#ymmv disclaimer of course

[minisugakoobies]

Match My Freak | JWW

Pairing: Voyeur!Wonwoo x Reader

Genre: smut, non-idol!AU

Rating: M (18+)

Warnings: non-consensual voyeurism, dirty talk, non-consensual use of camera/recording, masturbation (f), use of sex toy (vibrator), mentions of masturbation (m), mentions of oral sex (f receiving), cumming in pants, unreliable narrator, Wonwoo is not a good guy here (ymmv)

Word Count: 1.8k

Disclaimers: NSFW, obviously I don’t own SVT - they just inspire me

Summary: Your neighbor loves it when you put on a show for him.

A/N: Yeah so... I just like the thought of a Wonwoo who likes to watch. 🤷‍♀️

🚨 IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH NON-CONSENSUAL VOYEURISM, DO NOT READ! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. DO NOT COMPLAIN TO ME - YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT YOU CHOOSE TO READ. 🚨

Unbeta’d as usual. If you like this, please let me know! I’d love to hear what you think (but please be kind I’m fragile 🥺) 💕

SVT Masterlist 💜 Main Masterlist

The sun’s beginning to set when Wonwoo takes his seat in the ratty old armchair by the open window. He removes his glasses, carefully wiping them clean with a cloth he pulls from his pocket before placing them back on his nose. He’s a little early tonight, but it’s fine. He’ll wait. He’s a patient man. 

The minutes fall away like dominoes, each one ticking into the next. The sun dips lower, casting dark shadows over the alley that separates his apartment building from the one next door. A flicker catches the corner of his eye and turns to look, gazing into the window directly across from his bedroom. As he sits quietly, patiently drumming his fingers on the soft cushioning of the chair, a figure enters the room.

Wonwoo has loved you from the moment he first saw you. It’s been a little over six months since you moved in across the way. In all that time, he hasn’t learned what you do or where you’re from or even what your full name is. But it’s fine. None of that matters. 

He’s sure you were made for him.

You walk around your bedroom, following the same well-worn path that you do every evening. Disappearing into your bathroom and emerging a few minutes later in a silky bathrobe. Sitting at the vanity to attend to your skincare routine, gently massaging your beautiful skin with rich creams and moisturizers. Wonwoo appreciates the way you care for yourself. He likes that you have your nightly rituals. He has his own, too.

He reaches for his camera.

It’s late summer, the time of year when there’s no relief to be found at night, the air just as warm and suffocating as it is during the day. Sweat prickles on Wonwoo’s forehead, but he ignores it. He’s glad your landlord is as cheap as his. Air conditioning units would only make this difficult for him. He’d figure it out, of course, but it wouldn’t be as easy as it is now. 

Sometimes he thinks it’s a sign from the universe, how easy this is. Proof that the two of you are meant to be.

He brings his camera to his eye, playing with the focus, until the pretty face reflected in the vanity mirror is perfectly clear. Click-click-click goes the shutter, the only sound that can be heard in Wonwoo’s bedroom, other than his heavy breathing. 

His room is pitch black around him. Wonwoo’s always been comfortable with darkness. It hides all manner of sins. It hides him from your view on nights like this, even when you walk over to your window to lift the sash. A light breeze ruffles the bottom of your bathrobe, exposing more of your thighs to Wonwoo’s hungry eyes. His finger strokes the shutter button again. 

You undo the belt of your bathrobe, letting it fall open, and Wonwoo captures the reveal of the sheer babydoll chemise beneath. It skims the tops of your thighs, not quite covering the matching pair of panties you wear with it. Wonwoo’s gaze roams over your body, admiring the way the clingy material highlights your skin. He loves when you dress up for him. You never bring anyone home. Who else are you wearing these things for, if not him?

Of course, you’ve never acknowledged his presence. That’s part of your game, isn’t it? To display yourself for him but never look at or talk to him. Put on a show but never react to him taking your photo or touching himself. 

He’s very good at playing your game. After all, he wants to win. 

You’re a worthy prize.

You recline on your bed, propped up against a stack of pillows, and start scrolling on your phone. As he watches, shutter clicking, your free hand slides down your torso. Your fingers curl, pressing into your covered pussy, rubbing in slow circles. Oh. Wonwoo swallows thickly. 

It’s one of those nights. 

Silently, he puts his camera down again. Locates the button that switches from photo to video. And clicks it. 

The red light flickers on. 

Wonwoo quickly brings the camera back to his eye, practically cracking his glasses in the process. He fixes the focus, aiming the lens at the hand between your legs. As you start to caress harder, your legs part slightly, giving him a clearer view of your panties. The tiniest swirls of lace are visible to his eye, as is a growing wet spot. He silently thanks the universe that he splurged on an expensive camera model. 

Your nightgown is rumpled up around your waist as you press your hand more firmly against your cunt. It isn’t enough, judging by how you dip your fingers beneath your panties to glide over your slit.

“Come on, baby.” Wonwoo wasn’t planning on adding narration to this recording, but the words slip out anyway, in a low, urgent tone. “Slide them in.” He zooms in again, on the wetness gleaming on your fingertips. 

He’s disappointed when you pull your hand away, but that feeling is short-lived when he sees what you’ve reached for - the bright red toy that you keep under your pillow. It’s long and thick and Wonwoo feels his cock jump at the thought of it spreading you open. 

He could use it to help stretch you for him. 

Swiftly, rather desperately, you shimmy your panties down your legs, and Wonwoo’s mouth floods with saliva, nearly choking him as he stares entranced at your bare pussy. He wants to put his lips on it, kiss it until you’re squirming, pleading for him to slide his tongue inside. You’d make such a beautiful mess of his face. 

His earlier impatience is forgotten now as you work yourself up, dipping the tip of the vibrator in and out of your soaking folds, the quickening rise and fall of your chest letting Wonwoo know how much you’re enjoying teasing yourself. By the time the toy disappears into your cunt, Wonwoo’s just as breathless himself, and hard as a rock. 

“Yeah, just like that,” he murmurs, adjusting his lens again to capture the deft movement of your hand. “Fuck yourself for me.” For him, just him, and no one else. 

As if obeying his very command, your hand moves faster, and your mouth drops open in a pleasured gasp. Wonwoo groans. If only he could record the sounds you’re making, too. But you’re not loud enough for his camera to pick them up from here. 

He clucks his tongue. There’s no way he’ll accept such weak noises when he’s the one fucking you. He’ll coax loud cries from you any way he can. 

Your body undulates like a wave, hips canting as you plunge the toy deeper, and something inside Wonwoo snaps. There’s too much distance between you right now. With an aggravated huff, he slips off the chair, kneeling in front of his window. He lets his camera rest on the window sill as he lines up his shot. It’s better. But it’s not enough.

He needs to be closer.

As quietly as he can, he clambers out onto the fire escape. 

He’s taking a risk by being out here. There are no lights in the alley, but the glow of the moon is bright. That doesn’t stop him. He moves silently, crouching against the chipped metal railing, camera peeking through the slots, closing the distance between you as much as he can. 

For now, anyway.

His grip on the camera turns to iron. He’d rather fall off this fire escape than drop it. He glances around the alley, double checking that there’s no one else around. Once he’s reassured that it’s just you, him, and the moonlight, he refocuses - first his mind, then the lens. 

His breathing quickens as the toy slides into your folds again and again. He’s never envied an inanimate object more. He licks his lips, imagining the taste of you on his tongue. You’re not sweet, he’s sure of that. There’s nothing sweet about you, the way you tease him, leaving your curtains open like this. Inviting him to watch. 

Tempting him to do more.

His cock strains against the fly of his jeans, and he drops a hand to his crotch to squeeze himself, biting back a moan. Desire overwhelms him, but he can’t risk jerking off out here. The absolute last thing in the fucking world that he needs right now is to get caught. That would fuck up his plans. That would destroy him.  

Your other hand plays with your breasts, pushing your babydoll up until one is exposed, thumb rolling over and around the nipple. Wonwoo pictures himself there, lying beside you, head bent to take your other nipple in his mouth. He’s not sure he’d be able to hold himself back and allow you to finish yourself off. His fingers twitch at the thought of taking the toy from you and fucking you with it, through orgasm after orgasm, until you’re both drenched in sweat and exhausted.

He shoves the fantasy aside for later and retrains his steady gaze on your motions. He grips himself again when you start to pump the toy in and out faster. Your hips rise to meet each thrust, and Wonwoo might ruin his boxers at the sight. Fuck, he can see through the zoom how soaked the insides of your thighs are. He palms his erection slowly, trying to give himself just the slightest bit of pleasure, not enough to tip it over, only enough to feel good, and that’s when you start to come. 

As he gawks open-mouthed into the lens, your pretty pussy swallows the tip of the toy one last time. Then your hand suddenly lets go, grabbing a fistful of sheets instead. You shudder and writhe, and Wonwoo nearly drops his camera as he loses control too, the wet warmth of his cum spreading in his pants. 

Doubled over on the fire escape and breathing hard, it takes him a moment to regain his composure. Once he’s recovered, he stops the recording, and lifts the camera to his eye again to take another look. You haven’t moved from your bed, but you did remove the toy, and now have one hand tracing lazy circles around your clit. He wonders if you’re going to go again. Some nights you seem insatiable, seeking your high with a fervor that gives him chills to recall.

He’ll make sure you get your fill, when it’s time. 

For now, he’ll keep on watching. 

He’s always been a patient man. 

If you liked this fic, please consider reblogging! Likes do not help it get seen by other readers. 💕

© 2024 by minisugakoobies. Crossposted to AO3. Please do not copy or repost. I do not allow translations of my work.

[ennn]

Agatha x Rio Fic Recs

We're a couple of weeks out post-finale and I've read enough fics to recommend a new bunch! You can find my first pre-finale recs here – usual YMMV disclaimer applies. In no order:

— real hot ghoul shit – by @tadpoleeater

WIP. Rio's finally done pursuing. Agatha's been introduced to reality TV. It's hilarious with emotional gut punches – just like the show!

— one good honest kiss (and i'll be alright) – by @tadpoleeater

5 times they kissed. Messy, beautifully angsty, but hopeful at the end.

— now I understand, and it’s time to leave the woods – by @paddingtonfan69

Romantic, moving, absolutely heartbreaking, while also silly at times. This second chapter has perhaps my favourite backstory scenes.

— you’re here, there’s nothing I fear – by @paddingtonfan69

Titanic fic. Rio and Agatha chance upon each other on Rio's work trip. That iceberg is really inconvenient.

— you'll never get away from the sound of the woman that loves you – by @alilbitgaywrites

WIP. A fix-it fic but it's going to hurt a lot before it gets better. Also some of my favourite backstory scenes. The banter, the tragedy, the beauty, the heartbreak.

— you wouldn't last an hour in the asylum where they raised me – by @alilbitgaywrites

For more fluff and less angst (there's still angst, it's these two of course there is). Rio wants a vacation but Agatha can't stop summoning her to her crime scenes.

— primal night – by Palmarion

AU. Rio is death, Agatha is human and they meet one Halloween night at Rio's bar. Nicky happens unexpectedly. A comforting romantic story.

— coven of chaos – by @trickofthelights

WIP. Crack but taken so seriously and written fantastically well. Rio/Agatha/Wanda and their very weird found family. Everyone lives!

— death is no parenthesis – by @littledata

WIP. This time it's Rio who's stuck in a spell and Agatha is the one doing the nudging. Too bad about the creepy dreams of death.

— A Wretched Soul – by @motherconfessors

WIP. Porn with plot... with a side of food? Agatha makes a new deal with Rio so she can get her purple back. What Rio's asking for is surprising.

— how the dead walk – by obsetress

Ghost!porn with plot. Agatha and Rio have a messy reconciliation. Ghost sex is really tricky, especially when feelings are involved.

— because i could not stop for death (she kindly stopped for me) – by shy_one

WIP. Their many meetings over the centuries, over numerous misdeeds and murders. A dark, beautiful, epic journey.

— the path ahead – by @a-couple-of-notes

A happier canon-divergent ending. Jen opens a school for witches, her remaining coven members return to help. Charming and hopeful and healing.

— Rabbit Heart – by @sapphoshands

Post-finale scenes featuring our favourite Señor Scratchy.

[whiplimbed]

Service top! Fletcher. ?

pull up a chair my friend.

(disclaimer that i'm ofc talking about my own specific interpretations here mainly as they pertain to my own fics, so ymmv)

so here's my thing: the fletcher in my brain is kinda already a service top and that informs so much of what i write for him. obviously in my fics it's skewed by andrew's perspective (for now...) but i really do see the things he does in sexual situations being done in service to andrew and based on what he needs/wants in that particular moment, and fletcher being so attuned to his psychological inner workings that he can provide it without needing to be asked.

i think he sees caring for andrew (with the word caring being used very loosely lmao) as part of his duty as his mentor, his cosmic punishment as his abuser, and his dual honor/burden as his creator. i mentioned it a bit in my fletcher bottom reply, but i do think there's a certain worshipfulness to the way he treats andrew because he really is a god among men and no one knows that better than fletcher. he fashioned a god out of clay with his bare hands and now he's having to resculpt it every six seconds so it doesn't completely fall apart.

the great thing about this dynamic is that, because he's the one who made andrew, andrew requires the exact brand of care and service he's able to provide. fletcher can't be nice, but andrew wouldn't want it even if he could. andrew needs cruelty, he needs a firm hand, he needs to be put in his place and slapped and degraded and humiliated to function at this point. he's hardwired for adrenaline and it's fletcher's job to give him a constant supply, which he of course does gladly– but i do think he does it because andrew needs it moreso than because he himself wants it (which he would of course never admit but the point still stands).

on the other hand, i do think fletcher enjoys doing things for him on a more basic, traditional level too. i think he likes the notion of being a carer (looking at you, child he has in the script that is inexplicably absent from his life and sweet interaction with the random little girl before the concert) and there is something paradoxically nurturing about him, even if it is in a uh... nontraditional way. and the beautiful thing about taking care of andrew as opposed to, say, a child or an animal or whatever, is that it doesn't really matter if he fucks up because andrew's already a splintered wreck of a human being. he doesn't need to offer constant reassurance or nurturing or vulnerability, he's allowed to be closed off and cruel and kick him when he gets frustrated and andrew will thank him for it!!!

ANYWAY, YOU'RE HERE FOR SEX, I KNOW. but all of that informs how i write sex for him and i needed to talk about it lmao.

so sexually speaking, i think fletcher already draws a lot of his own personal pleasure from what he gives to andrew and how andrew reacts to it. even when he slaps him and chokes him and calls him slurs, the pleasure he's getting out of it isn't in dominating andrew so much as it is the fact that andrew likes it. i think he finds andrew (and the nigh-nonexistent limits of what he's capable of not only taking but actively enjoying) fascinating and hot and horrifying all at once. i really truly believe he looks at andrew every single day of his life and wonders how a person like him could even exist. andrew is the sum of everything he spent his entire life trying to create, what he was beginning to doubt was even possible to create, and he wants to hold him and all of his miraculousness as close as possible for as long as possible. he wants to fucking destroy him, sure, but then he also wants to be there to put the pieces back together again. he is but the humble and loyal advisor to the mad boy-king he has created, and if said boy-king needs to get pummeled into a fine pulp and fucked so hard he can't sit on the kit without remembering what they did for weeks, then, well. who is he to deny him that y'know 😊🫶

and i think he would also be very much happy to take a more passive top role if andrew was in the mood to be more of a power bottom type. in fact i think he would secretly enjoy that just as much in its own way but never ever admit to it ever. i think there's a certain amount of pride he feels when andrew out-monsters him in any context, but to be the subject of his cruelty WHILE getting ridden so hard it might send him into an early grave??? stunning showstopping awe-inspiring

(and also i can see a world in which they're both in good moods and inebriated beyond shame and just fuck like normal human beings with no goal or game beyond feeling good. a rare glimpse into what normalcy could look like for them that they are only capable of accessing under precise perfect circumstances. but man... fletcher going slow and just seeing what kind of noises he can get out of him... sigh... you know a relationship is fucked when that feels paragraph feels kinkier than anything i have written before it lmao. AND FOR THEM IT IS! it really is. that's the shit that would give them horrible morning after shame where they can't look each other in the eyes for a couple hours. and then fletcher will call him a faggot and smack him upside the head and all will be normal again ofc <3)

[thegeminisage]

assorted personal quests, mostly. disclaimers so nobody comes for me:

EYE think mahariel wanted to stay and die with their clan rather than leaving bc they were in love w tamlen. ymmv

zevran of course could do just fine with anybody but i have a difficult time seeing with with nobility, ESPECIALLY human nobility, bc. yk. but i think alistair's general silliness plus his deep and recent grief works well with a cousland who has just lost everything and a cousland who has practice being noble works well as like. a partner to make the possibility of being king feel like scary and less like a cage.

not that zevran is not silly!! he is definitely silly! i just have my thots and feelings and i think some romances match up better with some wardens. i have the same opinion for all the games that have multiple origins (so, everything but da2).

further rambling about this under the cut (it's long)

back when i first played origins, i had this all planned out. i was gonna play once as each origin (though there was very little point in doing the circle mage twice) and i mapped out ahead of time which origins i thought would go best with which romances. (originally i did amell/alistair and then cousland/alistair and was gearing up to do a mahariel/zevran before i got burned out and put it down for the next 10+ years.) with the final additional disclaimer that obviously any warden DOES work with any romance when you believe in yourself and your mind palace, i've modified my opinions somewhat and they now look kind of like this:

brosca - would do great with zevran or leliana because of shared experiences re: people treating them like they are expendable and seeing the worst parts of society. i think either dwarf would do okay with morrigan (shared interest in the blight as a fact of life, not judgy about magic), though i have an easier time seeing morrigan with aeducan simply because she likes someone with manners and that doesn't feel like brosca's style lol, but i can't see a brosca with alistair at all...i think he'd be too close to nobility for them not to have a little bitterness and resentment when he expresses dismay at how things are going for him?? because. yk. things are not great for him, but he lacks the perspective of like. fucking dust town.

aeducan - they would work great w/ alistair for the reasons listed above, because they understand grief and betrayal and how nobility is its own sort of burden, but i think they'd do BEST with leliana, bc leliana having rubbed shoulders with nobility would lead to them to having similar life experiences and things to talk about (girl aeducan and leliana girl talk about shoes lol), AND bc leliana definitely intimately also knows betrayal that wrecks your entire life, and they can help each other figure out what comes after that. would do okay with morrigan as well for the reasons listed above. i have a harder time seeing them with zev because of the nobility thing...i don't think it would actively put him off necessarily just that he would find it easier to relax (as much as he ever relaxes) around someone of a similar like. social class. like, before all this, aeducan could have fucking hired him lol

cousland - would work very well w/ alistair and leliana for the reasons listed above, but also not a bad match for morrigan, because again, morrigan really likes when people have good manners, and cousland if one of the wardens more likely to have those - assuming the cousland in question isn't weird about mages, which i feel is a definite possibility. this is the romance i think works the least well with zevran though because like. cousland has elven servants at their HOUSE. zevran may not be actively put off by nobility but he definitely takes note of how the warden treats other people, esp people below them, and a cousland who isn't class and race conscious (and IS cousland really gonna be class and race conscious?) risks some, uh, blunders.

amell & surana - either mage warden would do best with morrigan i think, bc she can teach them to shapeshift, which is such a closely-held and important part of her identity, and it's very wonderful that it can be something she can share with a romantic partner (true of magic in general, also). either mage would also do okay with alistair, simply because of the natural tension born from the bond between a former circle mage and an almost templar (though imo the alistair/mage romance is not nearly as fun in that area as the cullen/mage romance from da:i), tho ofc if alistair becomes king he can't get hitched to a mage. for the specific difference between and amell and a surana, i think the former would do slightly better w leliana (higher potential for shared religion, amell is from a noble family but cut off from them so they both have that thing of knowing how all that works without truly being a part of it) and the latter would do slightly better with zevran (elves who got pulled away from their families at a young age!), though those would be my last picks for either of them.

mahariel - my first pick for mahariel would be zevran by a mile, because zevran has a bit of a fascination with the dalish (although what city elf wouldn't). and imo as i said earlier mahariel was probably ready to throw in the towel after tamlen disappeared. both them and zevran lose romantic partners under traumatic circumstances, become suicidal after, and are then confronted unexpectedly with seeing tamlen and taliesin again later...i think they'd have so much in common. second pick for mahariel would be morrigan because both of them have a strong connection with nature and don't really feel comfortable and at home in cities. leliana is third (she and the dalish share a love of oral tradition). i have the most trouble seeing mahariel with alistair but IT COULD WORK i feel like mahariel is in general more chill about humans than a tabris would be because mahariel doesn't have to take shit from them day in and day out

tabris - ZEVRAN ZEVRAN ZEVRAN. for the reasons stated above. they both know what it is to be expendable and a girl tabris especially understands what it is like to be sexualized by people you have no interest in, but in particular human men. i also enjoy a tabris who Does Not want to get married because they're too busy grieving for their mom to care about romance and so they go into this thing with zevran almost as clueless as he is. tabris is also the protagonist who has the biggest potential to have a hate-on for humans which makes zevran the obvious choice from the process of elimination alone. THAT SAID, a hate-on for humans could lead to an interesting relationship w alistair, esp if they wanna put him on the throne because they genuinely believe (or want to believe) he could do better by their people. i also think a tabris could do well with leliana bc iirc isn't their mom in leliana's dlc?? and i know their mom is someone they hold close to their heart, and also the main source of their bitterness re: humans, so it'd be nice for them to have something like memories of their mom to share with leliana. bonus points for a girl tabris w/ leliana bc being a woman is just like that. i am the least compelled by a morrigan/tabris romance but it's not like there's nothing there!! just that the others are better.

anyway my final lineup would look like, in order from most to least preferred...

brosca - zevran, leliana, morrigan, alistair

aeducan - leliana, alistair, morrigan, zevran

cousland - alistair, leliana, morrigan, zevran

amell - morrigan, alistair, leliana, zevran

surana - morrigan, alistair, zevran, leliana

mahariel - zevran, morrigan, leliana, alistair

tabris - zevran, leliana, alistair, morrigan

or, alternatively...

zevran - tabris, mahariel, brosca, surana, amell, aeducan, cousland

morrigan - amell, surana, mahariel, aeducan, cousland, brosca, tabris

alistair - cousland, tabris, amell, surana, aeducan, mahariel, brosca

leliana - aeducan, tabris, mahariel, brosca, cousland, amell, surana

YES there is an obvious bias for zevran and morrigan and ig also tabris DON'T. worry about it. thank you for coming to my ted talk.

[skippydiesposting]

4 & 16 from the ask list 👀

4. what was the last straw that made you finally block that annoying person?

i don't think I've ever blocked someone who I previously followed (I mostly just block tags lol) but I have unfollowed a few people because of their bad takes on disability and/or addiction. also every once in a while pro-ana blogs will come and write horrifically fatphobic things on my posts about how there is no such thing as healthy or unhealthy food and that's an instant block from me, I have no tolerance for that nonsense

16. you can't understand why so many people like this thing (characterization, trope, headcanon, etc)

hot take (and disclaimer that of course everyone can do whatever they want forever + I'm sure other people have different ways of thinking about this that are just as valid) but as someone on the ace spectrum I find asexuality headcanons to be really pointless and silly--I mean, I'm extremely canon-compliant in general and will usually roll my eyes at sexuality headcanons (or any headcanons!) that are not explicitly supported by the source material anyway, but this one feels especially close to home.

the way I see it, there are ways that a character can subtextually "act gay" that can lead to headcanons about that character's sexuality--for instance, by behaving a certain way towards someone of the same gender. but since asexuality is defined as an absence, there is no way to say a character is "acting asexual" other than drawing on uncomfortable stereotypes. for instance, almost every character that I see headcanoned as ace is also somewhat autistic-coded, which is infantilizing in both directions: it implies both that asexual people must be disordered in some way, and it also implies that autistic people are too "childish" or "pure" to have sexual feelings. (not saying that people who are autistic and asexual don't exist, there are lots of them and I'm one of them, I just think it's not a good look to necessarily associate the two)

and at the end of the day, most franchises are not actually about sexuality or romance, so it makes no sense to me to point at a character who doesn't seem interested in sex and claim that makes them asexual when sexual activity is not really part of the story anyway. like maybe they just have better things to do. like the actual plot of the story. (and wayyy too often I see people being like "this character doesn't/doesn't want to have sex therefore they are asexual" which is not. what asexuality is.)

also there are just so few canonical asexual characters in the world altogether--I consider Todd from Bojack Horseman to really be the only one that exists--that it seems like headcanoning a character as ace is giving credit to the source material that it doesn't deserve. (which I think is a problem with fandom shipping in general: like sure you can insist these characters are gay but if it's not actually canonical and never going to be you might be giving too much credit to a creator that does not have your best interests in mind.) and like I say about almost every fandom activity I find annoying: you can just make an OC! if you want an asexual character so bad just make your own OC and you can do whatever you want with them forever!

but again, I think a lot of this is just that I'm stubbornly canon-adherent no matter what, so ymmv.

thank you for the ask, I enjoy complaining about things that don't really matter 🫶🏻

[brat-tamer-nicki]

Ymmv disclaimer up front but since I've gotten back into reading regularly I'm starting to believe that there are vanishingly few stories that require more than around 500 pages to tell effectively. Like every single long book I've ever read no matter how good it is I always come away with the opinion that it would've been better with a more ruthless editor. Lots of caveats of course like this doesn't apply to series I'm talking specifically about the format of the standalone novel but yeah

[pfhwrittes]

okay this is my disclaimer post for my new tag, pfh talks about england, under the readmore.

just a reminder that my askbox is open (and anon is on) for anyone who wants to ask a 'silly' (there are very few silly questions) or niche question about english culture / slang / stuff that will help with grounding a fic in realism.

remember that Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV), it's important. i don't want someone crawling into my inbox with a "well actually i live in X and you're wrong" unless of course i am giving wildly inaccurate information (eg i say that you can find scottish wildcats on the south coast of england which is factually absolute bollocks). if you are rude your ask or comment will be deleted.

when i tag something with that tag i am genuinely using my own lived experiences only (and occasionally my knowledge of something like the british wildlife post). i'll try to keep in mind regional differences but i am an english person living in wales.

if a question or comment is above my understanding or outside my own lived experiences, i will do my best to link you to resources that may help you better.

[bacchus90-toybox]

Kelvin, S/M. BD Metallic Blue.

Frosty.

Quick review -- I wish I had plenty of nice things to say about Kelvin.

I mean, look at him, isn't he the cutest? He's not imposing like most BD models, which is mainly why I got him. He's about the size of what I consider a good plug. You know, the sort of thing you cram up your butthole while you go grocery shopping, video gaming, or other menial activities. The plating on this thing is gorgeous, and the glans on him... to die for. I love the insertion down to however many plates I could take, but that's all the good I have to say.

Of course, as with all reviews, YMMV. Had to throw that disclaimer! For what I hoped I got him for (you know, that one toy you stuff yourself full with and kind of forget you have it in, and then you move a certain way and you're reminded it's very much still inside...), I can't really say I'm impressed. It won't stay in. Knotting him is not possible, at least with my butthole, especially when there's no wiggle room past the girth before the base. My frustration had be resorting to furiously fucking my butthole with the plated shaft (loved it), but concluded with me attempting a difficult stuffing a Fenrir. This was unsuccessful for a whole different reason. Tucker was able to save the day, somehow, especially with the way my bathroom floor was a mess with all the lube and my cramping hand.

And before anyone thinks if I didn't try hard enough, I can guarantee I surely did... I tried everything from standing, sitting, bent over, sideways, upside-down, inside-out, topsy-turvy. Okay, maybe not all of them, but still, I'd like to think I put in some really good effort. Nope. My butthole wasn't going to suck the toy up and cling to the non-existing spot between the knot and the base.

As an active thrusting fucker, he's amazing. But I'd recommend getting one size larger. That gives you more shaft to work on. I mean the small gives about 5" per the BD stats page, but I find that that's a decent amount of dick to work with. I wish he'd have been longer in Small, too, but then again I don't really always need a giant monster cock (questionable) to please my butthole with.

Final rating: C+ D for knotting, A- for thrusting. It all averages out.

Pros: I admire the head swell, and love the textures. Like, a fucking lot.

Cons: The impossible knot. Not for me. Please, no knot jokes. I kind of want to chop him up in places to make possible knotting, but also I must be mad to do that to such a beautiful toy.

Or you know, it might be that my butthole's in the wrong here and it's a me problem.

P.S. I know this review meant to be short, sorry. Will I try it again? Yes, but with a different set of expectations. I'll fuck my butthole actively thinking this is a thrusting toy.

P.P.S. "Hey, Bacch, I thought you said you're more into soft toys?" Yes, but my butthole sometimes wants a bit more of an intense experience. I have a S/S Kelvin with a CT, and that I have yet to try... Maybe one of these days, I'll get the chance to bounce on him for hours.

[august--and-everything-after]

Hi, can I know what new meds you swapped the SSRIs for (you said in your tags that they work about as well right)? If this is personal just lemme know and I'll message you instead. I'm not on meds but I do struggle doing jack shit for periods at a time and it can get really bad, so in case I ever consider assistance w fighting depressive episodes I'd like to know what the other options are besides SSRIs.

Hey :) Yeah that's no problem, I don't mind sharing. Disclaimer of course that I'm not an expert and this is just what is working for me atm (working well enough anyways, my mum is convinced I'm not sufficiently medicated but that's neither here nor there for the purposes of this post).

I'm currently taking bupropion 300mg daily. The beginner dose is 150mg if I remember correctly. A common brand name is Wellbutrin XL, and there's also a version that's not XL but idk the difference.

Rather than being an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) it's in a class of drugs called norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). I don't know the biochemistry of how each of them works other than one acts on serotonin receptors, and the other acts on receptors for norepinephrine and dopamine as the name would imply. You'd have to do your own research if you want to know the details.

I've been medically treating my depression since sometime in 2016 I think, and I've tried a bunch of SSRIs in that time. I've found that meds just help kickstart my ability to do other stuff rather than being a "cure" but that's miles better than when I'm unmedicated. My issue with all of the SSRIs I've tried has been that they appear to work for some amount of time and then the efficacy drops sharply. The bupropion had a bit of a drop off as well, but not as much. The SSRI I was on most recently was vortioxetine (brand name trintellix) which is a somewhat newer drug than many other common SSRIs. It seemed to work better than others I've taken, but was a) expensive and b) like other SSRIs it was totally fucking up my libido and ability to climax, which for me is a significant concern but might not be for everyone.

NDRIs are known for not causing sexual dysfunction, which was a good enough reason for me to switch, and I don't think it's been any less effective than the vortioxetine.

Another disclaimer, the bupropion hasn't totally fixed my depression as I said (and I'm skeptical whether medication alone could do that) and YMMV with your response to any particular drug, but I'm personally doing better with this than with any of the SSRIs I've tried.

That might be way more info than you wanted but hopefully some of this is useful to you or to anyone else reading this. There's a lot of trial and error with medicating for depression in my experience partly cause I don't think we actually know very much about it or about how the meds actually work. Best of luck with whatever you end up trying! I know how frustrating it is trying a whole bunch of different things to find out what actually helps, but keep at it. I'm certain you'll find something that helps you feel at least a little better than where you're at now and then you can build on that progress <3

Please feel free to ask other questions if you have any, I'm pretty comfortable talking about my own experience with depression and happy to help if I can.

[incomingalbatross]

Broke: Fan stuff that makes Watson a deliberately unreliable and untruthful narrator.

Woke: Arthur Conan Doyle, who understood when retconning FINA that having to say Holmes lied to Watson for three years was still preferable to saying Watson had lied to us.

[vibingforjudaism]

,

[minisugakoobies]

Ashes Falling | MYG

Pairing: Yoongi x Reader

Genre: smut, crack, DadYoongi!AU, BadCop!AU

Rating: M (18+)

Warnings: weapons - guns, switching POVs, angst!, allusions to murder, mentions of blood/wounds, fighting (hand-to-hand), shooting, Yoongi shows off that tongue technology (oral sex - f receiving), rough fucking (protected sex), Yoongi is not a good guy (ymmv)

Word Count: 5.3k (whoops)

Disclaimers: NSFW, obviously I don’t own BTS - they just inspire me

Summary: I see the ashes falling out your window There's someone in the mirror that you don't know And everything was all wrong So burn it till it's all gone

A/N: And we've reached the end! This series came out of absolutely nowhere thanks to @minttangerines's beautiful brain and it's been fun just writing with no plan and no expectations. Thank you for riding along! 💜

Chapter title and summary from Agust D's masterpiece Burn It 🔥

Unbeta’d as usual. I’d love to know what you think - my inbox is always open! 💕

Part 6 💵 Bad Cop Masterlist

Then

Yoongi sits across from you, one hand resting on the dining table, the other playing with a glass of whisky. Around and around, the caramel liquid swirls. If you didn’t know better, you’d swear he was trying to hypnotize you. 

And it might work, if you were anyone else. Of course, anyone else would already be under the handsome man’s thrall. Especially the way he looks tonight - in his tailored suit, bespoke undoubtedly, since money is apparently no object for him, and with his dark hair slicked back to reveal more of his gorgeous face.

When he’d asked you to dinner tonight, you’d felt a slight thrill of victory, knowing that your plan was working. You’d succeeded so far in inserting yourself into his life. All the secrets the Bureau wanted so desperately for you to discover were practically within your grasp. You just needed a sign from him to confirm that you’re in. 

“So are you thinking of extending your contact?” Yoongi asks, sipping at his drink. You’d told him when you’d first met that you were working for Da-som’s school for a year, with the option to extend if the school agreed. He speaks casually, almost disinterestedly, but you can hear the true question beneath - are you staying?

“I think so. I really like it here.” 

A hint of a smile crosses his face at your answer. Long fingers reach into the inside pocket of his jacket and produce a cigarette, which he lights with the click of a flashy silver lighter. There’s not supposed to be any smoking in this restaurant, but no one’s going to stop the chief detective of the city’s police force, and he knows it. It’s a power move. 

“Good,” is all he says, blowing a smoke ring towards the ceiling. 

Anyone other than you would be affected by his reaction. By the heated look he gives you, gaze slipping down your face, down to your waist, and back. Not you, though. You know better than to fall for any of this. 

This is what you remind yourself as you push your thighs together, trying to still the sudden throbbing there. 

Your waiter returns with the bill and Yoongi simply reaches into his pocket, dropping a stack of cash on the tray without looking. Another power move. 

“Thank you for dinner,” you smile shyly, setting down your dessert fork. “I’m - I’m glad you asked me. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you better these last few weeks.” 

He leans forward, reaching his hand across the table to where yours is resting. When his fingers tap you, you flip your hand over and he slides his hand on top of yours. You immediately register something cool and hard between your palms. 

“Me too,” he says softly. “And I don’t want to stop.” 

He pulls his hand back a little, curling your fingers around what he’s left behind. Yoongi stands, taking your hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it as he bows. 

“I’ll be waiting,” he murmurs, lips humming against your skin, and then he walks away. You track him as he saunters confidently through the crowded room, until he reaches the entrance of the restaurant and vanishes. 

Opening your hand, you stare down at the piece of plastic lying there. A room key, to the hotel next door. There it is - your sign. 

The excitement that blazes through you is the ecstasy of knowing you’ve succeeded. Of realizing that you’re one step closer to the win, and nothing else.

This is what you tell yourself as you rise to your feet, and follow. 

Now

Your bag rests on the passenger seat as you hurtle down the highway. The car you’re driving is a piece of shit, but you were in no position to barter when you’d asked Seokjin if he had anything you could borrow to finish your mission. He’d called a friend of a friend and mere minutes later you were on your way. 

The police cruiser is still at Seokjin's, along with Jungkook. Your partner had been sleeping when you’d left, whispering a quick goodbye, telling him to stay put and rest while you finished the job. Seokjin promised he’d take care of him and you had no doubt that he would be safe there. 

The car’s shocks are fairly worn, meaning every little bump in the road sends your satchel bouncing. Instinctively, you reach out, searching until you find the little key tucked away in an inner pocket. The cold metal soothes you as you clutch at it anxiously. This is it, the final key to bringing Yoongi down. 

Your plan is, frankly, insane. But desperate times call for desperate measures. Thankfully, Seokjin gave you access to his personal arsenal, which is not small. But even if you’re strapped to the teeth, you’ll practically need a miracle. 

However, you’re not the praying type. Your faith resides solely in yourself. So you breathe deeply, and keep your eyes firmly on the road as you run through your plan again and again in your mind. 

As the bay comes into view, you pull over, parking the car near the entrance to the neighborhood where Yoongi’s second house resides. You’ll have to go on foot from here, to remain unseen by his men. Yoongi’s too careful to leave this place unmanned. 

You approach the fence bordering his mansion, peering between the iron bars. His vacation home is massive, a sprawling ode to excess, flaunting his new wealth. The layout of the place is fresh in your mind, thanks to floor plans stolen from the developer. Unfortunately, that’s not going to help you much if you’re outnumbered by Yoongi’s men. If only you could’ve waited for sundown, to give you more cover, or waited for backup, but right now you don’t have the luxury of time. 

A hand suddenly slips over your mouth and your eyes widen as someone presses their body against your back. Fuck! You grasp at their arm, readying yourself to attack, when a familiar voice hisses, “Don’t scream! It’s me.” 

“Jungkook! What the fuck!” 

Your partner releases you. He’s a little paler than usual, but otherwise looks like himself, even in Seokjin’s clothing, a black t-shirt tucked under a Kevlar vest, colorful sleeve of tattoos bright in the midday sun. 

“Did you really think I was gonna let you do this alone?” He grins, ignoring your scowl. “Now what’s the plan?” 

There’s no point in arguing with him. He’s here now, and even though you’re full of conflicting emotions - anger that he didn’t listen to you, guilt that you’re the reason he got injured - the feeling that overrides them all is pure, intense relief. Of course he’s by your side. You’re not alone.

It doesn’t take long to fill him in. You’re basically just going in there with guns blazing, hoping to fight your way to where you believe Yoongi’s safe sits, holding the box with the secrets that little key will unlock. 

Jungkook just nods when you’ve finished. “Got it.”

“We should probably call for backup.” 

“Already did, on the way here. They’ll be here as fast as they can, but something tells me that you don’t want to wait.” 

“I don’t.” You need this to be over, now. 

“Okay then. Ready when you are.” 

“Jungkook.” You pause, unsure how to say this. “I’m sorry. For everythi- ”

But he stops you with a shake of his head. “None of that. We’ve got a job to do.” He cups his hands, waiting to give you a boost over the fence. “Come on. You lead. I’ll follow. Like always.” 

With a nod of your own, you step onto his hands, and climb the fence.

Then

Yoongi glances at his watch. It’s only been five minutes since he left you sitting at the table, but it feels much, much longer. Too long. He loosens his tie a bit as he waits. His suit jacket is folded over the back of the chair beside the bed. The room is quiet. 

Is he rushing things? It’s very like him to do that. He could move more slowly with you. But, well, he doesn’t want to. He wants you now.

Which is why he’s here, perched on the edge of the bed, staring at the door. Waiting.

It’s not just about sex. If Yoongi only wanted to get his dick wet, he wouldn’t have to take anyone out on several dates first. That’s not arrogance - it’s a fact that he radiates power, and women are attracted to that. And he knows he looks good. He has mirrors. 

No, it’s more than that - although he’d be lying if he said he hasn’t been imagining this moment since the first time he saw you in Da-som’s classroom. He’d been so distracted by your beauty at the parent-teacher conference that he’d accidentally agreed to chaperone a class trip, just nodding along to whatever you were saying while picturing what you’d look like if he bent you over your desk right then and there. But beyond his baser needs, there’s something else. Something that draws him to you. He senses a kindred spirit. He needs to know how deep that connection goes.

There’s a loud click and the door suddenly opens. Yoongi stands as you enter. 

“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long,” you say, biting your lip before smiling sweetly. 

In just three steps he’s across the room, pulling you into his arms for a passionate kiss. 

He quietly orders you to lift your arms, and the gorgeous dress you’d worn to dinner crumples into a soft ball of fabric on the ground. With sure steps he maneuvers you towards the bed, helping you sit on the edge, kindly freeing your breasts from the confining corsetry of your bra as he goes. While you settle onto the soft sheets, he slides your panties down your legs, taking care to rake his fingers along the soft skin there, delighting in the way you shudder at his touch. 

The plush carpet gives way beneath his knees as he kneels, leaning over to kiss you, getting lost in the incredible softness of your lips for a moment, until your hands reach for the buttons on his shirt. His hands lightly push yours away as he shakes his head. 

“Not yet, baby.” 

“But I wanna see you,” you say, pretty mouth turning down in a lovely little pout. “It’s not fair that I’m naked and you’re not.”

He just chuckles. Smoothly, he undoes one cufflink, then the other, rolling his sleeves to his elbows. His forearms flex with the motion, drawing your attention, and he smirks. 

“Don’t worry,” he assures you, “I’ll still put on a good show for you.” 

He kneels again, gently pressing his fingers into the bare skin of your stomach, urging you to lie back. One of your thighs comes to rest on his shoulder, then the other. With one hand he spreads your folds, saliva flooding his mouth at the glistening sight in front of him. 

“Fuck, sweetheart, you look good enough to eat.” 

You mewl as he kisses your dripping cunt, over and over, getting his mouth all sticky with your desire. Yoongi always follows through on his promises, and this is no exception. You can’t tear your eyes away from the dark-haired man as he rubs his lips, his tongue, his nose all over you, maintaining eye contact the entire time. Occasionally your head drops back, your eyes closing as if overwhelmed by the sensations, but then they immediately open again, not wanting to miss a second. 

“Yoongi.” 

Panting moans fill Yoongi’s ears as he drowns in you. When he finds the right rhythm with his tongue on your clit, a rapid lapping that has your hips lifting off the bed, he slides a finger inside your slick warmth, then two, three, and your moans become cries. Pleas, broken and desperate, begging him for more. 

Impatience roars up inside him again and he lets your legs slide from his broad shoulders. His cock aches as he tears off his clothing, sheathing himself with the condom waiting in his pocket, and you’ve barely moved up on the bed to make room for him when he’s sliding inside you. Fuck. So warm, so tight. A space carved out just for him. 

The headboard smacks into the wall repeatedly as Yoongi thrusts into you, hips slapping your ass with every sharp snap. You’re babbling, an endless stream of words pouring from your mouth, but the only words Yoongi can make out are “Yoongi” and “more.” 

“You want more, baby? I’ll give you everything. Anything you could ever want.”  

He goes harder, faster, driving his cock deeper and deeper. His hands grope at your breasts, your ass, as you take everything he has to give. When he feels your walls start to constrict, it’s almost a relief, because he’s not going to last much longer. And sure enough, when your orgasm hits, your cunt grips his cock so tightly that he cums, head dropping onto your chest as he fills the condom with his hot release.  

He lies that way, cheek pressed into the curve of your breast, breathing heavily as you both come down. From here, he can feel your heart pounding. It’s not identical to the way his own drums, but instead compliments it, a wild syncopation beating along to the steady pulse of his own tempo. His fingers tap along your sternum. 

“Is that morse code?” Your voice is just barely above a whisper, as if you don’t want to shatter the peaceful stillness of the moment. 

He lifts his head, smiling. “That’s your heartbeat. I’m playing along.” 

“Playing what, my collarbones?” 

“My piano.” His fingers dance over imaginary keys, caressing your skin so, so gently. 

“I didn’t know you had a piano. Or that you could play.” 

There’s so much you don’t know about him. So much he wants to show you. But he knows that it will take time. He has to ease you into his world. 

“I’ll play for you sometime,” he says, crawling up your body until his face hovers over yours. “If you’d like.” 

“I would like that. Very much,” you reply, lips curling into a shy grin, and he kisses it away until you’re breathless. 

Eventually, he has to go. He needs to get home to Da-som. Yoongi can defeat any enemy - except a babysitter with a curfew. 

He sits on the edge of the bed, fixing his tie, as you watch him from beneath the sheets. “The room’s paid for until tomorrow, so you can stay all night if you want. Order some room service in the morning. Treat yourself, sweetheart.” 

The corner of your mouth twitches. “You keep calling me that.” 

“Is that okay?” 

In reply, you pull him in for another kiss, and he sighs, wishing he could stay. Or take you home with him. But he’s not ready to have that conversation with Da-som yet. Even though he’s rushing everything else. 

He taps his fingers on your chest. “Sleep well, sweetheart.” 

He starts to rise, but you grab his wrist, holding him in place. 

“Yoongi. I don’t…” 

He says nothing, waiting for you to find your words. 

“I don’t do this with every father I meet, you know,” you finish, flashing that beautiful bashful smile again.

“Just me?” 

“Just you.” Your hand reaches out to straighten his tie, but then you gently brush your fingertips over his chest, mimicking his actions from earlier. Tap-tap-tap. 

In that moment, Yoongi knows. He’ll do anything for you. Like he told you earlier, when he was wrapped in your arms - he’ll give you anything you want. 

All you have to do is ask. 

Now

Bodies. So many bodies, scattered around the grounds of his house. Yoongi blinks dispassionately at them all. He thought he’d hired the best. Clearly, he was wrong. 

Yoongi honestly hadn’t known what to expect when he and Jimin arrived at his house on the bay. One of his guards had called him while he was on his way here and alerted him that you’d been spotted near the fence bordering his property. He’d hoped that when he got here, he’d find you waiting for him, tied to a chair by one of his guards. But it appears that he’d underestimated your skills, if you managed to take out so many of his men at once. 

No one appears to be dead, but they’re all knocked out or wounded. Interesting. Are you afraid to use lethal force? Or are you just saving your best shots for him? 

Together, he and Jimin sweep the first floor, finding nothing but his more useless guards. With a few silent signals, Jimin indicates that he’s going to scout ahead, and begins to climb the stairs. Yoongi watches him disappear down the hallway with a growing sense of unease. He tightens his grip on his gun. 

Jimin reappears after a moment, shaking his head. There’s only the other end of the hallway to explore now. The master suite is down that way. Where, in one of the walk-in closets, nestled in the corner, sits Yoongi’s safe. 

Maybe you’re not here. Maybe you’re already gone, with the contents of the safe firmly in tow. Maybe it’s all over, and any second now, this place will be swarming with feds. For the briefest of moments, Yoongi feels the strangest sense of relief at the thought. 

And then the moment is broken as a very loud “God damn it!!” rings out. 

Jimin instinctively points his gun in the direction of the screaming. It’s coming from the master suite. Yoongi joins him at the top of the stairs. 

“It’s her,” he states in a hushed tone. “That’s her voice.” 

“Sounds like someone might be giving her a rough time?” 

There are no other sounds coming from the direction of the suite. No more curses, no scuffling, none of the sickening noises that a human body makes when someone else is beating the shit out of it.

“Nah. She’s working on the combination.” 

“At least it sounds like it’s not going well.” 

For the moment. You have the key to the safe, but it’s a dual lock system, requiring a combination as well. Yoongi has no doubt you’ll figure out the date he used. It’s just a matter of time. 

So he’d better not give you any more. 

Yoongi grimaces, the gun suddenly heavy in his hands. “You ready?” 

Jimin nods. 

Silently, they creep forward. The door to the master suite looms at the end of the hall, and Yoongi feels his already frantic pulse increasing with every step. 

And then a floorboard creaks under Yoongi’s foot. Loudly. 

Both men pause, staring at one another. Listening. Waiting. 

The door at the end of the hall starts to open. Jimin dives into an empty room to his left, while Yoongi dashes into the bathroom on his right

The mirror mounted on the wall faces towards the end of the hallway. As Yoongi hides, he stares at the reflection of the person emerging from the suite. Shit, it’s Jungkook, gun drawn as he carefully sweeps the other open rooms down the hall. So much for Jimin’s incredible marksman skills - the rookie cop slash undercover agent doesn’t look any worse for wear, let alone dead. 

The door at the end of the hall opens again. Yoongi’s breath catches. With a fiercely determined expression on your face and that gun in your hand, you look nothing like the sweet, shy teacher he met all those months ago. A mirthless chuckle bubbles up in his chest. He clenches his jaw to keep it down. Funny how he was right - you are a kindred spirit, after all. Just a funhouse version of one. Staring at him from the other side of the mirror.

“Jungkook,” he hears you whisper, tracing your partner’s footsteps. “Where are you?” 

“In here. Did you crack it?” Jungkook reappears, gun lowered, and - 

BANG!

A bullet slices through the air between you and Jungkook. The two of you immediately dive, raising your guns in the direction of the gunshot - which, of course, was just Jimin announcing his presence. 

“Drop your weapon and come out!” you shout. 

Jimin just laughs, shaking his head. “Does that shit ever work?”

“Goddamn it, it’s that maniac again,” you hiss, loud enough for Yoongi to hear. 

“Did you miss me, love?” Another wild cackle. Yoongi glares at the younger man, but says nothing, not wanting to give away his location. 

Faster than lightning, Jimin fires another shot towards the end of the hall. 

“Fuck!” Jungkook yells, placing himself between you and the line of sight to the room where Yoongi can see Jimin crouching just inside. “Get back in there and keep trying! I’ll handle this asshole.” 

As soon as the door closes behind you, Yoongi looks at Jimin. He points to himself and then the door at the end of the hall. Jimin nods. 

“Oh, you will, will you?” Jimin taunts Jungkook. He grins at Yoongi. “I think - HEY!” Jimin dives aside as a bullet pierces the doorway, embedding itself firmly in the open door that Jimin was just leaning against. “You son of a bitch, you almost clipped my hair!” 

“Next one’s going in your forehead!” 

“As if you could hit my forehead!” 

“How can I miss a target that big?” 

“THAT’S IT!” Jimin roars. “YOU WANT A PIECE OF ME?” He rolls up his sleeves, giant snake tattoo on his arm practically dancing as he clenches his fists. 

“Yeah! You already took one from me! It’s time for payback!” 

Jimin unbuckles his harness, letting the weapons hit the floor. “Then let’s do this! I’ll tear you apart with my bare hands!”

“LET’S GO, MOTHERFUCKER!” Jungkook screams, and suddenly there are two blurs flying down the hallway towards each other. They collide with a loud “whump!” and Yoongi quickly slips out of the bathroom and towards the master suite. 

He opens the door slowly, much slower than the adrenaline coursing through his body wants him to, but he doesn’t want you to hear him entering. The two men behind him pay no attention, lost in their frenzy, powerful blows landing left and right. Yoongi closes the door just as carefully, twisting the knob so the lock clicks quietly into place. 

Gun raised, he takes one step towards the closet. Then another. The door is wide open, but the closet is so big that he can’t see the safe in the corner. Or you. 

As soon as he crosses the threshold, there’s a loud shriek as you jump out from behind the door and tackle him. His gun goes flying. He lands on his side, the breath in his lungs whooshing out hurriedly as you roll on top of him, thighs straddling his chest. 

“Don’t. Fucking. Move.” You cock your gun, aiming it straight at his head. “I knew that maniac didn’t come alone.” 

Although your hands are steady, your chest rises with every panting breath you take, Yoongi notes. He feels his entire tensed body relax. You’re scared.

Good.

Yoongi smirks. “What are you gonna do, sweetheart? Shoot me?” He grabs the barrel of your gun as you gasp, but your finger doesn’t squeeze the trigger, even when he pulls it down until it presses into his forehead. “Go ahead.” 

“Stop it!” You try to yank your gun free, but he refuses to let go. You tug harder and harder, until he finally relinquishes his grip, and the force of your momentum throws you off balance. Yoongi scrambles to grab his gun as you’re knocked into a pile of hangers and clothing lying in a heap on the ground. When you rise, there’s a bright red line of blood seeping down your cheek, from where a hanger has cut you.

The two of you face off, guns drawn. Yoongi tuts. 

“Oh, sweetheart, your face. That looks nasty.” 

“Don’t call me that,” you snarl. 

“No? But I thought you liked it?” 

“I never did.” 

“Ah. Right. All part of the game, huh?” Yoongi laughs. “None of it was real, huh.” 

“It’s all over now.” Blood trickles down your cheek, dripping onto the pristine white carpet below. “Put the gun down, Yoongi. Think about Da-som. Think about -”

“No!” Yoongi takes a step forward. You hold your ground, but he swears he catches a flash of fear in your eyes. He should know, he’s seen it many times before. “Don’t you fucking tell me what to do! No one tells me what to do! I make the rules around here. I call the shots!” 

“Not anymore! We know everything. Everything. Your empire is burning down, Yoongi - don’t throw your life away trying to protect ashes!” 

“Oh, you know everything?” The mad laughter that’s been choking him finally slips past his lips. “Do you really? Fuck! You have no fucking idea!” Another step forward. He keeps his gun raised, but he’s cackling so wildly that his aim is all over the place. “Do you have any idea what I would’ve done for you? What I would’ve given you? Anything you wanted, anything you needed, it all would’ve been yours!”

“It wasn’t real, Yoongi!” 

“IT WAS REAL TO ME!” 

You freeze, eyes wide, as his shout echoes through the suite. Faintly, Yoongi can hear Jungkook and Jimin still fighting in the hallway. But it’s dead silent in the closet, where you’re still gazing at his face, as if searching for some sort of sign. 

Yoongi lowers his gun. He closes the gap between you, ignoring that your gun is now pointed directly at his heart, and reaches out with steady fingers.

Tap-tap-tap 

The silence in the closet is stifling, pressing in on him. But then you take in a shuddery breath. When Yoongi dares to look up, he sees tears in your eyes. 

But time, it seems, has run out. 

In the distance, but growing closer, he can hear the blaring wail of sirens. 

“YN!” Jungkook yells. The doorknob rattles. “Are you okay in there?” 

Yoongi’s fucked. He’s going down, and -

“Go,” you whisper. “You have to run.” 

There’s a loud thumping. Jungkook must be trying to break the door down with brute force. He’ll probably go grab his gun and try to shoot his way in next. Or any moment now, agents are going to come crashing through the windows. These are the panicked thoughts that race through Yoongi’s mind and prevent him from understanding what you’ve said. You drop your gun and grab his arms, shaking him. 

“Yoongi! Do you hear me? You have to run!” There’s a ferocity in your eyes that Yoongi’s never seen in anyone’s gaze but his own. “I know you have a back way out of here. You have to go now. Yoongi? Hey!” 

SMACK!

There’s a white-hot sting on his cheek. 

“Fuck, sweetheart!” He rubs away the pain left behind by your slap. 

A ghost of a smile crosses your face. The door has stopped shaking. “Listen, Jungkook will be in here any second. My team is likely already setting up a barricade and surrounding the place. You have to get to the water. Grab Da-som, start running, and never look back.” 

Da-som. Son of a bitch, he can’t lose her. The weight of everything he stands to lose finally comes crashing down. “Fuck, what have I done?” 

There’s a shout from the hallway, a berserker cry, and Yoongi realizes Jimin must have rallied for one last attack. Quickly, you take Yoongi’s hands, guiding him to stand again, and then lead him to the far corner of the master bedroom, where you push aside a bookshelf to reveal a darkened passageway, hidden from the outside. You really did know everything.

Or at least, now you do. 

The screaming sirens have stopped. Yoongi can hear voices out on the lawn. 

“I know you said you’re the one calling the shots, but you need to listen to me now. I’ll take care of everything else. But you - you can’t ever resurface, Yoongi. This is a one-time deal. Take Da-som and disappear. Please,” you whisper, clutching his hands. “Please, do this. If not for Da-som, if not for you - do it for me.” 

Even with his impending doom hovering just on the other side of the bedroom door, Yoongi can’t stop the way he feels. Of course he’ll run. 

Anything for you. 

Footsteps begin to echo throughout the house. Yoongi pulls you into his arms, embracing you one last time as his lips crash onto yours.

And then he runs.

Epilogue

You open the door to your apartment, kick off your shoes, and flop onto the couch. Another fucking long day. The planning for your latest mission is completely draining your energy. For not the first time in recent weeks, you wonder if you should listen to Jungkook’s advice and put in for that time off request. You could definitely use the break. 

Unconsciously, your fingers rub at the scar on your cheek. It hasn’t hurt for years, but in the last few weeks, it’s been itching like crazy. Jungkook always jokes that he can tell that it’s going to rain whenever his bullet wound aches. You wonder what the scar is trying to tell you. 

Eventually, you drag yourself off the couch and shuffle down the hallway towards the bathroom, dying for a shower. But then you hear a soft sound coming from the door behind you, like something’s sliding along the floor, and you freeze.

There’s an envelope laying in the entryway. Instinctively, you place a hand on the holster of your gun as you peer through the peephole. No one there. No one in the hallway, either, when you open your door. 

The envelope has your first name on it, nothing else. With careful fingers, you tear it open, and read the scrap of paper inside:

35.9285° N, 128.5774° E

Coordinates. To what location? 

You flip it over: 

I’ll be waiting.

You sink onto the couch, staring so intently at the words that you’re surprised the paper doesn’t burst into flames from the intensity of your gaze. 

It’s been five years with no word on Yoongi’s whereabouts. Once Jungkook finally knocked out Jimin and shot the door open, he’d found you lying on the floor, pretending to be unconscious. Yoongi had given up and fled the scene. The Bureau believed your story, likely helped by the fact that Yoongi had left behind his safe and all the secrets it contained. His empire crumbled.

Even though Yoongi’d evaded your capture, you were hailed as the hero of the day and moved on to the next case. And the next, and the next. Days turned into months turned into years. 

Once the mission was over, you never brought it up again. Occasionally, Jungkook or Seokjin would try to get you to talk. But you simply told them that you had nothing to say. The case was closed. 

(To say nothing of your heart.) 

And yet… it wasn’t entirely true. If you’d chosen to talk to your friends, you might have told them that you still found yourself thinking about it from time to time. About Yoongi. And where he was. That sometimes, when you couldn’t sleep, you’d scour countless resources, searching for him. Yet no matter how much you looked, you never found a single sign.

Until, maybe, now. You glance at the paper, and it dawns on you what it really is.

A key. 

…

You rise to your feet.

Masterlist 💜 Find me on AO3 💜 

© 2022-23 by sunshinerainbowsbts/minisugakoobies. Crossposted to AO3. Please do not copy or repost.

[rainbowsky]

What’s an entertainment ban in China?

That's a really broad, vague question.

There are many entertainment restrictions in China, so this question could be answered in multiple ways depending on the context you're asking about.

Disclaimer: these are tricky, politically-charged topics, and verified information can be difficult or impossible to find. What follows is my understanding based on my study of this industry over the past few years, and will of course reflect my views and values. YMMV.

I think maybe the likeliest context you were asking about is the 'ban' around specific national days or events, when people do not share or discuss topics related to entertainment or other frivolous subjects out of respect for the occasion. Fans are asked not to post about their idol at that time, as it is a sign of irreverence and disrespect and can lead to trouble for that star.

There are a wide variety of restrictions around entertainment for censorship reasons. What people are allowed to do, wear and say, who is allowed to participate in particular types of roles, etc.

There are certain entertainers who, because of their behavior or the behavior of their fans, may be quietly or openly banned from certain types of public roles or appearances, or whose projects or status in the industry might be put on hold temporarily or permanently. The severity varies depending on the situation. Zhang Zehan is someone most readers will remember as being 'cancelled' fairly comprehensively in this way.

China's entertainment industry is tightly managed by the government, with a stated goal to help shape and guide the values and behavior of the population and embody communist ideals. Entertainers who are not deemed appropriate role models, or who show through fan behavior that they aren't able to appropriately guide people onto righteous paths will come heavily under the scrutiny/punishment of the government and of the public, so these things are not trivial concerns.

If an artist's fans don't properly observe national occasions, for example, and they post a lot and discuss a lot about their star on a national day of mourning or a date of significance to the party, they would be putting that star at serious risk of being cancelled both by the government and by the public.

Over the past few years the government has openly targeted fan culture and has been cracking down heavily on it. Fan groups are viewed as leading young people astray, causing major disruptions and problems, corroding social values and overall needing to be brought under control. Many restrictions, policies and statements from the government have been enacted toward this end.

The government takes a very dim view of any group that can rapidly mobilize based on shared ideas or values that are not government-sanctioned. LGBTQ groups have been heavily targeted in recent years for this reason. Pride parades are no longer allowed, and pro-LGBTQ groups have been shut down without any warning.

It's not because homosexuality is 'illegal' or 'banned' as many Westerners assume. Homosexuality is legal in China and there are even some limited rights afforded citizens and that benefit homosexual couples (more on that in Pie's excellent post). Rather, it's because of the threat to authoritarian power that large, impassioned movements can tend to represent.

This is actually why a lot of gay men who are turtles will avoid sharing their turtle status openly; because they don't want GG and DD to appear to be leading or inspiring a political movement.

Anyway, I hope this somewhat answers your question. If it doesn't, please feel free to write back with a more specific question.

A few related posts:

Nationalistic posts and why they shouldn’t be mined for candy - directly relevant to point 1.

Propaganda and false equivalence - relevant to point 2.

Politics in the fandom - relevant to all of this.

You can also explore the related tags for more on these kinds of topics. But make sure you do so directly from my blog (rather than from your news feed) or you'll get a bunch of unrelated posts from all over Tumblr.

[incoherentbabblings]

do you have any advice on writing tim, steph, and timsteph? any misteps you see people often take with them?

Ooh! Good question. I am very flattered that you think I have advice to give! I can only speak for how I like to write them. It isn't the only way to write them, or understand them, or conceive of them, but here's what I try to keep in mind when I'm writing Tim, Steph, and their relationship. Again, quick disclaimer, this is half canon and half me building up fanon or ideas that I wish had been canon. My way is not the only way, nor is it the best way. But it is the most fun way. For me. Specifically. 😉

ANYWAY. My boil it down to basics list of attributes for Tim and Steph that I tend to focus on when reading and particularly enjoy. I think some of these are not popular. But heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy. I do me you do you.

Tim: GENTLE, clever, a bit self absorbed, compassionate and sympathetic to others but not particularly empathetic, confident, very rarely is he insecure in his own abilities, extroverted, slow to think and act. Moves from an idealist to cynic as time goes on.

Steph: Stubborn and prideful, insecure, empathetic, forgiving, protective, does not speak often but when she does it is loud, always at an 11, whether its joy or anger or frustration or love, she's never particularly measured in her responses, introverted, quick to think and act. Moves from a cynic to idealist as time goes on.

TimSteph: They're never quite in the same headspace at the same time. There's a tension coming between them both growing up with conditional affection, so they're not quite used to the thought of the other person being with them come hell or high water. And they'll both hurt the other if that means they think the other will be better off in the long run. Dodgy communication skills is a must. They both need the other to give them a kick up the butt from time to time. They admire the other a lot, but as time has gone on they stop short of adoration. Putting the other on a pedestal ends bad for both of them, so they're painfuly aware of the other's flaws. Loving, despite them, because of them, because of that history. Understanding, why they are the way they are, even if they hate it.

That's how I picture them in my head at least! Others may find it a bit off in places. There's more specific things about their relationships with other batfam members - for instance Stephanie does not and never has hated Bruce and Tim favourite sibling is Dick yes even by the end of Red Robin - but then this ask will get too long...

I suppose a 'mistake' I see is in terms of character motivation. Now ymmv on this, but I prefer characters over plot. So, the characters drive the narrative rather than the plot making the characters do things. Sometimes I think writers, fanfic or DC themselves… kind of…forget… why Tim and Steph are where they are. I also like to do the 'character traits are virtues or vices depending on the circumstances'. It's a sliding scale, so to speak, rather than distinct bad and good unrelated attributes.

So like, yes Tim is smart. And that's a good thing. Until he thinks he's smarter than other people. Yes, Steph will never quit. And that has served her very well. Until the moment when, no, she really needs to learn to cut her losses. So you form the plot around things that will push Tim to think he's smarter than everyone else and become strident and more callous because he knows better afterall or having Steph's pride get battered and consequently she either starts becoming very reckless or seeking approval from the wrong people in order to prove her value or worth. Of course, that's for drama, but still. Same concept applies for comedy too. But I'm not as good at that.😊

[sweetpeawriter-tm]

AM I ACCESSIBLE? Accessible role-play & You!

Hello! Nia here! As a disabled person accessibility is something that's been on my mind...well for years now. But specifically in the context of tumblr and the roleplaying community. So today I'll do a little look into how to be more accessible to your roleplaying community!

Few disclaimers before we begin:

1. I am developmentally disabled with autism and dyslexia so I'm more focusing on that then something like low vision/being blind or another disability. I may touch on it based off what I've learned but I wouldn't be speaking from personal experience.

2. Obvious YMMV. People have different needs and this isn't a end all be all on how to be the best blog ever for disabled people to read. But I figured these tips would be helpful anyways.

3, If you have anymore suggestions please feel free to tell me! I'm glad to update posts or make another one!

Okay...Cue the cut!

First thing first, what does it mean to be accessible?

Now, we need to remember that every disabled person is different. So there may be a few differences among us about how we are able to read, process things, click things on browsers, etc. There are a few general trends though that I figure can help in most situations.

1. Be Willing To Change

One thing that is the most important is of course listening to us. When articles like this one go around, or your disabled rp partner explains how to make your blog better for them to navigate...listen! If someone explains that your color scheme makes it impossible to read your blog, it doesn't do any harm to ask others to test read your blog and figure out if something else works.

If you're writing with someone and they asks you to not use icons or not to format your post for any particular reason, be open to the idea of leaving off the bold and small letters for one thread if you're able. Really be able to work with your partner, this is also just general advice outside of accessibility tbh.

2. Color Schemes and Blog Themes

Listen, as someone with some issues reading and looking at screens.....this is a major issue I've noticed. Color scheme wise I think most people know what I mean but like picking a bright red background with bright pink letters is a no go. Please make sure to test run your color schemes if you can to make sure they are actually readable! No dark letters on dark backgrounds. or super similar colors used together as background and text!

Another issue is when people separate the pages on their blogs with tiny dots on the screen. Like when their bio page can only be found by clicking the pink and red flower on a blog theme made of only pink flowers... Yeah stop doing that. No offense, not only is that just plain frustrating in general, for people with vision issues it makes the site overly complex to navigate/possibly impossible to navigate.

I get wanting a pretty blog really! But at least have the important things like your character's bio and your rules be somewhere eye grabbing and easy to get too.

And this probably goes unsaid but, no flashing things when making a blog. Flashing lights or colors. Like even a little, I get migraines personally but there are people who get much worse from flashing colors so please just avoid doing that at all.

Quick go over; keep blog colors readable and easy on the eyes, have a option for easy navigation and don't use a ton of flashy things to make your blog 'stand out' it just makes it harder for disable people to read your content!

3. Formatting!

Formatting is. For me personally, hell to read. Can I read it? Yes. Does it hurt? Very much so. Having bold wording for emphasis or things like that are fine. But people sometimes use different (and very bright) colors on random words, or make their letters verrrry small. Or add extra spacing randomly. Which is really hard for people who are learning disabled to read.

However some formatting can actually be useful! Like bolding "" when a character speaks! Or using this when a character is thinking! These cues help establish context for what we're reading! Even extra spacing can help as long as it's consistent. When done randomly for the aesthetic however it doesn't really do anything other then make us read things over and over. This has led me personally to respond to things incorrectly cause I can't actually read the reply and tbh. I just guess! (Don't be like me...communicate!)

At the very least when, as stated above, writing muse bio's or blog rules. Keep the formatting to a min if possible! I love reading head-canons and lore but the reemergence of formatting has made it quite difficult to understand what anyone is really typing.

Also don't get upset if someone misreads anything when you use heavy formatting. Trust me it is just as upsetting to not feel like I'm smart enough to read a tumblr blog post.

4. Resources

Here are some good resources I found that may help keep tumblr a disabled friendly place to roleplay in!

https://lifeofablindgirl.com/2018/09/19/10-ways-to-make-your-blog-accessible-for-people-with-a-visual-impairment/

https://www.afb.org/consulting/afb-accessibility-resources/how-make-your-blog-accessible

*wipes sweat from forehead* Okay I hope these tips help a little when designing your next cool rp blog or when doing a makeover for a muse page. Again, I'm totally open to suggestions and rewrites on my part as I'm still learning on how to be better every day!

See ya next time! <3

[billsfangearring]

[Rec List] The Wolfstar Yearbook: 2006

Happy hump day! I’ve selected and reviewed what I consider to be the five best, most memorable Wolfstar fics completed in 2006. 

Fics Reviewed:

The Hush of Waiting by victoria_p (musesfool)

The Innocence of Wolves by GatewayGirl

Pilgrimage by Rosie_Rues (rosemaryandrue)

We’ll Both Forget the Breeze by happiestwhen

The Winter of Discontent by Rosie_Rues (rosemaryandrue)

Reviews below the cut. My other Wolfstar rec lists can be found here.

Disclaimers:

My selections are based on my subjective taste and what I personally have read. YMMV.

I have done my best to flag potential triggers. Please let me know if I missed something.

I know two of these fics have a different year listed on AO3. I used the earliest posting dates I could find on any site but provided the AO3 links for convenience.

I did not consider non-magical/modern AUs for this post, though I do read and enjoy them.

The Hush of Waiting by victoria_p (musesfool)

Length: 7,238 words

Era: Second War

Trope: Lie Low at Lupin’s

POV: Sirius

Summary: He wants to make this moment last, and he wants to remember it forever.

My Review: “The Hush of Waiting” is a realistic, gentle getting back together story. It opens with a brief lie low at Lupin’s interlude before moving to Grimmauld Place. Sirius and Remus are both wonderfully in character; Sirius is plagued by his confinement in Grimmauld Place and his slowly returning memories, and Remus is both a balm and a source of resentment for him. This story strikes a great balance between the joy of rediscovery and the despair of what has been lost, ending with a beautiful moment of enduring love.

Vibe: Contained remembrance with a hopeful ending.

Illustrative Quote: Remus is skin and bone beneath him, sharp angles with nothing of comfort to them, and Sirius thinks he isn't any better, the two of them skeletons rattling around in each other's closets.

The Innocence of Wolves by GatewayGirl

Content Warning(s): Major character death, graphic depiction of murder, and brief cannibalism (sort of)

Length: 13,615 words

Era: Multiple

POV: Remus

Summary: The Prank goes wrong, Severus Snape dies, and the Marauders dispose of the evidence and get away with it—and after that, what can't you do? While Remus falls for Sirius, the Marauders become the Free-Blood Guards, working to destroy Voldemort's servants.

My Review: “The Innocence of Wolves” explores the dark side of the Marauders as their foray into vigilantism slowly unravels their friendship. It will make you contemplate morality in wartime. This story is written in first person POV, which makes its genuinely coldhearted interpretation of Remus all the more striking. One of the most compelling aspects of this fic for me is how it follows the contours of canon from the Marauders’ Fifth Year through Halloween 1981 but twists everything in enticing, sometimes disturbing new ways. I always want canon divergence fics to really take their AU scenarios all the way, and this one definitely does that.

Vibe: Chilling justice with an ambiguous ending.

Illustrative Quote: Sirius went one better, gleefully remarking (while standing just a little too close to Professor McGonagall) that he hoped the greasy turd had got himself killed. McGonagall gave him detention, of course, but it was beautifully in character, and not at all the action of someone guilty of manslaughter. Sirius is brilliant.

Pilgrimage by Rosie_Rues (rosemaryandrue)

Note(s): This fic is part of the Rising Storm series, which is a gorgeous ensemble series that spans 1970-2001 and characters ranging from Andromeda to Peter, though it dwells the most on Remus and Sirius. I only considered the Wolfstar-centric fics for these posts, but I recommend the whole series!

Length: 15,114 words

Era: Interwar period

POV: Remus

Summary: It would be very quiet, up in the snow-shrouded hills. December, 1981 - Remus, afterwards.

My Review: That summary always makes me think of “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac and it actually fits this story fairly well. In “Pilgrimage,” Remus undertakes a solo walk along the Pilgrim’s Way as he tries to make sense of the events of Halloween 1981. Rosie_Rues uses quotes from Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales as a framing device, which contributes to the literary feel of this story. The interweaving of Remus’s physical and emotional journeys and the mirroring of his mental state and the atmosphere are absolutely masterful. His attempt to numb his loss in the snow and winter cold doesn’t succeed, and his silent remembrance of his childhood and friends is heartbreaking as he tries to reason out who Sirius really was.

Vibe: Bleak loneliness with a hopeful ending.

Illustrative Quote: Love left its own traces, fainter and deeper than scars.

We’ll Both Forget the Breeze by happiestwhen

Length: 1,122 words

Era: Hogwarts

POV: Sirius

Summary: In winter, time seems to trickle down with the melting snow.

My Review: I love a good pining Sirius fic, and “We’ll Both Forget the Breeze” is a beautifully lyrical example of the genre. happiestwhen’s writing is just about as close as you can get to poetry while still being prose, and I had a hard time choosing a single quote. Sirius is shy and unsure, and Remus’s feelings are an enigma. In some ways this fic feels like a drabble because it’s just a stream-of-consciousness moment in time and nothing really happens, but it’s so lovely that I want to share it anyway.

Vibe: Uncertain longing with an unresolved ending.

Illustrative Quote: The arching semi-colon of Sirius’ knee against the ball of Remus’ foot (an accidental touch) is imperfect, but he’s trying, and they’re—oh—just, just. Almost.

The Winter of Discontent by Rosie_Rues (rosemaryandrue)

Note(s): Like Pilgrimage (above), this fic is part of the Rising Storm series.

Content Warning(s): arson, minor character death, violence

Length: 58,936 words

Era: First War

POV: Multiple

Summary: In which Sirius Black wakes up on the 1st day of 1979 embracing a Christmas tree.

My Review: “The Winter of Discontent” is a plotty getting back together story, which we don’t normally see when they’re this young. Remus and Sirius are trainee auror partners who get sucked into a murder investigation involving the Death Eaters. They’re also not-so-secretly pining for one another, having broken up after The Prank. In addition to Remus’s attempts to seduce Sirius out of his self-sacrificing distance, this fic grapples with the wizarding politics of the First War and the Muggle politics of the time, including the widespread strikes in January 1979 during the UK’s Winter of Discontent. While you’d expect a plot-heavy First War fic to be pretty angsty, this fic is actually fairly lighthearted and full of running gags like the horrors of the Ministry canteen food and the purebloods referring to the strike as a “thump.” Peter isn’t one-dimensional, absent, or overshadowed by his friends like in most fics, and James’s failed attempts to propose to Lily made me snort multiple times.

Vibe: Longing camaraderie with a hopeful ending.

Illustrative Quote: Remus had been gone for thirty-two hours, sixteen minutes and about fifteen seconds, depending which clock Sirius looked at. In that time Sirius had cleaned the flat (though admittedly not until this morning when he realised Remus would be sarcastic about it); had five showers (three of them cold, because the hot water was dodgy for some reason); turned into Padfoot and back six times because he didn’t feel comfortable as either; and tried to read Maurice.