#you've got a big storm ahead of you friend

[arthur-lesters-synapses]

Watching my friends reaction to tma so far has been so entertaining

[alphabetboyluvr]

landslides - 001 | goldrush - jjk

part title credit: goldrush - taylor swift

everybody wonders what it would be like to love you... i can't dare to dream about you anymore... it never will be...

pairing: officeworker!jungkook x female reader (coworkers)

premise: jungkook asks you to dog sit over chuseok. he doesn't ask you to steal the empty spaces in his head, the dreams he's yet to have, nor the idea of you always just being 'you' to him - and yet, like a thief in the night (with his own damn dog as your accomplice), you do.

warnings: fluff more than angst, but it's not clean cut - there's also a touch of smut. office worker jk, fuck boy (but kind!) jk, mentions of his workplace escapades, oc is dating mingyu (yay), oc sorta fancies jk (boo), solo masturbation (m), vivid thoughts of shagging (jk is a perv! wow! unlike me to write him as randy bastard!), lots of facetime calls, oc and jk are fundamentally flawed as a pairing, genuine friendship, daddy kink? ig? but like kinda sweet?, jungkook has a complex brain house and you've been banished to his annexe!! he also has a thing for claw clipped hair lol

wordcount: 6.8K

note from holly: so... i dogsat (? idk if thats a word) for my friend last chuseok and this was the result hahahaha. my friends dog (boba <3) is so tiny and small!! but i've always been a big dog girlie so bam was fun to write. i really love this one and have recently found all of my old notes from around that time detailing the rest of the couples lives, so pt. 2 is in progress.

minors dni // cross posted to wattpad

Bam notices the storm roll in before you do. His ears twitch, head lifting from its rested perch on his paws.

“What’s up, baby? Hey?” You coo, his sudden shift obviously prompted by something. His snout begins to twitch, too, and his bottom lip shakes as a small growl vibrates from his throat. His eyes are on the window, stalking the clouds as they roll past. “Hey.”

You sit up a little straighter to lean forward and scratch behind his ear. He leans into it, but doesn’t take his eyes away from the sky.

“You see the rain, huh?” You hum, looking between the pup and the window ahead. You can’t place it yet - it’s too far in the distance - but you find yourself coming to sit beside him. He doesn’t lean up against you like he usually does. Just continues to lightly growl.

There’s no threat behind his noises, no malice - he’s just shouting back at the thunder you can’t hear. When you see a bolt of lightning flash in the distance just beyond the city skyline, you know that it won’t be long until Jungkook’s apartment block is drenched in the weather.

It’s just gone midnight when he calls. His face is a little puffy, smile a little lopsided.

“Hey Bammie,” he coos into the camera. You’ve got it angled down to where the pup is resting his head on your knee, peacefully unwinding after his long walk. Bam doesn’t stir at Jungkook’s voice, so he tries again. “Bammie?”

The way he elongates his puppy’s name is sweet - a tone of voice reserved only for his most trusted companion. He sure as hell has never spoken to you like that.

“Sorry, bud,” you say as you lift the camera up to your face. He’s pouting. “I don’t think the vibrations sound the same through the phone.”

“I miss him,” he says not even caring to acknowledge your thought process. “Is he okay? Was he good on his walk?”

“He’s all good,” you smile. “Best boy in the world. None of the other dogs you mentioned were down at the park, so it was just us two.”

He nods into the camera and purses his lips. “They might all be away. Visiting family.” He rolls over in his bed and lets out a yawn. “How’s the apartment? Got everything you need?”

You nod back. “All good. Might have eaten my way through your cheese stash already. I’m gonna shower then head to bed in a minute.”

“Make sure you leave the bathroom door open a little,” he says. “He’ll whine if not.”

“Will do.”

“Thank you,” he says. “I really appreciate you doing this. He hasn’t been too much work, has he?”

“He’s good as gold,” you say as you switch to the back camera. The view is serene, and Jungkook’s lips instantly settle into a smile. Bam is up on the sofa with you, snuggled against your lap. The skyline twinkles through his window, the reflection of his mood lamp obscuring some of it - but he’s quietly pleased that you’re using it. It’s how he normally winds down, too. Main lights off, galaxy on his ceiling. Must make Bam feel a little more at ease. You go to scratch behind his ear, and he huffs a little, all content and cosy. “Thanks for asking. He’s never too much work. You trained him well.”

“Hmm,” Jungkook hums. “Could have trained you a little better, though.”

He laughs when you switch the camera back to your face, mouth open, brows knitted together. “Me?!”

“Yes, you,” he grins now but tries to hide it; to restore the stoicism to his face. It doesn’t work. “What did I tell you about the sofas?”

You purse your lips together as if you’re not smiling. He’s got you there, admittedly.

“Look, he’s just so cute!” Despite the fact you’ve turned the camera back onto Bam, Jungkook can tell you’re pouting. “How could I say no?!”

“Easily!” Jungkook laughs. “That’s how he became so well trained! I leave for one night and-”

“Shuuuush,” you laugh, and when the camera switches back to you, Jungkook can’t help but let his smile persist. You look tired, and so does he, but there’s something about the call that has made you forget all about the fact you were planning on going to bed soon. “My swamp now. My rules.”

“My swamp,” he protests, but the look on his face is so saccharine that you can’t take him seriously. He thinks the same could be said for you. “Anyways, it’s late. Go get your shower. If you need more towels, there are some in the cupboard by the boiler. Don’t forget to turn the vent on - it’s the switch next to the light.”

“Alright, will do,” you nod and then yawn. Bam pricks his head up. “Hey baby,” you speak to him. “Did I wake you?”

“Show me him.”

You switch the camera around to where you’re scratching at Bam’s ear. He leans his head into the scratch, thoroughly enjoying it, your long nails far scratchier than Jungkook’s. It’s not the same - Jungkook is far stronger, so is a little rougher which suits Bam just fine. Still, he likes your scratches better than no scratches at all.

Jungkook whines. “I miss him.”

“He misses you, too. Want me to call in the morning?”

Jungkook shakes his head. “We’re up early tomorrow, heading over to Haedong Yonggungsa in the morning. Probably be up before you. Send me pictures though.”

“Will do. Night, buddy.”

“Night gremlin,” he smiles, and then begins to coo. “Night Bammie. Daddy misses you.”

He wishes you wouldn’t look at him in the way that you do when he says that; lips turned upwards at the very corners, dimples pressing into your cheeks, eyes bright.

“Shut up,” he says, but you’re already laughing.

“Daddy.”

“I am his dad!”

“Daddy.”

“Oh my god, fuck off,” he laughs. “Have nightmares, gremlin.”

“Sweet dreams, Daddy.”

“Fuck off!”

You hang up before he can protest your taunts any more, though he does text you one final ‘fuck off,’ and a reminder that you can bolt his front door if it will make you feel safer.

His apartment is in a high-rise, and his neighbourhood is far nicer than yours. You do the bolt up regardless, and think that it’s sweet that he considered your comfort enough to remind you about it.

Bam sits by the sliding door of the bathroom, the tips of his paws just teetering over the line of the door frame. He rests his head on his legs, snout angled towards the hallway. It still makes you feel a little weird. You don’t really want a dog watching you shower, even if he is a dog and has no real understanding of what’s happening - so you turn your back to him and just reassure yourself that Jungkook showers with the door open wide.

It’s a funny thing, to think about your co-worker’s showering habits. Not one that you’ve ever thought to indulge in before - but Jungkook would go ballistic if he heard you refer to him as your ‘co-worker.’ You’re friends. Pretty good ones, at that.

You’re level players at your company; earn the same wage, hold the same rank. There’s not really any competition between the pair of you - you work in different departments - but are often paired together when the two sections merge for joint projects. You make for a good team.

Over the years, you and Jungkook have also learned that you’re a highly capable team when it comes to playing beer pong against your colleagues on Friday nights, and at the mixed-doubles tennis tournament that your company insists on you participating in every year. It’s either that or be on the Christmas Party Planning committee, and you know which you’d rather do.

Thinking about tinsel in August? No, thank you.

There is however one crucial flaw to your partnerships: how you live your lives. How you manage your money.

See, Jungkook is frugal. He makes big investments - his apartment, his cars, games consoles, Bam. Doesn’t spunk his cash away on the small shit. His apartment is in the heart of the city, only a few floors from the very top. He gets a birds-eye view of the world around him. You don’t even want to imagine how much his deposit cost.

Probably more than you have in your savings. You do spunk your cash away - on the small shit, no less. Clothes, cafes, that sort of stuff. Nothing that holds permanence. It frustrates Jungkook to no end. He thinks you could have a better life if you just used your money wisely - but you’re happy in your slightly cramped apartment, happy when the serotonin of a shopping spree boosts your mood, happy when you’re laughing with your friends over coffee and cake.

You wouldn’t be happy if you felt restricted. You think that Jungkook is.

He disagrees. He has enough in the bank to buy whatever he wants. He has financial freedom.

But there’s a difference. You’re both free in your own ways.

It’s for that reason you’d never work as a couple. Would infuriate one another far too much. Everyone who is close to you both knows this; how badly suited you would be. They’ll joke about all of the women in the office trying to get their mitts on Jungkook - even the married ones - but not you.

It’s funny because they’re right. Everybody wants him.

He collects stars from their eyes and accumulates them in his own. The girls blush and giggle about how he looks at them with galaxies, but they don’t realise what a thief he is. Don’t realise he’s stolen their shine, and incorporated it into his own. A spotlight follows him, and you enjoy watching the show unfold with an amused grin whenever a new secretary catches his gaze for the first time.

It’s not intentional. You don’t think Jungkook realises he does it. In fact, he hadn’t realised that it was such a pattern of behaviour until the midnight squalor of a dive bar had you talking about office conquests, and how the photocopier room had seen his bare ass more than it had seen toner changes.

“Shouldn’t shit where you eat, Jeon,” you’d grinned.

“Firstly, that’s a horrible phrase - and secondly, it takes two to tango. They’re just as much to blame as I am.”

But they’re not. He’s the only repeat offender.

“And anyways,” he had deflected, sinking down the final dregs of his beer. “Don’t act like you’re some kind of saint. Everyone’s fucked a colleague at least once.”

You’d just raised an eyebrow.

“You’re telling me you haven’t?”

“Like I said - shouldn’t shit where you eat, Jeon.”

Now, if he’d have said housemate, you would have folded. Downed your drink. Ordered a repeat round.

Something about a shared space - domestication - really gets you. It’s joint laundry loads, shared dinners, movie nights; grocery shopping, D.I.Y. furniture, arguments about who gets the bigger room. More often than not, it never matters, ‘cause you just end up staying in theirs.

You live alone now. After the third time, you knew better than to let yourself fall into the trap once more.

He learns about your affliction a few months later, and goes on tease you relentlessly.

In fact, he mentions it when he propositions you a few weeks before Chuseok. You had both spent the last couple of holiday periods overworked, slogging through the festivities. For the first time since either of you can remember, your workload has eased up.

You’ve already told him you’re planning on doing sweet, sweet fuck all. You’ve told your family you will be working, because you just want to finally breathe for a while; stay in with a tub of ice cream and your favourite films. Speak to no one. Do nothing.

“I’ve got a favour to ask you,” he had said as he approached your desk before the end of the day. It was a Friday, but you weren’t heading for after-work drinks with the usual suspects like you typically did. You had a date, instead. A third one with the same guy - Mingyu - which felt like a miracle. Even Jungkook was a little shocked that the poor guy wasn’t sick of you.

“Go on,” you had mused as you checked over your to-do list for the following week.

“You gotta promise me something first.”

“Promise you what?”

“That you won’t fall in love with me.”

You’d swatted him away the ruler on your desk, and told him to get his head out of his ass. “Been able to resist your charms this long, Jeon. Give me some credit.”

“It’s only ‘cause you know I’d reject you, you little gremlin.”

“I thought you wanted a favour? Funny way of going about it.”

“Sorry, sorry. You’re right,” he had conceded with an apologetic smile. “Forgive me.”

“What do you want?”

“How would you feel about potentially staying at mine over Chuseok to look after Bam? My parents want us to head down to Busan for the weekend and see relatives seeing as I’m finally free and know it’s a big ask but I-”

“Oh my God, yes?!” You had smiled so wide Jungkook thought you might fracture your jaw.

You love Bam.

In fact, he might just be your favourite thing about Jungkook.

Occasionally you walk him with Jungkook on the weekends, when you’re both hungover and need to get out of a slump. You’ve grown up with pets, but moving to the city in your early twenties to pursue your career meant apartment living.

You’re a rural girl deep down, and would never want to keep a pet in a high rise.

Jungkook manages it, but he goes home at lunchtime to walk Bam during the winter. In the summer, when it’s too hot, he goes home at lunch regardless, to lounge around with Bam under the air con.

Sometimes, you go with him. Bam is always pleased to see you.

Jungkook lied and said he asked around because he didn’t want to inconvenience you.

Truth is, he wouldn’t have trusted anyone else with his baby. He’d never spent a night away from Bam. Hated the idea. Despised it, in fact. He would have just taken Bam with him to Busan, but didn’t think it would be fair to force him on the journey from Seoul.

Over in Busan, when Jungkook hangs up, the conversation isn’t over. It continues in his head.

“Hey, wait…”

“Mhhm?”

“You just… look nice tonight, that’s all.”

He thinks you’d blush. Would tell him to lay off the soju. Accuse him of getting too drunk for a family get-together. He’d let you. Would take the beating of your false accusations, because it would be far easier than admitting he’s not had a single drop.

He thinks of the hug he’ll give Bam when he gets home; how wild his tail will waggle, how he’ll jump all over the place, and how you’ll be giggling. In his mind, you’ll be smiling just as wide as he is.

You’d stay for dinner. Jungkook would order from your favourite place to say thank you. Bam would snuggle up to Jungkook - on the sofa - and you’d be on the other side, stroking his back. He’d be happy. Bam, not Jungkook. But also Jungkook. Hopefully you, too.

When the time would approach for you to go home, you’d offer to help. Rinse out the containers. Hair up in a claw clip, t-shirt off your shoulder like it so often is.

Jungkook doesn’t notice, but his hands begin to trail down his body as he thinks of you. His phone is still on his chest, rising and falling with every beat of his heart. The tips of his fingers stroke against his skin.

He thinks of you laughing with him about something inconsequential. You’d flick water in his direction when he’d make some joke at your expense. It’d all be in good humour.

But then he’d flick some back at you, and water war would break out. Bam would run excitedly between the pair of you, Jungkook chasing you around the kitchen island with wet hands - and you’d do the exact same back. You’d flick water over the counter, tap still running and he’d call you a gremlin.

There’s a smile on his lips as he thinks of his. His hands roam further south. He’s ticking at his abdomen. It’s nice. Feels calm. He likes to engage his senses when he thinks of scenarios like these. Makes it feel more real.

But then he’s thinking of your shirt and the fact it’s white.

And then he’s imagining catching up with you, holding you captive as he angles the tap towards your face. You’ll be shrieking and scrambling to get away, Bam by your feet, Jungkook laughing.

He’d relent, but only enough for you to twist to face him.

Jungkook’s fingers are by his thighs. Stroking. Caressing. He’s avoiding his cock. Knows it’s firm. His index finger spreads to his balls. Teases.

And then he thinks of your body pressed against his torso, your ass to the counter.

You’d both be soaked.

He’d look at your lips. Look in your eyes. Feel your chest against his. He’d swallow hard.

It’s at this point he forgets about Bam in the scenario. It’s just you and him.

His palm rests over the length of his cock. Presses down. His hips roll.

He’d tell you that you’ve made a mess. You’d tell him to clean it up. His heart would be racing. So would yours.

And it’s funny, because his heart actually is. It’s beating so fucking hard in his childhood bedroom, that he thinks his parents must be able to hear it through the walls.

He’s in a far-too-firm single bed, but in his head, he’s with you in his kitchen.

He begins to grip his cock, long fingers wrapping around his shaft. He pulls up. Pushes back down. Says your name. Whines.

He doesn’t even really realise he’s doing it.

Just thinks about you.

Thinks about the way it would feel to sink his lips into yours; the first bite of a forbidden fruit. Thinks about that quick tongue of yours, and if it would be just as quick to find its way into his mouth. Thinks about your manicured nails that Bam loves so much, and how they’d scratch against his scalp instead. Thinks about the way his hips would rock against you, kind of like they are now; pulsing beneath his duvet.

His mind jumps. Skips the foreplay. Doesn’t mean to - but the thoughts are intrusive. Insidious. Insatiable. He can’t help it.

He pushes up into his hand. Pauses. Waits out the feeling. Retracts. Repeats.

In his head, it’s you that he’s pushing into.

The sensation is entirely different, granted, but - fuck - he hasn’t gotten himself off all week and hasn’t had sex in far longer, so it all feels the same to him.

He hasn’t worked out the mental logistics.

His imagination is jumping from the kitchen to his bedroom and then back to the kitchen again. Can’t decide where all of this is happening - and then suddenly, he finds himself railing you in the utility room.

You’re perched above the washer, held in place by him. He can smell the laundry detergent. He’s got spotlights in the room, but they’re turned off. Only lights from the hallway and the city skyline illuminate you.

It’s obscure. The shadows in his head conceal you a little. He’s gripping your waist beneath your shirt. The baby gate which keeps Bam out of the laundry room is closed.

You’re not talking, just fucking, fucking, fucking and -

“Fuck,” he whines, hand is jerking at his cock, heart rate stuttering.

He shouldn’t be thinking about you like this.

Shouldn’t let his mind jump again to a point where you’re fucking naked, and your sodden shirt is on a pile of yet-to-be-done laundry.

But then it jumps again, and one of his towels is on the floor. He’s laying down, back against it. The same position that he’s in now in his childhood bedroom - but he’s thinking about you. The silhouette of your body. The warm curves of your body. The way you bounce on his cock and then-

Oh god, it’s torture the way his cock throbs. Pre-cum leaks from his tip as his speed builds. It’s just a fantasy. Nothing more nothing less. But it’s you. And then he’s thinking about pulling you down for a kiss, and the scent of your perfume and the way you’d moan into his mouth and then his legs are shaking, torso tensing.

He’s taking it too far. Too fucking far. You. Fuck. He can’t. But he doesn’t stop. Just keeps going. Fucks his hand like it’s your pussy.

He’s pulling himself closer, closer, closer, and then he thinks about your voice, and the way you called him Daddy, and he can’t help himself. The pressure that releases in his stomach is catastrophic. Jungkook mewls your name. Calls you baby. Unloads all over himself. White hot cum paints his belly. Seeps into his belly button. Makes a mess of his hand as he coaxes the last few ropes out. It’s been a while since his last nut, but the amount he produces is not fucking normal.

It rolls down the side of his toned torso, Jungkook swallowing harshly as he tries to regulate his breathing. He doesn’t think he can. Doesn’t know what to do with himself. Just kind of lays there. Curses. Knots his brows together. Is frustrated with himself.

You’ve been friends for years. He’s never done anything like this before. He chalks it up to nothing more than him just being a little too horny for his own good. Cleans himself off. Puts his phone on charge. Berates himself for being a piece of shit. Spends a good ten or so minutes staring at the ceiling with an empty head before he falls asleep.

And it’s funny, because when you wake up in the morning, panties damp, the dream you had about Jungkook railing you in his own damn bed, you find yourself looking across the space where he usually sleeps. You reach ouch. Stroke the emptiness. Curse. Spend the rest of the day unbearably horny. It frustrates you. Makes you snappy with Jungkook when he calls.

He asks if you’ve seen Mingyu. You tell him no. He says maybe you should - but makes sure to add, “He’s still not allowed in my apartment.”

“I’m not gonna bring anyone into your space, Jungkook.”

It’s something he knows, and something he trusts you not to do, but he’s still reinforcing boundaries. Making sure that there are still some left. He thinks that if he pushes you closer to someone else, it will sort his brain out. Alleviate him of the guilt that he’s feeling.

But you don’t see Mingyu.

When Jungkook calls again that evening to find you walking Bam alone, he’s pleased. Doesn’t want some guy you’re fucking anywhere near his most prized possession. Bam, that is. Not you. But now that he thinks of it, he finds he doesn’t want Mingyu anywhere near you, either.

“Good day?” You ask, voice a lot lighter than it had been earlier.

Jungkook nods, but he doesn’t really smile. “I miss Bammie.”

You pout. “He misses you too. He’s gonna be so excited when you get home.”

The camera switches to the back camera so he can watch Bam bound along the path. He’s on his lead, snout sniffing in all the flowerbeds. It’s dark out, but there are enough lights on the trail for him to be able to see clearly.

“How is he? Eating okay? Going to the bathroom okay?”

“Eating like a champ, and producing shits to confirm that,” you say flatly. It’s definitely your least favourite part of animal ownership - but the reward is so much greater than having to pick up shit off a sidewalk.

“That’s my boy,” Jungkook grins, before turning his focus to you. “You all good? Seemed a little stressed earlier.”

Jungkook’s expression doesn’t change when the front camera flips back to you, but he finds his heart racing again. When you turn your head to check the car that’s driving past, he notices your hair is up with a claw clip. Just like it was in his… thoughts about you the night before. He likes how attentive you are - how you checked the source of the noise. You’re protective. Follow your instincts. Thinks you’re the best person he could have asked to look after Bam.

“I’m all good,” you say, and you really are.

“I know it’s not exactly the relaxing Chuseok you were planning-”

“Jungkook, it’s fine,” you smile. “It’s been nice. I like Bammie far more than I like you.”

“Understandable.”

You both smile, and Jungkook begins to babble about his day, telling you stories about his parents, and his weird cousin who never knows when to not say inappropriate things, and the aunt who keeps trying to set him up with all of her friends’ daughters.

“Don’t shit where you eat,” you remind him. “Sounds too close to home. Your auntie would never be out of your business.”

“I know, I know,” he rolls his eyes. “And hey - it’s been, like, a year since I last did that! Cut me some slack, gremlin. Anyways, Mingyu works in our building. You’re basically shitting where you eat.”

“I’m actually… I think I’m gonna cool things off with him.”

“Oh?”

“It’s like not a big deal. I’m just not really feeling it.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, you’re not.”

“No, you’re right. I’m not,” Jungkook admits, but is sombre as he does so. He remembers how happy you’d seemed after the first few dates. “But I am sorry that you haven’t found the right guy yet, gremlin.”

“Who knows, maybe I’ll find the love of my life at the dog park tonight.”

“You are not allowed to use my baby as a flirting tactic.”

“No?”

“No.”

“Too late - I’m already here and there is an absolute DILF. Byeeeee.”

“Wait, no-”

You hang up before he can finish, with a grin on your face to rival a Cheshire cat.

The park is empty. Not a single DILF in sight. You ignore his call when he rings back. Will let him sweat it for a bit.

Jungkook lies awake that night.

Doesn’t do much.

His family are still chatting in the sitting room, but he can’t draw himself away from the sanctuary of his own private space, where your voice is still echoing around the room. He’s starting to understand why you’d been craving your space so much for the holiday period.

He doesn���t wanna have to return to the room with a false smile, and a feeling in the pit of his stomach that could rival the ache of getting the ferry across Busan harbour during monsoon season.

Doesn’t want to form cognitive thoughts that distract him from his mindless reflections of you.

Jungkook’s mind works like a house, and right now he’s in the annexe.

He rarely ever goes in there.

Finds he gets too comfortable and neglects the rest of the house. He’s got a garden to tend to, a kitchen to clean, and beds to make - but why would he leave the annexe when it has everything he needs? He’s comfortable there.

It’s normally reserved for the hyper-fixations he’s trying not to fixate on. He locks them away. Hasn’t really visited since he got hooked on GTA5 when he should have been studying for the University Entrance Exam. It’s still there, and he knows better than to pop it in his games console - but there’s someone else on the couch, now. It’s not just him in his mind-annexe. Someone’s in his space. He daren’t let himself go further into the room.

In fact, he’s desperately trying to jump across to the main house. Get himself out of the thoughts that are gonna consume him. He needs to close that God damn door.

But he watches the figure like a car crash. He’s scared. Unable to look away.

Not for fear of it being a monster hidden in the depths of his mind.

Quite the opposite, actually.

Monsters don’t wear their hair up with butterfly-shaped claw clips, or let the clasp of their necklace trail down their spine like that. Monsters don’t twist their back out of habit just to make it click. Monsters don’t spend their days doodling in a journal like the figure on his couch is doing.

But you do.

An iteration of Bam rests up against Jungkook’s leg in his mind, nose wet, tail lightly wagging, so he puts his hand on his pup’s shoulder for comfort. To support him. To guide him away from the annexe and back into the damn main house.

“C’mon,” he says to Bam, expecting him to leave. Expecting him to follow his commands.

It’s his head, after all - but Bam doesn’t heed his commands. Instead, his claws click against the hardwood floor and towards the figure on Jungkook’s couch. A palm outstretches, and Bam leans into it. Hums in content as a set of dark nails scratch at his ear.

“Hey, baby Bammie,” the figure sings and Jungkook knows that voice. Knows it so well that it’s hardly a surprise it’s embedded into his brain so perfectly.

And he knows.

He knows if he lets the person turn around exactly who it’s gonna be. He knows that he can’t let it happen. He won’t.

Because he and you are friends; nothing more, nothing less. Incompatible at best. A match made in hell; so wrong it could never be right.

Jungkook sits up. Shakes his head. The world in his mind tears away into darkness. He stands and tells himself to get a grip before joining his family. He needs the distraction. Needs to have cognitive thoughts. Can’t let himself get trapped. Can’t let him kid himself into thinking that you’re anything more than his friend.

It’s just cause he’s missing Bam, he reasons. Emotions are getting all mixed up. It’s the affection he feels for his beloved best friend that is getting misplaced onto you - although, if he thinks about it (which he won’t (knows better by this point (knows his mind can’t be trusted to behave))), he’d realise that you are his best friend.

It’s unfair to compare you to Bam because you’re an entirely different species, but there’s no other human he likes better than you.

One more day, and he’ll be home. One more day, and he won’t have to call you when he’s all sleepy and confused over his feelings. One more day, and things will be back to normal. One more measly day.

And then he’ll be reunited with Bam, and he won’t have the stress of family or thinking about the week of work ahead to contend with.

One more day. He can do this.

He will do it. Will barrel home at the speed of lightning; will stop only for red lights and maybe the occasional gas station snack, potato spirals on a pointed wooden skewer and deep-fried chicken slathered in a sauce he can never quite figure out the recipe for.

He’ll think about picking you up some bungeoppang - the ones filled with choux, not red bean paste - because he knows that you adore it so. There have been occasions when you’ve begged him to drive you out of the city to the large gas station out West just so you could have bungeoppang from one specific stall.

The signage is faded, and the prices haven’t changed since 2009, but that’s how you know it’s the good shit. A family recipe batter passed down for generations. The woman who makes it is always the same, and though she never remembers you, you always remember her. Beam so brightly Jungkook thinks he’s going blind whenever you spot her.

It’s only because of that one time you’d showed up with the sole mission to retrieve some of the delicious delicacies, only to be confronted with a handwritten ‘closed today, back tomorrow’ note taped to the menu. You never know when the next family emergency or trip out of town might be for your beloved bungeoppang-making Ajumma.

It’s a little after midday when Jungkook’s car rolls into the gas station. He’ll be home soon.

He tells himself that he’s just doing as he always does. Will get his tornado potato. Wolf it down. Go back for some chicken, maybe some tteok.

He’s stayed out of the annexe today. Doesn’t even think about the doorway because he knows the magnetic pull is far too strong for his cobalt heart.

Had ignored your call this morning - sorry, just saying goodbye to everyone. will see you later. - and had pushed all thoughts of you to the side. He’s even tried to stop thinking about Bam because thoughts of him will inevitably lead to thoughts of you and Jungkook is getting dizzy, quite frankly. It’s like he’s chasing his tail, never knowing when to admit defeat.

At least Bam gets enjoyment out of it when he does it. All Jungkook gets is lingering feelings of remorse.

But as he hits the home straight, a small paper bag full of choux bungeoppang cooling down on his passenger seat, his head starts to clear. He’s fixed the lock on the gate that leads to the annexe. Won’t go down that path.

Jungkook arrives ahead of schedule. Parks his car, and doesn’t tell you he’s arrived. Leaves his bag in the boot of the car, but picks up the pastries from his passenger seat.

Opens the door of his apartment quietly. You don’t hear it. Are too busy dancing around the living room with Bam to some mid-noughties classic.

“Hey,” you laugh a little breathlessly as finally notice him. He’s leaning against the wall. Is wearing his glasses, to make up for the long drive. You think it’s a crying shame he doesn’t wear them at work, too.

“Was I interrupting something?”

“No, not all,” you say. There are deep creases below your eyes, testament to the size of your smile. “Me and baby Bammie-” you reach over and stroke at his sides, a little rough and tumble, but perfectly joyous “- were just burning off a little energy before you got home.”

Jungkook crouches, arms outstretched for Bam. The puppy knocks into Jungkook’s chest, legs all moving slightly out of coordination, excitable whines sounding in his throat. His tail wags so fast you think he’d be able to produce electricity if he really tried.

They match each other’s energy; delirious happiness, content only when in one another’s presence.

“Hey buddy,” he coos. “Daddy’s home. I missed you. Missed me too, hey? C’mere.”

His strong hands stroke Bam’s sides, and you watch how playful they both are with unadulterated awe. It seems absurd how similar the two of them are; man and his best friend.

“He was lost without you,” you confirm.

“It’s that right?” Jungkook pouts as he scratches behind Bam’s ears, cradling his face in his hands. “Did Bammie miss Daddy?”

Bam barks. Yes.

“Hey, I’m sorry, boy. I’m home now, though. Daddy’s home.”

Yes, you think. Yes, he is.

The night dissolves much like Jungkook thought it would. You stay for dinner. Watch crappy entertainment shows, and laugh at how absurd people can be. There’s warmth in his apartment, even though he hasn’t turned the heating on.

“You’ll never know how much I appreciate this,” Jungkook says softly as midnight approaches. Bam sighs. There’s rain on the windows, but the storm doesn’t bother him tonight. Not in the slightest. “Thank you.”

Your head shakes. Smile perseveres. “Happy to do it. You know how much I love Bam.”

Silence wraps around your words like a velvet bow, pulled taut. There’s no double knot, but there needn’t be. It isn’t unravelling any time soon.

“So,” you change topic. “How long do you reckon it will take the new secretary to fall in love with you? I’m thinking maybe four days.”

Jungkook wants to make a joke; tease you about how your mind jumped from how much you love his dog, to the idea of loving him. Not you loving him, granted, but it only took a few electrical signals between neurons for you to get there. Must associate him with love pretty closely.

“Four days? Far too quick.” Jungkook pauses. “You’ve been staying here for four days. Reckon that’s an appropriate amount of time to fall in love with someone?”

He’s being facetious. It’s all in jest and yet you feel your heart beat a little faster. Only for a moment. There’s a mild concern in your features, fearful that he can somehow sense the thoughts you’ve been having; the fantasies, the daydreams, the moments of weakness.

You look at him with eyes he doesn’t recognise. Your lashes are low. Sultry, even. Suggestive. Teasing.

And then, they roll.

“Jeon, you have those poor girls on their knees within a single ‘hello’. Don’t act like you don’t know it, you big old flirt.”

“If Bam wasn’t so peaceful, I’d kick you,” he mumbles, stroking at the dark fur behind his pup’s ear. Bam sighs, content to have him back. There’s a smile on Jungkook’s lips. Both are perfectly content. Both are happy to be with the people they like the most in the world.

“He’d just defend me,” you taunt. There’s a serenity to your jokes, and light-hearted banter that means nothing more, nothing less than just enjoyment of one another’s company. “I’m his favourite now.”

Jungkook laughs. Scratches a little firmer behind Bam’s ear. “You hear that, boy? Gremlin really thinks you’d choose her over me.”

You pull your torso back. Turn your body to face his. Let disbelief wash over your features, as if Jungkook saying shit like that’s a surprise. The movement alerts Bam, his head lifting, the chain links of his collar rattling. He looks over to you, then back to Jungkook.

“He LOVES me.”

“I thought dogs are supposed to take after their owners, though?” Jungkook teases. “And I can’t fuckin’ stand you.”

Your playful shock dissolves into narrowed eyes and a suppressed grin. Bam’s looking at you again, so you cup his dainty face and scratch the underside of his jaw. “You hear that, baby Bammie? How are you so lovely when your Daddy is such an asshole?”

Jungkook’s steady gaze lifts to you from Bam. You’re still cooing at the puppy, scratching beneath his snout, but Jungkook’s back in that damn annexe again. He isn’t smiling - but his eyes are unbelievably soft.

So, so velvety. Like satin, maybe; ribbons tied around ponytails. Brushed cotton, perhaps; his still-warm bedsheets fresh out of the tumble dryer.

Soft, like he imagines your hair would be; released from its claw clip, falling around his face. Soft, like he imagines your lips would be; pressed against his, in the privacy of his bedroom. Soft, like he imagines your laugh would be; soundtracking the living alarm clock that is Jeon Bam, as he bundles onto Jungkook’s bed at just gone six-thirty the following morning.

But then you look up at him, and his stare is hard. Still sparkling, yes - but diamonds, not stars. Concrete speckled. Pennies tossed in an empty well; the steel bolt of his door which keeps the outside world at bay.

Hard, like he imagines your teeth would be; tugging on his bottom lip in the shadows of his bedroom. Hard, like he imagines your nails would be; leaving a trail of ruby red sin down his back. Hard, like he imagines your laboured breaths would be; lips resting ajar against his, your very essence pouring into him as he pushes into you.

Hard. Soft. Confusing and conflicting, and just so unbelievably him.

“What?” you question, bemused by the way his demeanour changed. “‘Daddy’ really gets you, huh?”

“Does fuck all for me,” he says with a little temperance, but there’s a smirk on his lips. His tongue runs along the inside of his cheek.

A few have tried the moniker on him, but it never fit well. Would fall from their lips and crash to his bedroom floor. He’d just kiss them to shut them up.

But you… You have him reconsidering. Have him a little hot beneath his sweats.

It’s not really the idea of being your Daddy, but the concept of being one full-stop that has him adjusting his legs slightly. He’s a man of big investments, after all. No greater investment than starting a life with another person. He likes the idea of it.

Makes him think of you talking with a toddler - I’m not sure, baby, go ask Daddy -and the pitter-patter of feet across the hardwood floors of his apartment. Makes him think how gentle you are with Bam, and how wonderful he knows you’d be with a kid. Makes him think all kinds of shit he’s never let himself indulge in before.

When he goes to bed that evening, and his sheets are seeped in the scent of your perfume, he thinks of it all over again.

Thinks of you.

And realises he can’t think about you without his heart racing, any more.

The door of the annexe in his mind is broken, now. Off its hinges.

And apparently, so is he.

Shit.

part two (x)

[cosmerelists]

If Other Stormlight Characters Served as the King's Wit

As requested by anon. :)

"The King's Wit" is there to insult people in the king's stead. In this role, Hoid basically gets to stand at the entrance to feasts and make fun of people. It's a good gig for him. But what if other characters had this job?

1. The Stormfather

Stormfather (rumbling with displeasure): You have broken an oath today. Stormfather: You promised your son that you would play "Shattered Plains" with him this afternoon, but you did not. Stormfather: Though you feast for today, my storm winds shall one day scatter your dishonored bones. Elhokar (visibly sweating): Ha ha my new Wit sure is, ah, intense!

2. Kaladin

Kaladin: Ew. Another Lighteyes... Kaladin: Sniff, sniff! Smells like the exploitation of the powerless in here! Kaladin: I can name a dozen men better than you and guess what--they're ALL darkeyed. Kaladin: Nice outfit--did it come free with your ancestral privilege?  Elhokar (muttering to himself): I will not put him in jail again, I will not put him in jail again, I will not...

3. Shallan

Shallan: [sketching] Hapless Lighteyed guest: Is that...me? Shallan: It is! [shows Ideal Self portrait--it's the same person, only their sadness and distrust is gone and they shine with an earnest and honest light, looking out toward their future] Hapless Lighteyed Guest (visibly tearing up): I...It's beautiful. Shallan: Please, go ahead & take it! Elhokar: Shallan-Wit, why is everyone at my feast introspective and crying? Shallan: I'm really good at art.

4. Adolin

Adolin: Wow! You are so brave to put those colors together, and in a style from two years ago ago! Adolin: You are almost pulling it off. 

5. Dalinar

Dalinar: Hello. I could not help but overhear your heated argument, my friends. Dalinar: It reminds me of a tale from the Way of Kings, which I will now quote from memory... Dalinar: ... Dalinar: Aaaaand, they fled. Dalinar: That's the third time that's happened this evening.

6. Ialai

Ialai: [hands hapless lighteyed guest a folded-up sheet of paper] Hapless Lighteyed Guest: W-Where did you get this information about me? And my husband? And my...former boyfriend's sister's cousin? Ialai: [merely smiles] Hapless Lighteyed Guest: W-What do you want? Please! I'll do anything! Ialai: Why...nothing at all. Yet. Please enjoy the feast.

7. Lift

Lift: Mmmm....4. Lift: A solid 6! Lift: Perhaps a 5, but ONLY because of those pants. Lift: Wow! An 8! Wyndle: P-Please mistress, I don't think the job of the King's Wit is to rank the butts of all attendees! Lift: They need to know.

8. Jasnah

Hapless Lighteyed Guest: Ugh, I don't think it's right for the king to employ a heretic as his Wit! Jasnah: It's strange--one might think that your faith in the Almighty would inspire you to strive to be a good man, yet in reality your mother weeps each and every night to have produced a son who loves drinking and gambling more than he loves his children, his wife, or indeed the Almighty. Jasnah: Should you wish to inspire faith in others, perhaps you should try to demonstrate even the smallest reason why yours has produced an iota of good for anyone in this world aside from yourself. Elhokar (across the room, watching): I...am afraid.

9. Lopen

Lopen: Hey, I know you! I got a cousin in your army! Lopen: He always laughs 'bout how weird it is that your officers make the men pay for their own boots 'n' stuff 'cause it's an army not a charity, right? But then your officer son gets an allowance which is funny 'cause that kinda seems like the 'charity' thing that an army isn't! Lopen: We Herdazians tend to use a word to mean a thing, yeah? But you Alethi sure like to make a word mean whatever it is you want!

10. Szeth & Nightblood

Nightblood: Evil. Evil. Evil. Definitely evil. Big evil! Little evil, but still evil. Szeth: You've identified every guest so far as evil, sword-nimi. Nightbood: Yeah, I'm so good at detecting evil! So when does the slaying start? Szeth: I told you. I don't murder entire parties anymore. That is my past, but it does not have to be my future. Nightblood: But you're the King's Wit! You got wit-tle down the evil, right? Szeth: That is not what that means, sword-nimi. Nightblood: ... Szeth: ... Nightblood: People sure do speed up when they have to walk past us, huh? Szeth: I am pretty sure that means we're doing a good job.

[bumblepony]

Birthday Fic Recs!

So it's my birthday, y'all, and on this momentous day, I want to share my favorite fics from all my favorite authors and friends in this amazing fandom! Because you all are such wonderful people, and you've all inspired me to become a better writer, and I can't thank you all enough. So here is my list in no particular order. Some of these may be duplicates of fics I've recommended in the past, if so roll with it because I'm always happy to share amazing stuff again.

i know you by heart by @sixhours - Joel and Ellie settle into their new lives in Jackson but it's not the easiest transition. Thankfully Jackson has a counselor to help with that. AKA the gay TLOU/Prospect crossover you didn't know you needed.

A woman is a changeling by @treadlightlymydarlinggirl - (Tess lives) and what happens after!

back and forth, up and down by @lauronk - (more times ellie & joel barely missed each other in the qz)

our hearts are heavy burdens (we shouldn't have to bear alone) by @ameerawrites - Maria and Tommy's engagement story, a prequel to "Not Alone"

Fortunate Son - Maria Sinclair agrees to help Tommy Miller, a probationary resident at Jackson, with a life-changing opportunity.

Next of Kin by @probssomethingorother - The day Joel becomes a dad and how he deals with the sudden weight of fatherhood. Slight canon divergence where his wife dies instead of leaving. Big whumps ahead.

Mary Poppins ain't got nothing on me by @barlowstreet - Tommy POV again! This time, he's watching Ellie while Joel has surgery. Ellie is not fond of this plan.

collaborators by @becomethesun - Sam and Henry live. Adventures and found family bonding ensue on the journey from Kansas City to Jackson and beyond.

What Would Your Superpower Be? by blue_calico on AO3 -

i know you by heart by @sixhours - Joel and Ellie settle into their new lives in Jackson but it's not the easiest transition. Thankfully Jackson has a counselor to help with that. AKA the gay TLOU/Prospect crossover you didn't know you needed.

A woman is a changeling by @treadlightlymydarlinggirl - (Tess lives) and what happens after!

back and forth, up and down by @lauronk - (more times ellie & joel barely missed each other in the qz)

our hearts are heavy burdens (we shouldn't have to bear alone) by @ameerawrites - Maria and Tommy's engagement story, a prequel to "Not Alone"

Fortunate Son - Maria Sinclair agrees to help Tommy Miller, a probationary resident at Jackson, with a life-changing opportunity.

Next of Kin by @probssomethingorother - The day Joel becomes a dad and how he deals with the sudden weight of fatherhood. Slight canon divergence where his wife dies instead of leaving. Big whumps ahead.

Mary Poppins ain't got nothing on me by @barlowstreet - Tommy POV again! This time, he's watching Ellie while Joel has surgery. Ellie is not fond of this plan.

collaborators by @becomethesun - Sam and Henry live. Adventures and found family bonding ensue on the journey from Kansas City to Jackson and beyond.

What Would Your Superpower Be? by blue_calico on AO3 - With a storm taking its toll on Ellie as they pass through Indiana, Joel reluctantly lets them stay with a family who stirs up pain he's tried hard to bury. Still, he knows how to be a good dad. He just can't yet see it.

Lost in the Woods by @cardigains - How digging up what's buried in the past brings about consequences in the present. (The Private Investigator!AU nobody asked for.) (I did! I asked for it! I'm here for it!)

Right Where We Belong by cauldron_zeta on AO3 - Frank has upheaved his life to move to almost the middle of nowhere. His closest neighbour isn't really a people person but Frank has always liked a challenge.

just babes being dudes and flat on my face then back in the race and my cow, your cow, our cow by @ciaconnaa - Sorry this are all amazing and I just could not pick which one was my favorite!

Mute Joel by @captainredspade - An Ellie and Joel drabble that may or may not turn to something more in the future. It's based off the au idea of Joel being mute, and if he and Ellie met a different way than they did in canon.

Compassionate Friends by @mildredellie - Ellie & Joel meet at a grief support group they were both forced to attend.

cosmic oddities by @deervsheadlights - Turning a clan of two into a clan of four and asking the very important, albeit unhinged question: What if space dad and apocalypse dad were Weird About Each Other?

Taste your beating heart by @finnelfin - Tess's traveling companions are keeping secrets.

in search of some hope by @dancingonmoonbeams - Tommy’s story, from leaving Boston to finding Jackson to him and Joel finding each other again.

show me how to lie, you're getting better all the time by @eedsknees - Cry to the Chest (featuring Ellie with endometriosis trying to ignore her pain until she can't anymore!)

Mother by @liveandletcry23 - The Millers have a demon problem

expect(ing)(ations) by @penandinkprincess - (set about ten years after the original storyline) (ellie, now grown and married, decides she wants to have a baby so she can pass her immunity on to her kid)

Dinosaur by @femmefacetious - Joel and Ellie deal with some stupid cold temperatures and assorted shenanigans (the not-fun kind) in and around the town of...Dinosaur, CO.

we could walk forever, walkin' on the moon and what matters most by @boopernatural - I had to pick both because they are some of my favorites!

For Your Entertainment by @manicparadox - A strip club AU. Bill and Frank meet at The Bou-Peek where Frank is a stripper.

Future Proof by Capricordinary on AO3 - Joel is somehow transported into the past. he makes it his mission to find four year old Ellie, reunite his family and find a safe place for them in the Wyoming wilderness

Most Likely Occupation by joschmo on AO3 - Joel is a single dad working long hours in a difficult, painful occupation. He does what he needs to do to keep going, or at least that's what he tells himself. After the outbreak, things...escalate.

ily, imu, im sry (i love you, i miss you, im sorry) by @mariatesstruther - in which joel and tess haven't spoken for ten years, but are reintroduced for their daughters’ english project. sarah and ellie misinterpret the situation quite a bit.

To Have Loved Someone by Joels_revolver on AO3 - Ellie is stuck in a modern Jackson now and neither she nor Joel have any idea how to get her back. Ellie has no choice but to confront her demons, and Joel— Well, he has a few demons of his own to deal with.

dodors (and other birds) by @ketchupchipsaregross - How Tess and Joel accidentally restarted parenting in their 40s.

let all your damage damage me by @electricbluebutterflies - Assorted prompt fills and shorter ficlets, generally unconnected and variable ratings. Tess/Joel.

Of Artists and Architects by @emilylawsons - A Cordyceps-Free Tessjoel AU

creature fear by @marceltheshellwithflipflopson - The first time Joel protects Sarah from an infected, it changes his life forever. The first time Joel protects Ellie from an infected, it feels just like it did twenty years ago. Even if he swears up and down that the kid is just cargo.

I have to break this up. It's too big. So look for the next one in a little bit.

[bakvrue]

ryusui x reader

my first time writing for him and dr stone, a cute little piece of fluff, beginnings of romance

Mid afternoon sun shines through the canopy above as you walk back to your village. Your morning was spent aboard a ship of science for a small excursion: the open sea, whale watching, geography mapping, technology you never thought you would see again, and a man who you can't seem to take your eyes off of.

Even now as he and Senku converse ahead of you your eyes are glued to him. Ryusui is magnetic, drawing everything and everyone to him, even if they don't want to be there. But you? You wish you could be with him all the time.

The way he smiles, the way he cares about others, the way he puts his plans into action to get what he wants, the way he…

“Hello?” Your doctor friend walking beside you waves her hand in front of your face, “You listening?” She knows full well you were not.

You tear your gaze away from the blonde and look over at her and your other friend, the village's agricultural master. Both of their eyebrows are raised, their eyes pointing between you and Ryusui.

You know they saw what happened aboard the ship. Ryusui and you got closer and closer throughout the day until his hand made itself comfortable on the small of your back. They could probably see your heart beating out of your chest.

“We’re talking about dinner—”

“Are you joining us?”

“Or did you make other plans?”

The way they finish each other's sentences makes you feel like you're being circled by snakes.

Ever the opportunist, you speak a little louder, “Oh, I hadn't made any dinner plans yet.”

The blonde captain turns his head a quarter before looking back straight ahead and a rush goes through you, whatever jumping for joy looks like, you could probably do that right now.

Your friends shake their heads, if it was just the three of you you would bring up the men that have had their hearts fluttering recently, but with Tsukasa just a few people behind you and Senku in front of you, you choose peace.

Just before the village comes into view you bound up next to Ryusui and you don't notice Senku taking a few steps back to give you the semblance of privacy.

You reach your hand up, half jumping to pluck the captain's hat right off his head. You've heard a few stories about this specific hat; thrown off into a storm to gauge wind currents. The hat came back to him and maybe some of that luck can rub off on you.

It's too big and a little damp but you plop it on your head, laughing as it falls over your eyes.

The electric feeling in your chest, it feels like you're back in high school flirting with the boy you liked.

He lifts the hat slightly, adjusting it on your head so that you can see. Your cheeks warm from his attention as you thank him.

“That hat isn't free, you know.” His smirk sends butterflies to your stomach.

“Everything has a price. Yes, yes, I know.”

There's a twinkle in your eye as you put your hands behind your back and look up at him. A mistake.

The sun shines on his blond hair, his brown eyes are as bright as you've ever seen them. His irises swimming with something akin to desire.

Your foot snags on a hidden root and you start to fall forward until his hands grab you, steadying you on your feet.

You hear snickering behind you and whip your head around to find your friends and Senku looking anywhere but you, whistling and admiring the canopy.

“Pay me in your time.” You look back at him with your mouth partially opened, and he laughs. “The price for the hat. Dinner tonight.”

You right yourself, his arms no longer supporting you and you immediately miss their warmth.

“Dinner tonight,” you nod, “but I'm keeping the hat until then.”

“It looks better on you anyways.”

You reach the edge of the village and Ryusui follows Senku towards the science sector while you make your way back to the medical barn with your friends.

“Don't say a word,” you warn while they immediately burst out in laughter, and you end up laughing with them. Tripping into your crushes arms is hilarious, but now you have a date to get ready for.

[dayseedrawz2]

Hahaha uhmm idk what to do so here's a self-indulgent Uh I mean practice fic while I mentally prepare for chapter 4 based on that One post I made a while back.

This is all cannon to Ring-Misstress AU btw

Uhhh enjoy!!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Bedtime story" - (A Ring-Misstress fanfic fanfic)

Pomni found herself walking towards her room, not just alone, but with a child holding her hand. But it was all by choice (mostly). She and Caine now had a mission to raise this small AI. She herself was surprised just how motherly she could be.

[So, I get to sleep in the big bed with you??]

♧Just untill Caine and I can design your own bed. Here, go ahead and look around!♧

The Ring-Misstress opened up the door with her face on it.

This was Voz's first time in his new mother's room. Well- his first time in the circus at all! His first day existing! The moment he stepped in to look around, something immediately caught his eye.

Up on a small desk beside the bed stood a small plushie. A chubby yellow and green alligator with a cowboy hat. Sitting on the edge of the desk with its arms and legs stretched straight out in front of him.

Voz had to jump but successfully obtained the plush from its spot. Pomni noticed him and chuckeld.

♧I see you've met my friend Gummigoo.♧

[Is that his name??]

♧Yup. Named him after an old friend of mine. I got him as a gift! My most prized possession!♧

[Really?? Woah...]

Voz looked up at Pomni and back down at the Gummigoo in his hands. Pomni pulled out a replica of Caine's WackyWatch.

♧Welp, let's get you and Gummi to bed. Caine says you gotta recharge.♧

She picked him up, still with the plush in his hands. As she tucked him in, his little artificial mind couldn't help but stay curious.

[Mama, you said he's named after an old friend. Who??]

♧Yesh, it's quite a long story... you sure??♧

Pomni teased, knowing this was most likely a lure to get him to stay up longer.

[Yes yes yes please tell me everything!!]

Voz squealed with excitement, wanting nothing more but to learn about his mother and the world around him.

♧Alright, alright, I guess a little bedtime story wouldn't hurt. Well, it all started the second day I joined the circus...♧

*Insert Pomni's POV from episode 2 (you already know what happened) ok back to the story*

[Papa did WHAT!?]

He squezzed Gummigoo as right as he could.

♧Mhmm.♧

Pomni nodded. It was a whole lot for Voz to take in. "But... if that happened the day after Pomni and Caine met, then... how are they still friends??"

[So... you weren't mad at him..?]

♧Oh no, I was really mad At him for a LOOOOOOONG time. Untill one day...♧

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Caine stood in midair, confused why the Jester was so blind by rage.

☆Pomni... I- I don't understand... he was just some old NPC of mine! Why are you so... upset-☆

♧OF COURSE YOU DONT UNDERSTAND YOU HEARTLESS PEACE OF SH-♧

The Ringmaster crossed his arms with an exaggerated expression on his face. Still oblivous to the issue at hand.

☆Hey, hey! There's no need for such language!May I remind you that The Amazing Digital Circus has a very strict family-friendly Policy-☆

♧I DON'T CARE ABOUT SOME STUPID @#! POLICY!! YOU'RE A SORRY EXCUSE FOR A RINGMASTER! YOU DIDN'T EVEN HESITATE TO SNAP HIM OUT OF EXISTENCE!! I JUST WANTED TO HELP HIM AND NOW HE'S- ...he's...♧

Pomni suddenly stopped. Small sniffles escaped her as she stormed off to who knows where.

A few hours passed, and there was no sign of Pomni. Caine had asked all the other performers for any information, but they either didn't know or didn't care to help him.

He was digitally heartbroken. He somberly floated around the circus tents interior. Pomni would probably never look him in the face ever again. He just wanted to get to know his new performer. He genuinely didn't know what he had done wrong. If he could just try to find her and talk things out...

Then, he heard what sounded like Pomni sobbing in the distance.

☆Well, that's oddly convenient.☆

He followed the sound and turned the corner to see that it was, in fact, Pomni. She sat on the floor with her knees to her chest and her head buried in her hands to cry. He called for her, but she didn't answer and stayed in the same position.

The ringmaster let out a defeated sigh as he descended to the ground to sit beside her.

☆Hey...☆

He scooted a little closer, so he was heard. This was probably the quietest Pomni had ever heard him.

☆I know I probably haven't been doing my best, but-☆

☆I just want you to know that I'm trying.☆

☆I really am.☆

☆and I'm sorry if I've screwed it all up.☆

☆I am so, very sorry, my dear...☆

He thought about the argument they had. That NPC really did make her happy. More than he ever could. But he took it away from her. He's supposed to make his members happy, and he took away the ONE thing that brought her joy. She was right... What a sorry excuse of a Ringmaster...

At this point, he, too, was on the brink of tears.

Pomni finally looked up. She saw that he really was being genuine. But still salty, she got up and faced away from him, crossing her arms.

Caine also got up. He began to speak again, trying to be a bit less quiet.

☆Oh... I see... B-but I still wanna make it up to you! I... I realized how much your NPC friend made you happy. And I really wanted to keep it that way. I was really hoping we could... start over. So... I made this!☆

He snapped his fingers, and Pomni's hands spawned a little plush replica of her gummy gator friend. She slowly turned to look at Caine again. He was looking down, fidgeting with his hands. He quickly stopped once he realized that she was looking at him.

Pomni looked back at the plush, then back up at Caine. Her eyes were watering, and her mouth began to quiver. Caine's expression of worry returned, and he began fidgeting again.

☆O-oh... oh my you- you're crying again... I wasn't sure if this would help, but it looks like I have my answer. ...I suppose I'll see myself out now-☆

Pomni leaped towards Caine and wrapped her arms around him. For a moment, Caine froze. This was the first time someone had hugged him willingly, so though unexpected, he still returned it.

♧Thank you Caine. You're still kind of an awful ringmaster, but I forgive you...♧

☆Does this mean we can start over..?☆

Pomni nodded. Even though made out of teeth, you could still make out a huge smile on Caine's face. She couldn't help but giggle at his attempts to keep his cool.

♧Heheh, let ME be the ringmaster for a day why don't ya?♧

She joked through her now happy tears. Caine caught on and laughed along with her.

☆Ha! You'd probably do a better job than me!☆

♧Pfft, no kidding!♧

The pair laughed together for the rest of the evening.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

♧And that's how me and Caine became friends! And how i git one of my favorite gifts! I thought you're father just wanted to hurt us but turns out... he's actually... really sweet. Uh- So... what do you-♧

Pomni was brought back to the present moment, smiling down at Voz who was fast asleep, hugging the Gummigoo plush.

Perhaps there was more than one prized possession Caine had given her...

[ghostinthegallery]

Hey there!! I really enjoyed your insight the other day about how writing a serial differs from a plotted-out-and-written-in-advance novel! As someone who's just dipping my toes into posting as I write, any chance you could give some advice or tips you've learned about that style of writing specifically? 💚

(from @inquisitor-gayfax)

Why yes! I'd love to (thank you for giving me the excuse XD)

The main thing I have realized is that experience with traditional, "complete on arrival" novels is actually super helpful for serial writing. The principles of character writing, world building, and all that still apply, but even more importantly the beats you want your story to hit are all pretty much the same. You want that into, the inciting incident, the midpoint turn, etc. Those are all vital to keeping your story on track. Especially as serials are prone to meandering. It is so easy to get lost and lose sight of the forest for the trees. For me, always checking with myself that I am hitting or actively working towards those major beats helps to keep me on track.

Also note that one big thing will be different is the length. Serials tend to get much longer and thus the beats are stretched out. The length is because each chapter essentially functions as a short story in and of itself. It has to be a satisfying reading experience on its own as well as in the context of the larger work. This oftentimes means fleshing things out more than you otherwise would and bam, longer work. (not necessarily as long as I often go! but the tendency is there). FWIW, I find editing these chapters as I got to be much easier than editing a whole novel. I do miss being able to move big chunks and scenes around (cut and paste, my beloved), but it is worth the tradeoff to me.

The nature of the chapters functioning as short stories (minus a definitive ending of course) is probably going to be the biggest difference if you are someone who writes the entire thing ahead of time and then posts chapter by chapter, as opposed to posting as you write or posting with a backlog but not a finished novel.

Now, the other biggest difference if you are posting as you go is that you will not have the chance to revise the entire story the way you do with a traditional novel. You cannot go back and change things, add foreshadowing or a character beat or anything. Once you publish that chapter, the events are set in stone.

I actually enjoy this! It is a fun challenge to work with what I have established. But...I also cheat. I have a tendency to drop little things here and there that could be hints at larger plot points or things that are setting up things later on, but they are vague enough that I am not fully locked into anything.

The secret is that your readers are unlikely to remember a small detail in chapter 3 that didn't really go anywhere. But they will remember that detail in chapter 4 that got paid off in chapter 35 and you will look like a super genius (I am 99% sure Eiichiro Oda, possibly the greatest serial fantasy writer/artist of all time has done this writing One Piece, alongside his legit 5-D chess long game reveals)

To call myself out, here is an interaction from chapter 5 of The Silence & the Storm (poster child of fics that got too long)

Before he turned to go, he placed a hand on Anrakyr’s shoulder. Anrakyr tried to shake him off, but his grip was as strong as his bulky build would imply. Through an interstitial message he said, “If you ever wish to hear of Pyrrhia, you need only ask. Perhaps you still have friends there? Perhaps not. But would you not like to know?” “What are you—” Zultanekh broke the connection. He started back down the corridor, and Anrakyr had to choose whether to chase him, or remain with this stranger.

I had no idea what had actually happened on Pyrrhia when I wrote that. I just knew I wanted to address Anrakyr's backstory and why he left his home planet, so I left myself that set up figuring I would pay it off later. And then in chapter 48 we got this:

“Do you remember back when the mot was called,” Anrakyr said. “You told me that if I wished to know about Pyrrhia I need only ask. That I might still have friends there. Was that true?” “Would I lie about such a thing? Never,” Zultanekh replied, surprisingly softly. “Did my own wanderings take me to Pyrrhia? Yes, they did. An unlucky clash with some orks left this ship in need of repairs—although make no mistake the orks were far worse off! Space debris after we were done with them.” Anrakyr flashed a glyph of impatience.  “In any case,” Zultanekh continued. “We landed, declaring our intentions to repair and leave. Had we heard rumors of lost Pyrrhia? We had, however the planet itself was quite…orderly. Calm.”

The conversation goes on as Zultanekh describes more of what he saw because 33 chapters later I, the author, now know what happened and can start giving that pay off. Sometimes I will get really lucky and find something I didn't intend as foreshadowing but that happens to work! Those are good days.

Now this is a risky strategy. You can limit your options when you do this, and you have to make the pay off make sense given whatever you set up. I've definitely wished for the power to go back and edit some of my vague hints in the past. But that is the challenge! True you could actually be good at planning and meticulously plant all your little seeds and reveals. Or you can be me, a creature of vibes and chaos.

Speaking of vibes, I think it is important to talk about the audience. And how they will influence you. When you present a finished story, that is it. It is done. The audience can talk about the story all they want, but it cannot retroactively influence how you wrote the book. With serial writing 99% of the time readers will be able to comment. And I think we writers have to be very careful about how we let that affect our writing.

The Game of Thrones writing team apparently at some point decided that "fooling the audience" and being unpredictable was more important than telling a good story, so they changed plot points when too many audience members predicted certain outcomes. This is bad. However, sometimes audience feedback is good! I personally unlocked a whole subplot because a commenter asked about a character I had included totally at random. It was a filler name! I did not realize this character was in a game, but realizing that gave me incredible stuff to work with. I'm glad I listened to them! Not to mention the incredible kindness and support that has kept me going through some rough patches in my life. By that same token, negative comments can feel awful. I have not found that to be an issue in my corner of the 40k fandom, but it is absolutely a consideration in other spaces (especially outside of fanfic) so just be aware.

I hope that answered your question! Probably too much, but as we have firmly established, I am verbose ☺️

[queenofbaws]

hello my friends, and congrats on making it to yet another wednesday. oh how the time simply flies, huh?

a quick status update over here: things are still pretty nuts with family stuff, so as i said over the weekend, if you've sent me a flash fiction prompt i haven't gotten to yet, i promise i haven't forgotten! <3 most of my energy's been going elsewhere lately, what can you do.

my big goals for the near future are still (1) to finish the tale(s) of the champion, (2) to finish of mummy men & bathtub soup, and (3) to get another chapter of like wringing blood from a stone out, but i've learned my lesson and will not be making guesses as to timeframes there, hehehehe. if you're looking for a sneak peek or two to tide you over in the meantime, i'm including snippets from tales, wringing, and a SECRET MYSTERY PROJECT under the cut.

as always, hope you're hanging in there, and hope you're taking care of yourself as best you can, whatever that looks like for you <333

the tale(s) of the champion

“I’m not proud of my time in Kirkwall, Inquisitor,” Cullen said sharply, an answer to an accusation she hadn’t raised. “All I did then, I did to fulfill the duty expected of me, but even so there are things I said, things I did, things…” The muscles of his jaw clenched and unclenched over his working throat. “…things allowed to happen under my watch, which I regret so thoroughly as to know they will follow me well into my grave. But the actions I’ve taken against Hawke and her cohort—ordered or otherwise? No.” A brisk shake of his head. “Those I do not regret in the slightest.”

It was times like these, times where the tension crackled like ozone before a storm, that made her worry for the whole of the Inquisition. For Thedas, really. There she was, meant to be their benevolent leader, even-tempered and understanding, and instead of backing away with arms raised to allow the situation to defuse, she ground her boot that much harder into the softer bits offered up to her, hoping to wring out as much blood as she could before the wound scabbed over.

It was times like these that she worried the Chantry was right, that she’d never be accepted as the voice of the people, as a protector and guide; maybe she’d always be who she’d been before the Conclave…no matter how brightly her armor shone.

“You make her sound like a monster.”

Cullen scoffed. “A criminal.”

“Is there a difference?”

like wringing blood from a stone

A branch snapped behind him.

And something let out a deep, growling breath.

Bobby didn’t whip himself around. Everybody else could say and think what they wanted, but he wasn’t any fucking moron—you didn’t make sudden moves when you were being tracked. Hunted. He knew that same as he knew his own name.

What he did instead was jam as much of his weight as he could against the door, grimacing with effort when his shoulder made contact. Inside, he heard Mom scream.

“Don’t you let him in here, Jed!”

“No one’s gettin’ in.”

“DON’T YOU LET HIM IN THIS GODDAMN HO—”

He didn’t wait to hear her finish the sentence. Nah, he hauled back and kicked the door with every ounce of force he could muster. But even though he did it the same way he’d seen Uncle Jack do a million times before, it didn’t budge.

Mom just screamed again.

The sound made his skin stand up, not like goosebumps or shivers, more like the hot, stinging welts you got from snapping a rubber band or touching poison oak. It was a sickish feeling, making his palms sweat and his vision double. He didn’t know if he wanted to puke, scream, dig his fingers into his own skin…or maybe just curl up there on the porch and cry until he couldn’t anymore. In the end, he split the difference.

SUPER SECRET MYSTERY PROJECT WOOoOoOoOoOO

Her breath hitched as she saw a sliver of moonlight ahead. Emily pushed away the horrible, impossible, image of Beth’s rotting face and surged forward the last few meters to the doors. She slid between them before slamming them shut, her hands chapping in the cold even as she yanked the latching bar down into place. The doors rocked under her palms, and the thing she’d locked inside shrieked in fury as obvious as it was alien. She could feel it beat against the doors with fists the size of her head, felt it fight to get to her, but no matter how the doors shook on their hinges, the latch held.

Her body slumped as her exhaustion caught up with her. A breath tore out of her in a shaking, ragged sob…or maybe it was a laugh. From where she stood, it was impossible to tell.

And then something grabbed her.

Too tired to fight, too tired to run, too tired to do so much as gasp in surprise, Emily found herself yanked away from the doors and around a bend, her point of view torn suddenly from the mine’s processing facility to the trees. That wasn’t the most worrying part, though.

That was the hand.

It came to her in pieces-parts, her panic growing with each revelation. First was the hand on her face, clutching her so tightly it hurt; it covered her mouth, it squished her nose, leaving her only one nostril to breathe from—not nearly enough for her to catch her breath. There was another hand too, its heel pressed hard to the spot below her ribs where her stomach began, the fingers gripping so hard she could feel them through her jacket. Her leather jacket. And the body…the body she registered last, solid and sinewy and pressed flush to her back. She could feel the rise and fall of the chest at her shoulder blades. There was hot breath displacing her hair.

When finally her brain put it all together, her hands snapped up to beat at the one covering her face, pulling and scratching—anything to get even a little more air into her lungs.  

It was the wrong thing to do. The hand only gripped her harder, tightening until the soft, fleshy insides of her cheeks ground into her teeth.

[uncaiged]

"Breaking Free: Celebrating Your 2023 Victories and Welcoming an Uncharted 2024"

Merry Christmas Lifestylers!

Here we are, at the brink of a new chapter, bidding farewell to 2023. If you're reading this, take a moment. Yes, right now. Cheers to you for making it through the rollercoaster ride that this year has been. YOU, my friend, are a rockstar!

Let's pause and give a standing ovation to resilience, courage, and the unwavering strength you've shown. In a world where every day can feel like a test, you've not only survived but thrived. Despite the storms, the chaos, and the hurdles that life flung your way, you stood tall and kept going. That, my dear, deserves a round of applause.

As we step into 2024, here's a little secret: it's absolutely okay if you don't have a meticulously crafted roadmap for the year ahead. Life isn't always about having a foolproof plan; sometimes, it's about embracing the uncertainty, dancing in the moment, and relishing the unknown adventures waiting for us.

Here's a toast to your perseverance. The fact that you're here, breathing and reading these words, speaks volumes about your resilience. You've conquered battles, big and small. Maybe you've taken baby steps or giant leaps, but progress is progress, no matter the size. Even the tiniest steps forward deserve a standing ovation.

So, as you venture into this new chapter, wear your courage as your crown. Embrace the unknown with open arms and a heart full of hope. Believe that what's ahead is filled with magic waiting to unfold.

God wants you to live FREE! Remember, the UnCaiged Life you dream of isn't just a dream; it's yours for the taking. Step into it with confidence, sass, and a pinch of audacity. Life's too short for cages; spread those wings and soar!

As we bid adieu to 2023, let's raise our glasses to the journey behind us and the adventure awaiting us. Cheers to growth, to resilience, and to the vibrant souls that we are. Here's to 2024 – a canvas waiting for your colorful strokes.

So, my dear beauties, take a deep breath, smile at the possibilities, and let's leap into the unknown together. You've got this!

With heaps of glitter and infinite sparkles, Caige Phoenix

@caigephoenix

[tarot-by-e11e]

Hiii I'm here for the game ! Thanks a lot ♡

1. Initials and 5 most emojis you've recently used

My initial- h.s

5 most used emoji - 🍀🙏🏼🙌🏼✨️😭

2. 3 things about you that you're learning to love about yourself more and your actionable plans to achieve that

I want to love my body - for that I'm going to spend time with myself looking out for some good skin care routine and will plan out some good dietary plan.

I want to love my single status - for that I will reassure myself that even million people are not single the single ones got some better things to do than those , no offence lol .

I want to love my academic status - we got our potential and level at every moment if we want to go ahead then we shall be greatful to our current level because that will provide a comprehensive understanding to our further plans ahead and about ourselves too .

3. - your unexpectedly favorite song in your playlist that your closest friends never expected you to be into

I don't have Playlist to Be honest and just choose songs randomly if i want listen and also that my friends and me talk about other things than songs (at time my bestie shares up very least) so ya it is what it is but anyways my current favt - rowdy baby (south indian songs with little English mix you should try it someday)

4. "What's your most important goal that you want to achieve within the last few months of the year?"

Mostly I want to change myself completely by shifting my energy strongly .

I want to achieve my academic goals.

I want to get a good body figure.

That's all ! I had fun answering them lol 😆 also questions were insightful.

Hi HS,

Thank you so much for participating in my new ask game.

I'm really happy for you that you are taking steps to love your body, your single era and your academic status!

Remember, you are working hard and putting in the work. The results may not be obvious immediately, but every step towards progress culminates into the results of your hard work.

When it comes to studying, create systems that will help you establish a "study smarted" approach.

I'll check up the song after this~

Just put in 1% effort everyday, you'll eventually see results in a year~

These are the cards I pulled out for you: King of Swords, Page of Coins, Wheel of Fortune

The first card suggests that you'll need to establish some self-discipline when it comes to your goals and dreams. Making sure you have an established reasonable standards for yourself. To never forget that you're doing this for yourself, not for anyone else. Become accountable by keeping track of your progress is another thing you are suggested to try out. Basically, know when to master a strategy and when to evolve.

The next card suggests for you to be ambitious and diligent with your goals. Consistency is the main keyword of this card. Don't just dream big, strike hard as well. Don't be easily discouraged whenever you encounter an obstacle or fork in the road. You're called to stay true to why you wanted to achieve those goals in the first place.

The last card further emphasizes that your hard work will pay off in the end. Embrace your current season of trial and errors. The time will come when the period of mastery and success after honing your skills in this current period of learning. Keep persevering, despite whatever nonsense naysayers will say to you. Only you get to decide how to achieve your goals and live your life by your design. Even the darkest storms will pass.

This is as far as I could interpret for your reading. Thank you so much for being my participant!

Feel free to tip me in my Buy me a Coffee account (to show support) ahehe [Not required, but most grateful if you did]~ (This reading is for entertainment purposes only)

[titanicfreija]

The Database

Thomas tried to help Sunny triangulate but she was somehow calculating all three at once and the pins kept moving in the navigation screens until he finally gave up on helping. 

The Ghost led them back to Earth's surface in a matter of minutes, landing them in a grass field that stretched further than either of them could see, to finish locating the missing base. 

Guardians and Ghosts climbed out, and they dematted ships and checked guns before hiking into the fields of waist-high grass.

"You're awful excited to be breaking the rules," Thomas remarked to Sunny.

Sunny giggled happily. "Well, I already did, and I'm fascinated. Freija doesn't want to hear me talk about it, so we'll have to do that later, but I'm so curious! And I'm sure you are, too! We can talk more about it later, when Freija isn't here. I've got some theories I want to share."

"Oh, right. Why don't you like the history, Freija?"

"I just don't!"

"That's fine," Thomas said. "It's okay."

Freija stomped ahead to leave them to their conversation. 

The pair watched the retreating Titan as she stormed away, pulsing with Light. Sunny waited maybe twenty seconds before she turned to Thomas. "Freija is Sarah."

Thomas studied the Ghost, watching her flaps undulate excitedly. "Have you got some sort of record? Something that tells you this that isn't gut feelings?"

"Freija described her," Sunny said. "In her own words. Dutiful, stubborn. Protective. She loved her family. I'm absolutely certain that who you were becomes who you are. You've been right the whole time-- you become you without the framework, as you were born and as the world shaped you. Sarah was a Titan before she died. And knowing that, knowing what she's been, knowing what she's chosen to do with this life when she's not fighting, I'm certain that Sarah and Freija are still the same person. She just forgot."

Thomas nodded, thoughtfully gazing middle-distance. "Do you know why she doesn't like it?"

"No. She doesn't either, she says there's this big cloud of No on it."

Thomas nodded again, then offered the Ghost a crooked smile. "Sounds complicated. We know our Titan and complicated."

"Yeah. Are you hoping to see why you ended up a Warlock?"

"A little," he admitted. "Maybe see what I was doing so I can see what I was destined to do. I know it isn't fighting, but I also know it isn't writing smut."

~

"Why do you think you are so uncomfortable with your past life?" Rex asked Freija.

"Don't you have anything better to do?"

"No."

"So you antagonize me. You're jealous that Sunny's making friends."

"Why do you hate your past life?"

"I don't know enough about it to hate it. I just don't like thinking about it. I was murdered young the same night as my entire family, left to die and rot in the middle of nowhere. Sarah was. It wasn't me. I was born there."

"Are you talking to yourself?"

"Fuck your eye. Leave me alone."

"Have you considered that yours is the third step of a single life cycle?"

"A few times. That doesn't make it better. She worked hard and did good and she didn't deserve what happened to her. Our first life should have been longer. Fuck off."

"Why are you helping Thomas?"

"'cos he asked."

"Do you know why he wants to know?"

"Nope and I don't care."

"Are you always so blindly trusting?"

"I mean, you could've asked me that a couple years ago when I moved in and you'd have had a point."

Freija stopped walking and looked back to see Sunny hovering alongside Thomas as they trod through the high grass.

"They're talking about you."

"I know. I left them behind specifically so they could do it where I couldn't hear them."

"She says you're the first life risen again and you simply forgot."

"I don't care what she says." Freija couldn't keep the heat out of her voice, and she muted her comms herself.

Thomas and Sunny both dashed to Freija with only a moment's conversation. Thomas stopped short and Sunny flew faster, sending a request for a link instead of letting herself in.

Freija let her. "I don't know how to target Rex," she explained. "I'm okay." She let her helmet down, but that just let Sunny see the hard brow and twisted lips of Freija's scowl.

"What did he say?"

"He told me what you guys were talking about. So I muted before he could get too far in."

Sunny nudged her Guardian's head lovingly. "Okay. Thank you."

Freija batted gently at her Ghost. "You'd think a database server thing would be too big to hide on a plain."

"It could have been underground," Sunny said. "So maybe we're looking for a door on the ground?" She flew high to look down. "Found it. It's an Eliksni nest, now," Sunny said. "Couple clicks north from here, they've got banners up and everything. Their House isn't a symbol I recognize. I don't see or hear signs of anyone right now, but the grass around the area looks well-trampled. There's a little network of those symbols that Eido showed us, the things meant to ward off Guardians and other evils, so I think it's a home, like with hatchlings. We can risk asking nicely or we can go to the next one. Or we can be genocidal maniacs, because I can just hear Rex complaining about allowing our planet to be overrun, but Freija doesn't want to and neither do I, regardless of what you want. Even if Thomas was on your side, Freija can beat him in a fight."

"You've backed off fighting the Eliksni?" Thomas asked Freija, who had shuffled a turn away from him. "I knew you didn't want to when we were fishing, but you're really holding back?"

"I woke up swinging but I'm still trying to find the right targets," Freija mumbled. "Too many of their children have been born into this fight, they're terrified and for good reasons. They're hungry, they're homeless, and they're sharing the planet with a violent, unreasoning, unthinking beast for whom a body count in the hundreds is expected weekly. It's a war. And yeah, the humans need defense, but wars are supposed to end with treaties, not total genocide. And they're just people, all of them, in ways that a lot of us forgot how to be." The Titan didn't look back at him, but she fixed her feet and checked her guns as she continued. "So I don't shoot first, I stick to normal bullets one at a time with warning shots and limb shots, and I try to run if I think they're defending a hovel. Captains generally do have to die, but huge chunks of the random Eliksni you'll see around will be half-docked dregs in a little hiding place they don't travel far from, they hardly chase me around a corner. They won't even come after Sunny-- this one Captain got me down to dying before I finished her, these little assholes popped out of their den and finished me off with a shot to the fucking kidneys, and Sunny got me up in the same spot less than a few seconds later. They ran right back home once I was down. We think it might have been some kind of joke to them."

Thomas didn't answer for a while, then eventually said, "Didn't take you for the kind of person that knew what a treaty is."

"A piece of candy," Freija chuckled. "That's what I thought when I first heard the word. I don't think Sarah knew it. We don't even know it in French. I asked, what else is there, and Three said it. Took Miisraaks to really get it through that it was even possible. He's a Guardian-killer, too, isn't he? I've only heard rumors."

"Hey, guys? Looking closer, I'm pretty sure it's empty. There's no life signatures, even looking pretty far underground, and there's definitely Hive rot around."

Thomas and Freija looked to one another and Freija pointed in Sunny's direction. "You wanna?"

Thomas checked ammo and safety switch then nodded. "Yep. Let's check this out. I want a better look."

~~

Request

Communication

The Database

Something Else

Campfire Stories

Jealousy 

Bickering 

Revealed

[moonieshinesims]

Generation One - Chapter Thirty Nine

River is confronted by Jun and Reiko about what they heard at work and accidentally involve someone else in their shenanigans. River is still upset that she hasn't heard anything about Ichiban, and decides to go somewhere seedy to get more information.

After a long day at work, with no more information about Ichiban to show for it, River went home frustrated.

Nobody else was home, so she sat down to watch some TV and cool off. However, about thirty minutes later someone knocked on the door.

"It's us! Reiko and Jun!" Reiko's voice yelled on the other side of the door.

"Come in!" River didn't really feel like entertaining, but she also didn't want to upset her new friends.

Reiko elbowed Jun and gave him a glare.

What's all that about? River asked herself, then invited them to sit down at the kotatsu.

"So, what exactly was it you wanted to talk to me about? Are you asking for my blessings to marry Reiko?"

Jun's face turned bright red and he exchanged an embarrassed look with Reiko.

"No, no, no. It's uh..."

"Jun, Reiko, I..."

"Yeah," Jun laughed nervously, "Please tell me this is all a joke. I don't want to die!"

River looked up and locked eyes with Michiko.

"Tell us what?!" Jun screeched. "Are we going to die?"

"Not if you listen to what I have to say..." Michiko smirked.

"What are you talking about?!" River began to sweat nervously, one of her coworkers from NITCA caught her almost leaking information to civilians! She was going to report her to Damien and get her fired...!

"What." River's stomach felt like it was falling out of her.

"Our side, what do you mean?"

Michiko made her way to the kotatsu.

"Alright guys, hold on, I need to discuss something with River first." Michiko looked over to River and said point-blank, "I know you used to date Masumi Arakawa's son. And I know that you're only here doing this internship so you can find him again. You don't really care about the mission that Damien put you on, you're really just an agent for yourself."

River felt like puking and Jun and Reiko exchanged shocked glances.

"How..."

"I know because I've got my own interests at heart here too. I don't give a damn about what Damien or NITCA want. I want what I want, and right now I'm pretty interested in helping you. Seems like you've got an interesting mission ahead of yourself!"

"I..." Jun raised his finger, "would really like to know what all this means!"

"We work for a government organization in Simlandia called NITCA and we've been put on missions to spy on organized crime in Mt. Komorebi. River here was assigned to Arakawa Corp., which is actually just a big Simkuza family disguised as a multi-faceted business. Again, she's in love with Arakawa's son, and came here with her own agenda to find him again."

"Our parents are going to kill us!"

"That's only if they find out..." Michiko grinned. "I have reason to believe the Arakawa himself is a good guy, despite the fact that his people get up to bad stuff sometimes. Again, I'm all for rebelling against NITCA and doing something fun. And I think the two of you would be great assets to helping River and myself find Ichiban..."

"Why do you care about helping me find Ichiban?!" River didn't know what to feel at that moment. Things were getting weird really fast.

"Let's just say, I got my reasons." Michiko folded her arms across her chest. "Take me or leave me on this mission, I'm still betraying NITCA whether you let me help you or not."

Jun and Reiko were nervously whispering amongst themselves and River felt like she was going to explode.

"I have to go... think about things!" River got up and stormed off towards the bathroom.

"Oh pssshaw, nah, not if you follow in my and River's footsteps!"

River went to the shower and sat in the steam, with a cooling face mask on to create a contrast of temperatures. She was all shaken up over the revelation that Michiko was a traitor just like she was, and that she knew about her plans the whole time!

She was either playing at something nasty, or she really was going to useful at helping her find Ichiban... At this point the only thing she could do was play along and hope for the best. However, keeping Reiko and Jun safe and quiet was going to be a big task. She hoped she would succeed.

[brainyxbat]

Chapter 9: A New Member Joins! Head For The Grand Line

(episode 53)

"I'm the man who'll be King of the Pirates!"

"I think you should join his crew."

"A storm is coming. An unimaginably big storm is...!"

"I'm... dead."

"Y-you want me to go with them?"

"I think it would be good for you."

"I... I'll do it."

"I'm still alive after all. I got lucky."

"Are these all coincidences? It's as if heaven is trying to let that man live."

"Well... th-this is it."

"We'd better hurry, or we'll be in trouble!"

"We're gonna make it to the Grand Line like this!"

"I'm outta here, suckers!"

"Gotta get there before it's too late! Gotta hurry!"

-

The cloaked figure walked slowly through the rain. 'Inherited will... the tide of times... people's dreams... these things cannot be stopped. As long as people seek the answer of freedom, these things will never cease to be!' "A pirate, huh? Fine by me."

-

"What's with this storm?!" Zoro exclaimed.

"If we don't leave soon, we'll be stuck here," Sani fussed, "Nami-san was right when she said we should hurry back to the ship!"

"Run! Run! Run!" Luffy beamed.

-

"This is heavy!" Usopp griped, till lugging the tuna.

"The Going Merry is in danger!" Nami urged. "The Marines might be already heading toward it! We have to get out as soon as possible!"

"Nami! Nami! Can't I just ditch this thing?"

"No, you can't! Run faster!"

"I knew you'd say that." To his confusion, the load suddenly became lighter. "Hey, what's..." He turned around, and his eyes lit up with a gasp. "Venus!!"

"Need a hand, crewmate?" She grinned, now holding the tail up above her head.

Nami looked over, and perked up. "Oh, hey! You're joining us after all?"

"Yep! Mr. Rauru said I won't get anywhere with my witchcraft if I stay here; and it'd be better for me to be surrounded by nice people."

"Well, always room for one more!" Usopp beamed. "Welcome to the crew!"

Just then, Nami noticed the pet carrier dangling from one of her arms. "Oh, you've got a pet?"

"Yeah, Burton! Say hi!"

"Ooh, is it a kitty?" Eyes sparkling, Nami slowed her pace for a closer look, expecting an adorable kitten; but her excitement turned into terror when a black tarantula leaped to the door of the carrier with a loud hiss. "AAAAAH!!!" She screamed, and ran ahead of Usopp. "AH AH AAAH!!! NOT A KITTY!!!"

He turned to look with curiosity, and the now calm arachnid stared back at him silently. "You have a tarantula?"

"Yeah, he's my best friend. You're not scared of him?"

"Nope," He shrugged, "I'm good with spiders."

Venus looked at him with genuine surprise when he turned back forward, as they ran together. "Interesting..."

-

At the docks, Mohji was trying to light a match, but the rain made his efforts futile. "Dammit! What's with this sudden downpour, when we have to burn down this ship?!" He complained. Another attempt was successful... but only for two seconds, before it fizzled out. "Dammit! This is bad, Richie! We can't get a fire going like this!" He had damp, pitiful matches scattered at his feet. "One more time!" He sensed the lion thinking only about food. "Be patient, Richie! I'll feed you later."

Richie pouted in disappointment. "What're you doing?!" Usopp exclaimed, and Richie growled. Usopp, Nami, and Venus made it back to the ship, only to find Mohji and Richie sitting by it with matches.

"Mohji!" Nami exclaimed.

"You!" Venus glared.

"Oh, it's you, sneak thief woman." He stood up, acknowledging the redhead, and then noticed the short Goth. "And you; you'll pay for blasting me, little witch." He pointed to the trio. "Go, Richie!"

A scared Usopp took an egg out of his bag, and pulled it back in his slingshot. "Special Attack: Fresh Egg Star!"

He let go, and the egg went flying... two feet. "Oh," Venus grimaced.

"You..." Nami grumbled.

"Damn! The rain made my hand slip!"

Richie charged for them, only to stop and happily lap up the egg. "Richie!! You're such a...!!"

Usopp hauled the fish up on his shoulder. "Now! Let's get on the ship!"

"Yeah!"

"Hold it!" Mohji glided in front of them. "You have to get past me! I'm Mohji, Vice-Captain of the Buggy the Clown Pirates!" He made ridiculous poses. "I won't let you take one step on this..." He was interrupted by a bullet right by his head.

As everyone froze, Marines came running in with guns ready. "Prepare to fire!"

"The Marines!" Nami tensed.

"This is bad!" Usopp fussed.

"Aim! Fire!" Mohij dodged the bullets shot at him left and right. "Contact the cannon unit! We'll capture the pirate ship!"

"Yes, sir!"

"N-N-Nami!"

"Yeah!"

"Uh oh," Venus eye widened when someone rode on a motorcycle into the town... powered by smoke billowing from the rider. "Smoker."

-

"Which direction is the sea?" Zoro asked.

"I can't tell where we're going, because of this heavy rain!" Luffy said.

"There they are!" A group of Marines began pursuing them.

"What persistent bastards!" Zoro griped. "Should we stop and fight?"

"We don't have time for that," Sanji answered, before spotting a woman standing in their path, and going gaga, "Oh? Who's that lady?!"

Tashigi. "I didn't realize you were Roronoa Zoro, and a pirate to boot. You... you lied to me!"

"What?!" Sanji made them stop, glaring daggers at Zoro with a fist. He was oblivious to what had gone on with them just earlier that day: Zoro broke her misplaced glasses by accident when he realized she looked exactly like his deceased childhood friend Kuina, he cleaned the Marines base to pay for them, then picked out new swords with her help. All throughout those times, she was oblivious to his true identity. "What'd you do to her?!"

"You didn't ask my name," Zoro calmly pointed out, ignoring the cook, and stepped up, "That's all. It's not that I lied to you."

"A rogue like you can't be allowed to own a renowned sword! I'll collect your sword, the legendary Wado Ichimonji!"

Zoro gripped the handle with a smirk. "Try it." She drew her own sword, and the fight began, with them trying to dominate one another. "I see..."

"You jerk!" Sanji shouted. "How dare you attack a lady!"

"Please don't interfere!" Tashigi ordered.

"What?" Sanji and Luffy watched with awe.

"This is the fight between Roronoa and me! There's no need to step in!"

"You heard her. Go on ahead," Zoro urged.

Sanji grimaced, but Luffy grinned. "Let's go."

He continued the sprint, while Sanji hopped sideways on one leg. "Hey, Zoro! If you hurt the lady, I won't forgive you!"

"I see the exit!" Luffy pointed out. "The harbor is up there!"

But up ahead, someone else was blocking their path. "Hey, who is it this time?"

Smoker. "You're finally here... Straw Hat Luffy." He and Sanji stopped in their tracks. "Didn't I tell you that you can't enter the Grand Line unless you beat me first?"

"Oh yeah," Luffy grinned, "I forgot about it."

"You're such an airhead..."

"Hey Luffy..."

"Sanji, go on ahead. I'll be right there."

"Well, I don't know about that," Smoker stepped up, "This is the end for you."

Everyone was silent, as thunder rumbled. "Go!"

-

Meanwhile Usopp, Nami, and Venus ran for the ship while trying to evade the Marines. "Fire!" They dodged oncoming bullets, and two of the three successfully leaped up on the ship. Venus briefly stayed behind, flinging the fish up, then turned to the Marines with determination. "Witchy-Witchy Ball!" She unleashed a large ball near them so strong, it knocked them back, their guns flying away. "Yeah!" She then joined Usopp and Nami on the ship.

"Fire the cannons!"

Cannonballs were shot in the ocean; they were close to enough to make the ship rock violently, knocking the trio off their feet. Usopp flew into the tangerine trees, while Nami and Venus were flung down to the deck, the latter keeping a protective hold on the pet carrier. "If we stay here any longer, the Going Merry will be sunk!" Nami began reeling in the anchor.

Usopp ran over when he heard the crank. "A-are you going to set sail? Luffy and the others're not here yet!"

"We don't have any other choice! It's better than getting sunk here!" The sail bearing the Jolly Roger was rolled down. "Right rudder full!"

"So what're we going to do about Luffy and the others?" Usopp asked.

"We'll pick them up somehow."

"Don't let them get away!" The Marines commanded. "Follow them!"

"Nami-san!"

She heard a familiar voice; it was Sanij! "Sanji-kun!" She lit up.

"Sanji!" Usopp called.

"Nami-san, I'm back!" He ran alongside the shore, hands up in the air. He then gasped at the newcomer between them, and waved his arms maniacally with excitement. "Venus-chan! It's me! It's me, Sanji!"

"Yes, I remember you," She deadpanned with the tiniest smirk.

"Where's Luffy and Zoro?" Nami asked.

Sanji immediately became serious again. "Can we collect those damn idiots?"

Marines were pursuing him with guns and daggers. "Sanji-kun!"

"Behind you!" Usopp warned.

Sanji took them out with some powerful kicks, but more came soon after. "Dammit! This is endless!"

"I'll cover his back!" Usopp told the girls. "Get closer!"

"No!" Nami protested. "We can't head back to land because of the strong current."

"Ahhh, dammit!" Usopp leaped overboard into the ocean.

"Usopp!"

"Usopp-kun!" Venus screamed out.

"Bastards!" Braving the waves, Usopp shot at the Marines, taking them out together with Sanji.

Even more came running in. "Usopp! Sanji-kun!" Nami exclaimed.

Venus prepared another attack, now glaring. "Witchy-Witchy Ball!" She blew the Marines back, buying the guys more time, as Nami watched in awe.

From out of nowhere, an incredibly strong gust of wind blew throughout all of Loguetown. It sent everyone flying, bringing the guys together and created quite a mess of the town, while Nami and Venus gripped the ship railing. It then disappeared as soon as it came, and was followed by more rain. Zoro moved a piece of debris off of himself, and stood up, as did Sanji. "Th-this is..."

Luffy sat up, as Usopp laid nearly upside down beside him. "Wh-what just happened?" Usopp stumbled down on his side.

"Luffy!" Nami shouted from the ship.

"Luffy!" Venus shouted with her.

"Nami!" Luffy answered the call, then beamed at the other voice. "Venus!" She joined after all!

"We'd better hurry up, or the ship will be swept away!" Sanji urged.

"Okay!" Luffy agreed, but ran the opposite way from the rest. He had a plan. "Gum-Gum..." He grabbed a nearby staircase railing, and stretched back.

"Wha-?!" Usopp exclaimed.

"W-wait!" Sanij stuttered.

"I have a bad feeling..." Zoro remarked.

"... Rocket!!" Luffy launched himself right at them, and they ran in terror.

"Ahhh, I knew it," Zoro sighed, just before Luffy collided into them. They were all sent flying above the ocean, and crashed into the flag; they landed on the deck, now delirious.

"Everyone..." Nami smiled with relief.

"Nice entrance," Venus smirked.

On the island, Smoker watched the ship sail away. "That man... what was that sudden gust?" He recalled the strange, cloaked man that came and went with the wind. "He appeared and disappeared like lightning on the same day that Gold Roger was executed 22 years ago. What on Earth..." "I'm the man who'll be King of the Pirates!" Luffy's words ran through his mind.

The said figure watched the ship go as well, but from a higher point, and with pride. "If that's your decision, then go!"

"Why? Why did you help that man... Dragon?!" A Marine interrogated from the ground.

The figure stared on, as lightning flashed. "What reason would there be to interfere with a man's departure?"

Smoker watched the sky for a moment, then gave a command. "Set sail! We'll go after Straw Hat!"

"What?"

"We'll enter the Grand Line."

"B-but Captain! This island is in your jurisdiction. I don't know what the higher ups would say..."

"Tell them I said "Don't give me orders"."

Tashigi held up her sword. "I'll come with you!"

"Sergeant Major Tashigi!"

"I won't forgive Roronoa. I'll capture him without fail!"

Elsewhere, the Buggy Pirates had made it to their own ship, courtesy of the weather. "Gee, that flashy gust was lucky for us," Buggy remarked, "We were able to escape like this because I always behave well."

"Where're we going now?" Alvida asked.

"The Grand Line," Buggy announced.

"The Grand Line?"

"Yeah. This is a good opportunity. I have to settle with that damn rubber man. Let's head straight into the nostalgic Grand Line."

-

"Ugh! It's almost like the ship's gonna tip over!" Luffy cried.

Nami noticed a blinking light coming from far in the distance. "Look at that light!"

"Is that a lighthouse of the island?" Usopp asked, gripping the mast for dear life.

"It's a guiding light," She explained, "The entrance to the Grand Line lies ahead of that light."

"The Grand Line is ahead of that light..." Luffy stared in awe.

"What do you wanna do?" Nami turned to him.

"B-but there's no reason to enter during a storm like this," Usopp pointed out.

Zoro, Sanji, Luffy, and Nami all shared a glance, the same idea coming to them. "Okay then!" Sanji announced. "Shall we hold a launching ceremony for setting sail on the great ocean?"

"Hey!" Usopp exclaimed in fear.

"Sure!" Luffy agreed enthusiastically.

"Let's do it!" Nami added.

Venus watched silently.

To start, Sanji laid his left heel on a barrel. "In order to find the All Blue!" He shared his dream.

Luffy followed his lead. "In order to be King of the Pirates!"

Zoro joined in next, as Usopp stared. "In order to become a master swordsman!"

Nami then stepped up. "In order to draw a world map!"

Usopp reluctantly participated. "I-in order... to become a brave warrior of the sea!"

But one member was missing from the circle. Everyone looked over to Venus; she reluctantly stood on the sidelines, her gaze on her sneakers under her hood, and shyly holding her elbow, as her cape and pigtails blew in the wind. She wanted to be a part of it, but didn't feel obligated. After all, she had joined just an hour or two ago at most; she didn't feel like an official member. "Venus! Come on!" Luffy's voice made her look up in surprise.

"Come join us!" Usopp encouraged.

"You're one of us, Venus-chan!" Sanji added. "You're a Straw Hat now!"

"Yeah, what's your dream?" Nami chimed in.

Tears welled up and fell from her eye, blending in with the raindrops, as she took in their kind words. She wiped her cheek with a smile, and ran over between Usopp and Zoro. "Come on, short stack." Zoro turned to Usopp, and they put her arms on their shoulders. "One-two-three!" They hoisted the petite girl up off the ground, making her laugh, as her hood flew off her head.

She glanced around at everyone, keeping her gaze on Usopp the longest, then looked down to the barrel, and set her foot on the top. More tears came, as Rauru's words came back to her. "Go on, and become the greatest witch you can be." She sighed deeply, and blinked them away. "In order... to become the greatest witch I can be!"

They all eyed the top of the barrel in a moment of silence. "We're going... to the Grand Line!!" Luffy shouted excitedly, and they all lifted their legs.

"Yeah!" Everyone cheered.

It was just the beginning of their long, incredible journey together.

[wayward-dreamer]

Hi anon! This is a great question which requires a lengthy answer so we're probably going to be here a while, but I'll try my best to be concise! (Thanks for the tag, Cole! 😘)

So first off, I think you need define what "successful" and "well known" means to you. If you're wanting to become a screenwriter to make money, then unfortunately I have to say it might not happen. It can happen down the road once you've worked for several years and made good money, but it's not going to happen overnight or as soon as you get the first job. Even writers like Vince Gilligan or Aaron Sorkin took several years to become big names. Even if your first project is for a major studio/network/streamer, there's a chance that your next one might not be, or even more probable is the fact that you might be waiting for a long time for whatever the next thing is. If last year's writers strike has taught us one thing, it's that there's a lot of waiting in this business, waiting for the next project/next paycheck etc. and that you really have to be prepared for the down periods as much as you're prepared to hit the ground running when you do get a project.

I don't mean for this to sound like a doom and gloom situation, because this can be a feasible option if you've got your priorities in order. Screenwriting isn't the easy way into this, us writers are in fact probably the most disrespected part of the industry because we're seen as easy targets to take advantage of. If you want to do this - then it has to be to build your career and your passion for writing. You really have to love writing to do this. I myself can't imagine doing anything else, and that's why I've stuck with it for so long. I haven't broken in yet, and it may still be a while, but that's my reality and weirdly enough, I enjoy the challenge.

So, if your priority is your love for the craft and wanting to tell stories in this particular way, then yes. You can make a living, it just might not look like the success of a big shot screenwriter (like the ones mentioned above). It will take years to get to that point, but I think we all secretly hope for that in the back of our minds lol

Here's a few things you can do to figure out if this is what you really want:

I'm going to go ahead and assume you've already written a script or two, so just keep writing. There's nothing wrong with constant practice.

As you write, find your voice. This is the most important thing, because when you do hopefully have your work sent out this is what they'll judge you on amongst other things (high concept, story structure, good dialogue, marketability - keep these in mind too!!). They really want to know you and who you are as a writer, so really make those scripts sing with your unique voice.

Go to the Screencraft and The Script Lab websites. They have great resources for everything on writing, and when you get to that stage, how to sell yourself as a writer.

Try and get as much feedback as you can, whether it's just friends that read your work for an audience perspective, or a proper script consultant for a professional perspective. Those sites have the ability to submit your work to be read, but it does come with a cost. I also do script consultancy as a job, so I'm happy to help you out!

Watch as many TV shows and movies as you can, or have access to. This sounds easy but it really isn't, but you especially should try and watch across several genres. You don't know what kind of show you'll be staffed on, or what movie assignment you'll get, so you've got to be prepared to write for anything.

And like I said above, define what you mean by "success" and "well known" for yourself. This is more so that you're prepared for this shit storm of an industry and have realistic expectations. If you want to make money quickly, this is not the career for you. If you want to eventually get to a comfortable spot after years of the grind, and have enough to make a nice yet modest life yourself, it can absolutely happen.

I'm sure there's so much more I need to say, but I'll leave it there for now. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to send an ask in my inbox, or even DM me if you prefer. I hope this hasn't come across as mean or trying to scare you away, but I really just want everyone to be prepared for what this career actually means.

Best of luck with everything, and happy writing! :)

I really want to become a screenwriter for television or film (I’m not pretty enough to be an actress) and I don’t know if it’s a feasible option or one that would actually work? How do people make a living in it or become successful and well known?

That is a question for @wayward-dreamer! She's doing this exact thing :)

[phenomenal1500]

What If We Had The Choice? | Resident Evil Village

Summary: What would have happened if Ethan had sided with Heisenberg? Unfortunately, Capcom didn't give us the chance to make a choice, so for the enthusiasts.... this would have happened if we had had been given the choice.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ethan stepped foot inside the dark, dusty factory with a bad premonition. He kept his gun in front of him at all costs as he carefully pushed the first rusty door he encountered open and when he noticed the coast was clear, he also made his way through the badly lit hallway that had appeared from behind the heavy door. He was so close in having his daughter back that he couldn't back down... not now. Another nasty hallway followed and finally, when he took a turn to his right, he spotted an huge curtain hanging ahead of him in a square room. It seemed to hide the wall and table behind it and Ethan struggled with the thought off shoving it to the right to peak behind it or to just leave it be. With his curiosity taking over he pulled the curtain from the beam to which it was attached to and small photos appeared.

Some of them were old pictures of the lords, scratched through with a red marker, while others were pictures of the incidents that had happened around the village since Ethan had arrived there. The pictures reflected in Ethan's eyes and one stood out to him. "Mia?"

"Truth hurts, don't it?" Ethan turned with a quick motion, spotting the man Ethan had met earlier who now stepped out of the shadows directly behind him. The dark and round glasses covered the man's eyes as well as his fedora hat that slightly slanted over his left eye and the long tattered coat fluttered behind him as he took a puff of his Cuban cigar. Ash fell from his cigar as thick white smoke floated around the man's almost completely covered face. "Let me guess." The forth and strongest Lord continued after puffing his cigar once more. "You're thinking take me out like the others, and then you get to go and safe Rose, right?"

"I'm healing my daughter." Ethan bit back.

"Look, y-...you've got this all wrong-..." Lord Heisenberg signed with his hands up in the air to strengthen his words, but he then was cut off by an horrible loud sound coming from under them. "Dammit, I'm talking here!" The man whined, pinching his noise before storming his way towards the hatch to pull it open with ease. "Shut your fucking hole!"

Ethan had no idea what to except or where this conversation was going, certainly not with someone different than the other mutated humans he had met. Alcina Dimitrescu had already some hatred towards men like him, perhaps even all men in general, and was conspiring with Miranda so of course she wanted him dead from the beginning. Donna Beneviento seemed more reasonable and neutral about the situation, but was still crazy as fuck and was also still under Miranda's control. Same goes for Salvatore Moreau, except for the fact he wasn't just following and conspiring with Miranda. He saw Mother Miranda as his real mother and he was so desperate to prove his worth to the other house lords and Mother Miranda that he unfortunately also wasn't able to negotiate with.

However, Lord Heisenberg was someone different. He came across Ethan as more controlled than the other Lords despite being a bit of a direct man. "Sorry about that." The man apologised as he straightened his back. Ethan, still confused whether he had to have patient and listen to the man or take action while it was still possible, stood in the room watching the man in doubt while he snatched a chair from beside a cupboard to place it by the hatch.

"Take a seat." Heisenberg ordered and Ethan stayed in his place, not obeying his competitor. "Listen, Ethan. You're being played."

"What are you talking about? You think this is a game?" Ethan hissed through his teeth meanwhile the lord put out his Cuban cigar, pressing the burning side onto the small table. Ethan had expected some sort of answer from the mutant, but to his surprise Heisenberg aggressively tossed a knife towards the wall covered in pictures and pushed Ethan into the unsteady metal chair instead... the chair almost staggering over the edge of the big hole by all the force falling down onto it.

"I said sit!!" Heisenberg backed off a bit afterwards and continued his story. "Lady super-sized bitch..." The knife stabbed the wall as it made its way to the picture of Lady Dimitrescu. "Ugly-ass psycho doll...." The knife again marked the wall, now resting in the photo of Donna Beneviento and Angie Beneviento. "And that moronic freak." The knife made one last change in direction, the picture of Salvatore Moreau. "Don't you get it? It's a test, to see if you're strong enough... to be part of Miranda's family."

"I don't want to be part of Miranda's family."

"Neither did I! But here we are." Heisenberg raised his voice and Ethan took in a deep breath. "And I'm next in line, right? Kill me, move up the chain! Well, fuck that!!" The knife carved the wall as it was forced through the image of Mother Miranda, messing it up.

"I don't give a damn about your personal issues! I just want to fix my daughter!" The lord laughed in response.

"So do I! Do you have any idea how powerful that kid is? Even Miranda is scared of her..." For a second time there was a very loud engine sound hearable and the man deeply sighed in frustration. "Last time, you freak, I swear to god!"

Afterwards making his way to Ethan, Lord Heisenberg gave away his green and grey eyes by removing his glasses and held his chin up, the hat moving a bit upwards to reveal his full face. Scars were located all across his face and he smirked.

"You and me, Ethan! Together we go save Rose, and then we can use her to grind Miranda to paste." Heisenberg closed his fist with strength, acting like he was squeezing a bug to death. Ethan stood before a tough decision; Fight Lord Heisenberg and then hope he could safe his daughter from Mother Miranda all alone... or collude against Mother Miranda with the help of Heisenberg and save his daughter that way. He knew it was wrong to work together with someone who was once his enemy and was willing to use his daughter as a weapon, but it gave him more certainty to actually succeed and get his little girl back. Ethan stood up from his chair and swallowed before nodding.

"When do we start?"

~~~

Heisenberg had taken Ethan to his lab to explain what he'd been up to all along and both men now faced each other while sitting down onto different obsolete metal sofas. "Most of this was already put in working before I decided to show up here to save Rose?"

"This is my fucking lifework. Years I have been creating these soldats to deal with Miranda once and for all. It's time for her to die." The man passionately spoke up and pointed at the soldats hanging from a conveyor belt that ran through the factory. "So, Ethan Winters, what do you say?"

"The plan sounds good to me."

"Well then, lets get to work. See you on the other side... Ethan."

Ethan knew exactly what to do because Heisenberg had explained in detail what the plan was. Ethan was going to disturb the ceremony that was taking place so that the lord could launch a surprise attack on Miranda with his invented army. Although, before it could work, Ethan first had to stop by the Duke to restock his ammunition and healing juice. Fast traveling over the stone bridge towards the elevator in the altar, he returned to the Duke.

"Ah... Ethan Winters. I feel like this will be the last time we meet again... It was quite some news to hear you joined Lord Heisenberg's side." The duke folded his hands together, somewhere deep down noticeable that he was delighted to see his loyal customer and good friend back alive.

"Yeah, well, I didn't have much of a choice, did I?"

"You had a choice, but knew that this settlement would be most effective. Now, I suppose you have to act quickly so feel free to peruse." Buying ammunition and healing juice with the last money Ethan had, the friends said their last goodbyes and carried on their separated ways. This would be it. This would be the moment where Ethan would finally get his daughter Rose back. Shoving himself through the filthy black strands know as mold, he saw the blond woman in her black and gold robe shouting for Eva, her dead daughter she lost to the Spanish flu, to be reborn. The moment Ethan wanted to fire his first shot with his M1851 Wolfsbane Magnum, there was a sharp sound audible and then loud rock music followed.

"What the-....?" Ethan cursed under his breath, not knowing what the fuck was happening, but the distractive music seemed to caught Miranda off guard and the chamber of mold crumbled down around them. It looked like Miranda had lost her focus. The distraction gave Ethan a better shot and Miranda jerked her head towards him, glaring deathly at him as he pulled the trigger. The bullet didn't do much to her, but the arena was now free from the mold and it was possible for Heisenberg to step into the destroyed area, which he did. He was still secretly jamming to the loud rock music that was playing on his speakers back in the factory and Ethan wondered what the actual limit of the volume was because it was so terribly loud, even from where they were now.

"Heisenberg! I should have known you were planning an rebellion against me. Unfortunately for the both of you, the ceremony will be complete once dawn breaks and I will become her true mother!" Miranda shouted dramatically and opened her arms widely, letting her six wings stretch out before her mutation took place. Heisenberg just scoffed and threw his Cuban cigar to the ground, stepping on it.

"I'm not letting you get away." Ethan yelled, shooting a few more times at the orange eye that was visible in the upper center of her face. It probably was her weakness. In the meantime that Ethan was busy shooting at the six winged dead looking woman, Heisenberg simply just leaned on his hammer. His head was banging to the music while he watched the scene for a moment, but that was until he forced himself to participate into the battle as well. Putting his thumb and index finger close to his mouth, he whistled as noisy as possible and immediately an army of Lycans and soldats joined him. Miranda was amazed at what was happening before her eyes, but managed to kill several soldats at once with the mold spearing them. Heisenberg groaned in frustration, understanding that his life creations perhaps weren't fully prepared for these kind of attacks coming from her.

Heisenberg sighed and closed his green, grey eyes. It was time... time for him to mutate and face Miranda together with Ethan. He had to defeat her. That was what he wished for all these years after all. Heisenberg listened to the guitar solo in the background as his mind started to control and use the metal scrap from his broken soldats to continue his mutation. Ethan couldn't be distracted by the creature Heisenberg had become and so he kept his attention strictly on Miranda, ready to hit her again. Sadly, he was out of luck. His M1851 Wolfsbane Magnum ran out of ammo and while Ethan tried to block her next attack, Heisenberg seized the opportunity to knock her to the ground before she had the change to launch herself at Ethan.

Heisenberg accelerated his actions and grabbed Miranda tightly before pressing her against one of the broken stone walls. With his other metal arm he activated his saw and wounded her body, but soon found out she could regenerate herself. Her spider legs turned into wings, bigger than before, and she hurled the flames she had summoned when Heisenberg wasn't paying attention. He was blinded and was pushed back by the blow. The lord quickly realized that his mutation was quite easy for Miranda to defeat because of the length and width of his mechanistic form and he turned back to his human form. This way he could use the metal scrap for a shield and dodge all her attacks faster.

"Ethan! Bring your ass over here!" The man growled, seeing that Ethan was laying somewhere on the floor, being completely useless, and Ethan raised to his feet... stumbling a bit, but not giving up.

"I don't have any fucking bullets left!"

"Well good luck keeping her focused on you then!" His gravelly voice yelled over the rock music for only Ethan to hear and he shook his head in confusion, though, he had no time to understand it because Miranda immediately jumped right in front of him. The lord had time to create a stairs of the floating metal with activating his abilities and he ran to the top, hoping Miranda hadn't seen this shit coming or else they both were certainly doomed. Ethan, meanwhile, was fighting off the woman and it was the perfect timing for Heisenberg to put his second plan in working. Heisenberg dropped himself from the stairs, his hammer above his head and aiming at the weakness of Mother Miranda. Hitting her, her back was blown into the floor and she screamed in agony. The combo of the shots of the M1851 Wolfsbane Magnum and the terribly heavy hammer had managed to defeat her.

"My daughter.... My Eva!" She held her arms high and went numb, her body falling apart and turning into ash.

"After an eternity.... that bitch is finally gone." Heisenberg laughed enthusiastically and turned around to face Ethan only to see him crumbling down with Rose in his arms.

"I think we finished each other...."

[mimisempai]

Wait for me on the other side 4/8

Chapter summary :

Where we learn more about the past of Mobius and Loki... Where Croki is uncontrollable... And where everything ends in surprise...

https://archiveofourown.org/works/32948254/chapters/82165354

2021 - Loki's apartment

Loki steadied himself with a pounding heart and picked up, "Hello?"

-Loki?

-Yes?

-It's Sigyn.

It took Loki a moment to realize who it was and let the slight disappointment fade away.

-Sigyn?

-Yes, I'm in New York. I came for a conference but it got canceled, so I figured I'd call you. To see if you were free.

An hour later, Loki and Sigyn were walking around in awkward silence. Loki hadn't wanted Sigyn to get any ideas, so he'd preferred to meet her on neutral ground.

"Thanks for coming."

"Sure, no problem." replied Loki.

"It's been too long."

Loki didn't answer, he didn't want to start a sensitive discussion. Actually, he didn't want to be here at all.

"How is Croki?" continued Sigyn.

"He's fine."

"Is he adjusting to life in the city?"

"Yeah, he's doing well."

"Good. I miss him."

Here we go... get out your handkerchief...

Exactly the kind of discussion Loki didn't want to start. Again he preferred not to point out, and again let the awkward silence settle.

"Have you eaten, by any chance?" asked Sigyn.

"No, but..."

"Me neither." replied Sigyn, not even letting Loki speak. "I just realized I'm starving. Maybe we can get a quick bite somewhere."

Loki reluctantly nodded. They passed a small, elegant restaurant, "Freya's restaurant".

"What do you think of this? It looks good." raved Sigyn.

Loki protested, "Oh, no, Sigyn, this place is way too...".

But Sigyn was already heading inside and Loki had no choice but to follow her. The place was small, elegant and serene. And it was completely crowded. Sigyn approached the hostess.

"Good evening, table for two, please."

The hostess looked taken aback and asked her, "For tonight?"

"Yes, please."

The young woman replied with an apologetic tone, "I'm sorry, Miss. We are completely booked for tonight."

She looked at the reservation book before continuing, "But in three... no, I'm sorry, four months from now we have an opening for dinner if you want to make a reservation. Five-thirty or eleven-thirty?"

Sygin, turned on her heel, clearly disappointed and Loki followed her.

A little later, they were eating in a pizzeria on the corner.

Seeing Sigyn's dejected look, Loki took pity on her and said gently, "Don't feel bad. This is one of the best restaurants in town. It's okay that there's no table, that's what I was going to tell you."

Sigyn sighed, "It's not that..." she paused and then resumed, "I didn't do it right."

Loki realized she had lied to him, "You didn't have a conference, did you?"

She shook her head and Loki waited for her to continue.

"I thought you'd see me if it didn't seem like a big deal, a surprise, a quick coffee... But coffee could turn into dinner. And dinner could turn into..."

"What?" asked Loki dryly.

" Anything." replied Sigyn sheepishly.

"So it was an ambush."

"Yes..." sighed Sigyn again.

Loki exasperated, said, " Another one."

Sigyn, on the defensive, asked him, "What do you mean?"

Loki replied wearily, "Sigyn. You were always jumping ten steps ahead. A week after we met, you were already planning our entire lives. When I was still in college, you were picking out real estate. I'd come visit you for the weekend and you'd invited all your high school friends, the whole town to your house to meet me."

Sigyn replied defiantly, "At least I didn't go out with anyone else."

Loki surprised her by asking, "What do you mean?"

"At the party..."

"Oh my God Sigyn. I didn't go out with him! I kissed him once, and he was just a random guy and it was years ago.... I can't believe you remember that."

"Okay. You're right. I don't want to fight. It's just... part of me wonders... if I had moved to New York when you wanted me to..."

Loki replied firmly, "You didn't and leaving was the hardest decision I've ever made. I hope you know that. But that's water under the bridge and it's time to move on."

Sigyn looked disappointed but nodded, "I'm sorry. I never should have called. I just... miss you."

Loki didn't answer. He didn't want to, because if he was honest he would have to tell her that he didn't miss her anymore.

He couldn't stop his thoughts from slipping to his mysterious pen pal and the connection he had with him.

They finished their meal in a heavy silence. Loki was eager to get back to his apartment.

2019 - In front of the TK building

Mobius got out of his pickup, let out a big sigh and entered the imposing building.

When he reached the third floor, he knocked on the door.

The familiar voice answered, "Come in."

Mobius paused in the doorway, waiting for Ravonna to look up.

"What a surprise, the prodigal son has returned," the woman said by way of greeting.

"I was in the neighborhood..." he paused, uncomfortable, then continued, "How are you?"

"I'm fine." replied Ravonna who said nothing more.

Mobius entered the room with an uncertain step.

"Why don't you get to the point, Mobius."

Mobius stepped forward and placed an envelope on Ravonna's desk.

Ravonna took it and pulled out a check.

"What's this?"

Mobius replied calmly, "It's what I owe you."

Ravonna looked puzzled, "I beg your pardon?"

"It's about the same amount of money I would have made for TK if I had stayed on for the duration of my contract. So there you go, we're even."

"So you wasted your money," Ravonna replied, "You didn't owe me anything."

Mobius replied firmly, "I feel better. We were both in on this project originally and I feel like I let you down, so we've come full circle."

"If it makes you feel better. Good for you. Is that all?"

"I bought the house on the cliff."

"I heard about it. Finally, despite your high principles, it seems you don't mind making money right?"

Ravonna looked briefly at the check and pocketed it.

Mobius, annoyed by her coldness and what she had just said, said, "You know it's not the same thing... but you know what? Let's just forget it, we'll never agree. Everything is perfect the way it is! Have a nice life!"

Mobius stared at her for a moment. Then he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Ravonna jumped at the sound of the door slamming and pulled out the check again. She looked at it, then slowly tore it in half and threw it in the wastepaper basket. Then she opened a desk drawer and took out a photograph.

It was a picture of the House on the Cliff under construction. Ravonna and Mobius looked about 7 or 8 years old and were holding hands.  Mobius was pointing at the house and smiling. She remembered that day, the orphanage had taken them on a field trip to the New Asgard forest and as usual, Mobius and Ravonna had slipped away and stumbled upon the house under construction.

At the time the picture was taken, Mobius was telling her that one day he would move back here. This is where they had decided that they would work together one day, that they would make plenty of money to come back and live in this house. Stupid childhood dream. An utopia.

Ravonna looked at the picture for a moment, started to throw it in the wastebasket, then decided not to and put it back in the drawer.

An Autumn Afternoon - 2019

Mobius had taken Croki to the veterinarian for a regular check-up and had taken the opportunity to pass by Sylvie's store, to see if she had any old daggers. Maybe he would find something to send to Loki. Although offering a blade seemed a little weird for him. But after all, their relationship itself was weird.

They were going through some daggers that Sylvie had selected, the young woman a little too close for his liking.

He had well noticed that she often tried to attract his attention, but Mobius was not interested at all. He just didn't know how to tell her without hurting her feelings.

"Mobius..."

"Yes Sylvie."

"You told me you were here with Croki, your alligator, didn't you?"

"Uh yes, he's in his crate, in the trailer of the pickup."

"So that can't be him I just saw running past the store then?"

"What?" Mobius ran over and said as he drove away, "How many people do you think are driving around with an alligator in their car?!"

He looked to the right and then to the left, and saw Croki disappear around the corner.

"Croki!"

Mobius shouted but the alligator didn't stop, Mobius ran after him, vaguely aware that he was being followed by Sylvie.

He chased Croki into a nearby residential street. Croki was really fast. Mobius swore and speeded up his pace.

Croki snuck through someone's garden and Mobius was still chasing him. They arrived at a house where Croki seemed to have stopped. Finally.

In front of it, a woman was unloading the trunk of her car and was watching Croki with a slightly frightened eye. Mobius managed to walk up and grab Croki.

"There you are, you rascal. What's gotten into you?" Then turning to the woman who looked familiar but whom he didn't think he knew, he added, "I'm sorry, this is the first time he's run away like this. He's never done this before. But he's harmless, don't worry."

The woman asked him with a curious look, "What's his name?"

"Croki."

She walked over and bent down to Croki, "Hi, Croki. I should get one like you for my boyfriend.He loves animals and especially anything reptilian."

Mobius noticed how much the young woman had to unload, there were many cases of wine and offered, "Do you want help with that? To apologize for the inconvenience caused by Croki."

She shook her head, "Oh no, I have time. Besides, you're already loaded" she replied, pointing to Croki in Mobius' arms before continuing, "in case you're wondering, I don't intend to drink all this alone."

The young woman is very talkative and Mobius listens politely.

"I'm a real estate agent, and you, do you live around here?"

"I have a house on the cliff above the lake in New Asgard."

"Really?"

They were joined by Sylvie, out of breath.

"Thank God! You've found him!"

The young woman greeted Sylvie with a nod.

"Hi, I'm Sigyn."

Then she continued, turning to Mobius, "Concerning the wine cases, I'm having some high school friends and neighbors over tonight. You're both welcome to come if you feel like it. It's always nice to have new faces."

Mobius and Sylvie exchanged a look.

Sylvie replied, "Thanks. We have plans."

Mobius wondered what plan they were supposed to have, and what was sure was that he had only one plan, to go home, see if Loki had written to him and write to him. Alone.

Sigyn shrugged and replied, "No problem. It was nice to meet you anyway. See you later maybe, Croki. Oh, hey, Mobius..."

Sigyn reached into her pocket. "Here's my business card, I could look into renting a place on the lake myself. If you hear of anything, let me know."

"Will do."

"Thank you. That would be very helpful. I love this house, but my boyfriend doesn't. You know how it is."

"No worries." replied Mobius starting to leave, he inwardly ranted, wondering how he managed to stumble upon the chattiest women on earth, when Sigyn added, "I promised him a view of the lake if he moved in with me after art college."

Mobius paused.

"He's in art college?"

"Yes in Brooklyn, he wants to be a professor of literature and is majoring in Norse mythology. He visits here on weekends."

Mobius froze and realized that Sigyn was the one he had seen with Loki on the station platform and that Loki had kissed.

Sigyn continued, not noticing Mobius's confusion, "He's coming tonight, a little later, actually. That's why I'm having this little party."

Under Sylvie's exasperated gaze, Mobius inquired, "What time does it start?"

The same evening - 2021

Loki went out after work, tired, and started to head home. When suddenly he changed his mind and stopped to turn around. After a few detours, he found himself where he wanted to go, "THE BIFROST", the bar where the other professors had wanted to take him on his first day.

The place was almost empty. Loki went to the bar and sat down, looking gloomy and ordered a glass of white wine.

At the same time - 2019

When Mobius and Sylvia arrived at Sigyn's house, the party was already well advanced inside and there were many cars parked in the driveway and on the street.

As they entered, Sylvia turned to Mobius with a pouty face, "This better be good. I had something else planned for us."

Mobius rolled his eyes, because he had never intended to spend the evening with her in the first place anyway.

In the hallway, Sigyn was among her friends and neighbors, talking and laughing.

She came over to Mobius and Sylvie as soon as she saw them, "Hey! Glad you could make it. The bar..." she emphasized the word with quotes in the air, "is in the kitchen..."

They moved around greeting people here and there, Mobius looking for Loki with his eyes, Sylvie then gave him a look and asked in an acid tone, "Why are we here?".

Mobius pretended not to have heard her, the noisy discussions around them giving him a good excuse.

They ended up sitting on the couch next to a couple in their thirties. They exchanged greetings and chatted, Mobius half-listening, wondering again where Loki was.

Same time - 2021

When Loki was halfway through his drink, someone came and sat next to him. Surprised, he saw that it was Thor who ordered a drink before turning to him and saying with the smile that was his, "According to most social norms, a person shouldn't drink alone after 10 p.m. unless they have a good excuse. What's yours?"

Loki shrugged.

"I don't have one."

"I do. My fiancée just left for six months for her research. She's an astrophysicist, and we won't be able to see each other for that long."

"Tough." replied Loki, "And your relationship will put up with that?"

"Of course!" replied Thor, "It's not the first time, and luckily there's facetime and stuff." He pointed to Loki's glass before adding, "I see your glass is empty, do you want another one? My treat."

Loki nodded, "Yeah."

Thor ordered and two minutes later their drinks arrived.

After a moment of silence, Loki said quietly, "Actually, I have an excuse to drink alone after 10pm."

Same time - 2019

Mobius and Sylvie were still on the couch with the thirty-something couple. Mobius was honestly getting bored and apparently so was Sylvie, because she turned slightly to Mobius and whispered from the corner of her mouth, "Go get our coats."

Mobius stood up and excused himself, before going in search of the coats.

Just as he was about to reach the coat racks, he saw Sigyn, who was looking out the window, suddenly turning around and saying rather loudly, "Okay, everyone!  It's time!"

She switched off all the lights in the room and everyone fell silent.

Mobius saw a figure appear behind the glass door. The door slowly opened and he heard Loki's voice for the first time, "Hello?"

Sigyn abruptly turned on the lights and everyone started shouting "Surprise!" and "Happy Birthday!"

Someone brought in a cake with lit candles on it.

Loki looked stunned as Sigyn threw herself into his arms and kissed him full on the lips while Mobius could do nothing but watch.

__________

Will Loki and Mobius finally meet?

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 (End)