#wts4year

[evertidings]

As many of you know, When Twilight Strikes is coming up on its anniversary. I like to celebrate the event on the day I posted my intro post, rather than the day the first demo came out, purely because it feels like that was the day the concept of WTS was birthed into the world. Which means on February 24th, this project will officially turn 4 years old!! Crazy.

To celebrate, I toyed with the idea of releasing extra stories as I've done before, but I didn't want to be put off track of Chapter 12 again, so, instead, I'll be hosting an artist event where you can post your creations to be entered to win some prizes!!

RULES

Limit two entries per user. Winners will be decided in a draw.

The entry must fall under one of the prompts listed.

The entry must be tagged under #WTS4Year.

All forms of art count, including (but not limited to) drawings, paintings, comic strips, fanfics, music creations and more. Feel free to message me for clarification!

PROMPTS

CHAPTER: Give your version or interpretation of an existing scene. For example, portray meeting Mirai from Chapter 7 in a visual form or from another character's POV.

FRIENDSHIP: Display the friendship between your hunter and one or more ROs, canon or non-canonical. It could be a comedic approach or something more heartwarming.

ROMANCE: Depict a romance between your hunter and an RO. You could show a domestic scene further into the relationship or your interpretation of how they'll get together.

FREEFORM: If none of the prompts speak to you, feel free to come up with something else <3

PRIZES

1st Place (1 Winner): A personalized drabble with an RO of your choice + a 1-month subscription to the highest tier on my Patreon*

2nd Place (2 Winners): A 1-month subscription to the highest tier on my Patreon*

3rd Place (2 Winners): A 1-month subscription to the second highest tier on my Patreon*

*If the winner is already subscribed, an alternative prize can be discussed.

I look forward to seeing all your creations! Thank you for all your support throughout the years. I'm so incredibly grateful for everything and what this story has become. Talk to you soon <3

[thdalsk]

The foundest of the families (I adore them)

[4s0501mdc]

in the clurb, we all fam!!

[nihilico]

"..." "..." "I know, I'll see myself out-"

"How did you convince me to go along with you again?"

"Uh- well. Ahem. You know me, I can be quite convincing at times."

- In a scenario where MC be asking K for a play first date pick up at the bar scenario. Somehow K is convinced to play along but MC has no rizz and just speaks the first thing on his mind-

[eatingyarn]

rooftop talks

[kuorkro]

messed up on k's hair but oh well

[pearlshroom]

Under the mistletoe ❤️

[beemae]

f!Rylan and my hunter for WTS’s 4 year anniversary event!

[flooshd]

movie night!! <33 (they're rewatching httyd for the umpteenth time)

[manalltheseart]

OMG finally finished this. I was actually drawing this just for funsies but then the event came up so why not?

Happy 4th Anniversary with the game that pulled me into interactive fiction, made me brainrot so hard and froth at the mouth for such a well written and thought out story, @evertidings

The illustration without the text is below:

[eewiee]

D1 procrastinator 🥰🥰

I love wts so much, you’re amazing ❤️❤️❤️

happy early birthday 🎉

[spirit-of-felagund]

Late Night Calls - Blane's version

A/N: happy 4-year anniversary to one of my fave IFs <3 this is my Blane POV version of A’s anniversary story Late Night Calls, hope you enjoy~

Blane blearily opened his eyes, silently glaring at the incessantly vibrating phone on his nightstand. A stroke of lightning lit up the room, followed shortly after by a rumbling clap of thunder. The steady sound of rain falling on the roof and hitting his window was almost enough to lull him back to sleep.

With a weary sigh, he reached out for his phone. Who would even call him this time of night? Noele? He hoped not – she deserved to get some proper rest after the hectic week they‘d had.

What the-? Blane had to do a double take at the caller ID on the screen. Greene. The last person he‘d ever expect and a treacherous part in him felt something akin to joy.

“Do you know how late it is, Greene?” he asked as he accepted the call, sounding more gruff than he‘d intended.

A beat of silence followed before his fellow hunter spoke up. “Sorry, I-” Kira hesitated, a stark contrast to her usual confident persona. “I didn‘t mean to wake you.”

“And yet you called. What is it?” Blane asked impatiently, torn between wanting to hang up and wanting to indulge in this rare time they got alone. Kira and Arion  were usually attached at the hip, and it was frustratingly hard to be nice to her when the infuriating blond was around.

Being nice to her. It was something that would have never crossed his mind just a few months ago, but somehow something had changed between them and Blane wasn‘t sure if he wanted to allow himself to like it.

“Please don‘t make fun of me,” Kira said, voice barely more than a whisper. “I‘m scared of thunderstorms,” she confessed, sounding more vulnerable than he‘d ever heard her, and his heart clenched in response.

He wasn‘t all that fond of physical contact but in that moment, he wondered if he could‘ve brought himself to make an exception for her and wrap a protective arm around her if she were here with him. Just this once.

“I see,” was all Blane could muster in response. “And what does that have to do with me? Wouldn‘t you rather call Devereux?” He hated how dismissive he sounded. He could never get his words out the right way when it came to Kira, and it made him hate himself even more.

A shaky laugh came from the other end of the line. “You‘d think so, right? I don‘t know. You were the first one on my mind. Sorry, if I‘m bothering you. We can hang up if you want.”

“No, it‘s just- I‘m not sure what you want me to do,” Blane admitted. Comforting others wasn‘t one of his strengths but he found that despite himself, he wanted to try.

“We could just … talk, if that‘s all right? How was your week? I didn‘t see you around the office much.”

Blane huffed, turning around to lie on his back. “Annoying. Noele and I were assigned a werewolf bounty. The guy led us on a wild goose chase all over the city for days. Always seemed to be one step ahead of us.”

“But you got him in the end.”

“Of course. We‘re second on the board, after all.” He didn‘t bother suppressing the smugness in his voice.

“Please don‘t bring up the board,” Kira groaned. “I was just about to compliment you.”

“Old habits die hard,” Blane replied in a tone that was only half apologetic, trying to ignore how pleasant the prospect of receiving compliments from her was.

“Whatever,” she grumbled and took a deep breath. “Thanks for humouring me, Blane. I actually feel better.” Her voice was notably lighter than when he‘d picked up the phone and a victorious smile subconsciously crept onto Blane‘s face.

“I‘ll let you get back to sleep. Thanks again.” There was something achingly tender in the way she said it and for a split-second Blane wished he could see her face.

“You‘re welcome. If you ever need to talk and Devereux isn‘t there-” I‘m here for you. He couldn‘t bring himself to say the words, but it seemed like he didn‘t need to.

“I know. Goodnight, Blane.”

“Sleep well, Kira,” Blane whispered and hung up reluctantly, staring at his barely visible reflection in the phone screen for a moment before putting the device back on his nightstand. Why did he wish the conversation would‘ve gone on longer? Maybe he should’ve asked about her week as well.

He ran a hand across his face and let out a deep sigh, pulling the blanket up to his chin and curling in on his side. Whatever was going on between them, Blane knew he was in way too deep.

And for some reason, that thought didn‘t scare him nearly as much as he would‘ve expected.

[roundnroundseal]

You Are Loved

When Blane wakes up, he feels like he’s been hit with a truck. His eyes are stuffy, and he can’t stop sneezing. His throat is sore and a coughing fit attacks him out of nowhere. At least he doesn’t have work today.

He looks at his phone, and realizes Alice texted him earlier. Just reading her name gives him some temporary relief, and a small smile forms on his lips.

Alice: dropping by today around noon to return your book! i’ll probably be taking the sequel with me <3

Multiple thoughts began to race through his head. The first being how happy he is that he gets to see Alice. Immediately followed with that he cannot let her see him like this. And the last being the realization that he overslept and Blane only had so much time to look less like he just rolled out of bed.

Through the sneezes, he manages to look a bit more presentable than when he first woke. Not a moment too soon, he hears a knock.

“Blane!” Alice gives him a smile. She reaches for his hand and gives it a squeeze, “You were right, I did love this book. Thanks for recommending it.”

“Glad you liked it.” Blane attempts to hide his hoarse voice.

“Huh? Are you alright? You sound… off.” Alice looks at him with concern.

“I’m fine-“ A sneeze interrupts Blane’s sentence.

“You’re sick.”

“No. It’s just a sneeze.”

“You sound terrible.”

“It’s nothing.”

Alice sighs. Of course he won’t make this easy. She crosses her arms, and looks at him dead in the eye.

“Ok then… if you aren’t sick. Then give me a kiss.”

“What?”

“You never regret my request for a kiss.”

Alice closes the distance between them, and Blane immediately takes a step back.

“What? Worried that you could get me sick if I kissed you?”

Blane freezes, and Alice smirks at her victory.

“Alright. Knowing you, you haven’t eaten or drank enough water. Go take a nap. I’m not as good of a cook as Kai, but I got a great sick day soup recipe. And I’ll ask if someone can bring medicine.”

Before Blane could protest, Alice takes his hand and leads him towards his room.

“W-what are you-” Blane bites his lip, “Don’t you have plans with Arden today?” A last ditch effort. Blane knows it’s fruitless, but he can’t bring himself to accept Alice’s care so easily.

“The love of my life is in a losing battle at the moment, Arden wouldn’t mind rescheduling.” Alice pauses, thinking of how she could convince Blane that she genuinely wants to take care of him, “Blane, if it were the other way around and I was sick out of my mind, would you have just left me to take care of myself?”

“…No. I would stay until I knew you were better.”

————————————————————————

Blane would have never thought in a million years that he would be in a position where having five people over while he is feeling terrible would be a memory he would cherish forever. When Alice sent a text to their group chat, asking if anyone had the time to drop off medicine for Blane, it had become a job that had suddenly required four people.

“You knew they would all drop by once they heard I was sick.” Blane looks at Alice with an amused smile.

Alice laughs in response, “Of course I did.” The usual mischievous glint in her eyes disappear, and her eyes soften.

“Blane. We care about you, and want to be here for you if you ever needed anything. You’re important to all of us. Especially to me.”

Blane feels his cheeks heat up. Whether it be her lighthearted jokes, or intimate moments like these, Alice just radiates a natural warmth. Alice notices Blane blushing, and can’t help but smile knowing he took his words to heart. Blane curses his illness, because he wants nothing more than to pull her close and show her how much she means to him.

Their conversation gets interrupted with a knock on the door, signaling their friends’ arrival.

“Ok, Rekner. I have had to cancel my exciting plans of binge watching my favorite show with my best friend. And the only way you can make it up to me is if you hurry up and get better.” Arden places a small box on the counter, “Your favorite tea leaves. If this doesn’t help then nothing will.”

“I disagree, Arden!” Rylan holds up a small jar, “The true cure to all diseases! Vicks VapoRub! I swear Blane, when my parents used this on me I don’t think I even need the supernatural healing to get better quick.”

“You know, I was going to use magic to speed up your recovery, but I think Alice has almost nursed you back to health. I did prepare some food though. And a few books to read if you need to pass the time.” Kai puts the container in the fridge and the books on Blane’s table.

“Everyone got so caught up in what they wanted to bring you, that we almost forgot what Alice originally asked for.” Nikolas says with a laugh, “Here, medicine and some tissues.”

They don’t stay long, knowing Blane needs his rest. But they all give their wishes that he gets better soon. Alice also plans to head out with everyone, content that Blane has everything he needs.

“Alice, thank you.” Blane says as she is about to head out the door.

Thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for bringing everyone here. Thank you for being the warmth that I didn’t know I needed. Thank you for reminding me that I am loved.

He can’t find the confidence to say it all directly. But it doesn’t matter, because Alice heard it all.

“Anytime.” She smiles at him once more and his heart skips a beat, “But once you’re all better, remember you owe me a kiss.”

[valentineveils]

"the more time we spend together, the more i realize blane's sharp edges can be dulled."

"it's the kind of thing i hold onto now."

[poopybaby3th]

Can I call you tonight?

I’m lying in bed, restless, not getting a wink of sleep because I’m thinking of my partner. Well, she’s not really my partner yet, is she? She’s just a work partner—and my best friend at that. I glance over at my alarm to check the time: 3:27 a.m. I want to talk to her, but I don’t want to wake her up. I toss and turn, sighing and groaning until I look at the clock again. 3:32 a.m.

Fuck.

I stumble over the thought of texting her to see if she’s awake. I know she has trouble sleeping sometimes too. Finally, I pick up my phone and send a message to Arden.

"Hey, you awake?" Message sent.

The last time she was online was four hours ago. I set my phone back on the nightstand and start fidgeting with my ring—the one Arden gave me. She has the same one. She gave it to me so I’d stop bouncing my leg all the time, and it worked. Now, whenever we’re sitting in the car together, waiting on a bounty, we both end up fidgeting with our rings. She calls us "ADHD besties."

My expression darkens for a moment when I think about that label. Is that all we are? Best friends? Nothing more, right?

While my thoughts wander back to Arden, my phone vibrates. My heart skips a beat when I see her reply:

"Yeah, what’s up? Can’t sleep?"

Instead of texting her back, I hit the call button.

“Hey, dork,” she says, her voice warm and teasing.

I huff, amused. “Hey, Arden.”

I hear her shifting in bed. “So, what’s up?”

I lean back, setting the phone beside me on speaker. “I could ask you the same thing,” I reply slyly.

“True. How about this: I’ll tell you what’s keeping me awake if you tell me what’s keeping you awake,” she offers.

I yawn. “Sounds like a deal.”

She yawns back. “Alright, you first.”

I scoff. “Why do I have to go first? I’m the one gracing you with my presence—you should go first.”

Arden makes a disapproving noise. “I asked you first, so you should go first.”

I glare at the ceiling, stubbornly refusing to give in. After a moment, I sigh. “Okay, fine, I’ll tell you.”

“I’m listening.”

My heart pounds as I try to muster up the courage. “I’m thinking about you.”

Arden hums. “Okay, and?”

“You’re keeping me awake.”

“Yeah, because we’re calling.”

“No, Arden. I was thinking about you even before we were on the phone. You’re the reason I’m awake.”

“Huh…” She goes quiet. I think I broke her.

Finally, she speaks again. “Why?” she asks, her tone confused.

“I like thinking about you,” I admit, trying to sound nonchalant.

I hear her mumbling, as if she’s trying to form a coherent sentence.

“I don’t think I understand how you mean that,” she says finally, her voice wavering.

“I mean that I like to think about you… romantically.”

Uncomfortable silence stretches between us, and I decide to break it.

“Arden?”

“What? Oh, yeah, I’m still here. Just… processing.”

“Do you want me to hang up?”

“No, no, no! Don’t hang up. I’m done processing.” She lets out a sigh—I can’t tell if it’s one of relief or disappointment. “I… I like you too.”

My heart skips several beats. “You like me too?” I ask, barely able to contain my excitement.

“Yeah,” she says softly. I can hear the smile in her voice.

I sit there, grinning like an idiot, before making a decision.

“Okay, screw this—I’m coming over,” I announce.

“COMING OVER?! AT THIS TIME?! WITH YOUR BIKE?! NO WAY. If anyone’s coming over, it’s me,” she protests.

“Nope, I’ll be ready faster. I’ll be fine on my bike.”

“Uh-uh. You are not getting on your bike. I’ll drive to your place.”

I throw on a jacket, slip into my shoes, and grab my keys. “Too late—I’m already dressed. I’m on my way.”

I hear her sigh, amused but resigned. “Okay, but be careful.”

“I always am,” I reply, grinning as I get on my bike. “I’ll keep you on the line so you don’t have to worry.”

The ride to Arden’s place is uneventful, as expected at 3 a.m. The streets are quiet. When I arrive, I raise my hand to knock, but before I can, the door swings open, and Arden practically throws herself at me, wrapping her arms around my waist.

I wrap my arms around her in return, nuzzling into her shoulder.

“Hey,” I mumble.

“Hi,” she whispers back.

We stay like that for a while before heading inside. Instead of going to the living room, we make our way to her bedroom. It’s late, and we both know we’ll probably fall asleep while talking.

I sit on one side of the bed while she sits on the other, facing me.

“So…” we both start at the same time, then laugh.

“Are we… together now?” I ask, wanting to clarify things.

“I mean, I want us to be together,” she says, nervously. “But if you’re not ready, we can—”

“I love that. Hey, girlfriend,” I interrupt, grinning. “God, I love calling you that.”

I take her face in my hands, looking at her with pure adoration.

“I like when you call me that too,” she says, her cheeks flushed.

We’re both grinning like idiots when I notice her gaze flicker to my lips. I pull her closer.

“Can I kiss you?” I whisper, my voice breathless.

Instead of answering, she leans in and presses her lips to mine. The kiss starts out rough and eager but quickly softens into something gentle. Our lips move together, our tongues exploring with curiosity.

After what feels like forever—but also not long enough—we pull apart, breathless.

I yawn, and Arden follows suit.

“We should sleep,” she says, glancing at the clock.

I glance too. 4:24 a.m.

“Yeah, we should,” I agree.

We lie down and pull the blanket over us. I wrap myself around her, letting her use my arm as a pillow.

“Good night, partner,” Arden murmurs sleepily.

“Good night,” I whisper back.

Before I know it, I’m fast asleep, wrapped around the person I feel most comfortable with.

[likethecolour]

that awkward moment when you have to go on a fake (?) date with your totally platonic (?) work partner to bluff your way into a vampire nightclub