#usually its super hard to use my words but here it was easier?

[radio-sepia]

shizzle i’m having such a moment rn

ANALYSIS COMIN THROUGH

currently reading ‘the sacred and the profane’ (good omens fanfic by afrai) and listening to ‘looking back is blinding’ (chrome canyon)

and shiz okay apart from the fact that this music piece is literally perfect anytime i listen to it, now I keep thinking of it as the embodiment of Capriel’s arc, or rather, his relationship with Zirah; i get quite similar vibes from both those pieces.

because really ‘looking back...‘ for me, feels like there’s nothing left for you. you’re walking, and walking, and walking and there is no end in sight. every step you take is full of pain, but you keep going anyway. stuck in a loop of the same decision, over and over AND OVER AGAIN. you keep going, even though you KNOW you're actually going.. backwards. you're making no progress, and the only thing you're doing is hurting yourself, but you can't stop. doing what you're doing is the only comfort you have. and there is some small part of you that still holds on to hope, that maybe if you try hard enough, it will get better. as if that part had anything to hold on to. you tried to rip that hope out of yourself so many times, but apparently you can't. maybe it's the only thing keeping you alive.

and that's how i see Capriel. the only thing of value he has in his life is Zirah; and since the latter is deep into trauma induced psychopathic-like mindset characterised by zero empathy for anyone except Capriel and acts of bloodcurdling violence done without so much as a hint of remorse... yeah, you could totally equate the toxicity of that relationship with a 'bucket of carcinogen' as done so in the fic. and he keeps it up. he can't help falling back into Zirah's arms, can't help the comfort that it brings him, even though with that comes sorrow and grief and agony. he desperately wants Zirah to be different, to heal, but he knows it's practically impossible since Zirah doesn't express any interest in changing himself. but that little hope is still there, hovever small and awful. like a knife leaving him bleeding every single time the same thought enters his mind. 'he'll always be like this'.

but if he were to end it, nothing would remain. an angel, unable to die, among humans who come and go, among angels stuck in their superiority and petty rivarly with Hell, with God that doesn't seem to care about any of Her children...

[mostlysignssomeportents]

You should be using an RSS reader

On OCTOBER 23 at 7PM, I'll be in DECATUR, GEORGIA, presenting my novel THE BEZZLE at EAGLE EYE BOOKS.

No matter how hard we all wish it were otherwise, the sad fact is that there aren't really individual solutions to systemic problems. For example: your personal diligence in recycling will have no meaningful impact on the climate emergency.

I get it. People write to me all the time, they say, "What can I change about my life to fight enshittification, or, at the very least, to reduce the amount of enshittification that I, personally, experience?"

It's frustrating, but my general answer is, "Join a movement. Get involved with a union, with EFF, with the FSF. Tell your Congressional candidate to defend Lina Khan from billionaire Dem donors who want her fired. Do something systemic."

There's very little you can do as a consumer. You're not going to shop your way out of monopoly capitalism. Now that Amazon has destroyed most of the brick-and-mortar and digital stores out of business, boycotting Amazon often just means doing without. The collective action problem of leaving Twitter or Facebook is so insurmountable that you end up stuck there, with a bunch of people you love and rely on, who all love each other, all hate the platform, but can't agree on a day and time to leave or a destination to leave for and so end up stuck there.

I've been experiencing some challenging stuff in my personal life lately and yesterday, I just found myself unable to deal with my usual podcast fare so I tuned into the videos from the very last XOXO, in search of uplifting fare:

https://www.youtube.com/@xoxofest

I found it. Talks by Dan Olson, Cabel Sasser, Ed Yong and many others, especially Molly White:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTaeVVAvk-c

Molly's talk was so, so good, but when I got to her call to action, I found myself pulling a bit of a face:

But the platforms do not exist without the people, and there are a lot more of us than there are of them. The platforms have installed themselves in a position of power, but they are also vulnerable…

Are the platforms really that vulnerable? The collective action problem is so hard, the switching costs are so high – maybe the fact that "there's a lot more of us than there are of them" is a bug, not a feature. The more of us there are, the thornier our collective action problem and the higher the switching costs, after all.

And then I had a realization: the conduit through which I experience Molly's excellent work is totally enshittification-proof, and the more I use it, the easier it is for everyone to be less enshittified.

This conduit is anti-lock-in, it works for nearly the whole internet. It is surveillance-resistant, far more accessible than the web or any mobile app interface. It is my secret super-power.

It's RSS.

RSS (one of those ancient internet acronyms with multiple definitions, including, but not limited to, "Really Simple Syndication") is an invisible, automatic way for internet-connected systems to public "feeds." For example, rather than reloading the Wired homepage every day and trying to figure out which stories are new (their layout makes this very hard to do!), you can just sign up for Wired's RSS feed, and use an RSS reader to monitor the site and preview new stories the moment they're published. Wired pushes about 600 words from each article into that feed, stripped of the usual stuff that makes Wired nearly impossible to read: no 20-second delay subscription pop-up, text in a font and size of your choosing. You can follow Wired's feed without any cookies, and Wired gets no information about which of its stories you read. Wired doesn't even get to know that you're monitoring its feed.

I don't mean to pick on Wired here. This goes for every news source I follow – from CNN to the New York Times. But RSS isn't just good for the news! It's good for everything. Your friends' blogs? Every blogging platform emits an RSS feed by default. You can follow every one of them in your reader.

Not just blogs. Do you follow a bunch of substackers or other newsletters? They've all got RSS feeds. You can read those newsletters without ever registering in the analytics of the platforms that host them. The text shows up in black and white (not the sadistic, 8-point, 80% grey-on-white type these things all default to). It is always delivered, without any risk of your email provider misclassifying an update as spam:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/10/10/dead-letters/

Did you know that, by default, your email sends information to mailing list platforms about your reading activity? The platform gets to know if you opened the message, and often how far along you've read in it. On top of that, they get all the private information your browser or app leaks about you, including your location. This is unbelievably gross, and you get to bypass all of it, just by reading in RSS.

Are your friends too pithy for a newsletter, preferring to quip on social media? Unfortunately, it's pretty hard to get an RSS feed from Insta/FB/Twitter, but all those new ones that have popped up? They all have feeds. You can follow any Mastodon account (which means you can follow any Threads account) via RSS. Same for Bluesky. That also goes for older platforms, like Tumblr and Medium. There's RSS for Hacker News, and there's a sub-feed for the comments on every story. You can get RSS feeds for the Fedex, UPS and USPS parcels you're awaiting, too.

Your local politician's website probably has an RSS feed. Ditto your state and national reps. There's an RSS feed for each federal agency (the FCC has a great blog!).

Your RSS reader lets you put all these feeds into folders if you want. You can even create automatic folders, based on keywords, or even things like "infrequently updated sites" (I follow a bunch of people via RSS who only update a couple times per year – cough, Danny O'Brien, cough – and never miss a post).

Your RSS reader doesn't (necessarily) have an algorithm. By default, you'll get everything as it appears, in reverse-chronological order.

Does that remind you of anything? Right: this is how social media used to work, before it was enshittified. You can single-handedly disenshittify your experience of virtually the entire web, just by switching to RSS, traveling back in time to the days when Facebook and Twitter were more interested in showing you the things you asked to see, rather than the ads and boosted content someone else would pay to cram into your eyeballs.

Now, you sign up to so many feeds that you're feeling overwhelmed and you want an algorithm to prioritize posts – or recommend content. Lots of RSS readers have some kind of algorithm and recommendation system (I use News, which offers both, though I don't use them – I like the glorious higgeldy-piggeldy of the undifferentiated firehose feed).

But you control the algorithm, you control the recommendations. And if a new RSS reader pops up with an algorithm you're dying to try, you can export all the feeds you follow with a single click, which will generate an OPML file. Then, with one click, you can import that OPML file into any other RSS reader in existence and all your feeds will be seamlessly migrated there. You can delete your old account, or you can even use different readers for different purposes.

You can access RSS in a browser or in an app on your phone (most RSS readers have an app), and they'll sync up, so a story you mark to read later on your phone will be waiting for you the next time you load up your reader in a browser tab, and you won't see the same stories twice (unless you want to, in which case you can mark them as unread).

RSS basically works like social media should work. Using RSS is a chance to visit a utopian future in which the platforms have no power, and all power is vested in publishers, who get to decide what to publish, and in readers, who have total control over what they read and how, without leaking any personal information through the simple act of reading.

And here's the best part: every time you use RSS, you bring that world closer into being! The collective action problem that the publishers and friends and politicians and businesses you care about is caused by the fact that everyone they want to reach is on a platform, so if they leave the platform, they'll lose that community. But the more people who use RSS to follow them, the less they'll depend on the platform.

Unlike those largely useless, performative boycotts of widely used platforms, switching to RSS doesn't require that you give anything up. Not only does switching to RSS let you continue to follow all the newsletters, webpages and social media accounts you're following now, it makes doing so better: more private, more accessible, and less enshittified.

Switching to RSS lets you experience just the good parts of the enshitternet, but that experience is delivered in manner that the new, good internet we're all dying for.

My own newsletter is delivered in fulltext via RSS. If you're reading this as a Mastodon or Twitter thread, on Tumblr or on Medium, or via email, you can get it by RSS instead:

https://pluralistic.net/feed/

Don't worry about which RSS reader you start with. It literally doesn't matter. Remember, you can switch readers with two clicks and take all the feeds you've subscribed to with you! If you want a recommendation, I have nothing but praise for Newsblur, which I've been paying $2/month for since 2011 (!):

https://newsblur.com/

Subscribing to feeds is super-easy, too: the links for RSS feeds are invisibly embedded in web-pages. Just paste the URL of a web-page into your RSS reader's "add feed" box and it'll automagically figure out where the feed lives and add it to your subscriptions.

It's still true that the new, good internet will require a movement to overcome the collective action problems and the legal barriers to disenshittifying things. Almost nothing you do as an individual is going to make a difference.

But using RSS will! Using RSS to follow the stuff that matters to you will have an immediate, profoundly beneficial impact on your own digital life – and it will appreciably, irreversibly nudge the whole internet towards a better state.

Tor Books as just published two new, free LITTLE BROTHER stories: VIGILANT, about creepy surveillance in distance education; and SPILL, about oil pipelines and indigenous landback.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/10/16/keep-it-really-simple-stupid/#read-receipts-are-you-kidding-me-seriously-fuck-that-noise

[hyptrance1]

Hypnosis Challenge 4 : Hypnosis Boogaloo 

Hi guys, this is my fourth hypnosis challenge, and the first one I have written since probably 2019. I have had a lot of people asking for a new one so here it is. The goal is simple: try not to get hypnotized while reading this. If you don’t congratulations, you won! I’m super happy for you. If you do lose the challenge and go under, you’ll be given a post hypnotic suggestion to dm me your first name, age, and a phrase. If you dont want to do that, then my best advice is to not do this and leave now 😅. Simple as that. If you do decide to do this, just know that this is 18+ so don’t continue if you’re not of age. I mean it. Alright, that seems to be enough forewarning, so without further ado, let the challenge begin and good luck!

I’ve done a lot of these text inductions before and from one sub that has gone under to them a lot, he says that this is how he usually finds himself when he starts reading one of these inductions. He says that he tries to not get too comfortable, because getting too comfortable especially when reading makes it that much easier to focus on my words in front of him. Mind you, he also says that reading those first few sentences, just like diving into a book that you really want to read or a movie that you really want to see, sucks your attention is so that without even realizing it he’s shifting in his seat or in bed, getting into a more comfortable position while reading my words. It’s almost like a subconscious reaction, just settling in to focus on something. It makes sense, we are programmed to try and get comfortable when focusing on something, makes it easier to read and focus. Our bodies just want to get comfortable anyways, so completely makes sense to me. 

He then says that the wording I use for the induction is pretty nice. It’s like he’s reading his own thoughts sometimes. Usually he says he hears it in his own voice, like an inner monologue, slow and rhythmic. I don’t intentionally do this mind you, it’s just the way that I write tends to be easy enough to read, at a good pace, and sounds just like someone talking to you. He said that I also use words meant to make the reader focus more, like follow, focus, simple, easy. I don’t really understand what he means by this, but I get the gist that the words I use make it easy for people to focus and pay attention to. It’s not too hard to understand. I don’t use big, difficult words. It’s all just pretty simple. 

He then says that I do a good job at describing how he feels when he is reading my words, what his body feels. His breathing slows down and then his body just seems to relax with him. That was an easy one to explain to him. How our bodies start to naturally just relax when we slowly begin to inhale fully and gently exhale completely. It allows for more air to get into our bodies, which allows for our muscles to begin the process of relaxing. He called it melting into his seat, which is cute, but relaxing is the better way to describe it. Usually I remind people that each slow inhale and gentle exhale is also doing something for them as well. Each slow inhale allowing for more positive emotions to begin filling the body: happiness, calm, relaxation. Every gentle exhale though does the opposite, it allows for all the negatives to leave the person and allow for them to relax further. Less worries, cares, stress. It can just be breathed out while you allow your body to relax and focus on the positive feelings coming in with every slow inhale. 

Usually I focus on the lowest part of the body and work my way up, but its also nice sometimes to just have the person picture where they hold in the most stress in their bodies and let the tension their go first. For me it’s the shoulders. I always seem to have a lot of tension there, so I would imagine as I am slowly inhaling all this relaxation flowing into my shoulders, pushing out any stress, tension, or tightness for me to gently exhale. I can feel my shoulders get heavier then, sink lower down my sides. Then, when I feel I have gotten rid of all the negative in that part of my body, I would move onto the next part, and then the next. Allowing the slow inhale to unstick the negative things from their place and the gentle exhale to breathe them out. 

But I forgot why we’re here, to focus on an induction. My sub says that the next thing I do is tease him a little bit, say that he is having trouble looking away from my words even though the goal of the induction is to try and not go under. I would say something like, “you can look away all you want, but you notice that your eyes slowly continue to return to their spot on the page, and you find that you continue reading at a slow and easy pace”. He says that anytime he reads that he remembers he’s supposed to try and resist, and tries to look away, but his eyes always return back to the same part of the reading. Again and again, trying to look away all the while his eyes just return to the thing they know he wants to continue reading. It’s cute how he says it can be frustrating resisting when my words make it so easy to relax and focus on. 

He lastly said that I just seem to relate to the guys that read my words. I understand that it’s not always my relaxing words or easy phrases that make a guy finally sink completely to my words. We are all normal people, some of us are stressed, some of us have had a long day, some of us have just come back from work or the gym, and some of us and just wanting to goo deeper into that mindless, empty, peaceful feeling. Whatever the case, that also contributes to guys going under to my words as well. 

It is usually at this point in the induction that I find a guy is probably relaxed enough, calm enough, and focused enough to try and take under completely. By this time their slow inhaling and gentle exhaling has caused most of the negativity in their body to be filled with positive, comfortable feelings, and their bodies are usually relaxed by this point. Their minds focused on my words, there’s really nothing else left to do besides count down from ten, letting  them know that their minds will sink deeper and deeper with each number until, when I reach 0, they will be completely hypnotized. I usually ask if they understand that, especially since if they are so relaxed, reading further will take them under and they will lose the challenge, but the challenge usually doesn’t seem important to them now that they’re so content reading my words, listening to them floating in their heads, and wanting to go completely hypnotized. So I begin. 

10

The countdown is slow, with spaces in between to remind guys how they’re feeling. 

9

Still slowly inhaling and gently exhaling. Allowing for the rest of their worries and stress to disappear from their bodies. 

8

No need to worry about thinking or thoughts when you’re so focused on my words. 

7

Completely relaxing your muscles. 

6

Gently exhaling your thoughts.

5

My words filling your mind.

4

Simple. Easy. Relaxing. 

3

As you allow yourself. 

2

To sink. 

1

Completely Hypnotized.

0

Empty. 

Now at this moment you just wanted to continue to read. Continue to follow the words in front of you. At this point you feel yourself hypnotized and entranced by my words. This lovely feeling is enveloping you like a comfy blanket. 

You should also know, if you are feeling so good and relaxed, that you are under hypnosis. As a reminder, this meant that you lost the challenge and had to complete a task for me. The task is simple. When you wake up from this trance you can dm me your first name, age, and that you lost the challenge and were hypnotized by my words. If you do not wish to complete this post hypnotic suggestion, please feel free not to complete it and to disregard the rest of this paragraph. For those of you that are okay with following this direction, you can feel that post hypnotic suggestion flow into your mind with the rest of my words, ready to be followed when you wake up. 

Which, in another moment you will wake when I count to 3. I want you to all feel nice, relaxed, and hoary when you wake from this trance, content and feeling well rested. You will feel peaceful from your time reading these words. Now:

1

Thoughts returning to your mind

2

Becoming more alert, more awake, more conscious. 

3

Wide awake. 

Wide, wide awake. 

Alright then, hopefully you enjoyed this new rendition of an old classic challenge. If you won or lost, congratulations and I hope that you enjoyed yourself somehow. If you have questions comments or concerns feel free to let me know. Other than that, until I do another one of these…if I do another one of these…maybe. 

Have a good one. 

[cupcakeinat0r]

Do you have any tips on how to not make a hcs or drabble fics so long? I feel like I always go too crazy and don't know how to shorten anything. I want it to feel satisfying to read with out leaving out too much but it always ends up being like 4k words by the end. I'm trying to half that.

Your professor Miguel fics are what are inspiring me to write for Miguel again but I'm not ready to jump into anything super long winded.

Hi nonnie! <3

First, let me just say *sniff* MY fic inspired you?! 😭😭😭😭😭😭 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 pls, omg, what an honor!!! I’m so glad!!! Thank you for reading 🫶And please, take your time!!! Smart move if it’s been a while.

Advice down below! There’s a lot because I simply do not know how to shut up <3

Word counts, *sigh* what a debacle.

A majority of my work are drabbles or one-shots, and I’ve gotten comments/messages asking for “longer works!”, but then my first series that had long chapters didn’t do so hot. Its confusing! It’s really hard to gauge what’s too long or too short for the crowd, so in the end… I base it off of personal preference! Sometimes I feel like just writing out a quick lil blurb, and then there’s times when I sit down, take my time, be in the story, and write every little detail down. As a reader, I personally LOOOVE it when writers go into detail, but as a writer… I know it’s a workout to do! Easier read than done (see what I did there?).

And as for hcs, personally, EYE like it when people make em long, but to each their own!

Soooo If it’s a “short” work you’re after, than here are some quick lil tips I thought of.

1. Maybe cutting down on “excess dialogue”. What I mean is this:

They began with, “blah blah blah,” they said softly.

“Blah blah!” They responded.

All that extra stuff surrounding the actual thing that is said? You can do without it. Save word space by just doing this:

“Blah blah?”

“Blah.”

(But just make sure you hit enter on each line of dialogue so it’s easier for reader to keep track of who’s who!)

2. I would try instead of world building (describing the setting, colors, weather, etc.) to just stick to what’s happening between the characters. If you want it short, just focus on the characters and where they’re doing. Maybeeee include what they’re wearing if you really want to, but other than that, it helps keep it to the point when the “scene” is all about the exchange. For example:

X met up with y and they smiled. The greeted each other before going inside the cafe to catch up.

Rather than:

On a hot summer day, x walked along until they got to the cafe they were supposed to meet y in. They found them at the entrance, waving at them excitedly, “hey Y!” They began. “Hey X!” They responded. They both walked into the quaint, cozy cafe and ordered their usuals.

See what I mean? Instead of writing every single thing out, just trust that the reader will assume. Like… we know they said hi to each other… and ordered coffee… at a cafe… it’s the obvious things like this. There’s no need to type it out unless they’ve said/done something out of the ordinary OR if the extra thing you’re typing out actually adds to the plot/development. This simply helps with getting to the point (Again, this is if you’re wanting to do a short Drabble, one-shot, blurb, etc. . I, however, don’t do this when it comes to chapters or fics. I write every single detail out, idc!!!)

3. Don’t be afraid of time skipping. For instance (using my example from above), does the part where they talk in the cafe contribute anything to the intended plot? Any character development? Does it reveal anything new? No? Skip it. Go to the part where they go home and, idk, make out or something (if it’s a smut you’re writing lmao).

I know it’s easy to get distracted and start describing every little thing, from the color of that leaf that fell to the ground, to the twitch of the character’s eye or something, I do it all the time, which is okay! You don’t have to go back and hit delete! Just keep going, don’t break the flow. You’re writing it for a reason, so don’t let the worry of wanting to provide something “shorter” or “easier” for readers get in the way of your creativity. It’s not worth compromising. I know we writers say it to ourselves religiously, but there’s is no such thing as “too crazy”. That’s a myth.

But please also keep in mind that your wellness is priority. Do not try to force any writing for the sake of time or demand. I gave you some tips on shortening a teensy bit, but do not worry if your writing is ‘too much’, there’s no such thing in my opinion<3

Thank you so much for sending this in and I hope this was at least a little bit of help! And please, tag me if/when you post your work! I wanna support you!!!

Have a nice day/night, luv xoxo

[sewer-freak]

LONG ASS MESSAGE WARNING!!!! I have Things to Share! You've not been super online lately so I've complied sum shit that may be of interest to you.

(turning off my pink text bc normal text is easier on the eyes for big messages likethis)

I've Accepted that my instinctive feelings toward your buddy Cain are. Different from yours and uhhhuhhhhh usually try not to make Too big a thing of it. (TBH, I get an instinctive bad vibe from. Most people. So that on its own isn't enough to go off of anyway.)

however!!!! I have reason to believe that he is The Kiwi Creep. (<- I gave him a name like they do for prolific killers)

Firstly, I present to you: These posts! I'm not a huge fan of this girl's either, but it is super useful that people just confess their dark incriminating secrets to her sometimes.

https://www.tumblr.com/heavensentofficial/757394760772337664/everything-is-alright-yes-its-just-not?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/heavensentofficial/757737395132186624/apologies-for-the-late-acknowledgment-thank-you?source=share

(The second one has confirmation that this the same person that's been harassing you!)

"Anyway, I’ve been intentionally misleading people. Or, one particular person.

She’s someone I truly hold dear and appreciate, yet I’ve been anonymously sending her sadistic, lewd fantasies I have about her. They make her scared and uncomfortable, but every time I send them, she comes to me for help. …Without knowing it’s me."

"I can’t keep up the act anymore, I feel as if everything’s blurring together. I’m hurting her. Yet I’m the person she seeks comfort from. She’s coming to the very person who’s causing her issues in the first place and she has no idea."

Sound familiar???

I find it interesting too that The Kiwi Creep instead of going to Cain like you suggested went to this totally uninvolved person! (Kind of like how you never see Batman and Bruce Wayne in the same room!)

Coincidence? I for one think not!

If this isn't enough, he recently announced he'd be going on break.

https://www.tumblr.com/divinetouchdown/757916668887515136/hello-all-i-have-an-important-announcement-to?source=share

To do what? To handle an issue offline with higher ups at the temple. Guess he decided the coal-walking wasn't enough...

I don't usually go there anymore bc the local temple is built on abuse, puritanical hypocrisy and stuffing people into nasty, hard to clean chastity devices, but because I wanted to get to the bottom of this, I dressed up as Edin, who he'd trust, to see if I could get footage of him doing the things The Kiwi Creep said he'd do. I have some videos I can send you in DMs if you want em.

To top it all off, I got an account of his character from someone else that knows him.

https://www.tumblr.com/poorsadorphanposting/757925978181943296/hi-hi-%CB%86%E1%97%9C%CB%86-i-hear-youve-talked-to-one-mr?source=share

I personally think it's pretty fucking damning but you ofc are free to reach your own conclusions.

Anywayz I hope you're alright n I know this ask is probably kind of overwhelming gihfuoji;kl ... Idk if putting it all out there like this is even helpful but I feel Strongly about The Truth being important. Feel free 2 take your time n figure out how you feel about this info n stuff idfk

hi. yea sorry idont have a good consept of timr. im mot on here alot. immrlyy truing to thnk words but its hard. id o not feel well.

i also get bad vibes feom everyone but idk idk cain i felt like. like he proved hilmself to me like he was different he said he was and he was but ffXKKNG KIWI SAID HE WAS DIFFERTN AND FHAT IF I KNEW WHO HE WAS I wouldd dhnage my tone oh nnyhod im going to be sick

wwwhhatt do yiu mean “shes comjing tothe bery peraon who is causing her jssues” hes so nice why WHYDO I MAKE EVERYUONE WANT TO HURT ME?! clearly he doesnt eant to feel like that he told me it frustrated him and hedidnt know what to so with the feelings i provoked him i always dducking do this i shojldnt interact with anyone evwer

ii i i dont kniw alot about the temple 8 only know whathes told me .,,, i thought he wpuld twll me to join but he neverdid it was alwaays more like “come to me with ur issues i can fix them!” idk idk idk

can

can you send me the vjdeos

i fffrll so horrible idont know what to do

[asksythe]

Thanks for your translation and the footnotes explaining things. Those were a godsend!

If I may ask, you said you had been on the Chinese (and Vietnamese?) side of the fandom up until now, that you've been in MDZS fandom for a few years. I see that you have some MDZS English fics up recently. I love them too! The ideas are so new and fun! Do you have any favorites English fics? Why aren't you on the international side until now? You learned Mandarin just to read MDZS? That's amazing. Is it very hard? How did you do it? What gave you the idea of writing the footnotes? Are there any Chinese MDZS fics that you really like?

Thank you. I'm glad the notes were helpful to you.

Ehh... it's a lot of questions, huh.

1/ I don't have any true favorites on the international side. It's a matter of cultural differences, not the quality of the stories. MDZS... was not written with an international audience in mind. So there are a lot of tiny but deeply impactful details that just... fly over a lot of the international reader base's head. It doesn't help that Chinese is a high-context culture, the polar opposite of most Western cultures (low-context culture). So a tiny detail that doesn't mean anything to English speaking audience can be a really big deal for the Sinosphere audience.

So the English fics are written based on this foundation of cultural value mismatch and thousands of little things that don't quite line up. The result is... really weird and really jarring. So for me, I have tried reading English fics before. But usually, what happened is that I would get distracted by this thing or that thing in the story that didn't fit with the cultural setting, and I would not be able to enjoy the story at all. I'm not quite sure how else to explain this. It's like... if someone in the Sinosphere who only has a very vague understanding of say... modern American culture takes a glance at American media and equates popularity with actual governmental authority (which kinda is true in a way but not all the way) and they write a story with the premise of.. say... a young American with big dreams of becoming the president so this person starts out their career by writing long, thousand-word essays and post them on twitter to gain credibility and followers so they can then stage a coup like Jan 6th and become president, and then they use their position as president to order Amazon be the new headquarter of government and all of this is written super seriously and realistically... Like that, probably...

2/ Why aren't I on the international side of the fandom until now? Well, the reason above plus my work is hectic. I'm perpetually buried in works, scripts, drafts for books, magazine publication schedules, game publication schedules, media projects, client interviews, chasing down clients, etc... that's on top of family and my not-so-great health. This year though, I have made it my resolution to write more stuff for myself (and not paid by someone else). So that's why I'm here now.

3/ Yes, I did start to seriously learn Mandarin to read MDZS in its native language. I can't say it's easy. It's not an easy language by any stretch of the word. But it's probably fair to say it's significantly easier for me to learn it compared to a lot of other people. I'm Vietnamese. Vietnamese is a derivative of traditional Mandarin, even though our modern language is now written in the Latin alphabet. We also have a bridge language between Hanyu (Mandarin) and Vietnamese called Han Viet. This makes it much easier for a Vietnamese to learn Mandarin than most other nationalities (with the exception of Japanese and Korean, probably). Before I even learned Mandarin, with the right tool, I could already understand about 50-60 percent of Mandarin writings, provided it's not ancient writing (which goes by different rules). It also helps that modern Vietnam has really good access to Chinese media, both modern and old.

I practice by translating Chinese MDZS fics into Vietnamese. I translated 10 series in total last year, with each series averaging around 50-80k words. I recently dabbled in translating Chinese poems into English (There's no use translating Chinese poems into Vietnamese. Han Viet is built for that express purpose already.)

4/ There are a ton of Chinese fics that are really good. I can't even begin to list them. I have seen some of the first-generation MDZS fics that were so good they ended up influencing MXTX herself, ending with her accepting the details posited in those stories as part of MDZS canon. They are all on the Chinese side of the internet though, mostly on lofter and weibo.

5/ The idea of the footnotes came from a friend, really. I sometimes spontaneously rant at @erimies about MDZS. Haha, I should thank her for being so patient. Back then, she wasn't even in MDZS. Well, even now, she's only started to read a little. But basically, during my fairly one-sided ranting (or gushing), we would stumble into cultural concepts that she didn't understand and had no basis for. So I would explain these things to her, which sometimes would become entire essays in our chat box. So when I translated, I remembered this point, that international fans probably miss a lot of cultural concepts and references, so I made sure to add in explanations.

[cozage]

Happy birthday Cozage!! 💙💙💙 I already told you this (if you remember the blue hearts) but I LOVE your writing!

I have a question!

When I was younger (Lol this sound as if I'm super old but I'm very close to your age) I really enjoyed writing fics with my favourite characters. Fast forward years passed and now I miss that feeling, but I can't sit down and write anything now.

I don't know why but I just can't. I really want to start again because it brings me so much joy, but everytime I try to start, I can't write more than two sentences that I finally delete.

Do you have some advice for this? How do you approach your writing or what do you do? I know it's a strange and very abstract question, but thank you for at least read this!! 💙

Omg yes I do still remember you of course!!!

Writer's block is very painful and frustrating for sure. I do a few things to try my best to combat it.

My free time is spent thinking about prompts or scenarios. I'm such a dissociating person that on drives or showers or boring meetings I'll just start thinking about One Piece or other fandoms. I allow my brain to drift, and most of the time I have ideas about things before I even sit down and write.

I skip the hard stuff. When I have two plot points, but I don't know how to get between A and B, I will literally put [SOMETHING HERE] and then come back to it. Can't find a specific word? [WORD LIKE _____]. Basically anything that keeps me from continuing my flow of consciousness, I put a placeholder to come back to. When I do my first level of edits, I usually do a quick search for the "[" button so I can see what needs to fill in. It's easier to write the hard parts when you have a more of a fleshed out story (and sometimes I've connected the dots by the time I come back to it)

When I write, I start with writing whatever I actually want to write. Stories don't usually need a lead in or intro (and if they do, I write it later). If there's dialogue I think of, I write it as soon as I think of it and just keep it at the bottom of the page to use later.

Sometimes I go back and watch my favorite episodes (or the new ones) to get inspiration. For One Piece, its almost always Alabasta or Skypiea (my comfort arcs), but sometimes I watch the Wano episodes too when I feel up to it. It helps me recenter my mindset and bring myself back to those characters.

I really hope that helps! And I really hope you start writing! Even if it's just a few minutes each day, I hope it slowly comes back to you and you start to love it and find joy in it again :)

[junkissed]

hihi im starting a writing blog for svt but im relatively new to tumblr and its mechanics and all the etiquette and things like that. also im a jun biased and im weird in the way where i don't usually have inspo for other members? if that makes sense? so like idk is there anything i need to know or is it relatively acceptable to mostly only write for one or two members?

also sidenote but i really love some of your writings ahaha match of the season is my favourite :D thank you so much if you ever reply!

no that totally makes sense! i would say most authors on here will write for ot13 but they definitely write more for their bias than any other member. i feel the same way, for me it's easier to write for jun than for other members (and also i love him lol) so my writing ends up being like 90% jun and 10% other members. which is completely fine! at the end of the day it's your blog and your writing, and you should write for whoever you feel comfortable writing for and whoever gives you the most motivation. there are hundreds of writers on this site so if one writer only writes for a couple of members, it doesn't mean the other members won't get written :) nobody says you're required to write certain things or for certain members!

if you intentionally leave out one member but write for all the rest (i've seen writers who write ot12 and exclude jun because they aren't attracted to him), you might get some side eyes but again that is your choice. i personally wouldn't say a hard no to any members and i'll give them all my best shot, but that's my blog, and your blog is up to you.

as for things you'd need to know, i'd say the number one thing is interact with people! the best way to get interaction on your own work is to reblog and comment on other fics. as i'm sure you've heard me say before, reblogs are the most important feature on this site! it basically boils down to, treat others how you would want to be treated by reblogging their works and leaving feedback, even if it's just a simple "i really loved this!!!". it makes you stand out in our notifs and if you're also a writer it might even get you a new mutual.

other tips off the top of my head:

have a masterlist post (helps people find all your fics in one place) and have a guidelines post (makes it clear what you're comfy with)

DO NOT PLAGIARIZE AND DO NOT STEAL ANYONE ELSE'S WRITING (this one is in caps bc super super important!!! you can take ideas or inspiration from someone else but you cannot take their words or their writing. you'd think this one would be obvious but plagiarism happens a lot more than you'd think)

if you're inspired by someone else, tag them in your fic! it shows respect to the original author, and you should tag them whether it was from a fic you read or if they helped you brainstorm ideas. it doesn't have to be a super long thing, just a little "inspired by @onlyhuis's fic!!" is more than enough, but it goes a long way :)

like i said, you can write for whoever you want, whenever you want! when ppl start interacting you it's gonna be stressful because you want to make them happy and put out new fics often, but just remember that it's your blog and you get the final say on everything. don't put pressure on yourself to write constantly because you will get burned out and i promise it will not be fun!

if people send things that make you uncomfy, don't be afraid to delete (or block) them. it's your blog and your boundaries so don't feel guilty for standing up for yourself. also, ignore answer hate asks because they're just looking for attention so don't give it to them

trigger things properly! this is the little section before the fic that says "warnings". don't censor any words (using punctuation like bl00d or d3ath instead of typing blood or death) because it defeats the purpose of ppl who have those keywords filtered, so type out the whole word uncensored. this is a courtesy for people so they can choose to avoid content that may be harmful to them. (this also counts towards visual works, a lot of ppl use tags like "tw flashing" on gifsets)

speaking of tags, when you post be sure to put tags on it! it's the section at the bottom of your post with all the #'s. if you click on any of my fics you can see that i use tags like "jun smut", "seventeen scenarios", etc. these tags help people find what they want to read (but only tag relevant things; don't put "mingyu smut" on a jeonghan fic unless mingyu is actually in the fic). if you aren't sure which tags to use or how to format things, feel free to look at other fics for examples. if you read a lot of fics you might see there's a pretty standard way of doing it

the tags i use like "june.txt" and "june writes" are organizational tags. when you click on, for example, my "june writes" tag, the results are only my fics that have that tag. it basically organizes things into categories (which imo is the best part of tumblr) and it makes it easier to find different types of posts. it also allows people to filter those tags so posts with that tag don't show up (for example, i require minors on my blog to block the tag "minors dni" so that nothing nsfw is shown to them)

again like i said, don't be shy! make friends, join networks, send asks to people, reblog fics, etc etc. interacting with others is the #1 way to make writer friends :)

just a general tumblr tip: no one can see how many followers you have except you, so don't try to make it a competition of who has the most. it's what makes tumblr different from tw*tter and insta and it makes the social media experience a lot more casual because there's no influencers here. it's like a diary where you scream into the void and sometimes ppl scream back. a lot of writers do milestone events (i recently had one for hitting 1k followers) but you aren't required to do those either

if you have any questions about tags, filtering keywords, and other tumblr stuff like that, don't be afraid to ask! any tumblr veteran is more than willing to help break down our weird system to new bloggers

be proud of your work! even if it doesn't get many notes or feedback it doesn't mean you're a bad writer. writing should be fun and something you can enjoy doing, so don't make it seem like a chore by focusing too hard on numbers

i can't think of any more but here's my tag for important posts & info for new tumblrs users that you can look thru for more! i hope this helps :) and when you start your blog send me another ask!! i would love to be your first follower <3

[spacejammie-eimmajecaps]

I've been working on a long fic for almost 2 years now (300k words into it at this point), and there are a few things that help me a lot.

I'll try to make this coherent, but fair warning, I'm very tired today and it's hard to organize my thoughts.

-----

The first thing I do is make an outline, in which I do a numbered list or bulletpoint list of what's going to happen in the story. That helps me give the idea shape and direction.

-----

After that, I fill out character sheets so I know who is doing what, and why.

I'll share the template I use. I don't fill it out all the way for characters that only appear in the background, but I try to fill out all of it for the main characters. The bigger role the character has, the more detail their character sheet gets.

This may be overkill to some people. It's certainly not necessary, especially for oneshots and short fics. But I've found it very helpful for writing something super long.

An alternative could be just writing a background paragraph (or page) for each character.

-----

After filling out the character sheets, I usually have to adjust the outline to reflect the discoveries I made during that process.

-----

Next, there are two different approaches I've taken.

1. Draft the whole thing.

2. Draft, finish, and post one chapter at a time.

I prefer the second approach. It's easier to handle one piece at a time, at least for me personally. Doing it that way also allows me to change the outline as needed while the story progresses, rather than risk having to re-write entire chapters later on because of changes that happened early in the story (when doing the second draft).

-----

This next thing has been VERY, VERY, VERY important for me as I work on a fic that has multiple story arcs, multiple subplots, and many chapters.

I've learned to evolve my outline as I go.

By that I mean, I start with an outline that gives an overview of what happens in each chapter. The plan for each chapter might be a few sentences or even a few paragraphs. It might have notes (such as "remember not to reveal xyz yet" or "hint at xyz" or "it's winter; snow might be nice for setting"). It keeps the story on track and gives a vague idea of what should/might happen in each chapter.

However, sometimes plans change. I might discover that the chapter wants to be different than I was expecting, and it might drift away from the outline a little (or a lot). I've learned to embrace this. As long as it makes sense for the story overall (and doesn't create a huge plot hole), these changes can be fun (because unexpected changes keep it interesting for me).

Now, here's where the evolution of the outline comes into play.

After I finish/post a chapter, I go back to the outline and change what was written for that chapter. In its place, I type out anywhere from 1/4 a page to a full page that summarizes what happened in the chapter.

In this summmary, I like to include a description of the events that happen in the chapter, bits of dialogue that are important (either for understanding the character, or because that dialogue hints at something that's going to happen, reveals something from the past, or will be referenced later), changes to how a character looks (did they get a new scar? A haircut? Have they lost weight from an illness?), setting details that feel important, and anything else that stands out to me.

Summarizing each chapter in the outline as I go has really helped me keep track of things. I tend to get overwhelmed with so much to remember, and I don't want to have to re-read the whole fic every time I need to refresh my memory of past events.

I do like to re-read the fic occasionally, mind you. But 300k words is a lot to read and it's only going to get longer as I keep posting new chapters.

Reading the outline takes way less time. I usually read it in between chapters (though you could do it much less often that that) (I have chronic illnesses that give me brain fog, so it's hard for me to keep track of things without a lot of help).

Anyway, my outline is extremely detailed for all the chapters I've written/posted so far, but it's vague for the chapters that still need to be written. And I re-read as needed.

---

A few other things, in no particular order:

Keep a list of subplots and add to it whenever you introduce a new one, so that you don't forget to wrap them up

Make a doc for setting descriptions (so you can check those details easily when you go back to that place later in the story)

Draw floor plans, maps, and other visuals aids (they don't have to look good)

Have a cuts/trash doc for stuff that you had to take out of a chapter but don't want to lose forever (or might be able to use later)

Make a playlist, or multiple playlists (I do a playlist per story arc and sometimes give certain characters a playlist). I've found that music helps me get into the right mindset before I write a chapter, especially if I've mentally tied it to a certain character or subplot

Take breaks regularly!!! If you've got a fic that's taking months or years, you're going to need regular breaks to rest and recharge your creativity. Go read something or watch a show or enjoy another hobby for a while. (I usually write for 3 weeks and then take 1 week off. If I feel I'm approaching creative burnout, I take a longer break)

Don't feel like you have to commit to a posting schedule. For me, having a deadline would be stressful and unpleasant, especially because I have periods of time where I'm too sick to write. I just post chapters when they are done, however long that takes

Do you have any advice and how to write a long fic?

I'll encourage long fic writers to add on in the notes, but as someone who tends to prefer short and medium-length fic, I'll tell you how I go about it.

Get a premise that you just absolutely love. You're going to be writing this thing for months, if not longer, so you want it to be something you're willing to spend a lot of time thinking about.

Embrace subplots. You'll have your main plotline that you want to see through from beginning to end, but you can also weave in some subplots here or there. The way I do this so that I don't get lost down a rabbit hole is that I always make sure that every chapter has at least 1 thing that moves the main plot forward and then if I want to spend 1-2K with some side characters doing something fun I can do that as well. Subplots can extend for the length of the full narrative, but they can also just last a chapter or three. If you're used to writing short fic, these might give you that familiar feeling of "completion"

A chapter is only as long as it needs to be. Don't get hung up on having a consistent chapter length. Don't get hung up on hitting some arbitrary number every time. Instead, figure out what the next part of your story needs to include and write however many words it takes to get that chunk across. Varying your chapter lengths is a normal thing to do and not something to stress about.

The next thing that I find important personally may or may not be relevant to you, but I find that I can't plot anything in much detail. If I get too into the nitty gritty with my plotting, it just feels like I've already written it. I need to keep it at the level of "And then A and B meet C and hijinks ensue." I can figure out the particular hijinks later. It's the characters meeting up that's the next important thing for me to figure out. Getting too far ahead of myself is a death knell for me in writing long fics, but there are other writers who swear by it. Test out different ways of approaching it and see what works for you.

As someone who tends to write more briefly, another feature that's common to longer fics is more extensive descriptions. People spend time painting visual pictures of the setting or the characters or the actions that are happening. Write the more bare-bones style that focuses more on dialogue (if you're like me) and then go back and read through what you've just written and see if there are opportunities to add in more detail. This can lead to some really interesting characterization choices and also help you out with worldbuilding.

When it comes to worldbuilding, you don't have to get it all on the page. You just need to share what's relevant for the reader in that moment and what is useful to lay out now so that it's already there in a future chapter. You can have an encyclopedic knowledge of how your world works in your head, but it's not actually necessary. No one is going to be quizzing you later - and if they do, you can always figure it out at that point.

Most important for me when I'm trying to get myself to the end of a longer fic, have a friend or a group of friends who are also into what you're writing - or at least willing to hear you get excited about it. Being able to get excited about your work is so important. It's like a bottle of water being handed to you on mile 10 of a marathon.

[benefits1986]

hors d'vorzzzz

So what now?

The Divorce Bill has passed very recently, so here we are, finally. While the SOGIE Bill is still under fire and rage, at least we're a step closer to a more holistic way of choosing The Last One. While I don't believe in marriage for a number of reasons, being pro-divorce is something I find curious. First, it's pro-choice. I do get the idea that the family is meant to be kept even when it's tough and it may also get tougher, however, having a way out is a choice that is more accessible. I'm not saying that it dumbs down the sanctity of marriage, I think marriage holds its rights in the same manner that it's a serious responsibility, too. I just don't want a dead-end for married couples especially families that are burnt to the ground out of irreparable hate.

Speaking of hate, I still believe that the opposite of love is not hate. It's apathy. Not giving a fuck is way different than lashing out at your partner, right? Having no stake in whatever your partner is doing just hits home hard. Also, love is not just an emotion. It's an action word, so there you go.

What's interesting is that the PH version of divorce is kinda uhm. LOL. It's not easy, but again, better to have a backup plan that you wouldn't want to use unless super urgent and super important.

Perhaps, the best way to put it is that, having an easier way out than annulment makes couples think things through. I haven't been married ever, but, I've seen how numerous weddings and marriages are challenged. What are the non-negotiables? I guess it's when there's no respect at most times. That's the bottom line along with acceptance and adjustment. I guess I've seen how my dad and mom had to power through as we faced several curveballs as a family.

The power through chapters do not involve an illegitimate child nor an irate third party, however, we have gone through health-related challenges that caused one too many crazy adventures and misadventures. Looking back, our crazy family didn't tap out. We had so many ways to escape and conjure a grand alibi, but we chose not to. We opted to stick with each other even when things were not giving what they're supposed to give.

I guess this is what I'm proud of about my insane family. It's easy to divorce each other especially when there's no assurance that my tiny brother and my aging mom are gonna live longer ages ago. However, we're solid even when we share diverse viewpoints. And that is why, divorce is not merely a way out, it's a way to move forward. I believe that not choosing divorce may mean a stronger foundation even when it's shaky and almost non-existent.

You just don't throw in the towel because it's easier. You ought to try your best and allow your family to invade your space. In the same manner, a healthy relationship does not take up too much space, especially your headspace. Setting boundaries is the key to not arrive at the divorce destination. This is where a solid partnership against all shit comes in. It takes all members of the household to get shit done. It also takes all members of the household to fuck things up.

Gone are the eras when women are but nurturers. These days, since women are gaining a growing purchasing power, chances are, that women would theoretically have an advantage. These women who are able to fulfill the two roles that are usually for the XX and XY, perhaps even better at some points, right?

When VAWC is on the hot plate at the dinner table, I'm all out and proud to see this bill pass. I've witnessed how micro-violent attacks build a fortress that either numbs or triggers the countless women who try to be a lot of things, all at once.

My hope is that divorce be accessible to anyone, anywhere, and anytime. Plus, a consistent and measurable comm plan that's easy to roll out and adjust. I don't have high hopes on this bit, however, baka naman 'di ba?

[dreamingdruka]

Thank you for the kind words 😭 You sound like you know a lot about programming too!

Yes! You were exactly right R is for registers and ramend is the low part of ram.

Right now I don't have the energy to get back into learning codding. I only do little bit of it at my job but it's deadly boring. We basically maintain a super old accounting software for factories. BUT as soon as I'm done with university I'm getting back into learning coding because I used to like it a lot. And that new popular twitch programer guy makes me think I want to make a video game lol

Are you studying to become a developer?

I almost have my degree but my thesis is not going well 🙃 If you know someone who can design electronic circuits let me know lol. I'm trying to stay positive though! There is still a chance I can do it.

Computers are just so interesting aren't they? Like if you get down to the physics of it. It's just endlessly fascinating.

(you can leak all of my asks if you whish I don't mind)

omg those are some kind words thankyouuuu and yayy i got my silly guesses right!!

i really hope you can get back to the grind of things tho! coding really is fascinating and im sorry that youre getting bored doing your job right now (altho what kinda software are you guys using, if thats okay to ask?) and omg tell me whos the guy on twitch? maybe i can use twitch to finally better my skills instead of just passively watching stuff lol

and yeah i am studying to become a developer basically, and i like machine learning stuff so im thinking of doing that. altho, the goal of my degree (engineering) is just that—getting a degree, coz its just easier to get jobs that way, even if 2 people have the exact same skill set (can u tell the education and hiring system is fucked here) i still have 1.5-2 ish years to my degree tho and i wish you the best!! and im sure you can do it❤️

electronic circuits...hmm i do not know anyone and i didnt do much of it, just 2 mandatory subjects where we had to make stuff like multiplexers adders and what not on that bread board thingies in practical classes (tbf, all subjects in this degree are mandatory we dont get to choose) and im glad theyre behind me the theory classes of those were nightmares

computers are so fascinating yess like youre telling me i can tell it to do whatever if i just try hard enough? (or well if im smart enough?) thats amazing! there was a time i was more interested in the physics part of it like the hardware and electronics stuff, but it got increasingly difficult and i couldnt keep up lol so im just sticking to my lovely softwares. alteast they treat me well (usually) (if they want)

[tr4nscel]

Just filling these all out right here for August.

Misogyny- maybe not, but he would be good at it! He's too quiet and anxious and stuttery to actually host a TV show but I could see him on some rigged game show.

He had a super cheap acoustic guitar that had a huge hole in it but some of its strings ended up snapping and he gave up on it. He hasn't really touched anything else since.

August was a very random choice that just popped into my head, but it fit nicely. Otherwise a feminine name could work? As a sorta thing of his parent wanted a girl and sorta neglected him. That's almost his lore right now, except for being born in August so instead of him being Jessica or Emma he just got named August.

He's fine with the dark and doesn't really turn on lights most of the time (he's sorta sensitive to brightness). He doesn't have like perfect vision but it's not the worst.

Bad. Very bad. At everything. Terrible around children and just not good at anything- wouldn't be able to keep up with marking and stuff either.

Single father who probably would've fawned over him like a doll if he was a girl- but pretty much neglected him. They don't share any interests and his dad on occasion tries to talk to him or do things, but has learned that it's easier to just give August space.

Sensitive to light, loud noises, rejection, etc. Allergic to cats.

Completely alone, no doubt about it. Refuses to talk to anyone unless they initiate a conversation (and then will proceed to bitch about how people don't talk to him haha). He craves attention but will make no moves to get and tends to make an active effort to stay in his shell. If he does get it, he's not really a huge fan. Very awkward. Huge asshole.

Doesn't talk to (and hates the majority of) people. Small handful of friends with similar interests met on the web.

He doesn't try new things. He hasn't left his room in over a month.

In my mind this event hasn't happened yet but... getting outed as bi is gonna be really hard on him. Largely embarrassing but worse than that. He probably already has pretty severe self-hatred over it once he figures it out himself and since most of his circle is probably also homophobic... yeah.

His best friend is Sage! They are codependent as fuck. August makes enemies with too many people to keep track of.

Is he actually dangerous? Not really, no. But I wouldn't say that he's all bark and no bite either. He looks through 13 year old girls on Tumblr's Carrds and sends them things in their trigger list for fun. In fact, it's a kind of sport between him and Sage.

His eyesight used to be 20/20 and it isn't like... super bad, but all the screen time has definitely made his eyes deteriorate.

Night. It's darker and quieter... and he thinks it's cool to not get enough sleep.

He loves to lie! He is a terrible person!

I guess it depends for who. He would protect one of Sage's secrets hard (given that it wasn't like... him being gay or something LOL haha that's totally not a thing) but otherwise he does not care.

He sorta just freezes up in conflict. He doesn't tend to fight nor fawn. It depends on what- but it's usually flight or freeze. For freeze he spaces out and like... will not get up from his bed for a day.

He's gonna get arrested for assault or hate speech or something.

Awful hygiene. Doesn't change clothes or do laundry or anything really. If he does it's maybe once a month.

He does not want to go anywhere.

Not talking isn't an issue. He can walk quietly if he really wants to but tends not to.

He has insomnia and really struggles to fall asleep, so he kinda stops trying. He just stays up all night on VC or jacking off to eruguro until he's dozing off on the same pillow he jacks off into. That's that!

I wouldn't call him dramatic exactly but Sage can say one word to him in a tone that's a little bit off and his wrists will look like barcodes. He will also complain extensively about things but for a lot he just doesn't care.

He gets sick a lot but it doesn't really affect his schedule or anything. He just stays at home feeling like shit and taking way too many painkillers. 

He doesn't care for fancy clothing. Function over fashion. If it fits and it's comfortable it's fine.

He really despises most transportation. Driving would be ideal but he can't afford a vehicle. Public transport is fine for him if it's not super busy and crowded.

He's usually on time or a little bit late, depending on what it is. Grandpa's birthday party? Who gives a shit. Friends want to have a movie night? Now that's important.

He's low empathy (and I'm not saying it's a bad thing because I'm low empathy as well) but he just doesn't really catch onto or care about others' wellbeing.

He swears a lot. And says slurs he definitely cannot reclaim.

Fucked sense of humour. Thinks showing screamers and jumpscares and real life gore videos to kids is funny.

He acts like he's nice and describes himself as nice but he really isn't. He loves to argue about dumb shit that doesn't matter on the internet!

Listen, he really does think he's a nice dude. He gets that a bunch of people hate his guts but assumes they're always in the wrong.

He hoards things- not super severely but if he sees something especially neat to take home he will never give it up. 

He gets bored a lot but prefers it over actually doing things. He's not quite relaxed (ever) but sometimes he can come close enough.

Ideal night out is not leaving his room! Just talking to Sage for hours. In a normal guy best friend no homo way.

He's really really picky with food and has a couple safe foods he eats for every meal but for most other stuff it doesn't matter.

No energy. He's just constantly exhausted. On the rare occasion he actually gets enough rest he still wakes up as tired as before.

Loses focus quickly- unless he's really invested in it.

Both at once! He deeply hates himself but also thinks that he's better than he is.

40 OC Development Questions

I enjoy making character development questions way too much. These ones have basic and more random ones mixed in, but I tried to make them more in-depth.

Feel free to send in some asks with some numbers! Pick an oc, or I’ll pick randomly. If you reblog, I’ll roll a few dice and shoot some numbers your way, too!

If your oc was to host a TV show, what would it be about? Would your oc be good at it? What sorts of guests would appear?

Can your oc play any instruments? Have they ever wanted to learn how to play any? Why?

If you were to choose another name for your oc, what do you think it would be? Did you choose it for how it sounds or for its meaning?

How does your oc fare in the dark? Are they scared? Do they trip over things really easily or navigate like they have night vision? (Or do they have night vision?)

How well would your oc fare as a teacher? What subject would they be best at teaching? What about the worst?

What was your oc’s relationship with their parents like? If they didn’t have any parents/didn’t know them, who in their life was the closest to a parent to them?

Does your oc have any allergies, intolerances, or other sensitivities? How dangerous is it? Does this affect their daily life in any way?

Does your oc prefer being in a crowd or being completely alone? How many people can be around them before they get uncomfortable?

How easily does your oc make friends? Do they have difficulty talking to new people? Why?

How open is your oc to trying new things? Are they the adventurous sort, or would they rather stay in their comfort zone? Why?

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to your oc?  Do they still feel ashamed for it? Were there any witnesses?

Does your oc have any best friends? Who was/is their closest friend? What about their worst enemy?

How dangerous is your oc? Are they completely innocent, or someone to be feared? Do others know?

What is your oc’s vision like? Do they require glasses, are they completely blind, or do they have 20/20 vision? Does this have an effect on their life?

What is your oc’s favourite time of day? Why is this? Do they have a daily practice during this time?

How often does your oc lie? Why is that? What was the biggest lie they’ve ever told?

How well can your oc keep secrets? Is there a difference between how they handle their own vs someone else’s? To what lengths would they go to keep something hidden?

How does your oc fare in an emergency situation? Do they panic, do they freeze, do they take charge?

If your oc were to be arrested for something, what would it be for? For being too kind, for a legitimate crime?

What is your oc’s personal hygiene like? Is it important to them? What is their daily routine for this like?

Are there any public events your oc would love to go to? Concerts, plays, movies, parties, etc? What about ones that they would hate? Why?

How quiet or loud is your oc? Are they easily capable of sneaking around without being heard, or do they feel it’s impossible to stop talking?

How difficult is it for your oc to get to sleep? Do they fall asleep the moment they hit the pillow, or do they have insomnia? Any reason why?

How dramatic is your oc? Do they make a big deal over every little thing, or do they fail to react to even the most crazy of events?

How does your oc handle being sick? Do they pretend not to be? Do they complain a lot? How susceptible to getting sick are they?

How stylistically fancy is your oc? Or would they rather go for comfort and plainness instead?

What’s your oc’s preferred mode of transportation? Walking, vehicle, (or in a sci-fi/magic setting) teleportation?

Is your oc always late, always early, or always right on time? Is there any reason for this?

How empathetic is your oc? Or are they closer to being a sociopath? Any reason why?

How much does your oc swear? Or do they keep completely clean? Why is this? Is there any situation where they would be the opposite?

What is your oc’s sense of humour like? What do they find funny? Do they try to be funny? Are they actually?

Is your oc a pacifist, or someone who picks fights? Why? In what situations would they be the opposite?

How does your oc’s own perception of themselves compare to how other people see them? Is your oc aware that other people see them differently (if it’s different)?

How easily does your oc throw something away? As soon as something is through with its usefulness, or are they more like a hoarder? Is there a reason?

Is your oc a workaholic, or do they find it hard to be busy at all? Do they find it easy to relax, or must they have something to do at all times? Why?

What is your oc’s ideal night out like? Or would they rather spend it at home?

How picky is your oc? Will they not accept something because of the smallest details being off, or do they not care in the slightest? Why?

How energetic is your oc? Do they have trouble sitting still or do they feel low on juice all the time? Any reason why?

Is it difficult for your oc to focus, or do they have no trouble being in the moment? Do they daydream or zone out?

How humble is your oc? Or are they closer to royal in their self-perception? Why? Is this obvious to others?

[ace-of-gay]

hi duckie,

can you please do steve/bucky with little ftm reader who's sick

Stress made ick

Daddys Stucky x sick little reader

Pronouns: he/him (trans)

No race mentioned, all inclusive (if you believe otherwise please let me know and i will work to make changes in future fics)

Warnings: age regression, names like daddy, dada, sunshine, bug, baby, bubs etc. items like paci, stuffy, items for littlespace juicebox, medicine, vomiting if im forgetting something let me know!

Word count: 1,095

Edited to the best of my ability

《~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~♡~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~》

Bucky and Steve had been busy with mission background preparations and while alone all day you filled your time trying to occupy your mind with shows, they had gotten home late to you struggling to stay awake, but no worries to that because so were they. the extra stress during this last week with setting up a mission in hopes it goes as quickly and smoothly as possible had not just effected them but also you, having abandoned your normal sleep schedule, accidentally skipping meals or just avoiding food because the stress of them leaving to a dangerous place doing things that could take their lives wracked your mind, yea maybe its for the people but what about their baby boy?.

cold chills and trembles of anxiety, a migraine from not eating and drinking enough. they had no idea of all that’s happened while they’ve been gone and surely they'd be disappointed in you, upset even, what if they were mad? They're working so hard and they shouldn't have to stress or worry about you feeling ill and not taking yourself

Due to all the stress and long shifts they opted to sleeping in a bit today, so when they awoke to you still out cold they didn't think much of it, finding it as a motivation to get a little extra cuddle time with their bumblebee, you had seemed a bit warmer than usual but they didn't mark it as worrisome as that’s bound to happen while being cuddled between two super soldiers.

It was sweet and peaceful until you started writhing trying to get out of their dead-sleep clutch, after a few moments of wiggling you manage to free yourself and make it to the bathroom to vomit, dizzy as ever and your head pounding, your physical health had caught up to your mental health, oh they were mad, you could hear it in their footsteps and the rush in Steves voice when he called for you.

A few seconds later Steve rushes in followed by a groggy Bucky, "oh sunshine, hey you’re okay, we’ve got you, were here." He hushes as tears burn tracks into your warm cheeks, Bucky rushes out as Steve picks you up, grabbing a single use disposable toothbrush and helping you brush your teeth, Bucky returns with a wow wow wubzy sippy full of cold water.

"Da-dada, up" you mumble out to Bucky realizing they’re not upset and that you were probably just hearing your heartbeat in your ears from the pain and fear of throwing up, he takes you into his arms and walks into the room helping you get changed into looser clothing consisting of track shorts and one of their shirts.

Steve getting the medicine and holding for you to take it with a quick juice box chaser, you whine out in quiet protest but it doesn't go far when both of them make stern 'im not having this attitude' and 'excuse me?' Faces.

Taking the medicine as quickly as possible and following it with the juice box made it so much easier, the praise of "good job bumblebee, so proud of you" from Steve made warmth swell in your chest.

" can you go lay down for us bubs? We're gonna go grab snacks and call out for the next couple of days" Bucky follows

You do as he asks, sitting in the middle with your stuffy seated on your lap facing the tv to watch with you, picking out the movie of your choice on on-demand.

They both return soon after with some snacks and drinks, dimming the light they join you getting all cozied up and cuddling with you.

The snacks weren’t much of a success but the drinks sure helped cool you down, now much more comfortable you hold on Steve’s hand as you nuzzle into Bucky's left arm taking in the edge of it chill and falling into a much more comfortable sleep.

It was certain Steve had noticed you asleep he cuddled up closer behind you, releasing your hand to wrap his arms securely around you. No matter if you were big or smol the cuddles he got with you were unmatched, he loves that you trust him and Bucky to the point of telling them when you’re dysphoric because on those days its easy to wrap you up and hold you close, they always know just what to say to remind you that you’re the best boy in their life and they wouldn't change you for the world.

A sleepy smile on Steve’s face joined with your coos and murmurs should have told Bucky that you were asleep but he'd been so enthralled with the movie that when it got to a humorous part he cracked up loudly. his chest rattling with amusement when he feels a light smack against his thigh from Steve cueing him to look over to see you out like a light and the slightly disgruntled look of being pulled out of sleep.

"You’re okay sunshine, daddy’s just bein silly" Steve hushes and soothes, scooting closer and whispering in your ear "maybe if we cuddle attack him he will nap with us" knowing very well that Bucky could hear him, a smile growing on Bucky cheeks "what're you two scheming-hmm?" Causing you to trill in giggles "nuffin, dada's just tellin story"

"Hmmm, alrighty as long as he’s not bein sneaky" pretending to focus back on the movie Steve taps to on the shoulder telling you to get him, in a split second you’re sitting in his lap face buried in his neck and arms around his shoulders, Steve wrapping both of you together in a hug.

Sitting up to look at him your hands on his chest holding you up a geeky grin on your face you pat your hands a couple times as emphasis "ah-dada we gots you, its seepy time now" a shared smile on his cheeks aswell as he pulls you tightly to his chest "mmph you got me bug, i surrender, but only if my boy stays riiiight here" he tightens his grip as physical elaboration to his exclamation.

It only took a few minutes for all three of you to fall asleep comfy in each others arms, sharing warmth and love.

For the mission and future ones they got someone you trust from the avengers group to stay back and keep you less stressed even when youre little, which means sometimes one of your daddies is able to stay home with you while the other goes and brings justice.

《~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~♡~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~》

It should not have taken me this long to work on this, im so sorry, i can not give excuses because that pushes the responsibility off of me and im the reason its so late. Thank you so much for requesting such a lovely topic 💚💚💚

[petersspidey]

Laundry Day

Summary: Y/N needs help carrying her laundry down to the laundry room and Bucky steps in to save the day. But he also has a load of his own ;)

Warnings: a lot of smut

Word Count: 3154 (its so long wtf)

MASTERLIST

Sometimes you hated Tony.

Like when he was overly cocky, and almost ruining your missions but somehow coming out the hero. Or when he tells the team something you didn't want all of them to know.

But you have never hated him more than when he put the laundry in the basement of the Avengers compound. You argued with him when he was first building it. He put your room on the top floor in the furthest possible wing from the laundry and unlike almost all of the Avengers you did not have super strength. So carrying your laundry across the entire building and down eight flights was not exactly easy.

So every two weeks you would spend 15 minutes just getting your dirty laundry from your room down to the laundry room, cursing Tony's name every time.

So there you were, the second Sunday of every month leaving your room, with an overflowing basket of laundry in your hand. As soon as you opened your door it felt like you ran into a brick wall. You toppled backward landing on your ass, and you had completely dropped your basket. Your clothes had spilled everywhere.

You sighed, and looked up.

"Sorry, Y/N." Bucky said

He bent down, starting to help you pick up your clothes.

"It's ok," you sighed, joining him in placing everything back into the basket.

"What were you doing standing outside my room anyway?" you asked

"I wasn't standing outside your room … I just happened to be walking past right as you opened your door."

You laughed, "ok Buck. Whatever you say."

He huffed in frustration. You always knew how to get under his skin, but he also knew how to get under yours.

Bucky helped you pick up the last few items of your laundry, when he held up something in front of your face.

You black lace thong. Your eyes widened, and you quickly snatched it from his hands.

You quickly threw the last things into your basket, and stood up.

"Well, thanks for the help. I gotta go."

You tried to get out of there as quickly as possible. Your cheeks burning red over the fact that Bucky just had your dirty underwear in his hand. But, your basket once again held you back. You lifted it, but had to walk slowly, barely able to see over the top of the mountain of clothes.

"Do you need some help?" Bucky asked, watching you walk away

"Nope. I'm good," you yelled back.

Bucky eyed you for a second, before turning to walk away. You continued down the hall, slowly making your way to the elevator. After barely making it anywhere. You placed the basket down for a moment, resting your arms. You stretched your back, and before you could bend down again to scoop up your basket Bucky was standing beside you, reaching down to grab it.

"I said I didn't need help," you said

"Yeah, and as much fun as it was watching you struggle to carry this and need to take a break five seconds in, I figured I'd just lend you a hand," he said

"Well it's not my fault I'm not a supersoldier like you," you muttered

Bucky chuckled and started walking down the hall toward the elevator.

"You carry this by yourself every week? How do you go through so many clothes?" he asked

"Well, every other week. But, yes."

"And! This is not an abnormal amount of clothes for two weeks, thank you very much." you continued

"You know, if you did laundry every week you might not have such an issue getting down to the laundry room." Bucky said, smirking at you.

You rolled your eyes, "Whatever, Barnes."

"You're just upset because you know I'm right."

As you approached the elevator, you pressed the button and Bucky put your laundry down.

"Thanks, I think I've got it from here," you said.

The elevator doors opened, and once again, before you could grab your basket Bucky managed to get a hold of it first.

"Really, Bucky. It's ok I'll be fine from here."

"Are you forgetting about the long hallway downstairs?" He said, stepping onto the elevator with your clothes.

You huffed, and followed him on.

"I'm a big girl. I can do it myself."

The doors closed and you began to descend.

"Oh don't get your little lacy panties in a twist,  I wasn't doing anything else I don't mind giving you a hand." Bucky said, smirking at you, knowing exactly how you'd react.

Your face became red again.

"Don't talk about my underwear."

"If you don't want me talking about your underwear maybe you should move the hot pink g-string that you have sitting at the top of your basket."

You lightly gasp, and reach over, pulling the pair off the top and shoving them down the side of your basket.

Bucky chuckled again. Knowing he was embarrassing you.

The elevator stopped, and you both stepped off into the basement, heading down the long hall to the laundry room.

"You must've done something to make Tony mad if he put your room so far from the laundry."

"I'm fully convinced he just likes to cause me problems. He probably has FRIDAY watching me on the cameras. I do not doubt one bit that he laughs at me hauling this downstairs twice a month."

Bucky laughed at your statement.

You smiled back at him. You don't see him smile much. It was a good change.

You turn the corner with Bucky. You could see the laundry room door at the end of the hall now. The two of you walk silently until you reach the door. You open it, and Bucky walks in in front of you and places your basket full of clothes down in front of one of the washers.

"Thanks for helping me. Would've taken me twice as long to get down here if I was by myself."

"It's no problem. It's always fun to show off my strength to a pretty lady."

"Oh so I'm a pretty lady?" you teased

Bucky blushed.

You smirked, and opened the washing machine lid. You began loading your clothes in. Bucky stood near you, leaning on the dryer right beside.

"You don't have to wait down here with me," you told him

"I figured I'd just wait and walk back upstairs with you."

"It's really ok, Buck. I usually just hang out down here until my loads are done. It's only a 30 minute cycle."

"Well maybe I'll just hang out down here with you…" Bucky said, as if he was waiting for your permission.

"Sure, I guess. If you really want to."

You filled up one machine, and threw the detergent in, shutting the lid. You moved over to another machine and began putting in a second load.

You heard Bucky chuckling, and turned around to look at him.

"What?" you questioned

"You have so many clothes that you have to use two washing machines." He said, shaking his head.

You rolled your eyes, "Whatever Barnes. It's because unlike you, I don't wear the same Henley's and jeans every day."

"No, you wear different coloured thongs every day." he teased

You finished placing all the laundry in the machine, and left your basket on the floor.

You walked back toward where Bucky was standing and jumped up onto one of the empty machines, sitting on the lid.

"You really just sit down here on top of a dryer waiting by yourself? You know there's a table and chairs right there." Bucky said

"Usually, yeah. Sometimes I bring a book down, but it's nice and quiet down here…" you started

"Well, usually I'll sit on top of one of the washing machines that I'm using, and not the empty dryer," you added, knowing exactly what you were insinuating.

Bucky's eyes shot up to you. "What?" he asked, thinking he hadn't heard you right.

"You heard me." you confirmed

"Well, alright. So why aren't you sitting on one of those today?"

"Well, usually only something I do while I'm down here alone."

"Don't be shy, doll."

Something about the way Bucky said doll, made you squirm. You hesitated for a second before you got off the dryer, and walked toward the machine that you had just turned on, climbing on top of it. You sat, letting your legs hang over the edge, eyes on Bucky.

The vibrations from the machine were shooting through you, pulsating right to your center. You closed your eyes, enjoying the feeling. You could hear Bucky walking closer, he lightly spread your legs and stood in between them. You opened your eyes. Bucky's face was inches from yours. He leaned in closer, taking either side of your face in his hands. You expected his metal hand to be cold against your face, but it was almost as warm as his other.

He looked you in the eyes, before bringing your face towards his, pressing a sloppy kiss against your mouth (ok but think Endings, Beginnings kiss - his character with Shailene Woodly). You leaned into the kiss, opening your mouth more, allowing him to slide his tongue inside. You wrapped your legs around his back, pulling him as close to you as you possibly could. The vibrations from the machine, still sending pulses right to your core.

You could already feel yourself getting more wet by the second. Bucky's mouth on yours mixed with the feeling of the machine below you. You needed more. You ran your hands down Bucky's body, reaching underneath his shirt to feel his skin. Bucky ran his hands over you, one of his fingers grazing against you hard nipple poking through your shirt. You moaned into his kiss.

Bucky slid his hands under your shirt and began lifting it. You raised your arms over your head, allowing him to take your shirt off. You broke your kiss as he lifted your shirt over your head. He stared at your bare chest as he threw your shirt to the side. You pulled him close, shoving your lips back against his.

His hands roamed your bare back, holding you tight against him. He began kissing down your neck, toward your chest. You leaned back on your hands, allowing him easier access to your hard nipples.

You moaned, and allowed your head to fall back as he swirled his tongue around your breast. His hands fumbled with the buttons on your jeans, undoing the zipper. He pulled away, and urged you to lift up your bottom so he could rip your jeans from your legs.

He tossed them aside, and looked at you sitting in only your underwear. He smirked, seeing how wet they were.

"Granny panties?" he questioned

"Shut up, all my good pairs are in the laundry." you said, taking your panties off yourself, leaving you completely exposed. He stood, looking at you, enjoying the sight. You looked down and saw his cock fighting against the zipper of his jeans.

Bucky groaned before touching you.

"Lie down," he ordered, placing one hand on your chest, getting you to lie your back completely flat on the machine.

You twitched as your bare back hit the cold metal of the washer, before settling in.

You looked down at Bucky, just as he was bending over placing a long lick against your slit. You moaned loudly, not expecting him to do that. He looked up at you as he placed another lick, taking in your wetness.

He saw the look of ecstasy on your face and took it as a sign to keep going. He dove into your pussy, face first. You gasped, and arched your back, only pressing your wetness deeper into Bucky's face. Bucky teased you, leaving small, gentle strokes along your clit.

You wrapped your legs tight around his head, "stop teasing me," you begged

You could feel him smirk, "anything for you, doll."

Bucky began pressing his tongue harder against your clit. Moving it up, down, and in circles. You moaned loudly, your grip tightening on his hair.

The vibrations from the machine and his tongue on you were too much. You began thrusting up against his face. You wanted nothing more than him inside of you.

"Buck, please." you moaned

Bucky brought one of his hands up toward your breast. He kneaded it in his hand as his tongue dove around your pussy. He flicked your hard nipple between his fingers. You cried out in pleasure. You could feel your orgasm building.

"Don't stop, i'm so close," you whined out

Bucky didn't stop. He continued sucking on your clit until you could feel your walls come crashing down. You pulled on his har, and tighten your legs around his head as he continued through your orgasm.

When you finally calmed down, you slowly let your grip on him go. You were panting, lying back on the still vibrating washing machine, staring at the ceiling, taking in that feeling of ecstasy.

Bucky stood up and stared at you. He loved the sight of you. You were panting, cheeks red, a total mess. All for him.

Bucky looked around, thinking of how and where he was going to fuck you. He eyed the table.

"Get up, doll." he told you

You sat up, breathless, "Why,"

"Machine's too tall, beautiful. Can't fuck you up there."

Just hearing Bucky say that made your pussy twitch. He placed either hand on your hips and helped you down. You stood, leaning against the washing machine as Bucky began undressing in front of you.

He tossed his shirt to the side, and began taking his pants down. He stood in front of you in only his underwear.

"Take them off," you begged

Bucky gave you a smug look before pulling them down as well.

You moaned, just at the sight of him. You hadn't realized that the supersoldier serum would affect that part of him as well.

You moved toward him, taking his huge cock in your hand. You ran your finger over his tip, precum already leaking out

"Fuck," he muttered

"That's the idea," you said.

Bucky gripped your hips tight, shoving you toward the table in the corner of the room. He lifted you up and sat you down on the edge.

"Lean back, so I can shove my dick in you." he ordered

You obeyed. Lying flat on the table, bringing your heels up so they were resting on the table as well. You kept your eyes on Bucky, he traced his finger up and down between your folds. You twitched at the smallest touch.

"Please," you whined

Bucky grinned at you, before taking his cock in his hand, and lightly brushing it up against you.

Bucky lined himself up with your entrance, and slowly slid inside. You cried out in pleasure the deeper he got. You felt so tight with his massive cock. You watched Bucky push the rest of himself in. He shot his head back, mouth open, moaning loudly.

"Fuck, you feel so good," he said breathlessly

You both stayed still, taking in the feeling of Bucky stretching you out. He pulled you closer to him, taking either of your legs and putting them over his shoulders. When he pulled you tight against him, you could feel him get even deeper inside of you.

Bucky slowly began to rock in and out of you. The feeling overwhelming. You couldn't hold in your moans. Never had it felt so good to have someone so close and so deep inside of you.

You shot your hand down to your clit, moving it slowly between your fingers as Bucky began to pick up his pace. You already knew it wasn't going to take much for you to come again, especially with how Bucky was moving in and out of you.

Bucky slowed his pace, sliding out of you, and then pushing back in hard. You circled your clit harder as he continued thrusting in and out.

He pushed in, and you moaned hard, arching your back.

"Right there, don't stop." you said

Bucky kept his pace, thrusting in and out. He knew you were close to coming again.

"Such a good girl," he said to you

Hearing Bucky call you that was enough. You circled your clit twice more before your walls came crashing down. Your other hand gripped the side of the table.

"Oh my god,"

Your pussy twitched around his dick, but he didn't stop moving. He continued fucking you through your orgasm.

You groaned, knowing if he kept going like this another orgasm wouldn't be far behind. Both your arms were spread, gripping different ends of the table. Bucky brought his hand down to your clit. Running his thumb over it, over, and over, and over again.

Bucky rocked his hips into you, thrusting hard and fast. You moaned every time you felt him hit deep inside of you, his thumb still running over your clit. Your walls clenched against his dick once more. That was exactly what he needed. Bucky threw his head back, pulling himself out of you, spurting his come all over your stomach.

Bucky stood in front of you, letting your legs fall from his shoulders. you were still lying back on the table. Both of you stayed silent, trying to catch your breath.

The washing machine began to sing.

"Guess you got three loads done today," Bucky joked, cracking a small grin, looking down at you.

"Oh my god." you said, rolling your eyes at his awful joke.

Bucky held out his hand to you, offering to help you off the table. You grabbed his hand, and stood up. Your faces were only a few inches from each other.

"We should probably clean you up," Bucky said, not taking his eyes off of you.

You sighed, as Bucky turned away to grab you a towel from across the room.

You cleaned yourself off, and you both got dressed again. Bucky stayed with you as you switched your laundry from the washing machines into the dryers, 100% eyeing your ass as you bent over.

"Ever sit on top of the dryer?" Bucky joked.

"Too hot," you answered, laughing slightly.

You walked toward Bucky, he was sitting in one of the chairs at the table. He grabbed your hand pulling you close to him. You sat down on his lap, and he gripped your face with one of his hands, placing a long kiss on your lips.

"Maybe I should start helping you with your laundry every week," he stated

"Every other week," you corrected.

"No, darling. Every week."

[dekusleftsock]

MHA - How to break a trope

Why tropes are a good and bad thing

Something I was personally taught in the artist world is the phrase “you need to learn the rules before you break them”, and that should honestly be applied to any form of art. Writing, photography, drawing, animation, music, and even singing. Art is an abstract concept yes, but we as human beings are able to separate and break down things into patterns that we can understand and become better at doing. It’s not linear, but it’s also not completely abstract.

What is a trope?

Well, as Wikipedia puts it, “A literary trope is the use of figurative language, via word, phrase or an image, for artistic effect such as using a figure of speech. Keith and Lundburg describe a trope as, ‘a substitution of a word or phrase by a less literal word or phrase.”

However, in urban dictionary it defines it as, “An overused, nearly meaningless word worn out by pretentious twits, much like paradigm. See hackneyed and vacuous.”

Even though a trope is by definition is just an artistic affect, we generally perceive it as something overused within language. Usually, in literary language when we talk about common metaphors like, “she was as delicate as a daisy”, we call it a trope because of how common the phrase actually is. It can also be used for character tropes, like “the first girl” which just means that whatever love interest that was introduced in a love triangle first is going to be the end game. Or even the “manic pixy dream girl” trope which is commonly used in anime where a girl is super upbeat and the boy is not and she is actively trying to make him happier. It’s not necessarily that these are actually bad, rather just common. These are tropes and not rules though, which is why instead of learning how to break a trope, we have to learn what they are and why they’re so common.

Are tropes a good or bad thing?

Well, that kind of depends on the context.

Tropes are fun and a lot of times easier to write. They’re great for letting young writers make stories and have a lot of wiggle room with how you choose to use them.

But, as stated by the urban dictionary definition, they can be pretty boring to watch over and over again. Sometimes it’s hard to find good media that uses its tropes in a new or interesting way.

Something that we have to think about is that, even though tropes are common, they are tropes for a reason. Popular things are popular USUALLY because they’re good. There’s a reason why so many writers use them, and that’s because they can all be used in different and unique ways, but at what point does a trope start being an archetype?

Archetypes vs tropes

Lets get this out of the way; every character you have ever scene fits into an archetype. Hawaii.edu says that it’s, “Generally, the original model from which something is developed or made; in literary criticism, those images, figures, character types, settings, and story patterns that, according to the Swiss analytical psychologist, Carl Gustav Jung, are universally shared by people across cultures.”

There are 12 main archetypes, The Innocent, Everyman, Hero, Outlaw, Explorer, Creator, Ruler, Magician, Lover, Caregiver, Jester, and Sage. I could individually give a definition for each of these, but thankfully, because you are able to read this you also have access to Google. I recommend (especially if you wanna understand writing better and/or wanna be better at writing) to look into these individually and what they mean. It’s very insightful.

Besides that, a trope becomes an archetype when you take away the specifics. A love interest like “the first girl” could be any of these archetypes. A trope will always have an archetype but an archetype will not always have a trope.

How to make a trope interesting

My advice here is to mix and match. Try to not follow a formula, and combining tropes with other tropes, or even twisting something on its head (like turning the first girl trope into the two love interests get together and/or making it non monogamous in some way) will make your tropes more interesting than others.

But also? Knowing when and when not to break a trope is just as important.

Take MHA, DOES ochako fit “the first girl” trope with toga? Because I don’t think she does. If that were the case Horikoshi wouldn’t have made toga be in love with ochako too.

Katsuki definitely fits quite a few tropes. Childhood friends, tsundere, and maybe even the first girl trope.

My point here is that tropes are a way to talk to the audience and relay information. Whether that be through communicating that this will be the next thing happening (like bkdk being canon in some way) or tricking you into thinking it will be something else. (Like 342 being about how ochako wants to save toga rather than a genuine izu//ocha moment)

We have to think critically about how a story chooses to present itself, because a good writer will know EXACTLY WHY they made each and every decision in their story. There is importance and meaning in so much more of storytelling than we initially think.

[spaghettificationandpretzels]

The Reaper and the Death Angel Part 12

The fire might be a flicker now.

Part 11

Series Masterlist

Contains: The use of ASL (deaf people are a part of everyday life and should be included in our fic like anyone else.) Talk of past bullying from both adults and other children. This was deeply cathartic, I may have cried while writing it. Has plot point from s1ep2.

A huge, enormous thanks to @carni-val for the inspiration for a part of this fic.

2.7K Words

Comment if you want to be tagged

Jax helps out on a tour.

"Ok Teller, what's your bet this time?" You were sitting at the picnic benches at the Clubhouse, waiting for your Brother to come back from a supply run when Jax walked up to you with that cocky look on his face.

"Am I that transparent?" You nodded.

"Yes you are, you're also insufferable." He laughed.

"Since you seem to know so much about guns, I'd like to posit a challenge. I'll set up the targets this time, and if you hit everyone, I'll spend my day off doing whatever you want me to." This felt like a trap but you went with it.

"Feel bad for cheating the last time Jackson?" He smiled, all teeth and allure but he didn't respond. You reach your hand out to shake his, when he accepted, you made sure to squeeze just hard enough for him to know you weren't playing.

"If I don't, win that is, what do you get out of it?" He leaned over you, and whispered in your ear, "The same thing."

He didn't take long, it was far easier than what you did for his turn.

You pulled your gun from it's hidden place and stood ready to take the shots.

Breath in

Breath out

Breath in

Squeeze

The targets fell in a matter of seconds, each one being hit dead centre. You put your gun back in its holster and turned to Jax.

"Your play Mr Teller." He shot you another smile, this one with just a hint of predator.

"I know your day off is a Wednesday, and I have a 'boys in STEM' tour coming in; you will be my guest speaker. As a bonus, you get to go on the tour as well. Come dressed in your T-M Uniform and be ready to answer lots of questions about Motorbikes.

He spread his hand in acceptance. "You won fair and square, I can't say no to that."

Jax had stopped by to see Abel before coming to the Museum to hold up his end of your bet. He greeted Travis at the door, who gave him the same curt nod and waved him inside. He saw you waiting at your office for the kids to arrive, the theme of your scrubs today was construction tools, and his eyes were drawn to the wrench along your thigh. When you saw him, you waved happily and he could barely stop himself from running over to you.

"You came!" You wrapped him and a firm hug and he pulled back to look into your face.

"Of course I came, I'm a man of my word." You shook your head at him, he could almost feel the light coming off you. This was very different from the reserved way you usually acted when lots of people were around, he was just about to ask you why when the kids came in.

"Hello everyone, I'm Dr l/n but you can call me y/n. This is Jackson who is our extraordinary guess speaker today, he is a super smart expert in Motorcycles." Jax felt like he was standing on the top of Mount Everest.

He watched your hands with rapt attention, he knew you and your Brother spoke ALS but he never appreciated how expressive it was until now.

"I can't wait to show you all the fun stuff we have here. Now, there's no such thing as a stupid question, even if it has nothing to do with why you're here, I want you to ask it." You turned your head towards him.

"That includes you, Jackson." He couldn't help but smile, he felt like the smartest person in the world.

As you walked through the exhibits, you got more and more animated, he watched the children respond in kind, their little bodies moving more and more as you spoke.

You pointed to one of the first Harleys ever made "Now this is where Jackson comes in, can you tell the class all about this bike?" You looked at him with so much faith he felt as if his heart was going to burst.

"Well, this is a Harley-Davidson Model 1, it was built in 1903 and sold for $200 which in those days was a lot of money." You waved your hand slightly for him to continue.

"There were only 38 made and it closer to an electric bike than it is to the Motorcycles we ride now." Almost all the hands in the class shot up in the air, and you gave him such a genuine smile that he felt butterflies in his intestines. You pointed out the boy who was reaching his hand up as high as he could and he shot out his question in only the way an excited child could.

"Did it go fast?" Suddenly he knew why you were so happy, he had long lost his childish curiosity but being around you and the class bought it screaming back.

"Not really, it only got up to 40mph which is no where near how fast they go now." The little boy's eye went wide, Jax could almost hear his thoughts, they were the same ones he had when he was little, pouring over his Father's old stuff.

The rest of the day went like that, and he never wanted to leave. He had the same feeling in his chest as he did when he first saw you standing there on your front lawn. That you were a siren pulling him into the rolling ocean and he was a sailor happy to drown himself to hear another second of your voice.

The boys had left exhausted and happy, you were sitting together in the sitting area above the lab, drinking coffee and talking about the day.

"I have a 'girls in STEM' class coming at the same time next week. It's the same program. I'd love it if you could come, the kids today certainly loved you." Jax couldn't have said yes soon enough.

"Where this person when you're with us, you're so quiet most of the time." He watched your face fall, it made him strangely angry.

"It's a long story, I don't want to take up any more of your time." He wasn't going to have that, he had seen you underneath all your proper shell, and he wouldn't watch you go back in it.

"Nope, you're not going to do that. I don't want you to hide from me, I like it when you let me see you." You looked at him with a deep sadness.

"I used to be like this all the time, when I was a kid. But other kids are mean, so are adults." You pressed your lip together in thought.

"Think of it this way. We all have these jars inside our chests, they contain our curiosity, and in these jars, is that bioluminescent algae that makes the beaches glow that stunning blue. When our curiosity is fostered and we're made to feel like our thoughts matter, this jar gets bigger, which means we can fit even more in it." Jax could see your point as clear as day.

"Movement makes the algae glow, and when people listen to us, when they make us feel like we're smart, it's like gentle waves on the beach, and it's like a crashing storm when we're really passionate about something. If someone is cruel to us, makes us feel stupid or like we don't matter, it's not like the ocean is entirely calm, it's like someone uncapped the jar and poured everything out." Jax could hear the breaking in your voice.

"My jar was emptied a lot as a little girl, and like any child, my first response was to shake it harder, hoping someone acknowledged my light. After a while, I learned to stop speaking, I learned that no one really cared about what I had to give." He understood you on such a human level.

I promise to never dim you.

"I never want anyone to feel the way I've been made to feel. Every kid should know that jar inside them is the most precious thing they own. They should never feel the need to stifle themselves because other people don't get them." You went to keep going but Jax couldn't stop himself from cutting in.

"I like watching you glow, it's the most beautiful thing I've seen. Far more beautiful than a sunset or Model 1 Harley Davidson." He had no idea why he was saying it, it's like the logical part of his brain was being drowned by something far more straightforward.

He loved you

"Oh Jackson, you're so noble it's a little disgusting." He walked over to you and pulled you into a hug.

"I'll be back next week, there's no way I'd miss it."

****

You were waiting for Jax to arrive at the hospital, you had spent the night pouring over neonatal care textbooks and scientific papers. You finished work early to go in and talk to the doctor on shift and ask about what you had planned. They agreed wholeheartedly and were happy to help.

Jax showed up at the normal time and greeted you with a side hug.

"I have a surprise for you." He tilted his head.

"What?" You shot up out of the chair, bearly able to contain your smile and signalled a nurse over. You waved Jax over to the sink and gestured to him to take his rings off.

"This lovely lady will show you how to wash your hands and then, you'll get to touch your Son." Jax looked at you wide-eyed and reached for the soap.

"You can't hold him just yet, but you get to hold his tiny hand." You could see his eyes getting wet so you put a kind hand on his shoulder. "I'll give you some privacy." He reached out like a closing bear trap around your upper arm.

"Please stay, I don't want you to leave." You nodded softly. Jax watched the nurse carefully, it probably took him five minutes to finally be confident that his hands were clean.

The nurse moved some things, opened a small door and gestured for Jax to put in hand in. He did so with a slowness that didn't seem possible. He rested one of his huge fingers on Abel's leg and then moved it up to stroke his face, he finished by putting just his fingertip in Abel's open hand.

"Thank you y/n, I......." You put a hand on his shoulder.

"It's nothing. Plus, I didn't do it for you, kids need physical touch." That seemed to make him even more overwhelmed.

He plopped onto your side and rested his head on your body while he held his Son. He was just about to say something when Gemma came running it. She looked around then at Abel, to Jax and then at you.

"Did you do this?" You almost got a yes out before she pulled you into a hug.

"You can go next, but think you'll be waiting a while." She gave you a strange look, like she was trying to see your soul.

"You have no idea how grateful we are for all you've done for this family." You shook your head and smiled.

"There's no thanks necessary. As much as I'd like to stay, it's getting a bit crowded here so I'm going to have to have a wander around the hall, there's usually a kid or two who notice my work clothes and want to talk about dinosaurs." Jax laughed, before you left, he grabbed your hand and pulled you towards him.

"Thank you."

Once you were gone, Gemma pulled up a chair and sat down next to Jax. It looked like he was in for a lecture, although you had no idea what about.

****

"You're very obvious Jackson." Jax furrowed his brow in confusion and Gemma shook her head.

"I can see your heart leap out of your chest every time you see her, I'm surprised she hasn't picked up on it." Jax brushed the back of his finger over Abel's cheek.

"She's just being nice Mum, she's like that with everyone." Gemma gave him the disapproving Mother look.

"Yeah and she lets everyone touch her as much as you do, she doesn't even hug Sam as much as she hugs you." Jax had sudden flashes of all the times you dodged a hug and shrunk away when someone came too close to you.

Oh shit.

****

Jax took your advice to heart "You need to let Darby know you know without telling him outright, I'm sure you can think of something."

He was surprised at how accepting Clay was of his idea, now he just had to get his hands on some bodies. He went with Sam, Chibs and the prospect to go and see Skeeter, the man was a sleaze but he was helpful so they put up with it.

"We need two bodies by tonight." Jax tapped the envelope of cash on his chest. "I'm sure you took a beating at goldern gate this weekend." Skeeter shook his head.

"Nah man, I stopped the ponies, I stopped it all. Gambler anonymous three months now." Jax looked surprised.

"You're kidding, you don't want to money?" Skeeter continued for a little bit before turning to Sam.

"There's something you might be able to get for me?" Jax was relieved.

"What's that?" Skeeter smiled and nodded his head at Sam.

"Your sister." They all exchanged a look and Jax squared up about to hit the man.

"I went to one of her lectures and she said she gives private tours of the Museum for people she likes. I want to go on one, that's it." Jax bristled but agreed anyway, now he would just have to get you to say yes.

****

Jax had asked to you come to the Clubhouse during your lunch break, but he didn't tell you why, just that he needed a favour. You checked the garage first and when he wasn't there, Juice directed you to the dorm.

Knock knock

Jax opens the door without his shirt on, leaning across the frame to enter your space.

"Oh sorry Jackson, I let you get dressed." He waved his hand and pulled away so you could come in. You looked around his room, it was a mess and it stunk like a terrible conglomeration of body fluids. You decided not to say anything about it. He gestured for you to sit, which you did, be it a little worried about what you were sitting on.

"I need you to do a favour for the Club y/n?." You pursed your lips in thought.

"Ok, what is it?" He reached out and put a hand over yours.

"You know Skeeter right?" You nodded.

"Yeah, of course I do. He's a bit of a creep." You could tell Jax was planning something.

"Well he needs to do to a favour for the Club, and all he wants in return is a tour from you." Jax ran his hand up your arm, you weren't going to let his bullshit go unpunished.

You stood up and pulled him up with you, coming in close to run a hand over his chest.

"What's in it for me?" He chuckled

"What do you think?" Oh the arrogance.

You leaned in and pressed a kiss to the side of his neck and then ran your hands down his body.

"Oh boy." It didn't last long, he fell a pull and then you were detaching your lips for his skin and walking away. He was left feeling like he was naked in the artic.

"I'll do it, on one condition. You find out what I've just taken from you." He looked around then down at his person, his knife was not in its holster. He looked over at you and you held it up by the handle before putting it on the desk.

"If you ever insult my intellect again, there will be hell to pay. Do you understand?" He nodded aggressively and you smiled over your shoulder at him, before you left you spoke one last time.

"Your play Mr Teller."

Part 13