#yes hello I am stoned and drawing them

[radpool]

i like my body when it is with your/ body...

i like, slowly stroking the,shocking fuzz

of your electric furr...

- e. e. cummings, i like my body when it is with your body

yet another idle color + anatomy study of The Boys

[ask-the-eggmans]

hello!!! ooc question, but i am very curious about the story behind this askblog. i’m pretty sure it’s an au of sorts, definitely not directly from the movieverse judging by a few artworks, and i was just curious about the world and such that surrounds them! how did you fit stone into it all?

apologies if this is a strange question, i just love hearing people talk about their work

Oooo what a fun question, and for me specifically!!!

WARNING- Long rant ahead:

Is this an Au?:

Okay, so yes, this is an AU now, I suppose? So what is this AU exactly? I don't really know? I guess it's my perfect Sonic Universe built inside the recesses of my mind, with more of a heavy focus on Doctor Robotnik and Agent Stone than the actual Sonic team.

Does this AU take place in a specific Sonic!verse?/ Why and how is Stone here?:

I like to think it is my perfect mix of the movie-verse, comics, and games.

The movie I obviously pulled Agent Stone out of that universe and struck him right into this one. But I also change a lot of things around about his character and others to make him fit and the stories more complex and interesting.

Exhibit A: Stone is the one who built and designed Metal Sonic in this AU... and Robotnik doesn't even know Metal exists😀 (yet). (This one is personally based off my own desires and theories for the next movie.)

So what's this weird Sonic!verse hybrid AU that you've created? How does this world function???:

I'd like to think this universe takes place not on Earth but the planet Mobius ofc. Where humans are rare and mobians are more commonplace.

Robotnik and Stone did not grow up together they probably are from completely different human (only. I like to think humans are pretty isolated species considering their rarity here) cities or something like that, but they were both very involved and curious about the mobians that resided outside of human residencies. Their common interests and somewhat overlapping jobs brought them together.

I'm still fumbling around with these ideas in my head. If any like diehard "I've been a Sonic fan since the womb" fans have (kind!) suggestions I'd like to read 'em. They might inspire me.

How did you make their designs?:

The games mostly are what inspired their designs. Uh I took Eggmans design from Sonic Adventure 2 (iconic ofc I would) and I had to look at Stone from the movies, other people's designs, and Eggman's game design to basically wing it for that one. (Originally, I was only making the first drawing I did of them and the kiss experiment comic. It's only because they blew up, and I walked specifically petitioned for an askblog that I'm still here, haha🖐😭) I'm really glad that Stone's design seems to be so beloved, though. I made it in like... 15 minutes? If I had known his impact, maybe I would've spent longer, but honestly, I love him so I wouldn't change anything.

[soni-dragon]

Eye of the Pheonix is actually one of the best merlin episodes because:

merlin and Gwen besties shenanigans; “what’s he actually thinking about” “you”

cold open to the most tender merthur scene

Merlin sleeping outside all knight for arthur

Hiccuping scene and arthur getting so annoyed

“But the perilous lands are… perilous”

“The task is meant to be completed alone and unaided” the start of the best continuing joke of all time

Putting the rest under a cut cause it’s long

Little morgwen moment in the market i love (one of the last we get….)

Cute arthur and gwen scene! Hehe

This is just the shipping episode of all time everyone wins

“You’ll need help” and the first thing merlin does is go find gwaine

smiles “hello, gwaine” “ah, merlin :)”

Immediately puts an arm around merlin

Throws merlin off a roof. this is what merwaine is all about :)

Gwaine is still Gwaine and not whatever the writers did to him after becoming a knight

Bridge guy (Grettir) is great and Arthur’s “no I’m prince arthur of camelot” i love you you’re so dense sometimes

“You need strength and magic” and then gwaine and merlin come along and NO ONE seems to think two seconds more about the implications

“ive been to almost every tavern” “so have i” you’re telling me merlin spent all that time looking for specifically gwaine to help him when he knows arthur is in danger

ANOTHER MORGWEN SCENE (ik morgana just wants her to leave) but we weren’t completely robbed

Arthur not realizing that he feels like shit and thinking hmm that’s weird, this is THE dense, damsel in distress arthur episode

Gwaine is two feet away are you really telling me he didn’t hear bridge guy call merlin Magic

“Strength has arrived the trio is complete” immeidate sword draw

But also the establishment of them as a trio i really love and they never did anything else with it

Gwaine with the flowers :))

THE ENTIREY OF THE FIRE SCENE

*THE* MERWAINE SCENE EVER

“a pheasant” gwaine please

“Why do you want to do this?” cause he’s in love with you merlin

“Same reason as you” (hesitates) (eye contact) “help a friend”

“arthurs lucky to have us”

…

“not arthur” SCREAMING

we’re back to the fond looks

gwaines tiny nod of assurance when merlin looks at him like ??! after he says not arthur

“youre the only friend i have” and i couldnt bear to lose you

Gwen finding out morgana has magic

“she’s changed” break my heart why don’t you (i dont want you to change) BRING HER BACKKK this is making me miss the arc morgana could have had so badly

They caught up to arthur SO FAST goes to show how arthurs going through it

Not wyvern they have four legs actually (tho their designs are cool)

This would have been such a good episode for gwaine to learn merlin is a dragonlord & has magic

Arthur conveniently is knocked out (as always) when merlin does cool magic stuff to save him

When merlin orders them to go and they bow their heads and walk away they look like kicked puppies

The famous arthur waking up to merlins silly little smile and being 100% not appreciative

whatthehellareYOUdoinghere? why can’t you ever just say thanks? augh THANKS!whatforcompLeTlYrUiNiNgThEqUeSt?!

i am supposed to be doing this ALONEEEE

“Are gwen and morgana here too? we going to have a surprise party?” i love you sassy arthur and yes you absolutely should have a surprise party

Do you want us to help you or do you want to do this ~aloneeee~

MERLIN!

The little smile and nod like yeah they got him

“this is a quest merlin not a treasure hunt” well it is sort of- “MERLIN.”

How is that one stone completely sound proof

The cockroaches are icky but y’all have gloves its not that bad you couldn’t even feel them

Set up with the water of avalon and something that actually follows into later episodes

“Merlin.” + arthur doesn’t want to show he actually cares about him vs. gwaine pulling him into a hug

“look what i found” merlin and gwaine shared looks of no you didn’t

The trios conversation at the end i love their dynamics + merlins pause and genuine thanks

Eoin macken looking pretty <33 (he always does)

Merlins little overview of the quest hes so excited awww

Immediate shift to sassy merlin the Duality

I wish Gwen knowing about morgana’s magic would have been explored more i want to see her join gaius and merlin in plotting and going on little quests

Anyways yeah to conclude i miss Gwaine sm :(

[0lliecl0wn]

PUNCH OUT HEADCANONS: Clueless Friends Edition

so i showed my friends the punch out cast and asked them to make up headcanons for them (they have never seen nor heard of punch out outside of me rambling to them about it)

so uh

here it is

GLASS JOE

-Wet the bed as a kid

-Probably still does it

-Denys it

-Goes honk shoo honk shoo when he sleeps

-Had a mullet in middle school

-Has to draw on his eyebrows

-Mouth Breather™

-Wears a cap and nightgown and holds a candle at night

-Can’t swim

VON KAISER

-Bartender

-Screams into his pillow at night

-Screams like a little girl

-Wore light-up Sketchers in middle school

-Got bullied for it

-Goes to the gym to cope

-Fucking YEETS the dumbells

-Flexes on people (also to cope)

-If he is told to sleep on the couch, he will sadly sulk there like a emo person (cue sad hamster music)

DISCO KID

-Babygirl

-Zesty

-Took ballet/gymnastics

-Optimist

-Accidentally broke a trampoline

-Was the popular kid in school

-THE sweetest guy

-Cat person

-Owns 4 cats

-Wears fluffy robes

KING HIPPO

-Plays League of Legends

-Tweaks out HARD at Angry Birds and Super Mario Wii (friend is totally not projecting)

-Really good at board games

-Gamer

-Patrick Star kinnie

-Does NOT cackle. He giggles

-Has Live Laugh Love framed over his toilet

-His snores have caused earthquakes

-Heavy sleeper

PISTON HONDO

-”He did WHAT in his Honda?!”

-Behaves like that one English teacher you had in middle school

-aka the ”Never in my 15 years of teaching have I seen a substitute report this bad” teacher

-ponders

-Dances to animation memes

-Worked at Burger King once

-Constantly pissed

-Goes honk mimimimi when he sleeps

-If he ate a cheeseburger he would explode

-Was the guy who made the post that just says “everytime a new chicken sandwich releases”

BEAR HUGGER

-Smells PUTRID

-Real name is Cleetus

-Lumberjack

-Has a lisp

-Gets food in his beard

-Eats it (EWWWW 🤢)

-His theme song is “Entry of the Gladiators” (aka clown music)

-Wouldn’t survive a day in the military

-Plays Microsoft Flight Simulator

-Goes “weeeeee!” as the plane flies

-Has a poster that says “Eat Slur Game Repeat”

-Redneck

-Has a shirt that says ”These Fists Are Rated E for Everyone”

GREAT TIGER

-HOT

-Has the most beautiful hair but hides it

-Binged My Little Pony

-Binged Twilight

-Plays with Barbie dolls

-Listens to Kpop

-AMAZING at Just Dance

-Also good at DDR

-Plays Pikmin

-Loves the Stone Pikmin

DON FLAMENCO

-Once got addicted to cough drops

-Uses really bad pick up lines

-Does really bad trickshots to impress girls

-Slips like a cartoon character. His shoes go flying every time

-Watched MLP with Great Tiger

-Watches Mean Girls

-Kins Regina George

-Cried when she got hit by a bus

-Zesty

-Scoliosis

-Can pick my friend up with one hand

-Would lean on a wall, say “hey cutie, you free tonight?” and immediately have a coughing fit

-Took an Am I Gay? Quiz. It said yes and refuses to believe it (internalized biphobia)

-Likes big butts and he cannot lie

ARAN RYAN

-Menace

-Actually very lightweight, refuses to admit it

-Bullies kids on ROBLOX

-Keeps getting censored in chat

-Plays Dress to Impress

-Would hit you if so desired

-Uses Joker quotes

-Bakes pink cupcake in spare time

-Would make a balloon animal for a kid and then pop it like Gru

-The guy he tickled in his character intro was Don Flamenco

-Killed someone, steals, graffitis, takes candy from babies

-Should be in jail

-ADHD

-”Ya prob’ly got cheeseburgers in those gloves, have ya Mac?!” “well you have horseshoes”

SODA POPINSKI

-Dropped on the head as a kid

-Nicknamed ”Pinhead Larry”

-Oiled up

-Naturally loud

-Skipped leg day

-Mr. Krabs walking sound when he tiptoes

-Speedruns Hello Neighbor

-Hands are too big for the keyboard

-Makes dad jokes and laughs at himself because no one else laughs

-Gets bullied by Aran Ryan for his dad jokes

BALD BULL

-Someone threw a bowling ball at his head

-Peak Male Performance

-40% chip (context for this is in comments)

-Watched game shows, was in one once

-Blurts out the answers at the TV, gets pissed every time they get it wrong and screams

-Screams like the ash baby

-Shakes randomly

-Ate lead paint

-Ate a glow stick

-”ladies, ladies, calm down, theres enough of me to go around” (stolen from don flamenco, difference is this actually works)

-ash baby coded???

-Teeters on the line of being ugly and hot

-Gets beauty sleep

-20 step skincare routine

SUPER MACHO MAN

-”he looks like a founding father”

-Shrimp posture

-UGLY??

-Listens to phonk unironically

-Has jiggle physics

-Uses his chest to type on keyboards

-says “eureka!” when he as an idea

-FAKE chain

-wears speedos (canon)

-its his only outfit

-played five nights at freddys and shit himself

-Pimp

-GILF

-Looks 72, is 27

MR. SANDMAN

-Drag Queen

-Chappell Roan listener

-Once tried to wax his nose but got q tips stuck in it

-REALLY into horoscopes and gemstones

-NAPALMED a homeless shelter

-Dances like the dame tu cosita guy

-fucken BUSTS IT DOWN to every song

-Throws gang signs in his boxing gloves??

-Does the Omni-Man squat sometimes

-Ate a lightbulb and that's why his skin glows

-Skips to the song “Mr. Sandman” because he’s babygirl like that

LITTLE MAC

-Floats in the air when he smells pie

-Anime protagonist

-Loves Ben 10

-Had a greasy mohawk

-Ate a bug

-Sticks his head out of the car window

-Gulps and goes “EEEYIKES!!!” when he has to fight a strong opponent

-Listens to Mitski

-Loves the movie Ratatouille

-His favorite character is Remy’s brother

-Makes kandi bracelets

-Asserts dominance by T-posing

DOC LOUIS

-Wears yoga pants

-Has asthma

-Runs up the stairs on all fours

-Maximum silly

-Watches romcoms and cries

-Draws watches on his wrist and looks at it when someone asks him for the time

-Watched Skibidi Toilet AND knows all of the lore

-Doesn’t know what a tampon is

-Listens to the song that goes “once I was seven years old”

-Mama’s boy

-HORRIBLE driver

[windvexer]

hey, I’ve heard you mention that you’ve also had problems like fatigue, headaches, etc, after spellwork and a lot of rituals. Have you found any ways to prepare for big rituals that minimizes this, by chance?

If not, no biggie. I’m going to make sure I’m hydrated and have a full belly, but I’ve never done a casting as big as the one I’m currently planning, and even though I’m drawing on sources of energy other than myself, that hasn’t always quelled stuff like headaches/jitters in the past.

Any advice?

(- this is the main account of musings-on-wisteria)

Hello! I recognize you from my notes, I hadn't realized you and Wisteria are one and the same :)

My short answer is, yes, but it's tedious and not very easy to employ. Hard enough to employ, in fact, that I often do not. Here is the long answer:

STOP GIVING 110%. Treat magic like it's your job; only do what's required and don't go above and beyond. Which sounds counter-intuitive I suppose, but if the goal is specifically not causing myself pain during casting then the solution is almost the exact same as not causing myself undo workplace stress.

Do less; simplify; identify the strands of power on which you pull and intentionally limit yourself to pulling only what you think is necessary.

DO MAGIC OFTEN TO BUILD UP THE MUSCLE. I believe that having energy to lift a heavy weight is not the same thing as having strong muscles. Doing a single spell that exhausts you, without regular warm-ups or exercise, is like going on a long run without building up to it.

Although I am not broadly in favor of daily energy work regimens, they can be useful in the specific sense that doing ten squats a day is going to make your life easier if you some day need to help your friend move into their second-story apartment.

IDENTIFY AREAS OF UNNECESSARY PSYCHIC EXPENDITURE AND CUT THEM. I mean this more in the sense of you over-connecting and becoming overwhelmed. Do you practice magic in such a way that you stop to ensure a minimum level of sensory/psychic input?

So for example let's say you cast a circle and call the quarters; do you stop at each quarter and make sure you can feel/See/connect to that quarter?

If so, consider that each time you intentionally seek sensory/psychic perception in your magic, you are both A) forcing your energy down one of your channels to briefly open a floodgate, and that B) your channel is becoming worn out each time you use it to seriously "plug in" to a spell (just like a muscle that is continuously picking up a weight). I mean this all metaphorically; my point is that continuously seeking psychic/sensory input during magic has the potential to be exhausting.

DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN AHEAD OF TIME, AND DO IT AS MANY TIMES AS YOU LIKE. If a part of your spell includes blessing an incense and then lighting it to invite spirits, bless the incense ahead of time.

In fact, if you like, bless it multiple times ahead of time, as often as you want, until you're satisfied with it.

Suppose a part of your spell includes using a lot of a certain type of energy. Instead of channeling it all in the moment, go and find it ahead of time. Place it in a "battery" (quartz crystal is commonly used), and collect as much of it as you want. You can make collecting and storing power for use in specific spells a part of regular energy work exercises, if you're into that sort of thing.

If you're using a spell vessel, you can create it and feed it energy far ahead of spellwork, etc.

SEE IF THERE'S A BETTER WAY. If you want to use a type of energy in a spell, maybe you can just sit and focus and find that energy and then gather it up and use it - maybe you'd have to do this even if it's stored in a stone on your altar.

But is that the best use of your energy?

Is it possible that you could call the same energy by doing something a lot less intensive, like reading a prayer or charm that links up to the energy and draws it to you?

If you call on spirits, could you prepare charms, sigils, or special gateways to help them visit you more easily, so you don't have to "tunnel" to them each time?

Whatever you intend to do to the energy, is there a tool that could help you? Sure you can tear energy by hand, but maybe an enchanted knife or scissors would help. And you can bind things together, but a magical needle and thread does tend to make the operation more simple.

FEAST AT THE FULL MOON. Go outside your body and eat the forbidden fruit, etc. Consuming astral food, especially at those strange wild parties which run eternal but only have doorways that pop up every once and a while, is helpful.

[thisisourlovestory]

Safe and Sound

Finnick Odair x reader soulmate AU

Summary: you are a victor from district 4. The Quarter Quell has just been announced. How will you cope with the turn of events coming your way.

Wordcount- 3.1k

Notes: Sorry this one was so late, it was just not chaptering but it's here now so enjoy!

Chapter 5

My heels clicked as I walked across the stone floor. My dress swirling around in the light breeze that flowed through the opening at the other end of the room. I felt eyes on me as I walked. So many eyes. All latching onto me and following my every movement. I locked my own gaze on the horses. Beautiful creatures, tall, strong and powerful. I stopped next to the chariot I would be riding in and stroked the horses pulling it. I found myself drawn towards the one on the left. His depthless black eyes pierced my skin. I felt as if he knew everything I was feeling, everything I thought, everything I had done. I stood directly in front of him. My own eyes locked on his as I lifted my hand to stroke his face. Dark fur like velvet under my touch. He nickered quietly, hooves pawing at the ground. 

“It's okay. It's okay.” I soothe him gently. “I'm a friend, I won't hurt you.” I hold his head and stroke along his nose to calm him down as I chatter mindlessly to him. “You're very beautiful, you know. I'd love to see you free, running in the wild. I'm sure it would be a sight to behold, you in the meadows. I think you'd like that, meadows are pretty. Especially if they have lots of flowers, my favourites are the blue and purple ones. Then again you might eat the flowers.“ I frown. “I don't know if flowers are good for horses so you maybe shouldn't eat them.” He snorted as if laughing at me and I smiled before turning around and taking a step forward. Immediately, eyes were on me again, assessing, questioning, some downright sadistic- as if they were already plotting how to kill me. I shuffled nervously on my feet, putting my hands behind my back and fiddling with my fingers as I peered around curiously myself, Cashmere and Gloss were stood chatting to Enobaria and Brutus, their sneering expressions as they glanced over me giving away exactly what they were talking about. Other tributes were milling around, chatting to each other quietly, trying to not draw attention to themselves. I decided to mingle a bit, I meandered through the room, not looking directly at anyone but nodding hello or raising a hand in greeting. Without realising it I somehow ended up by the district 12 tributes, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. The winners of last year's games, the star crossed lovers. I gave them both a quick nod and turned, in doing so I lost my balance and wobbled, almost falling over but Katniss grabbed my arm and righted me. 

“Thank you.” I muttered. She said nothing in response so I thanked her again awkwardly and made to walk away. 

“Wait,” I turned to see her holding a hand out to me. “You're Y/N right. The winner of the 68th.” I nodded.

“Yes, I am.” 

“I remember the year you won. I watched your entire games. You won by killing the three career tributes didn't you.“ I shivered at the reminder and replied softly. 

“Yes.” 

“Nobody thought you would be the one to win. I didn’t either. Thought it would be the district 2 boy.” I laughed lightly. 

“That makes two of us.” I stopped for a second before continuing. “I know you don't know me or anything but for what it’s worth I’m sorry you have to do this again. You and Peeta. You don't deserve it.”

“None of us should have to do this.” Peeta interrupted. “None of us.” I quirked an eyebrow as I studied him. His face set in a stony expression. 

“You shouldn't have won either but you did and here we all are again.” I turned away from him to face Katniss again. “And what you did for your sister last year was brave.”

“What you did for Annie this year was brave.” She countered. I hummed

“How do you know I didn't do it for glory?”

“Because none of us want to go back in there.” I studied her, a sad smile on my lips.

“That's not entirely true.” She looked confused for a second and I shook my head. “Some of us want to go back in, not for the reasons you're thinking, not for glory or bragging rights. Some of us just want to protect other people.” I shook my head slightly, my hair falling over my shoulders. “Like him,” I nodded to Peeta who was petting the horses,”He wants to protect you and he didn't want Haymitch to go back in because he would have probably died.“ She gazed at me for a second. 

“So you volunteered to protect someone as well.” I stared back at her. 

“I didn't mean to volunteer. It just happened.” She opened her mouth to respond but we heard a scream of my name from across the room. I turned and was immediately enveloped in a huge hug, my face filled with coiffed hair and I spluttered as it covered my mouth and nose.  

“Effie, hair. Face. Hair. Breathing.” I stuttered out, Effie pulled away from me and gasped. 

“Oh you look so beautiful! Absolutely gorgeous!.” She grasped the fabric of my dress and inspected it closely. “The stitching is impeccable and this colour is so lovely on you.” 

“Wait a minute, how do you three know each other?” Katniss interjected.

“We met when I was in the games, Effie loved me from the start because according to her I was ‘just so adorable’ and Haymitch warmed up to me after a while. But we’re only acquaintances, very rarely see each other.” She looked sceptical but nodded anyway.

“Effie’s right kid. You look pretty incredible. They'll all love you out there.” Haymitch said from behind, patting me on the back. “How’ve you been doing?” I shrugged. “Come on, something must have happened since we last saw you. It's been what, three, four years since you refused to see us again?” 

“Four years, eight months and twenty seven days.” I muttered, looking down at the floor and laughed awkwardly. “There have been some tough moments, nightmares that you can never get rid of, but other than those I've been fine. Same as I always was. Same as I always will be.” I squinted at him. “What about you?” 

“We’ve been very busy looking after these two and making sure they are adapting well to life as victors but other than that it's been much the same as usual.” Effie chimed in, sending a glare Haymitch's way and mouthing something I couldn't discern. Haymitch rolled his eyes at her and spoke to me as she fussed over Katniss.

“You volunteered. I thought you said nothing could ever make you come back.” I looked down.

“I lied.”

“I don't know why you did it kid and I know you won't tell me because you don't get close to people if you can help it, so just,” He  sighed, ”Just try and stay alive as long as you can alright.” He patted me on the back again and went to talk to Peeta as Effie 

“I have missed you like you wouldn't imagine darling. Although I did see you dancing a few times, it was so graceful and beautiful.” She covered her mouth. “You've grown up so much. Now where is that escort of yours, Lysander?” I shrugged again. 

“Don’t know. Probably hounding Finnick or something.” Effie let out a loud sigh. 

“He really is useless. Utterly useless. And I’ve told him that before you know. But apparently my advice is meaningless! Does he even know what his job is? It’s to help you win by getting you sponsors. And ignoring you completely is not the way to help.” 

“It’s okay. Finnick has got the better chance of survival anyway, it makes more sense to focus on him.” Haymitch sent me a look.

“Do not look at me like that. I'm going to try my best but let's be honest it's not going to be enough.” I scrunched my nose up and tipped my head to Katniss. “See you out there girl on fire. It's been a pleasure meeting you.” She shook my hand.

“See you out there.”

“And you Peeta.” I called out to him. “We’ll all bump into each other again at some point I'm sure.” With that I walked off, leaving them all staring at my back in surprise. I let out a shuddering breath as I leaned against a wall, my head tipping back and my eyes shutting in a moment of peace that was over as soon as it began when they called us all to our chariots. I pushed myself off the wall and made my way back over to the horses and chariot, stroking their noses quickly before being helped up into the chariot. Dark metal and deep blue flowers at the front to represent District 4. I picked a petal and smoothed it over with the pads of my fingers, smooth and velvety. I felt a tap on my shoulder and jumped, turning to face a smirking Finnick. 

“Sugarcube?” He asked, holding them out to me. I took one hesitantly and bit into it, the sweetness spread across my tongue, coating my entire mouth. 

“Thank you.” I mumbled, sucking the rest into my cheek. Unfortunately, I finally clocked what he was wearing, or lack thereof, and almost choked on the sugar as I inhaled sharply and swallowed at the same time. I had been prepared for this to happen. But clearly not as prepared as I had thought I would be. Because there stood Finnick Odair, still smirking, biting a sugarcube with his back teeth, dressed in nothing more than a golden net tied in a knot to secure it around his waist. He was perhaps the closest thing to naked I’d ever seen a person be before, I thought to myself idly and swallowed again, the grains of sugar scratching my throat. I averted my gaze quickly as I felt heat rising in my cheeks and resolutely stared anywhere but at him. He laughed next to me.

“I didn't expect that.” I admitted quietly. “I thought you'd at least be wearing actual clothes.” I peeked at him for a second, the man was built like a greek god. All muscle and tan skin and just unfairly perfect. 

“My stylist is of the belief that the more they see of me the better.” He held out a hand towards me. “I don't think we've been properly formally introduced. I'm Finnick Odair.” My heart broke in my chest at his words but I shook his hand and whispered my own name back as the chariots began to move forwards. I smoothed out the creases in the delicate fabric of my dress and plastered a pleasant expression on my face just as the noise of the Capitol hit my ears. And we were out. Parading down the Avenue of Tributes with people cheering for us yet again, but this time multiplied by a million. It was the one event of the week that every single person in the Capitol came to see and they all blurred together in a mass of whirling colours. I smiled faintly and tapped a small raised gem sewn into the sleeve of my dress. Immediately, water began to trickle down from my tiara. It seemed to have a life of its own and left cold trails on my skin. It touched the fabric of my dress and a brilliant blue bloomed from the patch. As it trickled further down, the rest of my dress turned similar shades until the water stopped flowing and collected in a pool at the hem of my dress, dripping slightly and leaving a damp patch on the surface of the chariot. I gazed up at myself on the projections as the people went wild and threw flowers at us, hollering for our attention. The top of the dress had become a dark blue the colour of the deepest parts of the ocean and it faded into a powdery blue the colour of the flowers that had lined my mothers porch years ago. I looked like a queen of the sea. My dress was a representation of the ocean and of District 4, of my home. Megara had outdone herself and I would wear it with pride. So I waved and blew kisses to people, a smile as bright as the sun on my face. I could hear the commentary vaguely in the background. Exclamations of how they had never quite seen something like that before, how beautiful the dress was, how perfect it was for me, for their angel. Others had attempted to copy the artificial flames but compared to the original they seemed like cheap knockoffs. Hardly impressive. I could understand why Megara would use water then, to make a different statement. Fire had already been seen, it was old, except for on district 12. But water, the opposite of fire. They had never seen that before and it really helped that she was styling for our district. And yet when Katniss and Peeta emerged, dressed in a blazing inferno, I was forgotten. As expected the attention all shifted to the star crossed lovers of district 12. Not that I could blame them, they were a sight to behold, even more dramatic than last year. The chariots circled and everyone waved up to President Snow. I simply nodded my head towards him, my gaze cold. Eventually we came to a stop in a semi circle and President Snow stepped up to the podium overhead.

“Welcome all to the 75th Hunger Games. We thank our tributes for their great sacrifice. We shall be sad to see them go.” With that he sends us on our way, we roll out and back where we came from. I leapt out as soon as we passed the entry way, my dress dragging along the floor, dust sticking to the damp fabric. I saw Mags waiting and brushed past her without a glance. I walked around for a bit, the architecture of the building was so new, it was clear they had it built especially for us. It was like a fortress, cameras everywhere, the thickest glass they could have found for windows, doors that couldn't be opened unless the guard stood next to them opened them for you and white walls all around. It wasn't just a training centre. It was a cage, our cage for the next week. 

I laughed. They really didn't want us going anywhere at all. And they weren't taking any chances if they could help it. They could mask it with pretences of hospitality and wishing for us to enjoy our stay but even a blind man could see that this was a prison, and one made specifically to keep us in. I pressed a button on the wall and stepped into the elevator. Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch all greeted me with nods and Johanna grinned widely at me as we started moving upwards. 

“Well well well. If it isn't the little princess. Tell me, how's life been treating you in the Capitol?” She asked, venom dripping from each word. I regarded her silently, assessing as she stripped off her dress. She had never liked me. She thought I was just some pretty little doll that the Capitol kept and never touched. They all thought that though, each and every victor knew I danced and sang and that was it. They had never been so wrong in their lives. But who was I to tell them that? It's not as if they would listen to anything I had to say. 

“Life has been,” I paused, “It's been wonderful.” I watched her eyes darken with anger as she pulled off the last of her dress, leaving it in a heap on the floor. She quickly turned to Katniss and Peeta, flashed a cat-like grin.

“Thanks. This has been fun, we should do it again sometime.” With that she flounced out of the open doors. Haymitch whistled.

“Thank you.” Katniss sent him a disgusted look and I disguised a laugh with a cough. As much as I disliked her I could admire her. She was everything the Capitol didn't want her to be and the looks on Katniss and Peetas faces were something. She was confused, he was almost impressed and Haymitch was just like me, trying to not laugh out loud at their reactions

“Johanna Mason, district 7. Won the 71st games by pretending to be weak and then killing the remaining tributes with her axe. Delightful girl.” I rolled my eyes.

“Except for if she hates your guts. So try and get her to like you.” Peeta glanced at me.

“What do you mean?”

“If I know one thing about Johanna Mason, and I think I do. It's that she doesn't care about anyone or anything. And I'm pretty sure she has a hitlist and I'm number 1 on it.” 

Before they could answer, the doors opened again and they all got out without a word, leaving me alone to go down again. I leant against the glass, looking out to see peacekeepers crawling about like insects, escorts rushing around for no reason whatsoever, tributes and mentors staying well away from the two former as if they were the plague. The doors pinged open and I made my way down the corridor. I pushed through the double doors and was met with expectant looks from everyone. Mags, Lysander and Finnick all sat at the table. 

“I'm not hungry.” I said quickly before they could even ask me to sit. 

I practically ran to my room and threw myself on the bed, silk sheets scrunching up under my weight. The door clicked open and I looked up to see Megara standing there with an eyebrow raised.

“They want me to convince you to come out. But I've got better plans for tonight.” She pulled out two tubs of ice cream and a plate of intricately decorated cakes and biscuits. She set them down on the table and waved me over. 

“First of all, get changed. There's clothes in the drawers. Second, by my logic if they really wanted you to sit and eat dinner with them they would do it themselves. Third, I brought food,” She picked up a spoon and dug into a tub of ice cream, “And I'm not waiting for you to start. Plus,” She grinned, teeth coated in chocolate,”I want to know everything.”

Taglist:

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[lynzishell]

The Past 💛 Atlas

Now that I’ve spoken it out loud, I can’t ignore the strangeness around Ash anymore. The nightmares, the flashes of memory that don’t belong to me, and now, what feels like someone else’s words coming out of my mouth.

I’ve decided to keep some distance until I can figure this out, even if the very idea of it has me twisted up in knots.

As usual, when I arrive at work, he’s already there, joking around with Evan and Lex. I make a point to walk back by the windows to my desk, so I won’t have to face him. I know I’ll need to talk to him eventually, but I have no idea what I’m going to say, and now doesn’t seem like the time or place to say it anyway.

So, I avoid him. I avoid the situation. I avoid myself.

I sit at my desk, put my earbuds in, and I retreat to a familiar place deep within. And I work. I work through lunch despite the protests from my stomach. I don’t stop working until six o’clock, long past when Ash usually leaves. I don’t know if he tried to say hello or goodbye. I don’t even remember the day.

When I finally look up, the office is nearly empty, and the sun has just started to sink toward the horizon.

Rather than taking my usual route home, I take a right out of the building and head toward the gym. No one else is going tonight, but that's fine. I just need to think, and I think best when I'm climbing or running.

But I only make it two blocks before I hear his footsteps behind me, moving quickly along the wet concrete as he tries to catch up. I hadn’t even realized it rained today. The sky is clear now, but the moisture has left the air feeling sticky and unseasonably warm.

My heart jumps when I feel his hand tap my shoulder even though I was expecting it. I take a breath and turn to face him.

“Hey,” his greeting is like a hand reaching into a dark well, reaching down to try and pull me up from where I’ve retreated deep inside myself. His eyes search the darkness in mine. I can’t tell if he can see me or not.

He squints slightly and I know then that he can’t. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, fine,” I say automatically.

“Everything’s fine?”

“Yeah.”

He squints harder, and the corners of his mouth pull down into a frown, “Did I do something wrong?”

The confusion in his voice twists at my stomach and I have to focus on staying upright, on keeping all the muscles in my face and shoulders relaxed. It’s not easy, but I’ve had two decades of practice and I’m better at it than I’d like to admit. “No,” I say simply. Keeping my answers short to keep the emotion out of them.

Then it happens. I watch as his eyes harden like stones. This is it. This is when I fuck everything up. I can feel it, and there’s nothing I can do about it. But maybe it’s for the best. I can’t risk him getting close to me.

“Atlas, what the fuck is going on?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing? Do you think I’m stupid?”

The sharpness in his tone makes me flinch, cracking my armor, and I feel my brows pull together, “No,” emotion sneaks into my voice, drawing out the word.

“Atlas, I—” he seems to struggle for a moment. I wait, desperate to reach out to him, to put my hand on his arm and reassure him, but I’m trapped. My armor has become a cage, as it so often does. Helpless, I listen as he tries again, “I like you, a lot, and we had a really great time the other night, but… you said you’d call and you didn’t, which is fine, like, people get busy, it’s whatever… but you’ve spent the entire day acting like I don’t  exist and now you’re telling me everything is fine, acting as if nothing happened, making me feel like I’m fucking delusional or something. Do you have any idea how awful that feels?”

Yes. I feel myself deflate, a wave of shame pouring over me. I don’t think I can hate myself more than I do in this moment, realizing that I am indeed my mother's son. “I’m sorry,” I try to infuse as much sincerity into the words as I can, but they still fall flat.

“Right. You wanna tell me what’s going on then?”

“I can’t do this, Ash, I’m sorry. I think we should just be friends.” I let it out in a rush, unable to look him in the eye.

“Friends?”

I nod.

“You know, a ‘friend’ would’ve had the decency to talk to me about this rather than avoiding me.”

“I know, I’m—”

“Sorry. Yeah. I got that. Can you tell me why?”

“Because…” I sigh, grabbing on to the only explanation I can think of that makes any sense, “because we work together. I just… I don’t date people I work with.” It’s not necessarily a lie. I usually don’t consider my co-workers part of the eligible dating pool. But maybe if things were different, I’d’ve made an exception.

“You don’t date people you work with?”

“That’s right.”

He scoffs, “This would’ve been good information for you to share with me a lot sooner. I really don’t appreciate being led on.”

“I know, I didn’t mean… I got caught up. I shouldn’t have. I really am sorry.”

His head drops away from me, “Yeah, me too,” he says to the ground more than me, nudging a rock with his shoe. “So, friends then? That’s what you want?”

No. “Yes.”

He nods, still looking at the ground as he takes a deep breath. “Okay.” He finally looks back up at me, his eyes shining, not with their usual playfulness and excitement, but with tears threatening to spill over. I’ve hurt him. “Okay,” he says again, “I’ll see you tomorrow then.” He turns around abruptly before I can respond and starts walking away.

I stand there for a moment, stunned. Everything about this feels wrong. I want to take it back. And I nearly call out to him, tell him to wait, that I didn't mean it. But then he reaches a hand up, wiping his face, and I stop myself. I've done enough damage already.

I was wrong earlier. It turns out I can hate myself more.

Prev // Next

[watchingblsnowandforever]

Hello.

Listen, I'm still not over ep 11 yet. AND THEN THEY GIVE ME THIS I- *muffled screaming*

Anyways, welcome to my crack posts. =D

Warning: long post 😊😅 (I somehow took even more screenshots than last time 😭)

I knew something like this would happen hehe

Also-

Don't lie, Peem, he'd already won your heart the moment he said "Na, krab" with those puppy eyes

I love how despite thinking they're enemies up till this point, Tan immediately jumps on the ship the moment he learns it exists.

Fang: cute. <3

Q: cutee. <33

Shy babygirl Peem has my whole heart 🥺🫶🏼

Yeah? Anyone specific you want to draw a portrait of, Peem? Someone from Engineering, maybe? Someone who confessed to you in front of all your combined friends just last night? No? 👀

This smile. This goddamn smile. I get you, Peem, I totally get you.

Q peeking in small into the bag is so accurate 😭

As I'd said in my previous post: "Right in front of my salad?!" and "Something very LGBT just happened to me o.o"

NOSE BOOP

I love nose boops hehe

[Phum: I have to go to class.]

You actually go to class?! *pikachu meme face*

Q's face perfectly expresses my feeling, and I'm definitely saving these as meme pics

Peem's plan to be hit on backfired so fast so hard 😭

Poor boy went into shock 😭

Peem is never hearing the end of this from Q. Never.

I love their friendship though. Besties forever. <3

Toey looks so excited here 😭🫶🏼

He's definitely over the moon that his two beloved hias finally realized they like each other (and of course he manifested this wdyem)

Throwing stones from inside a glass house, huh Q?

You're just as bad as, if not worse than Peem.

*shaking my head fondly* these boys are so whipped for their baes

This ep gave me a lot of meme pic ehehe

Why so surprised, Peem? You were the one telling Phum to flirt on you, why so shy now huh?

Oh, Aunt Pui knows. She's just trying to help her nephew get a nice boyfriend hehe

Also- learning the family business early on? Nice move, Phum.

I'm pretty sure Aunt Pui will accept Phum as family the very instant they start dating.

Actually- she probably already has.

What will you be tying next? The knot?? (I am so so happy I can make that joke and actually mean it now.)

Oh, and I love love love their dynamics. I'm always looking for verse because I don't like active power dynamics, but this show really delivered on it. There's always a push and pull, but throughout, they're equals. Yes, even through that slave era (remember how exactly Peem came to be his slave?). It did start off with a slight imbalance, but it evened out pretty fast (because Phum is incapable of not being the cutest clingy little puppy for more than ten minutes and Peem is weak for it).

PhumPeem/PeemPhum is giving me so much that I'd thought I'd almost never get from BLs (there are a few other examples, I think, but this is probably my topmost).

I don't know if y'all have noticed, but Phum is deliberately soft and is often using polite pronouns for the last two episodes.

It's just... they're so pretty 😭

This scene is just >>>

He-

HE LEARNED LATTE ART JUST TO USE THIS LINE WITH PEEM I'M DYING OH GODS

Phum is 200% committed. Other upcoming BL romantic interests, please take notes.

Jokes aside, what started out as a potential red flag (even two years ago, this relationship would have been very very different) turned into the greenest flag (with a side of childhood trauma).

Did he just-

He almost confessed!!! So close!!

Also- please give me them as boyfriends already, I'm on my hands and knees. But can you imagine what they'll be like when they actually start dating...?

...

I CAN'T WAIT. GIMME NOW. *grabby hands*

This scene made me speechless. Ep 12 was full of beautiful, absolutely stunning scenes, but this was what took my breath - his cute smile that lights up his whole face, his "Pai, krab" and the sheer relief when Peem asks him if he wants to go.

For a moment there, he thought Peem would leave, just like all the people in his life. He knows it wouldn't be permanent, but it's hard to get rid of such an old, deep-rooted fear.

But Peem, unknowingly, immediately waves it away by asking him if he wanted to come with. The only thing is... I don't think it was that unknowing.

I'll end part 1 on this note. Part 2 will be posted soon!

If you've reached this far, thank you so much for reading! 😊

Here, have a doughnut 🍩

And here are my previous We Are posts.

[huntersrequiem-if]

Hello dearest!! How jealous would Moon get if Hunter and Night got together? Can we see a pov from her please? 🥺

Hello!! Thank you for dropping by and for this delicious ask! It has been a nice break from writing – even if it got away from me for a bit. It’s an interesting situation since I don’t think Night would be too receptive to a Hunter in a relationship with Moon.

Even if they were exes, Night would still be weary.

Anyway I’m assuming you meant as Hunter was in a relationship with Moon and broke it off. If not, I apologize!

The POV is under the cut (rather long!):

Zephyr is an entirely pleasant partner – if you know how to return their little jabs and digs, their tone changes into something softer, less mocking. Almost as if you’re friends.

Moon listens with rapt attention as they regale her with their adventures down the earth, swishing the wine in her cup. She grimaces internally at some of their choices but nothing betrays her thoughts. Instead, she admires how their eyes sparkle and takes a step back when their gestures grow too animated, avoiding getting hit by a stray hand.

A small pause, gone too fast for some, but she can inject into the conversation – ask her questions. But it dies on the tip of her tongue when she finds their attention not to her. Somewhere else their gaze strays.

She follows. A smile overtakes her face she sees the pair of horns near the entrance. Their face is as she remembers, her heart still speeding up when their eyes meet. A second passes but so many emotions in their eyes.

Most would say Hunter is strange. Hard to know, hard to read. Lies. They’re so easy to read, to enjoy. She did so countless nights, enjoyed their heated touch, their voice whispering in her ear.

Moon curses herself when they break eye contact. Curses the weakness of her heart, curses them out.

Their eyes dart to the figure beside them, Night.

Zephyr’s snickers brings her back to reality. Her glare is icy enough to make them stop, but the amusement is clear in their eyes.

“Problems in paradise?” Their grin is sharp, mocking. “Did your little toy abandon you for someone better?”

“Why?” She smiles, voice honeyed. “You think you have a chance to replace them?”

Zephyr blinks and scoffs. Moon leaves their side before they can retort something else, feet guiding her to greet the new arrivals.

Hunter slinks away when they see her – heading toward Caisa.

Coward.

But Moon spots the way Night raised their fingers, brushing over Hunter’s hand in farewell. She feels something in her pull taut.

Night is too slow, too preoccupied with a certain Hunter to escape in time. Moon smiles up at them, claiming the open spot.

Their blink is slow, but their shoulders stiffen, wings held tights against their back.

“Greetings,” her voice is soft, barely heard over the din of the music, “I am pleased to see you.’’ A smile on her lips, one she conceals with a sip of a wine. “A shame our Hunter left, I’d rather greet the both of you.”

She glances briefly at Hunter, watching their form. At least Caisa seems to enjoy the conversation.

Night shifts, dipping their chin in a small nod. “Greetings, Moon.” She waits, watches them under her lashes.

A dark and tall hooded figure. The white mask they wear is her only visage, save for the slices to allow them to see.

When they don’t continue, she nearly rolls her eyes. Stars, it’s like trying to draw blood from stone. She wishes that she could rip that damned mask away from their face, so she can see what expression they make. Are they mocking her? Laughing at her? Smug?

“Has the journey been well?” She swirls the wine in her glass. It bears a striking resemblance to Night’s eyes, looking down on her. “Is everything pleasant in the Underworld?”

They shrug lightly, arms crossing at their chest. “Yes.” Their gaze dart away and the silence stretches out between them once again – so much she nearly asks them something else. “Everything is well – but it keeps me busy.”

She nods, Moon knows that well – mortals have the tendency to keep one busy. “Regardless, I wanted to congratulate you on your relationship.”

 She smiles up at them, eyes crinkling. A chuckle leaves her lips when they choke on air, bringing a fist to their face. “I – what relationship?” Their voice is wavering, just the tiniest bit.

“You’re not so discreet as you think.” She huffs, rolling her eyes. “I am almost insulted you thought you could fool me – the Goddess of Love!”

They shift on their feet, feathers slightly ruffed. “I – “ They clear their throat, “Have no idea what are you talking about.”

She hums, a low sound in her throat. It must be clear on her face just how much she believes that flimsy lie. “Don’t be afraid to come to me with questions. I am rather experienced, after all.” Her smile is small, eyes sparking.

Moon hates this.

[subzeroparade]

hello there, I would just like to say that you are an inspiration to me and my own writing journey. you have such a profound way of skillfully weaving a story, I adore your works. it really reminds me a lot of madeline miller and her amazing stories (I really like a specific style of writing, lol)

may I ask what your writing process is? I myself have trouble sticking to motivation and finishing my own works. hope this message reaches you well, cheers <33

(Long post warning, and sorry to the people still languishing in my inbox, especially anon who sent me a similar writing ask - I will get to it, but hopefully in the meantime you can glean something useful from this, too.) 

Thank you! Also, yes - I came back to creative writing a few years ago (after many years of nothing but academic writing, grad and post-grad) around the same time Miller published Circe, and my ER work definitely pays tribute to that. In the genre of modernised(not modern)-greek-myth-retellings, hers are the only ones I tolerate. (That’s not true, I do like Pat Barker’s work to an extent, though she’s much less lyrical than Miller. But sometimes you need that). 

To answer your ask, here's my writing process - but first, a couple of disclaimers:

Disclaimer 1: Everyone’s method is different, etc etc; this is a given. But I also have a decade’s worth of disciplined professional writing under my belt, which is very helpful when it comes to sitting down and just choking something out on paper, even when my brain is unwilling, or the spark is not there. This takes time to cultivate. 

Disclaimer 2: No writing method or process is going to work if you are not actively reading. All the time. There is never a time I don’t have at least one book going. When I am feeling cheeky, I commit to four or five at once, all very different: novels (from disparate genres), edited volumes, anthologies, non-fiction; regardless, a wealth of different voices to draw from. If you are super busy, and we all are, at least try to read a bit before bed, it’s good for you. 

Anyway! Process:

STEP 1: A thing I might want to write: a scenario. A scene. An interaction between two characters. A short sequence of events. A long history. This particular climax, and its aftermath. The POV of that particular character. How am I going to do that? What do I need to know? What are the possible approaches - which POV, past or present, told or retold, and in what manner? 

Ex: before I sat down to write Litanies (Bloodborne), I knew I was interested enough to commit to a fic about the Fishing Hamlet. There are a million ways to do this. It was only while reading/watching certain material - journals, accounts of 19th century expeditions, a book about piecing together the mystery of a murder on another planet through conflicting eye-witness testimony, watching AMC’s The Terror - did it make sense to do an “interview” style, slow-burn mystery-box-esque piece, in which an interviewer has to piece together first-hand accounts of what happened (just like us, the Hunter!). Could I have done it another way? Yes. Would it have been nearly as interesting from a storytelling perspective? Not remotely. 

Tdlr; Who and what will I write about? In what way, and how will that approach make the work even stronger? How many things do I need to clarify about where and how this is going before I start writing? The tighter your plan - it doesn’t even need to be written down - the less likely you are to hit a wall later because you don’t know where you’re trying to go or what you’re trying to say. 

STEP 2: I start plotting scenes. For Vanitas (Elden Ring), I knew I wanted to write the history of Godwyn’s war and subsequent allegiance with the ancient stone dragons. I would need battle scenes, political intrigue and broader worldbuilding, alongside more intimate, dialogue-focused exchanges with Fortissax. On my shitty little notes app, I started writing these as they came to me, as I mulled over the ways to make them fight, meet, agree, quarrel, separate. Mostly, I start with the core of a scene - what is the question being answered, the main point, the crux of it? - and then build the rest of the scene around that. In that way it’s rarely, if ever, meandering and useless. Especially in short works - every scene should matter, and keep its focus where possible. You will be surprised how many disparate scenes you can merge into a single one for more impact.

Tldr; elevator-pitch style, what’s this work actually about??? And what scenes do I need for my readers to get it?

Big huge disclaimer here: at this stage, if I am starting to construct little bits and pieces in my notes app (everything from swathes of dialogue to jumbled “then he does this” reminders) they are in a very raw form. HOWEVER, at this point, I need to know how the story will end, especially if it is multi-chapter. I need to have outlined how these scenes flow into each other, and why. If it’s a vignette or one-shot, I need to know exactly what I will show, mood and message, so that it never becomes any longer than necessary, or loses the thread that holds it together, so to speak. 

STEP 3: I have a lot of material in my shitty little notes app (this will vary, depending on the size of your piece. The outline of A History of Iniquity (Elden Ring) was about 8k, which makes sense for a work that’s gonna top out at 80k). It’s time to bring it over to proper writing software. There, I start sorting my notes into scenes, as well as supplementary material (stuff that feels useful, or important, like worldbuilding tidbits, but that I have yet to weave into the story progression). Personally, separating all my notes into these individual scenes makes me feel like I have a better handle on the work, and can bounce around from scene to scene without having to work in linear progression, which I almost never do. 

Tldr; organise. Today I feel like writing scene 4, tomorrow scene 2. Because I have a handle on the work’s structure and I always know where it will end up, this is easy to do. 

STEP 4:

Write it.

Sloppily, badly, plainly. Commit to writing a scene, or x number of words per day, and get it done. A bare minimum of what happens in that scene. Dialogue. Actions. This then that and then this. Just put it down.

This is my big secret: I am a good writer, but I am a better editor (alas, a thing you could never tell from the state of some of my Tumblr posts). Writing is the painful part. Editing is a joy. It’s all there - what is left for me to do but to make it smoother, shinier, more polished? Remove what is superfluous, add a punch where needed. I much prefer making a drab paragraph sing than the initial act of writing that paragraph. 

I spend more time on editing than I do writing. I read, I reread. I go away. I come back, fresh, and reread again. I reread my work until I know enormous amounts of it by heart, then I go away, put it out of my mind, read something else, come back and edit again. There is no way around this, especially if you are writing fic and you don’t have a beta (or at least a first/second reader). It can always, always, always be better. The more aggressively you edit, the better you train your critical eye, and the sharper you are on your next first draft, or if you’re kind enough to beta for someone else. I am a ruthless editor (and I can and should be even worse), only because that’s what helped me, and I’d hope anyone better than me taking the time to look at my stuff would do me the same courtesy. 

STEP 5: Publish, go away, cry. If it’s fanfic, come back and read it for some last little edits. If it’s in an academic volume, cringe and hope no one reads it (/jk. Mostly). 

To come back to your initial point about motivation and sticking the landing -  some of that is going to have to come from you, personally. On my end, I finish what I start for three reasons.

I do not truly start the honest-to-god writing unless I have that body of notes already, and it’s hefty enough to serve as a skeleton. If I’m unsure, I’ll often leave ideas in this nebulous state of notes/ideation until I can come back with a clearer vision of what it would look like as a finished piece.

I do not start unless I am 100% committed to putting this work out there. If it’s too daunting, I’ll write it as a vignette or a one-shot, which is great practice, and there’s no excuse not to finish one. 

I do not start a work unless I know exactly how I am going to finish it. I more often than not know the last sentence of my work before I make it to the first draft stage. I know in amateur circles/fic writing it’s fine to just see where the work takes you, or leave the chapter count open, or whatever - it’s all practice, anyway - BUT I do think that if your main goal is closing a piece, then you need to be strict about how you get there. There’s plenty to do along the way, but at minimum know the scenes you need to make it to the finish line, and give yourself the tools to get there. 

THIS IS SO LONG I am terribly sorry, clearly I lied about being a good editor. 

Hope this helps! 

[ask-postcrash-curly]

Hello again, dear. Kind Words. Ah, how I've missed saying that...

How are you feeling now? I don't suppose much better, really... though perhaps not much worse either, yes? I understand. I would very much like to believe that all is... mostly well and settled, for now... but it seems my body has had its own agenda in mind. Despite having miraculously intervened in... what twisted fates awaited you all - I still feel... it is like there is a part of me that still feels I have lost you regardless. It is rather strange when I am still sitting here, speaking with you now... I feel as though I am floating on a cloud of grief. I cannot stop crying here and there, much to Kestrel's concern... mourning what nearly became again, and what has come to pass instead. Your leg... even Jimmy. I - I cannot believe my ears sometimes, the things people are suggesting that you do with him. Horrendous. Utterly vile. Far too many of you all are a despicable lot sometimes, I hope you are aware. Please, I do implore you to look inwards and change. If not yourselves, then at least the way you speak to others. (Not you and your crew, sweetie. I am addressing the other voices directly.)

Regardless, Kestrel told me he spoke to you on his own again, too. That does make me very happy to hear. I am so proud that he is, at least, trying to understand now. And... I thank you for being willing to engage with him, despite any doubts you may have had before. What a way to have broken the "exciting news" to him, ha ha...

...

...

Ah, forgive me, dear. I was... lost in thought for a moment, I suppose. How badly I... Ridiculous as it may be, a part of me somewhat wishes for things to go back to the way they were before... all of this mess. Is that awful? It is not that I wish to prolong your time on that dreadful ship any more, just that... perhaps I miss when things felt a bit "simpler," for lack of a better term. When it... just felt like you and I, and I shared my silly little stories with you, and there wasn't all of this... heaviness to the air. Perhaps that is nonsense, though, and the air has always been heavy for you. I do not know...

Of course, I am aware that I still can share things with you, and I do very much wish to right now... but my mind seems to be merely drawing blanks. Going to and fro from overwhelmed to depleted so quickly, within such a short frame of time has been... certainly not my cup of tea. But I am sure it will pass, yes? I have been through rough patches before, and they have not weathered my spirit yet. No things are forever set in stone, darling. There is still time yet for help to arrive. And then...

And then I will never break another promise again, sweet pea.

...

[ https://open.spotify.com/track/5L9MJsGqzTRD09rSzHkCDy?si=06619ddabaea47b9 ]

Hello!!

Certainly not feeling my best, if I'm being real. But yeah. Could be a hell of a lot worse. I don't have to take the pills anymore, so that's helping. But I can't have my bandages changed into the second set anymore, so that... makes things less pleasant. Sorry to hear you're still feeling poorly. ...I know. Yeah. I don't know what brings them to say all that. Well, no, I do. Most of them say it to upset me, and I know that's why, because I told them over and over that even if they were to change my mind, I can't do anything to make it happen. And I can't really eat th— Nevermind. Don't want to talk about this. (Don't worry, I got you. Thanks.)

Right, yeah, while you were sleeping. Don't think he likes me very much, but he's being plenty kind. So don't worry on that. No, hey, c'mon. You know I'm always happy to have someone to talk to. Nothing to thank me for. If anything I should be thanking the both of you.

...?

I know how that is. No, I, uh... I get what you mean. Not the whole time, but, well, there were spans where I really did believe things would work out. ...Mostly it was that heaviness, though. I liked your stories.

That's all right, Mum. I'm happy to hear from you regardless. Make sure you're getting rest, yeah?

Mm. Yeah.

I recognize this one... It's quite nice. Thank you.

[tj-dragonblade]

[FLUFFBRUARY FICLET] Before I Go

Rated: G Word Count: 849 Tags: Fluffbruary, Fluffbruary 2024, fluff, sap, established relationship, Hob Gadling loves Dream of the Endless | Morpheus, Dream of the Endless | Morpheus loves Hob Gadling, kisses, parting is such sweet sorrow, flower symbolism

Fluffbruary Prompts: Day 16 neighbor desire horse Day 17 magazine tactile curtains Alt prompts: evening, caress

Additional inspiration taken from a couple of these kisses

Title credit and musical accompaniment: Before I Go by Yanni (Spotify link)

Summary: Season-of-Mists-style visit, some time later in their relationship

On AO3

It is a lush and expansive garden where Hob finds himself on a beautiful summer evening—flowers climbing the trees and blooming in every direction, nocturnal birds twittering their songs in the branches overhead, crickets chirping accompaniment in the undergrowth. The stars twinkle brightly in the blue-velvet sky and the moon shines full and brilliant, a silvery wash of illumination over the landscape. The path under Hob's feet winds between flower beds and lovely stone borders, toward a burbling stream running musically beneath the trailing branches of a willow tree. He follows along to a little wooden bridge arching over the stream and across, to a decadent little bower of trellises wreathed in climbing ivy and dripping with twilight-purple wisteria.

There's a familiar figure waiting there for him, and he smiles as he draws near. "Hello, love."

"Hello, Hob." Dream's eyes glitter softly like the stars, just as dark and depthless as the sky, just as beautiful. The moonlight illuminates him like a work of art, pearlescent skin and raven-feather hair, smoke-shadow robes draping him in regal refinement. He looks ready to hold court, to receive an audience, and Hob is awestruck all over again that this unfathomably powerful otherworldly creature deigns to be his friend, to be so much more; to accept his affections, to return them. He is so very lucky, and he knows it.

He looks up at Dream, who is currently half a head taller than him, and he can feel the fondness shining in his own eyes. "I'm not awake, am I."

"No." Dream's tiny little smile is both affectionate and regretful. "I apologize for usurping your dream; there is something I must attend to that will keep me away for some time. I did not wish to leave without making you aware."

Hob furrows his brow. "It's not Hell again, is it?"

"No. Nor do I anticipate any danger or risk to myself, my realm, but there may be. Delays. In resolving the matter."

Hob knows better than to ask for specifics in this sort of thing when Dream has not given them, regardless of how curious he may be. "Will Matthew be with you?"

"Yes."

"Then I know you're in good company and I'll hear from you if needed." He wishes, in some deep fundamental part of himself, that he could accompany Dream on these sorts of errands, but in this also he knows better. There are so many things in existence that are far beyond what his immortal-but-still-mundane mind can comprehend.

Dream steps forward, closer. "Dearest Hob. I would bring you with me, were it advisable. But as it is not—" he lifts a hand to Hob's face, touches him in the gentlest caress "—I will bid you farewell, and promise to return as soon as is feasible."

Hob places his own hand over Dream's, holds it there as he leans into it. "I'll be waiting, dove. Be safe."

Dream makes no reply, just gazes at him tenderly, leans in until his forehead rests against Hob's. He tangles his fingers with Hob's, splays them behind his neck and tilts in slowly until their lips meet.

It is soft, sweet, short, this kiss; and then another, a gentle farewell before Dream draws back. His hand drops from Hob's face but Hob can't quite let go, following it down, clinging; he is full to the brim with a dozen different emotions and all he wants to do is kiss Dream again, so deeply and so thoroughly that Dream will still taste him long after they've parted, will carry his love with him on whatever this errand is and know that Hob is waiting faithfully for his return.

He's leaning back in already, helpless in the face of this desire, but redirects at the last second, planting a soft kiss on Dream's cheek instead. He won't demand more than was given, not when Dream has duty weighing heavy on his mind, not when Dream has shown such consideration in making sure to take his leave. He is respectful of Dream's time and Dream's responsibilities and he will not do anything to make Dream think otherwise.

But Dream's eyes flash as Hob draws back, and then Dream has seized Hob's bicep and yanked him back in, is kissing him soundly. Hob can't help a delighted smile, at that, but it's quickly lost in the fierce parting of Dream's lips, the yearning wanting lament of his fervent mouth, and Hob loses himself in returning the sentiment.

That. That is a proper kiss goodbye, Hob very carefully does not say aloud, blinking as Dream lets him go.

"Until I return, devoted mine," Dream breathes, the stars in his eyes blazing, and steps back.

"I'll be waiting," Hob says again, the 'as long as it takes' and 'I'll miss you' and 'I love you' unspoken.

Dream smiles, the tiny kitten-soft smile that Hob knows is just for him, and takes his leave.

Hob stays, beneath the twining ivy and the curtains of clinging wisteria, and watches him go, the music of the crickets rising gently in his wake.

= Drafted: 2/17/24 Posted: 2/17/24

Why did I pick wisteria? Gosh I'm so glad you asked! Because it's pretty, and it made for lovely visuals. BUT then I looked up meanings also, and serendipitously I found:

1. Purple wisteria symbolizes royalty and undying devotion or love that transcends time 2. Victorians would include a cluster of delicate purple blossoms in their bouquets when they wanted to send a message of overwhelming desire and passion. In particular, the Wisteria was considered to say “I cling to you” as it would cling to the branches of other trees. Wisteria sends such a strong message of romance in most cultures that they’re usually best used for declarations of devotion or for wedding arrangements. 3. Wisteria—Welcome; Meeting you means so much to me 4. Wisteria gives a symbolic representation of beauty, love, long life and immortality, grace, bliss, honour, patience, endurance, longevity, releasing burdens, victory over hardships.

(There are relevant meanings to the the ivy (fidelity, everlasting life) and the willow (flexibility, adaptation) as well)

Sources: 1 2 3 4

[jils-things]

『˖♡ navigation/pinned ♡⁠˖』

✮⋆˙ f/o. ~ tag. ~ commissions.~ ko-fi. ~ strawpage.

🌼 hello, i'm jil 💚 this is my sideblog for indulging in my interests - i'm a filipino who draw a lot of yumeship content related things here. my current interests include identity v, ib and pokemon! my dear main f/os are norton campbell and steven stone! but i am also indulging a bit of garry 💚💚 i also love to talk about my familials from time to time <3 aside from selfshipping, i sometimes like talking about random things too, like liveposting about video games or just talking about what goes on my day - so it's like an open diary here. i love drawing and creating lore for my ships and care very deeply for my faves 💚 i hope you enjoy your stay here. ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛

🌼 when interacting with me: please note that i'm a lot more closed off when it comes to interacting in DMs and i can get REALLY picky so please understand that - i just want to keep my distance from other users as i had previously experienced being too overwhelmed with it. you can stop by my ask box or talk under my posts, just not DMs. i personally prefer those methods. this can be disregarded if we're friends on discord, but again - i am very selective

🌼 reblog + tag commenting on my art shouldn't feel like an obligation. i say this because its always a preference that creators want their art noticed. (which is understandable) however, i've come to enjoy simply sharing my art and not expecting much. im treating it like an archive as well. don't feel guilty if you don't say much to my art. a heart is always enough! i usually reblog my art from hour to hour for timezones purposes though :3

🌼 palestine donation posts that i get through DMs and asks will be reblogged, i can't reply to all of them but i will go to your pinned and rb them

🌼 art trading is exclusive to mutuals and friends! i like to think that i'm always open to trading - just at the cost of me potentially taking awhile to return your end. i can do art for art, or art for writing. (aka, you can write for me instead :3). if i have commissions to work on, art trades will be on the lower end of priority - please understand <3

✮⋆˙ other blogs:

main blog - @applexi

credits: @/cafekitsune, @/beeholyshit, @/sleepylemi

updated: 5.10.25

✮⋆˙ q & a :

q: are fandom/non selfshipper blogs allowed to follow?

a: yes, as long as you can respect my interests and preferences as a selfshipper

q: i'm a minor, can i follow you back?

a: please be at least 16+. below 16 will be blocked. please block the "cw: suggestive" tag.

q: what are your art programs?

a: clip studio paint primarily, and ibispaint is secondary

q: do you have any personal topics that triggers you?

a: no

q: can i tag you in interaction-bait posts?

a: yes that's fine

[tutanchanup]

hello i just wanted to say i love your art and i especially like how you draw vlad dracula so kind looking. completely different from all the other fanart i seen of him. id like to see more of your art!! /nf :]

Awwwww 🥰🥰😭🥰🥹

You've just made my entire day, nay, week 🥹🥹😊

I'm so happy you like it!!! 😊 Comments like these warm my heart so much 🥰 honestly. I know Vlad community is kinda niché (for now! 😜), so I don't expect some astounding public reach with my art, but I swear just one single comment like this is what keeps me going!

So if there's demand, I'll definitely post more art of him, I promise!

My foremost intention is to draw him human

Because he was a human. A very intelligent and resilient man. He wasn't a heartless monster, nor was he a warrior with face made of stone.

No, he was a human, yes, one who went through hard times, one who had to cope with the extremely demanding and dangerous role of being a mediaeval voivode, one who had to learn how to control his emotions and show them strategically according to circumstances (is it safe to show pain now or are my enemies watching? <- I'll make a post about this as well in the future).

But he was a human still.

When he smiled, there were wrinkles around his eyes. When he fought, there was perspiration on his brow. And maybe, when he slept, he snored sometimes.

So that's what I am trying to depict 😄

P.S. I promise the Vlad community that to compensate all the vampire stuff I'll do some fun with the non-vampirized Vlad as well 😄

[rose-and-thorn-fanfics]

“Honor Among Thieves & Dreamers” a Luke Castellan x Fem! OC Fanfic (PART 2)

Exploring Camp Half-Blood was both exciting and intimidating for Sonya. Luke showed her the archery range first, explaining that the children of the god Apollo tended to have a knack for archery.

“-But I prefer swordplay.” Luke added. “Clashing blades is a more social way to fight.”

Sonya nodded. Luke seemed like the kind of guy who would be good with that genre of weaponry. “Are you going to show me some of your skills?” Sonya asked, blushing after realizing she had spent a good three minutes of silence staring at Castellan and picturing him fighting with a shining sword.

Luke laughed, seemingly unperturbed by her intense stare. “Of course, but I’d feel better if you watched me fight someone else. I don’t want to cause you to have… cat… cata…”

“-Cataplexy. And ok! I’m cool with that!” Sonya smiled, happy that he was taking her disability into consideration.

Luke called over another boy who looked to be about his age. “This is Damien from Cabin 5.” Luke said, gesturing to the boy. Damien looked like an intimidating contrast to Luke. He was a bit taller, and was more obviously muscular. He didn’t bother saying hello to Sonya as they walked to the arena. Many wooden seats and tall stone pillars surrounded a circular clearing of dirt. A few girls were dueling but when they saw Luke they stopped and made space for him and his opponent. Sonya made note of the damage on the first few rows of seats, and took a seat on a bench that was farther away. ‘Cabin Five….’ She wracked her brain trying to remember which god that would be. Her eyes scanned the surrounding cabins until they landed on the cabin on the left side of Camp Half-Blood. ‘Based on the hostile architecture, that must be… Ares Cabin.’ She concluded. Her spine tingled uncomfortably. ‘I sure hope Luke knows what he’s getting into, fighting a child of the god of war.’ Sonya shivered.

“You ready, Damien?” Luke asked, drawing Sonya’s attention to the arena again.

Damien’s face twisted into a fierce grin that almost seemed more like he was baring his crooked teeth. “You know I always am, Castellan.”

The duel began. Damien was powerful but Luke was fast in his movements, dodging each blow of Damien’s club with masterful technique. Luke spent the first two minutes dodging, which confused Sonya at first. Some burly looking kids took a seat next to Sonya. She tensed as they began taunting Luke. “When are you going to stop fighting like a coward, Castellan? Are you scared to take the offensive stance? LAME.”

Luke paid them no mind, biding his time until Damien’s attacks became slower and more labored. It was only then that Luke flipped the duel into a complete mess for Damien. Luke dodged, spun, and slammed his sword into the Ares boy’s armored side, knocking him off balance so his form got sloppy. The kids next to Sonya went quiet, seemingly taken aback by Luke’s strategy. After that it was blow after blow from Luke, until (bruised and embarrassed) Damien surrendered, and admitted Luke had won fairly.

Sonya clapped, cheering for Luke and making her way down to the clearing where he’d been fighting.

Luke greeted her, setting his sword aside and accepting her compliments with a good-natured laugh. “Thanks for humoring me and watching the duel, Sonya.” He said, wiping sweat from his brow. “Now, once I get this armor off, do you want to see the strawberry fields? It’s a great place to relax, especially after a fight.”

“Yes! I’d love to.” Sonya smiled. She felt pretty tired herself. And strawberries were her favorite fruit!

Luke finished taking the armor off, and changed his shirt for a fresh Camp Half-Blood shirt. Sonya struggled not to have cataplexy when he was taking off the old shirt. ‘Why is he doing this in front of me? Is he trying to impress me?’ Sonya thought, struggling against oncoming cataplexy as she witnessed Luke temporarily shirtless. ‘It’s working. Damn it. Why is he so hot?’ Thankfully for the sake of her not collapsing, he didn’t hesitate too long before putting on the fresh shirt.

If Luke noticed her blushing, he made no sign of it. He seemed more concerned that she didn’t topple over on their way to the strawberry field. Which, of course, was greatly appreciated.

The fields of strawberries stretched out for quite a while. Luke settled down by an olive tree on the edge of the field, still catching his breath after the duel, while Sonya picked and ate some strawberries after rinsing them in the stream that cut through the forest that framed the fields.

The sun was warm but not harsh, and a gentle breeze blew her hair gently now and then. She felt Luke’s gaze on her while she picked and ate strawberries, going back and forth between the fields and the forest stream. Usually with boys this would upset her, but his gaze didn’t feel intrusive. It seemed almost… protective. She wondered if he put this much care and effort into helping every new demigod get settled in to this camp. Finally, after eating her fill of strawberries, she sat down next to Luke, leaning back against the thick-trunked olive tree. She thought about her brother for a moment. She could picture him sitting in deep thought in this very spot.

But she pushed the thought away. It was too painful. Finally, she spoke up. “Thank you, Luke.”

Luke turned to her. He brushed a strand of hair out of her face. “For what?”

“For taking care of me. Even if it’s standard procedure. Even if it’s just for today. It’s more than anyone has ever done for me.” Sonya said, holding back tears.

Luke sighed, frowning. “It’s not just for today, Sonya.”

“Really?” She said. Her heart flip flopped in her chest.

“And I guarantee it’s not standard procedure.” Luke laughed wearily. “Standard procedure is… give the demigod a shirt and throw them in Cabin 11.”

“Then why…?” Sonya started.

“—if we don’t look out for each-other, then who will? Certainly not the gods.” A shadow fell on Luke’s face. “And Chiron is great and all but there are so many overlooked demigods. Your brother… he wouldn’t have died if… if I had just been more attentive.” Luke said, his voice filled with regret.

“You can’t blame yourself for that, Luke. Miguel didn’t listen to anyone. Not me… not my mom. No one. I love my brother, but I dont miss him. If that makes any sense…”

Luke’s expression softened. “I understand.”

Sonya and Luke stared out at the fields from beneath the shade of the olive tree’s branches. ‘There is at least some peace here. In this moment.’ Sonya thought, eyes getting heavy with exhaustion. She leaned her head on Luke’s shoulder.

THANK YOU FOR READING! If you liked this and want a part 3, reblog and comment! Tysm!

TUMBLR FANFIC TAG-LIST!

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[kindhearted-mouse]

*instantly teleports into your inbox and leans suavely against a wall* hello. I have arrived

LMAO ANYWAYS OFFERING UP ALI MY BELOVED FOR THE SHIP GAME. You know them but if you need more information I will yap <3

*Here I am, in my little teapot doing Dormouse things like cooking dinner and preparing tea. Minding my own business when... Wait... wait... How did... Hh... HOW DID YOU GET IN HERE???*

Coughs, anyways

For Ali 👀 I'd probably pair em with either Teagan or Madhue if we're speaking matching inspos/aesthetics wise. If not, then I'd say either Caly, Dolly, or even Ike.

With Teagan, he'd be a calmness to Ali's chaos while giving it his own chaos. And his UM could pair nicely, seeing as it just puts the target to sleep and gives them peaceful dreams while transferring THEIR blot to him. So Ali could have a rough day, and Teagan could have em lay their head in his lap before using his UM on her. Ofc, if the dream isn't to his liking then Ali could just... Change it. Cause Teagan's dream aspect of his UM doesn't affect lucid dreamers or anything.

Madhue is juts... Man... Mad Hatter x Alice core... OFC Madhue is much more highstrung, but Ali's carefreeness could even it out. Very much a "Oh they don't bite" "YES THEY DO" type relationship. But I think Ali would also help remind Madhue that like... Sure, the family is pressuring you to take over the business, but they're not here NOW - so you can live life freely.

Caly and Ali would just be staring into people's souls. But I also feel like Ali would enjoy feeding Caly blot, because the way Caly eats it is by cracking magi-stones with their jaws and drinking it.

Ali would have to be careful around Dolly </3 Not because it would be abusive, but because of Dolly's habit of biting people when excited. So most of their dates would have Dolly wearing a muzzle but being SO SOO affectionate <3

AND FOR IKE

Oh man,,, The ULTIMATE chaos with these two. Between Ali just being Ali, and Ike's literal ability to draw chaos to him. It's just a match made in uhm... Uh... Hmm... But also, I can see em being the same flavor of divorced as Spamton x Jevil :3c