hold my hands out so I don't run into the walls. I was the leader for some reason. I decide to follow this dad and his toddler. I turn to see David right behind me and the boys following. As we head forward the kid runs full speed into one of the mirrors. I turn fully trying not to laugh. That ends up not being possible as Marko loses his shit.  

We ended up making it through the maze after watching the kid run into more walls. It was to the point that I started getting genuinely worried. We had to go through trick floors and stairs which proved to be harder than it looked. After we made it through the fun house we all followed Marko's lead to a bigger ride. It was a pirate ship that swung back and forth at a fast pace. I watch as people scream. I shake my head, "Sorry no" 

"Oh come on it's not that bad" Paul smirks "Don't be chicken you'll be fine" 

I follow their lead as the ride stops and people get on. Before I realize it I'm on the ride waiting for everyone to sit down. I end up in the middle between David and Marko. The ride starts very slow to build up the height. I grip the bar tight, so tight that my knuckles go white. "You okay" Marko laughs. I nod lying this was not okay. The ride picks up pace going higher and higher. We went to the highest being at the end of the boat. I close my eyes tight screaming. I lean into David grabbing onto him for dear life. All I could hear was the other riders screaming but the boys were laughing their asses off. I feel David wrap his arm around me as if he was guarding me from the fear. I could feel my heart race as it went up and down. As the ride died down and we got off I felt the excitement and adrenaline course threw my veins. I was ready to chase my next high looking around for the next thrill-seeking ride. My eyes are drawn to the Himalayans. I point and pat Marko who seemed to be into this the most. "Can we do this one next?" I smile he smiles back and we run to the short line. 

As the night kept on we went on more rides. Marko and I ran around like kids in the candy store. Hell, I felt like a kid again. I haven't felt this type of excitement and joy in years. I forgot what this felt like and I couldn't help but be grateful for David convincing me to come along. We went on the Tilt-A-Whirl, Round-Up, The Zipper, Starship, and the Bumper Cars. Before I knew it hours had gone by and we were leaving. As we are walking I hear one of the carnies yell at us. "Come on try and win a prize before we close" He yells to us. I glance over and see a huge pink bunny. The guys didn't seem to notice me as I was drawn in to play. I paid not asking how many points I needed for my goal. The game was shoot the cans the more cans you knock over the more you win. It was five bucks for ten bb's. I try aiming having not shot a real gun before. 

"what are you doin'?" I hear a deeper voice from behind me. I look to see Dwayne watching and the boys coming over to watch. I motion for him to lean down which he does seemingly amused. 

"I want the pink bunny but I can't let him know" he nods chuckling. He motions David over and whispers in his ear. A smirk makes its way across his face and he comes over.

"Let me see that," I hand him the gun and as if he had been a gunslinger he shoots ten cans with ease. My eyes widened in awe I could tell the carnie was shocked as well. "So what do I get?"

"Any of the prizes" The poor guy seemed a little shaken up. I point to the Bunny which I had my eyes on. He grabs it handing it to me. We make our way back to the bike and car. 

"How did you do that," I boast. "That was insane I thought those things were rigged" 

"Most are." He shrugs walking me to my car "Did you have fun?" 

"yeah, I did. Thank you." 

"For?"

"Showing me I'm not a total buzzkill. That I can still have fun" I hold the bunny close. "I haven't had this much fun in years."

"Well, I can tell you, I don't think you're a buzzkill." He reassures. "What are you doing tomorrow?"

"I have a DND session with my friends at the shack." I shrug "But we can hang out on Thursday." I offer.

"The Shack" 

"Yeah, it's this little cabin out in the middle of nowhere. It's like a clubhouse that we've been going to since we were kids." I turn to him "Thank you again I mean it." I hug him it takes him a minute to register. I wave to them as they drive off before going home myself. As I walk through the door I couldn't hide the huge smile on my face. 

"What are you so cheery about?" Mom walks over smiling.

"Nothing I just had fun tonight, and made some new friends," I admit

"New friends?" 

"Yeah I met this guy and we've been talking," I admit putting the bunny down on the table as I grab a drink from the fridge. 

"Is that where the bunny came from?" She smiles I turn opening the ice-cold water bottle. 

"Yeah, we went to the fairgrounds at the boardwalk." I take a long sip. "Thank you. I haven't had the chance to tell you that. I know it was a lot to let me come back, especially with what I said before I left. I'm sorry I did I should've taken you with me. I didn't realize how bad things had gotten" She shakes her head coming over and pulls me into a warm embrace.

"Hush that nonsense. You did what you had to do I don't blame you. I just want you to be happy." she admits. I hear the heavy footsteps going down the stairs. I take it as my cue to get the fuck out. It was too late though. 

"Oh good you're home, we need to talk." I nod sitting down at the table and waiting for him to get on with whatever he needs. "I don't like you being out all night," 

"Why?" 

"Well, you have moved back into my home, which means you are a part of the family again and you need to act like it." He starts "I also need more from you, money wise." 

"Okay, well how much do you need" I shrug. 

"It would be for this month only, about three thousand," My eyes widen.

"O-okay but why?" 

"Well the company I work for is under repairs this month and we won't be able to go back for a month with that being said no one will be paid." He looks down in shame. Mom comes over shocked. 

"Why didn't you say anything?" 

"Because I thought I could take care of things but I can't" he snaps. I was shocked, and I hate to say a bit happy. I had the money saved up. I have a lot of money saved up. I get out my wallet and write him a check. His eyes widen in shock. "Just like that?" He scuffs. 

"Yeah I have some saved up it's no big deal," I grab the bunny off the table. "And as for the whole act like I'm in this family, I'm pretty busy but if you want a certain day for a family dinner then I can work with that but I'm exhausted and just want some sleep," I admit before leaving. He follows.

"Just like that?" 

"Like what?" I call down. 

"Were you telling the truth?" I give him a puzzled look. "You really do make twenty-five an hour?" I nod. "Well, I'm sorry I didn't believe you," I was shocked not once had he apologized. "If you don't mind paying more though." 

"I do." I knew I was trending the boundaries. "But I can buy my own groceries to make up for it." He nods.

"Okay fair," He turns walking away "Thank you for the money," I look in awe Mom looking at me just as shocked.

"Night" I mutter she waves back at me. I go to my room still in shock. Did I finally get a win?

[minothtime]

hiiii what's up !! the decline on intellectualism and critical thinking in these last years has been nothing but a breeding ground for extreme right wing views to fester. this general disinterest about several issues also ends up being a perfect tool for governments and entities to do whatever they want uncontested. this has been happening for quite some time now, but nowadays literacy is at an all-time low and it will only get worse with time. the sharp rising of climate change (trees are NOT getting the CO2 they were expected!! this is bad!!), the many racial and cultural issues, the rampant discrimination… all of these are issues people pretend don't exist because it "doesn't affect them", and by the time they realize it will all be over. I can only cope by immersing myself in both my work, music, or fantasy worlds where things always end up resolved. My phone died yesterday, and now i don't have music or a way to read without lugging my computer around. I'm scared. I don't want to spiral any further. I cannot afford to spiral. Sorry for dumping this on you. Do you like music? May I recommend something? Zahara is a Spanish artist, and if you know Spanish, her songs are truly great. Cupcakke is, once you get past the sheer lewdness and shock factor, possibly the greatest lyricist and rapper in this generation. OkameP is an amazing metal artist who usually uses Vocaloid for his work. I really like the calm vibe of most of OOHYO's music, even if I don't understand Korean. Lina Morgana had great music, but my personal favorite is Far Away, a raw and real song that never got enough attention. Sorry. There are good things if you look for them. Today I saw a fat pigeon drinking water from a fountain, and then I noticed its busted leg. That didn't stop the fucker from scaring off any other pigeons, and in the end it just flew away. It was funny. My boyfriend was with me, and I liked our conversation. I love him very much, and even if I wish he'd try and actually solve some of his problems, I know he's doing his best. That's more than enough for me. I can be there for him when he needs me, just as he can be here for me when I need him. We have reservations in my favorite Chinese restaurant this weekend - a place with half its menu untranslated! We're very busy with our lives, but still. Maybe we'll play a little Paladins or Overwatch today, together. Maybe we'll lie down and listen to music. I don't know where I'm going with this. I don't know how to end this, and I don't want to spew some faux-optimistic bullshit either. I guess life goes on and all you can do is do the best you can. There's not much to it. Things suck, but sometimes they don't. Just be aware that they suck, don't turn a blind eye, but don't let yourself be consumed…? Now that's some self-help shit. Ugh. Whatever. Have fun and be yourself, because what else is there?

[the-shy-wolf]

I’ll be posting this to Twitter tomorrow, but since I’m more active here, I’ll go ahead and post. To everyone who has supported me up to this point, I appreciate everything, more than you will ever know. Despite my claims of being an ‘edgelord’, I think it’s no secret that that’s absolutely not the case. I’m an incredibly sensitive person. So sensitive, in fact, that I’m easily stressed when it comes to certain things. I’ve been having to take frequent breaks from the internet due to my extreme levels of anxiety. My anxiety has been so bad, I now have seizures due to my stress levels being so high. Don’t worry, I am working with a therapist and psychologist with this, and with therapy and appropriate medication, I can beat it.

With that being said, I’m sorry to say I’m stepping away from the Deltarune fandom. I’m sad and extremely conflicted about it, because it was Deltarune that helped me make so many friends and meet so many people. This is my first time having a place in fandom, I was briefly involved in the Adventure Time fandom, but that was years ago and it was a brief thing. I’ve never had this many eyes on me, and it’s overwhelming. My time and the emotional investment I’ve been putting into fandom/art has felt like a second job, and I’m not okay with that. I originally started posting art, because I was inspired. It’s also helped me cope with the loss of my brother. But it’s no longer a coping method, it feels more like a chore and it no longer brings me happiness. I’ve been harassed by anon hate/criticisms mercilessly, and it’s taken a toll on me. I’m 30 years old, and if I have not developed a thick skin now, it’s safe to say I never will. Which is another thing I want to bring up: I no longer want to draw ship art of Deltarune characters, and that includes Kris and Susie. I’m tired of the shipping discourse/hate, and to be honest, I don’t want to only be known for shipping characters from a game. I think it’s made people not take me seriously as an artist at all, and it’s no longer enjoyable. I started shipping the characters because they both reminded me of my partner and I, but now, it’s all anyone ever relates my work to, and that includes oc’s. It’s frustrating. I’m a short, brown headed enby. Bram is a big freckled long haired dude. My ocs look like us. Please stop mixing the two- it ain’t that deep.

I’m sorry if this came out of the blue, but after receiving my diagnosis yesterday, I need to cut back on my stress levels, and a lot of that stress stems from fandom. Will I draw DR in the future? Maybe. Especially once new content is dropped. Idk if it will be shipping, but it’ll be something. I will, of course, continue to support all of my art friends. You’ve been nothing but kind and supportive of me, and despite my absence, I care very, very much. So much, in fact, I isolate myself from everyone because I don’t feel worthy to associate or even share my art. I know that’s a shitty excuse, but it’s true. There is a voice in my head that keeps telling me I’m not worthy to even associate. If this disappoints my friends/supporters, I’m so very sorry. It’s how my brain has always worked.

I also want to apologize for leaving my other sm accounts. I was not trying to worry or cause panic. I don’t think too many people even noticed, which is good. It’s not the first time I’ve deactivated. My hands get busy and sometimes deactivating and stepping away is a good reset button for me. But I wanted to throw all of this out there. I’m sorry if this is disappointing or upsetting, but I want to be honest. About all of it.

Thank you for reading, again- I’m so sorry. I’ll probably reactivate and post this message to Twitter tomorrow.

[thefloatingstone]

After looking into the writers predicament and how it all led to the strike it made me realize that perhaps one of the reasons for the decline in quality media is becuase writers have been given less and less incentives to create good content, do you have any thoughts?

I don't think it would be exactly incentive. I would think in a certain amount of cases it would be down more to demotivation. Generally, writers for film and TV and such genuinely WANT to make a good story and, much like fanfic writers and fanartists, will do their best for very little thanks simply because it's what they DO. But not ever show or movie is going to be a passion project, in fact most of them won't. And if you're working for Disney especially, who owns 38% of all film (not counting TV and other media) so you most likely WILL end up wroking for Disney, you are going to have a TON of studio meddling on every level of writing.

As I mentioned in the other post, Mr Rick And Morty (sorry I don't know his name and I'm too lazy to check) wrote the story for the Dr Strange and the Multiverse of madness at LEAST twice when the movie's FIRST story and script was scrapped by a previous writer. The first script he wrote was heavily rewritten and changed and reworked by the studio. and then the studio just THREW OUT that script and he had write a brand NEW script 2 weeks before shooting started using all the props, sets, outfits and CG segments they had already made. And the thing is this is now STANDARD PRACTICE in working on a big budget Disney film.

Part of the reason the Barbie movie is written as well as it is, is because Mattel were almost completely hands off with the film's writing. (the only changes I heard about was them censoring one Barbie saying the word "Motherfucker" which they censored in the film by putting a Mattel sticker over her mouth) and various other things like the removal of a narration in one scene and one or two jokes were cut. You know! NORMAL screenwriting practices!

But Disney is so paranoid and controlling with literally everything they put out it is a death sentence for any kind of creativity. Even ignoring the fact that they hire brand new writers who they can control and push around easier, I imagine even if you were NOT a new writer just happy for a big break, it must be extremely demotivating to try and write a good story when you know Disney is just gonna shred it to ribbons.

This is absolutely not the ONLY reason of course. Velma's writing is so godawful because people who had only worked in live action cable comedy thought they could do the exact same thing for an animated show and it would work without knowing anything about the medium they were working in because they were arrogant, lacked restraint, and had gotten where they were thanks to being friends with the right people. HGS is so badly written because Raye Rodriquez had shopped around his story idea to EVERYONE and got rejected by all of them until Crunchyroll needed fodder to justify opening up its own studio to create "originals". Many times modern cartoons are badly written because the actual people writing the show are animators who haven't had any formal training or education in creative writing.

There are a thousand and one reasons for WHY something ends up badly written. But as for why we have gotten SO MUCH that is badly written recently I would chalk up to studio execs and the business side of Hollywood choking the creativity out of the writing process in an attempt to maximize profits in the short term.

That's an EXTREME simplification but that would be my opinion. Hell the only reason AI writing is even a conversation regarding film and TV is because it's the kind of thing these studio execs are SALIVATING over the thought of. A writer they have 100% control over that they don't have to pay and don't have to deal with all that "creative vision" or "artistic expression" bullshit which they don't like because it represents risk to sure fire income.

because most Studio Execs are businessmen who have no concept of creativity whatsoever, have no idea what being creative even means, and yet they think because they know how to make money in a corporate sense, they know how to monetise creativity to maximum efficiency.

It's like a fisherman getting rid of all the fish in the sea because they're getting in the way of him monetising the ocean.

Anyway this ask is a mess because this is a complex issue I am trying to express a simplified opinion on. But I hope you get what I mean.

[cyn-write]

A Double Date with Tweels~

Synopsis- Jade and Floyd decided the to take their partners on a double date! Which is great except they have never meet the other before and are extremely nerves about who the other is. It takes a certain kind of person to date a Leech, they should know! Their dating one!

Note - This is a tribute and fun crossover featuring @angrylilcyclops oc Milo! Go check out their stuff! They are amazing artist with cool Ocs! This is also a thank you for the beautiful piece I commissioned of Reyna and Jade, so I hope you all enjoy it! Info on the Ocs is here: Reyna and Mailo

Reyna was running late. She was still in the lab when Jade texted to say he was picking her in 15 minutes, and she was covered in pollen and animal gunk (don't ask). So in record time, she showered, found a decent dress, and her good lab coat. She was throwing her hair in a bun when the doorbell rang. She then realized a second too late that she forgot her glasses when she ran into the door frame. Now, not only was she late for a date, but a nice bruise was developing on her forehead. This is not what she wanted to look like for the double date.

She made it down the stairs in a rush before opening the door to the ever-smiling Leech, Jade. "Sorry, I got caught up in an experiment, and frogs' breath is really hard to get off of Prothetics." Reyna apologizes as she struggles to get her lab coat on.

Jade, being a gentleman, took the coat and helped her ease it on over her left arm prosthetic and smoothed it out from being. "I guess it's good I reminded you then." Jade Chuckled."You seem frazzled portabella?"

"I mean, I am a little frazzled. I'm just nervous. I have never been on a double date before, and add the fact that I haven't met Floyd Boyfriend, plus my lacking people skills." Reyna fixed her patched dress and smoothed her lab coat. "I-I just want to make a good impression, I guess." She turned to Jade and straightened her glasses."How do I look?"

Jade melted his business smile into a more genuine one, one that he saved for her and when they were in the mountain ls forging for mushrooms. He tucked away a stray strand of hair, "You look lovely, pearl." He held out his arm, "shall we?"

Reyna nodded and took her arm. "Where are we going to eat anyway?"

"A place in Town, We received permission to take you two to this lovely place by the docks." Jade explained.

"That sounds nice... Floyd didn't want to risk us cooking again?" Reyna asked knowingly.

"Precicly." ----------------------------------------------------------

Floyd was the last-minute king, which Mailo enjoyed most of the time, but not today.

"What do you mean we are meeting Jade and his girlfriend in 10 MINUTES!" Mailo rushed around Floyd's bedroom, getting ready for this surprise date. He managed to get his nicer clothes out of Floyd's closet before rushing to the bathroom. "I had no clue Jade was dating. What is she even like? How long have they been dating? What if she doesn't like me? Who even is she!?" Floyd was putting on his newest pair of sneakers and shrugged.

"Tetra-chan? She's a cute little fishy~" He stopped for a moment and thought back to the other day, "Just don't eat anything she offers ya. She is kinda like Jade in that way."

"How much like Jade is she?" Mailo called from the bathroom.

"Um... How do I put this?" Floyd stood up and leaned against the bathroom doorway. "She is a few stitches short of mad, but she's good with Jade. They both go off into the mountain and try to poison us with the stuff they bring back, they have a weird obsession with mushrooms, and I think she has tried to raise the dead a few times. But she's nice."

Mailo looked up at his eel and asked, "We're going out to eat, right?"

"Yeah, no way in the seven seas am I letting them cook." Floyd smiled and wrapped his arms around his little shrimpy. "Ready?"

"I guess so... do you think she'll like me?" Mailo asked. He was never usually this nerverous about what people thought, but this was his boyfriend's twins partner.

"Probably, who wouldn't like my shrimpy~" With a big kiss, Floyd left the bathroom to head out, leaving Mailo to wonder, what kind of person is Jade's girlfriend?

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

Reyna and Jade made it to the restaurant first. Reyna was still fidgeting with her dress and glasses as she anxiously waited for Floyd and his date to arrive. They got their drinks and some complementary bread. Jade found his portabella's nervse to be entertaining.

"Is there anything I should know about Floyd's partner? Like his name or allergies? What if they are turned away by my scars or my prosthetic or what if I accidentally detach my hand and freak them out?" Reyna detached her hand as she said that.

"Well, you could ask him yourself," Jade nodded to the door as Floyd and a pale boy with green and purple hair came in.

Reyna jumped and fumbled to put her hand back onto her arm.

Floyd waved to his brother and Reyna as they came over. "Tetra-Chan! Jade-chan! We made it!"

Reyna and Jade stood up from their side of the booth, causing her to fumble. "Floyd, Mailo, I'm glad you made it."

Reyna stood close to Jade and fixed her dress. Jade took her hand and gestured to Mailo. "Reyna, this is Mailo Naiad, Floyd's boyfriend. Mailo, this is my girlfriend, Reyna Bouc."

Reyna was half grateful that Jade took care of the introductions as she outstretched her arm to Mailo. "It is nice to finally meet you, Mailo." She did with a forced smile, trying to hide the nerves. But she failed to realize that Jade was still holding her prosthetic hand that had detached yet again.

Milo stared at her handless arm but reached to shake it anyway. "Nice to meet you too, Reyna... Floyd told me a lot about you."

"No, I didn't. I never mentioned her until I told you about the date 20 minutes ago." Floyd said blankly as he looked at Reyna's detached hand with a wicked grin. He reached to take it from Jade, but being the good boyfriend, he moved it quickly from his twins' resch.

"It's fine, I- Oh Sevens! I am so sorry, I swear this isn't a common thing I-" she finally realized her hand was missing and took it back from Jade as she tried to quickly reattach it, but it wasn't working "come on you stupid peice of-"

"Allow me, Portabella." Jade calmly took the hand and attached it with ease.

Floyd was laughing out loud at the whole transaction. "Yeah! Let's eat!"

Reyna felt completely embarrassed and bit her lip. Jade patted her head and her gestured for her to go in first. She did and found herself across from Mailo.

After an awkward silence, Mailo spoke up. "So, how did you and Jade meet?" He asked.

Reyna got out of her head and nodded, "During Club hour! I just transferred to NRC, and I saw there was a Mountian Lovers Club. I really like forging and thought it would be nice not to go alone." Jade smiled as he recalled the day as well, "To my surprise, Jade was the only one in the room. I was really nervous since I am not the best with people, but after we started talking about mushrooms and things turned around! it wasn't long after we started dating."

"Two weeks afterward, to be precise." Jade added and held her hand under the table.

Reyna felt comforted by the action and started to relax a bit. "What about you and Floyd? How did you two meet?"

Mailo smiled and said, "We met when he dragged my friends away because the idiots made a deal with Azul."

"I heard about that! Ruggie is in my class, and he told me last semester he had to help out this magicless kid with an overbolt beacuse they treated his bosses sleep schedule, which is truly genius considering who his boss is." Reyna noted.

"That was me!" Mailo exclaimed, "I threatened to never let him sleep again!"

"So you're the one that has been dealing with the overblots? Next time to do that, would you mind getting me a blood and blot sample from the victim?" She took out a syringe and vial from her jacket pocket. "I have been wanting to reaserch the properties of blot, but I keep missing the events!"

Mailo rubbed the back of his neck and said, "I would like to, but I really don't want to be in one of those situations again. But if I think it may happen again, I'll let you know."

"Why do you have a syringe in your pocket?" Floyd asked.

"Never know when you need to get a sample! Jade was nice enough to give me a sample of mer-eel blood, scale, and hair to research, but I usually have to sneak the samples off of others..." Reyna commented and put the vials back in her pocket as the waiter came over.

After appetizers and small chit-chat, Reyna and Mailo had an easy back and forth.

"So in your world, you can use magic and turn into a siren, but here you cannot? That is fascinating!" Reyna exclaimed. "There must be a blockage or a dam of sort due to the mirror... you know, with the right elixir, we could probably unclog the blockage -"

"No. Experimenting on my boyfriend. Ya hear!?" Floyd said in his scary voice, but it just caused Reyna to pout.

"But -"

"NO."

Jade Chuckled, and Mailo laughed as well. "I appreciate the offer. And I may take you up on it later, but I would hate to bother you right now."

Reyna smiled. "It's not a bother! I have always been fascinated by the relationship between magic and biology, so this would be a fun diversion from my other projects!"

Mailo kept the conversation going, "What are your other projects? Floyd mentioned you tried to bring stuff back from the dead, but -"

"Tried? I succeeded." She said blankly, "it is only on small animals, but I think I am close to bringing back a deer... well, if I can get the right ratio of frogs breathe and Deadmans shrooms."

Jade and Floyd smiled at their partners, talking happily and shared a few looks that only the other could decode.

This caused Mailo to pause, eating his trout, and gave Reyna a weird look. "Wait, that wasn't a joke?"

"Why would I joke about bringing animals back to life?" Reyna said and started reaching for ger wallet, "If you don't believe me, I have some pictures I can show you, there not dinner friendly but i think their cute. Well, that's what my sisters say. Anyways-"

"Nope, I believe you." Mailo said, putting a hand up to stop her from showing him the pictures, "It's just hard to believe at first... have you brought people back to life?"

"Oh, never. I swore to only revive being of lower intelligence." She said seriously. "The main reason for that project is to prove that there is the capability to come back with limited consequences to intelligence and magic ability. Now, I am working on limb replacements and revitalization."

"Are you trying to find a new arm?" Floyd asked and Mailo gave him a look of 'We don't say that!?!'

Reyna adjusted her glasses and shrugged. "I cannot say that isn't a motivator in my actions. But I really am curious if we can revitalize perfectly good organs from the dead before they decay completely to aid the living."

"Huh...." Mailo didn't really know what to say to that. "So you are kinda like a doctor?"

"I have all the knowledge and practice, just not the legal credentials." She said nonchalantly, "I'll get those once I graduate."

"We can get ya a job without one," Floyd said as he stole a bite of Mailo's food.

Jade nodded at his brother's comment and added, "Our father is always looking for uncertified doctors or certified ones. It's up to you, my dear."

Reyna shrugged and said, "That's sweet, but I think I'm going to get it. Then Doc won't just be a nickname, and I can get access to fancy lab equipment without having sis build it."

Mailo looked at the three confused, and Reyna patted his hand, "You'll find out soon enough. The only reason I know is because Floyd told me under the influence of mushrooms when I had to do 'unplanned procedures'.'" She air quoted and winked, hoping Mailo would get the message.

Mailo nodded as the twins gave their partners matching wicked smiles and chuckles.

Dinner came to an end, and as Reyna and Mailo went ahead to catch the cab, Jade and Floyd hung back.

"We picked good ones, didn't we?" Floyd nudged his brother in the arm as they paid.

Jade looked at the partners they managed to capture somehow and gave a more genuine smile, "We did, didn't we." He chuckled. "Mother and Father would be proud. We managed to get partners both organically and legally."

"Yeah, who knew." Floyd laughed, "They are weirdos, huh~"

"They have to be with us~"

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Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed, liked, and reblog!

[walkman-cat]

CECIL RAMBLE!!

This is Cecil Meyers! He's Kit's sworn brother, one half of the Nonesuch Detective Agency, and one of the protagonists of Eidolon Vetch.

Here's some (actually Much, because I am incapable of Not Yapping) Cecil Lore (in bullet point form)(also under a cut because it is Sizeable I am so sorry):

In comparison to Kit and Orpheus he seems normal. Kit and Orph consider him to be normal. He is not normal. Kit and Orph are just much more extreme in their weirdness

Cecil's very curious and very nosy and loves eavesdropping, people-watching, and gossiping

He's got a great memory for other people's business, and collects secrets. The Nonesuch Detective Agency has a system where, if a client is unable to pay, they can either owe Orpheus a favour or give Cecil a secret (though Cecil does prefer being paid).

Cecil's habit of poking his nose into other peoples' business means that he's stumbled across a fair number of crime scenes and become witness to quite a few crimes (he likes looking into the windows of buildings)

He actually met Orpheus because he saw Orph sat on a fire escape in the rain and approachd him to find out what was Up with him.

He's the darling of a certain group of washerwomen/embroideresses who live in the city's Old Quarter. Instead of doing his job (ie. selling newspapers or shining shoes or any of the many jobs he took up while living on the streets with Kit) he used to come watch them work and listen to them talk. They continue to have regular gossip sessions to this day, and Cecil's considered family.

Most of his clothes are hand-me-downs or gifts from their families.

Because of this, pretty much everything he wears doesn't quite fit him right

Kit and Cecil grew up together. As children they lived in the same tenement (Cecil's parents and Kit's mother were close and shared in the responsibilities), and after the deaths of their parents they stuck together. They may not be siblings by blood but they are siblings!! Do not separate!!

Kit was always a better newsboy and a better pickpocket than Cecil (Cecil's poor vision made it hard for him to read the headlines, he's more awkward than her, and he'd often get distracted while eavesdropping). Kit often had to steal to make enough for the both of them. Cecil was the distraction.

When Cecil met Orpheus, he was basically working as an errand boy and a mudlark.

He's always preferred scrambling up buildings and across rooftops to walking down the street. If he has an idea he wants to tell Orph about he will just climb onto the roof make his way over to Orph's building and climb in through his window (this has jumpscared Orph multiple times)

Kit's afraid of fire, and Cecil's afraid of the cold, so whenever they were staying somewhere with a lit fire Cecil would mind the fire while Kit slept

Cecil's got insomnia. He spends a lot of his nights wandering the city or going over cases. Orph sometimes helps him sleep (god of dreams things)

Cecil knows nearly all of Kit's secrets, and is also well aware that she's Hermes Vetch.

He just pretends he Does Not See It. Nor does he help Orph during heists. It's a conflict of interest he does Not want to deal with

He's always wanted to be an artist (Kit's mother used to give him art lessons before her death) and he used to doodle on scraps of newspaper. Orph usually asks him to draw details of corpses now, which he's more than a little chagrined by, but he also has the funds to buy an actual sketchbook and watercolours (so he's happy enough).

He's drawn Orph. A Lot. (it gives him opportunity to stare)

His hands are covered in graphite and charcoal a good portion of the time. So are the pockets of his trousers. Because he keeps his pencils/charcoal in the pockets of his trousers

Speaking of Orph! Cecil's been pining after him pretty much since they met. Kit's had to deal with him for nearly six years by the start of Kit's part of the story and she is Sick of his Shit

He's literally all the 'kinda gay to be a detective' memes its so silly

Regardless of his romantic feelings, he's still perfectly happy with them being unrequited as long as he can still be close to Orph. Their friendship matters above all.

That being said, his feelings aren't necessarily unrequited.

He's also friends with Ophelia (somewhat)(she doesn't really Do interpersonal relationships for haunted-by-a-friendship-that-ended-abruptly-a-decade-ago reasons, but it counts)(sometimes they sit in the same room in silence)(it's pleasant).

he's my beloved and I love him

i've probably forgotten things but yeah! that's my boy my bestfriend my silly guy

[lycan-subscribe]

hi! I saw your post about Springfield and while I appreciate where you heart is, I would really appreciate if you did not say things like we have crumbling infranstrucre and no public transportation (we still have public bussing) and no education (many Springfield kids go on to very good colleges bc of the education they got here or even go to our city's university or community college). We have had students recently get admitted to Ivy League schools. We have so many programs for students to earn college credit while in high school.

Springfield isn't the best city around but there's been a lot of good things happening, and a lot of the city is a lot better off than it was when I was kid. Most of all, a lot of us are not taking kindly to other people speaking on our behalf. We're tired of people not from Springfield talking about us. Your heart was in the right place, and I appreciate what you did. But please do not make it sound like we're living in some destitute city. All my life I have heard from people outside of Springfield asking me if I'm scared to live here, etc. bc of the stereotypes that every inch of us is crumbling buildings and drug addicts and gang violence.

We have: beautiful murals by local artists, teachers who care about all their students, a really good public library system, thriving local businesses. There's a lot of things not going well in Springfield, but please don't speak for us.

i appreciate you starting a respectful discussion about this, i really do. looking back on what i wrote, i do think i came off as dismissive of the city as a whole in a way i didn’t intend.

i’ve been ruminating on what i said last night and i do think i could’ve and should’ve worded some things better and made my intentions a little more clear - i don’t want to speak for the city, as my experience with it is colored by the fact that i don’t live there. i meant only to speak for my experience with it in an extremely condensed manner but in doing so i think i left out some crucial context.

you’re right, it is better in a lot of ways than it used to be! i’ve noticed more art, more local businesses (especially the restaurants!!) and snyder park in particular is absolutely beautiful - my aunt and uncle are actually master gardeners that help take care of the gardens there. so i know there is beauty, both in the physical landscape and in the people living in it, in springfield that is absolutely worth talking about and celebrating and i really should’ve brought more attention to that.

i also wanna make something else clear: i don’t think springfield is uniquely affected by propaganda and racist/right wing rhetoric. my city (which is a hop skip and a jump away) has been affected by it too, and long before the haitian immigrants began to settle in springfield. this whole /country/ is seeped in it, especially right now, especially in places like the ohio/the midwest (hello rust belt).

i think i was just angry. angry that somewhere so close to my hometown was making national news in the worst possible way, angry that i had to speak out to my coworkers who were making jokes about it, angry that the problems springfield DOES have are going ignored because of targeted misinformation and corrupt politicians. i’m sorry i misrepresented the city as a whole, i really am - but i do want it to be known that my intent wasn’t to trash springfield or make it sound like there’s nothing there worth making note of. there is! it is a diverse city and there are so many people working to make it a better place. that’s worth celebrating. i just want people to understand that the blatant racism and bigotry being touted by some of the people who live there didn’t spring up overnight, and i wanted to emphasize the thing that make people more susceptible to propaganda: a sense of disenfranchisement.

i still don’t know if i’m getting my point across entirely effectively but i want you to know: i’m sorry, truly, for letting my anger and frustration turn into boiling down a very complex and multi-faceted issue down to a few paragraphs of text. springfield is worth fighting for, for the refugees and the city natives both.

[rainbowsky]

Today WYB flew back to Beijing. I really wanted him to spend more days in Shanghai. They get very little time to spend together. I was little upset thinking of this.

Do you think XZ and WYB meet secretly when they are in different cities?

This kind of rumor frustrates me, Anon.

Fake, fan fiction, CPN.

No, I do not think they 'secretly meet up' when they are in different cities. At least not in the way that is often popularized among fans. This kind of rumor can be dangerous and shouldn't be spread around irresponsibly.

There is a certain extremely popular account on Twitter that has repeatedly been proved to have been lying about supposedly having Insider information, yet people still breathlessly follow it because it's telling them what they want to hear, and people would rather believe something sweet than believe they're being lied to.

This account frequently claims that GGDD surreptitiously meet when they are in different cities. That is an irresponsible rumor to be spreading, because for those rumors to be true at the times being claimed, it would mean that GG and DD are breaking covid protocols. Artists found to be breaking protocols can be punished harshly, including being canceled.

I urge people to please use their heads and realize when something is BS. Anyone claiming to have insider information about GG and DD is spreading lies. Full stop.

You should also really think long and hard about the intentions and motives of somebody who would claim to have insider information and would spread rumors that threaten GG and DD.

Don't let some unscrupulous person use your love for and interest in GG and DD for their own personal gain.

I'd be surprised if DD flew back to Beijing, because there are lockdowns all over the city right now. He has had a tendency in the past to avoid cities that are having covid issus because it can interfere with schedules. There are also some restrictions on entering Beijing. I can't claim to have any idea where he is right now, but the Beijing rumor has me scratching my head.

I don't think there is any point in being upset about GG and DD not having a lot of time together. For one thing we do not know how much time they spend together. That's as it should be, it's none of our business.

Also, in this day and age, distance is in many ways a theoretical concept. They have online gaming, voice and video chat, texting and instant messaging, etc. etc. to mitigate the distance. Plus they get to see each other's faces plastered everywhere they go like everyone else in China. 😅

Let's face it, they are rich superstars. A long distance relationship is not the same for them as it would be for any one of us.

I wouldn't spend too much time feeling sorry for either of them. Not only do they have a lot going for them, they have each other. You and I could only hope to be so lucky. 😅

[c-c-cherry]

HELLO you may recognise me as the artist that drew that one whole scene from chapter 7!! thought i'd drop in to say:

FIRST OF ALL midterms are the pain ever, i wish you all the best!! stay hydrated <3

SECOND OF ALL thank you for taking the time to leave such a long and heartfelt reply on my post asjcjkdj it made me really really happy and giddy for the rest of the day i'm so glad i managed to portray the characters and envision the scenes the way you intended us to! your writing is absolutely gorgeous and i hope you're doubting its quality less, because it is top tier.

speaking of your writing i was tempted to talk about why i really loved the fic in the post itself but felt like it was really long already 😭

so here i am, this may be long, i apologise in advance for my rambling, in this essay-

REIGEN'S SPIRALLING DOWN THE NEGATIVE SELF TALK WAS SO HEART BREAKING BUT SO RAW, IN A WAY, LIKE IT HURTS THAT HE REALLY THINKS NO ONE NEEDS HIM AROUND AND EVERYONE WOULD BE FINE/BETTER OFF W/O HIM. BUT SO SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN POSITIVELY IMPACTED BY HIM AND SO MANY PEOPLE LOVE HIM AND WANT HIM AND NEED HIM

I LOVE HOW REIGEN WAS FORCED TO FACE THAT TRUTH THROUGH DIMPLE'S MEMORIES, I LOVE HOW DIMPLE CARES AND IS CONCERNED FOR REIGEN WHILE BEING BRUTAL AND A LITTLE SHIT

i love how everyone turns to teru because he's reliable and he's smart but he's just a 14 year old who's had to be his own adult for way too long and he's just trying to figure things out, too. I LOVE HATE THE WAY HE TRIES TO FILL REIGEN'S SHOES, I LOVE THEIR FATHER-SON DYNAMIC

getting me started on ritsu would be a mistake as i may write a 13k word essay if left unattended BUT in short, I LOVE THE WAY YOU DEPICTED HIS TRAUMA, HIS EXTREMELY HUMAN, EMOTIONAL REACTION TO MOB POTENTIALLY LOSING CONTROL, THE WAY HE ISN'T OVER IT, BECAUSE REALLY THATS SO UNDERSTANDABLE, THE WAY HE'S JUST A SMALL, SCARED 13 YEAR OLD JUST OUGHHH

MOB AND HIS CONCERN FOR REIGEN, HIM STEPPING UP EVEN THOUGH HE KNEW HIS SHISHOU COULD BE DEAD INSIDE THE OFFICE, HIS BRAVERY AND HIS COMPASSION. AND THE ONE MEMORY? WHERE HES ASKING REIGEN NOT TO LEAVE SO SOON, NOT WITHOUT SAYING SOMETHING I CRIED. I CRIED OK I LOVE THEM SO MUCH

SERIZAWA DESPITE BEING ARGUABLY THE MOST ANXIOUS ABOUT THE WHOLE SITUATION, STEPPING UP!! TAKING CHARGE AND BEING MATURE AND DOING HIS BEST, FOR THE KIDS AND FOR HIMSELF AND ESPECIALLY FOR REIGEN

and shou oh my god i love that he tags along, that he's included but feels like an outcast in their group, the way he's there because he cares but he thinks he doesn't really have the right since he's not as close to reigen. HES SO ALONE BUT HE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO INTEGRATE INTO THEIR CIRCLE, SO HE KIND OF HANGS AROUND THE EDGE AND GOOD LORD I WISH THEY'D JUST PULL HIM IN

in conclusion i want to hug them all. i haven't felt this many emotions in so long cherry you did amazing and trust me you're going to keep doing amazing, because you are you

if you read all the way here thank you for bearing w me 😭😭 i hope you're doing well, you said you recovered from a mystery sickness recently? take care ok, we support you!! <3

-bloo

Hello Bloo!! I’m so sorry it took me this long to finally reply. Life is life, and now I’m here! But just know that I’ve been rereading this ask consistently because it makes me so happy that my work can…make people think THOUGHTS? In-depth thoughts that they want to share with me?? It still barely feels real to me that people are liking my silly self-indulgent fic where I make the business man suffer. So thank you! I’m so happy you’re enjoying it, and thank you again for that deliciously-crafted fan comic! :)

I'm sparing your poor souls from a Cherry ramble under the cut. But for those who wanna peek inside my silly head:

As for what you’re saying about the fic itself…yeah HAHA. You’ve got it down. As someone who’s completely desensitized to their own ideas and the execution of said ideas, I don’t know how obvious all my little underlying themes and ulterior plot lines have been, but your interpretation of it all is pretty spot on. I’m a sucker for forcing characters to face their own truth via IMPOSSIBLE circumstances and then dragging every other character into a whirlpool of chaos and conflict and confrontation in turn. It makes it all the more fun >:)

I’ve been trying to write the characters carefully so their dynamics blend or clash or do anything else that I please, and that means letting them roam free and interact with each other while keeping their special character quirks. I love writing Mob constantly on the verge of guilty instability, Seri having to step his ass up despite his confidence not yet being 100%, Shou and his mysterious ways that are SO worth exploring because he's such a complex character despite not appearing a lot in canon, Ritsu’s impulsive, fear-driven, 13-year-old antics (and that dreaded stop sign), and of course, Reigen and all his pathetic self-loathing. In fact, ALL of them have been incredibly fun to write because ONE has amazing, fleshed-out characters that interact so well together. BUT I’ve been surprised with how much I’ve loved writing Dimple and Teru especially. Dimple’s not hard to write at all for me, but his interactions with the other characters in writing are ADDICTING, and I didn't expect that. I will say this forever, but I want Dimple in more fics because of the POTENTIAL. LET THE FART CLOUD HAVE THE SPOTLIGHT!! As for Teru—you can ask anyone who was around for the first few draft chapters of AH—I was very hesitant to write him at all. I personally think his character is very hard to nail, and I’m honestly surprised at how much the audience has taken to his role and his little moments within the fic—that encouragement and influence definitely made him appear more than I originally anticipated :)

I could ramble for hours about every character and all their inner complexities that I'd love to explore in this work and others. But I will stop myself here hahaha.

Thank you for this sweet little breakdown of what you’re enjoying in AH so far. It makes me feel very happy :) And thank you all for all the support! It really means a lot.

As for my mysterious sickness from a few weeks ago, it has vanished! Student life is crawling with unknown bacteria. It's like you're in daycare all over again, or perhaps a medieval plague ward. Now all I have to do is battle the turbulent trials of finals :’)

[layaart]

hey Laya, sorry to bother you, I know we're kinda new mutuals, but I love all of your book art and had a quick logistics question if you have a minute. I've been looking at selling prints of my book art, but I've heard mixed info on the etiquette/ legality of selling art inspired by books. Can I ask what your system is? Do you usually get permission from the author? thanks for your time either way! stay excellent out there 💛

Hi! yeah no worries! I'll put this under a cut since I have a few random thoughts haha

All fanart has the kind of grey area of technically not being legal to sell but also it's extremely normalised (esp at conventions), and unless you're selling something from a big property that's making significant profit, the most you're going to get is a request to take it down. I've never had that other than like old korrasami art removed from redbubble by the system haha. Most creative professionals (authors in this case) understand that, I think.

For indie/selfpub authors - I probably wouldn't do so without permission, for obvious reasons, though I think many would be happy to let you.

For traditionally published authors - you can ask but won't necessarily get a reply, or it might be something like this (they're not allowed to officially give permission but they love it). Most of the books I'm selling multiple things of I've got permission from the author (or I did one thing, and they shared it + share other people's merch so I assume that's fine). I know some authors do have rules against selling it (Holly Black has a merch store & licensing system for artists or something), but even then I'm pretty sure you can find people selling stuff on etsy for their books.

There's some things I haven't got explicit permission to sell, but like - tbqh most things I'm selling at very low quantities. When I stock prints of a new thing for the first time I usually get 5. (I realise you might be looking at print-on-demand where you don't have to worry about that - but still, assume you won't be selling hundreds for most things haha.)

I have a vague personal rule of if I'm making something specifically to sell as merch to profit off of (sticker designs, bookmarks) It's usually only books by white authors (as I am white), whereas I do art of books by authors of colour purely to promote and show how much I love it, and decide to sell prints after the fact if there's demand - I also donate a bit of my earnings to Black or Indigenous or trans (etc) charities when I sell a bunch from an author with that identity, sort of thing.

The thing is, every now and then I get a glimpse into the other side of the internet where people have entire bookish businesses selling copious amounts of merch of sjm books or whichever extremely popular vaguely problematic book is popular without guilt and I'm like.... if that's the only bookish art and merch around........I think it's good to even out what's available yknow. I mean I do make more art of more popular things to lure people in to my more niche interests haha, but still.

tldr: in my experience most people are cool with it, you're probably fine, just use common sense and you can always adjust as time goes on if you want!

[whatiwillsay]

i’ve been a taylor fan since 2013 ish,

i know she’s a grudge holder but if she was willing to make up with kanye for a brief period she’s not gonna be wishing ill upon a 20 year old, or purposely managing her business tactics like having paramore or sabrina open for her.

hayleys been around taylor forever, and sabrina may have about as many followers as liv but sabrina isn’t about to start selling out arenas just yet.

and maybe, she did ask olivia, and she said no. she was clearly working on guts, besides we have no way of knowing. and i feel like taylor the queen of being slut shamed probably resonated with sabrina for that.

it also would be extremely dumb of taylor to have stepped back from attempting to claim the music that she did of olivia’s considering her whole schtick as of recently is artists owning their work. if she didn’t when the comparisons were made it would read as though it’s okay for artists to “steal” (i use that loosely because i think olivia didn’t intentionally steal anything, just sampled without listing that credit) when it’s someone taylor likes.

i just feel like they’re all smaller artists than olivia, even haim. like gracie opened for olivia, olivia didn’t need a taylor boost

dkm, i’m just saying it’s tiring seeing people talk about a 33 year old beefing with a 20 year old.

i’ll eat ass if i’m wrong and she says fuck taylor or something in that article but wholeheartedly think it’s not as deep and people make it out to be.

honey taylor and olivia had a huge private fight and taylor bullied her into giving her writing credits on deja vous and i know for a FACT, that for olivia, it was a huge fucking deal. in photoshoots everyone would be advised- no taylor music on the photoshoot playlist or olivia will have a meltdown. it DEVASTATED her. i've gotten loads of info on this and done all sorts of research into this. now it may not be that deep to taylor anymore, but it was enough for taylor to write a song about how she felt threatened by olivia and yes i do think it's part of why sab got asked to open for eras. taylor absolutely DID NOT ask olivia to open for eras, where are you even getting this?

olivia DID NOT SAMPLE deja vous. she mentioned that the way taylor screamed in the song helped inspire the bridge. it gave taylor a TINY in where she was able to threaten to sue for royalties and olivia's team gave up fast because they didn't want a legal battle with taylor. god i'm sorry but if you're gonna hang around these parts and send in long asks i am gonna need you to get with the evidence-based gossip vibe. you are ill informed on this situation and don't need to be rattling off fanfic about how there is no beef when we all know there is one and i have published all the evidence in succint tiktoks and pod episodes.