#this blurb feels so short compared to what i usually write

[time-to-write-and-suffer]

saw your post about the IF market being more saturated now compared to when t/w/c blew up! as someone who was pretty disappointed by book 2 and 3 but wants to get more into IF, do you have any recommendations?

IFs are difficult to recommend because they're like books, ya know? What are you looking for, what are you into, etc.

However, I am armed with links this time around so hopefully this will help.

First of all I think you can just take a look at the Choice of Games website, as they have demos of all their own games and their Hosted Games. The demos are usually like 2-3 chapters, so you get a decent feel for the stories.

Second, you can also check out the itch.io platform and look for interactive fiction on there. These IFs are usually based on Twine and not ChoiceScript, so they will look very different. They're also usually "true" indie, in that they're not published or hosted by anybody but the writer putting it on itch.io. These have demos usually, and are often WIPs, so I don't play many of these until they're finished, which can take years. But! They're often passion projects, so I'd say the better ones are generally on par with or better than most CoG games and much better than Hosted Games (in my subjective experience!!!).

Finally, you can check Dashingdon, which is a private site for hosting various ChoiceScript based demos. It's difficult to navigate and isn't really meant for browsing, more used as a way for authors to show demos and WIPs, but it does have some filters and most demos include blurbs as well. Biggest thing is probably finding out the status of a game, as there's no linking back to the author unless they include it in the demo.

From there, it's usually just about reading the blurb, trying out a demo and see if you like the writing style or not. That's generally how I find new things to read.

As for my personal recommended list, it's pretty short, because most IFs I've read aren't bad per se, but they're a bit forgettable, so even if someone else might enjoy them, I just can't remember anything about them lol. I've put a few of the ones I've liked in the past below the cut.

Finished

Heart of the House: Gothic horror romance with emphasis on the gothic horror. I don't think I managed to survive this even once? But it's good and I love Dev. Tally Ho: Silly goofy story where you play as a butler and have to juggle people being absolute idiots around you. Very funny and lighthearted but has a surprising amount of variation. Rory is bae I love kissing his dumb ass. Jolly Good: Cakes and Ale: Standalone sequel to Tally Ho, but now you're the thembo noble bumbling your way into success. I haven't actually finished it because it's a OVER MILLION WORDS, but I know it'll be a blast, and I even bought the DLCs for it. YEAH. INTERACTIVE FICTION DLC. Choice of Rebels: Uprising: I only played this once ages ago and it's the first in a series that never got a continuation? So it ends without a real conclusion and that sucks, but I remember thinking it was good and heavy in a way that felt refreshing for the time. An older CoG game, with actual simulation of leading a rebellion, so it's a bit more technical than the others. The Passenger: Finished as in it's complete, not that I finished it myself. I played this first when it was only a demo, and I remember enjoying it. You play as an eldritch horror. That is all. It was gross and spoopy and fun back when I played it, but I haven't gone back to see if it's as good as I remember it being.

WIPs

Guenevere: The IF that got me into IFs. It's SO good. It'd be considered limited by today's standards as you can only play as a woman who is a somewhat established character in folklore and romance only 3 (4?) people. But it's really well-written and dramatic and feels like an approproately epic tale. And you get to cuck the shit out of Arthur<3 Mind Blind: A friend recommended it to me and I enjoyed it! Don't know much else about it, though. It can be a bit heavy in spots, which I recall I found that it clashed a bit with the joking writing style, and you play as a deeply underpowered individual in a world of essentially superheroes, which can be a turnoff. I remember it having a great selection of ROs though. Speaker: Urban fantasy road trip type beat. I remember enjoying the writing style and the characters, plus the plot felt fresh and actually had a presense in the story, which isn't a guarantee in IFs. You play as one of two siblings who together can foretell the future (your sister sees visions, you're the only one who can interpret them) and you try to stop something horrible from happening. Pretty much all ROs are kissable winners. A Tale of Crowns: Middle Eastern high fantasy where you play as the new ruler of a kingdom. It's quite popular in the IF world and pretty good! I haven't played it in years because as I mentioned, I don't like playing and replaying WIPs every time a new update drops, but if you haven't played it before, it's good to go take a look. Very deep lore and it's clear the author has a Vision and isn't just faffing about smacking their Barbies together, which I always appreciate in an IF. One of the few times the PC feels like an actual character in the world. Also all ROs are hot as fuck so 10/10 GOTY.

[gregorygerwitz]

The “Satisfied” AU feat. Platt Siblings, Burgstead, and unrequited Moustead

“A welcome home party? That’s fancy.” “Do you want to come or not, Halstead? There will be drinks, and food, and you can meet my family.” “Like that sister you’ve been telling me about for the last four years?” “You’re hilarious. Am I putting your name on the guest list or not?” “Yeah. Why not? I don’t have anywhere better to be.”

It started so simply, with a party and an introduction.

All Mouse had wanted to do was bring his best friend along to a party that he knew he’d be miserable at, and they were both coming home from a war zone. The welcome back party should have been for both of them to begin with. He hadn’t intended to also introduce the man he was falling for to his little sister, and set off a chain of events that he had no way of stopping...

Two years later, the accidental relationship that he had facilitated was still going strong. In fact, it was stronger than ever, and he found himself bracing for the hardest day he could imagine. Because Jay and Kim were getting married, and he was going to have to stand next to his best friend, the very man he was completely and totally in love with, and watch him marry someone else. But interrupting a wedding was one thing when he was just the best man, and it was a whole different level of messed up if he ruined his sister’s big day.

So he didn’t.

He let the people he loved be happy, and he gave the speech he was expected to give, and he left again. He reenlisted, and said his goodbyes, and went somewhere he wouldn’t have to watch.

[bucksfucks]

i’m just thinking about super lazy morning sex with biker!bucky

maybe he’s hungover and you’re half awake but it’s all consensual and you both just want each other

⟶ wake up call • biker!bucky

warnings || lazy sex, morning sex, unprotected sex, cockwarming, pubic hair, pet-names, teasing, hungover bucky, drinking, praise kink — 18+ ONLY//MINORS DNI

word count || > 1,000 words

notes || i couldn’t help but write a short blurb 🥺

Sunlight slowly flitted in through the curtains of Bucky’s—and now yours, apartment as you let the warm summer breeze dance over your skin until goosebumps jumped up in joy.

It was mornings like these where you really felt at peace.

Nothing but you and Bucky. Bucky and you.

He had a few too many beers, stumbling and then falling into bed and taking you with him as he delivered sloppy kisses over your face before mumbling a soft good night, angel as soft snores soon fell from his lips.

Now his arm was draped lazily over your waist as your eyes were still closed while you drifted in and out of sleep.

“You up, angel?” Bucky grumbled, his voice was dee and raspy and you knew he had to have some sort of headache.

“No,” you giggled, still drowsy and half asleep but a smile on your face as Bucky ran his cool fingers down your sides.

“You should really wake up then,” he purred in your ear as you felt him pull you tighter against his body and...oh.

So there was a reason as to why your hungover biker boyfriend was up early.

You hummed in response, wiggling your butt against his crotch as he groaned while his cock twitched.

“Now angel,” he teased, “that’s not fair.”

You felt his soft kisses against your shoulder, slowly trailing their way up your neck and over your jaw and you relaxed into the old, but comfortable mattress.

The way his hands explored your body made you shiver as they slithered up the shirt you were wearing. It was his old one, tattered and had a few holes in it.

But it was your favourite.

“Mmm, Bucky,” you hummed as he cupped your naked breasts and squeezed them gently.

The ache between your thighs caused you to squeeze them together to relieve it slightly. But what you really wanted was something else now.

“Gonna let me fuck you, angel? All nice and lazy, jus’ savourin’ the way you feel ‘round me?” Bucky purrs, hands now travelling to the tops of your panties.

His fingers slip beneath the cotton fabric, meeting the hair that covers your mound as his digits run through your folds.

You whine at the sensation, bucking you hips as he chuckles lowly—the vibrations felt against your own back.

“That’s a good girl, angel. Gonna have you nice ‘n full.” His words aren’t nearly as filthy as they usually are, but they leave you tingling.

He pushes his own boxers just far enough down so his cock springs free, wrapping his hand around his shaft until...

“Fuck,” he hisses, sinking into your warm heat as your mouth falls open and you’re finally connected.

“Can’t ever get you off my mind, baby. Not even in my dreams,” he moans shamelessly, rocking his hips into you as you’re gripping onto the hard forearm of his bionic appendage.

“But my dreams could never compare to the real thing.” He whispers, letting himself enjoy the moment.

It’s a soft, lazy moment that you never want to end as your moans tangle with his until you can feel him twitching inside of you.

He’s holding you tightly as you fall apart, shuddering before he’s spilling inside of you desperate for his own release.

“Mmm, thank you, angel.” Bucky mumbles with droopy, tired eyes as he’s still buried deep in you.

Slow mornings have been and will always be your favourite because you can ignore the rest of the world and fall deeper and deeper in love with Bucky.

[legendaryoikawa]

haikyuu boys in your typical romance cliche 

warnings: mention of alcohol and language

note: female reader insert

oikawa tooru — as the typical popular frat boy that you happen to stumble into because you were so damn wasted of alcohol or vodka. you happen to be invited in the biggest frat party ever and you didn’t know whether you should be thankful or ashamed that you gained freedom and liveliness for a short period of time or squashing your face on the chest of the gorgeous oikawa tooru? perhaps the latter. oikawa know you because you were one of those university girl that never gave a damn about him and in instant he grew fond and interested with you. he actually finds it cute to see you all puffy and red because of alcohol but other than that he isn’t gonna let you go this time, never, especially in this state of yours. he’s that typical cliche where he’ll pull your hair up while you throw out in the bathroom while caressing your back gently and wiping off your temples with his handkerchief. 

akaashi keiji — is the classmate that is really intimidating yet hot at the same time? you think you were quite lucky that you were assigned to seat beside him but the moment you gathered your things to move beside him, you can almost feel the weight of the piercing gaze of your classmates. anyways, you got assigned in a school project with him and he offers you his place since the school is bound to close at six and your place is not that appealing much either. so you both walked to his house and you can see the little things he does for you like pressing his body closer to your side when a creepy guy walks across or the ghost of his touch from your back when you both crossed the pedestrian or the way his hands slightly raises your bag cause he knows it’s heavy judging by your slouching. and when the young night passes away, he starts talking about his life and you too, until one moment he confesses that he really admires you, so much.

yamaguchi tadashi — you know yamaguchi and you’re good friends with him since you both live in the quiet neighborhood of sendai. you really love his freckles and usually compare them to constellations that makes him go flustered with his flyaway hair sticking up. he likes you but he’s just so meek and decides to never voice out his feelings. so yamaguchi is part of the photography club and is assigned to take a picture of a subject that is dear to them. and when he walked in the corridors all he could think off was just you. and so he did. you asked him while laughing, as to why he keeps on taking your pictures when you’re not a celebrity yourself, jokingly. but his answer left you off guard especially when he said, “my adviser told me to capture something so beautiful and i think it’s you.”

kageyama tobio  — he’s that boy that no matter how much he wanted to go home and rest, he’ll always wait for you patiently at your lockers despite you asking him to head first because you still have committee work after school. then one moment after the adviser has finished the meeting, you’re shocked to see him leaning against your locker while drinking in from his milk. the moonlight is already shining through the window panels; making his skin glimmer marvelously. you’ll just stare at him dubiously; not knowing what to say. and you feel yourself falling down crazily for him; heart’s erratic. because he waited for two hours at the lockers just to walk you home, even though you told him not to. and you know he’s impatient as fuck but there he is, waiting and snatching you bag away from you. he’ll give you a stare and flickers your forehead while saying, ‘idiot, you think I’ll let you walk home, alone?’ and you’ll just pull his blazer down to capture his lips and he’ll blush so hard lmaoo

kuroo tetsurou  — that transferee student everyone is talking about. with his dark hair, tall frame, and noted muscles— every girl is crazy about him. he is assigned to seat behind you; at the back by the window. and everything just spiralled down to complete euphoria, even you didn’t see it coming. he doesn’t talk much to your classmates. often dismissing a budding interaction from some girls. and it took you by surprise when he asked you for a pen because he left his pencil case in his friend (you heard him tell you his friend’s name, kenma it is?) and it just happen so quickly. everyday he’ll leave you sticky notes in your table with his messy handwriting saying how beautiful you are than the sun, or go out with me? with a little smile on the side. sometimes, you can feel him playing with your hair or reaching out to hold your hand underneath the table while the teacher is writing on the blackboard. 

hinata shoyo  — hinata will be that cliche where he will buy a cupcake because he could remember that it is one of your favorites. often running to your place because he missed the bus and will arrive at your place; his hair all messy and fluffy, panting, with his skin slightly flushed and glimmering with perspiration. or will let you cry on his shirt and won’t mind you soiling it despite the shirt being all new and crispy. he couldn’t bring himself to care to be honest, because his only concern is to make you feel better despite having his shirt all wrinkled and damp from your tears. 

bokuto kotaru  — is that typical boyfriend that would literally walk you down to your room despite his room being two buildings away from yours. he’s that dedicated. that every vacant period, he’ll fetch you off and lead you down to his department’s botanical garden. or will eat lunch with you in your room. or spending together in the library. he’s as fresh as lilies. young as the night. no matter how hard you cajole that you can walk yourself and he shouldn’t bother, he wouldn’t allow you. and will always carry your bag for you even though you can manage to carry it for yourself. he is also that kind of cliche where he’ll ask his professor is he needs something from your building and volunteers to get it for them just to visit you in you room. excusing you from your class and won’t say anything but just steal a peck from you a make a dash towards the faculty room with a proud smirk painting his face cause he rendered you speechless and flustered, again.

tsukishima kei  — is that typical cold guy in campus that everyone is lowkey scared of. you were asked by your biology teacher to borrow the books for the class’s current lesson from the library on the spot you took a beeline for the shelves as fast as you could. but for fuck’s sake all the books were placed at the topmost part of the science shelves. you stood there for a good minute while glaring at the books overhead. you know you were damned for good since there are no chairs nearby that are available and the librarian is nowhere to be seen. you stomped you feet in annoyance until you felt a looming presence behind you. a tall one. and the person smells of fresh vanillas as well. when you turned around, you saw tsukishima grabbing the books at ease and handing it to you and stalked away. you thanked him quietly but it was enough for kei to hear and he wasn’t wrong when he thinks you we’re cute while struggling to get those books on top of you. 

iwaizumi hajime  — that boy you hated to the core. you didn’t know why but he just goes right after your nerve. pressing of your buttons. iwaizumi is the bugbear of your life. yet for him, you’re the fucking cutest person he ever met in his life. and he doesn’t know why you’re so annoyed with his whole existence. but one time, he decided to play it off and decided to push your buttons more. there’s a debate in your class and he stood up to contradict your claims. and basically everyone could feel the sexual tension arising in the air, yet they didn’t utter a word. iwaizumi thinks you’re so hot when your mad and whenever you put an emphasis to him name. or the cliche where he yanked your arm when you’re about to leave the room just to playfully lean in your face, while whispering, ‘you’re so difficult, yet you’re making me want you more’ e2l, pls.

kozume kenma  — kenma is that typical boy that doesn’t allow people to play his console or his psp because it is something dear and precious to him. not even kuroo. no matter how his teammates beg to ask him for just one game, he’ll never allow except for you ;) to the point you don’t have to ask him, sometimes he’ll be the one to offer and let you play the recent game he just purchased lol

— part two will be posted soon! hope you guys like this,, i just started this yesterday with my love, @fratboyjae while we were casually throwing out cute blurbs to each other LOL HAHA. requests are currently open, send them in! love lots!

[goldenroutledge]

OMGGGGG ok I just thought of something!!!! what about qb!jj (I know you usually write for qb!topper buuuuut!!) having a crush on a girl that’s not well known around town and trying to convince her to go out with him and she’s skeptical but they end up having a good time?? I feel like that’s definitely your style 💛💛💛

be my baby

pairing: qb!jj maybank x shy!reader

word count: 2.6k

warning(s): slight mention of sex, but FLUFF

a/n: omg when i saw this i immediately had to start writing it. thank you!! even tho im neglecting my v day blurbs still, i write what im inspired for oops

jj maybank masterlist

© goldenroutledge || do not plagiarize, repost, or translate my work in any way

Out of all the students who you could’ve ended up tutoring for the remainder of the school year, of course it would have to be JJ Maybank. The star quarterback of Kildare High, a known player in more ways than one. You didn’t have to know him to know all about his smooth but selfish ways with the ladies, the stories and gossip spoke for itself.

You never questioned it either, considering you never cared enough to delve deeper into the details. All that you concluded from the hearsay was to stay away from him and to not become another topic of JJ’s many flings. Not that you would have a chance to even speak to JJ really. Him and his friends weren’t your type of crowd, and you were much more focused on your grades anyway.

Clearly, your teachers had quickly picked up on that as well. You and JJ shared math, english, and biology together. It didn’t take long for the seating charts to magically shift around to where you and JJ became closer and closer together. “Mrs. Steele?” You asked your math teacher after the final bell had rung. “Why the new seating arrangement?”

“Oh, you know, some of the others have trouble focusing when they are so close together. If you’re talking about JJ, I just think he’ll do better around you. Maybe pick up on a few of your good habits?” She smiled hopefully, referring to the obnoxious blond that was JJ.

“Oh, ok. Have a nice day.” You returned with a small smile while exiting, before she stopped you.

“Y/n?”

“Yes?”

“Would you mind tutoring another one of your peers? Just for the next few units.” She proposed.

“Sure, I’d do it. Who, though?” You asked.

“JJ.” She sighed. “He’s been falling behind and I really think he could use your help. On top of that, if he’s doing poorly academically, he won’t be able to play football.” Mrs. Steele explained, though you already knew there had to be something else behind it.

“I don’t mind. Let me know when I can start.” You told her, walking out.

“Today, actually. If it’s not too short of notice.” She called out, to which you agreed reluctantly.

You tried to think positive and not let the cons get to you. On the bright side, you would be allowed one free period everyday in exchange for your after school tutoring sessions. Plus, what kind of person would you be to refuse to help the school’s star QB, let them fail under your nose and ruin the chances of Kildare going to the state championship?

-

You sighed and walked into the small coffee shop for your first day of tutoring, ordering your drink and sitting down to wait for JJ. You typed away at your laptop in concentration, figuring you might as well finish up a paper while you waited. 4:30, the time read. You weren’t expecting excellent punctuality from him or anything, but a little courtesy text would’ve been nice.

About 5 minutes later, the bell rang on the entrance to the building, JJ sauntering over to your table with a backup slung on his shoulder. He slid into the booth, crossing his arms out on the table in front of him. “Nice of you to show up.” You started.

“Am I late? I thought we agreed on 4:30?”

“4.” You corrected him.

He scoffed. “Ok. What’s our first subject, boss?”

-

The tutoring sessions continued through the rest of the week, and surprisingly had come a long way compared to Monday’s. By Friday, you found yourself actually not dreading the whole hour entirely. He wasn’t the worst company. Despite his small attention span, the first week was overall quite productive. He had even started to ask you more about yourself, rather than the material you were supposed to be focusing on. “Why haven’t you been to any games lately?” He asked you while you had been helping him write out some flashcards, the question taking you off guard and causing you to look up at him.

“How do you know I haven’t?”

“Just wondering. I usually see you in the same spot you’re always in, though. Back-left side of the bleachers.” You scrunch your eyebrows in confusion at how he had been able to spot you of all people in the stands.

“How do you even know that?”

He played it off. “Ehh, don’t ask me how I know. You should come support tonight. Come with some friends or something.” You only shook your head and chuckled to yourself at his presumption you actually had friends to go with. “You do have friends, right?”

“Of course I do!” You shot back defensively, capping your marker. “Just not so many good ones right now. I don’t know, we just aren’t clicking.”

“That’s a shame. Maybe you could come anyway and meet some new ones?” He suggested.

“As tempting as it sounds, JJ, Netflix is patiently waiting for me at home. Good luck, though.” You wished him, walking out of the shop and leaving JJ to himself. You didn’t think anything of it after that, fully enjoying your well-deserved night of relaxation.

Before kickoff, JJ turned his head to the back-left area of the bleachers that he knew you to be at. He wiped the small frown off of his face, getting his head ready for the game ahead of him.

-

The next Monday, things had only progressed. As far as JJ’s grades of course. At first he hadn’t noticed you enough to really pay attention, but the way your explanations and analogies rolled off your tongue definitely caught it. He always wanted to know why you were more closed off than others. Most of the female population at Kildare High couldn’t wait for their turn to come with JJ. Now that he thought about it, he didn’t know you to be interested or entangled with anyone romantically at all.

Tonight, JJ had asked if you could push your study date back two hours, football practice keeping him extra long that day. Surprisingly, he had already been waiting for you at your regular booth. “Hey.” He greeted. “I ordered your drink for you.” He motioned to the cup waiting for you on your side of the table.

“Oh. You didn’t have to do that.” You smiled at his thoughtfulness, wondering how on Earth he managed to take note and remember your favorite.

“It’s the least I could do. You sacrifice your free time to help me out, I appreciate that.” He praised, opening his notebook to begin another study session.

-

7:27, the time read. He watched you take a sip of your drink, yawning shortly after. “You should probably get home, Y/n. I bet your boyfriend misses you.”

Even though you were tired, you weren’t stupid. “You’re funny.”

“What do you mean?”

“Using reverse psychology to find out if I have a boyfriend or not.”

He scoffed dramatically. “Yeah, right. Jokes on you, sweetheart, because I didn’t even know that was a thing until now.”

You laughed at his defensiveness for a moment before replying. “For the record, I don’t have a boyfriend. I- never have really been in a relationship.” You confessed, looking down at your hands to avoid his gaze.

He jokingly choked on his drink at your words. “What? You’re kidding.”

Your face began to feel hot at the sudden personal topic of conversation. “No. Why is that so hard to believe?”

“I don- It’s not. Well, it is. But- I’m not sure.” He sighed. “Just didn’t expect that. You’re really special.” He gulped, looking up at you in the dim but warm lights illuminating the coffee shop.

“Thanks.” You tried to contain your serotonin, failing at your attempt to suppress a wide smile. “That’s sweet of you.”

-

By the end of the week, the more personal questions weren’t so uncomfortable. You might’ve even gone as far as to call JJ an acquaintance. Friend would be a stretch.

On his account, he was anxiously waiting for the day he would exceed the friend zone with you. He worked up the courage to ask you out on Friday morning, their game being postponed until a further date. “Hey, Y/n.” He flagged you down at your locker, the number he had tried to engrave into his brain for days and days.

“Hi, JJ. What’s up?” You responded politely.

“I wanted to ask you something. Do you think you’d maybe wanna go out with me tonight?”

“What do you mean? I thought we agreed on no more Friday night studying?” You questioned him cluelessly.

“No, I mean like... a date. Would you go out with me on a date tonight?”

You couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped your throat. “A date? Is this a joke? Where’s the camera crew?” You teased, pretending to look around and behind him for hidden cameras.

He rolled his eyes and stepped in front of you. “I’m not kidding, Y/n. I’d like to get to know you better, y’know.”

“No, I don’t know.” You repeated him. “I’m just helping you pass some classes, JJ. I don’t really think we’d be a good fit. Romantically.”

“Then why can’t we go out as friends?”

You shook your head. “That’s the thing. We aren’t friends. We probably would’ve never even spoken had we not been moved together.” Your words bruised his ego, as rejection wasn’t something he was used to. But he wouldn’t let it change how he felt about you.

“That’s all the more reason to give us a chance! You can’t tell me that wouldn’t be a cute ass love story.” He debated. “Will you at least think about it, please?”

You gave him a tight-lipped smile before replying and heading off to your first class. “Sure. I’ll think about it.”

And you had thought about it. You couldn’t take your mind off of it, really. You didn’t know JJ well enough yet to know if this was just his way of getting in your pants, but on the other hand you didn’t know him well enough to judge him based on rumors. The interactions between the two of you so far had been genuine, so it could be worth a shot. Just once.

If you weren’t impressed, you could just go back to your normal study sessions and pretend the date never happened at all. You finally had the opportunity to explore something deeper than what it was on the surface, and you might even have a better time than you were anticipating.

“Yes.” You walked up to JJ as he strolled out of his class. “My answer is yes.”

“For the date, I’m guessing?” He teased.

“Yeah. I’m gonna give us a chance.”

He smiled and puffed out his chest a little bit pridefully. “Alright. How does Dellah’s Diner sound?”

“Sounds like a date, Maybank.”

“I’ll pick you up at 7, sunshine.”

-

7 came around slower than ever, but once it was close you felt yourself feeling those nervous butterflies in your body. Pure excitement coursed through your veins at the night ahead of you, your doorbell ringing right on time. Your smile grew wider at the sight of JJ dressed up a little nicer than his normal look, hair combed but still messy how you liked it.

He held a bouquet of flowers in his hand, giving them to you with a smile. “Here you are.”

“They’re beautiful, J. Thank you.” You moved up to kiss his cheek, leading him by the arm to your kitchen where you put the flowers in a vase for keeping.

“You ready to go?” He asked once you had finished with the flowers.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

“I hope you’re prepared to be wowed, Y/n. I’ll show you a good time.”

“You’re lucky I don’t have a doubt about that.”

-

The diner was full for the most part, but you both tuned out the noise and paid each other your full attention. “What made you say yes finally? Not that I’m surprised.” JJ asked followed by a smug smirk.

“I’m not sure, actually. I guess I wanted the famous JJ experience for myself. If you would’ve asked me 3 weeks ago I would’ve definitely said no, hands down.”

“Is that so?”

“Absolutely. But I got to know you a bit for myself. What made you ask me?”

“The same thing, I guess. I wanted to find out who you are for myself. Not to mention, you’re funny, smart as hell, and beautiful, so...”

You quirked an eyebrow skeptically at his admission. “Really?”

“Really.” He confirmed.

The waitress soon came over to ask if you’d like any dessert, to which JJ spoke up before you could. “One chocolate milkshake, two straws, please.” He told her, mimicking the two with his fingers and simultaneously winking at you.

“Sure thing.” She smiled at the two of you. “I’ll have that right out.” When it arrived, you were still laughing at the way JJ wouldn’t stop acting foolish and wiggling his eyebrows.

“Are you seriously going to make me take part in this cliché?”

“Of course, princess. It’s only right for our first date.” He cooed. Your heart sped up in your chest as you both took a sip through the straws, foreheads barely pressed together and staring into each other’s eyes in the moment. You both pulled away from the straws and sat back to put some distance between you two.

“How about we dance, princess?” He offered, gesturing to the music playing from the jukebox.

“In the middle of a diner? Are you insane?”

JJ chuckled at your wild expression. “We can go in the corner if you’re more comfortable.”

“Ok, I can live with that. Also, no more ‘princess’. It makes everything even more of a cliché than it already is.”

“I’m sorry, my queen. I really do apologize to your royal highness.” He quipped, twirling you around unexpectedly. The two of you caught some stares from the other customers, but they only smiled softly at the young love they were witnessing. Or the beginning of one.

You two were so caught up in each other that you had totally forgotten about how weird this must’ve looked to anyone else right about now. You didn’t care. Hours went by before you left, but JJ told you he wanted to make one last stop. Kildare’s football field.

“Why are we here?” You asked him.

“Because I want to tell you something.” He replied, leading you over to the very row you would take a seat in for each game you attended. “You remember how you asked me how I knew where you sit at during my games?”

You hummed in response, still confused but went with it anyway.

“My mom used to sit in the back-left, third row from the top just like you do. She left a few years ago, but I always look up here at this spot before I play. Just to see if she ever came back.” You looked at him sympathetically, interlocking your fingers with his for support as he opened up. “It’s silly, because I know she’s not going to. But it’s nice to see a familiar face when you don’t have any family.”

“Oh, JJ. I’m sorry. I can’t even imagine-”

“It’s okay, sunshine.” He smiled sadly, but a hint of hope was glinting in the blue eyes staring back at you. “I’m just glad you know. That I’ve been finding my solace in you showing up here. Even though we didn’t know each other before, I’m sure as hell happy we do now.”

You brought his hand up to your lips to kiss it softly, JJ smiled at the gesture. “Yeah. I’m happy I found you, too.”

a/n: y’all rockin w qb!jj ??

taglist: @ilovejjmaybank @rosylinn @nxsmss @cameronsrafe @msgorillagripcoochie @bibliophilewednesday @tovvaa @freddymaybank @annab-nana @babeyglo @sunsetholland @moniamaybank @outerbankspreferences @laneybobeczko-g @jjpouggues @topperthornton

[uta-no-sin-sama]

Their Reactions to You Telling Them That You Haven't Eaten Yet Today (all characters I write for)

A short little headcanon blurb to help me get back into having so motivation to write here again and since my only class for the day today got cancelled.

This one is going to be slightly different from my usual writing style because it's shorter and I think a lot of the characters I write for would have similar reactions when compared to each other. Let me know what you all think of this style and if I should write more content in this particular style.

Anyway, on with the headcanons!

TW: mental health issues (particularly around eating), mention of passing out

-----------

Says something along the lines of "We can't have that!" before dragging you to the kitchen to get you some food: Otoya, Natsuki, Reiji, Van

Gives you a snack and replies with a hint of sadness, "I wish you would take better care of yourself.": Haruka, Ai, Eiichi

Gives you half of their lunch and says, "It's okay, I forget sometimes too.": Shion

Scolds you while dragging you to the kitchen to make you some food: Tokiya, Syo, Masato, Ranmaru, Camus, Yamato, Kira

Panics about the possibility of you passing out before taking you out to eat: Eiji

Annoys the shit out of you until you eat something: Ren, Nagi, Tomo-chan

Tells you to not do it again with the biggest sad puppy eyes: Cecil

-----------

I hope you all enjoyed this short little blurb and please take care of yourselves today.

If you haven't done so already today, eat something, drink some water, take your meds (if you're supposed to take any), and just be kind to yourself. I know how hard it can be to remember to do all of that sometimes, but it'll help you feel better if you remember to take care of yourself.

Until next time!

- Lizzie Rose

Up next: a request (hopefully lmao)

[jean-does-not-have-a-horseface]

Heyo! I was wondering if you could do a scenario during the uprising arc where the reader starts to realize she has feelings for Levi but at first he rejects her? Then during the night before Shiganshina he realizes about her feelings and ends up returning them knowing he doesn't want her to get hurt or die? Some angst fluff please and thank you!

Okay anon you have no idea how much I enjoyed writing this. It's super long and I love how it came to me so naturally. I hope you enjoy

Warnings: a little angst!?

Tags: angst, fluff, hurt/comfort

Promise

It all started at the sight of his wet fingertips grazing the broken rim of a teacup. A flutter, a feisty spark in your heart that seemed to drown it in full might had made its presence known to you in a very particular, unwanted moment. The flicker of a tiny flame danced before your eyes, sat at the frame of the window near the sink where you proceeded to rinse through washed dishes.

Levi's pale, chapped skin pulled on his knuckles leaving an unnatural yellowish white tone behind, indicating his involvement with excessive amounts of cleaning products. And for the first time, the sight really pulled a string in your poor heart in a way that was enough to convince you to break the dense silence in the room.

But maybe, you thought, Levi wouldn't want to talk to you.

With an unforgiving steel gaze he stared at your face, blinking in soft, yet erratical paces as you stopped plumping the water from running. In response your tongue was forced to slip inside your mouth and push any unspoken word back to its source, in the depths of your brain. All of a sudden you felt so afraid to talk, so petrified by the general idea of a three syllabus word that wouldn't ever spare the misery off of anyone.

Rejection

Captain seemed to be on the rejective side nevertheless so nothing regarding your newly discovered feelings would matter to him anyway, so in a way you blamed yourself for getting overwhelmed with this whole situation. A dark cloud of doubt shadowed your mind with the intention of interrogating your heart's intentions; perhaps you were mistaken. How on earth could you have been in love with the short man, you didn't know. There were far too many differences between the two of you, be it in appearance, mannerism or even -and more importantly- experiences. Supposing you had lived through similar occurances in battles outside the walls was enough for anyone to consider the two of you to be very alike, it was at least dishonorable to compare your childhood or teenage years to his.

"Nice hands" Of course you had managed to utter the most embarrassing choice of words to him, your mind could never cooperate with you when it came to such serious situations, something you hated so very much. The obnoxious dryness of your eyes was slowly migrating in the caves under your tongue, you could feel your mouth drying more and more by each passing second, yet you did nothing to prevent it.

Judging by Levi's puzzled expression which included his head slightly tilting forward as if to hear you better you knew he was as awestruck as you were at your own words. "I don't really understand where you're coming from but thank you, I guess." He spoke, the usual monotone tint staining his voice. You whipped your head back to a fixed position -on your hands this time- to stare down at the sink. The awkward glances you would throw at him went seemingly unnoticed and as time passed by you felt your tention overwhelming you, this time, completely.

Levi wasn't dense to any body language thrown at him and you were painfully aware. His cold eyes never spared you not even a half cornered look as he rubbed the little sponge on the soap bar next to him. His fingers danced on the ceramic plate, cleansing it in fast and very effective movements, leaving you staring in awe. Whether he was ignoring you on purpose or not you didn't know and you didn't want to seek an answer as to why but at this rate he would probably be the one to inquire why you were burning holes in his hands with your gaze. Again.

"I'm so sorry I'm fixated on your hands" Your mouth run, ignoring your mind's orders to stay shut "It's just-" Dammit think quick for once "You have nice nail beds."

There it was. The evidence that your words had actual brains and that they formed the most improper sentences on their own, just to torture you and push you deeper into piles of goowey, mushy shit. If Levi was anyone else he would have been laughing his ass of at the stupidness of your speech, you knew you would be laughing too if this wasn't as serious. Just as you were sure you heard a chuckle Levi placed the sponge on the bar of soap carefully and extended his arm, fully displaying his hand.

He seemed to study it like it was the first time he had ever even noticed it. The slick, long fingers, the oval shaped nails, his torn open knuckles. Perhaps you were kidding him for the lack of hair on the base of fingers he used to hold his blades with, those were burnt with years of being worn out by the steel triggers of the blades. He speculated this was common among most soldiers, so it didn't seem like a reason to be kidded for and in addition you never were the person to just spit senseless insults as jokes to your comrades.

"Is there even a point to talk about my hands? They're normal hands to me."

You bit your lip as your eyes widened in shock. Realisation hit you that this was probably more that absurd to Levi as it was to you, seeing you had started to talk about his hands out of nowhere. Your mind, in a state of panic, was in the midst of attempting to process every idiotic sentence you had the audacity to blurb out, but it never seemed to find an answer. Boiling with embarrassed, you wiped the water of your hands to your pants, an act that caught Levi's eye, and went to grab the first wooden chair that was in your path. You needed to sit down, to process whatever this was.

Yet, the only explanation you could find was that there was a raging wildfire in the pits of your stomach everytime your thoughts wandered on Levi. Yes, it was possible that what had started as an admiration, a tiny spec of a crush for the slender featured man had been growing on you since forever, but you had always burried it deep, in any hellhole that should accommodate such emotions as this was war and not the plot of sappy romance novel.

The air was cut down short in the room when Levi sat at a chair beside you, watching you over in such demanding manner that only he could master. He proceeded to light the only candle that stood at the middle of the table, possibly in hopes of flaring a conversation or causing a sane sequence of sentences to finally fall from your tongue. It was still unbeknownst to him what had caused you to trip over words as if you were a learning toddler and he yearned to find out, as a sole friend, not as the stern corporal he presented himself to be.

"(y/n)" His voice was tender as he spoke either much mindful to the teens who were sleeping in the next room or unwilling to let a private conversation between the two of you be heard. "If you think I can help with whatever is going on quit acting like a brat and tell me what's on your mind."

Momentarily, you wondered whether he'd stick to his words in case you spilled your heart's infatuating agony but you felt unable to think of a possible dominating scenario in the chaos of your mind. As self destructive as it sounded, you'd prefer to be the one to break your own heart rather than having to stand back and be a martyr to him tearing it off your chest and tearing it. Knowing Levi, this wasn't anything physically impossible, but you doubt that he could ever be as harsh with you.

"I'm just stressed. I have a lot on my mind."

"Erwin's trial and the future of the scouts, huh? Or is it that Hange works your ass off with those experiments?" You scoffed in denial to all of his inquiries, knowing full well that you could have used them as excuses. Levi's sharp hand began a short trip with sole purpose to land at the top of your head, through your loose locks, in an affectionate manner, a little something you had picked up he would do when he really cared for someone. Everyone knew he wasn't particularly touchy, except for some emotional moments with his closest people; a hand on a shoulder and a pat in the head were mostly what you had witnessed him indulging. His hand ruffling with your hair wasn't profound and new at all, he had done so many times after the two of you would strongly disagree over formations and orders, showing you how much he appreciated your strong wits and your clever ideas. What was new was that the lone touch burned your sculp like hot iron and made your insides twitch.

"I'll make us some tea" the screeching creak of the chair being pushed back shook of your train of thoughts enough to form a reaction to his hand that still rested on your head. Almost as if he didn't want to take it off "We can discuss your problem in a-"

"Sit down" you demanded, voice stern, masked with seriousness that caught him off guard. "Take your hand off my hair, it hurts." You pleaded with your eyes to stay as dry as they were before but you were certainly unsure of whether they'd listen. "Can't you see?"

What was there not to see really. Levi probably knew of your fondness of him way before you managed to realise, as in second thought every move you had ever made in his presence betrayed you. He would have never tried to provoke a confession just to laugh at you, that you were sure of, but he had never made a move in reciprocation either, that alone made you sure of your confessions future's end and caused your gut to spit even more fire to the rest of your insides.

Levi was not perplexed, not even for a single moment, at your words that seeked to stab like daggers, he wouldn't allow himself to be toyed by his own emotions just this once. This is an erratical reaction to his touch, a rejection of his affections towards you and he feared he knew the reason. For someone as bright and emotional as you he never would have thought that you could have hid such tormentous emotions so well inside you, only to end up at this moment of snapping.

As much as he'd like not to be hurt in the slightest by your demeanor he couldn't help but feel a tiny string of his heart being pulled. Suddenly it was evident to him why you couldn't take part in normal conversations around him or why you acted so tense in his presence, why you were so rejective of his touches and he wondered if he should have done anything besides unknownably torture you for so long. Whether his heart wanted to hear a confirmation out of your mouth to it's pained pleading for reciprocation, his mind ignored. The time would never be right and as egoistical as it seemed he couldn't bear to lose someone else that close to him, let alone a significant other. From his experience feelings of love and adoration should never be spoken out loud in this cruel world, amongst soldiers, especially. It wouldn't lead to any good.

When you proceeded to speak the pit in his stomach was already welling in frustration and denial. "Levi we've known each other for years and whatever's forcing me to much on my words should stop."

None can do, this couldn't happen here, now, while being on the run by military police as collective criminal. Levi wouldn't allow you to speak those earth shuttering words, even if wanted for them to chaste kiss his ears and echo through his head. "Not like you haven't figured anyways. I'm so pathetic. To fall for my Capt-"

"Don't you dare utter any other word of that sentence. I won't forgive you if you do." His hand reached out to grab yours by the wrist, tightly, as if he didn't know you couldn't stand the intensity of the grip. The silence that towed over the room was freezing, irrational even; it made you want to puke your intestines right onto Levi's shoes. Your heartbeat was so fast, so unrhythmic that you felt like the vital blood red organ would burst out of your chest in a massive mess.

Τhere was an excessive amount of agony emitting from your eyes, slicing through Levi's chest, searching despairately for a sign he had a heart, just to remind you that it didn't belong to you. Your mind traveled through every possible scenario to find a reason as to why you had to endure this, did his affections belong to someone you didn't know of? Hange? Erwin? Nifa seemed to be close to him lately as well. Was he heartbroken before and swore to never love again? You hated that there was not a tiny little space in his heart for you.

Just as this tense moment began, it came to an end when Sasha burst into the room, shotgun on her shoulder and chestnut eyes as sleepy as they could be. Fatigue was overpowering her whole form and it was as evident as ever before your eyes. With a quick, exhausted salute she announced her self, unsure of if you and the captain could see her face under the shadows of the night.

"It's guard change sir!" She spoke.

"I'm coming sweetheart." You got up from the chair you were sat at, breaking your wrist away from Levi's grip in a harsh manner. You didn't spare him a second look as you took another deep breath and locked it in your chest in hopes of seeming a little more mighty. "Go take some rest. You deserve it."

With increasingly fast steps you storm outside the little cottage trying your best not to look back. You wouldn't bear to check if there was still light coming from the kitchen that should indicate Levi's persistent presence. Your knees trembled at the imagery but you wouldn't let your eyes rest behind you not even for a second. He would probably be drinking his tea, unbothered, thinking of anything but you and you would be lying if you were to day that it didn't hurt you. It hurt so much that it sent you on your ass, on the stone tile pattern under your feet. Your heart forced suffocating waves of pain through your whole body only to push out of your eyes in the form of hot, salty tears. As your sobs grew louder and your heartache became unbearable to the point you though you could feel your heart break in two, you pushed the ends of your palms into your eyes sockets to squeeze the pain and itchiness of the tears away. You promised to yourself this was the first and last time you would cry for him.

____

After that night you barely speak with Levi. Aside from following his orders with the eventual 'yessir' as a reply, you have managed to successfully establish a thick barrier between him end you. Your nights of accompanying him in his late hour tea sessions, or teaching him how to knit and embroider were no more. The times you would share your food with him after you'd hear his stomach growl from the small portion he would get were also no more. You had made sure to claim your small acts of affection back to yourself, how could you move on from him if you were trying to be nice.

You would profoundly ignore his gazes, his calls for you at his office at late hours of the night by random cadets. You wouldn't answer to him if it wasn't for something military related and you intended it to keep it that way until the announcements of the feast that would take place before the attempt of retaking wall Maria.

As you passed by a narrow street heading to anywhere away from the crowd of cadets with your drink in your hand, you bumped lousy into the onyx haired male. It was the first time in days or even weeks that you had spared him a glance but your eyes averted his upon impact. You couldn't stand this. It was suffocating you. The clicking of your ankle boots colliding with the ground might have been heard as you turned on your heels to flee the scene but Levi's stern clearing of the throat overshadowed it.

He wasn't having it anymore.

"Oi, wait! Stop on your tracks, this is an order!" He spoke, eliciting a groan out of you as you turned to face him. "Just what do you think you're doing?"

"Captain, I seek to relax before a very hard mission, spare me with your punishments, I beg of you."

His blood boiled with your every word "Cut the damn crap (y/n) and talk to me like normal." It probably sounded more harsh than he intended but he couldn't find himself in a position to turn back time and rephrase those words. The drained look in your eyes tolled him as well. The fact that you were both so tired by this game of cat and mouse was profound and everywhere in the air around you and Levi didn't know if he could take it anymore.

At first he thought that it was for the best. If you both forgot about your feelings or found ways to distract yourselves by this distance then it would be so much easier for him to push through the upcoming events of Shiganshina, but he was surprised to know he was mistaken. Masking his feelings must have seemed easy when it came to grieve and loss; he'd spent hours in his room, with you, letting everything out and occupying himself with trying to improve his handwriting while doing paperwork, but infatuation, love, was different. Instead of fading by each passing day like anger and grief it only ever became stronger, fonder and more agressive, chewing on his insides in despair. He really did hate that he had allowed himself to feel that way but it was way too late by now. There was nothing he could do and the fact that you ignored him after almost squeezing out that much, much wanted confession was only making him feel more hollow and in pain.

But Levi knew how to control himself, he trusted his ability on that.

"What is there to talk about? Let me live my last day in peace." You barked, your eyes starting to dance towards his direction, landing on his chin, then at the curve of his unfairly full bottom lip, on his button upwards nose.

"Look." He paused, unsure of how to put his words into non hurtful sentences. "If you could just tell me why or share a few words with me. We could damn die tomorrow and I'd regret not ever talking you out of this unfair treatment you're giving me."

You wondered if you should open up your heart to him completely, without accepting any interruption from him just to cleanse your coincidence off of this weight. Upon deciding that there was truly nothing holding you back except for a silly fear of another rejection that could die with you tomorrow you opened your mouth to speak any words that came to your mind.

"Levi, I'm in pain. You rejected me. Plain and simple. I've spent so many nights wondering why I am unworthy of your affections but I can't wrap my head around you anymore."

"Is that the way you feel about me? That you're the one who's unworthy of me?"

"You always think so lowly of yourself. Makes me wonder how you trust your own abilities in battlefield. But yes. So I just want to know who is it for you? Who do you feel you're unworthy of?"

He paused for a moment, to regain any shattered piece of his heart you had thrown back to him with your statement. You didn't hate him, be always knew that, but hearing those words fall out of your mouth engulfed the matter into reality unlike before. He was ready to face it. Even if he was unsure of tomorrow he knew that if he was to stay alive while you were dead he would have torn his own brain out as to avoid overthinking this particular moment.

"You want the truth honestly, brat? I happen to think I'm the one unworthy of you. You've taught me how to write and read, you came into my office to check up on an underground scum like me to see if I was asleep. Dammit you even gave me portions of your food to help me withstand the long nights of sleeping in my chair. What have I done for you? Boss you around? Or is it my looks you're after?"

Your eyes widened at his last statement, momentarily preventing the tears that had gathered in the corners from falling. This wasn't a time to misunderstand his words and act foolish, this was the closest out of a confession you would get from the man and you were awestruck, amazed. If he wanted to know a reason you would give him one.

"I'll admit, you might have the face of an angel Levi and maybe that would initial draw anyone to you, including me but I didn't fall in love with you for that." You could tell he was taken aback by the raw nature of your words only by the small whimper that escaped his throat.

"Over the course of this relationship between us you have been there for me when I couldn't be there for myself, you've helped me improve, your hands are stained with blood and so are mine, but you've knitted with me, you've stitched my wounds, you've let me sleep in your bed when I found a giant cockroach in mine, you're so much more than what you paint yourself to be."

He stared at you with ogling, soft eyes. Had he looked at you like that before you were oblivious but there was something in those steel eyes that magnetised your own gaze, something you couldn't let go off. It was calming the knot in your chest with reassurance, bearing promises of the future but he didn't dare speak on them to ruin the moment. His head closed the distance between the two of you in sharp shiftings and now your lips were brushing his in the most suggestive manner possible. It had all happened so fast that you didn't have a chance to react.

"You realised" he whispered, voice soft as the melancholy of the theme of his words captured your breath "that if you happen to die tomorrow, I, myself will hunt you down, resecure you and then proceed to beat the living shit out of you every single day of your shitty life, right?"

He was so beautiful panting with desire under the moonlight and you would never forget. Out of all times this could have taken place it happened now, hours before a deadly expedition. The feeling of regret flooded your form, his as well for not acting upon your feelings sooner and Levi fought an internal battle as to whether he should kiss you or not. He desired to keep that kiss as a reward that you stayed alive for him but on the other hand he feared that this could well be his last chance to taste you for the first time.

"That's a weird way to say I love you" as his lips brushed closer to yours his heart felt like it would explode, he had pained to claim your lips, just once, just to know the taste of a beloved and he was sure he would be more pained to lose you.

As he pleaded that you came to him tomorrow he pressed his lips on yours, sealing the promise he demanded you to make to him. Your heart melted under the soft lights of a thousand stars.

____

As his arms wrapped around you, tears run down his eyes. That was it. You had fought to keep your promise nail and tooth. You had never managed let him down and to see that you were among the tiny amount of survivors lifted his soul to heaven. The touch of your skin, the salty taste of your neck, it all was real, you were indeed alive and safe in his arms. He wouldn't have to go insane over that fact that he would never get to look into your eyes again.

"I will always keep my promises to you." You hitched with tears running down cheeks, the shock in your core still trembling as ever.

"I know" He panted

"Besides, have you seen yourself in action, I wouldn't want you to hunt me down, oh Lord."

I am. In tears. Also I'm sorry (?) for such in depth descriptions of Levi's hands?

[atlafan]

So, I set up a satisfaction survey for my patrons on patreon, and the last question on the survey I asked was, “any other thoughts for me?”

There was a response that really just...made me feel upset:

I’ve been following you since when you were posting frequently on tumblr, and you posted really often. Once you started posting on Patreon I feel like you’ve slowed down your updating. Not to be rude but like you said we do pay for your writing. I’m not saying update daily but maybe once or twice a week would be better even if they’re short blurbs/concepts. I completely understand that this is not your full time job but you are getting paid and just a tiny tiny bit more frequency would be appreciated. I’ve honestly read all of your work Patreon and Tumblr and I love you and your stories so much so I really don’t want to come off as ungrateful either as you do feed us a lot.

You pay $5.00 a month...A MONTH! And I usually update every week, to every two weeks, along with teasers, sneak peeks. 

When I first started posting fics on Tumblr, I was posting every day because at the time, I had time to right ahead. I was writing long fics that I was able to break up into parts and schedule out. That is not the case anymore, and hasn’t been for a long time.

The last three things I’ve written have been over 10K, and guess what...I DELETED THEM! I deleted them because I hated what I was writing, so posting twice a week with “short blurbs” is just not something I can do. I don’t like posting little 1k drabbles. I don’t like writing those sorts of things because it just feels like there’s no substance.

I follow 2 other writers on patreon. One of them maybe updates once a month, along with sneak peeks and other announcements, and the other updates maybe 2-3 times a month. They also only charge $5.00 a month. I actually think I post quite a lot compared to other writers. 

This does come off as ungrateful. I set up this survey because I’m still frustrated with the lack of feedback I receive. How could I feel motivated to write/post fics when I can barely get to 20 likes on a fic when I have over 100 patrons??? Are you one of the people that doesn’t even leave comments??? And if you don’t want to leave a comment on patreon because you don’t want your name on it, come to my inbox on Tumblr and send me a note anonymously. 

You’re right, this isn’t my full time job. You’re right, I do get paid on patreon. But don’t act like I’m making a 40K salaray from this. I need this little bit of extra money to pay bills, afford medication, and a ton of other things. I don’t ask for much. All I want is a comment on what you liked, or didn’t like about a fic I posted. 

All of that being said, I did get some really nice responses from this same question:

I love your writing and honestly I feel like I am getting my more than my money’s worth! 💕

I hope that you’re doing well and getting what you want out of this platform. You are very talented and a lot of people admire your work. Please keep up the amazing writing! I’m proud of you! xx

Love your writing, the details that you provide really help shape the concept(s) of the story you are telling. Keep up the good work!

I want honesty, and I can accept criticism, but to say I’m not doing enough??? And I know it was just this one person, but the entitlement????? I don’t understand it. 

I only want to put out my best work. I have a long one shot I really want to put out that I poured my heart and soul into, and I’m petrified of posting it because I’m afraid it’s only going to get, like, 10 likes. 

I know I’m rambling here, but I...even with all of the nice comments, that initial one above just makes me feel so defeated. 

[lovemesomeharry]

MUSE

Hello, lovies! After a long time considering whether or not to post this little blurb, I decided to. I'm sorry if it isn’t good and it's overrun with mistakes. English is not my first language, but I always enjoyed writing so I gave it my best shot. Anyways let me know if I should stop haha and please be patient with me figuring out how this complicated app works.

Words: 1k

Warnings: None. Just fluff.

Summary: It never felt easier to write.

When she woke up in the middle of the night, she wasn’t met with a warm body snuggling up to her or curly hair tickling her face. But rather the emptiness embraced her, whom she ultimately blamed for her early awakening.

She was slightly sweating due to the warm weather in the early stages of summer. Not even the open window or the kicked off blanked cooled her down and usually, she’d find her boyfriend making her situation worse with his own body heat.

Sometimes she'd jokingly push Harry away or complain about it, but deep down both knew it’d be much easier to sleep with the warm temperature than to sleep alone. It was practically impossible to not be laced together and pull each other closer when the opportunity occurred.

Especially for Harry. He loved every chance he got to touch her. Whether it was as gentle as stroking her cheek or a hard kiss onto her lips. He always made sure to show her that he missed her. Even if she's around him and not too far away.

And that's exactly why she furrowed her eyebrows as she scanned through the dark room, which was only illuminated by the slowly disappearing moon and stars, that she could see through the open window.

Slowly she rubbed at her eyes, trying her best to adjust them to the darkness of the room as she began to get off the bed. She looked down at the shirt she was wearing, unsure if she should put on a robe or not. But decided against it, knowing she couldn't handle more heat.

Softly she strolled towards the door and began walking down the stairs when she noticed the bright light coming from the living room. It pulled her almost immediately towards it. Just like mosquitos do on a summer night.

With sleepy eyes and a yawn escaping her mouth, she spotted Harry sitting on the couch. His pink lips were slightly apart and the tip of his tongue stuck out. She immediately knew he's concentrated on something as she recognized the famous jaw clench from his side profile. Wild curls falling onto his forehead that made her fingertips tingle as she tried her best not to startle him by pushing them out of his gorgeous face.

For a few more seconds she just blankly stared at him, admired the beauty he radiated. His hands were typing away on the screen of his small phone and it was the only source of sound in the quiet house they both shared.

With careful steps, she made her way towards him, trying her best not letting him know that she was awake.

”Hey, Baby.” A whisper escaped her lips while she wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders and she could feel him tense up a bit before he leaned into her loving touch.

Her voice was raspy but not comparable to his as he began to speak. ”Did I wake you up, love?” She could hear the worry in his voice which led to her holding him tighter. Almost as if she tried to reassure him and take his worries away, ignoring her own heartbeat gaining speed when her brain registered his famous pet name he called her so often.

She shook her head and began to run her small hands over his chest. ”No.” For a split second, she allowed her eyes to close and inhale his warm, musky, and welcoming scent, making it so much more difficult for her to not drift away to a much-needed sleep. ”Why are you awake?”

He only hummed, too focused on his phone, so she had to repeat herself.

”Couldn’t sleep.” His answer didn't satisfy her even in the slightest bit. She knew he needed his sleep, especially now because soon he'll be touring all around the world and be lacking it. As much as she didn't want to be an overly protective girlfriend, she simply couldn't help herself but make sure he was taken care of whenever she got the chance to.

”Do you need anything? Some water maybe?” When the words had hit him he wanted nothing more than to pull her into his lap and snuggle her tightly. How dare she be this adorable when he was convinced to be the reason for her lack of sleep?

Her hands lost the grip on his shoulders before she let go of him, which he responded to with a needy whimper. A small smile spread across her face. She loved it when her baby was needy.

”Don’t leave.”, he murmured, already missing her gentle touch on his tense body.

She shook her head amused. ”Wasn’t going to.” If her eyes could talk they’d say how much she adored him. Everything about him, actually. His hoarse voice, his ruffled hair, or even his tired eyes. Everything made her fall in love with him harder and she truly couldn't grasp how she got so lucky and wondered what she’d done to deserve him.

She took a seat next to him and leaned her head on his shoulder, tenderly wrapping her hand around his arm and tugging at the soft material of his shirt. Immediately she realized it was the shirt she wore just a few days ago to bed, even though officially it belonged to him. But they didn’t care and it was getting harder to tell their clothes apart anyway, so they didn't even bother. Besides she enjoyed sleeping in his clothes and he loved wearing them afterwards. Both of them being shamefully addicted to their significant others' smell, that made them feel at ease and reminded them of their home.

His nose scrunched up every once in a while as she kept him in her eyesight. He tried not to put his phone away and give her all of his attention, knowing she’d encourage him to continue. She’d praise him, even if he only wrote one, single, short word and that made him feel like the most successful man in the world. Just because he had her support and could call her his.

”Aren’t you tired?” He asked to make sure he wasn't keeping her up and not trying to get rid of her. He wouldn't even dream of it, but he wasn't selfish enough to raid her sleep. He tried to look at her as best as he could and felt his heart immediately beating harder against his ribcage. He was so head over heels in love with her. Even with the way how her eyelashes touched her soft cheeks or her fingers pleasantly gripping onto his warm skin.

”No.” She tried her best to suppress a yawn trying to escape her mouth, but Harry could see right through her but kept his mouth shut and decided not to tease her, how he usually would. But he couldn’t prevent the right corner of his mouth to go upwards. ”Besides I like watching you write.”

He couldn't help but let the heat find it's way to his cheeks. ”Yeah?”

”Yeah.” He smiled wider when he felt her pull him closer and grace him with a hardly noticeable kiss on his shoulder.

He started to type again. This time he was faster and it felt as if he hadn't had to search for the words because they came to him. That’s exactly what he was waiting for since he sat down on the couch. He was waiting for inspiration to really struck him.

It was so much easier to write when his muse was right next to him and he knew clearly he wanted to dedicate every word to her.

[blueprint-han]

pink cherry blossoms.

pairing: changbin x (gender neutral) reader.

genre: high school au ; fluff.

⇥ warnings: none, changbin is Y/N’s high school pen pal + bf + and she’s a foreign exchange student uwu. 🥰

word count: 1.4 K

⇥ disclaimer: this fiction does not aim to represent the activities of the real Seo Changbin, nor does it represent JYPE in any form. Events are pure fiction. ♡

type: drabble.

network tag: @stayverse​ @districtninewriters​ @inkidz​ + @sunoo-luvs​​

part of: the url drabble game; requested by @pinkchcn​ (requests for this are closed now!)

!!!; bold italics indicate Changbin’s letter.

↯ note: hhhhhh so the story for this comes from when I first read your url, I read it as “pink chicken” siudhyuegfw I’m so sorry if has a deeper meaning I by no means meant to mock it I swear. 😭 Hope you enjoy this blurb tho, this is in no way comparable to your awesome writing you queen but I tried. 😔 Happy reading! <33⇥ dawn.☀️

↯ note 2: Okay now that tumblr officially fucked with my self-esteem + the tags I am glad to announce that this is officially the worst fic ever Kai I’m so sorry I made you read this. 😭 I’ll go boo at myself now bye :(( ⇥ dawn.☀️

“Y/N-ah, you got mail.” Your roommate chimed in Japanese, throwing the envelope on top of your sleeping form. You groaned, shuffling under the mess of sheets. It was a Sunday, of all times! What reason did your friend find to wake you up early? You didn’t take the intrusion of sleep well.

“What?” Grubbily, you straightened up from the lower bunk of the bed, rubbing over your eyes as you squinted to look at your friend, who was silently giggling at the way your hair looked like a bird’s nest, all poofed up and sticking out in random places. “You got mail.” She repeated, tucking back her neatly combed hair behind her ear, before plopping a small parcel in front of you. “The letter was attached to this.”

“I know that.” You asked, throwing the blankets over your torso, snuggling into it’s warmth. “What could be so important that you had to wake me up for the mail?’ A soft huff from your lips and you rubbed over your eyes, trying to push away any remnants of sleep. “Couldn’t you have just left it on my table?” Shoving the envelope to the side.

“It’s from your boyfriend~” Your friend in a sing song voice, laughing when you lit up at the little admission. “Have fun reading it! I’m gonna go to the park. You need something?”

“Get me some cherry blossoms.” You stretched your limbs, any last signs of grubbiness gone with the wind. It was officially spring, which meant that the whole city was coated in pink, cherry blossoms of varying shades everywhere, and you loved the scenery they provided — especially from your balcony.

“Are you gonna send them to Changbin?” Your friend asked.

“Oh gosh, are you gonna keep asking me questions or are you gonna go?” Grabbing the pillow behind you, you chucked it at her head, laughing in victory when she was unable to dodge it.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Your friend rolled her eyes. “See you later.”

Deciding it as a good time to get out of bed, you quickly brushed your teeth, washed your face and tied your hair into a braid before staring at the envelope strewn on the bed. Your two other roommates were both outside already — you could read the letter in peace.

Plopping yourself onto the soft mattress, you covered yourself with the blankets once again before turning the envelope in your hand. Your address was neatly written in his handwriting, followed by three hearts and one winky face. The drawings warmed your heart as you unwrapped the package that came along with it.

It took you a while, but you eventually had the box opened and the tore the envelope, revealing a small piece of paper that had been crookedly folded in half, as though in hurry. Knowing Changbin, you knew better than to just assume that the letter was short, because that man had the tiniest handwriting you’d ever seen — being his pen pal meant you’d have to basically become a human magnifying glass.

Grabbing your reading glasses, you let them hang over your nose as you squinted, trying to read the letter.

Dear Y/N,

Hi^^ hope you’re having a lovely time there, darling~ it’s been going quite okay here. >w< Binnie misses you a lot-

You bit your lip to stifle your laughter. The fact that he’d actually bothered to draw emojis and use aegyo in his letter made you melt in warmth. You sunk back into the plush cushions as you continued reading his letter.

-and I sure hope you’re missing me too okay !! >:( don’t forget about me !! Anyways, it’s starting to get cold over here and mom forces me to pull over that dusty jacket that only makes me sneeze. Honestly I wish you were here, I miss your cuddles :(( But how’s everything going on there? Are you eating properly? Are you getting sufficient sleep? You better or else I’m gonna revoke my cuddles and hugs when you get back here after two months !! Remember to eat, drink water and sleep well okay!! That’s an order!! Or else. >:(

By the time you reached this part of the letter, you were already melting at how adorably concerned he sounded, even through writing. Your giggles were taking no name to stop as you clutched your letter. Feeling the heat creep up to your cheeks as you sighed, in love. You loved how he could make you forget everything around you and drown in everything Seo Changbin, and Seo Changbin only.

Anyways, I sent something for you!! Open the package !! ^^  It reminded me of you so I hope you liked it.

You tilted your head to the side as you flipped the lid of the box open, looking at one of those customizable “summer greetings” card (which was weird, considering that he’d just said it was getting colder)… and, a chicken?

You scowled in confusion as you picked up the plastic object, examining it thoroughly i your hands. It was colored in the usual hues of a normal chicken, but it nonetheless confused you. It reminded you of one of those plastic toys Changbin’s niece owned — in fact, you were almost 85% sure it was his niece’s.

“This reminded him of me? What the hell!” You glanced at the letter with a pout on your face, eyes searching for answers. For some reasons, butterflies erupted in the pit of your stomach, producing a jittery sensation. Ignoring that, you continued reading, noticing a portion of the letter remaining.

Okay keukeukeukeu now that you’ve probably opened it you’re most likely confused and mad at me, and to that I say it was a prank :D That was’s Hyunae’s old toys keukeukeukeu hope you got fooled though. >:) Remove the cloth from the box and see what’s underneath now^^ Promise it’s not a chicken keukeukeuekeu >w<

You narrowed your eyes at the piece of paper, and then the box, noticing the cloth that seemed like it covered something underneath. Reaching out for it, you placed the box in your lap before holding your breath, gently taking the fabric out. You couldn’t be blamed for being nervous, okay? You just received a toy chicken as a souvenir from your boyfriend! A chicken, out of all things!

But, however, your suspicions were put to rest when the cloth was lifted. What you saw inside the box, was by far and most easily, one of the most beautiful gifts you’d ever received, and you felt a slight pang in your heart as your jaw dropped in awe.

It was a dark metal hairband, but the thing that was pretty about it was the tiny cherry blossoms that were arranged on top of it — just by looking at it, you could tell Changbin had spent hours making and coloring those clay flowers, let along moulding and placing them so perfectly. Small, shiny pearls placed in the centre of each flower shined in the light, and you internally swooned at hoe pretty it looked. Nothing could compare to anything you’d bought from the store, ever.

So this was his gift, huh?

“Wow,” You mumbled to yourself, gently and carefully sliding the headband onto your hair. It was heavy, but not that heavy and comfortable enough to wear frequently, you continued reading.

Aaaah i really hope you like it !! I spent about three days making this in craft class, and even the teacher said it came out well (also this reminded me of you please don’t be mad keukeukeuekue), I hope you like it darling !! ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ Remember to write back to me okay !! I love you !! take care darling, bye~

With love

your boyfriend Seo Changbin.  ♡ ♡

You smiled when the letter ended, almost (almost) tearing up with how touched you were. Changbin had immense craftmanship indeed, but this by far, was one of the most beautiful pieces he’d ever made, let alone gifted to you.

“Wow, that’s pretty! Did Changbin send that?” You snapped up to look at your friend, who gazed at your headband in awe.

“Yeah!” Covering your mouth, you giggled. “Did you bring it?”

“Mhm,” Your friend carefully handed the delicate flower to you, and you quickly rushed to your cupboard, getting the little journal you’d made over the three months you were here. Once you sat back down on the bed after grabbing a pen, you opened the page titled ‘Spring’ and cautiously taped the cherry blossom onto the page, closing the book shit so it could be pressed into paper. After that it was the obvious, you quickly wrote him a note, smiling to yourself as you ran your hand across the flower crown you adorned on your head.

And of course, when Changbin opened the package two days later to receive the moderately fresh, pressed flower along with your stories and your note, a smile pulled at his lips in an instant.

↯ note: 🕯️ ignore me this is just a small prayer that tumblr doesn’t make me battle the tags yet again 🕯️ may the tumblr gods be in my favor at least this once ;-; 🕯️ ⇥ dawn.☀️

[purpleyin]

2020 Fic Writer’s Year In Review

So 2020 in review because I like doing stats, there’s something comforting about working them out for me. Even if 2020 was not all that good a writing year.

I actually started writing this post in February but I stalled at the whole favourite lines part because I like to link to the fics and so it sat in my drafts for aaaaagggges and I’m finally getting to it again in May!

For anyone who got tagged in this post and is wondering why, that’d be because there’s a section way way down in the post for ‘Writers You Should Read’ where I am reccing you. :)

Word count written: 90,283/104,000

Word count for posted stories: 63,662/156,000     

Number of fics: 34  - I included fics/fic chapters and ficlets I do with moodboards if they were about more than 100 words

(I also made 5 fanmixes + 1 fanvid)

Fandoms written for (for posted works): The Flash, BBC Sherlock, Legends of Tomorrow, Stargate Atlantis, HP Series, Uncharted

(for the vid - Mass Effect: Andromeda + Game of Thrones for 1 fanmix)

Shortest Story: If I only count fics that have dialogue that’d be the snippet of Killergold Jurassic Park AU I did for Femslash February, at about 300 words.    

Longest Story: “A Matter of Time” my angsty/whump Hartmon timeloop fic I did for the Hartmonfest exchange, that’s about 8.5k words.

Looking back, did you write more fic than you thought you would this year, less, or about what you’d predicted? 

So I did decently by my writing goal, 90k out of 104k, even though that wasn’t much compared to the previous year. I thought I’d done less, because I didn’t feel very productive, but I guess half my problem was writing things that didn’t get finished. I was hoping to finish more WIPs in general from prior years too and so get more posted than I written but I didn’t really manage that, oh well. I have 35 new WIPs awaiting finished from 2020. No clue if that’s better or worse than last year, may need to start keeping track of them somehow.  

What pairing/genre/fandom did you write most? The Flash was my most written for fandom to no surprise. Most written pairing was Savisnow but Hartmon almost beat it out in 2020, very close with both at around 17k words each. Genrewise it was largely angst and whump as usual.

What pairing/genre/fandom did you write that you would never have predicted in January?

For pairings - I would have to say either McKay/Sheppard/Weir or Coldvibe.

McKay/Sheppard/Weir I didn’t expect because it’s such an old fandom and I was only into it in passing. Somehow I had a resurgence of squee for the fandom and a moodboard plot bunny that demanded to be more so ended up a ficlet. It was more not!fic than proper fic but I unexpectedly enjoyed making it.

Coldvibe was another I didn’t expect to write anything for. Moodboards, yes, and I did a fair few but actually writing a snippet with dialogue in it to go with my Elseworlds AU I wouldn’t have predicted at the start of the year I don’t think.

Genre - I definitely had a higher than usual fluff % though, it’s becoming easier to write with practice I suppose. I never expect fluff! I certainly also didn’t expect to write 2 quarantine/lockdown fics...

Fandom - unexpected was Game of Thrones. Because what I made was for Braime, which I love but I’ve otherwise only lurked in that fandom.  I did a fanmix and a moodboard with short blurb and that was more than I thought I’d ever do.

Did you take any writing risks this year?

I branched out into several pairings I’d not written full fics for before (Snowest, Westhallen) and I started posting my Savisnow multichapter even though it’s WIP slow posting and hardly going to be popular because it’s niche.

But probably the riskiest fics felt like ones that I wrote where I was worried what if I got wrong somehow (like my Iris with mirror powers oneshot or Hartmon ASL day fic) or that were very heavy emotionally like my Hartmon quarantine fic.

Do you have any fanfic or general writing goals for the new year?

Finish more already started fics! Literally that is the main goal this year. Start less stuff, finish more old stuff. I need to be more disciplined. I may not always feel like writing a certain thing but with so many WIPs there should be something I want to make progress on surely no matter my mood.

I also still have 4 bingocards to do - Bad Things Happen, DCTVGen, Hartmon (overdue but eh, if I post stuff it’s still good to do) and WIPbingo now.

From the past year of writing, what was your...

Best story of this year: I think my Westhallen ‘it’s the little things’.

Most popular story of this year (by kudos): This is hard to say when the top fic is “Why Should I Trust You” that is multichaptered and cross year so I can’t tell how many kudos it got last year specifically...it has 166 total. Otherwise, for new fics in 2020 it was ‘with one’s own hand’ a Hartmon fic with 44 kudos.

Personal favorite: It’s so niche but my Savisnow Valentine’s fic is my fave.

My favourite fic to write: The 2nd chapter of One Way Or Another. It was also tough to write but the not quite Frost!Caitlin back and forth with Savitar was strangely satisfying to write out. Also I cackle at the end of chapter angst.

Most fun to write: Definitely my Coldwestallen fluff/teasing heatwave ficlet.

Story with the single sexiest moment: Alas I wrote none this year on my main account and only 1 on my secondary PWP account so there’s no true competition there.

Most “holy crap, that’s wrong, even for you” story: Honestly can’t think of one, wasn’t really a darkfic kinda year. The few Savibarry things I created (a fanmix and 2 moodboards including a short ficlet) are probably the most likely to fall under that category for the pairing alone.

Most challenging to write: The Hartmon timeloop fic, because the plot needed to be good enough and getting pacing right was hard too.

Funniest fic: I don’t do funny much but I’d say the heatwave ficlet again.

Fluffiest fic: My Westallen coffee shop AU probably? Or the Westhallen fic.

Saddest fic: This one is hard to judge. I suspect One Way Or Another is overall saddest, because Savitar, but the Iris has powers one is fairly sad too given her inevitable trauma from being in the Mirrorverse. My Uncharted fic ‘Slip of the tongue’ is also post-breakup so quite morose/regretful.

Fic I’m proudest of writing: Probably the Hartmon quarantine fic, ‘Between Hope And Fear’ because it was a hard subject to deal with for me emotionally at the time. It was cathartic to write but then it looks like from the response that it resonated with several people so I was glad to have been able to write it.

Least popular fic: Going by kudos or hits, my Uncharted fic with only 4/35 but it is a tiny/kinda dead fandom. My Iris fic also was next least popular with only 9 kudos & 52 hits - I’ve only written for her a handful of times as I get a little nervous about if I can write her well enough and I never know if some Iris fans might avoid me due to ship wars.

Biggest disappointment: I wasn’t disappointed in anything I posted but I was least confident about my Snowest fic, ‘Love isn’t a science’.

General writing reflections: I should try and do more variety. Experiment more. Let myself write more shortform stuff again. I get a lot of grand ideas but I need to accept not everything can be long fic. It’d be nice to have some stuff somewhere between longfic and moodboard blurbs as those seems my current two extremes 90% of the time. I should probably worry less about fact checking canon stuff and handwave things more.

Writers You Should Read: My answer wasn’t initially gonna be much different than last year and I’d generally say check out my bookmarks on AO3.

But then I thought more and realised there’s definitely some other writers I found in 2020 and a few others I want to mention.

@voldiebuns has lots of great short fics I enjoyed a lot when I hadn’t many spoons to read fic.

@violetteatime writes great Hartmon.

@astrid-goes-for-a-spin I really enjoyed their Iris and Westallen fics.

@dance-is-life27 has some lovely Snowestallen.

@finalfantasyx writes very thoughtful Snowbarry that is also Iris-friendly.

Check out @tygermine if you want humourous/fluffy Dramione and she also has a lot of Merlin fics.

@jessequicksters is a great writer and got me reading some Flash pairings I’d not considered before.

@secondratevillain has a lot of fab Rogues fics.

@joanthangroff for great DCTV gen in particular. 

@letmetellyouaboutmyfeels who has such great Timeless fics, especially for Garcyatt, but also has started writing great Witcher fics too.

Favorite character to write: I think this year that’d be Hartley, but Savitar is still up there for the same odd reasons as before.

Favorite opening lines:

I don’t think I have any favourites for this.

Favorite closing lines:

A break that created something else, each shard a possibility, a new path to see herself another way.

- from After Image (Iris, The Flash)

Because words are her thing and all Rodney really needs to understand is he doesn’t have to be perfect, he can just be, the same as John is with her. That’s all they really need.

- from my McKay/Shep/Weir College professors AU ficlet (SGA)

It’s her turn to blush then, and that brings out a smile from Barry that makes all his previous smiles seem dull in comparison.

- from my Westallen Coffeshop AU (Barry/Iris, The Flash)

Other favorite lines:

'I can do that' and 'We ought to be able to manage it' and so many variations of those have been uttered by him over the years. All permutations on the theme of him not exactly promising to borrow/beg/steal an object for the client themselves per se. 'I could do that for you', with the words 'I won't' left off.

{...]he blames Elena for her moralizing him – changing his perception from shades of grey to a stronger contrast.

- from Slip of the Tongue (Nate, Uncharted)

there's nowhere to go. Except there's that tug inside her, like a whisper of gravity, that says, there's here.

- from After Image (Iris, The Flash)

Hunter, who turned out to be less bring-home-to-your-mom material and more of a wants-to-take-you-home-in-the-trunk-of-his-car kinda guy.

- from my Snowbarry Little Shop of Horrors AU (Barry/Caitlin, The Flash)

But it makes Cisco swallow hard because that isn’t the Piper outfit he’s most recently seen Hartley in. This is the outfit he made for Hartley, erased from existence like every other part of their friendship.

- from my Hartmon Alice in Wonderland Fusion (Cisco/Hartley, The Flash)

[what-big-teeth]

Admire (Male Naga ; Fic Raffle)

And done! @glugenash​ requested a meet-cute between a male reader and a naga of any gender. I decided to go with a male naga and let my imagination take hold to make this wonderful idea even cuter. I hope you all enjoy this fic! Male Reader (POV) x Male Monster If there’s one place you can truly relax while curling up with a good book, it’s the library.

Ever since you moved into town for a better job opportunity, you attempted to combat the new stressors that turned up as a result. Exercise, meditation, doing the bare minimum on the weekends. Nothing could compare to the public library and its innate charm. This is why you’re seated at your favorite table.

Tucked into one of the historical building’s many corners beside a large window, there’s always just enough sunlight to happily bask in and use while reading. These simple reasons—and the woodsy, vanillin scent of the surrounding book collection—are why you’ve decided to revisit an old series. Something about embracing a nostalgic memory at your table alleviates your pent-up stress like nothing else.

Which is why the sensation of being watched feels so foreign.

You’ve attempted to look around as discreetly as possible. But your eyes haven’t encountered anything out of the ordinary. Just the usual, book-lined shelves and wooden lectern holding an old, massive dictionary.

Still, you can’t fully shake the feeling. Your gut has rarely led you astray, which is why you keep glancing around. After a fleeting moment, you think you see a dark shape shrink away behind a nearby shelf. You stand up, intent on finding out who your odd observer is. But an insistent buzzing from your jeans pocket breaks your focus. Knowing that your library hasn’t made the full transition to a ‘loud facility’ yet, you step away from your spot, leaving your book behind to take the call outside.

Unsurprisingly, it’s work. Or rather, your boss. One of your co-workers has taken ill suddenly, and he needs you to fill in for her shift until he recovers. There’ll be extra pay as compensation, which helps to sweeten the deal. But when your boss mentions the project your co-worker has been toiling over for the last few weeks, you silently wince. You honestly would rather not take on the extra work, but the extra money would really help.

Your boss says your name in a questioning manner. Looks like you accidentally zoned out.

“Sure thing,” you say with a forced, cheerful tone. You can already feel the mounting stress that’ll have you on edge. With a final, merry “thanks!” and farewell, the call ends. This new development calls for some extra self-care.

You head back inside the library, making your way over to the built-in cafe. It’s a welcomed new addition, especially since they make some of the best, homebrew tea and pastries you’ve ever had. With your cup of honeyed chamomile and warmed confection in hand, you return to your sunshine laden table.

Your book is in its usual spot, but it’s been closed with a tasseled bookmark keeping track of your place. You didn’t pick up one while greeting Jason at the circulation desk. After mentally marking which page you left off on, you untuck it from between the pages. The design is, well, it’s amazing. Hand drawn swirls of complimentary colors balance each other out while being lined with careful, fine-tipped black lines. And the tassel is uniquely soft to the touch, the threads feeling similar to silk. You’re so drawn to the workmanship of the bookmark that you almost overlook the neatly folded piece of paper on the table.

The Farandale Chronicles is one of my favorite series. If you’d like to read something similar, I’d like to suggest the Crystal of Might series, written by Malkus Morak.  — D

You re-read the note a few times. But no matter how much you attempt to place the neat handwriting, you can’t. There isn’t anything untoward about the suggestion, honestly. And the bookmark is an unexpected, if creative gift. Decision made, you replace the bookmark and head over to the Science Fiction section.

It doesn’t take long to find the suggested book and read the blurb on the jacket’s interior. You can’t deny that it sounds like something right up your alley. Even better, there are three more books in the series.

“Think I will try this out,” you mutter to yourself. “Thanks for the suggestion, D.”

You bundle the new book together with your old favorite, being cautious of your food, and fall in line before the circulation desk. It doesn’t take long for you to reach the front and greet the tawny, curly-haired minotaur behind the counter with a smile.

“How are things going, Jason?” He nods in reply, stalwart as ever as he carefully checks both books for possible damage before checking them out to you.

“Three weeks, as usual,” he murmurs with a deep voice. He gestures to the new book you’ve decided to read. “Should I put the sequel on hold for you?”

“That’d be great!”

After nimbly using the keyboard to complete your request, he hands both books to you with a gentle puff of air.

“Anything else I can help you with?”

Wetting your lips, you tug the handwritten note from between the cover and first page of Morak’s book.

“Would you happen to know whose handwriting this is?”

Jason gently takes the note from you, his warm brown eyes scanning the contents. With a small cough, he hands it back to you.

“Sorry, I don’t. But I’m glad they wrote on a slip of paper instead of damaging the book.”

You can’t help but chuckle. Ever since you met him, Jason’s always been a stickler for the rules when it comes to the library. Quiet yet firm. You pocket the note, being careful to not crease it any further.

“That’s fine,” you say. “It was worth a shot, anyway.”

“Be sure to finish your food while on site,” he says. “The Director is still leery about folks taking off with the cafe’s food.”

“Don’t worry,” you say, smiling. “There’s a bench outside that called to me when I stepped out earlier. Take care.”

As you leave with your new reading materials and food, you can’t stop the thrill of excitement that wells up inside you. Besides being a place of reprieve, you beloved library has provided an interesting mystery as well. And it’s one you intend to solve.

_______________________________________________

Like clockwork, you return the same day next week. Thankfully, your boss was kind enough to give you the weekend off after you took on your duties and that of your sick co-worker. It gives you just enough time to destress at the library. This time, you make a beeline for the cafe, ordering some calming tea and a new, but delectable looking pastry. Jason greets you at the circulation desk and checks out Molak’s second book to you. Once you’ve checked that your usual spot hasn’t been taken, you swiftly lay claim with your purchased items and settle in your seat.

After drinking your tea and eating your pastry, you find yourself feeling better. You open the hardback’s cover, highly interested in seeing what’ll happen to the protagonists next. But two slips of paper flutter out from the book, like before. The material is thicker this time around, similar to reinforced sketchbook paper. Your eyes widen as you realize why.

The subject of the drawing is someone you know too well. It’s you. The sketch depicts a past you sitting where you are now, looking content with a soft smile on your face as you read. Little details jump out as you take in the entirety of the work. The slight dents on the side of the old table you graze your hand over time and time again. The way you hold a book that you find immensely but surprisingly pleasing. The almost starstruck expression lighting up your features as you leave this world for another while reading…

Underneath, in familiar elegant writing, the caption reads ‘Entranced Beauty’. Heat wells up within your cheeks as you read the words over and over again. Your fingertip glides against the lettering as you pick up the other slip of paper from the carpeted floor.

There have been many times I’ve wanted to tell you how wonderful you look when you’re lost in your own world. But I’m afraid that, verbally, words fail me. At least this skill of mine can say more than what I could ever hope. For a while now, I’ve hoped I could be invited to come along with you as another book takes hold of your imagination. But I refuse to think that such lofty hopes can be achieved, considering what I am. I’m merely glad that my suggestion was pleasing to you, and I hope I can continue to provide doors for you to walk through when you need a break from this world.  — D

Your heart pounds loudly inside your chest and head as the heat in your cheeks spread throughout your whole body. All you can think about is discovering who your admirer is and meeting them face to face. After all, someone who can write and such sweet thoughts and draw so beautifully can’t be as bad as they think. With this thought as encouragement, you find Molak’s collection and take the third book of his series from the shelf. You wait in line behind a couple, a gorgon and gargoyle, as Jason helps them with their items. Once they’re taken care of, you step up to the circulation desk and set the book down.

“Find everything you were looking for?” he asks.

You’re tempted to say ‘yes’, but stop short.

“No,” you say. “I...I need your help.”

You show Jason the sketch and note, asking once again if he happens to know anything. After all, the note and sketch had to be put in place before you checked out the second book. And all holds are reserved behind the circulation desk for all patrons.

A strange silence falls between the two of you. It’s broken by Jason coughing into his closed fist as he averts his gaze.

“You do know something, don’t you?” you murmur.Jason glances your way before letting his eyes drop to the computer screen in front of him.

“I get it.” You pause to reign in your voice, surprised at the sudden loudness of it. “I understand you’re trying to protect D, especially because they feel like they can’t face me. But you know me, Jason. I won’t hurt them. I just want to meet them and tell them my appreciation.”

Once more, you bring out the sketch and place it on the circulation desk before you. “Please, help me.”

Jason’s gaze finds the sketch and settles on it. He finally lets out a soft huff of air then rubs the back of his neck with his hand.

“I didn’t realize how deeply D fell for you,” he says. “I thought it was just a crush. Alright. I’ll help you out. Not only do you deserve a happy ending, but so does D. Just...be gentle with him, alright? He’s been through a lot.”

“I will,” you say, letting your words carry your promise. “Thank you, Jason.”

“Don’t thank me just yet,” he mutters. “Gonna have to see how this goes, first. Alright, D always comes like clockwork on Wednesday evenings...”

You take Jason at his word and return to the library at the time and day he suggested. Sure, it involved rearranging your work schedule somewhat, but your now-well co-worker was more than happy to return the favor you showed her. Probably helps that she’s somewhat of a romantic and readily agreed after you explained the situation to her.With careful steps, you make your way towards your usual spot. The last few rays of the setting sun fall onto the table and the naga sitting at it.

The quiet breath you’re taking in stalls at the sight.

With rich, golden brown skin, you can’t help but wonder why D would think himself unattractive. More so thanks to his jet black hair, which is pulled back into a bun, and his matching scales. Even the slight creme of his underbelly, which you can barely make out due to his button-down shirt, is charming. Remembering Jason’s advice, you carefully approach the table as he remains lost in a book held in his clawed hands. It’s the third book in Molak’s fantasy series. You can’t help but smile at the realization.

“Excuse me,” you say.

D startles, tensing at your soft voice. His pupils dilate somewhat in reply as he looks at you. With him looking head on at you, you notice the scaled skin on the sides of his neck. A hood, like that of a cobra. He looks close to bolting right then and there, but you gently press on.

“By chance, are you D?”

D gulps down a few breaths of air.

“N-no, I’m…”

Your body intuitively moves, laying a gentle hand on his upper arm in what you hope is a soothing gesture.

“I want the same thing,” you say. “I want to let you into my world so that we can make one of our own. Together.”

The scaled hood at his neck flares somewhat, but you don’t feel any fear. If anything, you’re entranced. How can such a charming, handsome naga think he’s anything less? After a few tense moments, D finally relaxes then nods.

“I...I am D.”

He meets your gaze, and you almost feel yourself fall into the molten gold of his eyes.

“I didn’t want you to know because not too many people want anything to do with me. My lineage is from a King Cobra clan, which makes me venomous. And that tends to make others uncomfortable. I-I didn’t want you to feel the same, but I couldn’t hide how I felt about you after I first saw you a few months ago. Jason thought...he suggested I could let you know anonymously and I agreed. I thought that would be best. I’m just surprised you’d want to seek me out.”

You can’t help but smile while gently gripping D’s upper arm.

“You left me with an amazing mystery to solve. And as much as you want to know me, I found myself wanting to know the person behind the ‘D’ moniker. I still do, if that’s alright with you.”

D gives you a soft smile in return, which reveals a hint of his sharp fangs. They’re rather cute, just like the rest of him. He stands up and extends a hand towards you.

“Then, let me officially introduce myself. I’m Danilo.”

You take his hand and shake it while giving him your name. When he attempts to pull his hand away, you gently squeeze it. Danilo’s breath catches as you maneuver your fingers so they twine with his.

“B-by chance,” he nearly squeaks out, “do you like Filipino food? I know a place that serves dishes similar to what I grew up with back home.”

“I haven’t had it before,” you say, “but I’m excited to try it out. I hope you don’t mind acting as my culinary tour guide.”

Danilo gives you another soft smile as he huffs out a laugh.

“Not at all.”

You both head towards the circulation desk, where you see Jason positively beaming at the two of you. As Danilo tells you about his work as a graphic designer and animator, you find yourself hanging on his every word. As he hands Jason the third and final book of the trilogy, you smile.

You can’t wait to see what else you both have in common.

[atamascolily]

After Ursula K. Le Guin died, I made an agreement with myself I would read anything and everything she'd written as the chance arose. That said, Searoad: Chronicles of Klatsand probably would have been the last on my list, had I not stumbled across a paperback copy in a library booksale (in pre-pandemic times) in a "fill a paper bag for $10" sale and it languished in my TBR pile for months before I finally got around to it.

The reason? Genre snobbery, in reverse of the usual direction. Searoad is a collection of short stories published in magazines like The New Yorker, and fancy-sounding publications with Review in their names. Serious publications publishing so-called "literary" fiction, or maybe "realistic fiction" or just plain fiction--fiction that's supposed to tell-it-like-it-is, lay bare the inadequacies of modern life, and leave you feeling empty and unfulfilled after watching empty and unfulfilled people make poor decisions in futile attempts to fill the emptiness and inadequacies of their lives. Because that’s the whole point of literature, right?

Oh. Perhaps I'm generalizing. But so it feels to me whenever I dip into one of these publications. They are "literature", everything else is "genre": romance, science-fiction, fantasy, action, adventure, thriller, mystery, crime. "Literary" fiction is usually just plain old "fiction" in the library classification systems and in common parlance: it is assumed to be the norm, the default, from which everything else is a deviation. And I hate this. I've always hated this.

To write about petty modern people with their petty modern lives is one thing--we all have our kinks--but to disdain others for imagining different things, for epics and grandeur and you-could-have-anything-so-why-not-go-for-it always struck me as a deep failure of, and disdain for, imagination. Genres, like so much else in our lives, are social constructs: us and them, the have and the have-nots. Literary fiction are the "haves", everything else is the "have-nots". That's changing, obviously, and the boundaries aren't as rigid as they once were, but I still see that divide reflected in so-called "serious" publications, and I generally avoid them.

Ursula K. Le Guin has always hugged the boundaries between "pure" genre (aka trashy, flashy, unfit for serious folk in the eyes of the pedants) and "literary merit". She's been accepted and respected by both camps, although the "literary" folks speak of the sci-fi rather patronizingly in their reviews of her works. Le Guin, however, never disdained the sci-fi labels in the same way that Margaret Atwood--another boundary-spanning writer--has always done.

For this reason, I've retained infinitely more respect for Le Guin than Atwood, despite Atwood's considerable talents as a writer. Atwood wants to play with sci-fi tropes, but she doesn't have the backbone to stand up and be proud of it. Atwood wants to write science fiction but not be judged for it, and the easiest way to do that (since genres are a social construct) is just to firmly insist that it's not sci-fi at all--move along, nothing to see here.

Here's a blurb on the back of my copy of Searoad by Carolyn Kizer, a Pulitzer-prize winning poet from the Pacific Northwest:

"For a number of years, the only science-fiction I read was that of Ursula K. Le Guin. I don't read science-fiction any more, thought I wouldn't think of missing a book of Le Guin's. She has transcended the genre..."

How very generous and open-minded of you to only read science-fiction so elevated it “transcends” its genre entirely, thereby becoming worthy of notice. And this is supposed to make me like literary fiction? 

That said, the irony is that Kizer’s statement sums up my approach to non-genre stuff as well, although I would not have phrased it quite so baldly. More like “Okay, not usually my cup of tea--but if it’s you, it’s okay....” The genre transcending thing, as much as I despise the phrasing, works both ways here.

All this is to say I finally read Searoad, even though I had to coax myself into it by pretending that this was an alien society that Le Guin and I were exploring together in order to tell us stuff about our own, and that helped. It also helped because the stories were so damn good, and I got carried away, even though they are very literary stories, with ambiguous endings, the usual focus on unexpressed and/or self-destructive emotions of love, birth, and death, and no magic or wizards or dragons whatsoever.

(To repeat: I am a genre snob who has never understood why writing without dragons was inherently better than writing with dragons in it. I have always operated under the principle that dragons made everything better. And I have never understood why depicting the world as it is was a stroke of literary genius, if all you were going to do with it it is show people being unhappy in the usual old ways instead of unusual ways. Or even imagine something new and different!)

Searoad reminds me of Lake Wobegon a little, but that's only because it's a small town, with characters from one story popping up in others in the most unexpected places--just like small town life. After a while, it feels like we're constantly running into old friends, a shared world--real, but in a good way. The stories were published across a wide range of outlets from 1987-1991, yet flow into each other astonishingly well when read in rapid succession, or indeed, in any order at all.

My favorite is "True Love," which is all about ditching unsatisfying conventional relationships to focus on one's true passion instead:

For me, sex is sublimation. Left to itself, in its raw, primitive state, my libido would have expend itself inexhaustibly in reading.

And since I have been a librarian ever since I was twenty, I can truly compare my life to that of some pasha luxuriating in his harem--and what a harem! Half a million mistresses, when I was at the Central Library in Portland! A decade-long orgy! And during the school year, since I teach now at the Library School, I have access to the University Library. Here in Klatsand where I spend the summers, the harem is very small and a good many of the houris are rather out of date, but then so am I. My lust has lessened somewhat with the years. Sometimes I imagine I could be contented with a mere shelf of tried, true, and highly selected Scheherazades, with only now and then a pretty little novel to flirt with, or a volume of new poetry to make me cry out with excess of pleasure in the heart of the night.

And in the same story, Le Guin makes it clear she's one of us:

"Do you like science fiction" I asked her, because all I can really talk about is books. And of course, she couldn't talk about books. That had been knocked out of her years ago. We compromised on "Star Trek," new and old. She liked the new series as well as the old one. I liked the old one better. Antal stared, not at Rosemarie, only at me. "You watch it?" he said. "You watch television?"

I didn't answer. ... I was not going to let him try to shame us for our commonness.

"The one I liked best was the one where Mr. Spock had to go home because he was in heat," I said to her.

"Except, he never, you know," she said. "They just had a fight over the girl, him and Captain Kirk, and then they left."

"That's his pride," I said, obscurely. I was thinking how Mr. Spock was never unbuttoned, never lolled, kept himself shadowy, unfulfilled, and so we loved him. And poor Captain Kirk, going from blonde to blonde, would never understand that he himself loved Mr. Spock truly, hopelessly, forever.

Reader, I LOLed. Because it's true. You know it, I know it, and so does Le Guin. And she had the guts to say so in the Indiana Review, and the editors published it. LEGEND.

Like all of Le Guin's writing, the stories in Searoad are lyrical, elegant, soaring, and moving--sympathetic, yet unafraid to call out bad behavior and terrible things when she sees it. My other favorite story, "Sleepwalkers," is a brilliant example of this: it starts with a complaint by a privileged male playwright about the housekeeper at his summer cabin, only for us to quickly learn (if his tone and phrasing didn't give it away) that he's an arrogant asshole who sees only what he wants to see and misses what's actually in front of him. We then pivot to a number of other people at the little resort, and their views of the housekeeper, and we're left with an open question at the end: which view is more accurate? Which story do we believe? What is actually going on? Can any of us really know or understand the hidden depths within another person? It's so deep and lush and well-written, and even funny on occasions.

And there's also a diversity of viewpoints and perspectives and scenarios enough to keep me interested: a lesbian grieves the death of her long-time partner, a war veteran deals with PTSD, a college student runs off into the woods to secretly map illegal old-growth logging stands, a ghost appears in a late-night diner to a sexual-abuse victim. The ghost thing seems like it ought to fall under genre conventions, but doesn’t because of the framing, and yet it still works for me--another example of Le Guin’s skill.

Anyway, so Le Guin actually made me enjoy so-called "literary" fiction and that was unexpected and delightful. Regardless of my feelings about most "realistic" fiction, I'm glad I read this collection.  

[aloera]

The ask prompt is too long to fit into an ask TT_TT but here's the doc for it docs(.)google(.)com/document/d/1yDI7iFRhOJ8ENv_IwZAo3rDSUqj80EiJROS10RzRbj4/edit

the lengths u are going for this,,, much appreciated you're very sweet!!!

prompts + answers under the cut!!

INTRODUCTION

Name: aloera

AO3 account: aloera

Fandoms you write for: bnha

How many stories have you written so far: 19

FANFICTION PROFILE

What's your favorite fandom to write for? hmm,,, used to do pjo and eah (ever after high) and eah was fun as fuck i will say!!! i think bnha is my fav mostly bc i made the most friends in this fandom :D

What's your favorite character/person to write for? bkg and kirishima!! cannot choose do not make me <3

Fic you'd want to improve? probably what we deserve? i rushed the beginning and the confession is a bit stilted imo

Hardest fic you've written? between lion and men -_- bc there is so much canon compliant stuff i've gotta write out before i get to the divergence and its HARD

Easiest fic you've written? come home to me!!! it happened so easily,,, no second guessing no writers block just vibes <33 was lovely i miss it

What would you say is the most "famous" fic you've ever written? also probably come home to me? its got the most interaction

first line of the first fic you've ever written and published. [not including my 2014 ffnet fics] "The bell rings, class starts, and Katsuki and Midoriya are inexplicably absent." from come home to me

Have you ever done a collab with another writer? yes!!!!! on two separate occasions and its so fucking fun i highly recommend trying it out its the best

Do you beta? if asked but honestly im a shit beta lmao

Do you like joining fic fests/exchanges? depends on what i have going on irl but in general yeah!!

FANFICTION PREFERENCES

Fluff or angst? definitely fluff

"OCs" or "Reader" inserts? reader inserts!! have been going ham on them recently

Blurbs or drabbles? blurbs!!

One thing you love about fanfiction i just. i really love slice of life romance?? and most media doesn't give you that bc its dedicated to plot and action and that's valid!! but fanfiction fills in the gap which is really nice

One thing you don't like about fanfiction most of the stuff i don't like is less about actual fanfiction and more about how people behave about it

What is/are your favorite fandom author/authors? IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE!!! TURN IT UP!!!

bnha: hiuythn, rae_tnub, Moniix, Ata_Lanta, wrunic, chezka, PurplePersnickety, surveycorpsejean, mahadevi, arxaris, deviance, Oceanbreeze7, MikeWritesThings, bonnia, wonhaebunny, dinosuns

voltron: hiuythn, Oceanbreeze7, DeerstalkerDeathFrisbee, arahir, dinosuns,

and honorable mention to loveclouds im not even in the haikyuu fandom i just love their fics So Much

these are just the ones off the top of my head i have so many favourites idc if i'm only supposed 2 have one!! die mad about it!!!

What is your favorite trope? secret relationship + relationship reveal til the day i die babie <3 <3

Least favorite trope? hm,,, probably just like. angst lmao i cannot stand 90% of it

A fanfiction cliché that you can't help but love? coffeeshop aus,,,, so good

Do you have a type when it comes to pairings? the otp where its like. piece of shit + himbo = love. ex. krbk, catradora, jade/beck

Favorite setting/au? hm,,, truly i cannot pick one KGKSJNHKj but i really like college aus!! and modern aus!! and roommate aus!!

Explain the meaning of your favorite line of dialogue you've written as if someone hasn't read it in context. “He doesn’t know,” Katsuki says, softly. “My timer stopped and nothing happened. He’s not mine.”

the line is from what we deserve!! it's a soulmate au where your timer counts down to the moment that you meet your soulmate!! bakugou's timer ends at USJ when he and kirishima attack kurogiri at the same time (impulsive kings <33) but kirishima's timer doesn't end until kamino because that's when he accepts himself as bakugous soulmate!! unfortunately, when bakugous timer has reached 0, he turned to see that kirishima's was still ticking and therefore believes that kirishima isn't his soulmate.

this line just,, idk. it's really sad. bakugou is such an action-driven character? if something doesn't go his way he Makes it go his way. he's got this insanely volatile quirk and he's got impeccable control of it!! but his love for kirishima isn't something that he can change and he's not going to ruin kirishima's chance of finding his own soulmate because he loves him and wants him to be happy. i really wanted to focus on how resigned he is? and how unusual that is for a character like him.

Favorite trope/genre to write? again, secret relationship with relationship reveals <33 fluff in general is my wheelhouse!!!

A trope/genre you haven't written but think would be a fun challenge? idk if this counts?? have been working on some dead dove concepts!! its super different from what i normally write so its a cool challenge

The one trope/concept you'll never touch and why probably cheating/infidelity?? it just looks,,, super difficult to write well and i don't have enough of an interest in it to try it out

Which do you prefer to write: longer or shorter fics? shorter!! low attention span gang <3

Ideal length to read? 5-10k?

Ideal length to write? 4-8k!!

How long was the longest fic you've ever written? control fraek is around 28k i think?

Have you ever written an AU? yeah!! i've done restaurant au's, soulmate au's, pro hero aus, and fantasy aus (general, not the bnha fantasy ending)

What's your favorite AU trope? hm,, probably when two people in authority are in a secret relationship? ceo's/uni professors/etc etc

Have you ever written smut? yeah!! was. difficult tho

What's your comfort genre? (the one you fall on most in writing/reading) fluff,,, hurt/comfort,,, fix-it fics with happy endings <3

If you were to start writing in other fandoms, which would they be? maybe jjk?? the characters are really cool!!!! fr i might go back to my ever after high roots i love the characters and setting so Much its so fun!!! idec if no ones into it anymore!!!!!

Is there a trope you think you could be easily recognized by in your writing? i've had people say they saw the mention of buff hagakure and recognized it was me so. probably that skdjhnksjd

WRITING STYLE

How would you describe your style? i tend to use shorter sentences and pretty simple words i think? and i gravitate towards lighthearted concepts that allow for ensemble casts and humour!!

Describe your style in three words romcom but fanfic

Favorite words to use when writing? the word reverent!! fuckin love including it!!

Dialogue tags or no dialogue tags? (she said, he said, they said, etc) dialogue tags!!!

Favorite dialogue tag (other than said, if you use them) again idk if this counts but "they said softly" is unmatched

Long sentences vs short vs a mix short <33

What colors would you use to describe your writing? hm,,, depends on the fic i would say?? control fraek is dark green to me?? kinda like a forest at night yk?? scary but there's still life there. sugar cookies is yellow like early morning sunlight, when it rains is yellowy-orange like a caution sign. not gonna list all of them cause theres a lot its just. do u get it? the colours change based on the vibe of the fic.

What song or music genre would you use to describe your writing? think. i am constantly trying to emulate that moment at the end of wasteland baby when hozier goes "im in love/im in love with you."

What kind of metaphors do you rely on? religious metaphors my beloved <33 they're just so pretty!!! i also love comparing stuff to water for some reason?? like that ocean vuong quote thats like "what are you now?/water." it goes hard!!!

What's something you'd say is experimental in your writing at this time? definitely action!! i have,,, no idea how to write it so anything i do is really just me playing around and seeing what works and what doesn't

Do you prefer to write by hand or to type? i've tried both!! personally i prefer typing because it goes way faster but i will say that writing by hand lets me get words down when i'm going through writer's block

What is your preferred place to write (notebook, laptop, cellphone, etc.)? laptop!!

What app/apps do you use to write (word, notepad, etc.)? google docs skjdnkjh its fine on desktop but mobile is,,,,, disgusting

Do you keep a notebook or file/notes page in your phone/device for notes on your writing? ngl i just have everything organized in my drive?? one folder per fandom and then sub folders for ideas+hcs, unfinished wips, and finished fics. multichaps get sub sub folders so i can organize outlines and drafts

Do you listen to music to help you write? yeah!! playlists organized by fic vibe :D

Where do you usually go to write (bedroom, living room, etc.)? mostly in my bedroom??? but moving around to different stops helps too i think!!

How long does it usually take for you to write? again this depends on what i have going on irl, how attached i am to the idea, my mindset at the time, etc!! i am,, the least consistent person skjnhdkjh.

What's your favorite font to use when writing? times new roman my beloved

Other writing habits? sometimes i'll write in the dark?? bad for my eyes but for some reason it gets the words flowing

CONCEPTUALIZATION

How do you conceptualize your ideas? (See specific moments like they're a movie, writing specific lines in your head, don't know until you put the words on paper, etc.) i tend to get inspiration from movies, books, poems, or other fics!!! sometimes one line just makes me go oh,, i want to write something like that,,, and then it helps me create an idea that makes me feel the same way?? i did this with control fraek!!!! i wanted a scenario where bakugou was cold and calculating and i was like hm. to do that he’d have to be focusing on something important. and from there i was able to flesh out the rest of the idea.

Which comes first: the pairing or the plot? with krbk its always always the pairing,, i'll be sitting there like wow <33 i love them <33 what if one of them had amnesia <33 (which, yes, wip!!) otherwise it's usually the plot!! and i slot in characters that i feel make sense

Have you ever used a prompt? yeah!! used a prompt for wlw week 2020 and it was fun as hell

Do you write around the story around a specific scene you want to get to or do you start from a plot idea definitely the first!!!! i almost always write like,,, a super messy scene thats 90% dialogue, keep it in my head, and then write the entire fic around that one moment

Do you find that you include a projection of some part of yourself in the way you write a character? a lot of the time when i write love confessions or love in general i'll have one of the characters think or say that the other person makes their head quiet? and it's because that's what i feel whenever i'm in love?? a quiet mind. i project on characters yeah but i think most of the projection actually goes to the way that i write love

Do you research some of the things you write deeply, partially and kind of wing the rest, or play entirely by ear (in this case, go with whatever base knowledge of the subject you have)? most of the time if i do research it'll be about the setting (ex. the izakaya in to have and to hold) or if i'm having the characters interact with an object that they like. need to know how to use (me, in control fraek: google. hey google. does someone die if they get shot in the foot??? no???? awesome thank u <3)

Have you ever had an idea for a story and forgot about it? lmaoo yeah all the time i'll find like 500-2k words of concepts in my gdocs like i do. not remember this at all

Is there a trope you think you could be easily recognized by in your writing? probably krbk secret relationship lmao

Are there concepts you've tried that turned out better than expected? yeah!! i fully thought the action in control fraek would be awful but it turned out not bad??? which im happy with

Are there concepts you've tried that turned out worse than you expected? again, what we deserve, i personally think it would have worked out better if i'd paced it slower and drawn out the pining but i. do not feel like going back to fix it so its staying the way that it is. pining is so fucking hard to do AHHHH i get so tired with it!!! im like just date already!!!!

PROCESS

How do you come up with titles? in rare occasions (literally. all my multichaps for some reason) the title comes after writing like .5 words of the first chapter im like YES this is it!!!!! sometimes i write the whole thing and pick out one line that fits (what i did with come home to me) a lot of the time i just. steal from songs or poems that i like

What's your favorite emotion to cause on your readers? i like making people happy!!!! love when people comment saying they're cheered up

What's your favorite emotion to write? lovelovelovelovelovelove

Have you ever cried or felt any emotion while reading something you've written? never cried?? but sometimes i'll rereading my hurt/comfort fics 4. yk. comfort

Do you write in order or whatever comes to you? in order!! unless i have a scene that i Need to write and i'll quickly jot it down so that i don't forget

Usual way you procrastinate while writing? ...doing asks like this, making playlists, discord, watching netflix. what don't i do smh

Do you outline or free write? i am. so shit at outlines. i mostly free write and write lil notes for stuff that i wanna add later

Do you set word goals or scene goals (scenes you want to include)? yes!! like i said i'll write loose notes for scenes that i want to add later!! it gives me something to write towards :D

What do you consider when writing your scenes? what goes into making the atmosphere and mood you want? to set a scene i do two things? the first is like,, the five senses bc that always sets the scene really well and makes it feel Real. i'll visualize stuff in my head like its a movie and write out what i would want to tell the set designer?? if the lights are low, if the space is busy, if it's supposed to exude comfort or not.

for putting forward the character's mood one thing i've found that makes a difference is sentence length!! long sentences are good for making a character seem flustered and nervous or not really in control of their emotions? good for love confessions. short sentences are good for when the character is focused on something or short on time. good for fights!!

What's something you never considered to include in your writing that you can't leave out now? def buff hagakure,,,, once i thought of it i was like. if i don't include this at least once in every single fic how could i look at myself in the mirror!!!!!! how could i face anyone!!!!

How do you start a story? establishing a fact about the character or describing the setting! option a is one single thread of gold, option b is between lion and men

How do you end a story? either by tying it back to the beginning or doing like a funny kind of closing??? option a is sugar cookies, option b is a godless society

How do you get out of writer's block? change something!! move something!! i go from typing to handwriting, moving from my bedroom to my living room, switching wips to work on something else!! i do sprints as well?? give myself like fifteen minutes to write something and sometimes 200 words opens up the way for another 2k. sometimes i'll just delete like 500 words and start fresh

Do you edit? or do you toss your writing out there? i edit!!! i'll go over it myself then send it to one or two betas (bee my beloved <33)

How do you edit? do you use spellcheck, grammar checkers, etc? bee is my grammar checker bc he is So Good with grammar. i use grammarly as well for spellcheck stuff mostly?? sometimes my edit process is just like "am i tired of looking at this!! yes <3" and then i post it

PROGRESS

Do you usually like what you write? yeah!!! i post stuff that makes me happy and that i'm fine with rereading!!! i write stuff for self-indulgence reasons first and foremost and i think my writing reflects that sjhnksj

Have you ever written something you didn't like but posted anyways? nope!! even what we deserve i LIKED even if i see a lot of room 4 improvement!! if i don't like smth it's not getting posted

Do you find yourself rereading your writing often? yeah!! the reason i wrote so much krbk secret relationship is because i loved it but i'd read all that there was so i just,, wrote more,, ngl its kinda nice being in a place where i actually like my writing bc i can write stuff that i want to see and really enjoy it!!

Can you tell us anything about your current WIP? sure!! i'm currently working on when it rains which is a fic where bakugou gets hit by a crying quirk!! i'm gonna be using it to explore So Much of all might's character and his relationships with bakugou and aizawa (and i think some people from his past!!)

Can you give us a sneak peek on your current WIP? “You did something. What the hell did you do?” Kirishima sounds pissed off. It would amuse Katsuki if he wasn’t fighting just to stay standing.

“Nothing he didn’t ask for,” Shinsou replies.

“K’ri… shima,” Katsuki croaks out. “‘S fine. Not him.”

His chest collapses back into the familiar dry heaving after that but Kirishima shuts up. He doesn’t apologize to Shinsou.

Kirishima’s a good friend, stubborn and loyal. He stands by Katsuki’s side like an attack dog, blocking him from the view of anyone ogling at his tears.

The last line you've written Ochako knows more than she'd realized. She knows enough to keep her guard up.

It’s not enough.

Open a wip. what’s the first line?

Katsuki wakes up feeling like absolute fucking shit.

INSIGHT

What's your favorite thing about writing? touched on this before but it's mainly just being able to write the things that i want to see and actually enjoy them!!! actually reread them!!!! i thought "wouldn't it be cool if bkg and kirishima owned a restaurant together" and then i wrote it and i like it enough to reread it!!!! being able to create content for myself makes me. so happy

How do you keep yourself inspired? this is gonna sound narcissistic maybe but honestly i'm just really excited about my ideas and where i'm gonna take them and the idea of "i'm gonna get to That scene" keeps me going through the entire thing. also my friends!!!! i'll talk to them about fics and their reactions keep me hyped up enough to finish!!!!

What is your favorite thing to write? just,, slice of life romance,,, stuff thats silly and makes people laugh!!

What do you think your strengths are in writing? i'm good with dialogue!! i do lil voice acting sessions with myself to make sure everything sounds natural and like it's coming from that character skhjnskj

i'm comfortable with my portrayal of love as well??? i spend a lot of time thinking about what it is exactly that i'm trying to get across and i think it turns out well!!

What are things you wish you could practice more? on one hand i wanna get better at writing angst on the other hand i dislike writing angst. do you see my issue

One way you've improved your writing since you began? characterization!! i think i've gotten better at writing characters that are all Different and bring different things to the table!!! i used to project a lot more and it would compromise the characterization because the character was like 70% me and 30% them? not to say that projection is bad but if you do it too much it just,, doesn't read like the character and from a reader's standpoint the narrative can become less compelling

One aspect of writing you're still working on? writing action!!! i. literally hate writing it but i write for a fandom about superheroes so. Unfortunately i gotta learn.

A piece of writing advice you've learned while writing saw this on another tumblr post but they said sometimes if you're struggling with a scene, the problem is five lines back. i've found that to be true!!!! sometimes u gotta delete a chunk and start a little ways back!! i did this with too busy being yours because i was stuck for Weeks and i deleted like 25% of what i had but it helped me actually finish it :D

A bit of writing advice you can't stand when people shit on show don't tell for being overrated lmao bc when u read their writing you can Tell

Something you wish you knew when you first started writing? ,,,,honestly i kind of wish i could know some of the stuff that i used to when i first started writing?? technically i'm better now but creatively i was must better when i wasn't stressing about whether anyone would like what i was writing. so i guess i wish i knew that i should keep that confidence? i kinda wish that i wasn't as insecure about other people's writing styles because i never used to be!!

Something you've learned in life that you apply in writing there's no point in feeling inferior?? writing one genre isn't better than the other. being in one fandom isn't better than being in another. the kind of language you use or the length of your paragraphs- none of that stuff like. matters. what matters is that you're having fun and happy with what you're creating!!!! enjoy other peoples writing but don't let it make you feel worse about yours :D

[thecrystalquill]

The Taming of the Shrew

A/N: hey hey it’s chapter 1!! Let me know if you want to be tagged or if I missed you out at all. And don't forget to read the intro bc I swear it's important that you get it!! Enjoyyyyy! :)

Masterlist      Series Masterlist    Prologue/Intro

•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•

Chapter 1: Technically-Philosophy and a Battle Against Society

•*•*•*•*•**•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•

Bianca Stratford was absolutely beautiful. Her short light-brown hair bounced at her shoulders and her eyes shone with an adorable sense of innocence - and by Merlin did her yellow robes suit her exquisitely. She sat in the courtyard on this particular afternoon, talking away with her friends and practically glowing in the sunlight. No wonder Regulus Black was completely infatuated with her - she was truly stunning.

“Staring again?” A voice beside him interrupted, causing Regulus to flinch back and tear his eyes away from the girl. Of course his best friend would catch him at a time like that - it was almost as if he did it on purpose. “I honestly don't get what you see in her though, mate. I mean, I get it, she's cute and all, but really?”

Regulus was almost offended by his friend’s lack of attraction towards the girl, shaking his head in an almost practiced defiance that showed how they'd had this conversation before. “What are you talking about? She's completely perfect, and smart and funny an—”

“—And how would you know?” Jacob mocked, moving his strawberry-blond hair out of his eyes. “You’ve never even talked to her.”

“That's not true…” Regulus muttered, frowning defeatedly.

Jacob scoffed. “Oh, forgive me. How could I forget? She asked to borrow a pencil once in second year and you told her she could keep it - such a romantic moment. I'm sure she's treasured that lump of lead ever since—”

“—Oh shut it will you?” Regulus elbowed him in the ribs, walking back towards the school slowly, hoping to catch a word of the girl's conversation as they would soon pass. “She's completely pure!”

“Not to mention vein.”

“Don't be ridiculous!” Regulus argued as they neared the group, “she's so—”

“—Supercilious?”

“No, you're wrong.” Reg replied, rolling his eyes. “She isn't like that at all, she's sweet and mindful and—”

“—Mhmm,” Jacob interjected again, “and deep, I'm sure…”

“Well you see, there's a difference between like and love,” they overheard, glancing over to Bianca and her friends, Regulus feeling a little smug after his friend's last sarcastic comment, “because I like my Witches Weekly subscription, but I love my Monthly Magical Makeup parcels.”

Feeling slightly less smug, Regulus continued walking as his friend snickered behind him. Well, he thought, it was still technically philosophy…

“Look, Reg,” Jacob continued, wrapping an arm around his shoulders comfortingly, “I’m just saying, you could do so much better than her.” It wasn’t that he didn’t necessarily approve of Regulus’ love interest, he just didn’t want him getting his heart broken by a girl that wouldn’t give him the time of day; he didn’t need that, Jacob decided, and he would be much better off falling for someone a little more in his reach – Bianca wasn’t even allowed to date, no matter how much she might want to. But never the less, Regulus just wouldn’t listen.

  “So, how was your day?” Lily asked, strolling next to the (y/h/c) in the hallway, handing her bag over so she could wrap her robe around her waist, whereas (Y/N) had discarded hers long ago.

The girl shrugged carelessly. “Oh, y’know, people suck, teachers suck, school sucks. The usual, really.”

The red-head laughed and nodded along; it couldn’t be denied, could it? “Well, on the plus side, we only have just almost two years until we can leave.” She reassured – she always has been the more empathetic of the two.

“I can’t wait two years,” (Y/N) groaned, feeling her life being wasted away by hours spent doing homework, “I want to get as far away from here as possible – Australia maybe.” She half-joked, smirking at her friend.

“Well, until then, how about we go change then do our homework by the lake today?”

“Absolutely.”

The nearest common room was Slytherin, which was of course where they went; luckily the two did this so often, that they both had clothes in each other’s dorms. Some thought it odd – a Slytherin and a Gryffindor being such close friends – some even frowned at the very idea, but the two had known each other for so long (even before Hogwarts, having lived in the same area and going to the same park) that something as silly as a house rivalry could certainly never separate them. And it only sometimes became a problem with having their clothing in the same draws; Lily was somewhere between sweet and girly and incredibly casual in her style. Whereas, (Y/N) had taken more of a tomboy fashion in these last years. Still, they would occasionally accidentally wear each other’s things – but hey, who cares?

The girls changed and re-packed their satchels with only the essentials before heading out again. Just as they stepped through the exit, their conversation was interrupted by an incredibly pretentious noise. “Well if it isn’t Stratford and her little Gryffindor pet,” Malfoy teased, only to show off to his party of snot-nosed prats. “What’s with the camouflage? Running off to that muggle military, are you? Let’s hope you don’t come back any time soon.” He laughed with his peers, obviously thinking he had offended her – which would be pretty impossible for him, given that (Y/N) would have to actually value his opinion in the first place.

She did nothing but roll her eyes in response, “Keep walking, Lucy,” she dismissed with a wave of her hand, then continued on her route. She wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of a reaction; besides, calling him ‘Lucy’ was revenge enough.

Malfoy scoffed and angrily lead his friends into the common room, annoyed that his attempt was so easily deflated.

“Oough! Sometimes I really just want to hit him in the throat,” Lily growled, curling her fists at her sides. She hated Malfoy – they both did. He was a bully and an arrogant pureblood supremist who thought he could do anything just because he was loaded, of course they hated him! “Seriously, (Y/N/N), just give me the word and I’ll throttle him – I will!”

“I don’t doubt that, Lils,” she assured, shaking her head slightly in amusement. ‘Gryffindors’, she thought. “But if you really want to hurt him, I’d suggest going straight for the pride – cut off the ponytail.”

“Oof, that’s just evil… I like it.” She amused, subconsciously playing with her red hair.

It was an unusually sunny day today, considering that it was mid-October, but it wasn’t time for the snow just yet so they would make the most of their time while it was still dry, albeit quite cold. They sat against a tree on a plain of grass not far from the Clocktower Courtyard, and started working on whatever work they were given today; luckily enough, there wasn’t as much as usual.  “So…” Lily began, with a smirk that (Y/N) was both concerned and proud of, “off to join the military, are you?” They eyed each other playfully for a moment, occasionally glancing at their outfits before neither could contain their smiles.

“In a way, yes.” The Slytherin laughed and rolled her eyes mockingly, “I’m preparing for my inevitable battle against society.” She answered seriously, the corners of her mouth turning upward slightly as she looked down at her outfit: her comfiest cargo pants, her favourite boots, and obviously the camo-patterned vest she wore under her jacket. She looked comfortable, that was for sure, and anything but girly. But what was the social ideal of beauty compared to complete comfort?

Lily snorted. “Ever the dramatic, aren’t we?” She wasn’t surprised at all, to be frank. (Y/N) was very opinionated – which was a good thing, as far as they were concerned – and often felt at war with her peers and their social norms, so it was no shock that her style could reflect that; she always wore whatever she felt like anyway, regardless of what anyone would think. Lily hadn’t noticed that she had been too lost in thought to notice that (Y/N) had given up on her homework and was now reading a book. Frowning, Lily nudged her side to break the Slytherin out of her novel-induced trance. “Hey, you’re supposed to be doing Herbology,” she scolded; their observational notes still needed to be translated into read-able sentences and then converted into a short essay, “it has to be done by tomorrow afternoon.”

(Y/N) shrugged and turned a page. “Then I’ll do it tomorrow, at lunch. Right now though, I just want to relax a bit, yeah? Enough work for one day.” It was a new book that she was reading, having purchased it before the summer came to an end, and only now had she gotten enough time to make it past chapter two. It was an old muggle classic – as many of her books were – written in 1815 by Jane Austen. She wasn’t quite sure if she liked it or not yet, but (Y/N) was determined to make it at least half-way through.

“What are you reading, anyway?” Lily asked, still scribbling away at her parchment; she really was such a perfectionist when it came to her studies, making sure each sentence was clear and specific. “Any good?”

Lifting the book up higher in front of Lily, (Y/N) continued to read, letting her friend read the title and blurb. “S’fine I guess, can’t tell yet,” she mumbled, refusing to remove her eyes from the page.

“Picky…” scoffed the Gryffindor beside her, earning a kick in the foot, “just don’t forget about your homework, okay?”

(Y/N) only waved a hand in her direction. Although, she soon became bored of her book –  five chapters later –  and turned her head back to Lily, who seemed to be finishing her work already. How long had she been reading? “Lils, what time is it?” She asked, sitting a little straighter.

For about a minute and a half, Lily did nothing to answer the question, just held a finger up as she finished writing, crossing out a couple of things and replacing them; only when she read over the page to make sure that everything was correct and written as intended did she finally give her friend her attention. They stared at each other for a beat, until Lily recalled what was asked of her and looked down to the dainty watch on her wrist. “Half five,” She informed, catching the (y/h/c)’s eyes widen, “why?”

The Slytherin quickly started to pack away her things and stood. “I have to meet at my dad’s tonight, said I’d be there by five at the latest. I got to go – see you later, okay?” She rushed.

“What? No…” Lily complained, “lunch ends at seven, I don’t want to have to fend Potter off on my own!”

Five times a week, the Stratfords would meet at their family’s personal quarters – or rather, Professor Stratford’s personal quarters – to have a family meal and catch up and all that. It was usually quite tedious, but her father would go absolutely insane if they didn’t go – the man had issues. “I’m sure you’ll be fine for a while, I’m not your only friend y’know.”

Tag List:

@siriusement

@siriuslysirius1107

@missmulti

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[snapchattingnct]

One of Many Reasons Why

Mark Lee x Reader

Genre: Fluff

Word Count: 2.7K Warnings: cursing, minor religion mentioned

Summary: There were many reasons to love Mark Lee…

Notes: Happiest of birthdays to our baby lion, Mark Lee. I had a totally different piece written for his birthday but I completely scrapped it and wrote this instead. And I like it so much better. -  K 🌱

1. Circle Frames

Mark usually wore contacts most of the time, which was disappointing since he looked so stinking cute in those precious circle frames of his. But whenever he got too lazy or forgot to buy more contacts, he would end up wearing his glasses instead. And those were moments that you lived for. You couldn’t help but coo at how cute he looked each time that he wore them, taking a billion pictures of him as you did so. Mark would simply push away your phone, becoming incredibly flustered, telling you, “Ugh, babe stop….”

2. Messy Love Notes

Mark had a habit of writing you little love notes every chance he got. Most of the time, his love notes were never written on a clean sheet of paper. They were usually short blurbs scribbled messily on whatever he could get his hands on; a Starbucks napkin, on the back of his music theory quiz, a crumpled up post-it note. But that didn’t matter, you loved it regardless.

Unfolding the folded love note Mark had slipped to you in passing earlier, you couldn’t help but smile as you read the messily written note on the corner of a flashcard. ‘I love you to the moon and back.’

3. Secret Handshakes

For someone who was extremely clumsy and sometimes a little uncoordinated, Mark loved making secret handshakes for all of his friends. And you weren’t an exception. Since the day that you’ve met each other, way before the two of you became a couple, you and Mark have been adding a new move to your guys’ handshake. Each time that you two saw each other, it still amazes you how either one of you were able to memorize all the moves at this point.

4. Baby Giggles

No matter how much, Mark loves to deny it. Mark Lee was nothing but a big baby. He is the epitome of a baby. Especially when he giggles and laughs at things that he finds amusing. Even though he’s older, whenever that cute giggle of his slips passed his lips, you can’t help but feel a sense of overprotectiveness overcome you. Mark Lee was to be protective at all cost because he’s simply precious like that.

5. Goofball

Sometimes it was so hard to take Mark seriously because at the end of the day, he was nothing but a goofball. He would laugh at the simplest things, the lamest jokes, and the cheesiest puns. The best part was that even when it wasn’t funny, he would still laugh. And he just had the most contagious laugh in the whole world. So you couldn’t help but laugh along with him until your stomach hurt.

6. Warm Cuddles

Maybe you were biased but Mark gave the best hugs and was the best cuddle buddy in the world. No one could compare. The best kind are the ones that he gave on those calm, Sunday mornings. Eyes barely open and mind barely awake, Mark would pull you closer, sharing his warmth with you. Then with a lazy hand, he would thread his fingers through your hair. Mumbling softly into your hair, he would say, “Let’s just stay in bed all day babe…”

7. Burnt Eggs

It was a universally acknowledged fact that Mark Lee was a terrible cook. He wasn’t even able to boil water without it evaporating completely. He was honestly that bad of a cook. So the one morning that he decided that it would be a brilliant idea to wake up early and make you an omelette for breakfast, he almost burned down half the building. From then on, Mark was completely banned from the kitchen stove. These days, he still wakes up early and prepares breakfast for you though. Except he just orders it from your favorite bakery down the street, which was a much better option for everyone.

8. Watermelon Boy

There were two things in the world that Mark Lee loved with his entire heart. Of course, one of those things was you. But the love he had for watermelon was equally as strong. Honestly speaking, had he not met you in this lifetime, you were sure that he would have ended up marrying a watermelon.

He was all yours for three seasons out of four. When summer hit though, that was a completely different story because with summer comes the watermelons. Surprisingly with how much he buys and brings home everyday, you weren’t sick of eating all that watermelon. It might have been the cute, happy smile that he has on his face each time he ate them that made it worth it.

9. What the Flute?

Mark Lee was talented at a lot of things; rapping, composing, singing, dancing, and the list simply goes on and on. But the one thing that he wasn’t good at playing the flute. The day that you had found the instrument case of his flute back from primary school was the day that you realized that there were some things that Mark couldn’t do. You had teased him, calling him a cute band geek as you pulled the case out from the back of his closet. Flipping through the old music scores, you asked him if he could still play it.

Shrugging his shoulders, he said, “Maybe? I’m not sure. It’s been a while.”

And it has been a while because the moment that he held the flute up to his lips and tried to play it, nothing but squeaks came out. This left you rolling on the floor laughing as you clutched your stomach in pain. The laughing didn’t stop as Mark continued to give his best effort in playing the flute.

Let’s just say that his primary school days of playing in a marching band were long over.

10. Team Android

No matter how many times you had urged him to upgrade his phone to an iPhone, Mark continued to stay loyal to that android of his. You didn’t have a problem with him having an android. No, not at all. You just wanted to be able to use all the cute talking emojis on iMessage.

11. Fully Capable

It was pretty rare for Mark to ever feel nervous about his performances and presentations. Mark was one of the top students in their music department. He was the department’s golden child. He could literally do anything that he would set his mind to. You had just wished that he knew that he was good enough and he didn’t have anything to fear.

One night, during finals, Mark was on the verge of a mental breakdown as he tried to finish the composition for his music theory class. As he angrily tossed aside his notebook and guitar, you came up to him and immediately pulled him into your arms. With a soothing hand running through his hair, you said, “Hey, it’s okay babe.”

Mumbling incoherently into the nape of your neck, “No, it’s not… I can’t even rearrange this stupid simple song. How am I supposed to do anything in life?”

“You’re just thinking too hard about it. Relax, babe.”

“How the hell am I supposed to relax when I have nothing finished and this is due in like five hours?” He cried out, clearly frustrated.

Pulling away from the embrace, you cupped his face in between the palm of your hands, forcing him to look at you directly in the eye. “Hey. Seriously. Quit being so negative right now. This isn’t like you. Because the Mark Lee I know is a music genius and he’s absolutely fully capable of anything and everything.”

12. Butterfly Kisses

Kisses from Mark were also the best and you might be a little biased again, but it’s the truth. Sometimes Mark gets a little too shy to kiss you outright on the lips, so he showers you with butterfly kisses instead. First, he’ll bring your hand to his lips and kiss the back of it. Then he’ll pull you in close and place a fleeting kiss on your temple. Then your cheeks, then your nose, and lastly your lips.

13. Multilingual King

Even after knowing Mark for so many years, it still amazes you how many languages the boy knows and can pick up on so quick. He was like your own personal translator when you guys when on trips to foreign countries. But it was also funny how he would stumble over his words sometimes when he’s trying to switch between languages. When that happens, he just puts his hands out in a pausing motion, shouting, “Okay. Wait, wait. I need to switch my brain over.”

14. Corny Jokes

The jokes that he tells you and the ones that he finds funny are ones that are rivaling of your dad’s. His sense of humor was really one of a father in their mid-thirties.

As the two of you sit there side by side, enjoying a bowl of cold watermelon, he begins to laugh obnoxiously before he can even say the joke. Already prepared for the worst joke in the world, you sit there, staring straight back at him with an unamused look.

After he’s finished with his laughing fit, he smiles and feeds you a piece of watermelon, saying, “Babe, you’re one in a melon.”

15. Spiderman Mark Lee

For Halloween, Mark’s friends decided to throw a Marvel themed party and it was the best idea that they could ever come up with. Why? Because Mark Lee decided to go to the party as Spiderman. And you may or may not have a crush on Peter Parker but Mark didn’t need to know that.

But when he got tired of all the drinking games that his friends were playing, he scouted you out amongst the crowd. And when he saw that you were sitting on the swing set that Jaemin’s family had in the backyard, he came up with the most brilliant plan.

Sneaking up behind you as quiet as he could, Mark climbed on top of the jungle gym above the swings. Then nearly scaring the living daylights out of you, he swung downwards, straight in front of your face, whispering, “Hey.”

“Oh my gosh! Mark Lee!” You screamed. Hand clutching your racing heart, you breathed out heavily through your nose. “You can’t go around and do things like this and not expect me to die from a premature heart attack!”

“Sorry,” he laughed. Then pulling the ends of his mask up, he whispered softly, “Here, take a kiss as my apology.”

And you might have just died when he said that because that was such a classic Spiderman move.

16. Billionaire

The day the ‘Billionaire’ by Bruno Mars had came on the radio as the two of you were studying, it instantly became your guys’ song. It was on repeat for the longest of time, to the point to where you both knew the rap and vocal parts equally by heart. Each time that it came on, you didn’t have to think for a second before you’re belting out the chorus together, whether it was out in public or in the comfort of your own apartment. You didn’t care because it was your song.

17. Driver’s License

For someone his age, you would think that he would have a driver’s license by now. But nope, that wouldn’t be Mark Lee would it?

One day as you’re picking him up from his shift at the music store down the street from his apartment complex you couldn’t help but ask, “Don’t you think you should get your driver’s license? I mean you’re almost twenty one...”

Nodding, Mark said in reply, “Yeah, I probably should…”

And that he did.

Because the next day, before the sun was even up, he came knocking on your apartment’s door. Barely awake, you had answered the door with annoyance, yanking it open, “Babe. It’s not even eight. What do you want?”

“Well, good morning to you too, princess.” Mark chuckled.

After closing the door, he follows you back to your bedroom, where you flopped rather ungracefully back onto your bed. Crawling into the empty space beside you, he tucked a strand behind your ear, smiling as he stares back at you intently. “Guess what I did this morning?”

Leaning into his touch, you close your eyes, relishing in the warmth that he was giving off. With a soft hum, you asked half-asleep, “What did you do?”

“I got my driver’s license.”

Eyes shooting wide open and mouth completely agape, you exclaimed, “You what?!”

Scrambling to sit up, you slapped him on the shoulder, making him laugh even harder. “Wait, hold up.” You said as you held your hands up, trying to wrap your mind around what Mark has just told you. Sputtering, “You… actually went and got a driver’s license? You know I was just joking right?”

“Yeah, but I figured that it was time to get one anyways.” He smiled. “Plus it was a piece of cake.”

“Only you, Mark Lee. Only you.”

“Yes, that would be me. I am Mark Lee.”

“Oh shush,” you couldn’t help but laugh. Then extending your hand out to him, you gave him a sweet smile. “Alright, the moment of truth. Let me see that driver’s license photo.”

The smile on his lips widen even more as he reached into his back pocket and retrieved his wallet. Then placing his freshly new driver’s license into the palm of your awaiting hand, he leaned back satisfied.

And course he would be satisfied. Mark looked devilishly handsome on his license. But you couldn’t help but tease him about it as you pinched his cheeks, saying, “Aww look at our Markie Poo being all cool and handsome.”

Pushing your hands away from his face, Mark snatched his license back and tucked it away into his wallet. Then opening his arms, he asked, “Alright, are we going to cuddle or are you going to continue making fun of me?”

“Who says that I can’t do both?” You told him teasingly as you tucked yourself into his waiting arms, snuggling up against his warm body.

18. Baby Lion

“Baby Lion”, that was one of the many nicknames that you had for Mark. You weren’t quite sure where the nickname had come from. But the day that you saw Mark wake up from his nap, stretching and yawning like a cute baby cub with his hair a complete disarray, it clicked.

19. Religious Boy

Mark Lee was a wholesome, kind-hearted, and precious boy. He would never fail to remind you how he is ever so thankful that God had allowed someone like you to enter into his life; to have someone to love and support through thick and thin. He told you once that he prays for your health and happiness every night before he sleeps and you couldn’t help but feel that there really wasn’t another Mark Lee in this world.

20. Black Haired Mark

You honestly didn’t think that Mark could get any handsomer than he already was until the day he came back from the barber shop and had his hair dyed black. Without warning, he had sneaked up behind and wrapped his arms around you as the two of you stood in the kitchen. You were too busy reviewing your study notes and drinking your morning coffee to notice his new hair. But when you did, you were nothing but a sputtering mess and spilling coffee all over the counter.

Mouth agape, you exclaimed, “Oh. My. Gosh. Your hair…”

Nodding his head, he ruffled his hair shyly. “Yeah. I figured it was time for a change. Spice it up a little bit from the classic brown.”

The words had left your mouth before you could stop it, “Yeah, spice it up alright, because you look hot.”

21. Best Friend

Before the two of you even became a couple, you were each other’s best friend. Mark was the best friend that you could only dream of having. He laughed with you at the stupid things you did and tries to make you feel better about yourself. Even when you don’t want to hear it, Mark gives you the most honest advice and makes sure to keep you in check. He’s always there for you, even when he’s thousands of miles away for vacations with his family or concerts for the music department. He makes sure that he is the first to say ‘good morning’ and ‘goodnight’ to you. And last but not least, Mark loves you at your best and he still loves you even at your worst.