#this is technically in the an unexpected chance universe

[mercurydancer]

Hi! Really random question but your depiction of Maul is by far my all time favorite, and I would really like to know how do you think Maul would feel about rollercoasters? I know, I know, a really dumb, random question, but I was at the Universal parks in Orlando these past few days and looking up at the newer coaster they have (the Velocicoaster, it's Jurassic World themed and fast as hell) and I don't know why but the thought of "Would Maul like the adrenaline of rollercoasters?" just poofed right into my mind. Like, would he like them or is there something about the whole thing he would avoid? the that got me thinking, how would Savage and Feral would feel? (I just re-read An Unexpected Chance and the three Oppress brothers are living in my head rent free lol) And then having them on the brain got me thinking about Eeth and Agen since they're Zabraks too would they like rollercoasters too? Then that lead to what about Tiq and Plo and MACE?? Like the wait time was about an hour but I spent a good chunk of it trying to think all this through XD Idk I just want all these characters to be happy and have fun at theme parks and live their best lives, Maker knows they deserve it :') Anyway, sorry for the long ass, random ask, but this is all buzzing in my brain and I need to get it out to someone lol

EXCUSE? Your FAVORITE?? Not even just. One of, THE favorite? Shut the fuck up, you're trying to kill me. That is entirely too nice.

Also, aside from that. Your ask ate my brain.

Enjoy

_

            “You’ve literally never been to a theme park?” Anakin asked, staring at Maul as though he’d grown another head.

          Maul leveled an unamused stare on him. “Why would I want to?”

          “They’re fun?” Anakin answered, his brows rising. “You get to go somewhere where there’s no consequences for going really fast, no one is in danger, and you get to just have fun for a day.”

          Maul’s mouth curled, but before he could answer Ahsoka plopped on the back of the chair next to him. “What are you guys talking about?”

          “Maul’s never been to a theme park.”

          Maul stared at Anakin, waves of betrayal and annoyance and…

          “YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO A THEME PARK?”

          Oh…here it came…

          “No,” Maul said, “between freeing slaves and attempting to free my Brothers from Dathomir, I did not have the time.”

          Both of them got very quiet, “Oh,” Ahsoka mumbled, “yes, that’s…that’s very important.”

          “But you have to have fun sometimes, Maul!” Anakin said, “even when you’re freeing slaves, I podraced and I was a slave.”

          “Your Master made you for the money,” Maul said.

          “Didn’t stop it from being fun,” Anakin kicked the chair, frowning. “But even so, your brothers are free! You’re working on finding… You know, I bet you the Clones would love to go to a theme park.”

          “Anakin all three hundred thousand men could not go to the same theme park.”

          “Well, no, but…we could at least take a few that might want to come?”

          “Who said anything about ‘we’?”

          “Where are you going?” Feral asked.

          Maul closed his eyes and prayed to the Force, whatever Gods paid attention to Nightbrothers, and to the Sith itself to save him.

          He opened his eyes and Feral and Savage were still there.

          Fuck.

          “We were talking about going to a theme park,” Ahsoka answered, grinning up at them brightly. “Have you ever gone?”

          “What is a theme park?” Feral asked.

          “You get to go on rides!”

          Feral and Savage both stilled.

          “Rollercoasters,” Maul said, “or other things of that nature. They are designed to go very fast, take you on a short track that runs up, down, side to side, and potentially upside down.”

          “Oh!” Feral said, “that sounds…kind of fun?”

          “No, it does not,” Maul frowned.

          “You don’t know, you’ve never been,” Anakin said, sticking his nose up at him, and turning to Feral and Savage. “It is! You get to have all of the adrenaline of a fast chase or a podrace, but none of the danger. I…would admittedly like the danger, but it was the only thing that Obi-Wan let me go on when I was younger, and…I do like them. Qui-Gon doesn’t like them very much, though. He gets sick.”

          “Qui-Gon gets motion sick?” Maul asked. “That might be rather funny to watch.”

          “So long as you’re not anywhere near him,” Anakin said. “He threw up on Obi-Wan’s shoes.”

          Maul laughed.

          “Oh, that’s not a good sound,” Obi-Wan hums, and that is the moment when Maul realizes he is damned.

          He is damned, because the Force, the Gods of the Nightbrothers, and even the Sith itself have all conspired to force him into this position, and he hates it.

          “Be nice, Obi-Wan, he can’t help he laughs like that,” Ahsoka said.

          Maul hated everything.

          “What is the reason for the laughter, if I may ask?” Obi-Wan asked, choosing to ignore the comment.

          Good choice.

          “We’re talking about going to a theme park,” Anakin said. “Maul, Feral, and Savage have never gone. We also were talking about maybe taking some of the Clones?”

          “We’d have to rent out the theme park for over a week!” Obi-Wan said. “We can’t just bring some and not all.”

          “I mean we could do it, though, couldn’t we? We saved all of the Senators!”

          “They’re busy rebuilding the new Senate building, they don’t have the means,” Obi-Wan denied. “But maybe we could ask…”

          “I’ll ask,” Ahsoka beams, “Feral, Savage, come with me! And call…Cote, he knows how to look very polite.”

          Maul blinked, watching as she grabbed his brother’s hands and dragged them out, Anakin following. Maul looked to Obi-Wan.

          Obi-Wan just grinned.

          Fuck.

          Maul was staring at a theme park.

          This in itself would have been bad enough, but he was somehow staring at a theme park with an entourage that consisted of Feral, Savage, Ahsoka, Anakin, Agen, Depa, Eeth, Mace, Plo, Qui-Gon, Tiq, Yoda, Yaddle, a handful of Brothers that decided that they would like to come, and a massive amount of Clones. There were also plenty of other Jedi, but they were keeping their distance and had spent more time mingling. Boba had also come, with Bail and Breha who were taking care of him while his father got his shit together, and of course that meant that Padmé was also there.

          Maul still did not understand how this had happened. All he knew is apparently Ahsoka had asked his brothers and Cote to all stand there and look very sad when Ahsoka explained that they had never been to a theme park before.

          Somehow, the combination of the Jedi having saved the Galaxy, the Clones having been trained from decanting to be Soldiers, and the Nightbrothers having been slaves from birth had combined to the agreement of a special day that was to celebrate them, as well as show off to the Galaxy how good the theme park was. The tradeoff for a free time was basically lots of publicity.

          Maul hated publicity.

          They were making a speech, Maul could see, not really paying attention to what they were saying, but aware of how they were speaking of the importance of joy, of laughter, and talking about how important it was to give it to people that had never had it.

          Maul wanted to roll his eyes. They had joy, and plenty of laughter, and he could tell that his brothers were shifting, something unhappy buzzing in their souls. The Clones, the Soldiers also seemed a bit unsure, but…

          Free theme park.

          For more than a week.

          And then they finally opened the gates, clearly hoping for a massive pouring in… But they had forgotten that the people they were welcoming had been slaves and soldiers and also Jedi – who were naturally repressed.

          There was no rush to the gate, the people applauding as they walked through in their lines were forced to applaud for much longer than they clearly had hoped for.

          That was funny.

          They finally made it through, were told to ‘cut loose,’ try what they wanted, everything was open, everything was free, including the food. They had typical theme park fair, which…was fine. Maul thought. He hadn’t ever had any.

          He’d find out.

          They finally made it through the gate which closed behind them, there was a pause as the Nightbrothers and the Soldiers all clearly waited for someone to tell them what to do…

          “Find a ride!” Ahsoka yelled out, “AND START, PLAYING!”

          There was a pause, and they finally started to drift. The Nightbrothers stayed close together, Maul very aware of the small kittens that they were walking with, carefully protected in the center. They had heard that the theme park was meant to be fun for children, and both the Clones and the Brothers had brought their younglings with them. And then, of course, Ahsoka had grabbed his hand and was beaming at him.

          “Come on,” she said, her eyes wide and delighted, “we have to try a roller coaster!”

          “Must we?” Maul asked, but it was over before it had begun, finding himself running after her as she dragged him. Anakin was right next to him, and then his brothers were coming. They ran towards, predictably, the biggest, fastest looking coaster in the entire park.

          Maul noticed though, that as they ran, a few more of the Clones and the Brothers began moving faster towards whatever caught their eye. He could see his Brothers pointing out different rides, crouching down towards the kittens, speaking to them quietly.

          Maul still did not know how he felt about the kittens.

          They were very small.

          There were still reflections in their eyes when he looked at them. Reflections and glimpses of happiness, but also terrible pain.

          Everything was still confused. Tiq said it would get better, and had been working with him to put together his memories. There was so much to sort through… But his introspection was solidly interrupted at the sight of the coaster before them.

          Ahsoka looked up, and up…and then turned to him with the biggest smile. “You ready for your first roller coaster?”

          Maul stared at it, felt his mouth twist at the corners.

          “Yes!” Feral called out, standing next to him. “Do you mind if I steal my twin?”

          Ahsoka grinned, and let go of his hand, Maul finding Feral’s grip on his other hand suddenly, looking up to his brother.

          “You want to go together?”

          Maul sighed, “fine.”

          And then they had walked into line and were lining up. As they walked through the empty walkway that was meant to force them into some manner of order, Maul watched as more Clones and Brothers lined up. There were no younglings, all of them too small, but he noticed a few of the Clones he knew.

          The blond one that had been there for Boba, had taken the name Rex the last he’d heard, was following up Anakin, Anakin striking up a happy conversation with him.

          They were getting closer after that, joining in the conversation, and Maul was happy to see that his Brothers were doing the same.

          Feral grinned at him and Maul found himself smiling back without hesitation. It was a…strange reaction, one he was not used to, but did not mind.

          They finally made it to the coaster itself, standing there for a moment as they decided where to sit, before Feral tugged him towards the front. Maul followed without thought, Savage behind them. The coaster was divided into six separate cars, four seats within them, and Maul was surprised to realize it required them to stand up. Each individual seat would adjust to the height of the person in them.

          “Well, at least your legs won’t be dangling,” Feral grinned, waggling his brows at him.

          Maul sneered.

          One of the operators approached – also a Zabrak, a wide grin on her mouth. Feral’s hand tightened on his own, and Maul held tight, taking a step forward. She paused for a moment, her gaze darting between them and stopped a reasonable distance back, that smile still on her mouth. Maul in that one moment was grateful. Her smile was warm, and there was no hint that she had meant to get closer, no hurt, and nothing to suggest that she was annoyed.

          “Hello,” she said, “welcome to the Jackhammer,” she grinned with all her teeth, “before I let you on, I am going to ask that you put these…” she lifted up a series of caps that Maul realized would fit on their horns, “on the horns most likely to hit the seat. Thank you for your cooperation, as soon as you have them on we’ll get you situated in your ride.”

          She went down the line, another working from the back of the car, the two of them handing out caps.

          Maul sighed, working them on his horns, Feral and Savage doing the same, and finally going over to adjust themselves in the seat, the other operator helping them get situated and buckling them up, making sure they were in place and situated.

          It was a remarkably efficient thing, and Maul wondered mildly about the term ‘jackhammer.’

          He had a feeling that some of the non-Zabraks weren’t about to have a good time.

          Once they were all adjusted they turned their attention to the Operator, who was grinning at all of them.

          “Hello everybody and welcome to the Jackhammer, we are going to take you 62 meters up, drop you at 90 degrees, roll around at a lovely and brisk 70 mph, and take you on more loop the loops and hops than you want to think about. If you’re not seeing stars by the end of it – you’re not on the Jackhammer, thank you for riding~”

          She had pressed the button to start the ride before any of them had time to process, the car rolling forward quickly before the chain caught hold of them, slowly beginning to ratchet them up.

          Feral was suddenly leaning over. “Maul, Maul, what did she mean seeing stars? Are we going to be okay?”

          Maul paused for a moment, realizing that the end of the chain was coming up shortly, they were getting higher and higher, the view expansive. There were so many Clones, there were so many Brothers, and the realization that a few of them had started to run, to push at each other… Maul was suddenly in a good mood. He turned to Feral.

          “No.”

          And then they were going straight down as the chain released them, and Feral and Savage were screaming.

          Maul laughed.

          And also found that he was right.

          Maul knew what the coaster was going to do, could predict what the forces would be, his natural affinity with machines and with the forces that worked on them meant that it was nearly impossible for it to surprise him. There was not much adrenaline, his body shifting slightly to prepare for each wild loop, and bounce. The speed was nice, and his brothers’ shrieking was also nice, but…

          It wasn’t precisely…exciting.

          He figured that was alright though.

          They finally made it to the end of the coaster, the stops jerking them to a halt, Feral and Savage heaving for breath. Maul couldn’t help the grin on his face.

          They were released from the seats, and Maul turned to Savage and Feral, who were staring at him…

          Maul took off the caps on his horns, put them where they belonged, watching as they did the same…and then ran.

          They chased after him.

          Maul led them on a wild chase down the exit ramp, laughing all the while as they hollered various threats, amusement nonetheless burning bright in the words, and in their auras.

          Feral finally caught hold of him as Maul decided he was done running, lifting him up, and for a moment Maul did not understand where this was going, and then Savage clocked his head against Maul’s own at a high rate of speed.

          That was adrenaline.

           It was a very SOLID thunk! Their horns interlocking and the feeling of another Zabrak latching on after the headbutt was a burst of adrenaline and amusement, and Maul grinned wide.

          “Upset?”

          “I thought we were going to die,” Savage said.

          “I thought that was part of the appeal?”

          THUNK!

          Maul laughed, Feral dropping him down and thunking him a couple times as well.

          “Alright,” Maul laughed, “I’m sorry,” he grinned. “Shall we go on another?”

          “Yeah, sure!” Feral beamed.

          “Another big one?”

          “Why not,” Savage agreed. “Did you enjoy it?”

          “It was…alright,” Maul said. “Your reactions were enjoyable though.”

          “Happy to please,” Feral rolled his eyes and Maul grinned.

          They walked through the park, talking to various Brothers, and Clones, meeting up with Padmé for another ride. She smiled wide, hugging them.

          “I’m so happy you’re all here,” she said, pulling back. “Come on, let’s go.”

          They met different people as they went through various rides, Maul finding that the rides were nonetheless mostly the same.

Maul rode with Tiq and Plo once, finding with surprise that Plo rather loved roller coasters. They were safe adrenaline, as Plo put out, and they weren’t dangerous enough to threaten his rebreather, so he could ride safely. Tiq enjoyed going with Plo because he went on the bigger ones.

And then he found Depa and Mace and the realization that there were racing coasters was enough to get them on a coaster together, while Anakin, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka were on another. Qui-Gon was looking a particularly interesting shade of green, Savage and Feral cheering for them, planning on racing the winner. Maul couldn’t help but laugh.

Naturally, their car won, leading to much consternation and yelling from Ahsoka and Anakin.

Obi-Wan pretended to be above it until Maul informed him that it was about as slow as he was. And then he was perfectly interested in sassing.

Maul didn’t give him the opportunity.

          Agen and Eeth were more than happy to join them for some of the rides that were too violent for humans, whooping and hollering all the while. It was funny watching Agen tease Eeth, and Maul was happy to bask in the feeling of their amusement, their happiness that they were there, they were safe.

They found Yoda in the kiddie area, as well as a swarm of kittens listening to him talk about Jedi stories, their eyes wide, purring all around.

They immediately jumped on Feral and Savage and Maul when they saw them, happily yelling out about how happy they were to see them. Maul still did not know how to feel about that.

In the end…Maul thought it was not that bad, though the roller coasters remained the least favorite. There were a few that went in different directions, and he didn’t mind the ones that threw a curve at him, but most of the time they were…pleasant. Which he didn’t think was meant to be the point, but he found that while he was not sure about the rides themselves, he more than enjoyed the company.

          Maul had been alone for so long…he was getting to the point where he could feel the edges of his tolerance fraying, but it was not…entirely unpleasant.

          They finally sat at one of the tables after they had ridden so many rides Feral’s legs were like jelly. There was amusement burning between them, Maul finding that he had been in more hornlocks than he had in his entire life. There were Clones around them, ones that he did not know by name yet, but ones that immediately recognized them.

          They were very happy to talk, sharing snacks, and discussing what else they were planning on doing.

          It was getting dark by the time they were on the last ride, and when they came in for a halt the sight of fireworks lighting up the sky signaled the end of the day, and a celebration that would last most of the night.

          All in all…not that bad of an experience.

          Maul would never admit it.

[3rdsleeper]

r/s fics rec list!

(simplified by highly specific tropes)

remus does not want sirius paying his rent and sirius is having a normal one

inflations, invitations and flirtations by mblematic

summary: The Li-Lo at Lupin's. In which plenty of people crash on Remus' air mattress after Hogwarts, and Sirius isn't jealous at all. complete - 9k

practical oddities by lurikko

summary: Regulus needs a place to stay, Remus needs to get over Sirius. It’s August 1979 and things are getting out of hands. complete - 47k (ok this one technically they do live together, but its not necessarily remus' first choice iykyk please read it)

how remus got his groove back by RealityShowJunkie

summary: Remus Lupin becomes king of the cockroaches, Fabian Prewett writes a book, Gilderoy Lockhart is a catfish, and Sirius Black realizes he's a fucking idiot. complete - 42k

the son and heir of nothing in particular by aeridionis

summary: Remus is nineteen and tired, now. And he knows that if he and Sirius were ever going to become anything—if Sirius loved Remus the way Remus loves, and will probably always love, him—it already would’ve happened. complete - 23k

frog and toad aren't friends anymore by swordfishtrombones

summary: “Some people just aren’t good flatmates. I wasn’t trying to say I liked Adrian and Mary better than you, or whatever you’re thinking.” Sirius runs a hand through his hair and squints at the streetlight, twisting his mouth like Remus is truly hopeless. “It hurt,” says Sirius, “my feelings.” complete - 10k

an episode of skam (in the sense that remus is avoidant dismissive /j /j)

the lord of desperate longing by reyghost

summary: Sirius has a lot of feelings, Remus has his own issues too, and James is a very good best friend complete - 13k

and only felt good while moving by aeridionis

summary: The summer before university, Sirius falls in love and throws a punch and then he makes a friend. complete - 17k

SHAME by wiltedtddaisy (taotu)

summary: Sirius has some figuring-things-out to do. He’s not sure if Remus helps or makes things worse. complete - 82k

angle of doubt by mblematic

summary: The Map had been going missing. Or—not missing, exactly. Sirius always knew where it was; Remus had been spiriting it away. Which, it should be said, was fine. Really. complete - 9k

a bird at your door by moongnome

summary: Of pub quizzes, old films, Chinese takeaways, broken arms, and impassioned discussions of literature: Remus is confusing, and Sirius is just trying to figure him out. complete - 31k

if you're the bassist, and i'm the lead singer, then who’s flying this plane?

the cadence of part-time poets by motswolo

summary: After losing his mother at age eleven, Remus has spent the better part of the last four years bouncing from school to school or else running around London and pretending as though he wasn't the kind of well-bred boy his father brought him up to be. Now, with his chances all run out, Remus is sent to Hawkings Independent School as a last-ditch effort to clean up his act. There he meets the very people who will set up the rest of his life, and is forced to confront the pieces of himself he'd long thought had been lost. complete - 979k

dress up in you by MsKingBean89

summary: Sirius attends a charity rock gig organised by his best friend's girlfriend, and the tall, quiet bassist catches his eye... complete - 88k (ok sirius is not in a band in this one but please just go with it)

sirius black & the six by BellaBabe

summary: Remus shrugged. “Not much for the spotlight.” “Right,” Sirius drawled. “I bet you’re also not much for the rock ‘n roll perks.” Remus tensed, sparing Sirius a scathing glance. “I’m sober now.” Sirius quirked a brow in disbelief. complete - 79k

saturday nights and sunday mornings by SoupyGeorge

summary: A story about music and family, the price of fame and finding love somewhere completely unexpected. (its an arctic monkeys au) complete - 121k

sirius black learns the meaning of true love. remus lupin does too but in a much more put together and chill way

a series of sketches done in black ink by musntgetmy

summary: Sirius had always imagined the aftermath of falling in love would mean lightness, and an escape from all the horrors of his childhood. But the past never leaves, and even love can't stop bad memories from resurfacing. complete - 57k

dissonance by renaissance

summary: Remus searches for solace in all the likely places, but somehow he keeps coming back to Sirius Black. Featuring sad acoustic indie, spearmint gum, and irresponsible usage of social media. complete - 4k

the time when you were mine by renaissance

summary: the walk from Grimmauld Place to Parliament Hill is just under an hour, but it's easier going at four in the morning complete - 9k

as red as hearts and autumn by Rosie_Rues

summary: it's the autumn of sixth year, theres a flu epidemic at Hogwarts, and the Blacks want their heir back. complete - 43k

[yuurei20]

I would really like to know one thing. Did the novel talk about the effects of blot on normal people without magic? If the plot of the game is to be believed blot can be toxic in any aggregate state to wizards, but what about those without magic? Does blot not harm Yuya?

Hello hello! Thank you for this question, it turned into an unexpected rabbit hole!

The novels do not mention Yuuya suffering any blot-related harm, and this may have something to do with this explanation from Crowley:

"'Well, with Trappola-kun and Spade-kun's magical capacity, I don't think you need to worry too much!'

Looking around at everyone's serious expressions, the headmage suddenly smiles.

'Magical power varies greatly by mage, but blot tolerance is almost universal. Powerful mages must be particularly careful when using magic, but you all may use magic until you are completely tired out, and you will still not suffer that much blot.'

'Then why'd you say that! Rude.' Ace snaps at the headmage, who gives him a thumbs-up as though to say, 'Isn't that nice?'

'Just to be on the safe side. If by any chance something like that were to happen at the school, and during an official duel, I would be held accountable as headmage for not exercising adequate supervision. So please, please be careful!'"

-Twisted Wonderland the first novel

If blot is truly a non-issue for weaker mages like Ace and Deuce, it seems like it would be even less of a concern for a non-mage like Yuuya.

I am not sure we have any examples of him touching someone else's blot, or what kind of consequences there might be to doing so! All we know is that it seems unlikely, if not impossible, for Yuuya to generate his own.

But there's more!

We learn in Book 6 that STYX intentionally hires people with small magic pools because they are "less likely to go out of control from blot exposure," so it seems that "the more powerful the mage, the greater the blot damage" rule applies in both the novel and the game.

But the technician's full line is, "Most of us working at STYX aren't mages. They hire people with small magic pools," and this phrasing has always interested me. Does he mean that most of them are non-mages, and the few mages they do hire are limited to those with small magic pools?

Or is he insinuating that non-mages also have magic pools--they are just too small to generate magic? Does everyone technically have a magic pool in this universe? Do "magic-pool-less" people not exist? It is curious!

Deuce says that there is a rumor that "magical potential is determined at birth," so a person's risk of overblotting might not be something that they are able control.

But Malleus says, "Magic is all about familiarity. The more you use it, the better you get, regardless of your inherent talent for it."

And we may have actually seen this proven, via Riddle.

Riddle says that his mother "went to every possible length to ensure (he'd) be an exceptional mage, starting from when (he) was in the womb."

This is confirmed by Idia, who explains that Riddle's magic pool was artificially increased via special training and hard work.

This seems to debunk Deuce's rumor about magical power limitations being determined at birth.

So can blot harm a non-mage in this universe?

If blot damage is only a risk to mages with large enough pools to use magic, then Yuuya is probably safe from blot. But a lot depends on the meaning behind what that technician said!

If everyone in the Twst universe has magic pools and what makes you a mage is just how big your pool is, and magic pools can be expanded by force (re: Riddle) and by familiarity (re: Malleus), then everyone has the potential to become a powerful mage and, thus, to suffer from blot.

Something like this was hinted at back in Book 5, with a bully who says he dropped out of a magic school but still knows enough magic to drive a blastcycle. He says he isn't a "fancy Night Raven mage," but does he count as a mage at all? Or is he somewhere in between a mage and a magicless due to the limited size of his magic pool?

If everyone in Twst technically has a magic pool and the difference between a mage and a non-mage is just the size of it, it is possible that the prefect, as someone from another world, is the only person there with no magic pool to expand and is thus the only person who is 100% immune to blot.

This is all conjecture based on one line from an unnamed Book 6 background character and is a lot of reaching, but it is fun to think about ^^

[wavelikewhat]

Heartstrings

Pairing: Producer!Woozi x Producer!Reader (she/her pronouns) Summary: You help Jihoon meet an unexpected deadline for a song and he wonders why he can’t stop thinking about you. Luckily his members nudge him toward the answer. Wordcount: 4.5k Content notes: none Genre/themes/appearances: fluff, strangers to lovers, idol/non-idol, music talk, Hoshi meddling, Seungcheol interrogating, Jeonghan snooping

A/N: So this is technically a fanfic for two fanfics: when I read i look good on you by @seungkwansphd I needed a backstory for them immediately. Then last week I read Live by @wondernus and it felt like it fit into my headcanon, so my mind started filling out how they met and got back together and began a public relationship… So here I am posting my first Woozi fic that is a fake prequel to those two, in a way? Please read those because they are so short and so sweet and will have your imagination (and heart) racing! This story is about how this couple gets together :)

“Ya! Soonyoung!” Jihoon called out.

Soonyoung abruptly stopped dancing and turned around, surprised to see Jihoon in his practice room. “What are you doing here?”

Jihoon got straight to the point, as always. “Do you have the number of the producer who wrote the song you did with Youngji?” he asked as he walked toward Soonyoung at the mirrored wall.

Soonyoung’s eyes widened. “Y/N? Why do you need her number at…” He glanced up at the clock on the wall above the mirrors and added, “11:45 at night?”

Jihoon sighed, exasperated that this ‘quick question’ was turning into a full blown conversation. “I have to finish that song featuring a woman’s vocals. The company wants to hear it tomorrow, but I need someone who can sing on the demo. They’ll have a hard time picturing a woman singing it if I sing it.”

Soonyoung nodded slowly. “That makes sense. Y/N sang the guide for that song. Yes, I have her number.” He walked over to his bag and fished out his phone. “Sent.”

Jihoon’s phone buzzed in his hand, and he looked down to see a notification from Soonyoung. “Thanks.” He turned and headed out of the room.

Soonyoung watched the door close, shrugged, and walked back to the mirrors to practice.

...

[Jihoon - Universe Factory] 23:49 - This is Jihoon, Soonyoung gave me your number. Would you be able to sing on a demo for me tonight? I’m working on a song with a woman’s vocals and the company wants to hear it tomorrow. 

[Y/N] 23:50 - Did you give someone my number?

[Hoshi] 23:50 - Woozi asked me for it. Did he text you?

[Y/N] 23:50 - He did, but I had to make sure it was real

[Hoshi] 23:50 - LOL!

[Y/N - Bespoke Records] 23:51 - Hi! I’m just finishing up at my studio. I can definitely help. 

[Jihoon - Universe Factory] 23:51- Any chance you could come to my studio tonight then? 

[Y/N - Bespoke Records] 23:52 - Sure, send me the location.

...

You stared at your phone in shock. There is no way THE Woozi (and he called himself JIHOON?! like you were actual people who knew each other?) just asked you for help at midnight on a Tuesday. You honestly almost said yes even before your brain had a brief moment of sanity and directed you to check with Hoshi. 

When Woozi asked you to come to his studio you completely froze, re-entering reality only long enough to let him know you could be there. You’d seen clips of him working at the studio and it seemed like such a cool place. You couldn't believe you were really about to go inside.

Woozi (Jihoon, you reminded yourself) even sent a company car to pick you up, which was very thoughtful of him. Then again, you were doing him a huge favor by agreeing to meet him at midnight on a Tuesday. He was lucky you were a night owl. The least he could do was give you a free ride.

All throughout the ride to his studio from yours, you felt like you should be manically texting someone about it, but you were somewhat frozen in shock. You sent a message to your roommate letting them know that you were staying out late to work with another producer, and you gave them the address for “Jihoon’s studio” and made sure location sharing was still turned on for your phone. (Safety first.) You did this frequently enough that they easily replied they'd keep their ringer on and check on you in the morning to make sure you made it back.

You stared out the window as buildings and brightly lit late-night restaurants flashed by. Suddenly, you realized, I am literally living my dream at this exact moment. You lived in Seoul working as a music producer, you had an amazing roommate you loved, you had fun meeting and collaborating with other producers in the business, and you worked on several very successful songs. And now you were about to meet one of the most successful producers in the world. Unreal.

The car arrived at what looked like an average gray building after a 15 minute ride from your studio. The subway entrance across the street told you the building was only one stop away from your apartment on the subway line you rode to work. 

A security guard at the entrance let you in and pointed out the correct elevator. As the elevator doors closed, you heard him on the phone with Jihoon, letting him know you arrived. When the doors opened, you didn’t even have to wander around looking for the right room. Jihoon stood outside one of the doorways and nodded quickly before heading back into a room halfway down the hall.

You took a deep breath and started toward the studio. You had butterflies in your stomach. You didn't follow the group closely, yet among the members you’d always felt particularly drawn to Jihoon, not just for his looks (because he was so handsome you could barely believe it) but for his mind. This was an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity to work with such a talented producer.

When you walked into the studio, it was exactly as it looked in the clips you saw online. He was sitting at a computer and beside him was an empty chair. On the desk were big headphones and a microphone that were both plugged into his system. You’d only seen this microphone model online, and your excitement grew at the chance of getting to use it.

“Thanks for coming over,” Jihoon said as you walked to his desk. “I had a busy schedule today so I didn’t find out until an hour ago that they wanted it so fast.”

“Happy to help. I’m glad you thought of me.” At that moment, he looked up and met your eyes. His gaze was intense and his eyes seemed to stare into you. Maybe this was his work mode.

Shake it off, you told yourself, dropping your bag under the desk and sitting down. Be professional. 

Jihoon played the ballad for you a few times and explained the concept. He sent you the lyrics so you could scroll through on your phone and follow along. You sang along under your breath, shoulders bobbing to the beat. The song was sure to be a hit, but he was correct that it was hard to imagine a woman featuring on the song with his (absolutely incredible) vocals on the demo. 

“Are you ready to record?” Jihoon asked. 

You nodded. You were never nervous the first time you sang something. It was like making pancakes: the first one didn’t count. That was your personal rule. You carefully put on the headphones and settled the microphone in front of you where you liked it.

You sang the lyrics exactly as written with the same vocalization he used in his version. A few times, your tongue twisted over the words. Your gut told you it wasn’t your singing style that was the issue. It felt like the sounds of those particular words didn’t fit those specific bars. As Jihoon played it back for you, you settled in to listen but you still felt some of the lyrics weren’t aligned with the song’s concept or sound.

Jihoon tilted his head and looked at you. It looked like he was calculating something. “What are you thinking?” he asked, turning his chair to face you fully.

You hesitated for a moment, but this was work. Jihoon was looking for your professional opinion as a songwriter. He obviously heard the demos you’d sent Hoshi back when you wrote a song for him and Youngji, and Jihoon liked your voice enough to ask for it on his demo. So this was definitely about work.

“I think a few of the lyrics need to be changed.” You scrolled to the first spot on your phone and pointed. “Right here, these three syllables are clashing against the musical phrasing underneath. You should do two syllables with an elongated vowel.”

Jihoon nodded slowly. “I know what you mean. What about ��only’ or ‘maybe’ in that spot?” He looked at the lyrics on your phone and sang that section a few times to test out both options. You nodded along, feeling the rhythm of the lyrics.

“Maybe. It fits the concept of the song better.”

“I agree. What else?” 

As you pointed out a few other suggestions, you found yourself much more comfortable working with him than you expected. Sometimes when you met some of the bigger producers for the first time, you felt too starstruck to make any changes to their work. But something about working alone in the quiet studio with Jihoon made your typical unease disappear. His presence filled the room, but his questions were clear and direct and you always knew exactly what he was asking.

Ten minutes later, Jihoon started a second recording, this time with the new lyrics. Despite the late hour, your voice felt strong and your mouth formed every word exactly as you intended. When you finished singing and took off the headphones, Jihoon’s eyes sparkled at you before he spoke. You felt it, too. This was it. You wouldn’t need to lay another track.

“Ready to hear it?” he asked, looking back at the computer and not addressing the fact that you both knew it was going to be perfect. You could hear the note of anticipation in his voice.

“Yes.”

A broad smile stretched across your face as you listened to the entire song. Afterwards, Jihoon turned to you with his phone in hand. 

“Send me your agency’s contact information and the email address for the legal department. I need the KOMCA registration details so I can list your name in the credits.”

And just like that, you officially collaborated on a song with Universe Factory.

...

“Did you end up recording with Y/N?” Soonyoung asked Jihoon as they walked back to the practice room holding fresh iced Americanos.

“She came over that night and recorded the demo,” Jihoon replied, heading up a staircase.

Soonyoung’s eyes bugged out of his head and he stumbled on a step. He grabbed the railing to catch himself. “That night? It was the middle of the night!”

Jihoon shrugged. “She said she could.”

“What did you do together?” Soonyoung asked suspiciously. 

“What do you mean? We recorded the song.”

“That’s it?”

“What else would we do? She helped with the lyrics and I set it up to give her writing credits.”

“Really?”

“Of course I did. She made the song better.”

Soonyoung watched Jihoon out of the corner of his eye. That was one of the nicest things Jihoon had ever said about anyone. Soonyoung took another sip of his coffee, his mind racing as he calculated a hundred algorithms at once. This whole situation was pretty unusual. But maybe, just maybe, his suspicion about Jihoon was correct.

“When are you seeing her again?” Soonyoung asked casually after they reached the top of the steps.

Jihoon cocked his head, thinking. “Maybe I’ll invite her to the recording. She would probably like that.”

Again, Soonyoung stumbled over his own two feet out of shock that Jihoon was considering someone’s feelings, and it wasn’t someone he’d known for a decade. And he didn’t always consider the feelings of members he knew for that long.

“Aren’t you going to buy dinner to thank her?” Soonyoung suggested.

“Is that necessary?”

“It would be the professional thing to do. Wouldn’t you do that if you worked with a guy? And Y/N really helped you meet your deadline.”

Jihoon thought carefully about the suggestion as they approached the door to the practice room. “You’re right. I should treat her to dinner. I’ll send her a message when we’re done.”

“I’ll remind you!” Soonyoung exclaimed enthusiastically.

...

Late at night a few days later, you walked up the hill to your apartment, completely lost in thought. You just finished dinner with Jihoon, and sharing the meal felt as comfortable as when you were recording in his studio last week.

After recording the demo together, he coordinated with your agency to make sure your credits appeared properly on the new song. You also had to sign an NDA about the song, studio location, and spending time with Jihoon. I guess it goes with the territory, you thought to yourself as you signed it. 

During dinner, Jihoon explained the rushed deadline for the demo was because the song would be an OST for a drama starring one of the hottest actors in the country and the drama producers wanted to hear the song. Of course, they loved it and approved it.

It was hard to believe you worked with Jihoon on a song that Dokyeom was about to sing for a highly anticipated drama. It was even wilder that *Woozi* was saved in your phone simply as Jihoon, as if he was just another producer you worked with. And you were so surprised when he offered to buy you a meal to thank you. You should be the one thanking him!

But the simple meal was delicious and the quiet dinner in the small family-run restaurant near his studio (and near your apartment, but he didn't need to know that) was really nice. The owners seemed to know him well and treated him as a son. You knew you would remember the evening fondly. 

Conversation mostly focused on work, but when Jihoon learned where you went to college for music production, it turned out you had learned from his mentors. He shared some genuinely entertaining stories from when he was starting to learn production software and recording tools. 

It all made him more… real, and less of a person you just saw in videos on your phone. You sort of couldn't stop thinking about him, and as you walked up the steps leading to your apartment building, you found yourself mentally scrolling through all your draft songs to see if he might want to work on one with you.

...

[Jihoon] 21:09 - Would you be interested in coming to Dokyeom’s recording on Tuesday?

[Y/N] 21:15 - I would love that!

...

Through the glass of the recording booth, Jihoon watched you chatting with Dokyeom like you were old friends. He felt his stomach twist but couldn't figure out why. 

Dokyeom had convinced you to record one track where you sang with him, even though they had a famous singer scheduled to record that verse tomorrow. So there you were, giggling with Dokyeom in the booth.

"Ready?" Jihoon asked over the booth speakers. He watched you and Dokyeom giggle yet again over the grumpy tone of his request before settling in around the mic.

Jihoon began the recording and heard your voice pipe through his headphones. Dokyeom added unplanned adlibs underneath, which Jihoon grudgingly acknowledged worked better than what he'd suggested.

It was so odd that Jihoon felt so protective of this song when it wasn't even his song anymore. You had made it so much better, and now the two singers were going to apply their own professional minds to the song. This is how it always went.

So why was he jealous of not being on the track himself? Of not being the one in the booth with you? Jihoon saw Dokyeom tap you on the shoulder to encourage you to join him on the final vocal runs. Oh yes, he was definitely feeling weirdly jealous over you two for some reason.

The music ended and you looked through the glass directly at Jihoon, eyes shining at him with a huge grin across your face. Jihoon found himself smiling back. You looked really beautiful at that moment.

Dokyeom's eyes widened as he glanced between you and Jihoon. He had never seen Jihoon appear so connected with a virtual stranger. The camera crew appeared to think the same thing, because he saw one of them move to get a close up of Jihoon, and he saw the robotic camera in the booth tilt toward you.

You broke eye contact with Jihoon to take off your headphones and thank Dokyeom for a chance to record the song for fun, and Jihoon shook himself out of whatever bizarre hypnosis he was going through. He headed over to the computer to send this track to his personal email, just in case he may want to listen to it later.

After a few more recordings of Dokyeom alone (his raw vocals were no joke), the three of you chatted in the studio while the engineer finalized the tracks and Dokyeom suggested getting dinner.

"I would love to, but I'm meeting my roommate for dinner," you explained. "We live nearby."

"Invite them!" Dokyeom replied. "Let me pick a spot and send you the location." He scrolled through the map on his phone.

Jihoon tidied the studio and listened to the two of you talk about dinner options. So you lived nearby and had a roommate. For some reason, he liked learning things about you. It must be because you worked together so well.

Dokyeom selected a restaurant and you called your roommate to ask about meeting you and your friends for dinner. You made eye contact with Jihoon when you said that into your phone. "Friends." Were the two of you friends now? Maybe.

...

"Jihoon, did you watch the new behind the scenes video?" Seungcheol asked as they rode to their next schedule.

Jihoon responded without looking up from his phone. "Not yet. It’s been a busy week."

"The fans are going crazy over your recording with Y/N."

Jihoon looked up at the sound of your name. He didn't realize Seungcheol knew who you were. "My recording with Y/N? You mean Dokyeom's OST recording?"

"That's not what Carats are calling it."

Seungcheol held his phone up so Jihoon could see a fan edit of the few clips from the episode that showed you with him in the studio. It ended with a screenshot from Dokyeom's Instagram story showing the three of you at dinner after the recording, in a photo taken by your roommate. 

"What is that all about?" Jihoon wondered aloud. He was genuinely confused.

"Are you two dating?" Seungcheol asked directly.

Behind him in the car, Jeonghan and Minghao immediately stopped chatting. This was far more interesting than their conversation. While eavesdropping, Jeonghan frantically searched your name and Jihoon's name on social media to find the clip Seungcheol was talking about.

"No," Jihoon replied. "We worked together on the song and Dokyeom suggested we have dinner. We had dinner another time, too." 

"That’s it?" Seungcheol asked skeptically.

"What do you mean? That's it."

Seungcheol looked from Jihoon to his phone, where the edit was playing again. Seungcheol agreed with the fans. There were definitely sparks between you and Jihoon. Maybe Jihoon didn't realize it yet. 

By then, Jeonghan had found the clip and was watching it on mute with Minghao. They shared a meaningful look. They would probably agree with Seungcheol on his theory. 

Jeonghan opened his text thread with Soonyoung and sent him a message out of curiosity. "Do you still hang out with Y/N?"

...

You were surprised by the reaction to the behind the scenes video. Most of your friends were excited to see the clips of Jihoon and Dokyeom and kept telling you the video was so cute. 

Back when Dokyeom tagged you on his Instagram story, you explained to your friends that you worked on something with them and it had been an amazing experience. They were all happy for you and excited after the song was released and became so popular.

The fans seemed to have the same reaction as your friends. You were naturally a little nervous about what Carats would say when Jihoon's company asked if you were willing to be recorded. After the video, the fans seemed to think you were adorable and talented and that you worked well with Jihoon. It wasn't the dramatic reaction your roommate predicted.

But your roommate was also convinced you were into Jihoon and he was into you. While that might be half true, despite your denial, nothing in the video showed anything personal between you and Jihoon. Not that there was anything personal between the two of you, but sometimes you felt like he was giving…something. His attention felt more intense than regular coworker attention. You sort of loved having all his attention focused on you.

Nevertheless, you were barely in the video after all, since it was about Dokyeom recording the song. They cut the entire section with the track you sang with Dokyeom. The few clips where you appeared mostly showed you chatting and interacting with Jihoon, and you may have watched one or two fan edits of those scenes.

No matter what was or wasn't going on between you and Jihoon, you would never forget immediately after the music stopped, when the two of you stared into each other's eyes in a perfect moment in time.

Even if he never contacted you again, you would never forget that moment.

...

[Jihoon] 13:30 - I just learned the song was nominated for best OST

[Y/N] 13:31 - WHAT?? Really?? 

[Jihoon] 13:31 - It's your first nomination right?

[Y/N] 13:31 - Yes! 

[Y/N] 13:31 - I can't believe it

[Y/N] 13:32 - I'm in shock

[Jihoon] 13:32 - I asked them to invite you to the ceremony

[Y/N] 13:32 - You didn't have to do that 

[Jihoon] 13:33 - I have to sit with the group, but even if we don't win I want it to be a special night for you

[Jihoon] 13:33 - It's an honor to be nominated

[Y/N] 13:34 - Thank you so much for including me in all of this

[Jihoon] 13:34 - You earned this 

...

"...produced by Woozi of Universe Factory, and written by Woozi of Universe Factory and Y/N of Bespoke Records. This is the first win and first nomination in this category for these songwriters. Please welcome Woozi and Dokyeom to the stage."

Jihoon was actually surprised the song won. The other nominees were very popular as well, but all were produced by groups who wrote many drama OSTs. Seungkwan clapped his back and encouraged him to go up to the stage with Dokyeom as the members cheered and clapped around him. Above the noise, Jihoon could hear the song playing in the background.

As he stood, he took a moment to scan the audience, hoping he might see you. He didn't know where your assigned seat was, only that you weren't at one of the tables at the front with the larger groups and celebrities. He knew you were here because of the excited text messages you sent him after you spotted his table.

Dokyeom led the way to the stage. Jihoon reached the microphone and accepted the award, bowing to the MCs. They stepped back and motioned toward the microphone. Dokyeom nodded encouragingly. Jihoon had done this so many times yet completely forgot what he was supposed to do this time. He wished you were on stage with him.

"Thank you, thank you everyone. Thank you to the company and the drama producers for this opportunity. Thank you to the viewers for appreciating the song from rookie OST producers. Thank you to Y/N, who is also here tonight, for elevating the song to what you hear today. She…" 

Jihoon trailed off as loud applause covered his voice and people seemed to be looking at the screen behind him. He turned to look and his mind went blank. You looked radiant in your elegant dress and glowing smile. 

He'd never seen you in such a beautiful gown (he only saw you in jeans or sweats and he loved that didn't follow all the trends). Your makeup was shimmering on camera (your everyday makeup always wore off by the time you arrived at your late night meetings but you were always beautiful to him). Everything about you was captivating.

He was a man of few words, generally, but right now he was speechless.

Finally, Dokyeom poked his side and nodded toward the microphone forcefully. Jihoon's years of media training kicked in and he turned back to the audience to finish his speech.

"Thank you also to our wonderful singers who brought so much life to the song. I hope we are all able to return to you soon as stronger artists."

When Jihoon returned to his seat, Soonyoung eagerly whispered, "Y/N looks gorgeous, doesn't she? How did you know she was here?"

"I invited her," Jihoon replied. And she does look amazing, he thought to himself.

...

Late that night, many hours later, Jihoon's phone buzzed as he filled a glass of water. He looked at the notification and saw it was a message from you.

[Y/N] 4:13 - Thank you so much for everything. I'm going to remember tonight for the rest of my life. It was an honor to work with you and I'm so proud of the song.

Jihoon looked at the time. Maybe it was too late to call you, but you were clearly up too late thinking about things, just as he was. He tapped the icon to call you and was still a little surprised when you picked up.

“Hello?”

“Hi. I just wanted to say it was a privilege to work with you too.” There was a pause and he awkwardly filled it. “The award will be sent to your company after they engrave it.”

“Oh! Thank you. I’ve never won anything before. It still doesn't feel real.”

Jihoon heard a small thump in the background. It sounded like you sat down. He sat down on the couch himself and set his glass on the table in front of him.

“It would be funny if we worked together again and won another award.”

It wouldn’t be funny, Jihoon thought. It was very possible. You were extremely talented. “Why not? You should send me some of your songs.”

You chuckled into his ear. Something about this made his heart beat faster. “I've been thinking about doing that but I didn't know if you would want to listen to my music.”

“Of course I do.”

The line went silent. 

Jihoon wondered if you could tell how he felt about you. His friends told him women were more perceptive than they expected, especially if you treat them disrespectfully. He tried to treat everyone with respect. But he wanted more from you. He wanted more with you.

“YN? Are you still there?”

“I am,” you replied quietly.

“After you send me some songs, should we have dinner again? Just us. We can talk about the songs.” He paused, thinking of how to put into words what he felt about you. “And anything else on your mind. I really like it when you tell me what you're thinking about.”

“That would be great. I would love to.” He could hear your smile over the phone.

[pencildragons]

ty for tagging me tessa @clayvedevs !!!!!!!!!

1. Do you make your bed?

NO. making the bed is evil and also too hard

2. Favourite number?

uhhh UHHHH 12 ? 12 is a good number i liked being twelve. 67 is also a good number !!

3. What's your job?

divine prophet of The Bog (extremely unemployed)

4. If you could go back to school, would you?

yes !!!! i lovee school i lovee learning & my hs? extremely chill

5. Can you parallel park?

yes fire emoji fire emoji fire emoji

6. Do you think aliens are real?

I feel like the possibility that there AREN'T aliens is extraordinarily low, even if they haven't evolved yet or would be completely unrecognisable as a form of life to us. the universe is still comparatively so so young so i feel the chances that at some point in the next quadzillion years that the circumstances of earth won't be replicated at least in part is hugely unlikely

7. Can you drive a manual car?

technically? i learnt to drive in a manual ute that is ABSOLUTELY not roadworthy but i did not get a manual licence :( sort of regret that but im sure if i got back in a manual i could do it again. probably

8. Guilty pleasure?

thinking in depth and forever abt my girl in middle earth oc hobbit fic that i havent properly written since like 2021. she means the WORLD to me i could make it sooo good if i just got over the evil puritans in my head telling me it is cringe

9. Tattoos?

soon!!! one day!!!! trust and believe!!!!!!!

10. Favourite colour?

loveeeeee yellow i love yellow so much soo much. unfortunately i am ginger.

11. Favourite type of music?

idk if i have a favourite TYPE of music persay? but ive sort of been bouncing between a mix of folk rock and Silly Power Metal and i will hit up the odd soundtrack also. wait actually this is untrue i am, embarrassingly, really into hyperpop (UNDERSCORES I LOVE YOU)

12. Do you like puzzles?

yeah! they're kind of evil and i am not great at pattern recognition and they hurt my back. but also v satisfying to do

13. Any phobias?

ants i fucking hate ants i HATE them (i stood in a bullant nest when i was 2) + also maybe thalassophobia? idk though that may have also been cured by the time i played 130 hours of subnautica in a week in december

14. Favourite childhood sport?

touch footie!!! i was very good at it lowk and i miss playing it terribly

15. Do you talk to yourself?

LMAO YEAH. when im thinking about writing especially. or doing literally anything. i will talk to myself

16. Tea or coffee?

TEA I LOVE TEA I LOVE TEA SO MUCH. i cannot drink coffee because The Side Effects + caffeine does not seem to have the intended effect on me, so i don't really drink caffeinated tea that much either? i absolutely LOVE rooibos with honey in it though one million out of ten

17. First thing you wanted to be when growing up?

i wanted to be a scientist because i was under the impression that scientists blew things up and that it was exclusively their job to do that. i still want to be a scientist tbh but for different reasons

18. What movies do you adore?

im so normal and regular and fine about the hobbit extended edition trilogy. so normal. no but fr i love unexpected journey i have watched it more than twenty times total and. five times in the last week and a bit LOL

Tagging:

@sithfox @hastalavistabyebye @patchmates @rockcattomato and anyone else who would like to !!!!

[deathbypufferfish]

Here's the second list but for story ideas for the sims!

This list is comprised of ideas that have to do with storylines, scenarios, character dynamics, conflicts, character attributes, and more! Of course you can technically do whatever you want in a sims story, but this list is curated to story ideas that can in some way be played out in-game. Whether it's through the game, mods, or imagination. A lot of these are not wholesome lol, if you are looking for more wholesome story ideas I recommend my gameplay list. Please feel free to add to the story soup! Just note in your ask it is for the soup and keep it within the parameters I mentioned above. (To keep the post from getting too long I'll make a contributor list into a compressed image later on for those who send off-anon.)

If you are looking for sims gameplay centered ideas check out the Gameplay Gumbo list here!

🍲 Soup below the cut! ⬇

Conflict:

Money loss from gambling

A character is addicted to shoplifting

A huge fight at a wedding, funeral, large event etc.

Financial difficulties

Miscommunication

Drop out of or fail university

Drop out or fail out of high school

Shit talk a friend/family member

Loss of job

Failed business

Blackmail

Death of family member/friend/love interest

A character is caught cheating on their partner and is blackmailed for it.

Arson (fireworks indoors)

A character steals money from another/asks for a large loan and never pays it back

Betrayal from a friend

Character spirals after a break up

Evicted from home/apartment

House fire

Love:

A forgotten anniversary

Meet Cute: two characters meet on a train

Side character is caught cheating

Meet Cute: two characters meet when one of them finds the other’s lost pet

Child out of infidelity (keep it a secret for a long time or get caught)

Divorce (amicable or messy)

A celebrity character falls in love with their bodyguard

A potential love interest is rich kid looking for someone to make their life more “interesting��

Have a couple have a huge fight and makeup

A rejected proposal

Best friends/siblings have feelings for the same person

Character has a fear of commitment

A best friend is moving away and your character has to confess their love to them

Enemies to lovers

Competitive coworkers turned lovers

A couple breaks up over one of them losing all their money

Start a throuple/open relationship (Open Love Life Mod)

Be the other person in someone’s affair

Have an affair

A reluctant partner abandons their partner when they get pregnant (Good with Relationship & Pregnancy Overhaul Mod)

Runaway bride/groom/partner

Bridezilla

Running away together

Meet the parents

Affair

Partner lied about who they are

Accidental kiss

Fake relationship

Enemies to lovers

Forbidden love

Give an old relationship a second chance

Unrequited Love

Divorced couple getting back together (possibly secretly/affair)

Secret Admirer

Vegas/Drunk wedding

Secretly in love with partner’s friend/family member

Love triangle leads to throuple

Rocky marriage

Couple that refuses to divorce

Have a one night stand (Simda Dating App)

Friends who are in denial about being in love

Trophy Wife/Husband/Partner

Couple wants different things

Couple from different social class/different worlds

Married because of an unexpected pregnancy

Married too young

A couple married for a long time having intimacy problems

Happy or unhappy couple has separate rooms/beds

A marriage doesn’t last long

Bromance turns into romance

Childhood friends to lovers later in life

Clingy, jealous partner

Family:

Someone abandons the family

Annoying/Terrible in-laws

Overbearing/Overprotective parent

Neglectful parent

Having to choose between your partner and your family who dislikes them

Bad sibling relationships

Conflict-avoidant family (buries all their problems)

Disagreeing on how to parent

A child is getting bullied by their peers

Strained Parent/Teen relationship

Teen Pregnancy (Supportive or Unsupportive family. Good with Relationship & Pregnancy Mod)

Found family

Blended family

Multi-generational family

Tension between step-parent and step-children

Tension between step-siblings

Chaos children

Tension between the favorite child and their siblings

Sudden or unexpected baby (possibly from one night stand/fling)

Secret baby from old relationship

Amicable exes who co-parent well together

Nepotism

Dysfunctional family

Breaking the cycle of bad parenting

Cool Uncle/Cool Aunt

Children being raised by family other than their parents (aunt, uncle, sibling, grandparents)

Single parent

Divorced parent who spoils their kids

Disowned child/parent

Embarrassing Parent

Parent prioritizes work over family/partner

Family Curse

Humble parents, spoiled kids

Child wants to be nothing like their parent(s)

Platonic co-parenting

Secret family

Sibling jealousy

My Favorite Mods for Storytelling:

Simda Dating App

Contextual Social Interactions

First Impressions

LGBTQIA+ Mod

Open Love Life

Relationship & Pregnancy Overhaul

Wicked Whims (18+, mod not linked)

Basemental Drugs (18+, mod not linked)

Resources Used

List is added to when I have new ideas so check in time-to-time for more!

[homestuckreplay]

here's what happens when you read too many rage comics

(page 848-861)

While John and Dave are busy in combat, we get to go exploring with Rose and Jade! There’s some back and forth between them, but I’ll take them one at a time.

Jade :D

While leaving her house, Jade gets contacted by the world’s lamest troll. carcinoGeneticist’s whole deal, messaging Jade, is to talk in all caps, call her ‘stupid’ and an ‘idiot’, and accuse her of fucking everything up. There’s no targeted insults, no creativity, no clever and subtle manipulation, no hiding the existence of the trolling. I give carcinoGeneticist a 2/10 trollscore because at least they were able to get around Jade’s blocklist, but this is a sad and lackluster beginning to trolls in the narrative, if indeed they come back. Hopefully twinArmageddons has something more interesting to say.

Jade continues to be different to the other kids. Her grandfather’s list of interests is as long as his profession as a ‘world renowned explorer-naturalist-treasure hunter-archaeologist-scientist-adventurer-big game hunter-billionaire extraordinaire’ (p.790). His love of big game trophies, suits of armor and decrepit mummies all make sense here, as those are things he’s personally hunted and stolen on expeditions, but his ‘plundering’ of beauty parlors (p.855) is as unexpected as the idea of a business clown. Dad, Mom and Bro are all weird in that they’re extremely focused on a couple specific things, Grandpa is weird because he’s into loads of things all at once. There’s also strangely colored lights coming from the other floors of Jade’s house, hinting at more weird stuff Grandpa’s up to.

It’s Jade quoting from the past, but this is technically the second line of dialog in Homestuck (the first being Dave’s ‘Stop!’ on p.354):

"Jade, study hard and keep your rifle at the ready. When adventure summons, I know you will rise to the task and take your rightful place among the DAUGHTERS OF ECLECTICA." (p.855)

This better not be another spooky grandparent prophecy, because Act 3 already has more than enough of those. But speaking of Jade-John parallels, the big game trophy blocking Jade’s transportalizer (p.857) looks oddly familiar side by side with John’s desktop (p.24). Are we to understand that Jade’s grandfather killed the Firefox of this universe?

Rose <3

I’m so into Rose’s story right now because she’s the first kid who’s had a chance to explore a new place. John, Dave and Jade are all still ‘homestuck’, but Rose has escaped to this whole mysterious lab. And that’s after already getting the coolest house, with its waterfall, observatory, cat mausoleum, and 20-foot tall granite statue of a mighty wizard. Page 850 gives such a great sense of scale with tiny Rose comprehending the horrors and wonders of the space.

The lab’s ‘HUBGRID’ (p.850) is a big green chessboard, 8x8 squares each with 12x12 locked, glowing atomic devices for a total of 9,216 hubs, divided into four segments, with aisles and a transportalizer at the center. Comparing these side by side, it’s the exact same pattern as the ones in Jade’s house, and there’s also one of these hubs visible in the lower corner of Jade’s room powering one of those devices. Could the lab transportalizer go to Jade’s island? Or to a different SkaiaNet lab, as this one is described through coordinates (p.860)? Jade’s grandpa has a laboratory (p.780), so these could be one and the same, and Rose and Jade playing with the same gadgets feels relevant while the story is cutting back and forth between them.

Earlier, Rose connected to lab wifi network SN_LAB0413, which unlike the other SN_LAB wifi options was ‘mysteriously and quite conveniently UNSECURED, requiring no password’ (p.239). Today, a kiosk shows the command ‘> unlock SN_LAB0413’. I think Act 3’s theme might be showing how planned all these circumstances were that previously felt like coincidence, although that still doesn’t answer who exactly planned all this, or where they got their knowledge from.

> Rose: Place velvet pillow on strange platform. Be the mad scientist.

[tianasficrecs168]

Random Naruto Fic recs

Most of these are going to be general fic recs, ones without a ship, just focused on family/friendship and whatnot.

Also I'm obsessed with time travel, so like. There's a lot of that here.

A whole bunch of abandoned works, as well, sadly. This doesn't mean they aren't worth reading just bc they're unfinished!!! Please give 'em a chance.

Edit: some fics from here have been moved to a different list (yes I figured out how to categorize stuff just now, shut up), you can find them on my Warring States Era Naruto Fics

Here's the sitch:

A black dot • means it’s a one-shot

Brackets (…) means it's still being updated/not done/WIP – and I'm paying close attention to it

(000) -> disappeared off the internet (don't worry I have a copy shh)

(general+) -> Time travel or dimension hopping – something along those lines

100demons: "Ten Years Gone" (general+) a series, one of three Thirty year old Kakashi was supposed to have been killed by Pein during the Invasion. Instead, he wakes up in the body of his twenty year old self. (It gets a lot more complicated.)

Chica Blanca: - "One Chance" (...) (general+) last update: 2020 Revenge never tasted so bitter. It never was supposed to be this useless waste of life. Now Sasuke has a chance to go back and change everything.

Frozen Shattered Roses: - “Loop” (...) (general+)                       last update: 2009 My name is Naruto and I'm cursed. I'm trapped in a loop of time, reliving the final fourteen years of my life for the third time. Only this time things will be different, because this time I have a plan to escape.

Phoenyxx: - “Unofficial adoption” (general) • A bed-ridden, sickly Kakashi receives a tiny unexpected visitor late at night, which causes a few interesting discoveries. Another moment to add to an alternate universe.

Jedi Honor Bound Ninja: - “To Be Cared For” (general) • Naruto doesn't often get sick, but when he does he knows his routine: hunker down and be miserable. But this time around maybe he can finally have a taste of what others normally have.

Laurelsblue: - “Summer Grass” (general) • There are many misconceptions about her. 20 Truths about Fuu, the Nanabi Jinchuuriki.

Blackkat: “Sweet baby, I need fresh blood” (general+) • Shukaku fixes the timeline. Grumpily. And with a lot of bloodshed.

Blackkat: “With friends like these” (general) • If she isn’t utterly mistaken, there's a flush rising in Orochimaru’s pale cheeks, one she only ever used to see when Jiraiya was being especially handsy during their genin days. It’s been a long time since Orochimaru got over that particular crush, and Tsunade stares at him now, at the averted eyes and rising color and aggrieved slant to his mouth, and feels glee bubbling up inside of her. “Really?” she says, delighted. “Who?”

Blackkat: “This is the passing of all shining things” (general) • There's a monster whispering in Minato's head, curled around his soul. It’s vast and hungry and full of fury, radiates it and basks in it and lets it spill over through the bars that cage it. If Minato had one ounce more energy, he would rage too, but— Anger is a luxury right now, an indulgence. He can't afford it.

Blackkat: “Switch It Up” (general) • Yamato is assigned to Team 7 as their jounin sensei. He may or may not be an evil mastermind, but it all works out for the better.

QuoteMyFoot: - “In The Name Of” (general) • Slowly, Sasuke forgets what 'living' is. (Post-massacre)

Searching.For.Enadi: “If the shoe fits“ (...) (general+)                     last update: 2020 Time travel. Technically, she could consider this the greatest mission she has ever undertaken, or a brilliant opportunity to finally hit the hot springs. (Or, the one where Haruno Sakura really, really needs a vacation).

Whispering Darkness: - “The life and times of Hatake Kakashi: nukenin” (...) (general+) In the sealed scroll he finds a Bingo Book – his own page marking him as an S-class nukenin with flee-on-sight orders. “Ok. That is definitely different.” In his head he blames Naruto – even if his number one unpredictable student had been nowhere near him on this mission. When things go this stupidly impossibly wrong it must somehow be the future Hokage’s fault. *it's marked as completed but the story's not done in my heart. so i live in delusional hope that it'll be updated one day

Narf—for-the-Garthoc: “Beautiful Day” (general) • Naruto focuses on his last day as Hokage and the people who mean so much to him.

Agent Malkere: - „What You Knead“ (...) (general) last update: 2022 It started, as most things did in Kakashi's life, with a mission gone wrong. (In which Kakashi accidentally acquires an emotionally healthy coping technique.)

Katlou303: - „Time Flies Like An Arrow“ (...) (general+) last update: 2021 Sakura traveled back in time with the intent of changing everything, but something went wrong, and now she's a four-year-old civilian having nightmares about impossible monsters and losing friends she has yet to meet.

Deletrear: - „Kick The Habit“ (...) (general+)                              last update: 2020 Yes, Itachi's emotional and physical well-being is his first and only priority. No, Sasuke does not have anything remotely resembling a plan to ensure this. It's fine, honestly.

Wroth_and_ruin: - „About Face“ (...) (general)                                      last update: 2017 A little yellow-haired boy saves Sakura from the bullies. And everything changes.

Elumish: - „Adoption by Defenestration; or, A Family Can Be A Fox Demon, Its Jinchuriki, and Three Dozen Highly-Trained Assassins” (general) • He will not be the ANBU who let the jinchuuriki plummet to his death out a fourth story window. Let that be another ANBU’s legacy.

Elesrea: - “Anachronistic Drift” (...) (general+) last updated: 2021                                    Her plan was flawless. Save Shisui. Save the world.

Cyan96: - “Kurama” (...) (general)                                        last update: 2018 Namikaze Minato makes a mistake. Uzumaki Kushina makes a choice. Naruto ends up growing up with a red haired, foul tempered older brother who wants Konoha to be atomized, preferably yesterday.

Dragonpyre: - “Time Travel? What the Fuck?” (...) (general+)                                                       last update: 2020 Basically, Team 7 vs. Kaguya, final smack down. Then suddenly POOF they’re twelve again and waiting to meet their sensei on team assignment day. With no way to get back they decide to stop the war before it begins, and maybe save some people along the way. But they’re twelve, how are they supposed to do that? Starring: Naruto Everyone's-My-Friend Uzumaki, Sasuke Maybe-I-Won't-Destroy-Konoha Uchiha, and Sakura Better-Than-This Haruno; with a guest appearance from Kakashi's guilt complex. We'll be in for a ride folks.

Tozette: - “Strike A Match” (general+) • Sasuke could have reversed time to save the world. He could have done it for his mother and his father, he could have done it for his clan or his village. That's... Those are sweet ideas. They're sort of like what might happen if you let Naruto imagine a motive for Sasuke to return to his hellish childhood. Save the village. Save the world. Be a hero. Sasuke makes a terrible hero.

YumeMadarame: - “I’ll fix it for you” (general+) Kurama wakes up in the dark, trapped inside a human body. The memory loss doesn't help. The Uchiha body either. When he finally understands he’s been sent years in the past, – decades, even – before Kaguya’s revival, before the devastation that had come with it, and before Naruto’s birth… he realizes he’s been given a chance to start anew. An opportunity to make things right, this time around.

Microgeek: - “Fox and Son” (...) (general) last update: 2021 Kurama has little love for humans and even less for his jailors, those Uzumaki with wind and tide in their blood, audacious enough to trap a god beneath their skins. But there is enough love left in him for his newest host, who had as little say in this life as Kurama did, and asked Kurama for friendship anyway. (In which Kurama raises a child out of love, hope, and spite, Naruto grows up to be terrifying, and Konoha collectively regrets that an ancient chakra-beast is better at parenting than they are.)

AvocadoLove: “Teach Your Children Well” (...) (general+)                    last update: 2010 What difference can one man make? After Madara and Sasuke's final attack on the village, Rokudaime Kakashi finds a time-travel scroll. Now he's Team Seven's sensei again. And this time, he's going to do things differently. 

Lolistar92: “Kit and kin” (general+) a series, one of 8 (no this isn't a typo. 8) The Sandaime is resolute when he shakes his head. “No, Kakashi. Naruto is safe where he is. Return to your post, as ordered.” Kakashi doesn’t move. “I’ll give you time to reconsider,” he says, jovial tone chilling with how juxtaposed it is from his previous killing intent. ~~~~ Or, former Rokudaime Kakashi wakes up in the body of his 14 year old self, fresh from the Kyuubi attack. He may not have been allowed to save his first pack, but he sure as hell is going to save Naruto.

[blognam333z]

Submas fate brothers AU

A very dumb idea, probably going to say sorry for my future-self. If it’s cringe. However, from the events of Pokémon legends Arceus, there’s many questions on why the god of Pokémon threw two people (Rei or Akari and Ingo) into the Hisui region. Wouldn’t that just make two mortals stuck in a paradox, their fate sealed to exist in the past, not their present lives?

Dialga is not having it, he and his brother Palkia were corrupted and later captured in the events of the Sinnoh region. Though it’s not much on paper, does this have to apply to every multiverse and timeline?

They’ve made a visit to their father about it, and in an unexpected turn in the conversation, they felt sympathy for the two mortals “trapped” in this fate. How this affects the lives they left behind and forgotten. Arceus was reluctant to comply without a word. Dialga left, leaving Palkia with Arceus. Palkia never sees what Dialga sees in the time stream, not that he doesn’t believe anything in what he said. Moreover, he can’t relate to the frustration of being bound by fate. Unexpectedly, Arceus responded, “For a change, we’ll intervene; you must not allow your brother to know. This will make a new tree, an alternative universe. We only have one chance to pull this through. I will give my blessing to the first mortal to be more fit to adapt to the harsh environment of the Hisui region, and you’ll guide the lone hero by disguising as a mortal traveler. Once your duty is done, you shall return him home.”

While for Dialga, he made an unexpected visit to the distortion realm. Of course, from the neglect, banishment of his sibling to a redemption to protect the universe rather than its destruction, this is overall remarkable. However, the reason Dialga visited is for something entirely different: Giratina never traveled outside his prison for millennia, and he offered to “help” with that. Dialga assumes his father / creator didn’t agree to change fate for the better since he chose to left early, nor does he trust Arceus for his authority over everything. Being given the job as the god of time is different from the viewpoints of what Arceus observed. He explained that with his ability, he can open a portal for the “next cycle” when the first chosen one is dropped. Dialga is aware he can’t bring Giratina as a whole; otherwise, it will gather too much attention, so he has a better plan. How about Giratina giving a mortal his blessing, a piece of himself while he stay mostly on duty in the distortion realm? This would in turn avoid breaking Giratina’s banishment as he’s technically not present. With that said, Ingo was originally the first mortal transported through time, and what better match to be his younger twin brother, Emmet, to be brought in? He’ll be given the goal of purifying these Pokémon, after all the corruption originated from Giratina’s energy from his past self, and to convince the village enough to not only co-exist with Pokémon but respect the world as it is and equally important as it’s never worth destroying it or play god.

For Ingo, he’ll follow along with the missions in the original game to capture and tame Pokémon, but with mystical powers protecting him and a mysterious companion. Unaware Emmet is here too, but spawn in a different location, for he will fix the Noble Pokémon and Alphas before his unsuspecting brother does. Helping him as he should and to prevent another passenger from being on this track, being sent off to their last stop. He could bring his brother a ride back home after a few weeks, not years! Better to not be veeeerrrry late on schedule. All abroad!

How chaos ensues for the twins possessing the blessings of gods unknowingly…

Bonus: Emmet finds himself enjoying these berries more than he anticipated from the lack of resources he has, or perhaps a piece of Giratina is partially influencing this euphoria, eating for the first time, though he, as a god, admitted he doesn’t need to. But the pleasure is satisfying and beneficial for both. Giratina started to see more of the light of the wonders of creation, instead of just fixing his past mistakes.

-Emmet and Ingo are the same age as in the events of Pokémon Black and White 2.

-This Emmet isn’t angst fanon; he’s more cannon, but he is saddened to hear the fate of his brother, though he is more surprised to be summoned by Sinnoh legendaries about the situation. He is more productive in executing the plan and is glad to help due to his logical thinking; he’s straight forward on the task. Though he can be a bit unnerving being a Pokémon battling enthusiast with Giratina powers.

-Emmet’s eyes can change to Giratina’s eyes, if he wants to, or if he is using Giratina’s powers to purify a Pokémon or protect himself. He doesn’t like the wings, as they would be cramped under his coat. Instead, he looks more like a hybrid of origin form Giratina. This form is for flight, by the way; he can return to looking human. Giratina is in his head, guiding him.

-Ingo is a similar case, though much more inexperienced in how to activate it. It mostly reacts by instinct to discomfort or danger. Whenever he touches a plate, much like Arceus equipping that item, it changes Arceus' typing. The visual change affects Ingo too, including his eye color and aura. He’ll look mostly human in his journey, as Arceus' blessing is just for Ingo to protect himself with. + prevent him from having amnesia from the fall.

-Why Palkia? Well, it would be better than a phone with the text message from God, “Capture all Pokémon." He would ironically work with the Pearl clan, though he was visibly confused by the misinterpretations these humans had of him and his brother as god god, or one is false and one is true. As much as he wants to say more accurately, the fact is that they are sons of the god of Pokémon, so he’ll have to play along. Somewhat filling in as the one stranger with “amnesia” due to his behavior of not knowing the basics of mortal life. Still, he’ll follow through with his creator’s plan.

-Emmet would have his Pokémon with him, while Ingo doesn’t and has to go to develop his team.

[texeoghea]

I've been trying to design myself a tattoo for years now, and with my 21st birthday in 2 weeks I decided to go a completely different direction to see if I could find something I liked there. I ended up with this which I DO really love but I think it's probably too big and intricate to go on my shoulder. Mission technically failed

SYMBOLISM BREAKDOWN because im the type of bastard where all of my tattoos need to be meaningful

Butterfly. Tiger swallowtails used to be really common where I grew up as a kid, and I found them very beautiful. Butterflies are one of the only types of insect I can touch without freaking out. It's also the symbol used in Persona 1 and 2 to signify Philemon, who is a reference to the Butterfly Dream.

- This is notable because both Philemon and the Butterfly Dream of Zhuangzi fame reference the idea of multiple selves. The Butterfly Dream goes something like "I dreamed that I was a butterfly, and when I awoke, I knew not whether I was a man dreaming of a butterfly, or a butterfly dreaming or a man". One of Philemon's opening quotes, and one referenced afterwards multiple times, is "Are you aware of the many and varied selves you harbor within you? The self suffused with divine love, the self capable of demonic cruelty... People live by wearing different masks... Your current self may be only one of many of those innumerable masks." Both of these feel relevant and important to my life - The butterfly's wing spots are drawn to resemble teeth and an eye to further slot into that Philemon quote, of both divine love and demonic cruelty within the self. Also because of my fascination with monsters and cosmic horror. And also because I was struggling so hard to draw the wing, and I realized that the teeth looked like a really cool way to compromise with myself on photorealism

Edelweiss. After doing some googling it seems like these epic fuckers represent courage and devotion, due to the harsh climates they grow in. Combined with the butterfly, I feel it represents confidence and love for the self. I have a commitment to the life I have made for myself, I value it dearly and I try every day to make the most of it.

The Wheel of Fortune is here in name only, but it's one of my birth cards, along with The Magician. I have a personal attachment to both those cards, and I plan to make The Magician appear in my other tattoo once I finally finish that design (I want it to have something to do with the white rabbit from alice in wonderland and the idea of a thing disguised as something else, how following blindly can be a mistake). I consider myself a very fortunate person in that I've always found help in unexpected places whenever I've found myself in trouble. I do my best to help other people in an effort to return that energy to the universe and the people around me. Also the designs for the Wheel of Fortune in most decks are very beautiful to me. It's my favorite card. I like the idea of leaving things up to chance because that's just what life is baby!

[duckprintspress]

“Aim For The Heart” Creator Spotlight: Lucy K. R.

Today, as we inch toward the finish line on our crowdfunding campaign for Aim For The Heart: Queer Fanworks Inspired by Alexandre Dumas’s “The Three Musketeers,” we have a modern setting alternate universe retelling from Lucy K. R.!

The Three Mic O’ Tears by Lucy K. R.

About the Author: Lucy K.R. (she/her) is technically in existence. Every time she is free, she writes. Sometimes when she is not free she also writes. This has occasionally created problems. She is fortunate to be supported (read: enabled) by her enthusiastic fiancée Tomo, a loving OG family, and a lively found family as well.

Eager for a change after a decade of waitressing, Lucy K.R. took the chance in March of 2021 to make her first steps into the world of published work. Prior to the success of the largely-fabricated German translation of the short-story found in this collection, ‘die Karaoke-Königinnen’, she was best known for her work on Mageling: Rise of the Ancient Ones and in the Duck Prints Press anthologies “And Seek (Not) to Alter Me” and “She Wears the Midnight Crown”.

In her stories, Lucy K. enjoys writing evil ideas as gently as possible, portrayed through unexpected lenses. She would like to acknowledge that she has never written a biographical statement that did not turn out weird, beg your indulgence, and express her hope that you enjoy her work in this anthology. The people at Duck Prints Press have been a delight, and she is deeply grateful to be included!

Links: Personal Website | Twitter

Story Teaser:

“The plan is to pay you back for the slight, not to ruin your life,” Ash agrees with such dead certainty that Dart feels a thrill of terror and excitement all jumbled up, merged into the same creature.

“You seem very sure you’ll win,” Dart offers, tilting her own head in return.

“Ooh,” Portia’s lips quirk into an even cheekier smile.

“Cute,” Artemis comments, appraising eyes still fixed on Dart.

“So, in order of offense?” Dart asks, feeling her inner performer awaken at their attention. “Ash first, then Portia, then Artemis?”

“You seem very sure you’ll make it to the last dance yourself,” Ash returns, even as Artemis strips off her jacket and neatly folds it, nodding her approval.

“I came here to sing karaoke,” Dart takes the opportunity to roll up her sleeves. “Nothing and no one is going to keep me off that stage.”

She’s never fought anyone before. She’s never had to. But she said it, and she meant it—nothing will keep her off that stage. She lifts her fists, only to be tutted at by Ash.

“Wrists straight, dear,” she says, lifting her one good arm in demonstration.

“Ah,” says Dart, and fixes her posture.

We’ve posted this and 18 other teasers at our campaign page, and shared a lot more info to boot, so if you’re looking for a fabulous anthology this summer, make sure you check it out!

[murfpersonalblog]

Power Types in Fandoms

I was up in the middle of the night arguing with my ceiling about fictional characters, Death Battle style, and decided to make a ❗rudimentary❗ list, from weakest to strongest Power Types. Because it's a gradient, each progressively higher power type can (and often does) contain the abilities of lower types.

⚔🤖💉🤺🤰🧜‍♂️🔮👽

⚔ Standard Fighters

OP warriors with maxed out skills, but main character plot armor saves them from outrageous situations

Conan the Barbarian, Tuxedo Mask (Sailor Moon), Link (Zelda), Yujiro Hanma (Baki), Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Robin Hood, Odysseus (Greek mythology), Xena Warrior Princess, etc

🤖 Tech/Mech Warriors

Fight with technology; but caught slipping butt naked with ZERO gear (wifi signal, power generator, fancy gadgets/weapons, power suits, etc) and they don't stand a chance without hax/plot armor

Low Level tech (borderline realistic/futuristic gear)

Ratchet & Clank, Doom Guy (Doom), Master Chief (Halo), Batman, Power Rangers, etc

High Level tech (science & magic blur)

Gundam, Xenosaga, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Iron Man, Guts (Berserk), Sailor Moon, Perseus (Greek mythology), etc

💉 Roid Rage

Ate/drank something, or got bit/injected/dunked/exposed to something out in nature or in a lab--scientific, biological, or magical-- that permanently altered their bodies, genes, & abilities. Often "immortal/indestructible," depending on the universe.

Scientific (Lab Accidents/Hijinks/Procedures)

Frankenstein*, The Powerpuff Girls, S.H.I.E.L.D. (Black Widow, Hawkeye, etc), Captain America, The Hulk, The Flash, Harley Quinn (& The Joker, kinda), Dr Manhattan (Watchmen), Dr Robotnik (Sonic), TMNT, etc

Biological (technically Scientific, sure)

Spider Man, Morbius, Poison Ivy, Witchers (Geralt of Rivia), etc

Magical/Supernatural (technically Biological?)

Black Panther, Luffy (One Piece), Aquaman*, Achilles (Greek mythology), Danny Phantom, Werewolves*, Titans (Attack on Titan), Homunculi (Wrath & Greed, Full Metal Alchemist), Sephiroth (Final Fantasy)

🤺 Androids/Cyborgs

Deliberately created part man, part tech/mech. Can be/look more or less "human," or barely at all. (More or less "immortal/indestructible," depending.). "Science" & magic blur.

Androids (Dragonball), Wolverine, Dororo, Sekiro, Robocop, Bionic Woman, The Terminator, Frankenstein*, Homunculus (FMA), The Borg (Star Trek), Darth Vader, etc

🤰Mutations

Born to regular human parents, but with unexpected supernatural abilities and/or appearance. These abilities are random AF and their power can fluctuate wildly depending on the character/universe.

Mutants (X-Men), Killer Croc (Batman), Namor (Black Panther), Aquaman*, etc

🧜‍♂️ Hybrids

Born to at least one (1) human parent, but with unexpected supernatural abilities and/or appearance. The non-human parent can make their abilities fluctuate wildly, depending on the character/universe.

Animal/Creature Hybrid

Centaurs, Minotaurs, etc (Greek mythology), werewolves*, etc

Magical Race Hybrid (Low Level--dwarves, elves, sorcerers, etc)

Luke Skywalker, etc

Magical Race Hybrid (High Level--undead, spirits, gods/demons, aliens, etc)

- 1/2 vampire Dhampirs: Blade, Alucard (Castlevania, Helsing), etc

- 1/2 demon Cambions, yokai, etc: Abe no Seimei, Merlin, Inuyasha, etc

- 1/2 god Demigods: Hercules (Greek mythology), Gilgamesh (Mesopotamian mythology), Sailor Pluto (Sailor Moon), Kratos & Atreus (God of War), etc

🔮 Magicians

(Human) magic users who can either manipulate the senses, control spirits and/or the elements, bend/break the laws of nature (gravity, matter, shapeshifting, physics, space, time, etc), or all of the above. Includes: magicians, mages/sages, witches, wizards, sorcerers, mediums, psychics, hypnotists, exorcists, ghost hunters, etc. (Depending on the universe, these terms might be used interchangeably, or only for specific types of abilities.)

Manipulate the senses

Hypnotists -- (Naruto (low level ninjas))

Control/commune with spirits/demons (and/or the elements)

Exorcists, mediums, psychics, witches, etc -- (John Constantine, Van Helsing, Talamasca & Mayfairs (Anne Rice), etc)

Control the elements & bend/break the laws of nature

Dovahkin (Skyrim), Benders (TLAB), Alchemists (FMA), etc

All of the Above

Harry Potter (witches/wizards), The Avatar (TLAB), Jedi (Star Wars), Naruto (high level ninjas), Onmyoji (Shintoism), Cultivators (xianxia), etc

👽 Extraterrestrials

Transcendent beings not of this world/planet, terrestrial plane, or dimension. Are not subject to Earthly laws of nature (gravity, matter, shapeshifting, physics, space, time, etc)--e.g.: many alien races are physically much stronger than humans because their planet's gravity is heavier, etc. Depending on the type of world, being, character, or universe, their abilities can fluctuate wildly.

Aliens

The Doctor(s) (Doctor Who)

Vulcans, Romulans, Klingons, oh my~! (Star Trek)

Saiyans (Dragonball)

Kryptonians (Superman, Zod, etc)

Spirits/Undead

Undead: Zombies, Ghosts, Vampires, etc

Fae:* fairies, elves, goblins (Labyrinth), giants, kitsune, etc (depends on the lore)

Angels/Demons

Fae* (depends on the lore/mythos/religion)

Demons/Yokai, etc: Hellboy, Darkness (Legend), Sesshomaru (Inuyasha), etc

Djinn/Genies* (depends on the lore)

Shinigami: (Bleach, Black Butler, Death Note, Yu Yu Hakusho, etc)

Angels: (Constantine, Good Omens, Maiar (LOTR), etc)

Gods

Q (Star Trek), Chthulu (Lovecraft), Majin Buu (Dragonball)

Dragons (depends on the lore/mythos/religion)

Fae* (depends on the lore/mythos/religion)

Sun Wukong (Journey to the West)

Zeus (Greek mythology), Amaterasu & Susa No O & Izanagi & Izanami etc (Japanese mythology), Odin & Thor & Loki (Marvel/Norse mythology), etc

👽🔮🧜‍♂️🤰🤺💉🤖⚔

Again, this is just a rudimentary list of characters/fandoms off the top of my head; and I'm sleep deprived. I likely forgot a lot of powerups, retcons, AUs, and more--oops.

[heywoodsays]

Top 10 Films of 2022

It was a good year for film. There were 449 movies released in the United States and Canada in 2022, with several making waves. Perhaps one of the unintended consequences of the pandemic is that movies are now released with a stronger intent to really bring people out to the theater.

Whether that trip to the cinema is a chance to escape, to learn, to be entertained, or to be moved, good movies meet that intent. But the truly great movies transport us and even transform us.

They often accomplish this on an emotional level — gripping us and taking us along for the ride. Or they can do it through stunning visuals and technical prowess. The best films know how to do them both. Here are the 10 films from 2022 that drew me in the most.

10. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

Dean Fleischer Camp

Based on the series of shorts of the same name, this full-length stop-motion feature from the creative minds of Dean Flesicher Camp and Jenny Slate is surprisingly the year’s most charming and heartwarming film. In a year where intense dramas dominated, and when even lighter fare had a darker tone, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is a lighthearted, humorous, and yet profound exposition on belonging, family, grief, and modern culture.

9. L’événement (Happening)

Audrey Diwan

Set in 1960s France, when abortion is still illegal, a promising university student has her life upended when her doctor informs her that she’s pregnant. Without feeling didactic, Happening presents an honest, intense, and often distressing reminder of what such a world looked like for women. Produced before the repeal of Roe v. Wade in the United States, the film could not have been released at a more poignant time.

8. 헤어질 결심 Heeojil gyeolsim (Decision to Leave)

Park Chan-wook

A talented detective forms an unexpected relationship with a murder suspect in this romance-thriller-murder mystery. It’s stylistically beautiful, gripping, and sexy without ever needing to show anything sexual. The performances are usually subtle with a few moments of appropriate melodrama. Decision to Leave exemplifies Chan-wook’s penchant for storytelling, managing to say so much in every shot.

7. Women Talking

Sarah Polley

At times, Women Talking feels more like a stage play presented on screen. But it never compromises the film’s cinematic beauty. Instead, it immerses you into the dialogue and the bleak reality of life for these women. Masterful performances necessarily help the intense and heavy dialogue resonate with the viewer. In my mind, the biggest error of this year’s Oscars is the omission of Polley as a Best Director nominee.

6. Aftersun

Charlotte Wells

Charlotte Wells’ first feature-length film is a touching exploration of belonging, depression, memory, parental love, and preadolescence. Headed by excellent performances by Paul Mescal and Frankie Coro, Aftersun engages you from start to finish, slowly revealing its hand but never giving away everything. It’s a slow boil that doesn’t quite hit you until you the end, which really is the point.

5. The Banshees of Inisherin

Martin McDonagh

Banshees is one of the year’s best examples of storytelling. Indeed, its script is its strongest asset, brilliantly juxtaposing comedy with tragedy. The film also boasts one of the strongest casts of the year, with exceptional performances from Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon, and Barry Keoghan. Add in beautiful shots of Ireland and an Oscar-nominated musical score, you’ve got yourself an all-around winner.

4. The Fabelmans

Steven Spielberg

I’ve always been partial to Spielberg, but I truly believe his recent semi-autobiographical work is a masterclass in directing. He infuses each frame with meaning and beauty. The movie’s most pivotal emotional moment (when Sammy discovers his mother’s secret) is accomplished without any speech whatsoever, told instead through the back-and-forth of raw film reel. Spielberg helps us fall in love with the movies all over again. So beautifully shot, they should be studying The Fabelmans in film schools for years.

 3. Everything Everywhere All at Once

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert

This year’s likely Best Picture Oscar winner is deserving of the many accolades it has received so far. The most wild, creative, and technically brilliant film of the year, EEAAO weaves through different universes, demonstrating a mastery of styles in a multitude of genres. The film is perfectly cast, its four Oscar-nominated performers leading the way. It’s funny, heart-wrenching, thought-provoking, action-packed, well… everything… all at once.

2. Tár

Todd Field

As a brilliant, accomplished, but problematic symphony conductor, Cate Blanchett is note-perfect in a career-best performance. She’s essential to the film, as you can’t imagine anyone else doing the role justice. Indeed, Field wrote the role for her. Some have reduced the film to a commentary on cancel culture, but that is a gross oversimplification. Tár is intelligent, nuanced, intriguing, and beautifully shot.

---

Before the big reveal, here are some that nearly made the list:

Honorable mentions

Triangle of Sadness

All Quiet on the Western Front

Elvis

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

Top Gun: Maverick

And now...

1. Close

Lukas Dhont

The close friendship between two 13-year-old boys is torn apart, first when social influences get in the way, and then ultimately by a decision with permanent consequences. Lukas Dhont’s second film (after 2018’s Girl) perfectly captures the love and fragility of boyhood friendships and honestly portrays the unpredictability of grief. Close never preaches and never tells you how to feel. Beautifully shot, heart-wrenching, and emotionally gripping, Close confronts some of the most intense challenges of youth with a maturity that escapes most coming-of-age films. Augmented by stellar performances, Close is highlighted by the debut of Eden Dambrine, who gives the best performance I have ever witnessed by a young actor.

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Next, look for my 3-part series of Oscar picks for the ceremony on Sunday, March 12.

[butternuggets-blog]

Oneshot Masterlist

~~ A Discovery of Witches ~~

Cowboy In Your Pocket VampBaldwin Montclair/HumanCowboyMartin AU

Did You Hear That? Scary/Gore - Entry for Adarafaelbarba’s Trick or Treat Bingo

Look, I’m Sad and Frustrated, I Need Some False Hope Right Now How Baldwin Montclair stopped WW3 from happening in the ADOW universe

Passing Ships Prompt Angst/Whump - New Baldwin/Martin, for Adarafaelbarba’s Birthday Bingo

Sermon In The Streets Alternatively, The Time Baldwin Got C**k-Blocked By Jesus

Museum Baldwin Montclair/Martin, for Adarafaelbarba’s September Writing Challenge Bingo

Monsters For Adarafaelbarba’s September Writing Challenge Bingo

Becca and Pip Sing at Baldwin

Baldwin Visits, Diana is Sick

Matthew and Baldwin Take Becca Hunting for the First Time

New Pets 1 2 WeaverBecca AU

Matthew, Marcus and Baldwin Play Paintball

Unflappable Baldwin through the seasons (of ADOW)

Becca and Baldwin Help Matthew Walk Again

Matthew Has A Nightmare Angst/Whump

Eva Breaks Up With Baldwin

Becca Plays Hairdresser on Baldwin

The Betting Pool

~~ Marvel ~~

Zemo Goes Dancing

The Rookie AU Playlist Venom/Eddie/Male OC; story has mentions of SUICIDE, ASSISTED SUICIDE, PARENTAL ABANDONMENT, PARENTAL ISSUES, MAJOR CHARACTER DEATH, DEPRESSION, IMPRISONMENT, MENTIONS OF PAST ABUSE/TRAUMA

Leaps of Faith Require Ice Cream Venom/Eddie/Male OC; The Rookie AU

Baldr Odinson AU (Unwritten)

~~ SAS Rogue Heroes ~~

Changing Faces 1 2 Adow/SAS

Paw Patrol Werewolf AU Gender Neutral Reader Insert

The End Is Where We Start From Major Character Death, Mention of Suicidal Thoughts, Angst with A Happy Ending

~~ Random Oneshots ~~

Dixie’s Revenge Spoilers for S2 ep 5 (Splitting The Party) of 1 for All

Persuasion, By Multiple Means Shadenite, DC Stargirl

Saucepans and Back Taxes Stargirl Fluff/Crack, Slight Angst , Shadenite

The Four Horsemen Open A Bar Highlander; Crack Treated Seriously

Other Oneshots

A Quiet Night In Slow Horses; River Cartwright/Spider Webb/Hobbs

~~ Spicy NSFW ~~

Valentine’s Day Prompt NSFW SMUT/P**N WITHOUT PLOT - Baldwin/Female Reader, for Adarafaelbarba’s Birthday Bingo

Apologies NSFW, Bucky Barnes/Male Reader

Second Chances NSFW, Smut/Angst, Porn With Minimal Plot, Baron Zemo/Male Reader

Unexpected NSFW P*rn Without Plot, Modern Witcher, Slash, Mpreg, Pregnancy Kink, Breeding Kink, Geraskifer, Magic Sex, Threesome (technically), Mild Gender Bending.

[finnlongman]

One of my WIPs is very similar to this, albeit more focused on the medieval past than the ancient one and with researchers and sources living side-by-side in an established way rather than, like, a unique discovery of an ancient being!

My "Paranormal Postgrads" series features grad students + paranormal beings and it's about as nerdy as you might expect. The first book features an underfunded PhD student working on late medieval and early modern Irish literature who realises that his housemate is a vampire from fifteenth century Ireland, and promptly attempts to make a deal with him whereby he's extremely happy to get his blood sucked if his housemate will translate some early modern Irish for him so he doesn't have to do it.* And, to be honest, even if he won't, because he's kind of into that. Vampires are an established part of the setting, but the protagonist grew up in one of the few human-only towns left in the UK, so he's a little clueless -- that's his excuse for why he didn't notice his housemate was a vampire. Not the fact that he's a wildly nocturnal disaster and thus saw nothing unusual about his housemate's schedule.

*All my followers noticing my translation updates lately... yes, okay, there's some wish-fulfillment going on here. Though I originally wrote this book before I applied to do a PhD, at a time when I thought I wasn't going to do one. I gave Peter my research topic and so when I came to actually apply, had to slightly revise my proposal because a fictional character got there first. These are problems only I would have.

The second book focuses on his best friend, Ciara, who is an Old Norse specialist and does what she calls "applied monster theory", which is to say, she fights monsters and then writes academic articles about why the methods in sagas don't work and what that tells us about their authorship. Mostly, that their authors never fought a troll with a partially assembled IKEA shelf, because if they had, they'd have given her better instructions. This monster-hunting sideline is what brings her in contact with an archaeologist specialising in Roman Britain, who has made a rather unexpected discovery in York. Jorvik, not Eboracum, hence the need for an Old Norse specialist.

Book two sprouted a whole lot more worldbuilding than it was meant to, including a lot of in-universe academia and discussions of the ethics and technical requirements of testimony from ghosts and whether you should try to negotiate with revenants, so my plan is to integrate more of that into book 1 when I do rewrites to even them out a little.

As well as being exceptionally nerdy, they are also romance novels -- book 1 is m/m between human and vampire; book 2 is f/f between two humans but one of them fights monsters and the other might possibly have magic powers that she definitely shouldn't have. There will also be a third book but I haven't written it yet.

As evident from my references to editing, these are not published yet, or contracted, and I can't make any promises regarding when that will change because I do have a lot of other projects on my plate (i.e. editing/releasing three books while doing a full-time PhD). But my agent just read book 2 and we're having a meeting about it tomorrow. So, there's a solid chance one day it will go somewhere.

Hello Urban Fantasy Tumblr!

I have a mighty need to read something that has this idea in it. Hopefully it exists already; if not, hopefully one of you kind souls will oblige.

Hear me out: Anthropology in urban fantasy

You have a vampire/werewolf/fae who is from an ancient culture. Maybe from a culture that is still extant, maybe from one that is extinct. And now you have the most coveted of all things to study: A PRIMARY SOURCE WHO CAN ANSWER QUESTIONS.

I think those academics would absolutely cum in their pants if they suddenly were able to ask about the Greek dark ages, or find out where Push was. Or really, knowing academics, what did you eat!? Where did you live? How did you do your hair? How many dishes did you own? LITERALLY ANY INFORMATION YOU CAN GIVE ME WILL SPAWN A NEW FIELD OF STUDY, PLEASE TELL ME ANYTHING.

So yes. I have a mighty need. Please tell me if this exists.

Tagging @thebibliosphere because if Joy reblogs this I have a great chance of finding something or maybe even her getting a plot bunny and writing it herself

[themovieblogonline]

ZEE5 Global is about to drop a heartstring-tugging drama for fans of powerful family stories. Directed by Abhilash Reddy Kankara, Maa Nanna Superhero offers an emotional rollercoaster of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery. The movie stars Sudheer Babu as Johnny and veteran actors Sayaji Shinde and Sai Chand. Maa Nanna Superhero dives deep into the unique bonds and challenges within a father-son relationship. For anyone who missed its theatrical release, this Telugu blockbuster hits ZEE5 Global on November 15, giving audiences a chance to catch the story everyone’s been buzzing about. https://youtu.be/NHUH-PKUKsk Plot: More Than Just a Superhero Story On the surface, Maa Nanna Superhero might sound like another superhero movie—don’t be fooled. This film takes a raw and gritty approach to heroism, setting it against the backdrop of debt and despair. Johnny, portrayed by Sudheer Babu, isn’t saving the world from aliens! Instead he’s a mechanic in Hyderabad trying to scrape together enough money to save his foster father. Left with a mountain of debt by his foster father (Sayaji Shinde), Johnny is desperate. And when that desperation leads to his father’s arrest, Johnny is faced with the ultimate deadline: raise ten million rupees or risk losing him forever. To add another twist, Johnny’s journey is joined by his estranged biological father, Prakash (Sai Chand). What starts as a financial mission quickly morphs into a quest for identity and reconciliation. Johnny isn’t just fighting for his foster father’s freedom—he’s uncovering buried secrets and learning hard truths about the people he’s called family. The story unfolds as a blend of action, emotion, and unexpected wisdom. Key Performances: Sudheer Babu, Sayaji Shinde, and Sai Chand Sudheer Babu’s portrayal of Johnny brings the film’s emotional weight to life. Johnny isn’t a flashy character—he’s grounded, gritty, and believable. The role required a certain intensity, and Sudheer delivers with just the right amount of vulnerability and grit. You can see the pain and determination in his eyes as he struggles to do right by both his fathers. According to director Abhilash Reddy Kankara, Sudheer’s performance was crucial for bringing the father-son dynamic to life, and it’s safe to say he nailed it. Veteran actor Sayaji Shinde plays the beleaguered foster father, a man with both pride and shame in his heart. Shinde’s performance adds a layer of humanity to a character often seen as flawed. Sai Chand, playing Johnny’s biological father, brings gravitas to his role as the mysterious absentee dad who re-enters Johnny’s life at a pivotal moment. Together, these performances create a layered narrative that speaks to the complexities of family life. Direction and Production: Abhilash Reddy Kankara’s Vision Abhilash Reddy Kankara, known for his work on the Loser series, has carved out a reputation for directing raw, honest stories. With Maa Nanna Superhero, Kankara takes on an ambitious tale that’s both culturally specific and universally relatable. It’s a tricky balancing act—navigating the specifics of regional identity while keeping the story’s emotional core universal. Yet, he manages to pull it off seamlessly. Backed by producers Sunil Balusu of V Celluloids and VR Global Media in association with CAM Entertainment, Maa Nanna Superhero doesn’t shy away from big, heartfelt moments. From the cinematography to the score, every technical detail contributes to the film’s rich storytelling. Sunil Balusu expressed his personal connection to the film, sharing how much it resonates with his own understanding of father-son relationships. Thematic Depth: Exploring Love, Sacrifice, and Identity At its heart, Maa Nanna Superhero is a story about the sacrifices we make for those we love. Whether it’s Johnny’s relentless pursuit of money to save his foster father or Prakash’s silent yearning to reconnect with the son he abandoned, each character is driven by a deeply personal mission. The film also delves into questions of identity: What defines family? Is it blood, or is it love and loyalty? As Johnny discovers hidden truths about his past, he grapples with what it means to be a son and a man. The movie also hits home on the realities of financial pressure. Debt is a constant, looming threat over Johnny and his foster father. It’s not often we see a Telugu movie explore financial struggles with this level of raw honesty, and Maa Nanna Superhero does so without melodrama. Why Maa Nanna Superhero Deserves Your Watchlist If you’re someone who loves a good family drama with layers, Maa Nanna Superhero has it all. Sudheer Babu’s portrayal of Johnny alone is reason enough to watch, and the compelling story structure will keep you hooked. And for international fans tuning in on ZEE5 Global, this film offers a beautiful glimpse into the complexity and warmth of Telugu cinema. ZEE5 Global brings Maa Nanna Superhero right to your screen on November 15, so grab some tissues, and prepare yourself for an emotional ride. This film promises to be more than just a tearjerker; it’s a heartfelt exploration of love, identity, and the lengths we go to for family. If you’ve been on the lookout for something that hits close to home, this movie will do the trick.