#will also reply to comments I’m receiving asap :)

[foolishfalls]

Writing her is its own reward but it really does mean so much when I update your body is a burning book and people say they enjoy my lil interpretation of Riza. She is so close to my own heart!!

Like I’m at a point where I’m getting better at just writing for pleasure and for myself, which is part of why I think my results are somewhat successful, and it has taken me being two years out of studying fiction writing in school, learning to let myself be and figure out how to work with my own voice (which has always been more of a poet’s voice and learning to lean into that with some amount of abandon has been sooo freeing) to get to a place where the process can just be what it is to accomplish this and the process and the results themselves just make me feel happy and fulfilled.

So like, Learning that others are enjoying it is just a huge lovely cherry on top. I’ve always struggled to share my work despite feeling an impulse to do so, so it feels like a great place to be with it.

So just a heartfelt thank you to anyone who takes the time to read and engage with my work!!! Nothing brings me joy the way getting a comment or kudos does! Huge wet kiss thru the phone/screen for all of u :3

[imaginedanvrs]

encrypted relations

part 3 l masterlist

summary: yelena belova x reader. when natasha takes you under her wing, she becomes like family, and the last thing you want is to lose that. but when you meet her younger sister who you know is off limits, you have to decide between what you really want and hope for minimal damage

word count: 3k

warnings: alcohol consumption, oral (r receiving), fingering (r receiving), praise, past abusive relationship

Yelena had been in New York for little over two months when you finally got to go to a bar with her. You had been intending to go practically right from the night you met, but you often ended up being sidetracked with other tasks that demanded your attention or got too comfortable staying in on the nights you were all free. You had intended to meet there with Kate but at the last minute Lucky had helped himself to the box of chocolates Kate had left on the side and had to take him to the vet to put her worries at ease. She had insisted to you that you and Yelena still go, something you were thankful you didn’t object to once you saw the blonde sitting at the bar. 

  She wore an AC/DC tee that was ripped in certain places to give you a peak of the skin underneath under a jet black blazer and matching jeans. Her hair was up in a high ponytail that accelerated her sharp jawline and eye makeup that made her gaze on you feel more intense than usual, though that might have also been down to the fact she was undeniably eyeing you up and down. You needed a drink asap. 

  You named your favourite cocktail to the familiar bartender as soon as you sat down. “Don’t you ever get tired of that paint thinner?” You asked the Russian as you noted the shot of vodka in front of her. 

  “Make it two,” she said to the bartender in response. “It gets the job done,” she shrugged. 

  “I can’t imagine you ever being hammered,” you stated. 

  “And you never will,” she replied simply. 

  “We’ll see,” you challenged as your drinks were placed down in front of you both. You already had a tab open with the bar. 

  You took a sip of your drink as Yelena downed her shot without the slightest hint of a wince. “Is there anything you’re not good at?”

  “I have yet to find anything,” she stated with an arrogance you couldn’t not find attractive. 

  “So what’s the plan after all this? With the widows, I mean.” Yelena took a moment to think, making you consider whether or not it was something she had actually let herself plan for yet.  

  “I’m not sure,” she admitted. “I don’t know what I want to do.”

  “Just as long as you’ve got a dog,” you remembered. Yelena’s face brightened at the comment. 

  “Yeah.”

  “Kate wants to be a private investigator, I could see you doing that too,” you said honestly. “That or a bounty hunter.” 

  “I think I want to stay here,” Yelena decided. It was a decision you could definitely get behind. You enjoyed spending time with the blonde and you knew you would miss her when she went. “Do you want to stay with S.H.I.E.L.D forever?” Yelena asked as you took another sip of your drink. 

  “I don’t know about forever but at least for a little while. I’m not sure what else I could do,” you shrugged. “Besides, apparently all of my friends are sticking around for a while.” You smiled over your drink as you took another sip, watching Yelena’s cat-like eyes meet yours. 

  “And what would you do without them watching your back for deadly assassins?” She quipped. 

  “I don’t mind when the assassins are cute,” you said far too quickly. Oh god the alcohol was already kicking in but the smirk on Yelena’s face made it impossible for you to worry. You probably should have, because four drinks in and your filter was growing weaker with every sip. You weren’t drunk, just quite tipsy, though the alcohol was having a similar effect on the blonde who became more bold than usual. 

  The bar had grown more busy in the time the pair of you had been there and although it wasn’t crowded, there was still enough of a buzz that you and Yelena kept having to move closer to one another to converse. At one point, Yelena leant forwards and put her hand on your thigh to steady herself (even though she totally didn’t need to) to hear you repeat yourself. For a brief moment your brain went entirely blank at the contact that seemed to send a pulse of electricity along your skin. You were suddenly glad at the decision to wear a skirt. 

  “I er, I said the Canary Islands,” you stammered slightly. 

  “But I thought the whole point of Christmas was snow, why not go to Alaska?” Yelena questioned with a grin that had barely left her lips the entire evening. 

  “Mkay fine! We’ll go to Alaska but then the next year we’re spending some of the holidays in the Canary Islands,” you suggested, willing to compromise your plans that had somehow emerged for you and the blonde to go away during the holidays. 

  “Deal,” Yelena accepted as she leant back and withdrew her hand. You missed the contact immediately and felt the urge to put it back there yourself. Yelena glanced away to do a scan of the room and when she turned back to you she seemed surprised that you were still looking at her. “What?” She questioned though the smirk on her face suggested that she knew what. So you ordered another drink instead. 

  “And a water?” The blonde added. “I don’t want you throwing up on the way home,” she said in response to the glare you sent her way. 

  “But that’s how you know you’ve had a good night out,” you argued even though you knew that was bullshit. 

  “No, that’s how you know you cannot hold your drink,” Yelena countered. 

  You thanked the bartender for what ended up being your last drink of the night as Yelena downed another shot. You had no idea how many she had consumed that night but you were aware of the fact she had had more alcohol than you and was noticeably less affected by it. Still, there was a faint buzz about her. 

  “You’re tipsy,” you commented. 

  “You’re drunk.”

  “Am not!” You denied with a small laugh. 

  “Am I going to have to take you home, y/n?”

  “I wouldn’t object,” you said, your voice dropping as you leant forward and put your hand on Yelena’s covered knee. “It’s not like I’ve never thought about it.” You saw Yelena’s gaze darken as she listened to you. 

  “What do you think about?” You didn’t reply, merely smirking as you downed your water to try and clear your head. You pulled up Uber on your phone as Yelena watched. 

  You didn’t say anything as you took Yelena’s hand in your own and led her through the bar to the exit. You wanted to get out of there to be away from prying eyes so that you could have her closer to you, but as soon as you were hit with the sobering fresh air outside, you found yourself knocked back to your senses. Almost. At noticing the small crowds dotted around the street, Yelena placed her hand on your waist to keep you close to her and it was impossible not to lean into the warmth radiating off of her body while you waited just a few minutes for your ride. 

  Yelena’s hand found yours once more in the dim car and you wished you could make out her features better in the dark. Being close to her wasn’t enough, and you made that feeling known the moment you closed your apartment door behind her. You turned around to face the blonde but she was already meeting you halfway there as she raised her hands to your neck and kissed you, pushing you back until your back hit the wall with a light thud. 

  “Finally,” she muttered, her hands everywhere. Your head spun though this time it wasn’t from the alcohol and you were adamant to keep the spy against you as her hands disappeared under your shirt to explore the uncharted skin she wanted to spend hours memorising. Your shirt was off within minutes and before Yelena could discard anything else you led her to your bedroom where you guided her to lay on the bed, immediately following to straddle her waist as you removed your bra. 

  “You’re beautiful,” she breathed out, accent strong. Yelena left marks everywhere. Across your torso, collarbone, breasts, neck, all while you held onto her like she was all that kept you on the brink of sanity. You wanted all of her. You wanted her to take all of you. Fortunately, that was exactly what the blonde intended on doing. 

  “Lena,” you whined when you found yourself on your back with the Russian kissing along your waistband. “Take them off.”

  “So eager,” she mused against your skin and you could feel her smirk. You didn’t care though, because she didn’t make you wait much longer to feel her lips down your thighs as she dragged your skirt off of you and threw her shirt to the side soon after. You wanted to run your hands across her toned stomach, but Yelena dipped down again to hook her fingers along your underwear and pulled them down, leaving you entirely bare to her. 

  “Fuck,” you whispered when you felt her warm breath on you. 

  “What do you want, detka?” She asked, kissing your inner thighs. 

  “You,” you said, tangling your fingers into her hair. “I’ve wanted you for so long.”

  “I wanted you too, let me show you how much.” You gasped lightly when Yelena finally let her tongue stroke flat against you. Your head fell back as you breathed heavily but whined when you felt the blonde move away. “Look at me,” she instructed, sending an electric jolt through your body. You did as she said, keeping your eyes locked on her emerald ones as she gave you the bliss you knew she was capable of. 

  Yelena was confident in her ability to make you feel good, she watched you closely to see exactly what made your breath hitch, what made you shudder, moan, say her name. She felt your muscles twitch and clench around her, she felt how wet you got when she moaned into you, practically lightheaded from your taste. You were everything Yelena knew you would be. 

  “God, Lena,” you moaned softly as she sucked on your clit. You bucked your hips up at the action and Yelena wrapped her hands around your thighs to push your hips back against the bed, reminding you that she had the strength to keep you there for as long as she wanted. And she wanted you there for a while. 

  Yelena worked you up to the edge numerous times, each time stopping you from plummeting at the last second so that she could enjoy you some more. You were an image everytime you whined in frustration, only encouraging Yelena to torture your body some more before she felt like you had earned its release. 

  “Cum for me, detka, show me how good I make you feel,” she encouraged as her thumb rubbed circles on your clit. You clenched around her tongue as you came, feeling the vibrations pulse through you when Yelena moaned at your climax, savouring it as much as you did as she coaxed you through to the other side, only to replace her tongue with her fingers. 

  “You think you can give me another one?” She asked, chin glistening. You didn’t have to answer, the untamed glint in her eye being enough for you to pull her towards you for another demanding kiss as you spread your legs more for her. You’d take whatever she gave you. 

  “So good for me,” she murmured into your neck as she buried her fingers inside you. “I wish I had my strap to see how well you’d take it.” You moaned at the very mention of the toy. Yelena’s fingers already felt as though they were filling you to the brim but the strap would be so much more that you gripped the blonde’s back tighter at the thought, digging your nails in slightly. Yelena grunted at the pain but it seemed to only make her move faster as she touched you in a way that managed to press all of the right buttons. She played you like an instrument, drawing out a beloved tune that was just for her. 

  It didn’t take long before Yelena took you to the edge again, though this time she didn’t deprive you of the euphoric drop that she wrapped herself around you to dull the impact of. She stroked her fingers inside you along with your pants, bringing you back down to your place on earth right next to her. She breathed each other in as you regained your breath, then tilted her head so that you could see her slightly flushed cheeks. You could only imagine what you looked like. 

  “I wanna make you feel good too,” you insisted. Yelena rolled you both over so you lay on top of her with a grin of adoration. You mirrored it against her soft skin as you made your way down the blonde’s body. 

~

“I need you to tap a phone call,” Rae said before she had even closed the main door behind her. She didn’t look at you as she marched over, eyes glued to her phone in hand. One of her phones. 

  “I don’t know how to do that,” you said outright. Rae looked at you blankly. 

  “What?” You stared back. 

  “Well it’s not really…what I do,” you said honestly. You had told Rae that before, when you first showed her your digital pass time. 

  “I need you to,” she insisted, as though that would change your capabilities.

  “Okay,” you sighed. “It will take me time to learn.” Rae narrowed her eyes.

  “How long?”

  “I don’t know, I’ve never done anything like that before,” you admitted. 

“Don’t you have like a network of nerds you can ask?” You did, in a way, but you weren’t overly keen on asking them for that kind of information. You hadn’t accessed those kinds of chat rooms and forums on the dark web in a while, not since learning everything that was relevant to what you wanted to know. You never had any interest in phone tapping or anything to do with people individually, you didn’t want to interfere with people. 

  There was also the issue that it could take a while you get yourself back into that private corner of the internet. People that invested in the world of cyber crimes were paranoid enough to avoid letting anyone new into their circle and there would be numerous hurdles to overcome just to get their attention. And at the end of it all, how could you be sure you could even trust them to give you the right information. 

  “It’s complicated,” you said, knowing Rae wouldn’t want to hear the full explanation. 

  “Then what use are you to me?” She asked, eyes cold as they dug into your own.

  “I’m your girlfriend,” you whispered because you knew she often forgot that was the role she was meant to play. You knew that if things were different and that you didn’t have the skills you did, she would have disregarded you long ago. 

  To your utter surprise, her demeanour softened. Rae looked down at the floor and glanced back your way, appearing as unsure of what to do with herself as you were. “I know,” she eventually muttered and took a hold of your hands with a grip so gentle you wouldn’t recognise it as hers if you weren’t watching the action. “I know,” she repeated as she finally met your eyes. You didn’t say anything.

  “What if we go out tomorrow, just you and me,” she smiled, looking at you the way she used to, the ghost of who she once was. “We’ll go to that fancy place down the street and have a full course meal, maybe a bottle of wine or two,” she suggested and you couldn’t help but smile, feeling nothing but elevated. Rae brushed some hair away from your face and tucked it behind your ear. She used to do that constantly, every time reminding you that you were beautiful, as though the action wasn’t enough to tell you that was how she saw you. 

  “I love you,” you whispered because you really did. Because you started just a week into dating and you refused to stop when things changed, clinging on to the hope that you would get her back some day. Something you believed you finally got. 

  “I love you too, baby,” Rae whispered back before placing a tender kiss on your cheek. “I’ll make that reservation as soon as you get a hold of that phone call,” she said with a slight chuckle. You froze but dismissed the feeling of dread rising. No, it wasn’t like that anymore. 

  “I’ll know what to do by tomorrow,” you nodded with a sharp exhale. You weren’t entirely sure you could. Rae shifted and the corner of her lip twitched. The dread had made its way to the back of your throat. 

  “The call’s happening right now, baby,” Rae laughed. A forced laugh. 

  “I’ll get the next one,” you were quick to say, hoping it would be enough. It wasn’t. It was never enough. “How about we just take the evening off?” you suggested hopefully.

  “That’s easy for you to say,” she muttered, running a hand through her hair. “I can’t just put this off, y/n. It’s fucking important.” She pulled her hands away from yours and you immediately chased after the loss, reaching out to grab them again but instead being met with a hard shove to the chest. You stumbled back and hit your head on the edge of a cabinet with a dull thud that felt like it pierced right through your skull. You blinked away the tears that immediately came to the surface. 

  “I don’t have time for you to be needy,” she spat, ignoring your tears. Not for the first time, you felt your heart crack in front of your girlfriend. 

  “Okay,” you said, though the word wasn’t audible. You stepped around Rae, making sure to give her adequate space and sat down in your chair to turn your screen on, still blinking back tears. You weren’t upset with Rae, not for pushing you or making you think things could be different. You were upset with yourself for believing it.

[mintywolf]

AO3 Tag Game Thing

Tagged by @astoriacolumnstaircase. Thank you!

How many fandoms have you written for?

Ever? I mean my first ever was a Sound of Music sequel that I wrote in kindergarten. But if you mean like posted online, five. Chronologically: Phantom of the Opera, BloodRayne, Final Fantasy X, Fire Emblem Fates, and Critical Role. On AO3 right now though I only have FE and CR because some of those were before I came to AO3 and I also have a(n admittedly bad) habit of destroying old or unfinished works that I don’t think I’m going to come back to. :\ (RIP The Heretic’s Daughter, you just never found your audience.)

What’s your favorite fic on your Ao3?

The one I’m most excited about is A Long Road Home, although it’s a comic that I’m crossposting to there from tumblr. Definitely the one that’s taking the highest level of dedication and the one with upcoming plot developments that I’m most eager to get to!! I’ve been really happy about how kindly it’s been received by the fandom and how many people seem to be enjoying it. I am too.

Although I’ve kind of moved on from the fandom I’m still pretty proud of Nohrian Lullaby, because it’s a complete novel (with illustrations!). While it stands on its own it was however the first part of a planned trilogy but now that I’ve gotten into Critical Role I think I’d have a hard time going back to it, haha. It was Fire Emblem’s voice cast that led me to CR but now that I’ve gotten to know them all I feel like I’d have a hard time approaching e.g. King Garon and Queen Mikoto with the solemnity they have in the game knowing now what Travis and Marisha are like at the table. XD

Have you posted elsewhere? If yes, which of those fics is your favorite?  

I’m most proud of Guardian (another comic) because that was a huge undertaking and in order to do it I had to forcibly overcome the SEVERE executive dysfunction that had been hindering me for my entire life. (Absolutely trashed my school performance and for some reason none of the adults around me seemed to think that this might be a symptom of a larger problem? I was just repeatedly told “But you’re smart! You just need to work harder!” and could not figure out why I just couldn’t.) But when I started working on that and was kind of floundering at the beginning having a hard time keeping up with it, I told myself that if I wanted to see it exist in the world, then I had to be the one to create it, and basically brute-forced myself out of a lifetime habit of destructive procrastination. I taught myself to break a huge task (200+ page comic) into smaller tasks (one page at a time) and set a schedule to make that workable (day one sketch, day two lineart, and so on). And now I sincerely don’t allow myself to procrastinate anymore. If I’m given a task to do I know to get it done ASAP before it starts to seem unconquerably huge and that is honestly as much as an accomplishment as the comic itself. It’s still a struggle but it has improved the quality of my life by a lot. (Still have not received diagnosis or treatment for whatever is causing the executive dysfunction! But at least I’ve managed to wrestle that beast to the ground and am continuing to hold it there.)

How many bookmarks do you have on AO3?

I only recently figured out what they are for, haha, so 6.

How many unread comments do you have?

None! See the above procrastination thing. I have already replied to them all. :)

Any subscriptions?

About as many as the bookmarks. Currently I’m most looking forward to updates from Consequences of a Bleeding Heart and The Madness from the Salt. :D

Any favorite tags?  

Laudna & Imogen Temult, Laudna/Imogen Temult, and within those I tend to comb through for AUs with an interesting premise. (Judging by my bookmarks my definition of “interesting” seems to trend towards “vampires” haha.)

I don’t know if she’s still active on tumblr but I’m gonna tag @auronlu bc she has had a very respectable fic writing career! (Feel free to ignore this, however.)

[weirdcat1213]

Hello, I'm from Gaza, my little daughter Nour has hydrocephalus and seizures, we are now in a tent in very bad conditions, and every thing destroyed our house, hospitals and physiotherapy centers 😔 I'm waiting your reply hope you will support Nour as she's a palestinian child needs your urgent help because the seizures attacks have increased, and hospitals don't receive her because of the huge number of injuries and martyrs. She must see a neurosurgeon soon to adjust the doses of the antiseizure medications. Also she needs CT scan and MRI to ensure that the shunt is working well. She also needs to continue Physiotherapy ASAP and Occupational therapy sessions to enable her to stand and take her first steps. Please support my campaign because Nour needs special care out of Gaza war, GOAL $1350

ok everyone yall know how this goes. If this is real and youre in a good position pls help out. if not just ignore this

edit: this is the real campaign

thank you person in the comments for letting me know!

[fanemag]

Thank you to everyone who has reached out so far. If you’re expecting a reply from me and don’t have one, check your Junk/Spam folders as I’ve responded to every email I’ve received as of August 23rd at 3:30PM EST.

I also want to thank everyone who has reblogged, liked, commented, etc., here and on various social media outlets. It really means the world to me.

If you’re interested in contributing to FANE, make sure to check out the pinned post and get in touch ASAP (not because time’s running out, but because I’m wildly anxious and am riding a productivity high at the moment).

-Rob

[jaime-brienne-fic-exchange]

Exchange Posting Guide

Hello, friends and frenemies! We are less than three days away from the collection opening, which means I have a tension headache every morning I wake up and remember that I have to finish my exchange fic. The no-fault defaulting deadline has passed, but if you realise you will not be able to finish on time please, please let us know ASAP anyway so we can get a knight writer to write your recipient a gift.

On the other hand, if you have completed your exchange fic draft, please remember to tell us before the 1st! About a third of the participants already confirmed they’ve finished their fic, and we say:

Okay, now with the collection opening soon, here’s some FAQ on posting!

First off, how dare you?

Honestly, I ask myself that all the time, and the answer is there is no answer. We knew what an exchange would be like. Chances are, you did too when you signed up because many of you were here last year. We have no one else to blame but ourselves.

How does posting work?

The exchange portal will open on August 1st at 12pm AEST. Once it opens, use AO3 to upload your fic as usual:

Most of the upload process will be exactly the same as usual, but you need to fill in the following two fields:

Fill in the first with “JaimeBrienneFicExchange2021” (It should autofill, but please be careful to select the right collection! This one is the one we're using. Alternatively, you can go straight to that collection and click the “Post to Collection” button on the top right under the banner once the collection is open.)

Type in your recipient’s AO3 name in the second field. Double check your original prompt to ensure you have the correct name. A few people have different tumblr/AO3 names and we don’t want any fics to go awry.

If you've already made an AO3 draft before the 1st, make sure you add it to the collection and put in your recipient's username in the fields we mentioned above, and make sure you change the date when posting (or your fic will be buried). Be aware it can cause some shenanigans where the fic may not appear at the top of the page.

After that, it’s as simple as clicking post! Your fic will be submitted to the exchange and automatically be made anonymous. As the author, when you open your own fic, it will say ‘YourUsername (Anonymous)’, but to other users it will simply say ‘Anonymous’. Author’s names will not be revealed until August 21st, when we click the button to reveal them.

Feel free to reply to comments during that week. As long as you are logged into the account that posted the fic, all of your comments will also be anonymised.

If any of this process is confusing to you, PLEASE reach out to one of the organisers (nire-the-mithridatist/slipsthrufingers/firesign23/samirant/im-auntie-social)! We’re happy to hold your hand through the process 🤗

What about Lil’ Oathkeepers?

I’m glad you asked, imaginary exchange participant that’s totally not me talking to myself! A Lil’ Oathkeeper is a gift that can be any size and shape. It can be art! A video edit! A moodboard! A fic shorter than 1000 words! Or… a fic longer than a 1000 words, but you probably know that. Anyone (you don’t even have to be signed up to the exchange) can make and gift a Lil’ Oathkeeper. We’ll be releasing the prompt spreadsheet and posting instructions on the 1st!

Why is the exchange opening a day earlier than you said?

Because Slips has set the time on the exchange to suit her own timezone. She has to stay up till after midnight to watch F1 cars go vroom vroom and had to deal with being spoiled for every single episode of Game of Thrones on Tumblr and Twitter because it aired in the US while she was at work. This is her own petty little vengeance and she will not apologise for that.

Also it’s easier for her to keep everything straight in her head this way. Mathematics is not her strength. We’re kindly moderators though, so here’s a handy timezone conversion for you.

Why do I need to let you know by the 1st that I’ve finished my fic if I can post it anytime during the following week?

So we can find a knight writer ASAP. The sooner we know that you won’t be able to complete your fic, the sooner we can find someone to fill in for you. We don’t want anyone to be disappointed.

Do I have to post ON the 1st of August? I’ll be AFK for the day because my cat has a piano recital!

No, you can post it anytime between the 1st and the 7th. If you can’t or don’t want to post it on Sunday, then you can absolutely wait until later. We anticipate that the bulk of fics will be posted over the weekend, but if you want to post it on the 6th, then that’s absolutely your choice. Just be mindful that your recipient may be worrying why they haven’t received one.

Also tell your cat we’re rooting for them!

I really overshot the 1k limit and need to post multiple chapters. Should I post them together and drop my 40k prompt fill in the tag all at once, or can I stagger it throughout the week?

You must have a complete posted story by the 7th of August, unless you have reached out to us to make alternate arrangements. If you want to post your story over the week, you can. If you want to post it all at once, you can. As long as your prompter gets a completed fic in the posting window, we don’t mind.

(Also, look at your life, look at your choices! It was a 1k minimum!!! Buncha overachievers in this fandom, I swear 😂😂😂)

Can I thank my beta in the notes of my story?

Absolutely you can! The betas of the fandom be working HARD this week, they definitely deserve recognition. Just be mindful of including anything in your notes that might reveal who you are. You could choose to name your beta, or just thank them generally and add their name after authors have been revealed.

What if I don’t receive a story?

It might be because your author hasn’t posted it yet - they have the full week from the 1st to the 7th to post their story. It also might be because your fic needed a knight writer to write it. If this is the case, know that your knight is probably working very diligently to complete it, but might not be able to complete it within the window. If it looks like your fic will be significantly delayed (like until after authors are revealed) we will contact you directly to let you know what’s up.

What’s the etiquette around thanking my author?

A kudos and a comment is pretty standard. It’s up to you how long your comment is; we don’t write comments with our heads, we write them with our hearts. Just keep in mind that a person out there spent time working on something just for you and make sure you show your appreciation, even if the story isn’t exactly what you expected!

Can I promote my story?

Please don’t do this until authors have been revealed through the collection.

Can I rec my gift story?

Absolutely! Share the love! You can choose to rec it while it’s still anonymous, or wait until the authors are revealed. It’s up to you.

I’m not participating in the exchange, but I want to get into the spirit of the week. What can I do?!

Well firstly, read any of the 102 fics we expect to be posted that week! Read them and enjoy them! Leave a kudos! Leave a comment! Leave ten comments! Write rec lists and share them on Tumblr or Discord or TikTok, wherever it is that the cool kids hang these days!

What’s for dinner, nire?

Chicken, seasoned with my own tears.

I have another question that hasn’t been answered in the FAQs

Either send us a message through tumblr, or get in touch with one of the organisers privately. We’ll get back to you ASAP!

[novoaa1writes]

topic: yelena belova

hey, kids

just received a comment on one of my works informing me that yelena belova is canonically asexual in the comics. (and many people say that she’s also hinted at being aromantic as well, though i don’t think that’s been confirmed, from what i understand.) [source] [source] [source]

with what little i knew about her character, i’d been writing her as someone who fit beneath the rather broad umbrella-term of ‘queer.’ (i never really had any specific headcanons for her with regards to sexuality and gender.)

i started delving into all the discourse surrounding this, and turns out, there’s been a fair amount. the two main posts i came across that seemed to embody both sides of the discussion fairly well are this one and this one. and, given that both ops have identified themselves to be asexual, aromantic, or both, i’m definitely finding myself at a bit of a loss here.

(other posts to consider: one, two, three, four, five, and potentially more to be added as i continue to look into this.)

obviously, i am neither asexual nor aromantic, and because of that, i know very well that i am in no position to cast my vote to one side or another. (not that it’s ever quite so cut-and-dry when it comes to these sorts of things, or that i will be doing anything in the way of ‘casting a vote’ to begin with, but—i digress.) 

all i know is that there’s a fair deal of mounting contention over this, and that a solid 90% of the time, contention arises because people feel wronged, or hurt, or otherwise disrespected.

i really don’t ever want to publish content that makes people feel like that, ever.

more specifically, i don’t ever want to use the platform i’ve been given as a means of ace/aro erasure, even unintentionally.

so, starting now, i’m putting a halt to all works i’d had planned or otherwise imagined for yelena which depict her in a non-platonic interpersonal dynamic. i’m also considering radically revising all already-published works i’ve created which fit that description, if not deleting them entirely.

still—and please know that this is purely from a place of curiosity and a genuine desire to learn more about these issues—it’d be really helpful to hear from any aro/ace individuals in the fandom regarding this. direct message me, drop an ask in my inbox (anonymous or otherwise), reply to this post... i’d just really like to know more about how ace/aro individuals are receiving this, and any other part of the whole debate on which you want to comment, or shed some light. 

(note: although i want nothing more than to allow people a place to discuss this freely, i’m going to ask that you keep things civil and be respectful of others. if you can’t manage that, you will be blocked.)

thanks in advance, you guys <3

— —

also! if i’ve hyperlinked your content in this post and you’d like for me to remove it—just drop a reply, or an ask, or message me directly to let me know. i’ll remove it asap at your request

[timothyjimothy74]

Smirk Part 2 - Matthew Tkachuk ft. Brady Tkachuk

Part One

A/N: Thank you all for the love on part one!! It was my first fic so I was blown away so many of you seemed to like it. I decided to turn it into a series because I couldn’t help myself. I hope you love it!

Summary: It’s time for Y/N’s first chirp-filled family dinner with the Tkachuks where she gets to meet Taryn and Chantal.

Word Count: ~3,000

A few hours later, Y/N sat at home with her brother watching an NHL Network special with highlights from the season, but she couldn’t concentrate. Her mind kept wandering to Matthew. That infamous smirk was still stuck in Y/N’s mind. Then suddenly, as if the NHL Network could read her mind, a clip from a Battle of Alberta game played and she was watching him trade punches with Ethan Bear.

Y/N’s brother smiled at her from across the room knowingly. She blushed and silently wished she wouldn’t have told him who she met that day.

“When are you going to post that photo?” He asked for at least the 10th time that day.

“I think enough time has passed now that I can post it,” Y/N said.

“I still don’t understand why you didn’t post it right away. That’s what I would have done,” he said.

“I told you I didn’t want to come off creepy or too interested,” Y/N replied.

“Girls make no sense,” he replied and rolled his eyes.

Y/N went to her room so she could freak out in private, opened up Twitter and wrote, “Just a casual day out in St. Louis” and tagged Matthew and Brady. They liked it almost instantly, as if they were waiting for the notification. It only took a few minutes for the chirps to start in the comments.

Matthew Tkachuk @TKACHUKycheese_

Replying to @Y/T/H

Walt is STILL talking about how much cooler you are than me

brady tkachuk @BradyTkachuk71

Replying to @TKACHUKycheese and @Y/T/H

           Oh whatever, we all know it’s you who won’t stop talking about her

Y/N liked both comments as she laughed to herself, thinking Brady was just joking as all the Tkachuks seemed to do. When she checked the rest of her notifications, she noticed that Brady had followed her just like he said he would. But another notification caught her off guard.

Matthew Tkachuk followed you

Y/N caught herself smiling for what seemed like the millionth time that day. She knew she shouldn’t, but she couldn’t help it.

Her jaw dropped a few seconds later when she got another notification.

Brady Tkachuk

Matt really won’t shut up about you and my mom and sister really want to meet the girl that can out-chirp Matt ASAP. Wanna replace Matt at our family dinner Saturday night?

Y/N

Duh! Send me the details and I’ll be there.

Y/N’s thoughts started spiraling. He was really talking about her to his whole family? What did this mean? She didn’t have much time to freak out, though, because soon enough she received a message from another Tkachuk.

Matthew Tkachuk

Brady’s tweet was wrong, you know. I swear it’s my dad that’s been talking about you

Y/N

Oh, really? Because Brady just told me your mom and sister have heard all about me from you and are dying to meet me. I’m replacing you at dinner Saturday night

Matthew Tkachuk

…No one told me we were having family dinner Saturday night

Y/N

Exactly. Have fun stuck at home!

Matthew Tkachuk

We’ll see about that

While Y/N was getting a lot of enjoyment out of her childhood hero saying he liked her more than his own son, she did wish Matthew would be there Saturday too so she could see that smirk again in person, but she kept that part to herself.

_________

When Brady told Y/N they were going to Charlie Gitto’s, she swore her stomach growled in that moment. Two things filled her mind as she was getting ready Saturday: the toasted raviolis she would demolish and the small hope that Matthew would weasel his way into dinner anyway.

Either way, she was going to look good. Charlie Gitto’s wasn’t very fancy, but she still wasn’t sure what she should wear out to eat with the Tkachuks so she texted Brady, who had given her his number to discuss the details of family dinner easier. They fell into an easy friendly conversation and hadn’t stopped talking since.

Y/N

Can you ask Taryn what she’s wearing? I don’t want to overdress or underdress

Brady Tkachuk

Giving the phone to her as we speak

Hi, Y/N! I’m just wearing a yellow sundress and sandals. You can wear whatever you want though, I’m sure you’ll look great. I can’t wait to meet you!

Y/N

Thanks, Taryn!! I can’t wait to meet you too, sis!

Brady Tkachuk

Sista, sista!

This conversation definitely eased some of Y/N’s nervousness for the evening and she was able to enjoy getting ready. She danced around her room to her favorite Lady Gaga song as she curled her hair, put on some light makeup and put on a light blue sundress with multi-colored flowers and sandals.

As she drove to the restaurant, she started to get nervous again. Before when she was debating whether she should talk to the boys or not at Ted Drewes, she had nothing to lose if they said no. Now, she felt like she was becoming friends with Brady and she was nervous that Chantal wouldn’t like her. She was also nervous Matthew didn’t like her like she wanted him to, but she still didn’t want to admit that.

Y/N’s thoughts were interrupted as she heard her phone go off. She made sure she was parked safely before she even looked at it.

Brady Tkachuk

Hey, we just got here. You close?

Y/N

Just pulled in

Y/N scanned the parking lot for a second before she saw Brady running over to her car. He was opening her car door and pulling her in for a hug before she could even step out.

“Whoa, someone’s excited. What’s up with you?” Y/N asked cautiously.

“My mom felt bad for making Matthew stay home so she let him come to dinner. He has been getting on my nerves all day laughing because my plan failed so I have really been looking forward to you roasting him,” Brady explained.

Y/N tried to hide her excitement that Matthew was there by sharing a laugh with Brady. But she still had her concerns.

“Not that I don’t enjoy roasting Matthew, but I feel like me and you have become friends in the last few days and I’m afraid to do something that will make your mom not like me,” Y/N said quietly.

She wasn’t sure what she was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t for Brady to laugh, but he did.

“Y/N/N, first of all, we are most definitely friends. Second, my mom can be protective over us, but Matthew gets on her nerves too. Literally no one we’ve ever met can roast him as hard as you do. He’s finally getting back what he dishes out and we live for it. Mom already loves you, you have nothing to worry about,” he replied, knowing just what to say to comfort her.

“Thanks, Brades. I needed to hear that,” Y/N said and sighed in relief, finally feeling better.

“Anytime. Now, let’s go. I’ve been waiting for this all day,” he said as he put his arm around her and almost ran towards the rest of the Tkachuks on the other side of the parking lot.

“Y/N!” Walt shouted as he saw you both approaching. Brady dropped his arm so Walt could hug her. “It’s nice to see you again,” he said with a huge smile on his face.

Y/N smiled back at him after the hug, but before she could even respond, Taryn was squealing and pulling her in for a hug. “HI, sis!” Y/N and Taryn shared a laugh.

“I’m happy to finally meet you, sis,” Y/N replied before it was Chantal’s turn for a hug.

“I’ve heard a lot about you,” she said as she looked over at a slightly pink Matthew. Y/N looked at him briefly, but tried not to let her gaze linger. “I’m so glad to finally meet you,” she said with a genuine smile. “It’s nice to meet you too. Thank you for letting me intrude on your family dinner,” Y/N said with a smile.

“You’re not intruding, honey. We’re all happy to have you here,” she said with another pointed look at Matthew.

Y/N smiled. She felt herself become more relaxed for a second before she realized that everyone was glancing between her and Matthew.

“Y/N,” Matthew said her name formally as a way of greeting her and looked into her eyes.

“What, cat finally got your tongue after talking about me all week?” Y/N smirked at him, turned on her heel and headed for the restaurant. She could hear all the Tkachuks laughing at Matthew behind her. Damn, that felt good. The only thing Y/N enjoyed more than Matthew’s smirk was his pink cheeks after she teased him.

Dinner was better than what Y/N expected. The Tkachuks asked Y/N a lot of questions about her life, Matthew would try to chirp her, she would chirp him back even harder without even trying, everyone else would laugh and that would shut him up for about 10 minutes before he got the nerve to try to chirp her again. She never wanted it to end.

“Can we have a family game night tonight?” Taryn asked just as they were finishing up dessert, seemingly reading Y/N’s mind.

“Absolutely, we haven’t had one in forever,” Walt answered.

“Can Y/N/N come?” Brady asked.

Walt nodded, but Matthew spoke before he got the chance to respond outloud.

“If she wants to lose, she’s more than welcome to come,” Matthew said with his signature smirk.

But Y/N’s comeback rolled right off her tongue. “What, like you’re going to be able to concentrate enough to win anything with all the beer you’ve had?”

Matthew was about to argue with her, but Taryn could feel like he was going to say something mean and interrupted. “We always play Skip-Bo. Have you ever played?”

“Once or twice,” Y/N replied. Matthew laughed at this. So did Y/N, but for a different reason.

Brady, who was completely oblivious, said, “I’ll teach you. You can be on my team.”

“Thanks, Brades. It can’t be that hard if Matthew can do it,” Y/N chirped and gave Matthew a smirk. He looked back at Y/N and smiled just like he had the day they met at Ted Drewes. Y/N was so lost in his eyes that she missed the rest of the Tkachuk family laughing and patting her on the back for her latest chirp at Matthew.

Y/N looked back down at the piece of gooey butter cake sitting in front of her and tried to keep her thoughts from spinning.

Thankfully, Chantal piped up, “You’re more than welcome to spend the night after, Y/N. Our game nights usually last all night.”

“Yeah, you can stay in my room!” Taryn said excitedly.

“That would be great, thank you guys!” Y/N responded. “If someone wants to give me your address, I can take my car and meet you there.”

“Taryn and I will go with you and give you directions,” Brady said as Taryn’s face lit up.

“Well, they both have a terrible taste in music so you’ll need a good DJ on the way there. I can help you there” Matthew said. There was that smirk again. Although she liked it more than she wanted to admit, it was getting a little annoying. She had the sudden urge to wipe it off his face.

“You can come, but I’m giving the aux to Taryn,” Y/N replied, which earned a cheer from Taryn and an eye roll from Matthew.

After dinner was over, Y/N thanked Walt for paying for it and led the Tkachuk siblings to her car. Y/N got in first and expected Taryn to get in the passenger seat since she told everyone she was getting the aux, but Matthew appeared smiling next to her and Taryn got in the back seat, clearly annoyed. Y/N looked between the two of them, clearly confused.

“He pushed me out of the way. I fell and scraped my knee,” Taryn explained.

That’s all Y/N needed to know before she hit Matthew across the chest. “What is your damage, dude?”

Matthew put his hand over where she hit him and sighed dramatically. “She’s just being dramatic because she lost the race here and-” he tried to explain before Y/N cut him off.

“Apologize and switch seats with your sister or I swear to god, I will leave you at this restaurant and you can Uber home,” Y/N said as Brady and Taryn cheered.

Matthew turned around and glared at them both before switching seats with Taryn. “Listen, I’m really sorry, Taryn. I just wanted to play one song.”

“You’re so dramatic. Play your stupid song and then let Taryn have the aux. Now, someone please lead me to your house so we don’t stay in this parking lot all night,” Y/N sighed. Taryn started leading her to their house while Matthew tried to find the song he wanted to play.

When it started playing, Y/N thought her heart stopped beating. It was the very same Lady Gaga song she had listened to while she was dancing around her room earlier in the day. This felt like a sign. She tried to even her breathing so she could sing along quietly.

After the song ended, Brady said, “Out of all the songs in the world you could have picked, you pick You and I? That’s so lame, dude.”

He must have been oblivious to the fact that Y/N was singing along too, but something told her Matthew knew. She looked up at him in her rearview mirror and he looked back at her when he said, “It’s my favorite song.”

Nothing could hold back Y/N’s thoughts now. The way he had been looking at her all night, the way it took almost nothing for her to get his cheeks to turn pink, the way he played that freaking song. Did he like her?

Taryn played the Jonas Brothers and U sang along, trying to act like she was playing her favorite song in the world and that Matthew hadn’t just played it minutes ago.

As soon as she took two steps into the Tkachuk house, Walt was insisting on giving her the grand tour. Brady and Matthew followed when Walt took her downstairs to show her all the hockey memorabilia in the basement.

They hadn’t talked about hockey much yet, but Walt could tell she loved the game and was trying to hold back on the fangirling. He was proven correctly when he showed her his game-worn jersey from his last NHL game in 2010 and started to talk about how he played that day, but Y/N remembered.

“I actually went to that game with my family. We wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I remember you had two assists and the Blues won that day. I thought it was so cool that Brady, Taryn and Matthew went on the ice with you. I think it’s even cooler now that Brady and Matthew are in the NHL themselves.”

Even Walt didn’t remember that he had two assists that day. He, Brady and Matthew exchanged glances. They were all impressed at her knowledge.

Just then, Chantal called downstairs. “You guys will be down there all night if I don’t stop you. Come upstairs, let’s play Skip-Bo!”

“Clearly we need to talk about hockey more often, Y/N,” Walt said. “You’ve been holding out on us.”

“I’d love that. I didn’t want to come across as a fangirl, but hockey is a huge part of my life,” Y/N replied.

“You fit right in, Y/N/N,” Brady said and everyone laughed. Well, everyone but Matthew laughed. Matthew was oddly silent. Y/N braced herself for a reaction that didn’t come.

As soon as they got upstairs, the boys went to change and Brady motioned for Y/N to follow him. “Here, let me get you sweats and a t-shirt. We’ve gotta be comfy if we want to beat dad and Matthew,” Brady said seriously.

Y/N decided now was a good time to let him in on her plan. “Brades, I play Skip-Bo with my family all the time. I’m kind of an expert,” Y/N whispered. “But don’t tell anyone, I want to wipe that stupid smirk off Matthew’s face and kick his ass. He’s been so annoying tonight. ”

Brady’s eyes got bigger than his head. “You are my favorite person ever. This is about to be a very fun night,” he said and you both laughed.

“I’m gonna go change and I’ll meet you there, partner,” Y/N said.

What Y/N didn’t expect was that Y/N was going to wipe the smirk off Matthew’s face before the game even started. When Y/N met Brady in the living room, both of them wearing Senators shirts, she felt like someone was staring at her. She turned around to see Matthew giving her a death glare. She didn’t understand so she looked at Brady, who was trying to contain his laugh as he pointedly said, “Looking good in Senators gear, Y/N/N!” just loudly enough that Matthew would be able to hear him. Matthew stormed into the dining room where they would be playing.

“What was that?” Y/N asked Brady.

“I was just testing a theory,” he said casually as if that was supposed to explain it all. It did, but she still wanted to hear Brady say it.

“Do you think he-“ Y/N started to ask before Brady cut her off.

“Obviously. Do you-“ he started to ask, but it was Y/N’s turn to cut him off.

“Obviously,” Y/N replied.

“Oh, this is going to be so much fun!” Brady exclaimed before dragging Y/N into the dining room.

Part 3

[maraudingthrough]

i loved your mac n cheese lil fic! its lovely, i am in love with you carachterization of sirius. i was wondering if i could request a oneshot with him when they are still at hogwarts and they have been dating for a few years and sirius is disowned and goes to the potters. when they come back to school he tells y/n and she promises him that as soon as they finish school they will get married and have their own family. i think its a cute concept and you'd rock it!

Gimme Shelter: Sirius Black x Female!Reader One Shot

Word Count: 1.5K

Warnings: fluff, at the end I added a nonsense part that you’ll be like?? what??

A/N: Hi honey! Thanks for your kind words! I didn't like too much how the Mac &Cheese turned out, but I'm really happy you liked it! So Sirius gets disowned in 1975, I believe summer as he was in his house. He was sixteen apparently and he would be starting his fifth year. For the sake of making sense reader knows Sirius since the first years at Hogwarts but started dating him recently, half in their fourth year. I hope that’s okay! Also Reader is not a pure blood witch, for the sake of some minor plot points.

A/N 2: Not about this story, but I might be a little inactive for a week or two, I got midterms and I have to start studying 😒 Feel free to leave requests, I’ll receive them but take a little more time to do them! All request that I received until now are wonderful! So if you sent me a request, it was well received! Don’t worry that I’ll reply them as soon as I can 💕💕 

To claim (Y/N) was pissed (and really, really worried) was an understatement. She had sent Sirius letters all summer. The first few weeks he had replied almost immediately, but around August the witch sent letters and they remained unanswered. A few days before the term started, however, she received a small piece of parchment from the Black’s family owl, a neat and gorgeous handwriting detailed “Kindly stop sending your letters to this house”; it wasn’t signed, and the handwriting didn’t look like Sirius’. So (Y/N) started thinking, and thinking and thinking. 

What if his mother found out she wasn’t a pure blood? Oh Godric! Maybe she had read the letters!? (Y/N) was mortified and embarrassed. What if Sirius was punished because of her? Maybe his mother was so pissed she arranged a marriage for Sirius? Did Sirius break up with her? Did she miss a letter?

Distressed, (Y/N) sent letters to anyone who knew Sirius. It was pointless really, as they where returning to Hogwarts in just 3 days and she would see everybody there, but maybe someone knew something.

She got a small letter from Remus, who told her he haven’t heard from Sirius. Similar responses from Peter and Lily arrived later. She received no response from James, but usually James took for ever to reply so she wasn’t expecting no response from the start. 

(Y/N) took a lot of time and effort on making her hair beautiful the morning when she was starting the term. She looked all around the platform, but didn’t find Sirius or The Marauders, maybe because she arrived way too early. Eventually (Y/N) got distracted when her friends arrived, and got dragged to a compartment. 

Her friends were so exited and had done so many thing over the summer that she was really distracted. She didn’t notice when the rain started to move, it wasn’t until she saw Remus Lupin and Lily Evans walking down the aisle she remembered.

“Hey! What are you guys doing?” she asked, walking out of her compartment.

“Hey (Y/N). We are on prefect duties.” Remus greeted, pointing at their badges. The witch gasped and smiled, hugging both of them quickly.

“Congratulations guys!” both Remus and Lily thanked her, but dismissed her quickly, having to go back to their duties. (Y/N) got back to her friends, as they where calling her, needing her opinion on who was the most good looking wizard outside of Hogwarts, they had pictures from Witch Weekly Magazine to help them decide. 

(Y/N) had to go to the loo, so she got out of the compartment, all flushed and happy, wiping small tears of laugher from her eyes, still chuckling at something dumb the girls had said. All of a sudden, she collided with someone. “Sorry! I wasn’t looking where I was going” she said giddy and full of happiness, endorphins flowing all over her body. She met her boyfriend’s grey eyes, he looked awful. “Well, hello stranger.” she greeted, her happy high plummeting to the ground at his miserable face, clearly he felt awful, but why?

Before (Y/N) could open her mouth to talk again, Sirius embraced her so tightly he knocked her air out of her lungs. She returned the hug immediately, but was really worried now. He usually greeted her with a cheeky remark, a flirty comment and the kissed her forehead, but he didn’t even speak a word.

“Sirius, are you okay?” she asked, still in his arms.

“I missed you so much.” He whispered, his breath shaky. The witch started to believe he might be crying. They needed privacy ASAP, so she pulled him inside with her to the girls changing room and locked the room.

“What happened?” she asked cupping his face, his crestfallen eyes making her worry. “You are making me worry love.”

“I ran away.”

“Oh Godric.” she gasped. “When? Where did you go? How did you manage? You should have come home, you know I would let you stay.” Sirius smiled, grabbing her hands and squeezing them. 

“I went to James’ house. I was well received. The Potters are very kind.” (Y/N) wanted to smile, but wasn’t able to.

“Did she... did she do something to you?” she asked, afraid that Walburga Black’s rage got the best of him. “I won’t hesitate to kick her arse.”

“As much as I would love you to defend my honor, she didn’t do anything. I just had enough.”

“You should have told me. I was worried sick, and then I got a piece of parchment from your house that told me to stop sending letter and I thought that maybe you were going to marry some stuck up pure-blood bitch and that you were going to break up with me-”

“Wow, wow.” Sirius stopped her, cupping her cheeks. “Love, stop. I didn’t want to tell you because I didn’t want you to worry.”

“Well, I worried all the same!” she exclaimed, crossing her arms and flushing, realizing it might have been a little childish to think all of that. Sirius smirked and leaned down to kiss her gently. 

“I’m sorry.” he whispered and kissed her again. They got caught in the moment until someone knocked on the door.

“I need you both to come out know before I’m obliged to take Gryffindor house points.” Remus’ voice sounded through the door. (Y/N) giggled as Sirius started to kiss her all over. “Padfoot!” he exclaimed.

Sirius sighed and opened the door, a happy and flushed (Y/N) waved at Remus, smiling apologetically. “Sorry.” she apologized, as Remus shook his head. Sirius took her back to her friends and kissed her forehead. “Let’s talk later, yeah?” she asked, Sirius nodding his head as he returned to his friends.

***

(Y/N) successfully sneaked past curfew to the Astronomy Tower, waiting for Sirius. She wanted to ask him all about his summer, why did he ran away and what did he do at the Potters.

He arrived and got himself comfortable, laying in (Y/N)’s lap. “Hello to you too.” she told him, raking a hand though his hair. “Now, tell me anything.”

“I ran away. And got disowned.” he explained calmly. He sighed and explained how it happened. “The worst thing is that Regulus is still on that house.”

“D’you reckon he’ll be alright?”

“I think so, yeah. I was never part of that family to begin with, not since I got sorted out in Gryffindor. Regulus was the perfect son to my mother, so I did not exist anymore. As long as Reg behaves the way he had been until now, he’ll be alright.” 

(Y/N) felt pity for him, he deserved a family that loved him, he was a good boy, he was noble and kind, contrary to what he usually showed to anyone who wasn’t a friend.

“When we finish school...” she started, but stopped herself. If she told him he might freak out.

“What?” Sirius asked, curious.

“Nothing.” she replied, looking anywhere but his face. He sat up and nudged her, pulling her arm like a little boy.

“C’mon, tell me.”

“You’ll laugh, or freak out.” 

“I won’t.” he smirked, squeezing her hand.

“When we finish school, and if you want, of course... we can...” she took a deep breath. “We can make our own family, we can marry and have our own children.” Sirius was silent, so (Y/N) started to talk really fast. “I know we are young and we have been a couple for a few months, but I really like you and I want you to have the family that you deserve.”

“Promise?” he asked, his voice weak and fragile. “Do you promise?”

“I promise. As long as you don’t get tired of me.” He hugged her and kissed her deeply.

“I could never get tired of you.” he admitted, kissing her over and over again. “So, how many kids do you want?”

“I- I haven’t though about it.” she told him, her cheeks flushed. “A cute boy, with your hair.”

“And my personality?” he asked, eyebrows raised.

“Gosh no, with mine.” (Y/N) told him, making him bark with laugher. They fooled around with some more, sharing kisses and praises, commenting about the future.

“How many times do I have to warn you two? Five points from Gryffindor.” Remus stern voice sounded from behind them, making (Y/N) yelp. Sirius laughed and helped (Y/N) up.

“I’ll escort the young lady to her chambers.” he declared, bowing comically at Remus. Moony rolled his eyes.

“If I find you two again fooling around I’ll give you detention.” he said, crossing his arms.

“Noo, Remus!! Don’t pull that card on us! We’ll behave!” (Y/N) told him with a smile, jumping and riding his back. Remus gasped (but grabbed her legs, letting her piggy ride his back) and Sirius laughed, walking by their side.

“Keep your voice down, we’ll get detention if anyone catches us.” despite his tone, Remus was smiling. (Y/N) climbed down his back and jumped to Sirius’ back instead.

“Run, Sirius, run!” she squealed, giggling when Sirius started running down the hall.

[themonotonysyndrome]

Time of Realisation

Happy New Year, everyone! May 2021 be everything you ever wanted. Since I just finished writing for part 8 of this series, I wanted to post this one a bit earlier than the usual Fridays as a New Year’s Treat. So here we go! Part 7 of the ‘Successors of the Future’ is here. 

(My Premium Grammarly account disappeared all of the sudden so please excuse any stupid grammatical or spelling errors you might find. I’ve edited this chapter thrice now and it should be ok??) 

Before we start, we must do our ritual and give thanks to the ever amazing @tri3tri for letting us all expand on her Draconia Family series. Hope you’ll have a great year as well, Tri-senpai! 

-

“To be honest with you Ren, I don’t remember much about Sebek. Just his voice. I still remember how loud his shouts were.” 

“Eh, don’t sweat it too much. Take it as a blessing.” 

Renata and Sherrie are in her room. The underwater aesthetic of Octavinelle is so beautiful to take in from the inside. It almost makes Renata wish that she’s a mermaid. Or a killer whale type of mermaid. Now that is a badass merfolk. 

Just like Renata, Sherrie was given a room all to herself instead of sharing it with a dorm member due to her gender. 

And her little sister did not waste time transforming her room just like her old one back at their home. Already her gaming computer has been set up on her study table, cosmetic sets of well-known brands - Nyx, My Pretty Zombie, and Fenty Beauty - are organised neatly on her shelves beside the standard textbooks and stationeries. One of the open drawers beside her cupboard full of her school uniforms as well as her Pastel Goth clothes display tins of green teas and stacks of instant foods. 

Clearly, Sherrie has made herself right at home in Octavinelle. And less than a week too! 

Actually, how much luggage did Sherrie brought from their home? 

After the Entrance Ceremony, Renata waited two days for Sherrie to acclimate herself to Night Raven College, letting her talk to some of her dorm members, get a feel on the teachers before slipping into her bedroom to catch up. It was a mild surprise to see the state of her room after her little sister told her to plant her ass on the bed while she prepared a pot of hot green tea for them. 

While she’s busy with the kettle, Renata wasted no time to explain what Ace told her during Winter’s Break when she inquired about Sebek. It was good to know that due to the dense magic in the Country of Thorns, technology is almost non-existent in the land due to magical interference. It also helps that despite being in the First-Year Forever group chat, Sebek barely checks his phone at all. Over time, Ace and the rest of their group forgot that Sebek is even in the group chat! 

“Still, it’s good to know that Mama’s friends drifted away from Sebek over the years. That’ll help us a lot in the long run.” Sherrie commented after Renata wraps up her report. She handed a cup of tea to Renata and lean against her study table, facing the bed where her older sister is cooling her hot tea by channeling ice magic onto her fingertips. “What about the student body here? What are they like?” 

“Everyone walks around as if they got a twelve-inch dick.” Renata’s sarcasm is as thick as the kelp forest outside of Sherrie’s bedroom window. 

Sherrie couldn’t help but laugh at her deadpan tone; she had to put her cup of tea on the table before it spilled everywhere. “That bad, huh?” She giggles helplessly, wiping the tears from the corner of her eyes. 

Renata was about to roll her eyes but stop herself and ponders. Despite their flaws, Hoyle and Rex are good friends. Hell, even Bakari vibes with her. Not quite friendly, but he hasn’t yet turned her away when she scurries over to intrude herself in whatever he’s currently doing. That, and she secretly enjoys finding little treats and snacks in her backpack after hanging out with him. “Ok, some of them aren’t so bad once you can get past their ego. Remind me to introduce Hoyle and Rex to you soon.” 

Sherrie raises an eyebrow. “And what about that one guy who keeps giving you food?”  

“You’ll see him around.” 

“...Right.” Sherrie eyed her older sister with a knowing look when Renata nonchalantly shrugs. She’ll get back to that little topic later. “Have you prepare the little surprise for Mama?” 

“Yup.” Renata affirmed and took a sip of her tea. She lets out a happy, little sigh when warmth travels across her body. “We’ll do it this weekend. That’s the only time that they’re free.” 

The two talk a little more until Renata had to leave when curfew looms. The passing Octavinelle students gave her a side-eye for a few seconds but otherwise, no one batted an eye at seeing a Diasomnia student walking about their dorms. The whole school is aware that Renata and Sherrie are siblings by now. Renata wonders if her sister will receive the same cold politeness because of their horns. 

Meanwhile, as Renata made her way to her own dorm, Sherrie is scrutinising the lock on her door with a frown. The previous used cups and teapot are all washed up and the lights are dim slightly since she’s planning to hit the bed right after she figures out how to secure her room thoroughly. There are just too many sensitive and important information about their family and plans against their father kept here. She straightens her back and tosses a glance at the computer and tablet lying on the table beside it. Sherrie had made sure to cultivate a habit of not storing the complete set of important materials in a single device - one can never be too careful after all. Especially when there’s a dorm here dedicate to Technomages. Hmm... perhaps she should befriend one of the students of Ignihyde to help her with the security of her electronic devices? 

Though there’s still an issue with the simple lock of her door. Anyone can just force it open with a pick. Sherrie made a mental note to consult with her sister for some sort of spell that can solve this problem. 

And with that, she quickly changes into a simple loose shirt and a pair of shorts before slipping under the duvet and turns in for the night. 

Life as a halfling and an Octavinelle student quickly proves to be unlike anything Sherrie has ever experience. 

Renata offhandedly advises her to shrug it off when her dorm members stare at her horns a little too long; they’ll get used to her soon enough. Sherrie cursed under her breath when her sister left and wondered if she could attend her classes virtually instead, but when she brought that up to her Dorm Leader, the shark merman raised an eyebrow and simply asked her if she’s an Octavinelle student or Ignihyde’s. Needless to say, Sherrie set on digging any dirt she can find on her Dorm Leader ASAP. 

Other than the uncomfortable stares and shady Dorm Leader - Sherrie quite enjoys the scarf that comes with her uniform - as well as her dorm leader, tend to keep it to themselves. Underneath the polite offers of tutelage in classes and tours around Mostro Lounge, Sherrie can blatantly pick up the insinuation underneath those favours. 

A favour for a favour - that’s how life in Octavinelle works. Information is worth more than Madols and dealings under the table is practically the norm. 

Sherrie adapts in Night Raven College faster than Renata ever could. 

Speaking of Madols, Sherrie needed to do something about their financial situations in Twisted Wonderland. Currency exchange is not a thing here so their dollars are practically worthless. Fortunately, Octavinelle expects its dorm members to pull their weights in Mostro Lounge. By the second week she’s in Night Raven College, her Dorm Leader already distributed the First Year’s schedule of their shifts around the café. The pay might not be much but it’s a good start. 

There’s got to be a Twisted Wonderland equivalent of Youtube. She made mad revenue as a Youtuber and game streamer back home. 

Today, Sherrie is working at Mostro Lounge with several other First Year students from other dorms. Customers flooded in during lunchtime and kept her busy manning behind the bar, preparing drinks and desserts. 

“Presentation my ass...” Sherrie mumbled under her breath as she struggles to beautify the ice-cream sundae. She had to redo the whole thing when one of the staff - her Third Year senior - saw how plain her work was and taught her to make an art out of the dessert. 

She was in the midst of deciding how many cherries would be enough to make the sundae look prettier when a rich, baritone voice broke her concentration. “Has the ice-cream offend you in some way, MC/S-san?” 

Sherrie moves her face away from the towering glass to see a fellow dorm member smiling at her. How curious, his eyes are like hot, molten gold. 

“No. I was just adding some finishing touches.” Sherrie reply, her voice remained neutral. She hasn’t seen this one around before. 

Her dorm member continues to smile. It comes across as calculative instead of genuine. Renata would’ve spat fire at him already. “My, it looks wonderful. I’ll be sure to inform the customer that his sundae is prepared by your meticulous hand. I’m sure he’ll forgive you for the time he had to wait.” 

Sherrie promptly turns around to store back the cherries into the fridge to hide her smirk. This nobody came forward trying to pick a fight with her? This could be fun. “I’m more than happy to receive our customer if he has any complaint with his sundae.” 

“I’ll be sure to inform him.” He nods once and place the sundae on a tray and left the bar. Sherrie made sure to keep an eye on him after that. 

He’s tall, taller than her, and play the perfect part of a waiter with ease. As if he grew up in this sort of environment. The way how he balances two heavy laden trays of food and drinks on his palms while weaving in between tables, greeting the customers with an impeccable smile is telling. This guy mastered the art of customer service for sure. 

“Who’s the hotshot?” Sherrie asked her partner as she carefully wipes the clean glasses. Her shift partner - a Second Year manta ray merman, who was kind enough to introduce herself to her without any subtle jeer - glances at Sherrie’s line of sight, and his mouth made a small ‘o’. 

“That’s Amber Leech. He’s one of the promising First Year students we got, according to the Vice Dorm Leader. You’re more of a wild card, though. Dorm Leader still doesn’t know what to think of you.” 

Sherrie ignores that titbit about herself; she just hums. Didn’t Mama mention that she knows a Leech? “He’s good at handling the customers, I’ll give him that.” Sherrie admits, stacking the last dry glass onto the rack before her attention is capture by a server with a list of orders. Sherrie was too preoccupied with her job to scrutinised Amber any further after that.  

Later when a Scarabia student relieved her of her shift with a quick exchange of pleasantries, instead of leaving, Sherrie decided to stick around and enjoy some free food in the kitchen. As long as she stayed out of the way, no one really minded her presence. 

“Good job today, Leech-san. You can join MC/S-san in the kitchen if you’re hungry.” 

“Thank you very much. I’ll be taking up on your kind offer then.”

Sherrie paused, tilting her head up from her small tub of ice-cream to see none other but Amber Leech step into the kitchen. Their eyes met and his calculative smile greeted her. 

“Is this seat taken?” He politely asks her, gesturing to the vacant chair opposite her. The round table at the back of the kitchen is a bit small, barely enough to fit more than three people but it was far enough away from the kitchen staff so that they won’t be a bother. 

“Knock yourself out.” 

“Very well then.” 

By the time he took out a red bento from the fridge, heat it up and takes a seat near the table, Sherrie has already polished the tub of ice-cream. When Amber noticed the empty tub, he frowns. It was so sudden that Sherrie couldn’t help but defensively blurted out, “What?” 

“Is that all you having for lunch?” There’s a disapproving tone in his voice and Sherrie doesn’t know what to make of it. 

“That? It was a snack. I had my lunch before my shift.” 

For some reason, her dorm mate nodded, strangely pleased at her answer before he tucks into his lunch. By the looks of it, his bento is artfully made with a variety of colourful foods. 

The two said nothing, simply enjoying the clatter of cooking utensils, sizzling fire on the stoves and the cooks hum under their breath. Here in the back of the kitchen, the chatter of customers outside is almost muted. 

It was peaceful. So peaceful in fact, Amber Leech feels like it’s his sworn duty to shatter it. 

“I suggest consulting either Aeacus Shroud or the other students in Ignihyde’s Basic Magical Technology group as your solution. Shroud-san is the only First Year student in that group but I heard he’s the most approachable of the lot.” 

Sherrie’s heart froze. “What?”

Amber took his time to put away his now empty bento, dab the corner of his lip with a folded napkin that was on the table before replying, “For security of course.” 

His answer is vague. Purposely so as he levels a stare at Sherrie. 

“...How do you know that?” Sherrie all but demanded under her faux, indifferent voice. 

Amber dared to smile and point his eyes, no word escape his lips. 

A Unique Magic then. It has to be. Are his similar to Renata’s? 

Sherrie’s mind races, for once, trying to decipher this strange student beside her. 

And suddenly, Sherrie realises who this boy really is. The eyes were a give away.  

“Amber Leech. Jade Leech’s son, I presume?” 

-

“Mama, I’m home!”

“Welcome back, sweetie. How was cheer practice today?”

“It went really well, Mama. We nailed down the new routine without anyone falling off.” Lucien shuts the door close with his feet. He’s sweaty and still in his cheerleading uniform with a duffel bag sling over his shoulder. Seeing that his Mama is nowhere in the living room, Lucien padded into the kitchen. 

The house is, unfortunately, a lot quieter now that his sisters are off at Night Raven College. Before Sherrie left, she and he talk about how their Mama would feel lonely now. Even more so when it’s his turn. 

Lucien assured her that he’ll keep an eye on their Mama closely. 

His friends would playfully tease him that he’s such a Mama’s boy; constantly texting her of his whereabouts, what she and his sisters want from the convenience stores and Mama always make his favourite desserts more often compare to Renata’s apple pies and Sherrie’s matcha cupcakes. 

And Lucien has no shame in being spoiled by their Mama. 

However, when he steps into the kitchen to witness their Mama re-arranging the dishes in the cupboard for the second time this week, it’s time for Mama to be spoiled in return. 

Lucien can’t wait to see her reaction when they spring the surprise tonight. 

“Mama? Do you need some help with the plates?” Lucien asked instead of pointing out the fact that Mama has been restless lately. Without waiting for a reply, Lucien has already dropped his duffel bag to walk around the island counter towards her. 

“It’s alright, Lucy. I’m nearly done here anyway.” MC wave Lucien’s waiting hands away as she pushes the last stack of plates into the lower cabinet and got up. She shot him a smile but it’s wobbly. “Are you hungry, sweetheart? We still have some leftover dinner from last night that I can heat up real quick. Hang on, just give Mama a second to take it out - ”

“Mama, it’s alright. I know. It doesn’t feel the same without Ren and Cherry.” 

MC froze before she got up and smile sadly. The sight made Lucien’s heart clench painfully. “The three of you have always been close to me ever since you were born. Your Father was... many things,” MC grimace but she soldiers on. “But he would never separate your sisters away from me. I’m not sure what to do with myself now that Ren and Cherry are away...” 

Sherrie’s voice suddenly pops in Lucien’s head like how Renata enjoys busting through his door without knocking: “Mama needs a distraction. ASAP! Go, go, go!” 

Renata interjects after her: “Psst! Try something calming yet engaging. That’ll do.” 

Distraction. Right. Lucien can do that for Mama. At least until the surprise tonight. 

“Would Mama help me with my origami? I could use some help with filling up my new empty glass jar.” Lucien suggests. 

MC blink; didn’t expect Lucien to suddenly ask for an extra pair of hands with his hobby, but she took it in stride. “Uh, sure thing, honey.” 

Lucien beams like a blooming sunflower. “I’ll go shower first then. Be right back, Mama!” 

“Don’t run in the house, Lucy!” MC reminded him but lets him went upstairs with a small smile. She needs to get out of this funk. While Lucien is freshening up, might as well finish up her chores for the day. 

By the time Lucien came back down carrying an empty glass jar and a stack of colourful scented papers and they didn’t waste time to clear the dining table of the bowl of fruits and their cups so they could get to it. 

Lucien is remarkably patient. More so than MC or his older sisters - he made sure to slowly show how to fold the paper into stars to his Mama and when she’s confused, he would show her some videos online to help her. As the mother and son gradually fill up the glass jar, Lucien talks about anything and everything under the sun. How everyone in his team at school is helping him ease to the role as the captain of the cheerleading squad, how he’s getting a hang on the new subject material taught in Math class and who’s dating who in his circle of friends. 

MC hums and would give an appropriate reply in-between Lucien’s story. Typical teenage shenanigans, albeit, a lot tamer than what she went through but she’ll never get tired of listening to her children’s school life. Yes, even when Renata and Sherrie tried their best to hide whatever blunder they did at times. 

It was when Lucien threw a purple star origami into the jar that he suddenly changes the subject. “Oh yeah! By the way Mama, Ren and Cherry said that she has a surprise for you tonight!” 

“Oooh, a surprise? I wonder what your sisters are planning.” MC murmurs a bit absentmindedly, too focus on folding the papers. Her eyebrows scrunch in concentration and she would beam proudly when one star came out perfect before tossing it into the jar with a happy hum. 

Lucien is relieved. Looks like the distraction works. 

They had a simple dinner once the glass jar is filled and once the dishes are done, Lucien hurriedly ushers his Mama into the living room. On the sofa, MC watches Lucien draws the rune on the mirror, bemused at the grin on his face. 

When the rune vanishes, MC opens her mouth to greet her daughters. Her open mouth gapes and she could feel the corner of her eyes are suddenly wet when she saw the people on the other side of the mirror. 

“Ow! Deuce, you idiot! I told you not to shove me with your elbow!” 

“Who are you calling an idiot!? And quit hogging the mirror already!”

“I’m not hogging the mirror! You’re the one who keeps pushing me!” 

MC couldn’t help it. She laughs, tears now freely running down her cheeks. Lucien quietly excuses himself to fetch a box of tissue for her. 

Her laugh shuts both Ace and Deuce up. “Oh geez, what are you crying for, hah? It’s just us.” Ace said, supporting a bittersweet smile. At that moment, seeing his best friend releases the tension festering inside of him all these years. 

“We miss you, Prefect!” Deuce shouted with a sniffle, his eyes are teary as well. He hurries to wipe off the tears with his knuckle. “Miss you so, so much! I’m so glad you’re OK!” 

“Are you really though?” Ace interject, he doesn’t even bother to conceal his blatant check on MC’s body. Looking for any sign of injuries or illness. 

MC guessed that one of her daughters have told them what happened to her... 

But she refused to let thoughts regarding Malleus damper her happy mood. Not when she could finally see her best friends again. 

“I’m ok now. We’re... we’re ok.” MC honestly reply with a lightened heart. 

The three of them have grown; each of them has their own children now, at this moment, it feels as if they have been transported back to their teenage years all those years ago. 

MC realises that she’s truly no longer alone now. 

-

And we’ve reached the end of this chapter! I hope you guys enjoyed it!! MC finally meet Adeuce once more, even if it’s just through a mirror. With the three of them together again, there’s nothing they can’t do. 

Here are some titbits about Amber Leech’s background:

1. His Unique Magic is called ‘Witness of the Past’

2. His Mum is a beautiful mer Sea Lamprey (if you don’t know what a Sea Lamprey looks like, uh, prepare yourself before you google search them.) 

Speaking of Unique Magic, I’ve compiled a list of all the kids with their UMs already. Haven’t decided yet when I’ll post it, but I’m thinking of posting the names as a sort of teaser? Meh, we’ll see how that goes. 

[bonvoyagenoona]

Asks Queue - currently filling orders for 2022!

Thanks for your patience, everyone! Here’s where I’ll list all the asks I’ve received / completed! If you send me a shorter ask, I’ll also tag with #(your username) or #anon so that you can find my reply. Please keep in mind that there’s no timeline for this queue, and I’ll be alternating between answering these asks and posting works based on my own ideas, but I’m hoping that this helps you keep track of when I get to your requests! Also, because we all know how fickle our muses can be, I want to leave room for flexibility in the queue in case inspiration strikes! Please note that structure, order, and length are subject to change depending on where the stories take me. Thanks again, and I hope you enjoy!

LAST UPDATED: APR 6 

NEXT ASK:  A Weekend with Noona oneshot ask from @justaweird0 ​(thank you so much for reading, and yes, I have had that NYC meet-up in my mind since I finished it, hoping to get you this one-shot asap!) ​

⚠️ ASKS QUEUE FOR 2022 CLOSED ON APRIL 6 ⚠️ I’m so sorry to do this, but I’m terribly behind and need to do this to catch up with everyone! My goal is to complete these asks by the end of the year, on top of working on the various fics I have in my WIP list. Thank you so much for your asks, and I hope I can deliver!

PLANNED SHORT ASKS (up to 10K words):

​Autumn ask from @skyys-universe​ (yikes I hope I get to this before autumn is over lol)

Friends ask from @m-yg93​ (ahhhhh you sent me right into a scene with this one, lol, I might fuck around and start writing it right now ugh!!)

Lawyer ask from anon (hoo boy!)

Wedding ask from anon (already sweating 😶)

Namjoon songfic for @skyys-universe​!

Body chain costume change Jungkook for anon!

The Man who Fell to Earth Yoongi for anon!

Jungkook brownie for anon (oh man oh man oh mannn)

Tae and OC being banned from their OWN WEDDING VENUE for anon lol

Namjoon unrequited love for namaslaylife

Kittenfishing drabble about some kind of engagement/marriage/anniversary (comment here) for @thedarkwinterrose​

Bon Voyage Noona weed fic for @justaweird0​​

PLANNED LONG ASKS & CONTINUATIONS (over 10k words):

📚 Chick Lit anon’s ask for a Yoongi / Remember Me? fic (still need to read the book!)

Hideaway: Namjoon-focused (requestors: 6)

Hideaway: Jungkook-focused (requestors: 5)

Hideaway: Jimin-focused (requestors: 4)

Stressed and Pressed cont’d from “anon” (hahaha) and this anon!

Clink cont’d from this anon and your kind reviews in the comments!

Hold the Door continuation for @virgorisingproblems​!

OT7 historical drama for namaslaylife

Chat/text love story a la You’ve Got Mail for anon

Adore / Namjoon ask for @ultimatenoona

Jungkook / Jin love triangle for @rurugoeson​ and friend!

COMPLETED:

Hobi song fic request from @skyys-universe​: Feeling Good | JHS

Post-interview “Mad Lib” ask from @mochilatae: Stressed and Pressed | JJK

Elevator Dream ask from Anon: Hold the Door | KNJ

Matchmaker ask from Anon: Matchmaker | Drabble 3: The Notebook

Seokjin’s Girlfriend ask from Anon: Finger Hearts | KSJ

Hump Day ask from @mochilatae: Playing Hooky | PJM, KTH, KNJ

Want to submit a request? Don’t worry! Anon and asks are still open! Your request will be added to the 2023 ASKS QUEUE!

[sweethugsandhoney]

hanahaki disease pt 3

summary: hanahaki disease- a disease where the victim of unrequited or one sided love begins to vomit or cough up the petals and flowers of a flowering plant growing in their lungs. which will eventually grow large enough to render breathing impossible if left. it ends when the beloved returns their feelings or when the victim dies.

a/n: i decided i’m going to be writing a fourth partt because i write too much lmaooo. lmk your thoughts and thank you so much for the support and comments i’ve been getting!

pt 1 pt 2 pt 3 pt 4

“spencer stop!”, my laughter filled the room as spencer’s fingers kept tickling my sides. i mentally cringed at my laugh, trying to close my mouth but failing. spencer’s actions stopped as he hovered over me, “are you going to say yes now?”. i shook my head no with tears in my eyes, spencer’s hands returned to my side. “okay stop stop stop! i’ll watch it!”, i said quickly.

“why are you crying?”, spencer asked concerned, his beautiful eyes staring into mine. i bursted out laughing as i clamped a hand over my mouth, trying to muffle my laugh. “i’m not crying, my eyes are just watery from you tickling me”, i managed out. “hey, don’t hide your smile from me”, he said grinning as he pulled my hand down from my face. his words made my heart burst. i groaned as i sat up from my position on the couch, my sides hurting from the torture they received.

spencer got the remote and put on ‘doctor who’. he put his arm around me as i cuddled into his side. this is wrong, i thought. he just thinks of me as a friend but then he acts like this around me. i felt spencer’s fingers tracing random shapes on my side. my chest tightened and my breath quickened. i felt like i could pass out, i never wanted this moment to end, i felt pure bliss in his arms.

unfortunately it did, that happened three months ago. i realized that night that i was in love with him, it wasn’t just feelings anymore. that was also the night the plant started growing inside of me. i spent the night at his house, baking cookies and watching doctor who together.

i had decided who i should put on my life support form. the noise of my footsteps climbing up the stairs filled the silent hallway. i cleared my throat, still feeling uncomfortable although i already coughed some petals out. i stopped in front of his door, softly knocking on spencer’s door. this plant is growing for him, he should be the one to decide. spencer opened the door, opening it wider once he saw it was me.

“y/n! you came”, his excited voice said, i stepped into his apartment with a smile on my face. his presence alone made my mood so much better. “yeah, we haven’t hung out in a while”, i said taking off my sweater and putting it on the couch. “actually i have something to talk to you about”, might as well get this over with.

“what is it”, spencer replied, coming to take a seat next to me. i stayed silent for a second as i chewed on my lip. i saw spencer’s eyes glance down at my hands, my eyes following his. i was subconsciously picking at the skin around my nails, something he said i did when i was nervous. i quickly stopped doing it and cleared my throat.

“it’s about the coughing. you said that i could tell you when i was ready, and i’m ready”, i started. i exhaled a long sigh as my vision blurred with tears. “i’m dying spencer, i have hanahaki disease”, i desperately blinked the tears away. it doesn’t matter how many times i cried, the tears just kept coming. his face remained expressionless as he just stared at me.

“i know”, he finally said. “after i saw you cough up a flower, i went home and researched everything i could about coughing up flowers. i was waiting for you to tell me”, i nodded my head as a tear slid down my cheek. spencer scooted closer to me and wiped the tear off my face with his thumb. “who do you love?”

my breath caught in my throat at his last question. i glanced down at my hands, should i tell him? i looked back up to meet his eyes, my eyes glanced at a framed picture he had of maeve on his book shelf. “that’s not important”, i finally said, my eyes returning to his. “the reason i came here is because there’s a surgery i can get, but it’s risky. there’s isn’t enough research done for the surgery to be a guaranteed success”, i said pulling out the manila folder from the bag i brought with me.

i placed the folder on his lap. his fingers reached for it, opening it to the life support form dr. lee had given me. spencer reached for the x-ray scans behind the first paper, eyes taking in the image. “red carnations are my favorite”, he said softly. yeah i know, that’s why they’re growing inside of me. “spencer, i want you to be the person to decide my fate”, i said reaching for a pen from my bag and giving it to him.

“i don’t think i can do this”, he said after a few moments, his eyes looking up to meet mine. i opened my mouth to say something but was interrupted when both of our phones ringed. i furrowed my eyebrows as i reached in my back pocket for mine. ‘new case. get here asap!’, penelope’s text message read. “look you don’t have to sign it right now, just consider it”, i said with a pleading look in my eyes, “please”.

spencer nodded his head and closed the folder. we both got into our separate cars and arrived at FBI headquarters. “alright, my lovelies”, said penelope as she entered the briefing room. the whole team had arrived and was sitting around the round table. “six prostitutes have been found dead in alleyways right here in virginia. they all have an extreme amount of stab wounds and their hair has been cut off”, garcia said cringing.

“six? why are we barely being told now?”, i said, looking down at the crime scene photos on my tablet. “the police don’t really care for prostitutes that die. they kind of just slip it under the rug”, morgan said in a disappointing tone. “why is he taking their hair though?”, emily added in.

“it could be for trophies, relive his crimes. we’ll be taking the cars over there”, hotch said in his usual serious tone. we all hopped onto two different cars, three of us in each. my eyes followed the scenery we passed on our drive. ah shit, i thought as i felt the familiar itchy sensation in my throat. i started lightly coughing, “ hotch can you please stop the car”, i heard emily say . i felt the car being pulled over and i hurriedly opened the car door.

i violently coughed onto the floor, getting down on my knees. i felt the lump come up my throat, the damned flower finally making its way out of my mouth. i heaved as i felt more coming out of my mouth, hurting and stinging my throat. i breathed heavily as i pulled back my hair. i stood up on shaky legs, using the car door for support. my thoughts ran a million miles a second as i saw that i coughed up more than the other times.

the last thing i fucking need is for this thing to get worse. i wiped the blood off my chin with my sleeve, climbing back into the car and shutting the door. “everything alright, y/l/n?”, i heard hotch’s voice say, looking at me through the rear view mirror. i nodded my head as i composed myself, emily looked back at me concerned. she’d never actually seen it happen, just heard me talk about it. we arrived at the springfield police department, where they provided a board room for us.

we ran through different theories but nothing seemed to make sense. there were two different types of stab wounds. “there’s two unsubs. one is the dominant personality which goes with the violent stab wounds”, i said looking at the crime scene photos on the board. “and one is the submissive, indicating the hesitant stab wounds”, spencer followed, coming to the realization i made. after talking to witnesses and coming up with theories, we figured out the unsubs were 36 year-old connor andrews and 17 year-old jackson gregory.

we were on our way to an abandoned warehouse, which was slap in the middle of the geo profile reid created. i felt the familiar tightness in my throat as i mentally cursed myself. you just had to go falling in love with your coworker, i internally scolded myself. we arrived to the warehouse, quickly getting out and forcing our way into the building. “put the weapon down!”, morgan’s voice boomed as we found the older unsub pointing a gun to the younger one’s head.

i suppressed my coughs and ignored the tightness i felt. “no! he betrayed me!”, the unsub connor andrews said as he held the 17 year-old against him, shielding himself with him. i felt a sharp, stabbing pain in my chest. it worsened whenever i took a breath in. my hand reached to touch my chest, trying to keep my composure. i somehow still managed to keep my coughs in, even though i felt like my throat was being ripped open. the world around me started spinning as i felt myself fall.

taglist:

@squirrellover1967 @thatsonezesty13 @yomama-umbridge @arttrash02 @ladydansblanche @shellbeerocks @skrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrt

[calicorn]

My experience with WeLoveFine/ForFansByFans as an artist.

This in regards to the Act 6/7 Tarot Project, which occurred from 2017 to 2018. I also want to thank @aryll for the chance to participate in such a project, and thank you for doing what you could with the group and what occurred. I realize this is a few years late, however, but it’s been bothering me ever since it occurred, and I only chose to speak my mind about it. But to summarize, the project started out as unofficial, however we were approached by FFBF in February of 2018. They were willing to sell the deck as official merchandise on their store. I have my own opinions on the company, as it’s known they underpay artists severely for their work despite selling most items for extremely high prices. A similar payment issue occurred with the Official Homestuck Zine, and one of the artists of the Tarot Project posted this in the comments:     “Can relate OP. I did work for the new tarot deck (using my throwaway account for that reason lol) but we aren’t being paid at all. No money. The only compensation we are getting is a free deck and an exclusive enamel pin which is pennies compared to what they’ll be making off us. One might argue that the project wasn’t supposed to be printed so I should be grateful it’s even happening but I expected a big company like WLF to y’know, pay artists... The only reason I agreed to letting them use my art was to get a free deck. I also honestly dislike WLF’s artist compensation policy. My art has been selected from the Fan Forge before and the idea of being able to sell my HS art was so appealing, but the execution is so poor. They don’t pay us until we sell $100 worth of shirts, but that is so difficult in a market that is so oversaturated. I wish they like, cycled designs in and out. Instead, they just keep adding more and more designs, drowning out old ones and just flooding the entire market. Plus, they get to withhold money from artists until every hundred-dollar mark. I can’t imagine how much they’ve made off of small time artists that get their design accepted and sell maybe 3 shirts since it happens so often.” So. What exactly happened? I’ll explain under the cut given there’s a decent amount to go through. Though to summarize; WeLoveFine/ForFansByFans is an extremely egregious company that does not value their artists whatsoever and will do what they can to pay them as little as possible. Please support said artists on sites that actually do give them fair pay, or support them via commissions.

There were a few bumps during the tarot project, though overall it went extremely smoothly and we released our art to the Tumblr blog. FFBF approached us during this time, and we were all given the option to agree to continue working or the project or decline. However, this is what was an important piece to the initial email sent out by the Tarot Project team;      • Each participating artist will get a full finalized copy of the deck, COMPLETELY free. This includes packaging and free shipping of the deck.      • Each participating artist will get an enamel pin commemorating the project, EXCLUSIVE to the artists of this project only, with a custom design as chosen/designed by us. What will most likely occur is that everyone who wishes to submit a design for the pin can do so, and as a group, we will vote on which one we would like to submit as our final design choice!     • Each participating artist will receive FULL COMMISSION on any further usage of their artwork by What Pumpkin or For Fans By Fans. For example, if they release a mini-print, wallet, etc. with your design on it, you will be paid in commission for the usage of your work. (If you have ANY questions about how this would work, please don’t hesitate to ask and I will hook you up ASAP with a For fans By Fans representative who can go over the details with you further.)     • Each participating artist will have a window in which they will be able to make updates or revisions to their illustration(s) before the project is released. This means that if something is bugging you about your work, or you feel that it does not reflect your current level of skill, you will be allowed to resubmit a new version before the project officially goes up as merchandise! So, the majority of us agreed to continue forward with the project and retouch our cards. From there, things continued, and we were emailed by a FFBF representative on occasion to discuss how the process went, as well as various other things that required discussion, plus asked to assist in the promotion of the 4/13/18 celebration on their website. This is where the issues began and would continue through the entire project, with it still being seen post-release of the cards. We were sent an email in April of 2018 requiring information to be provided in the  accompanying booklet of the deck, as well as being asked to answer various interview questions that would be posted to FFBF’s Tumblr, and most importantly; the Commission Agreement form. So what did it entail? This was the form I was sent. My interview was never posted. I have looked multiple times and never seen evidence it ever was, either. And this was also included in the email; ��  • We are going to be hosting a pre-order bonus promotion surrounding the new tarot set, starting 413. Anyone who pre-orders the set will be entered into a drawing to win a commissioned art piece from a random artist who worked on the tarot. You will be paid by us, FFBF, for this commission work in the amount of $50.  So we had to draw more art with a very close deadline date to obtain a payment  for art we had already created, both of which should have easily been worth more than $50 total. I signed without thinking, which looking back on, was incredibly idiotic, despite my own worries over the fact that even at the time, $50 did not seem like a lot. Progress continued. An exclusive pin was designed and created for the artists, though the production and delivery dates would be delayed to September of 2018. During this time, we were also invited to join FFBF’s Discord server as well, which I am still in, though am not active in. And eventually, we were provided a Commission Schedule. I do not know if I’m missing an email between the enamel pin shipment and this schedule post, however I cannot find any trace of it. This is the Commission Schedule email, and what it consists of. Of course I found it strange, because looking at the schedule, I could never find any sign of myself having been added. Obviously I should have replied then and there due to that, but I didn’t, and that is my own fault. But that rolled into October of 2018, when I did finally email back and asked about why I hadn’t been added. I was sent back this; “Hi Calicorn! I’m sorry I misinterpreted your response as not wanting to proceed:“3)  I am completely willing to sign up for being one of the artists for the commission raffle event, though I must say $50 would be underpaying considering most artists’ base prices for commissions tend to be $50 or more.” Then I sent “If you do not want to be part of the give-away, that’s totally ok. We are offering $50 for these commissions but if that price is not within your comfort, there’s no pressure!” You never came back with anything so I didn’t want to proceed since it seemed like you were uncomfortable with the amount we were offering – I’m really sorry if I misunderstood! The giveaway is actually over I’m sorry to say but I appreciate you following up about this. I wonder why the message went into spam.. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you Thanks!” And one of the most glaring issues popped up in October as well. When we finally received our decks in the mail, our project’s Discord group began to discuss the fact that our emails had been printed in the pamphlet without our permission. Mind you, this was also a project that included minors in it, and our emails had now been given away without our knowledge. Another issue with the pamphlets is the fact that FFBF had reused the same text from the Homestuck Kickstarter Tarot Deck, as seen on the New Booklet/Old Booklet, and here/here. FFBF then decided to remove the booklet from every outgoing tarot that gets ordered, with customers receiving a corrected digital PDF that was coordinated in its creation by Aryll. And apparently previous customers would receive this PDF via emails, as well as a link to download it on the product page. Thankfully FFBF seemed to have at least posted the PDF on the product page, however this seems extremely lazy compared to simply including the newly reprinted booklet. Though this may not be the last of issues, as I stumbled across the Amazon product page for our tarot deck earlier before typing this all up. To say the least, it is extremely infuriating, especially given the quality of the cards and how many people of complained about them on both Amazon and FFBF’s websites. Of course we, the artists, were never alerted to this development, nor were we paid for such.

But overall, we were hardly paid for our time and effort during this project, which is a massive disappointment, but perhaps that much should have been expected from WeloveFine/ForFansByFans, who are notorious for underpaying artists and overpricing products. Their actions are inexcusable, and I am still both disappointed and furious with this company as a whole. But thank you for reading, and please spread the word, as I do not want FFBF’s actions to go unnoticed.

[amethystroselilith]

I don’t know if you’ve done something like this but a head cannon or fic the brothers and mc playing a game of monopoly that gets heated I mean like, tables have been flipped, fires have been caused at some point, and yelling. Lots of yelling.

I’m not sure if this is chaotic enough for you, but I hope you’ll still like it, anon! :)

Brothers x MC Playing Monopoly

You are currently in your room, on your bed, leaning against a snacking Beel and cradling a napping Belphie to your chest.

In front of you three, are the two eldest brothers, arguing over what to put on the tv.

“Play in your fucking room, Levi! I wanna watch Harrison Porter!” Mammon growled, trying to hold Levi in a headlock.

“Take your own advice and watch it in your own room! Y/N and I need to play this asap!” Levi growled, protecting the remove to his chest.

You sighed, it’s a common occurrence and you’re just waiting for another brother to burst in the room to complain about the noises the two are making.

“Can you two stop bickering?” the door opened, revealing Lucifer, who looks tired.

“I will if Levi will just give me the fucking remote!” Mammon growled, reaching for the remote, only for Levi to push him back.

“As if! This is way more important than your show!” Levi growled, using his foot to shove Mammon away.

“What’s that?” you asked curiously at the box Lucifer was carrying.

It also caught everyone’s attention, except for Belphie who just nuzzled on your chest, sleeping peacefully.

“Diavolo had returned from the human world and bought this as a souvenir, he claimed you have talked to him about this board game?” Lucifer explained as he showed the box.

“Oh, Monopoly!” you smiled, “Yeah, it’s basically a game about money-”

“Let’s play it!” Mammon pushed Levi, who groaned in annoyance when he hit the floor, “I wonder how much money I can make.” he grinned as he snatched the board game from an irritated Lucifer.

“We use fake money.” you chuckled, “It’s basically buying properties and hope someone lands on them so you can earn money back.” 

“Eh? Can we use real money?” Mammon suggested.

“Do you even have enough on you to play?” Lucifer raised an eyebrow, “Because I just received-”

“Alright, alright, enough!” Mammon huffed with an embarrassed blush.

Lucifer smirked before turning back to the game, “Anyway, Diavolo’s begging us to play it as soon as possible. Apparently, he wants us to be familiarised with since he’ll be throwing a board game night next week or something.” he sighed, “Might as well get it over with so I can go back to my work.”

~~~

“These pieces don’t make sense,” Asmo commented as he’s trying to choose which piece to use.

“It doesn’t really matter, Asmo, just choose something,” Satan said, quickly taking the cat piece.

“Fine, I’ll get the car.” Asmo rolled his eyes about to pick the said piece.

“But I want the car,” Mammon whined, stopping Asmo.

Lucifer sighed, picking a random one, which happened to be the top hat, “Asmo, just give it to him, I don’t want to hear his annoying whines for the whole night.”

“I guess I’ll take this.” Belphie shrugged as he took the dog.

“...but I want the dog…” Beel pouted, ending up with the shoe piece.

Belphie just shrugged and exchanged pieces, smiling softly when Beel lightened up.

“I like the ship, it reminds me of the ocean.” Levi smiles as he admires the piece.

“No one asked.” Mammon rolled his eyes.

“Fuck you, thimble piece.” 

You sighed as another argument broke out.

~~~

���Pay up, Belphie!” Mammon cheered as Belphie landed on his space, “That’s $10.” 

Belphie sighed as he gave $10 out of his $1500 pile, “I don’t think I want to play anymore.” 

“You’re 3rd leading though.” Satan raised an eyebrow.

The game had been going for a bit long. Beel was out first, having spent all his money on every property he landed on, unfortunately for him, no one lands there frequently and went bankrupt on Mammon’s spaces. Asmo was out second for landing on one of Satan’s very expensive tiles filled with a hotel. You were next for landing on two consecutive expensive spaces from Belphie.

Levi, as expected, had taken it seriously, he’s the 4th leading at the moment with stable incomes from his properties. Belphie is currently on the 3rd one with only 2 properties and having collected the 4 railroads. Satan had also very well planned his properties, always checking if his spaces are landed on and collects the rent. You didn’t really expect Lucifer to be invested, he had owned all the expensive properties, filled them with houses and hotels and sitting at the top.

Mammon’s last with his $50 and 2 cheap properties, he started out pretty strong but had the bad luck of landing on Satan’s and Lucifer’s spaces he had to mortgage some of his properties.

“This is getting too long.” Belphie sighed, “Just take all my shit, Mammon.” 

“Best baby brother ever!” Mammon cheered.

“Wait, can he do that?” Levi complained, eyeing the greedy brother enviously with his new properties.

“Rules didn’t say anything about it.” Satan shrugged, it wouldn’t really push him out of his current spot, it would be a different scenario if it pushed him to 3rd spot though.

“We could’ve given it to the bank,” Levi mumbled.

“Ah stop whining, Levi!” Mammon teased as he counted his money.

Levi rolled the dice and landed on Belphie’s, now Mammon’s very expensive space. He swore in his head when he couldn’t afford it, but Mammon wasn’t looking.

No one said anything, they made it a rule to not snitch as to make it more interesting, it becomes a new mechanic where the player tries to distract whoever’s space they landed on.

However, when it comes to money, Mammon activates a new instinct.

“Don’t think I didn’t notice that you thief.” his eyes darkened as he looks at Levi, “Pay the fuck up.” 

“It should’ve belonged to the bank!” Levi argued, not accepting the fact that he’s losing to the scummy brother.

“Belphie gave it to ME so, therefore, it’s MINE!” Mammon shouted.

Not wanting for another fight to break out; because Belphie is sleeping and waking Belphie this time will just cause more chaos, and you don’t really want to deal with that at this late of an hour, so grabbing your portable console you smiled at Levi.

“Levi, can you help me finish this boss?” you asked sweetly, “Been stuck with it for a while, I don’t want to play with randoms.”

The 3rd’s angry quickly faded, someone needs him! And it’s not just someone, it’s his favourite person in the whole world!

“Of course!” he smiled brightly, smirking internally when he felt Mammon’s elated mood go sour with jealousy.

“Can we go on with the game now?” Lucifer sighed, getting bored of the game as well, but refusing to stop until he’s on top.

“Whoa! I’m second leading now, Satan! Rags to riches, baby!” Mammon bragged as he counted his money, “Lucifer’s next.” he snickered with a determined glint in his eyes.

You began to worry as you felt the beginnings of Satan’s wrath. 

The blonde smiled, “Why don’t we move on yeah?” 

No one seemed to notice, but the dice had a subtle purple-ish glow.

“Yeah, yeah, peasant.” Mammon snickered before picking up the dice.

Satan’s smile widened as the dice rolls.

Mammon moved his piece, freezing when he saw where it landed.

“Oh my…” Satan tsked.

And just like that… Mammon’s out.

~~~

You never knew Monopoly could be interesting in the late game, but here you all are, watching intently as Satan and Lucifer battled on the board, even Belphie stayed awake in hopes of Satan beating Lucifer.

The turns consist of the other almost bankrupting their opponent, having been saved by having $5 leftover but gaining the empire again when the other landed on their spot. 

“Just give up, Lucifer,” Satan smirked at Lucifer and his $1, “Two of my spaces are in front of you and the chance of you landing there is pretty high.” 

“The most expensive space is a few steps ahead of you, while the chances are lower, it will push me to victory,” Lucifer smirked.

Satan eyed the space the will surely doom him, but so far throughout the game, only 2 had fallen victim from it. 

He began to calculate the possibilities of him landing there, slowly picking the dice and hoping that lady luck is on his side.

Everyone held their breath when the dice revealed the result, Satan moving his piece to the number shown.

“I…” his eyes widened at the last space he landed.

“Pay up, my dear brother,” Lucifer smirked.

“FUCK YOU, LUCIFER!!!” Satan burst into his demon board, flipping the board and jumping on Lucifer.

“Jeez, Satan, it’s just a game!” Mammon rolled his eyes, “Don’t be a sore loser, I mean even Levi didn’t flip the board when he lost to me.” he snickered.

“You only won over me because Belphie helped you! You’re as hopeless in real life!” Levi snapped.

“Awww, did I hurt you gamer otaku pride? The only thing you’re good at but still lost.” Mammon mocked before he was thrown on the other side of the room.

The sudden move accidentally bumped Beel, causing whatever he was eating to fall on Asmo.

“BEEL! THIS IS ONE OF MY EXPENSIVE SHIRTS!” Asmo shrieked in horror as the oily liquid ruined the fabric of his shirt, “You idiot! Can’t you just eat in the fucking kitchen?!” he hissed.

“Why are you wearing an expensive shirt indoors in the first place? Not his fault you’re so desperate to impress Y/N.” Belphie defended, his sharp tongue going off due to his crankiness.

“That’s so rich coming from you, Belphie, aren’t you the one who’s leeching on their side like the desperate sad little fuck you are?” Asmo hissed.

“You fucking take that back,” Beel growled before the three of them began arguing, transforming in their demon forms.

You sighed as you step a bit further from them, a text notification taking your attention from the chaos in front of you.

Diavolo: How’s game night going? 

You typed your reply,

You: The usual. 

[sunflowershouto]

like this - shouto todoroki x fem!reader // pt. two: old wounds

𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒆: Hii!! I’m so excited to be posting part two of this story! I really hope you guys enjoy it, and I’ll be working on part three ASAP! Any feedback or comment on this story is welcome and encouraged, I really want to know what you guys think! This is part two of an ongoing story, so please read part one before this!

Before you read: Gomoku is a Japanese game played on a flat board, and is similar to Connect 4!

𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚: Part two of ‘Like This.’ Y/N and Shouto come in after class to finish their assignment.

𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕: 2.1k

// Pt. One // 

𝐥 𝐢 𝐤 𝐞   𝐭 𝐡 𝐢 𝐬

𝒐 𝒍 𝒅   𝒘 𝒐 𝒖 𝒏 𝒅 𝒔

//

It’s the things we run away from that always circle back in the end; everything we try not to be, every outcome that we avoid, it all manages to find its way back to us. Sometimes, we grow past those things. Sometimes, we become exactly what we fear.

“Y/N- Y/N, I’m sorry! Let me help!”

“Get away from me, Shouto!”

“Y/N-”

“I said get away!”

Again, and again, and again.

//

Y/N knew exactly why Aizawa-sensei was forcing her and Todoroki to come work on a makeup assignment after class, and she didn’t like it. They’d done just fine avoiding each other for the last three years, and frankly, she didn’t understand why that had to change.

Three years ago, something like this would have given her hope; she might have seen it as a chance to make amends and set things right, but Todoroki had never shown any interest in fixing things, and those chances all slipped away, one by one.

Needless to say, Y/N wasn’t exactly thrilled about her after-school assignment, but the sooner she got it over with the better. She walked towards 3-A’s homeroom through the hallways, lost in thought about what had happened earlier that day. Why had Shouto suddenly gone out of his way to show her a sign of kindness? Her hand moved up, her fingertips brushing against the bandage on her cheek.

She slid open the classroom door, met with the sight of Shouto already sitting at a desk, reading something and clearly waiting for her so that they could get this over with. She waited for him to acknowledge her presence, but his gaze never left the pages of the book in his hands. Of course.

Aizawa was sitting at his desk, glancing up for a moment as Y/N entered the room. “Good, you’re here. I have a meeting to go to, so I’m going to trust that you two will get this done without me looking over your shoulder.”

“Yes, sir.” Drawing in a long sigh, L/N took the seat next to Shouto’s and awaited instruction, watching as Aizawa pulled something out from under his desk.

It was a simple brown box, and when he opened it, her face fell flat. She didn’t need to look to know that Shouto’s reaction was similar, if not a bit more withheld.

“A board game...?” Y/N asked, trying not to sound disrespectful. “Aizawa-Sensei, no offense, but how is this an assignment?” There was no way she was going to sit here and force herself to play board games with the one person she dreaded the most.

“The two of you have shown repeatedly over the years that I’ve taught you that you can’t perform even the most basic of tasks without letting your personal business interfere. If either of you have any intention of going pro, you’re going to have to leave that behind. I figured that the best thing to do would be to start small. So.” Aizawa gestured to the box. “You’re starting small.”

L/N glanced over at Todoroki, trying to see if he would offer up any resistance to Aizawa’s so-called ‘assignment,’ but all he did was nod and watch as the box was placed open on his desk. 

“I expect you to talk to each other, understood?”

“Understood,” Y/N muttered, slumping forward in her seat and resting her chin on her hands.

The door shut behind Aizawa, and for a moment, Todoroki and L/N sat in silence, unsure of what to do or say. The air in the room was completely still, and the only sound was the hum of the heating unit in the back of the room.

“We should get started,” Shouto finally suggested, turning his desk to face Y/N’s so that they had an even surface to play on. “I suspect Aizawa-Sensei has a way to monitor whether or not we actually do what we’re told. If we don’t get this done, it will probably just result in more after-class assignments.”

“Yeah, sure,” she agreed halfheartedly, staring at the game as he unpacked it from the box and laid it out on the table. “Gomoku? It’s not even a complicated game...”

The game that Aizawa had selected was almost painfully simple; it was a tile-based game with a grid board, where each player had different colored pieces. Whoever connected a line of five tiles in a row first was the winner.

Todoroki shrugged, and began to distribute the pieces, giving her the black tiles and himself the white ones. “Who goes first?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

He shrugged, then took one of his pieces and laid it down on the board, the tile clacking softly against the grid. “Was the cut very deep?” he asked, clearly just trying to make conversation so they could leave as quickly as possible.

Y/N’s hand came up to the side of her face again, and she glanced away once she’d taken her turn at the game. “No. Not very.”

“I was worried you had been burned.”

Her gaze snapped to his face, her expression souring into a bitter grimace at what he had said. “Oh, you were worried about that, were you?” 

Now it was Shouto’s turn to look away, eyes falling away from Y/N’s as he placed another tile down onto the board. “I thought you said you had forgiven me.”

She never managed to find the words to respond, and the two students continued on for several minutes in silence, placing tile after tile without ever looking at each other. 

Y/N’s mind wasn’t really in the game, her thoughts drifting elsewhere as she absently laid out her pieces. Honestly, this was more painful than she could have ever imagined it being. A simple board game was somehow enough to drag up every bitter memory and and festering scar she had ever received from him. She fought down a lump in her throat as they continued to play in silence, their instructions almost forgotten. She reached forward to place down another tile, no strategy in mind. 

Shouto’s hand found the same spot on the board at the same time, and the feeling of his fingertips brushing across hers pulled Y/N out of her tangled thoughts. 

She almost flinched at the contact, glancing at him before looking down at their hands on the board. Despite herself, she could feel her face getting warm and hoped that Todoroki wouldn’t notice the light trembling of her hands. 

“It wasn’t your turn,” Shouto reminded her patiently, gently brushing her hand out of the way to place his tile.

“Right,” L/N mumbled, choosing a different spot on the grid to play her next turn, her expression softening. “Sh- Todoroki, I don’t know if you would even remember, but... We used to play this game as kids, right?”

Another soft click sounded against the board, and Shouto nodded, finally meeting her eyes. “We did. You would always get me to look away and move the pieces.”

Y/N’s jaw tightened, a pang in her chest at the memories of what things had been like before everything had fallen apart. “I never thought you noticed that,” she offered after a short moment, breaking their eye contact.

“I just pretended not to. I don’t mind letting you win.”

She frowned and examined the board, and upon inspection, found that he was right; there were at least five different points she could spot where he could have easily won the game. She didn’t want to think about why he hadn’t, because by now, it was easier for him to continue to ignore her. His tenderness only stirred up confusion and doubt, brought back memories that Y/N had fought tooth and nail to bury.

She would be lying if she said that a big part of her hadn’t missed this, hadn’t missed him. After all, how could someone not mourn a childhood that had been brought to such a violent and sudden end?

“Are you alright?” His voice was softer now, his hand hovering just above the board after he had placed his tile.

Y/N looked up in surprise at that, breath catching in her throat as she realized that her eyes had been watering. 

“I’m fine,” she stammered out quickly, bringing up a hand to wipe her eyes. No, no, no! He didn’t get to do this. He didn’t get to see her cry, to see just how badly she was hurting because of him. “Why? Why are you doing this now?”

“Doing what?”

“Acting like you care,” L/N finally replied, knitting her brows together as she stared down at the pieces in front of her. “Is it just because of what Aizawa-Sensei has been saying?”

Todoroki’s posture stiffened, and for the first time, he hesitated before moving another piece onto the board. “It’s not just Aizawa,” he finally replied, turning the small white disc over in his hand. 

“You didn’t answer,” she pressed, drawing in a long breath to steady herself.

He just shook his head, and Y/N let out a sigh. She should have known that this would go nowhere, but she couldn’t say she wasn’t disappointed; the least he could do was explain himself after all these years of tension and regret.

“I-” Shouto had started to say something, but just as he began speaking, the classroom door slid open, and Aizawa stepped inside.

The teacher eyed his students almost cautiously; it wasn’t hard to tell by the looks on their faces that something had happened. “Looks like you two had a nice chat. You’re free to go. Next time I give you a training assignment, follow directions.”

“Yes, sir,” L/N and Todoroki said in unison, both standing and pulling their bags over their shoulders.

Shouto grabbed his umbrella at the door and nodded a goodbye to Aizawa.

He and Y/N were walking to essentially the same place, and neither of them knew how close to walk next to the other. They headed for the front of the campus at an awkward distance, not quite walking together but also not walking separately.

When they reached the door leading outside, the rain pouring against the glass door was audible, the pavement slick and reflective as water pooled in the cracks. 

Perfect.

Y/N wasn’t exactly thrilled about her lack of an umbrella in this weather, but she gave no indication of that to Shouto. Without hesitating, she stepped out into the rain and headed for the front of the school to wait for Takashi to pick her up to get something to eat.

Todoroki opened his umbrella upon stepping outside, but before he turned to head to the dorm rooms, he stopped to watch her walk towards the front gate. His dual-colored eyes flitted up towards his umbrella, and he let out a heavy sigh before doing something that was probably only going to get him yelled at.

Y/N was freezing, cold droplets of rain trailing down the back of her neck and soaking into her clothes as she stood, waiting. She was starting to regret the choice not to just suck it up and walk back to her dorm to get her umbrella, even if it meant walking with Shouto for five minutes longer. Just as she was about to turn around and admit defeat, a simple black umbrella appeared over her head, and someone was at her side.

“Todoroki, you don’t have to-”

“It’s fine. I wanted to.” Shouto cut her off before she could shoo him away, his gaze scanning the horizon. One hand was holding the umbrella up, and the other was in the pocket of his jacket. “Do you have a ride? I thought your parents both worked through the day.”

Y/N glanced over at him scrutinizingly, unsure of what exactly his deal was, or why he was acting like this so suddenly. Her mind ventured back to their conversation in the classroom. What had he been about to say before Aizawa walked in?

“Yeah, I have a ride. My boyfriend picks me up on Fridays.” Her tone was casual, no malice to be found. What would he care about her dating life? Until today, he had been perfectly content to pretend that she didn’t exist at all.

“I see. Takashi Hirano, right?” Todoroki knew exactly who it was; it was Takashi Hirano, the breakout new pro who had graduated U.A. just last year, and at the top of his class. He knew, but he couldn’t help himself from asking, if only to gauge the tone of Y/N’s response.  “Yeah. Taka-chan.”

The nickname burned at Shouto’s insides like salt in a wound.

He didn’t reply, and the two young heroes stood in silence until a grey car pulled up to the curb, and Y/N began to step away. “Thanks, Todoroki.”

“Sure,” he answered, watching as she stepped forward and opened the passenger door, leaning over to kiss the boy in the driver’s seat. 

The door shut, the car pulled away, and Shouto Todoroki was left standing alone, with only the rain to keep him company.

//

//

𝑬𝒏𝒅 𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒆: I really hope you enjoyed! Please please please let me know what you think and if you would like this series to continue!

[jaime-brienne-fic-exchange]

Jaime x Brienne Fic Exchange FAQ & Posting Guide

First off, how dare you?

What? You signed up for it. We didn’t make you! (But we’re so happy you did!)

How does posting work?

The exchange portal will open on the 7th at 12pm AEST ( the countdown is here ). Once it opens, use AO3 to upload your fic as usual:

Most of the upload process will be exactly the same as normal, but you need to fill in the following two fields:

Fill in the first with “Jaime x Brienne Fic Exchange 2020” (It should autofill, but please be careful to select the right collection! This one is the one we're using.)

Type in your recipient’s AO3 name in the second field. Double check your original prompt to ensure you have the correct name. A few people have different tumblr/AO3 names and we don’t want any fics to go awry.

If you've already made an AO3 draft before the 7th, make sure you add it to the collection and put in your recipient's username in the fields we mentioned above, and make sure you change the date when posting (or your fic will be buried). Be aware it can cause some shenanigans where the fic may not appear at the top of the page. And don't be like a certain organiser and accidentally post something you meant to be a draft.

After that, it’s as simple as clicking post! Your fic will be submitted to the exchange and automatically be made anonymous. Author’s names will not be revealed until August 22, when we click the button to reveal them.

Feel free to reply to comments during that week. As long as you are logged into the account that posted the fic, all of your comments will also be anonymised.

If any of this process is confusing to you, PLEASE reach out to one of the organisers ( @nire-the-mithridatist​ / @slipsthrufingers​ / @firesign23​ )! We’re happy to hold your hand through the process 🤗

Why is the exchange opening a day earlier than you said?

Because I’ve set the time on the exchange to suit my own timezone. I have to stay up till after midnight to watch F1 cars go vroom vroom and had to deal with being spoiled for every single episode of Game of Thrones on Tumblr and Twitter because it aired in the US while I was at work. This is my own petty little vengeance and I will not apologise for that.

Also it’s easier for me to keep everything straight in my head this way. Mathematics is not my strength.

Why do I need to let you know by the 7th that I’ve finished my fic if I can post it anytime during the following week?

So we can find a knight writer ASAP. The sooner we know that you won’t be able to complete your fic, the sooner we can find someone to fill in for you. We don’t want anyone to be disappointed.

Do I have to post ON the 7th of August? I’ll be AFK for the day because my cat has a piano recital!

No, you can post it anytime between the 7th and the 14th. If you can’t or don’t want to post it on Friday, then you can absolutely wait until later. We anticipate that the bulk of fics will be posted over the weekend, but if you want to post it on the 13th, then that’s absolutely your choice. Just be mindful that your recipient may be worrying why they haven’t received one.

Also tell your cat we’re rooting for them!

I really overshot the 1k limit and need to post multiple chapters. Should I post them together and drop my 40k prompt fill in the tag all at once, or can I stagger it throughout the week?

It’s your choice! If you want to post your story over the week, you can. If you want to post it all at once, you can. As long as the story is mostly posted within the 7th to the 14th window, we don’t mind. If you want to post a chapter or two after the 14th, because your 40k behemoth has more than 7 chapters or grumkins ate your wifi, then that’s cool. Life happens! Please try to have the whole fic posted before authors are revealed on the 22nd.

(Also, look at your life, look at your choices! It was a 1k minimum!!! Buncha overachievers in this fandom, I swear 😂😂😂)

Can I thank my beta in the notes of my story?

Absolutely you can! The betas of the fandom be working HARD this week, they definitely deserve recognition. Just be mindful of including anything in your notes that might reveal who you are. You could choose to name your beta, or just thank them generally and add their name after authors have been revealed.

What if I don’t receive a story?

It might be because your author hasn’t posted it yet - they have the full week from the 7th to the 14th to post their story. It also might be because your fic needed a knight writer to write it. If this is the case, know that your knight is probably working very diligently to complete it, but might not be able to complete it within the window. If it looks like your fic will be significantly delayed (like until after authors are revealed) we will contact you directly to let you know what’s up.

What’s the etiquette around thanking my author?

A kudos and a comment is pretty standard. It’s up to you how long your comment is; we don’t write comments with our heads, we write them with our hearts. Just keep in mind that a person out there spent time working on something just for you and make sure you show your appreciation, even if the story isn’t exactly what you expected!

Can I promote my story?

Please don’t do this until authors have been revealed through the collection.

Can I rec my gift story?

Absolutely! Share the love! You can choose to rec it while it’s still anonymous, or wait until the authors are revealed. It’s up to you.

I’m not participating in the exchange, but I want to get into the spirit of the week. What can I do?!

Well firstly, read any of the 102 fics we expect to be posted that week! Read them and enjoy them! Leave a kudos! Leave a comment! Leave ten comments! Write rec lists and share them on Tumblr or Discord or TikTok, wherever it is that the cool kids hang these days!

What’s for dinner, slips?

The souls of naughty children, and also maybe nachos.

I have another question that hasn’t been answered in the FAQs

Either send us a message through tumblr, or get in touch with one of the organisers privately or via email. We’ll get back to you ASAP!

(credit to @naomignome​ for the gif!)