#this has been a wip for far too long - i had so many plans for this build

[moonwoodhollow]

ts4 wip: shifting back into Mid-Century-Modern mode

[resident-idiot-simp]

Bucky and Steve running across Logan and meeting Wade and Laura in the process

(x)

Logan was out shopping when he heard a whisper "Lucky James." And smelled familiar scents. It's Barnes and Rogers, he knows immediately his plans for the day are going to be postponed.

He just sighs and walks towards an alley so they can talk without too many onlookers. They stand at the opening of the alley with crossed arms and wide eyes. Logan just puts his arms out to the side as if he's showing off.

"It's been a while." Logan acknowledges.

"A WHILE?!" Rogers half shouts, "How are you not old It's been close to a century?" Barnes asks.

Logan just raised an eyebrow at them, "I could ask you the same thing but I know the answer to that." Logan points out.

"Of course you know the answer everyone knows did they enhance you too?" Rogers asks and Logan shakes his head. "Nah I don't need enhancements I was born this way." Logan says with a shrug.

"Explain." Barnes orders and Logan does. "I'm a mutant."

Barnes and Rogers share a look. "So what are you just slow to age?" Barnes asks. Logan smirks, "Kinda It's more like I have a healing factor the likes of which you've never seen. With a few other things." Logan tacks the last part on like an afterthought.

"What do you mean?" Rogers asks. Logan chuckles to himself, "For all intents and purposes I'm immortal. I was there when the bombs dropped in Japan and I'm still here."

Barnes and Rogers looked shell-shocked.

"I'm twice as old as both of you." Logan adds just because he can.

This seems to break them slightly. "Do you want to get lunch with us so we can catch up?" Barnes asks and Logan shrugs. "If you pay with that Stark money." Logan offers, and they agree.

They go to one of Logan's favorite places Wade had shown him and he takes their normal booth in the corner. The waitresses greet him happily and he smiles and waves back. It's very different from the world he was in and he'd like to keep it that way.

Barnes and Rogers couldn't keep their eyes off him like if they looked way he might just up and disappear. He understood but couldn't really relate.

"H-how have you been what have you been doing?" Rogers asked and what a question to start with. He might as well rip the bandage off now.

"I'm not your Lucky James." He says completely ignoring that question for now. "Also it's Logan now has been for a while."

They stare blankly and he continues.

"The man you served with isn't me he died a while ago. I'm from another universe a far shittier one of my own making. I was brought here as a replacement for the man you knew."

"...what?" Barnes breathed sounding a bit heartbroken.

"It's complicated and I don't know the full story, but you need to understand I'm not the same person you knew. It is most likely that we had the exact same experiences, but you are not my Barnes and Rogers and I am not your Logan."

"What happened to him?" Rogers asked.

"He sacrificed himself to save some kids. He was a hero and a legend to those who knew him." Logan answered.

"And you're not?" Rogers asked, sharp as a tack that one.

"Not in my world. I did a lot of bad things got real mad...lost control...... I'm not like the other Logan my story differs after the X-Men."

"You are an X-man?" Barnes asked and Logan looked away.

"Your Logan was. I am just a disgrace who couldn't accept I needed to get over myself."

Barnes's eyes lit up as he connected dots, "You're Wolverine." Steve's head wipped towards Logan as he also realized.

Logan nodded.

"Well, the question still stands How are you and what have you been doing?" Steve asks and Logan smiles slightly.

"Better, I have a new purpose and shot at life thanks to Wade. I'm doing jobs with the maniac and living a pretty normal life."

"Who's Wade?" Barnes asked with a raised brow. Logan smiles he can't help it. "My fiance. He's the one who brought me here, but that's a long complicated story that I promise isn't that interesting." Logan answered with a shrug.

"You said you did jobs. You want to specify?" Rogers asked and Logan rolled his eyes.

"We work for the TVA which is something I'm not going to get into and normal merc shit." Logan says offhandedly.

Rogers splutters his drink and Barnes looks interested. "Would I know Wade?" Barnes  asks and Logan smirks, "Definitely." They give their orders as the waitress comes and Logan gets a call.

He answers with a surprisingly soft, "Hey kit." That has Barnes and Rogers looking at one another eyes wide.

"Yeah yeah, we're at our favorite place." A pause. "Yeah ok, do you want your usual?" Another pause, "Ok see you in a bit bye."

The waitress raises an eyebrow at Logan, "Does she want her usual?" Logan nods and she scratches something else down before leaving.

"What was that?" They ask at the same time and Logan just smiles. "The main reason your Logan sacrificed himself is coming." He says and he sounds so incredibly fond.

They talk for a while longer until Logan perks up and the super soldiers turn to see what Logan's looking at.

It's a young lady who looks so much like Logan all of the questions they have are answered after just a glance.

"Come here kit." Logan calls his voice seeming to vibrate like a purr. The lady makes her way to the seat next to Logan smiling.

"Hi, papá." She greets her voice vibrating the same way. Logan throws an arm over her shoulder and squeezes before letting her go.

Rogers is trying and failing to speak as Barnes just stares. "This is Laura." Logan introduces and Barnes manages to get himself under control first.

"Nice to meet you Laura you can call me Bucky that's Steve." He sounds only slightly breathy which is impressive. Logan knows full well this is one of the last things they expected.

"I know." She says flatly and Rogers can't help the bark of laughter that escapes him. That's definitely Logan's daughter no doubt about it. Barnes seemed to have a similar reaction but managed to only snicker.

Logan doesn't even hide the shit-eating smile that crosses his face.

"Did Wade follow you?" Logan asked and Laura rolled her eyes. "He said he wouldn't so I give it 30 minutes until he shows up." Logan nods along like he expected this answer.

Barnes seemed to remember what Logan had said about this being the reason they're Logan had sacrificed himself as he looked at her closer.

"You're our Logan's kid." He stated more than asked. Rogers jerked in his seat as he too recalled that. Laura just sighed. Barnes suddenly felt like shit. Logan however didn't seem upset or annoyed at him.

"Yes, but I'm technically a clone. They took his DNA during the Weapons X program. I'm an attempt at recreating the perfect weapon." She said as she gestured at Logan who looked pissed off at the reminder.

There was a lot there that Rogers and Barnes hadn't heard yet none of which sounded good.

"I miss Dad but his sacrifice wasn't in vain. I have another life now a better one just like he wanted." She answered easily. Rogers and Barnes nodded sagely It definitely made them feel better knowing that their friend had sacrificed himself to save his daughter.

"I don't know how much you want to answer but what exactly was Weapons X?" Barnes asked the both of them.

Logan answered, "It was an organization that prays on mutants. It really started with me they tricked me into getting adamantium adhered to my bones before...well...they made me into the perfect weapon and took away my free will."

Laura leaned into him and Logan welcomed it smiling softly at her before continuing, "I was the tenth attempt and the first success. I eventually escaped, But they couldn't let it go so they tried cloning me." He breathed out.

Laura picked up from there, "I'm the 23rd attempt." She answered with a shrug. "Weapons X has been taken down but there's still offshoots that's what got pop."

Logan growled softly. "Fucking Francis." He snarled. Barnes seemed to look like he might be connecting some dots but couldn't quite put the whole picture together.

They were interrupted by the food being delivered. They talk for a while longer about less touchy issues after that, Laura even explaind what it's like in the mansion. That is until a while later when the diner goes silent and Logan and Laura perk up.

Rogers and Barnes reluctantly turn to see Deadpool sans his normal outfit. As he makes his way to the back booth where they are sitting. People he passes scramble out the door behind him.

Most of the waiters and waitresses look nervous, but he pays them no mind as he makes his way over. Rogers and Barnes prepare for a fight. "Peanut Mini, how are we doing?" He chirped.

Laura starts purring, "Pop." She greeted. "Thought you said you weren't going to follow the kit darling?" Logan asked his voice warbling the same way Laura's was.

"And let you two have all the fun? Please!" He rolled his eyes. He then turned and finally looked at the other two men and his eyes went wide.

Logan lunged at him covering his mouth, "Don't you dare scream Wade." He threatened as he pulled him down into the other open chair next to him.

Laura just laughed and Logan glared at her. Eventually, Wade managed to wiggle out of Logan's grasp, "OMG CAPTAIN AMERICA MY HERO!" He cried.

Rogers looked distinctly uncomfortable, "YOU KNEW I WANTED TO BE EXACTLY LIKE YOU WHEN I GREW UP DESPITE THE FACT I AM CANADIAN!" Wade exclaimed excitedly.

Rogers wanted to point out the fact that he ended up the exact opposite of him but didn't. His face however must have conveyed this because Deadpool answered." I KNOW I DIDN'T QUITE MANAGE IT BUT I GOT PRETTY CLOSE!"

Steve went to speak but Bucky was quick to speak over him because he had questions. He had never dared get close to Deadpool he was terrifying but now seemed like a perfect time.

"What do you mean by pretty close? I mean you're known for taking any job with a high enough pay?" He didn't ask rudely just really pointing out a fact in the underground.

Wade turned his attention to him, "Well sure But it's mainly bad people, Hell I'm quite warm-blooded for a merc. Besides when you're the best at what you do you end up taking the dirty jobs." And then as an afterthought tacked on, "And I do like money how else am I supposed to buy cocaine?"

"Al does love her cocaine." Laura agreed and Logan nodded along with that train of thought.

Rogers looked like he might explode and Logan looked lovestruck. The soldiers wondered distinctly what Logan saw in this maniac.

"What do you mean warm-blooded?" Barnes asked.

"Well, sometimes when kids get desperate they come to get help through unorthodox means. Most people don't touch it because the pay isn't good." Deadpool explained easily.

That seemed...actually pretty sweet which was surprising for someone like Deadpool.

"Besides I mainly take hits on drug lords, child traffickers, rapists, murderers, and the other unsavory," Deadpool answers easily and Logan nods at that confirming it.

The conversations continue and surprisingly Deadpool or Wade actually seems... Okay. Logan is enamored with him and it's understandable he has a charm to him if you can get over his...eccentricities.

Laura also clearly loves him and that's enough for them. They plan to have lunch at some later point. They pay and Wade leaves a generous tip...like a couple hundred dollars generous. The waitress seems to know him and thanks him with a smile. And just like that the trio is gone.

Steve and Bucky make their way back to the tower as they try to figure out how to explain the encounter they just had with the other Avengers.

"So where have you been?" Tony asks the moment they appear in the main area. The two share a look, "We met an old friend and caught up."

"Old friend, how old was he 90?" Clint asks from the couch. Bucky chuckles, "Actually he's much older than that. We had no idea though turns out he's a mutant."

Everyone pauses at that and looks over to them all asking them to continue with just a glance.

"Super enhanced healing factor It's as immortal as it sounds." Steve answered.

"Yeah?" Tony asked eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Yeah, but it's complicated and it turns out he has a kid and fiance." Steve answered easily.

"With immortality? that sounds painful." Tony asked seeming haunted at the idea of outliving Pepper and Morgan.

Bucky chuckled, "Funny thing that they're also immortal."

Everyone paused, "How did that happen?" Bruce asked.

"Both are experiments from his DNA." Barnes revealed.

Tony and Bruce shared a look, "Is there any way we can meet them?" Tony asked excitedly.

Bucky and Steve shared a glance, "Well...sure but.." Steve trailed off.

"One of them is Deadpool." Barnes finished.

Natasha and Clint seemed to jump a foot in the air out of shock alone.

"WHAT?!" They both shouted in shock.

(I plan on posting this tomorrow to Ao3)

[wolfjackle-creates]

Bring Me Home Arc 2 Part 18

Welcome to another WIP Wednesday!

Story Summary: Tim and Danny are both neglected by parents who care more about their work than their families. They deal with this by spending too much time online and find each other playing MMORPGs. They keep up their friendship as Tim becomes Robin and Danny becomes Phantom and don't bother keeping secrets from each other.

Arc 1 AO3 Link

Arc 2: Part 1, Previous

Word Count: 1.7k

-----

From the radio station, the four traveled to the television studio for their next interview. The host had listened to their radio interview and helped summarize much of the information before asking further questions.

Tim and his teammates called into question the biases of the Drs Fenton and hoped their criticisms would bring others to think twice before taking their word as gospel.

When they were finally done, it was almost nine.

Tim shot off a quick text to Bruce for his morning check-in. He noticed Conner texting someone, too. “Who’re you talking to?” he asked.

“Sam. She says Danny’s still passed out. But her parents are talking about some sort of press release the mayor is planning on putting on at City Hall at ten.”

Cassie groaned. “Ugh, more reporters. Please say we don’t have to go.”

“We should,” said Tim. “But we can go in civvies.”

“Can we at least get breakfast first?” asked Bart. “It’s been hours since we woke up!”

“Yeah,” agreed Cassie. “I’m starving. Let’s get some food. I think I saw a diner when we flew to our second interview.”

Before Tim could consider protesting, Conner had him secure in his arms and TTK and they were in the air.

“Lead the way, Wonder Girl.”

Tim scowled to hide his smile. “Oh sure, don’t listen to your leader. Just do whatever.”

“You’d let us starve?” wailed Connor. “Then we’ll stage a mutiny!”

Cassie laughed. “Yeah, see how long you remain in charge of a hangry speedster, half-kryptonian, and demigoddess.”

Tim grinned. “Oh, but you forget I know you all very well. I can win you back to my side. Starting with Kon.”

“And how do you plan to do that?” demanded Conner.

“Easy. I’ll just bribe you with Alfred’s cookies and a great movie. If I add in a dash of ‘I need your help’ and my puppy dog eyes and you’ll be eating out of the palm of my hand.”

“That’s another square on my bingo card!” called back Cassie. “And look, we’re here!” She pointed down to a quintessential American diner with green glass windows.

The group met Bart a block away in an alley where they shed their gear.

“I’ll tell Sam what we’re up to.” Conner pulled out his phone to send the message.

“Quit wasting time! We’re on a deadline,” moaned Bart as he positioned himself behind Conner and tried to push him towards the street and breakfast.

Conner laughed and refused to budge, so Tim figured a demonstration of his power was in order.

He got in front of Conner and pouted at him. “I know I was joking about not allowing breakfast, but I’m the one who didn’t eat before the interviews. An omelet is calling my name.”

Conner groaned and ran a hand down his face. “Fuck you, Rob.” But he stalked forward out of the alley.

Tim and Bart exchanged grins.

“Seriously, Tim,” said Cassie. “This trip has been great for my bingo card.”

Tim stuck his tongue out at her and jogged to catch up with Conner.

Breakfast was simple but tasty and they devoured far too much food. Their waitress was clearly impressed with her first exposure to a speedsters appetite. Add in a super and a demigoddess and it was obscene.

All too soon, however, it was time to go to the mayor’s press conference. As they made their way there, they joined a growing crowd. Clearly many people were interested in whatever the mayor had planned.

In the crowd, he could hear comments about their interviews. It seems both had been posted online and already had thousands of views. Some people seemed to be sympathetic to them, but others were mistrustful of the “outsiders.”

“If they’re such good friends, why did it take so long for them to come here?” asked one man of his friend.

“I’ve a cousin in Central City. She says trouble always follows a superhero,” said another.

Tim exchanged a look with Conner. He’d be able to hear more conversations and could share his perceptions later.

Before long, they were entering City Hall. Already the seats were full, so they were forced to stand in the back. Jack and Maddie were sitting near the front. Jeremy and Pamela Manson sat on the opposite side of the room as them, but also were near the front of the room.

Tim exchanged looks with his teammates to make sure they saw both couples. Conner was glaring at Maddie and Jack.

“They’re complaining about our interviews,” said Conner. “Throwing around guesses that we are either possessed or have already been brainwashed by the ghosts.”

“At least we know they aren’t observant. Maybe they won’t notice us.”

Mayor Montez stepped up to the podium and everyone fell silent. “People of Amity Park, we have been faced with a threat the likes of which we’ve never before seen! And based on the events of this morning, it doesn’t seem like we’ll be able to rely on outside help to get us out of it.”

A stone sunk in Tim’s stomach and he exchanged looks with his friends.

“We only have one piece of business today: Defeating the ghosts that infest our town. And to do that, I'm calling for a vote to cede all ghost policing and security decisions”—he held up a photo of Maddie—“to Maddie Fenton.” As Tim watched, however, the mayor’s eyes glowed red and he winced. “I mean Jack,” he corrected, holding up a new picture of Jack Fenton. “The completely competent Jack Fenton.”

“He’s overshadowed,” breathed Conner.

Tim nodded and was already sending a message to Sam, Tucker, and Danny. “And who knows who else.”

Before they could say anything else, the mayor continued, “And we’ve located the ghost responsible for all the terror inflicted on our town.” He held up a picture of Phantom. “Whatever some outsiders may have tried to lie to you about this very morning.”

A gasp rang out among the crowd. Tim glanced at his friends. Conner was glaring at the mayor fiercely and Tim attempted to step in front of him, as pointless as their relative sizes made the action.

The mayor smiled viciously as a panicked crescendo rose from the crowd. Tim’s phone vibrated in his hand and he saw a response from Sam.

Sam: We saw Sam: Danny is on his way Sam: And we’re following as fast we can

Under his breath, Tim muttered, “Conner, you and Bart should go suit up. Cassie and I will stay and keep an eye on what’s going on. Stay close, but try not to be seen unless an attack happens.” Subtly, grateful for their places against the wall, he passed over the thermos he’d taken with him that morning.

Tim heard Conner’s sigh of relief as the two slipped away. He hated pretending to be a civilian in a crisis. Even more than the rest of them.

Cassie whispered, “I almost hate you for keeping me here.”

Tim just bumped their shoulders together.

The mayor, or rather the ghost inhabiting him, raised his arm and silence slowly fell. “We cannot call for outside help. Those who call themselves the Young Justice today proved that the so-called heroes of this world will defend our enemy over us. That they will spread lies to keep us subject to the whims of these ghosts.” The last word was spat. “So we must solve the problem ourselves. Jack Fenton, if the people of this town agree, you and those you train will be our defense force, will you do this?”

Jack near jumped three feet in the air in his excitement. “I’ve been training for this my entire life, Mayor Montez! I’ll be honored.”

“I believe we must institute martial law! The 9 PM curfew will remain in place. No one will be allowed on the streets alone. No loitering. The park will be closed until further notice. Same with the public pool and library and a number of other locations. Drs Fenton, will you be able to set up buildings protected by ghost shields where people can gather for safety?”

Whispering broke out among the public. Maddie stood tall next to her husband, though being continually overlooked in favor of him was clearly grating on her. “We can. Fenton Works is already protected and within two days we can have another shield up and ready. Within the week, we could have five.”

The whispered were almost loud enough to drown her out by the time she finished speaking

“Order! Order!” called Mayor Montez. “All in favor of declaring martial law, and allowing the completely competent Jack Fenton to mobilize a massive ghost hunt, please say—”

But cutting off the mayor, Danny, in his Phantom form, suddenly appeared in the air in the middle of the hall. “I might be too young to vote, but I’m casting one anyway.”

Around them, everyone gasped and people began backing away even as Danny shifted to look at them. Tim and Cassie both tensed and prepared to run.

“You people have to listen to me,” urged Danny. “I’m on your side.”

Mayor Montez took a step back as members of his security moved to stand in front of him. Jack and Maddie jumped up and glared at him.

“You’re not fooling anybody, ghost kid!” declared Jack. “You are going down!” He reached back and pulled out the Fenton fishing rod, the line was horribly tangled and Jack began messing with it. “As soon as I finish untangling this thing.”

Cassie let out a disbelieving huff.

Tim shook his head. “Apparently,” he replied to her unasked question. He pulled out his phone and shot a message to Bart and Conner.

Rob: get back here now Rob: All 4 of us are needed

Before he even finished typing his last message, Bart was at his side. Just in time to see Danny mutter something and shoot an ectoblast at his parents who were thrown back with the force of it, destroying the podium and leaving a burn mark on the ground.

“Shit,” muttered Tim. “Cassie, let’s go. Impulse, try to help where you can.”

“You’ve got it.”

----

Next

And so the best of intentions go awry!

I can almost taste the end of this arc, but for all I know, that'll take another 10k to finish. So we'll see what happens. Hope you enjoyed.

I no longer do tag lists, but please check out the Subscription Post if you want to be notified of updates.

[ihni]

Okay so I read a fic (in another fandom) that made me think, and this morning I woke up with ready-made fic idea in my head which I will ABSOLUTELY NOT WRITE, I have too many WIPs already, so I'll just ... write it all out here and then hope that's enough to get it out of my head.

So! Harringroveson-ish. Very rough, train-of-thought style.

Imagine Eddie and Steve smoking together and hooking up on the regular, because they both live in a small town and it's difficult and risky to find another guy who's willing to fool around in small-town Hawkins. So they've been doing it for a while, and they have fun and like each other kind of a lot and are comfortable with each other and all even though they keep it on the downlow for obvious reasons.

And then Billy Hargrove rolls into town, and he's mesmerizing and both Steve and Eddie can't really keep away from him. But Billy's acting so über straight that surely, none of them have a chance, right? So they may talk about him when they're together (for the Thrill or Sexytimes of it, idk), but they don't really think they have a chance. Until they start realizing that Billy's eyes ... wanders, if he thinks no one is watching. So they start talking about it, about trying to see if they can seduce him to the gay side of Hawkins, and it's mostly a joke between them, to get the other riled up when they're together; talking about what they'd do to him if they could. Because Billy's always taking girls out, and he's got quite the reputation - SURELY he's got a lot of sexual experience and would be up for whatever, right?

And like, they both think that THEY'd be the one to succeed to sway Billy over. Steve thinks that since he's the former King Steve and plays sports with Billy and they hang out in the same circles, of course he'd have luck with the guy than Eddie, but Eddie claims that with the music Billy listens to and the car he's got, he's obviously got more in common with Eddie than Steve ...

So they make a bet. Mostly as a joke, but a bet nonetheless; Which one of them will bed Billy first?

Meanwhile, Billy is of course secretly gay and has been moved to a closed-minded town against his will by his abusive dad for being found out just kissing another boy, and even though he's secretly eyeing both the former King of Hawkins High and the King of the Freaks, he does not fool himself into thinking something will happen. He can't allow himself to show a single sign of his preferences. So he takes girls out on dates, a string of them, and he parties and he flirts and he wraps Hawkins around his thumb, and only shows the careful mask he has created, and not an ounce of the real Billy, because he wants to live until graduation, thank you very much.

He had planned to just keep his head above water and survive until he could get the hell out of town, but that gets increasingly difficult when the two guys who he's been eyeing start to approach him. Trying to be friends? Trying to throw him off? Or ... check out the competition? Billy's not sure what's going on here, but he knows it's messing with his mask and his composure. Harrington didn't use to play this hard in gym, did he? Rubbing up on Billy like he is, now. Didn't use to smile at him and talk to him and like, stretch out in the shower after practice. And Munson had kept his distance until then, so what's up with the way he suddenly appears whenever Billy's sneaking off for a smoke, offering a good price on weed and inviting Billy to see his band play?

So, Steve and Eddie do their best to seduce Billy, mostly as a challenge between the two of them, but when they notice that Billy gets flustered when they touch him or lets his gaze for a little too long when they do things like stretch or lick their lips and so on, they start to suspect that this could actually happen. It's not so far-fetched as they might have thought. So they talk, and find it very exhilerating to imagine that maybe they both actually stand a chance, here ... but of course, the bet is still on. Who will have him first?

Billy's only human. And gay. And desperately alone in this sea of people, since no one knows the real him. So he's falling for it, even if he's hesitant and afraid (because of Neil, because of what if this is an elaborate prank, and also partly because all that he's done with a boy thus far has been kissing (Your choice as to what he has actually done with girls)).

Maybe both Eddie and Steve are getting bolder, right about now. Putting the moves on Billy, so that there's no mistaking their intentions. And Billy is tempted, so very tempted - but also so very scared. He backs off, or draws back, or maybe stammeringly mentions that his dad would kill him if he found out. "He's not gonna find out," whoever is with him says, but Billy bites his lip. Hesitates. Shakes his head.

But like, of course, eventually one of them - Steve or Eddie, your pick - succeeds. Billy gives in, gives up, throws caution to the wind. He gets to sleep with at least one of his crushes, and it's GOOD, it's so much better than he could have ever imagined sex to be and he can't believe he's so lucky that he gets to have this.

And of course whoever won the bet is thrilled. Both because they got to fuck Billy (who they are realizing that they LIKE, just like they like their other boyfriend), but also because of the thrill of winning the bet. So after, directly after or the morning after, your choice, they hurry back to their boyfriend to gloat about their win. Maybe they have to look for him, though, so they don't find him right away. Because of course for PLOT REASONS we need Billy to be at that place, too - feeling light, happy, and for the first time not feeling like a prisoner in this town - and overhearing. Overhearing the gloating, the "I won our bet" and "yup, fucked him good" and the "he was so sweet, you should have seen him". And then, for added angst, of course Billy sees the two of them kissing, making out. Looking very busy and into each other.

Billy should be angry, but he's so shocked and gutted that he can't bring up even a spark of anger.

And I want them to spot him there. Realize, by the paleness of his face, that he heard every word. That he thinks they've used him, made fun of him - and they kind of HAVE. But when they break apart and turn horrified eyes on him, Billy turns and runs. They go after him, try to stop him, but oh THERE's that anger (bubbling up to hide the HURT), so he rips himself out of their grip and snarls at them not to TOUCH HIM. Maybe he yells at them, for using him and stringing him along and making him think he meant something when really he was just a pawn, just a game. Maybe he doesn't say ANYTHING, just blinks away tears and leaves. I don't know which is worse.

But he leaves, and they feel horrible. They realize that they fucked up BIG TIME, they should have approached this differently, they never should have made that bet. They talk (again) and realize that they actually DO both like him, and they want him with THEM, all three o f them together. They decide to try to make things right, somehow. Explain to Billy, grovel at his feet etc.

But oh, it's not that easy of course. Because Neil has gotten wind of Billy being seen with some boy (maybe a neighbor saw him when either Eddie or Steve reached for his hand or pressed a kiss to his cheek or something, in the late stages of the seduction), and he punishes Billy for it. Severly. Billy's home from school for a week, recovering. Steve and Eddie thinks he's avoiding them, but eventually put their foot down like, enough is enough, if he doesn't come to us we'll come to him, so they go to his house.

Thankfully, Neil isn't home. But Billy is. And when he opens the door, still black and blue, they are horrified. Billy is afraid that anyone will see them and tells them to go, and even scrapes up some anger and tells them that this is their fault, which shuts down their attempts at apologies, and then slams the door in their face.

Eddie and Steve do some more talking, maybe some minor stake-outs. Realizes that when Billy said his dad would kill him, he meant it, and if the man knew what Billy had done, Billy might be lying dead in a ditch somewhere. They feel bad (as they should, and also because this is my fic and I live for the guilt).

In the end, I think they'd have to find a way to get Billy out of his abusive household, as a way to prove they are sorry, and that they're serious about him. Maybe they set something up to make sure Neil gets caught in the act, maybe they involve the police, maybe they blackmail the man or threaten him somehow. I don't care how. But they get Billy SAFE. And THEN they grovel. As they damn well should.

And I hope that eventually, they manage to convince Billy that in fact, they were BOTH into him from the start, and the bet was just a way for them to dare to act on it. They both wanted him, with them both. And they still want him.

And maybe Billy might just be lonely enough to eventually believe them.

[skyrim-forever]

WIP Wednesday

Hello everyone! It's another Wednesday <3 Thank you to @changelingsandothernonsense for tagging me (love the Josh and Erra updates) I'm tagging @lady-iizsil @dirty-bosmer @theoneandonlysemla @thequeenofthewinter (you've already since this snippet oops) @lucien-lachance

This is a part of a much dark part 2 to this fic, my depraved Thalmor Embassy shenanigans. So this snippet features mentions of things in that fic including: sex, blackmail, voyeurism, the glove (iykyk). Under the cut also has mentions of torture, murder (as speculations) and Rulidnil being even worse (that's definitely present). So yeah, MDNI and read if you're cool with that. Anyways time to tease the horror. Chapter 1 is done and currently being edited, expect to see it soon~ its 6k OOPS

“Theodora.” She almost snaps her neck with how quick her gaze finds him. How did one of them know her name… she had only met one other male Thalmor… Akatosh preserve me. With each step inching closer, her body tenses as the suspicious are concerned. 

“Ah, Rulindil.” She grits her teeth. “Fancy running into you here.” 

It was none other than the mer who used them for sexual blackmail, first listening into their conversation and other activities at the Embassy, and then demanding to watch them engage in more of these activities. That had been his compromise after being told he could not fuck her himself. Originally Theodora had told Ondolemar she would have done it just to shut him up, but after meeting him, she could see his concerns were not unfounded. Her lover had told her all about how he ended up in the position he occupied now, how his life experiences lead him to serve the Dominion and of how he was harbouring severe doubts. Many of which had come from knowing her. With Elenwen, she could see that although she could be cruel, having been a torturer during the Great War, she understood there were multiple ways to solve a problem. Violence was not the only way to get information, treating people well, good wine and good food, could do wonders and was far easier than bleeding them out. The Ambassador was firm, but fair; at least as far as the Thalmor went. 

She didn’t see any of that in Rulindil. Interrogation was not his job, it was his passion. I enjoy making people scream he had told her. Enjoy. There was this pit in her stomach thinking about the fact that even if he was not in the Thalmor, he would likely still be doing that very thing. Perhaps he would be not unlike the Butcher in Windhelm, carving up all manner of people to just hear the sounds they made dying. The screams of those she killed during the war made their way into her nightmares sometimes. How anyone could desire such a sound she hoped to never understand. From the way he shook her hand, less shaking it than grabbing her wrist, grip lingering too long that the mere memory of it caused her to shudder; to the way his sexual degeneracy had no bounds. Stealing a glove that had been inside her. She hoped it was just a trophy, but the sinister look in his gaze now told her that that was decidedly untrue.

“I am freed from the confines of the Embassy for a few nights. Many of us are here, I believe Ondolemar is having a solo meeting with our lovely Ambassador.” Slight panic washes over her face at that. The dark chuckle that comes from him unsettles her even more. “Oh no, it’s not like that, I haven’t said anything. Seems he's been especially productive to the cause lately and is currently getting a rare bout of praise from Elenwen. Isn’t he lucky?” She smiles, happy to hear he’s okay and so that Rulindil stays friendly until she can leave this conversation. 

“Very lucky indeed.” She clears her throat, stance facing towards the Temple. “Wonderful to see you again” she lied “but I’m afraid I must be going, I’ve got plans.” 

“Your plans don’t include him do they, unless you’re all dressed up for someone else?”

“No, not him nor anyone else. Just going to have some drinks and do a bit of dancing.”

“Perhaps I will join you.” He smirks as he says this, enjoying the uncomfortable look on her face. 

“I was planning to go to the tavern here. The Skeever, and I don’t think you’d like to be seen in public with me, least of all places in a grubby Nord tavern.”

“Hmm.” She continues smiling. “Well, you own property here, don’t you? Why don’t we return there instead?” The smile falters. 

“How do you know I own property here?” His hand reaches for her hair, she forwent her normal circlet for some wildflowers, to match the embroidery on the new dress. One of the flowers is plucked from her. It twirls between his fingers.

“I know a lot about you.” 

“Ondolemar said you were… satisfied.” 

“I am satisfied with him, I never said anything about you.” Chest tightens. 

“I’ll tell him, you must know that.” Another sick laugh from him made her nauseous. 

“And what will he do? Harming a fellow agent is grounds for extreme discipline. Killing me would be certain death. There would be nothing he could do that wouldn’t result in more eyes being drawn to you. Not everyone will be as kind as me.” Kind. The word makes her nauseous. There’s an audible gulp. “All I want is a little time with you, Theodora. Why can he have that and not me?” She wants to tell him why, all the reasons Ondolemar is leagues above him, in every manner from their organization to her affections. But upsetting him is the last thing she wants to do.  

“I suppose you’re right. There’s no harm in a few glasses of wine.”

[landinrris]

☔️ and 🌧️

👀👀👀hehe

I do love some good mid-plot angst 👀👀👀

Ask me about my wips!

🌧️Share something angsty from your WIP. This is from the Lando PR fic, also titled A Matter of Perspective because I love a double meaning. This is also a full-fledged snippet but every angst scene is too long, so just have the whole thing of this one

When Max and Pietra get into town on Wednesday afternoon for the race weekend, Lando expects Carlos’ run of form to continue. They’re due to get dinner together for the first time in nearly a month, Lando feeling just a bit giddy at the prospect of seeing one of his best friends again for the first time in what feels like a stupid amount of time.

Carlos doesn’t say anything about their evening plans until later that afternoon.

“Do we know where we are going for dinner?” Carlos asks, walking into the living room. He’s busy toweling his hair dry, goosebumps immediately rising on Lando’s arms at the thought of what his own hair would do if he did that now.

He shakes himself and looks down at his phone where Max had texted him Pietra’s idea while Carlos was in the shower.”Uh, Max said Pietra wanted to try this new place. I mapped it, and it’s not too far from here. Near that new highrise they just finished building. Apparently, it’s all the rage and she needs to get her plug in.”

Lando looks up in Carlos’ direction when he doesn’t get an immediate response and sees Carlos looking uneasy. His hand has frozen with the towel against his head, looking like he’s glitched or something.

“Have you heard bad things? I’ve only heard about it like fifteen minutes ago.”

“Do we have to go to this one?” Carlos asks. He seems to reset, returning to drying his hair before draping the towel around his neck.

Lando’s not sure he knows what’s going on, feeling like he’s missing something fairly obvious. “I mean, I guess I can suggest somewhere else. Why, what’s wrong?”

“It’s just so public, no? That new highrise is down near the casino and the coast. Lots of people and shopping and things.” Lots of cameras, he doesn’t say. The pieces click into place in Lando’s mind, and he sucks in a steadying breath. 

“I mean, yeah, but all the good spots are out there. You didn’t have an issue being down there the other day when we were with everyone.” Lando thought Carlos was over whatever stick had been up his ass, but maybe that was wishful thinking after all.

“But that was with other people— a group. This wasn’t what looked like a…”

“Like a date?” Lando finishes. “Carlos, we’re still gonna be with people, what are you talking about? It’s not like we’re both dressing up and going somewhere one-on-one and telling everyone what we are. It’s Max and P for God’s sake.”

He doesn’t mean to raise his voice because he knows how skittish Carlos is about other people outside their circles knowing about them. Hell, Lando feels the same, ultimately. But there’s something about Carlos seemingly not even willing to go out to a casual dinner with Max and Pietra. If Lando was interested in a boyfriend who only paid attention to him while there was foolproof plausible deniability, he wouldn’t have given Carlos a key to his flat.

Carlos flinches subtly, but that’s one downfall with them— they know each other so well that Lando clocks the movement from where he’s sitting on the sofa. “Yes, but we will be with two other people who are in a relationship. We will look like we are on a double date, and with all the people who will recognize everyone hanging around waiting to get pictures, Lando can we not go somewhere else, please?”

Lando’s annoyance cracks at Carlos’ pleading, his eyes wide with anxiety. It’s not Carlos’ fault that he feels like this, and yet Lando can’t help but be annoyed with him anyway. He doesn’t want to lock all of his personal life behind the doors of their flat or whatever hotel room they’re in for the weekend.

He bites his lip and looks down at his phone for a few seconds. How many times would they get away with going out together before people seriously asked questions? How close are they to that point now that the broad world knows Carlos’ permanent residence is Monaco? Maybe they should be more careful considering Lando’s privacy is so lacking that someone could pretty accurately map out the days he’s in the country based on when his photo is taken. 

And yet… he’s not ready to let fear of social media completely rule his life. “Pietra really wants to go to this restaurant, my hands are tied. If you’re so afraid then don’t come, I guess.” He pushes himself up from the sofa, his throat tight with a mix of sadness and frustration. He barely looks at Carlos as he walks past him and into the direction of his room. “I’ll just see you when I get home and we’ll do dinner another night or something.”

“Lando, really? You are going to do this?” Carlos calls after him sounding like Lando’s the one who’s being unreasonable here. 

Lando rounds on Carlos where he’s standing in the doorway. “I’m scared too, Carlos! But that doesn’t mean I want to put my life on hold, yeah? If you don’t want to come out tonight because you think the internet is suddenly and unironically going to think we’re on a double date, then I can’t help you. I’m gonna go to dinner with my friends I haven’t seen in a month, and I’ll just see you when I get home. Maybe we can have dinner together in public again when we’re in Barcelona for the race in a few weeks and you decide that’s okay.” He doesn’t mean to blow up and promptly storm away, shutting the door in the hallway leading to his bedroom a bit harder than he’d meant to, but he does and he’s not big enough to immediately apologize for it yet.

He only has about forty-five minutes until he’s meant to meet Max and Pietra anyway. Plenty of time to get in the shower and pretend he doesn’t let a few tears slip from his eyes in anger. He should’ve said something to Carlos when he noticed the pattern last week— when Carlos decided he wanted to whisk Lando up into the surrounding villages outside of Imola for “an authentic dinner” without a care as to the rest of the world. 

Instead, he’d let it fester. He’d taken Carlos’ attention as freely as he’d been given it— taken the kisses Carlos had pressed to his lips pressed against the car door before opening it like a gentleman and letting Lando climb into the passenger seat.

The issue is Monaco and the public eye— a detrimental detail they've likely realized too late if they have any hope of surviving until they're ready to come out on their own terms. 

Carlos doesn’t come and check on him in the half hour it takes Lando to get ready. With all of Carlos’ belongings in Lando’s bedroom and bathroom, the lack of his presence sends as strong of a message as anything. They’re both at a stalemate, and Lando’s a little afraid of where they go from here.

He pokes his head into the living room as he’s about to leave and sees Carlos seated on the sofa where Lando had been earlier scrolling resolutely through his phone. The towel is still around his neck, his feet propped up on the coffee table like he’s casually and calmly waiting for Lando to be finished in the bathroom.

The sight does complicated things to Lando’s stomach.

“I’m heading out. I’ll see you later.”

Carlos looks up from his phone, a carefully controlled expression on his face that does nothing good for Lando’s stomach. “Okay. I will see you later. Have fun.”

Lando fishes for something to say, and upon coming up with nothing, turns and walks out the front door.

---

☔Is there a fic concept you have that you'd like to just explain and share because you're not sure you'll ever write it? If so, what is it?

I really feel like the Lando to Red Bull fic that I picked up from a fic fest was a missed opportunity that I let slip through my fingers right at the edge of McLaren going from zeros to heroes back in Summer 2023. Basically, the prompt was that Carlos was at Ferrari still, and Lando makes the jump to Red Bull after giving up on McLaren. They aren’t together romantically yet, but they're both mega hardcore pining and just being Them. They get into a few scrapes, and Lando begins to think Carlos hates him now that they’re battling much more directly across teams. Meanwhile, Carlos is just pulling away because he’s struggling to hide his feelings. Lando getting to show what he's capable of is too addicting, and he doesn't trust himself like he once could.

But McLaren literally went from being like 6th/7th fastest team to 3rd/4th in one race weekend, and with it went all the inspiration for me to want Lando to leave McLaren 😅. I would love to potentially rework this somehow. Maybe have it be that Lando's rise in McLaren puts him and Carlos much more on that level playing field, so you still end up with the false angst with them both properly at the front. We shall see maybe... the PR fic the previous angst scene is from might have enough angst for awhile.

[lizardperson]

lizardwriting wrapped 2024

because this whole thing deserves a little yearly review too...

after not writing anything for the public in sooo many years, i actually wrote quite a lot this year. only had to overcome the initial feeling of "cringe omg i can't post that 😬", and now have lost all shame and am enjoying myself immensely, subjecting the world to my bullshit. i think i actually improved quite a bit over the whole year.

AO3 STATS [link]

28 works 48,102 words total 18x ocworld: 17 short bits + 5 chapters Dark Lights, Shine Loud 7x fallout: 6 of those Courier Mika including 20 oneshot chapters Come All Sufferers (#fnv au) 2x star trek disco

---

SPOTLIGHT some points stolen from this list

.characters i thought most about: mika - light of my life, bane of my existence. the ultimate blorbo from my brain, bouncing around in there 24/7. she's terrible and i love her so much. (#mika tag) gabriel - grew SO MUCH this year, mostly thanks to the silly little fallout au. i have a lot of thoughts but not enough words. i love him so much. (#gabriel tag) special mention: fiona - what started out as daria's nameless dead backstorywife somehow turned into an actual character that has been living in my brain now extensively. little miss tortured poet. i love her. (#fiona tag)

.favorite title And there are days like this, too because it's the perfect throwback to the kinda-first part 4261 days. and i wasn't even the one who came up with it, that was @voidthing special mention: The Hills Have Eyebots. because it's just funny.

.favorite opening line

"Oh, for fuck's sake," Mika cursed when her can of energy drink let out the familiar hiss of danger. Despite her best efforts and a few quick sips, she still managed to spill some of it on herself and the couch. Great, another point for Nic's long list of things to be pissed about. As if the general mood in this apartment hadn't been shitty enough those last few weeks. Oh well, let her bitch then. [Dark Lights, Shine Loud]

is it my best line? nah, far from it. is it the perfect introduction to Mika? hell yea - cursing, consuming caffeine, and making a mess. what more do you need to know lmao. i just really like that one, still. the whole first chapter, actually.

.favorite piece of dialogue

"You didn't answer my question - you think we're doing the right thing here?" "Yes." There was not a bit of doubt in his voice. "You believe in our stupid plan?" "I believe in you." [Doing The Right Thing]

just sums up the whole fallout au and their dynamic so well, and also *clutches chest*

special shoutout to the close second, the "I'm not a lesbian" bit in In Whiskey Veritas

and another special shoutout to the last bit of Left My Heart In The Sierra Madre because. T_T

.favorite ending line

Falling in love with her best friend was such a bad idea, July thought, and yet she didn't know how not to. [Viola sororia]

it's so sappy. but 🥺🥺🥺

close second for a completely different vibe:

Freud would probably have something to say about distracting yourself from your shitty mother by sleeping with a woman roughly that same age. Good thing Freud was dead. [Mommy issues]

.favorite text overall 4261 days i still think this is the best thing i've written. for someone who does not have particularly much experience with grief in general, i really really like writing a lot about it somehow...

---

OUTLOOK 2025

the big multi chapter thingies are very far up my to do list, but yknow how it is with adhd brains - ohhh lets do that quick short text first, and that one, and that one *procrastinates the big ones*

BUT that is the plan:

. finally getting some more chapters into Dark Lights, Shine Loud. there are a bunch lying around as first drafts, but they still need some work. soonTM

. continuing the way-too-ambition plotheavy heistthing What Happens In Reno, Stays In Reno after those first few intro chapters. this requires an extensive brainstorming session to get the actual plot hammered together.

. the shiny new wip that i am itching for (because shiny and new), because it's gonna be a bit different in various ways so that makes it excitingTM

....and of course just continuing to write, overall. gonna keep my #fff streak up.

---

SPECIAL THANKS

@voidthing for basically being my secret co-author. always improves the quality by SO MUCH and is the bestest anyway 💕💕💕

the whole @flashfictionfridayofficial community - turns out a regular thing is really good to get a habit going, and also y'all are so nice and cool and just 💕💕💕

everybody who reads my stuff of course :D yes, i mostly write for myself, but of course it's always awesome if someone else likes my bullshit 🙏

[takaraphoenix]

🍪🍪🍪 my official ask for the Stalion WIPs 🍪🍪🍪

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ASKING! ^-^ *munches on the cookies*

There are currently seven Stalion fics in my WIP folder:

The FBI Liaison, the Mischief Monday for December 2nd

Future fic more or less in-universe, but with the canon divergence of the Alpha Pack being good and working for the Magic Council, having gone to Beacon Hills during 3A to evaluate Derek as an Alpha.

Years later, they are sent to work with an FBI liaison of the council's. Neither of them are thrilled because usually council liaisons who work for the US government are stuck up and annoying.

Until they meet the agent and realize it's Stiles.

--

The Overbooked Council Convention, originally a Mischief Monday but has since been upgraded to Wednesday Oneshot, to be posted on December 11th

I actually posted a sneak peek for this fic already, but here's the premise: Also the twist of the Alpha Pack being good and working for the Magic Council, also a future fic. But in this, Stiles was pushed out of the McCall Pack after Donovan and has been traveling the US on his own for the past three years, working as a freelancer for a bit before he got recruited by the Magic Council.

Every year, the council gathers all its representatives for a convention, an open exchange. This year is the first Stiles attends as an official representative. And the council somehow overbooked the hotel, many left without a room. Thankfully, other participants are willing to share.

Deucalion is willing to share with Stiles. Stiles is glad that Deuc is so generous and he's happy to see the Alpha Pack again, had missed them all. What Stiles doesn't know is that Deucalion's pack had come back to Beacon Hills only weeks after he had left the town, weeks after graduation, because Deucalion had every intention of courting the Spark. Finally, Deucalion has found his chosen again and this time, he wasn't going to let Stiles slip away so easily.

(This story started as a poor excuse to write "there's only one bed" with Stalion and then I developed feels and grew attached to the mentor/mentee Marin-Stiles dynamic and now I'm sitting at 7k and they still haven't gone to bed...)

--

The Demon Wolf's Distraction, an upcoming Mischief Monday

Part of the promised "at least a dozen 'Deucalion rolls into town with A PLAN but then Stiles fully hijacks that' fics" I talked about in the A/N of Smells So Sweet.

The Alpha Pack comes to town to evaluate the Hale Pack and while doing so, a curious Spark seems to be spending an awful lot of time with them. Deucalion finds Stiles far more interesting than the local pack and is soon enthralled by the inquisitive, powerful boy.

--

Sexed Up By the Demon Wolf, an upcoming Mischief Monday

Not to repeat myself, but good Alpha Pack comes to town to evaluate Derek. The Darach starts sacrificing virgins and Stiles grows very, very nervous about his v-card and the lack of willing people to take it. Deucalion has no idea how anyone could say no to that, but he is more than happy to help Stiles out.

--

Revenge Is a Meal for Two, an upcoming Mischief Monday

In this one, the Alpha Pack comes neither because of the Magic Council nor for Derek or Scott at all. Deucalion is exclusively there to get his revenge on Gerard Argent. Him and his pack want to kill the man, but they come just in time of the season 2 finale and Gerard slithering away, so they go and track him down.

Stiles, bitter and vengeful after he got kidnapped and tortured by Gerard, isn't going to let the bastard get away either and tracks him down too.

They meet for the first time when they find Gerard and kill him together.

--

How to Seduce Your Best Friend's Alpha, an upcoming Wednesday Oneshot

Stronger AU on this one; Deucalion's pack isn't an Alpha Pack, they're a regular pack - and they're not located in the US. They never come to Beacon Hills at all, instead they're the London Pack Jackson relocates to.

After the Nogitsune, Stiles and Jackson form a long-distance friendship because Stiles finds that he has an easier time talking to the former kanima about the possession than anyone else. Jackson just gets it, in a way nobody else does.

So after graduation, Stiles packs up and moves to London with Lydia to be with Jackson. That's when Stiles meets Deucalion, Jackson's Alpha, and quickly falls for the handsome, charming, powerful man.

--

Get Out of Hell (to Find a Demon), an upcoming Wednesday Oneshot

Canon divergence where the Alpha Pack never comes to Beacon Hills at all, but they are the pack Boyd and Erica run into when they flee the town. They join the pack, train with them and along the way, kill two rogue Alphas to gain Alphahood themselves and thus, their permanent place in the pack. All the while, they stay in contact with Stiles, texting and calling him.

When Stiles kills Donovan and Scott won't believe him, Stiles doesn't know what to do or who to turn to, so he calls Erica and Boyd. His friends come to pick up the pieces and the Demon Wolf opens his den to his pack members' friend, without knowing what he signs up for or how much Stiles was going to grow on him.

[bunnymermaidwrites]

pls tell me about odette and why you want to trap them in a snow globe and shake them until they’re concussed?

the fact that you compare hilbert to odette makes me already quite fearful

Hi!❤️❤️❤️

Okay, so Odette... Odette very much deserves to be trapped in a snow globe and a lot more if you ask me, but I'll let you be the judge.

While her crimes might not be as bad as Hilbert's (attempted murder of child and gaslighting vs genocide and I'm sure a lot of other stuff that I'm unaware of), the emotional wounds she causes are just horrible.

Let me give you a (hopefully) very quick rundown of what's going on here (if you have any questions here's my wip intro with links to all storts of things including characters or you can always ask):

The majestic country of Galla is floating in the sky, put there by the doves themselves to protect the humans from what lies beneath. The Black swamp, a place filled with monsters, fear, and madness.

Odette at 19 years old is a triarhist, one of three future rulers of Galla. They may be humans but their powers are devine, all powerful, that exist for one purpose alone: To protect people.

She is kind, clever and compassionate. She loves her people with everything she has and even as a young child she took her duties very seriously. She is also selflessness, always willing to help another.

She would do anything to keep her people safe like she's supposed to.

Odette, when she was little, was terrified of the Black swamp, of the stories about the place. Of having to be the one who stand been it and her beloved people if it comes to that. So she came up with an idea:

Build a machine and destroy the Black swamp for good.

However, her father disapproved, saying that what she wanted to do was way too extreme, that they were safe where they were. So Odette hid her plans, deciding to bide her time until she is officially crowned on her 20th birthday.

But someone found them... and Odette had to keep them quiet.

You see, Odette has a boyfriend, another triarhist, just like her. Endre. They love each other, understand one another better than anyone.

Endre has two younger siblings: Adél, the main character (15 yo) who idolizes Odette, she wants to be just like her, and Ákos (10 yo).

Sweet, little Ákos: smart, extremely curious, but unfortunately still naive. He was bound to find a secret drawer, with Odette's plans hidden deep within. He was bound to be confused and even frightened.

And Odette looked at him. The kid she helped teach how to read... and she pushed him off the edge of Galla and he fell...

All

The way

Down

Into the Black swamp below.

Anything for her people, right?

There are many reasons I hate Odette. Tiny things that just make everything worse.

Odette is selflessness, she doesn't care what happens to her as long as her people are safe.

Her selflessness stretched so far and so so thin that her sacrifice somehow became Ákos.

And she thinks she did the right thing.

😁Now let me just list a couple of my favorite (maybe petty) reasons to hate Odette:

Why I want to trap Odette in a snow globe:

Ákos for a long time blames himself for what happened partially because Odette was so perfect.

Ákos in general is just so confused about the whole thing. It's very hard for his young mind to wrap around the fact that someone that loved him could hurt him like this.

Like I said Adél wanted to be just like Odette. Now, she will spend the rest of her life fearing that she succeeded.

Endre lost the only person who could understand what he was going through as an heir!

Ákos was wearing a cat mask that Adél made when Odette pushed him. He looked adorable and innocent, and she still did it! Seriously, how can someone look at this and hurt him:

If put in the same situation, Odette wouldn't hesitate to do it again because she thought it was necessary.

I could go on, but for the sake of simplicity here, it is.

Tldr: She looked at a kid who saw her as a big sister and went: YEEET!

Thank you so so much for this ask! It made me really happy! I hope I answered your question well enough! ❤️

[not-so-secret-bi-badge-bunny]

WIP of the day (Temp Title: Evan takes charge)

~~ I have an overwhelming desire to read fic's where Buck is more dominant because Tommy craves it. I like my premise so far but I want to know your thoughts.

Thank you for reading-Em

Tommy has always enjoyed relinquishing control when he can. Years of high stress jobs that require you to be a very fast thinker, making life versus death decisions for not only himself but his co-workers and members of the community, having to make choice after choice, questioning if it was the right one? Was there a better one to be made? Not to mention all the “what if’s” can become exhausting and dangerous if you're not actively taking care of yourself and doing what you can to avoid burnout. He always had little ways to minimize his mental load for himself. He would meal prep for a week in advance to avoid having to make one more choice after a really long shift and he kept as strict of a routine as one can with shift times changing from week to week. His days off were spent trying to recharge in between running errands and household chores. It has been a long while since he felt comfortable asking anyone to help with much of anything, let alone being so very vulnerable.  It has been a really long week filled with too many losses and not enough saves and all Tommy wants to do is let go and let all choices be made for him. He knows that he can ask Evan for help with this, he is sure he would be on board immediately, but trying to put together the words to explain what he wants is harder than he thought it would be. He knows that Evan gets off in a few hours but he doesn’t want to chicken out of asking for help. A call and worry Evan, so he sends him a text instead : “Hey Ev, do you think we could alter our plans for tomorrow? After the week I had I was kinda hoping you could help me by taking off some of the mental load while I recharge so to speak. It is ok if you're uncomfortable with the idea of doing so, we can discuss this more when you get home tonight.  Stay safe, I love you.” Evan responded back impossibly fast for being on shift  “Of course Baby, do you want me to call you so we can talk about it?”  Tommy ponders for a moment but ultimately decides that it can wait “Just call me before you leave the station. I’m ok, I promise.”  “ Ok Baby, don’t miss me too much, I will be home before you know it.” 

[arvandus]

i’m curious about these:

💖 What is your primary writing goal for this year?

✨What's one area of your writing that you think needs the least amount of improvement?

🎃 Do you plan on writing any seasonal fics?

💥Is there a chapter, scene, or WIP you're most excited to write? Share a snippet or tell us about it!

and asking for a friend

💌 Are you willing to take requests or prompts for writing?

Oooooh.... hehehe....

💖My primary goal this year I think is to complete Love & Duty. I have another Barbatos fic I want to write, but I don't want to start it until I've completed this one. Also, I'd like to finish some of my old WIPs that I started ages ago, like my Chisaki x Reader fic. And, of course, I'd like to get at least a couple more chapters out for Touch.

✨Hmm, I think it's my ability to describe feelings, particularly feelings of longing, loss, angst, pining, etc... anything that feels very... heavy, if that makes sense.

🎃 I love the idea of kinktober, but the task is far too daunting for me, especially since the holiday season (October through Mid-January) is such a hugely busy time for me. I've always had a ghost!Aizawa x Reader fic I've wanted to write, and I have a xmas Dabi fic WIP that's sitting in my docs. I'd love to finish those next year. After that, who knows?

💥Ok, so I have this later scene in L&D that has been rotting my brain for a while now, and I can't wait to eventually get to it in the story. Here's a small snippet (cuz I've already started writing it):

He paused in his administrations as he cupped your face in his hands and planted an affectionate kiss to your forehead.  It was a sweet, offhanded gesture that made you smile and close your eyes.  Your face lifted automatically, your lips like sunflowers turning towards the sunshine of his smile.

You expected nothing more than the usual soft peck he always provided.  And it was soft.  But this time... this time something was... different.

(RAHHH THE RESTRAINT I'M ENDURING TO NOT SHARE MORE CUZ DON'T WANNA SPOIL IIIIITTTT) 💌 I am, but with restrictions! I have so many personal WIPs that I hardly have time for, that I don't want to get bogged down by lots of requests, particularly for characters I'm not as invested in writing. But if it's a request/prompt that hits the right spot/fixation for me, then I'm definitely willing to write for them! Examples would be: Dabi (BNHA), Aizawa (BNHA), Barbatos (OM), Simeon (OM), Diavolo (OM), Solomon (OM), Jade (TWST), Sae (bllk), Oliver (bllk), Inumaki (JJK), Gojo (JJK), Hoshina (kn8), Kafka (kn8), Zayne (LADS), Sylus (LADS).... also Caleb from LADS even though we don't know much yet huehuehue. (...Laughing at myself cuz that list is longer than I thought it would be. 💀)

Anywayyyy, requests/prompts would be a great way for me to do a writing warm-up from time to time, so you're always welcome to send something in if you have a particular thought eating away at your brain. ;) The only caveat is I might not get to it right away for various reasons (lack of time/energy; waiting for the vibes to hit right; etc.). Long story short, I do accept them, but it may not get responded to for a while until I'm ready for it or have the spoons/motivation for it. TY FOR THE ASK BB ILY MWAH MWAH 💋💋

[a-most-beloved-fool]

fanfic writer interview

tagged by: @spirkme915! Thanks for the tag <3

what fandoms do you write in? Star Trek, pretty much exclusively. Only TOS and DS9 so for (and I haven't even really finished anything DS9, I just have plans and WIPs). I may branch out a smidge someday, but I'll probably stay mostly in Star Trek.

how many words have you published in 2024? 4,763. I am a very slow writer lmao. Honestly even answering these questions feels like overkill with so few words published, but c'est la vie. I'll just pretend that I'm a Real Fanfic Author™, and if I do that for long enough, I eventually will be.

what is your greatest achievement this year? Posting anything at all! I had hoped I would, at the start of last year, but I hadn't really expected it. Now, I'm very glad I did (and that I joined Tumblr!).

what are your top three fics you've written this year? I only wrote two! So. Those.

what was your biggest pit of despair moment? I've had a fic that's been sosoclose to done since. like. July. And I have noooot finished it. So, probably that one. I wound up getting wildly discouraged with it, and have just kind of been, um. ignoring it. in the hopes that it'll start feeling salvageable again soon. It's not bad, I know it's not bad, but I can't actually convince myself that it's not bad, and I can't find the right ways to finish the few areas that still need more meat on their bones. I am fighting the urge to just up and delete half of it

what have you learned? That it feels really, really good to receive comments! I've also been slowly figuring out how best to wrangle my brain into Actually Writing, but it's. a work in progress!

did you beta any fics? any faves you want to shout out? So far, I've not had the chance to beta for anyone.

what three fics have you read this year that you love? Um. Oh god. Just three?? I suppose I'll say We can only be who we are by @jennelikejennay, Vision Awry by @walkingstackofbooks, and there may be a power cut (and maybe i love you so) by granspn (who afaik doesn't have a tumblr, but if they do, lmk and I'll tag them too)

(My bookmarks are always a good place to look for fics I've particularly enjoyed, so if ever you are in need of a rec list, that's a good place to start)

what ideas are percolating for next year? Oh, I have so many WIPs. There are a few in there that I'm very excited about, including one where Kirk drags Spock out of Kolinahr early and one where Spock is pining so obviously (to everyone except Kirk). I'd also kind of like to get a DS9 fic or two (and/or my mcspirk fic) published this year, but that relies on me being considerably more prolific than I was this year, so we'll see what happens. (Though, I should be getting ADHD meds at the end of the month, provided that my EKG checks out, which. will hopefully make things a bit easier lmao. I'll need to fight my brain a little less.)

If I am very, very lucky, I'll even be able to get a fic done for the KS Spring Fever. I've got an idea, but, well. Deadlines are rough, and the mind is fickle. I'll do my best (and anyone reading this has permission to hassle me about it and hold me accountable)!

who do you want to thank? Pretty much everyone who has given me a warm welcome on Tumblr & in the Trek fandom, @spirkme915 and @walkingstackofbooks in particular! I have... never really tried to join a fandom space before, and am also Bad And Lousy at starting conversations and getting to know people, so I'm really very grateful to people who have gone out of their way to be friendly and welcoming. <3 Even if all you've done is Exist As My Mutual or Occasionally Reblog My Posts, I am sending you internet hearts <3 <3 <3

tagging: uhhh @walkingstackofbooks, @purple-iris, @wwillywonka, and anyone else so inspired

[msshinylemon]

Thanks for tagging me @ohhcinnybuns :D

Fanfic Writer Interview

How many works do you have on AO3?

As of now, I only 4 published works, one of them ongoing. However, I also have others that aren't currently published.

Your top 5 stories by kudos/likes:

Who Needs Rings When You Have Potatoes? (6,209 words), General audiences, complete - childhood friends skk exchanging potatoes as a love language.

The Bridge Between Us (13,149 words), teen and up, complete - Modern au where skk meet on a bridge one night and slowly get to know each other.

Forget Me Not (2,138 words), General audiences, complete - Atsushi is sick. Dazai and Kyouka bond as he helps her find a get-well-soon gift.

Red and Blue are Complementary (6,042 words), M, ongoing - Canon compliant where skk were childhood friends

Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I do! I like seeing what readers enjoyed about my writing as well as getting to interact with them.

What’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending?

I haven't published any fics with an angsty ending. I love my fluff too much, although I've tried my hand at writing hurt/comfort but always with a happy ending.

What’s the fic you’ve written with the happiest ending?

Probably Who Needs Rings When You Have Potatoes? with childhood friends skk. A lot of fluff to be found with skk being sillies together. It didn't have any angst except for a tiny bit, but it was definitely the fic with the happiest ending.

Do you write crossovers?

I haven't, but I've thought about trying later down the line. For now, I'm thinking about writing an alien stage fusion but nothing posted yet.

Have you ever received hate on a fic?

As far as I'm aware, I haven't. However, even if I did I would just move on.

Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

I don't write smut, but I've thought about trying. My one attempt ended with soft and emotional smut, but I prefer to mostly write fluff.

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I'm aware.

Have you ever had a fic translated?

I haven't.

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Not exactly, but I'm currently bouncing ideas back and forth with a friend.

What’s your all-time favorite ship?

I like a lot of ships, but SKK has been my favorite ship for a few years now. I have a few other favorites in different fandoms, like ivantill and mizisua for alien stage, and timebomb for arcane.

What’s a WIP that you want to finish but don’t think you ever will?

I have way too many wips, but one I think I'm least likely to finish would be the Yosano in pm au, where Mori succeeded in getting her instead of Fukuzawa.

What are your writing strengths?

I tend to lean a lot into introspection, and one of my strengths would be coming up with ideas and connecting them. I love planning and outlining my stories, seeing where I can add different things, and weaving different ideas into the story.

What are your writing weaknesses?

I could do more narrative exposition and descriptive imagery. Both are something I'm working on. I'm also a slow writer, so a lot of what I write ends up as a wip.

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?

I think it can be really fun, but it can sometimes get a bit too much. I use Japanese honorifics and some Japanese-originated words because it takes place in Japan.

What’s a fandom/ship you haven’t written for yet but want to?

I think I would want to write something for Ivan/Till, or for alien stage in general. I love the ships and the worldbuilding, but not sure when I would get around to do that.

What’s your favorite fic you’ve written?

Surprisingly enough, I can't choose between "Who needs rings when you have potatoes?" and "Red and Blue are Complementary". Both childhood friends aus which was fun to write. The potato fic is the one I'm the most proud of, but the canon-compliant fic is the one I'm excited to write since it's my first long fic.

@cryptid-juzou @nolongerforthetainted @spccts no pressure tho :3

[alpydk]

2024 Writing Reflections

Thanks for the tag @graysparrowao3 <3 I honestly can't remember if I've done this one or not. Maybe I did similar? We're now 8 days into 2025, so I'm going to tag anyone as 2024 is now long gone to me. (Even if I feel like I'm going into 2020: Die Harder)

What's been your biggest learning point this past year?

Probably just remembering to enjoy writing again. Is that something learnable? I used to love to write and then life caused me to stop. BG3 brought that back. I'll have to admit, I need to keep reminding myself of this; it is enjoyable. There is no pressure and it's the things I like. If I want some traumatised Mary Sue go off into the sunset with a character who was already paired with someone else, then so be it! My world, my dolls, my rules!

How has your writing developed this past year?

My sentences are longer, they say as they start with a tiny sentence. But no, seriously. I now have these long poetic mind jumping sentences that are probably not grammatically correct, and really I stress about commas more than is normal, but it's certainly a development over what I began with.

Also, less angst? Maybe? Hm...

Bad writing habits?

Getting tired at the end and rushing out an ending just so I don't have a WIP hanging over my head or the internal anger at an abandoned fic. Sorry to those of you that will wait for ages for an update but I need that instant gratification. But yeah, a bad habit. I need to stop releasing until I have all of it written, but that will never happen.

Favorite thing you wrote?

Blue Seas for @judasiskariot - Like, I've written loads of stuff I love but this it just jumps out in my mind. It's hard to explain.

Biggest win?

Going to Germany, meeting @medra-gonbites and meeting a bunch of the BG3 cast including Tim Downie. I barely leave the house due to anxiety, let alone travel, but I had to do this. I had to go there and say thank you to him for Gale, and the cameos, and fanfiction, and everything. So many here supported me, offering advice, or just silently cheering me on and it really meant everything to me. I came back and commenced not leaving the house again, but I have the autograph on my desk. I have the tickets stuck with all the comments. I know those memories can't be taken from me.

Your favorite words of the year, aka the words you check each chapter for, making sure you didn't repeat them 788 times?

Glance, maybe, just, simply. I write like I speak and unfortunately a lot of them slip in. Blue Seas has far too much glancing in it, but it's too late to go back. Accept it!

Goals for the new year?

The Chase fic (without a flopped ending) Veins of Glass Survive writing and studying at the same time Possibly save money to go to a con in the UK with my kid

What are you excited for in the new year?

Difficult question. Maybe my birthday in February? I've got nothing planned at all, as per usual, but maybe it will be better this year? Gale won't surprise die on me like he did last year at least.

[melodyonthewireless]

MelodyOnTheWireless, masterlist of works...

Main series...

This series currently consists of my main WIP, A Match Made in Hell and the first spinoff/ prequel flashback of my main OCs life before she fell and found herself in Hell, Modern Day Broadcasting. This will be updated as the series expands.

Links to these two works individually below with their summaries/ descriptions...

After being suddenly and unceremoniously taken from the land of the living, many years too soon, she finds herself thrown in at the deep end as she awakens in Hell. Trouble finding her much like it did in her early life, before she started seeking it out herself.

She had no regrets, but many secrets to keep. She struggles to accept the hospitality offered to her as she finds herself meeting the residents of a hotel, ran by the princess of Hell herself and dedicated to her naïve dream of rehabilitating sinners and allowing them to rise. She knew she fell for a reason, in death she begins to find what she never felt in life, but struggles to open up in fear that she will be rejected if her new friends truly knew her. Doubting she could ever be redeemed, knowing she wouldn't want to be, she begins to carve herself a place in Pentagram City, and in the heart of an unexpecting demon who makes her feel accepted for everything she is and understood in ways she thought was impossible. Who knew Hell could be so homely?

But Hell is Hell, and life after death is far from straightforward and challenge free here.

This is a slow burn Alastor x OC fic where the main OC is a strong match for Alastor, a witch, avenging femme fatale type who can be both brutal and soft, she is witty, guarded and very observant. Alastor has his soft moments but his competition and intrigue with the witch leads to him forming a soft spot for her. Her lore heavily features and original content and plot points are planned, this is a long fic. More spinoffs will be added over time to the series.

Modern Day Broadcasting

This is the first spinoff and is a flashback to when Sybil was alive. It currently serves as a hint into future chapters as although it is set when she was alive, it feeds into the main fic just before a future chapter and is a nice tease and a bit of a hint as to what is to come, but has no big spoilers. It is set within the timeline of the main fic and sees Sybil sat in the library of the Hazbin Hotel reminiscing over a treasured memory with her sister, Clemmy, when she joined Sybil for work experience and saw her sister work on her radio comedy. It is cute fluff and a little sad if you know the main fic.

Memento Mori

This is a complete mini fic of just six chapters and is a crossover between Hazbin Hotel and the Dead by Daylight game universe. I wrote this for a Halloween writers event and it was a joy to write! The lore and setting of the game and the series really fit well and created a unique storytelling opportunity. It is Alastor x Sable Ward and is plot with a smut ending.

Alastor finds himself in The Entity's realm and bound by new chains of servitude that he is as unwilling, as ever, to accept. With no idea how he got there, he grapples with his fate, testing the entity and incurring violent physical and mental tortures as it works to bend him to its will, as so many have been before, clinging desperately to his plan for escape as he teeters on the edge of madness.

In Hell he had a choice, he could only ever blame himself for the deal that landed the fist pair of manacles around his wrists. After all, the system of dealing in souls had benefited him far greater than it had worked to his detriment, he could respect it, even. But The Entity is not a force driven by deals, nor does it give, but only take. Beyond the fog there are no other distributions of power, only The Entity... and it hungers!

Hope you enjoy! And as always, thank you.

[starwritingbri]

20 Questions for Writers

Thanks for the tag @theblueeyedfirebender!! I appreciate it! 💙💙

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

42! (And I have a backlog of at least 10 unpublished things I'm working on)

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

667,317

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Predominately, I wrote for Lockwood and Co, but recently I dipped my toes into Fullmetal Alchemist because I've had so much inspiration to work with.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Lucy's Letters

I won't sleep 'til you're safe inside

No grave can hold my body down

How to be a Heartbreaker

Coming Home to a Forgotten Melody

All Lockwood and Co fics, which tracks for now 😂

5. Do you respond to comments?

Absolutely! I always stress that my responses to comments aren't enough, but I appreciate comments so much that I absolutely want to show some of that gratitude and interact.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Most of them Somewhat kidding. I do tend to lean into an angsty ending only because you know what will come to pass if it's canon compliant, I don't feel the need to rehash it. The angstiest so far is probably she lost her sense of light, she has to hold my hand. Main Character Death will do that, but I think a whumptober fic I've got ready for Day 2 will end up topping this.

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

I'd say a toss up between Melody and I'll Be Home for Christmas.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Once or twice, but I have a good support system. Fic hate is so wild to me because it's free work people do out of pure joy for the material. If you don't like something, just don't read it? And if you're a new writer who received hate, don't let them stop you. Someone in the world will love your story and a hater says more about that person than it does about you!

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

I have ONE smut fic. Just the one. I've wanted to try a couple other times, most recently for smutober, but it's just not something I really enjoy doing. I just enjoy writing other things more, personally. Power to those who can/do!

10. Do you write crossovers?

Not really? Like, I'll put the characters in a different world, but I haven't written a true crossover yet.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

I don't think so, but who knows? There's so much content out there.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Not really, aside from a friend helping with some French phrases on a fic, but I'd be so down for it!

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Not yet!!! But Bugs and I have been prepping (and she's actually managed to write some one shots) on a FMAB Soulmate AU we're planning. I'm super excited for that, and would definitely be open to working with other writers too!

14. What is your all-time favorite ship?

I don't know if I can definitively say a favorite ship, but let me tell you, my favorite ship dynamic is very clear. Couple who have copious trauma, are absolutely soulmates in every sense, but they never kiss in canon.

Royai, Locklyle, Kanej

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

Gahhhh, I want to say I have every intention to finish all my fics, because I really want to, but that Harry Potter fic that was my first ever dive into fanfic... I love the character I made and how the plot of the story grew. I know how it's supposed to end. But just...HP, right? It's hard to want to go back with everything that has happened with the author and all that jazz. So it's probably never going to be finished, and that does make me sad.

16. What are your writing strengths?

Metaphors, I've been told. I think I'm also good at creating emotion with my work and bringing humanity into what I'm writing.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

How much time do we have..... Kidding, but it can be really hard to uplift your work and really easy to tear it down. I know I can get long winded, I feel like I've got phrases I overuse or that characters end up sounding the same. I'm going to stop myself before I end up absolutely unraveling my confidence here.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

I did this once, and it was difficult. I ended up having a friend offer to translate for me after she read it because it came off stilted and she's a native speaker. Bless her. I would love to do more because language has always fascinated me, I just don't have the ability myself to do it the justice it deserves.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

The usual for someone my age - Harry Potter. I still have a soft spot for it getting me into fanfic and helping me write even when I didn't have a lot of ideas going on.

20. Favorite fic you’ve written?

This is so hard, but I think it has to be Coming Home to a Forgotten Melody because I'm just so proud of it. It was a NaNoWriMo fic, and I wrote like 93k words in a month. Fun fact: I've fully edited it myself to be an original work. It's been looked at fully by a couple friends and then it's with one last person with a couple chapters left before I can start shopping for agents 🙈

Going to tag: @luckylolabug, @lenacarstairspotterstewart, @polithicc, and anyone else who'd want to do it! This was fun!