#Also if you're ever curious and you want a bad story to read. Peaks and Valleys by Clefairytea is the series I've been bitching abt

[violetstormms]

DCA x Reader Random Recommendation Corner Post 2

Welcome to the random recommendation corner. Here fics are recommended that sounded interesting but I have not gotten the chance to check out yet. This means that besides the description I have no idea what they contain so pay extra attention to tags and read at your own discretion. Some may eventually make it onto the regular recommendation list as this is essentially my “to read” list. If you are curious about the symbols before the fics you can check out the pined post for an explanation. This will be the same message before every post so you can just skip to read more if you have read this once.

*Diving in stars, all alone by zofifi

 archiveofourown.org/works/54275623/chapters/137453173

You are a space pilot. For the last few months your only job was testing new attempts at hyperspace engines.

But none of the prototypes ever worked. Until today.

Stranded at the edge of a solar system where the wider universe begins. What will you find there?

*Wintersweet Spirit by NaffEclipse

  archiveofourown.org/works/55202458/chapters/140007037

Your visit to a beautiful, tucked-away mountain town leaves you curious about the beliefs of a mythical beast who watches over the peaks and snowy ranges. An ill-advised trek toward the summit sends you tumbling directly into the mythical beast's domain as you must accept his guiding hand to endure the harsh mountaintop.

He is power and brightness, and the only one who can carry you through the snow.

-*I Can't Give You Anything But Love by Kurpo

  archiveofourown.org/works/54766792/chapters/138807373

You're just a simple mechanic. You run a scrap, mechanic shop. You mentor a young kid, Gregory in your field.

This wasn't supposed to happen. It was just going to be a simple scavenging at the old Fazbear Theme Park. In and out. Gregory's first experience out in the Glowing Wasteland.

Yet, you end up facing two synths Gregory accidentally wakes. What are you to do when you're faced with two pre-war synths that have no idea 200 years have passed?

Time can pass, but civilization will always find a way to survive.

`Wasteland, Baby! by orphan_account, theberryboi

  archiveofourown.org/works/54608833/chapters/138371674

The last thing they expected when emerging from the woods was to find the downfall of civilization. And the last thing you expected to find was them.

*Maybe Villains Aren't So Bad by ArtemisRed

  archiveofourown.org/works/54726241/chapters/138698338

You work for the city's best heroes working to fight the villains and keep the city safe. But when two new villains come into town, your job starts looking a lot harder to commit to

`Unexpected Attraction by MeeluDrawz

  archiveofourown.org/works/55008391/chapters/139451968

Three years ago, you entered and lost a competition to design a new and original animatronic design. Now, after moving on with your life, you see the fruits of your labor on a news announcement for Fazbear Entertainment's newest animatronic.

~To Shallower Waters by FalseNaiveDreams

  archiveofourown.org/works/54970138/chapters/139348009

Everything was good! It was all fine, the Aurora had everything needed to explore the planet they were headed to.

Nobody understands what went wrong, or how it all happened. Sun and Moon seem to be the only survivors.

----------

When a large titanium mass crashes into the planet, you're excited, finally, something new!

But it turns out you weren't the only one who wanted to investigate, the Reapers, too, also wanted to see what prey lurked within the waters near the crash.

And now there's two finless creatures who seem to live inside a floating den, how curious!

...Perhaps they can figure out what's going on with the infected creatures?

+Employees of Pizza Plex by Galacticbunny

  archiveofourown.org/works/55045201/chapters/139551190

You started working at the Grand Fazco Super Pizza Plex! What could go wrong?

This is a story about making friends, falling in love, and maybe trying to avoid getting killed by an unknown killer who seems to be one of your coworkers.

No biggie!

~My Celestial Beasts by Adaya_Hearts

  archiveofourown.org/works/46103137/chapters/116056426

You have always been fascinated by marine life. Always. Of course your first job would be as a Caretaker for magnificent and exotic creatures that could have only been found in fairy tales. Except they're not.

Here, you find how horrible they have been treated, and you want to change that. Little do you know, your act of kindness rewards you with being the favorite of two leviathans...

[Just slow updates cause I'm Hella busy. But I will finish this book!]

*Technicos Titanum by Kajetan563

  archiveofourown.org/works/54701182/chapters/138630505

To think that there were great machines before space stations… It almost sounds absurd. Unfortunately for me, the existence of those machines is somehow real. I never wanted to get into this mess, but I have to deal with the hijinks that followed.

Let me tell you how it went down, from the very beginning.

~Afton's Folk Tale by Cecezu

 archiveofourown.org/works/52884742/chapters/133769974

Selkie Y/N is on a personal quest to find their mother who was stolen by a human. They had to separate from their pod to do so and brave the unknown world of said humans. They however do not notice the red eyes that watch them. Nor do they realize how much attention a mysterious person showing up out the woods would gain in a small town. Pulled between their quest and Eclipses claws will they be able to find their mother and manage to not enrage the Orca siren?

In this world Fazco is well known for their mystical creature zoo's. The corporation has risen in popularity when they started to showcase creatures that are going extinct because of monster hunters and the creatures being abused for the materials they give by companies like Fazco. Selkies unfortunately are one of the creatures that are going into extinction because of their rather docile temperament and the superstitious beliefs surrounding them.

~~~~~~~~

Orca!Eclipse is directly based off of Naffeclipse's one from Apex Polarity. More info in author notes!

+Point you in the Right Direction by Droplets88

  archiveofourown.org/works/55217824/chapters/140053930

Sun and Moon never really liked adults, never had a reason to.

To them, Sun and Moon were just a thing the adults could control. Forced to serve because they were 'programmed' to. Adults only spelt trouble, only wasting their time on them to order around, complain, or reprogram. At least until you came along.

You were different.

Maybe a friend is all they needed, and maybe that's all you need too.

*Creepy Crawlies by Le_frog

  archiveofourown.org/works/54988756/chapters/139398913

The cold night air rattled the windows, the light of the moon shone through the curtain. Breathing fills the air as you stare at the glowing dots at the base of your bed.

It’s happening again.

TLDR: Reader is plagued with “hallucinations ” of two things in their room at night but what will happen when these ‘things’ start getting more…interested

* "how to be adopted by myths for dummies" a guide made by you. by Stateofmind_maybeimblue

  archiveofourown.org/works/55084321/chapters/139658722

You never expected to meet mythological creatures, but since they are by your side, life has become much more interesting and fun.

or: sun and moon are happy to have a new human friend (don't let moon know that you know hehe)

`Fazbear Zoo by ArtsyFartsyBro

  archiveofourown.org/works/54910234/chapters/139189192

You weren’t particularly fond of the idea of being transferred from your zoo to another. You liked your zoo and you liked your coworkers. You were strictly opposed, however, to sending your zoo’s mated pair of California Condors to another zoo that didn’t even have a designated ornithologist all by themselves. But the zoo they were being transferred to not only was offering to send one of their animals over for breeding, but the owner of the zoo was offering your home zoo a great deal of money for the exchange. Eager to provide greater quality habitats and care to the animals in its care and with a little negotiation, you and your zoo agreed. Now you've got a job at Fazbear Zoo, the only zoo in the world with animatronic staff.

*Majestic Oppositions: The Full Series by Laurzzz

  archiveofourown.org/works/54710149/chapters/138654976

“I don’t suppose you’re here to court me.”, you raise an eyebrow at the stranger, nearly forgetting of the mask you’re still wearing.

“Well then, what do you suppose I would do here, princess?”, he speaks with an omen that foretells danger seething from his smile. It doesn’t faze you, not in the slightest.

“You’re here to kill me.”, nonchalance glazes over your speech. Your hands cling on to the coat covering you with your back relaxing further against the balcony’s barrier.

*Eye of the Beholder by JackOfAllRabbits

 archiveofourown.org/works/53819152/chapters/136216651

A new scientist has been hired to the Faz Co. research facility in the heart of the desert where any number of secrets can be kept. You are full of curiosity and are especially interested in a particularly fascinating subject that Faz Co. is holding.

A certain dangerous alien. Will you get too close for comfort? Is it worth the risk?

*Pollen Pool by JokerSVendetta

 archiveofourown.org/works/54748438/chapters/138758686

You had known you were different from the moment you emerged from the pollen pool.

The community who was supposed to be so loving did not accept you. You were isolated from them, only ever showing your face during new arrivals. You held on to a thread of hope that one day, another would arise from the glowing yellow water and look like you.

During what was supposed to be the last new arrival of the season, you don't quite get exactly what you hoped for, but it was better than you could've imagined.

~Caught in Your Net by EssenceDoesStuff

 archiveofourown.org/works/54984274/chapters/139386190

You’re the captain of the most feared pirate ship in the seas, the Star Runner. However, when you raid another pirate’s ship and find two mers trapped in his nets, things start to change. You expect to never see the mers again, until they start gifting you with treasures to express their gratitude. Will you eventually return their affections? And what’s going on with all these storms?

*Eclipse of the Valley by scarlett_ink

 archiveofourown.org/works/55068079/chapters/139614550

You are in desperate need of a change of pace, an out of the mentally draining life you found yourself in. With the combined inspiration of a total solar eclipse and letter you probably waited too long to have opened, you find yourself moving to the tiny community of Pelican Town nestled in Stardew Valley.

But what happens when there's more magic to this town than you thought, and you realize that you weren't the only one to move into the farm? With nowhere else for your surprise, animatronic roommate to go, it seems like he'll be staying with you for the foreseeable future and he isn't as alone as he first appears. Hopefully, you'll be able to come to terms with your new roommates and maybe if you play your cards right you might just get them to open up to you.

+May I deceive by Jamep0p

  archiveofourown.org/works/51602362/chapters/130431937

You were a robotics engineer,the head leader of the newest Fazbear entertainment animatronic, and just a few days away from the new robot release,you get murdered in your workplace.

This won't stop the animatronic release, and with it, your need to escape.

----------

sorry if it's not that good,im bad at writing summaries

+*Love to the Music by ArtemisRed

  archiveofourown.org/works/55035832/chapters/139524613

You hear the same song, every single day. It's nauseating, the music equivalent of a for horn grating on your nerves with its constant blare. You swore to yourself, when you found your soulmate, you'd make sure they never listened to that damn song again. (That song is the daycare song btw :3 )

-LIGHTS OUT by ERR0R_3X3

  archiveofourown.org/works/48915295/chapters/123401350

It has been 5 years sense the plex burned down, you cash in a favor from an old friend and return to the long abandoned building searching for answers. What will you find when entering this forsaken place? Will is be a blessing or a curse?(This is a sun/moon fic we known damn well what we’ll find)

*Of Hearts in Tarnished Chains by CloudyVoid and CrazedAuthor

 archiveofourown.org/works/54068971/chapters/136886098

You're a thief. One of the best in the business, if you do say so yourself. However, the current situation you find yourself in - locked in a cage and chained with only a shrouded cellmate next door for company - is going to be a bit of a stain on your reputation. And things only go downhill from here.

Between the ogres, goblins, and kobolds holding you hostage, now you also find yourself in the middle of a power struggle for a mysterious box that everyone wants their hands on. Including you, as is your job. But the contents of said box give you pause and set the stage for a whirlwind of trouble. Your hands are tied - almost quite literally - to a barbarian direwolf, an unknown human girl, and your fiery robot cellmate. You realize too late the pay for this job might not be worth it...

`Self-Care Virus by MrMiss

 archiveofourown.org/works/48989017/chapters/123592003

You were apparently bad at taking care of yourself. Your friend installed an app for self-care onto your phone. You honestly forgot about it for weeks, not even opening it. That.. may have been a mistake.

*Feathered Trysts by throatofdelusionincarnate

 archiveofourown.org/works/54505708/chapters/138089872

This fairytale begins as all good fairytales do.

Once upon a time, there lived;

A Ruler who sought to be free

A King who refused to give up

A General whose loyalty damned him

A Sorcerer whose hunger couldn't be sated

All are bound by chains of feathers and gold.

`°If it's for you, it's on the house!° by maggie_iced_coffee

 archiveofourown.org/works/54481045/chapters/138020923

You are a barista in the 1930s, trying to get through the great depression.

Things in your area are finally starting to calm down, but then a certain sun-themed bot walks into your cafe and becomes a regular. That and the rumors behind 'Fazbear's' don't give you much hope. He doesn't seem like a guy to cause trouble, but who knows what kind of shenanigans he may bring into your life.

(I'm kinda bad at summaries sorry! (ꏿ﹏ꏿ;))

*Born and Betrothed by Sunny_Simulation

 archiveofourown.org/works/54164497/chapters/137145538

Story heavily inspired by Strawbubbysugar's "Bethroned" fic! I was given permission to make this, but it isn't tied to bethroned and shouldn't have a lot of similar plot points.

Born for the express purpose of uniting two kingdoms to end a war, you find yourself facing a fate you did not choose, nor deserve.

+Wouldn't you like your outcome preferred? by Lie_nox

 archiveofourown.org/works/54411544/chapters/137829496

Adult life was not for you but you had found a way to survive it, mostly. You didn't have a bad job and although your co-workers were a pain in the ass most of the time, you could say you had a good life.

That is until you are forced to learn how to live with the grief of losing a loved one and ignore the growing depression you had left buried long ago to pass as a functioning adult. With one simple event everything you knew changed, including the daycare attendant behavior towards you.

Will you get used to it as strange things start to happen at the pizzaplex, or will you be just another face on a missing person's poster?

`through pixel eyes by lunarmoves

 archiveofourown.org/works/54397639/chapters/137788825

welcome to version 1.1 of fazpals, your very own virtual desktop friend based on the hit characters from fazbear entertainment's mega pizzaplex! they are able to walk, talk, joke, tell stories, give fun facts, adapt, and play games! fazpals are like no other with their innovative adaptive technology! you'll learn from them as they learn from you!

click the button below if you are ready to meet your new fazpal!

—

signed on as a beta tester for fazco, your job is simple: document any problems with their new program 'fazpals.exe' and help ensure it is ready for release. shouldn't be too difficult, right? right??

wrong.

+Doombop! by RambunctiousToons

 archiveofourown.org/works/52978882/chapters/134021020

You don't get to decide how worthy and deserving you are of friendship. It's unrealistic to believe you can keep a wall up forever, keep yourself from ever caring too much, again.

Then again, just as unrealistic as sentient animatronics prowling the Pizzaplex.

Your metaphors are just as terrible as your jokes.

+Fear Factor by theinksvoid

  archiveofourown.org/works/54371797/chapters/137717413

A person who has a dislike of animatronics and mascots alike gets accepted as a security guard at the one place that feeds her phobia. What's the worst that could happen, right?

*Solis et Lunae by owlitt

  archiveofourown.org/works/55157404/chapters/139873684

Gods are fickle beings. In a world with several deities, each with their own temples and followers, favor can come and go with the wind.

While that goes without saying for mortals, it also holds true to the gods themselves; those who lose favor falling into anonymity, never to have their names revered again.

When you are cast out and forced on the run, you find solace in the one place others had forsaken years ago. Little did you know, this would open the door to a history of betrayal and death among gods.

*(No longer) The Tower of Demons by SpookyLovins

  archiveofourown.org/works/54478696/chapters/138014524

Born and raised as a ruthless Demon with your fathers anger issues, you were crowned Queen of Mischeif, of evil, and now the head honcho of The Tower. The Tower's message being not to fuck with what you can't understand. Its been like this ever since your ancestors created this hell hole, isnt that ironic? Placed somewhere over the highest mountains, your window is just where you can see the other kingdom. It was bright, shiny and happy, all that you wished you could experience, but with the rules of your oath holding you back, like a dog on a leash, your trapped in your own walls.

That is, until you meet two very peculiar fighters, it was silly to think that maybe . . They had given you hope.

+Reach for the Star by CookyCoconut

 archiveofourown.org/works/52928230/chapters/133885441

You are a new animatronic in the superstar daycare. You are supposed to be shown the ropes by mister Sunnydrop himself, but he takes your being here as an attack on his ability to run the daycare himself. Can you manage to get him to like you? Why doesn't he let you into the room he's supposed to share with you? Who is his mysterious counterpart? Is that a bunny with a knife?

+Fighting for your hand by somerandonamedz

 archiveofourown.org/works/47591212/chapters/119944564

You’ve worked at the daycare for around a month, Sun and Moon have been acting weird lately, and you came back from a week long vacation

Little do you know there’s a new person, and they’re all fighting each other for your love

*How It Began by Beyond0My0Dreams

  archiveofourown.org/works/54263971/chapters/137421073

I.O.G! Institution Of the Gifted! You've heard about it, a place where people who possess an ability go, but as someone who doesn't harness such an ability you were still being sent there. Why? The answer was simple. You were broken and this was your parents last resort. Having grown up lacking emotions and pain tolerance made your family a laughing stock to others, now this was their only way to prove you weren't a hollow of a person. If only you were gifted, then it would solve all your problems, right?

~Where The Sea Tides Rise || Sun&Moon×Reader by Mountain_ofaman

  archiveofourown.org/works/54301654/chapters/137525212

The reader is a mermaid, and the boys are pirates.

What happens when the reader is fished up by these two pirate Lovers?

`Domestic Teachings by Trashyginger689

  archiveofourown.org/works/53041786/chapters/134194708

The world is changing and it's changing quickly. You need to help your friends function in society for the first time in their lives. The silly daycare attendants need your help the most and you'll do everything in your power to make this new journey easier for them. They seem excited to take on this journey by your side.

+From security guard to emotional support human by HarmfulGiggles

  archiveofourown.org/works/43985323/chapters/110594230

This is one of part of a series. Each one will hold one couple. This one is Sun and Moon x Quiet Dream Walker Reader. Most of these will be a slow burn and all will lead to the final arc. I can't figure out the collection thing so it shall have the series name here. Series name Coping With Time.

+Umbraphilia by ArkhamCrow

  archiveofourown.org/works/51870484/chapters/131151535

The management at Freddy's Fazbear's Mega Pizza Plex have learned exactly where to go shop for new members of the Pizzaria's Family! ...that the general populace doesn't care about. But hey- that's fine. The Daycare Attendant knows how to look after brats. And this one seems almost custom made for them.

-Of sunlight, through midnight by Adriana_elise_abbott

  archiveofourown.org/works/53841406/chapters/136276123

You are looking for a building, hoping to open your own bakery, and hark, oh my gosh, the damaged pizza plex is suddenly for sale? Well, that isn't weird.

Oh, the government is offering to help pay to either repair or remove it? Nothing odd here.

Nope.

*Otherworldly by tintiz

  archiveofourown.org/works/54519670/chapters/138129802

You're an outcast.

Nothing but a "demon spawn," at least, according to the villagers of your town, that's all you are.

All because of an ability you never asked to be born with.

Clairvoyance.

And now you're a sleep-deprived demonologist, investigating a case of what could potentially be haunted property on the outskirts of your village. A family of 3 lived in the house, but you could see much more than just 3 people there.

One of them extremely malevolent.

+Superstar Daycare Days by moss04

  archiveofourown.org/works/54657133/chapters/138509434

Unfortunately for them, the Daycare assistant was constantly replaced. When would they finally learn to just cancel the position? Countless employees had been placed in the Daycare, and they had all asked to be relocated within a month.

What happens when the new assistant is surprisingly very different from the past ones? What kind of mischief or happenings will go on?

*As long as we are loved by ShiraCheshire

  archiveofourown.org/works/54656689/chapters/138507916

Many people mistakenly believe that unaging is the same as immortal.

That our machines, our toys, our art will live on forever.

But the truth is, such things cannot maintain themselves without our care and they will live for exactly as long as someone loves them.

[shuriken696]

//I'm legit should be writing my fic rn but this is getting to my head.//

Has anyone ever thought of an AU where when SQQ is dead, his soul via self imploding, goes to Ghost City?

But the way that it's been transported is a complication. A Sun and Moon Dew flower is a 'rare plant' after all. You can't just come back to life that easily.

Hua Cheng just looks at Shen Yuan who is confused af as to why he was in front of a throne. He knew that Shang Qinghua messed up on the SMD Mushroom but he didn't think it was that bad!

"Fuck, am I actually dead? Is this Hell?" Shen Qingqiu asks Hua Cheng. He tries calling on to the System but it was to no avail.

"Daozhang is a curious case. His stay in Ghost City is only temporary only when his 'plant' is fully ready is he able to go." Hua Cheng tilts his head. He did not expect something so unexpected to happen today. This soul didn't even turn into a ghost flame upon meeting him! He just came fully corpreal like it wasn't even a problem at all.

Well, at least Shen Qingqiu isn't fully dead if that counts as anything. He would be able to come back. His plan would work.

But, PIDW had never mentioned anything about a Ghost City, or any description of the man in front of him!

PIDW was more extended than just the novel? Or was it a deleted outline that Shang Qinghua robbed the readers of?

"How long would that be?" Shen Qingqiu had to get back as soon as he could. What if Binghe got mad at someone else now that the scum villain is gone? "Can I leave this place? I need to be somewhere and it has to be as quick as possibe" He figured that maybe he could float around and haunt people like they showed in the movies?

"I can't allow you to do that, Daozhang. It's against the rules." Hua Cheng raised his eyebrows. This man refused to rest in peace even though he had sacrificed his life for his disciple.

Or was he just like Hua Cheng, refusing to rest in peace until he reunited with the one he loved?

"That man who you sacrificed your life for, what is he to you?" The Ghost king asked. Shen Qingqiu pulls out a fan from his sleeve.

"He is my student. The sword's influence on him was too much so as the one who was responsible for all of this, I had to repay him for the faults I did." Shen Qingqiu answered easily.

Hua Cheng wanted to snort. With the way he's answering, this was more than just a Master-disciple relationship. But if the man didn't know, then he wouldn't tell him. It was more interesting this way anyways.

But for the sheer fact that this cultivator wanted to go back to the man he sacrificed himself for (or what he could assume by reading in between the lines) Hua Cheng couldn't help but see himself in him and respecting him, just a bit.

"I can get you a good place to live while you're residing here but daozhang hasn't told me his name?"

Shen Yuan bows.

"This humble one is Shen Qingqiu, Peak Lord of Qing Jing Peak of the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect."

There was more to 'Shen Qingqiu' that met the eyes, but everyone had their own secrets. As long as he didn't mind Hua Cheng's business then he wouldn't pry into Shen Qingqiu's as well.

"And I am Hua Cheng, the ruler of this city."

Oh shit, I was talking to the leader this whole time?! Shen Qingqiu wanted to smack himself in the head for messing up that badly. Of course the man who was sitting on the fancy throne would be of high status!

Shen Qingqiu bowed again, apologizing for his lack of manners earlier and Hua Cheng waves him off.

"It's alright. Daozhang didn't know."

After that, Hua Chang and Shen Qingqiu became somewhat friends and HC tells SQQ about him trying to find Xie Lian.

(In between that, Wei Wuxian also pays Ghost City a visit, but thats a story for another time)

Years after Binghe and SQQ are married, they find Hualian on a crossing path and Hua Cheng just looks at Binghe and then to Shen Qingqiu.

"Does he treat you well?" Shen Qingqiu hid a smile behind his fan. He didn't think the Ghost King cared that much.

"He's alright. When I saw you, I never thought he and I would get together."

Meanwhile Binghe is so confused. How does his Shizun know this man thats reeking of resentful energy? Why is this man holding hands with someone who had pure energy? Is that even possible?

His Shizun had some explaining to do later!

[littlestsnicket]

7, 9, 11, 19, 31, 44, 69, 75, for the fic ask game?

i was almost done with this, but then i had to go watch everything, everywhere, all at once (which was very good, and very worth seeing in theaters if you have that option), and then i had to go to bed, and now it is somehow the next afternoon.

7. tell us about the plot of the first fanfic you ever wrote

so this is an interesting one, because plot is really hard for me. a lot of why i started writing fic was to have permission to write without having plot, so i almost exclusively wrote drabbles for doctor who and mcu, and they were all missing scene/character study type things. probably the first thing i “plotted” (it was still all vibes and character study) and then never actually wrote, was about amy and rory getting stuck in the third doctor era, and getting to meet the master and the unit fam. 

9. in an ideal world where you're super successful and published, would you want to see a tv or movie adaptation of your work?

absolutely. i am obsessed with the mechanics of adaptation. i would definitely be a bit apprehensive about someone who was *just* doing it for the paycheck adapting my work. but i'd be way too curious to see what someone else would do with it, and how it would change and evolve. i love when adaptations are really different but are still true to something significant about the original work, so it’s hard to imagine being disappointed by anything besides carelessness (but that does seem to be a real concern). 

11. what's something neat you've learned while doing research for something you were writing? also, how much do you worry about doing research in general?

i recently did a whole bunch of research on how to make gut strings, and know (strictly in theory) how to re-fret a lute. 

for the twin peaks fic i have been working on for literal years, i learned: pittsburgh used to have a vibrant chinatown but it was eventually replaced by the worst highway (is 380/bigalow blvd really even a highway? anyway, notably stupid fucking road in a city full of bad street design) (to be fair, racism and the overall population downturn had mostly destroyed the neighborhood before it became a highway) and paper bags with handles and indiglo timex watches didn’t exist in 1985.

i don't really worry, per say, about research and accuracy, but it's my favorite form of procrastination from actually writing. i also find that having more information to percolate through my brain does inspire me to write and having little, technically unimportant, details in my work thrills me. 

19. what are some books or authors that influenced your style the most?

probably neil gaiman? there's both a clarity and a sense of whimsy in how he writes. and it sometimes has a toned down douglas adams vibe. i try to be vividly descriptive but only when necessary. i also really internalized e b white's style guide when i read it. i always do a pass of editing that is just... getting rid of words.

31. tell us about on of your characters who's an absolute joy to write

the thing that brings me the most joy is when i feel like the cadence of a characters' dialogue is exactly right, so i have the most fun writing characters that have really distinctive speech patterns. lemony snicket, dale cooper, the eleventh doctor, and jaskier are all great for that.

but also, recently, i just really really loved getting in ciri's head. there's so much going on in there. she's got layers, and she's growing into herself, but not in a stereotypical coming of age sort of way, which i often find kind of boring.

44. name three of your favorite fanfic writers

i tried very very hard not to overthink this and just wrote down the three that came to me first. copperbadge, whoslaurapalmer, limerental. there are so many fantastic story tellers in fandom, but they stand out to me in terms of prose quality. 

69. how do you write emotional scenes? do you ever feel what the character is feeling?

hmmm. i don't know if i do anything deliberately to write emotional scenes. usually, since it's fic, i'm trying to capture something i felt while watching or reading the source material, so i might go back to that.

i definitely get in the characters heads a bit when i'm writing, so i guess i feel whatever they're supposed to be feeling, but at a remove or dialed significantly down in intensity.

75. do you know how the story ends before you start writing?

not usually. i work things out as i write, but i don't write in order, and almost always write the end before i finish the middle. it helps for me to know where you’re going. sort of like writing a research paper in school--there’s nothing worse than getting to the end and realizing you don’t have a real conclusion. 

[erzaguin]

Huntmira Week 2021 Day 1: First Meeting 

Emira

Ed is out on his big date, Amity is locked in her room freaking out about Luz, and I’m spending my first time on my own at the library. That's kinda depressing. I decided I wanted to go out but didn’t know where to go. Before I knew it I was at the front steps of the library. I guess this is what I get when the only places I really go to are home, school, and the library thanks to Amity.

Well maybe it won’t be so bad. I can take this time to walk around and explore a bit. Whenever Ed and I come here nobody ever pays that much attention to us. It’s kind of nice that everyone is in their own world so they don’t see anything beyond the book they are reading. I guess this is why Amitty likes this place so much. It’s free of the pressures of being a Blight. I never really gave it much thought but this is probably one of the few places where I feel I can be myself without any pressures.

I must have spaced out a bit there. I don’t recognize this part of the library. Not that I know the library like the back of my hand or anything but still. It looks older than the rest of the library and there’s nobody here. It’s also somehow darker than the rest of the library and also dustier. I guess not many people come to this section. It's actually kinda nice if you don't mind the dust. There's nobody around and the lighting is actually soothing. Maybe a bit too soothing. What's that noise is someone snoring? 

I followed the noise to an opening with several empty tables with the exception of one. This table had several stacks of books that almost looked like a child's fort. It was also the source of the noise. As I got closer I saw that the source of the noise was a sleeping boy. He looks to be about my age. Yet the bags under his eyes and the scars on his face and arms almost make him look older. He must have a pretty hard life?  I took a seat next to him, careful not to wake him and studied his features. 

His ashy blond hair is actually well combed. I wonder how he got those scars. His clothes are of really good material so he must be from a wealthy family. I continued to watch him sleep while trying to figure out what his story was. Hmm, is that a mask? I must have dozed off because when I came to I was in the middle of a book avalanche. 

Hunter 

Oh no I fell asleep again he said startled at the realization that he had unintentionally taken a break. How do you want to prove your worth when you can’t even stay awake while doing research? *sigh* It’s not like it matters. I didn’t find anything useful today. The number of missions I've been on lately have started to wear me out. I can barely make out the words in these books with how tired my eyes are. My tiredness is just a sign that I need to do better. That's right, I have to be better for him. 

That's why I started coming to the library to do research on wild magic in the first place. I want to help Emperor Belos. It's a slow process but I have learned a lot. I know that somewhere within one of these books I'll be able to find a way to help him. Although falling asleep during my research time won't do any good. At the very least I managed to get some sleep in so maybe now I’ll be able to focus  … *chu*

Huh? What was thaAAAAHHH! Exclaimed Hunter as he jumped up after noticing the girl sitting next to him. His outburst caused the towers of books on the table to come tumbling down on the sleeping girl.

First Meeting 

"Ouch that hurt. What are you doing? Why are you yelling?" Muttered Emira as she nursed her head which had been bombarded by books.  

"What? Me?! You! Why are you here? What were you doing?!" Stammered Hunter as he tried to make sence of the situation.

"Isn’t it obvious? I was taking a nap before I was  so rudely interrupted." Said Emira cooly as she dug herself out of the mountain of books. 

"S..orry you surprised me. There's never other people in this section of the library." answered Hunter in a more composed tone as he offered his hand. "Plus people don’t normally take naps with strangers."  

"I know but you looked so peaceful sleeping that I just had to join you" responded Emira as she took his hand. 

"...Right?..."realization filled his face as he gazed up at the golden eyed emerald haired girl. "I know you, you're the eldest Blight daughter right?"

"That’s interesting because I don’t know you. Are you one of my secret admirers?" Teased Emira.

"What?!" Retorted Hunter in taken aback by her coment. "No,... everyone knows who the Blights are."

"That's a compelling argument..." said Emira as she got a bit closer to the boy meeting his gaze. "...but why are you still holding my hand then?" Jested Emira with a sly smile. 

Hunter quickly pulled his hand away and turned so the girl wouldn't see his blushing face although his crimson ears gave him away. “I think you should go.” stuttered Hunter, still not wanting to make eye contact. Something about the way she looked at him made him very nervous.

“Oh don’t be like that, I was just teasing. Besides, it looks like you could use some company plus I could be of some help with whatever you're doing” she said as she started rummaging through the books that were still on the table. 

Hunter turned to look at her wearily. “I don't need any company, I'm fine on my own. Besides, why would a Blight want to help me?" 

Without looking up from what she was doing she simply stated “ First of all I have a name, it's Emira and secondly I have nothing better to do and I’m curious about you?” 

 "What do you mean?" Responded hunter with his own curiosity starting to peak.

"For starters your appearance, the clothes you are wearing make it obvious that you are from a wealthy house and yet I have never seen you before. You seem to be around my age but you're definitely not a student at Hexside. So tell me, who are you?" she said while staring intently at him. 

Hunter was taken aback by her sudden bluntness and a bit impressed by her observation  skills but he would not let on. "Who says that I am not a servant? Or that I stole these clothes? And what makes you so sure I’m not a student at Hexide? Maybe we’ve just never met?

"Oh you’re definitely from a wealthy house,'' she stated matter of factly. “You could be wearing rags and it would still be obvious. And as you so blatantly pointed out I am a Blight it is our business to know everyone who could be a potential ally or competitor. If you went to Hexide I would know it. Don’t worry though I won’t pry on who your family is but do you have a name I could call you?” 

The boy paused for a moment trying to take in the situation he was in before finally saying “ My name is Hunter” 

“Well Hunter it’s a pleasure to meet you, '' she said as she stretched out her hand. Hunter looked at it before taking it hesently remembering her earlier jest on his behalf. “It's a pleasure to meet you to . . . Emira'' he stammered trying not to make eye contact. Emira gave him a mischievous grin before moving closer to him “This feels like the start of a beautiful friendship don’t you think?” 

Hunter instinctively tried moving away from her. Her gaze was still unsettling to him and although he wouldn't admit it, something about this girl scared him. 

[wastelandcth]

Better Love - cth

part two: the wild and us

summary: Maeve and Calum meet. The rain outside puts on a show. 

author’s notes: I hope you guys enjoyed the first part of this series! This part had one of my favorite scenes I’ve ever written so I hope you enjoy! 

warnings: mentions of drinking, mentions of breakups, mentions of food. 

masterlist || request || join my taglist! 

part one

Staring in the blackness at some distant star The thrill of knowing how alone we are, unknown we are To the wild and to the both of us

"What are you doing in my hotel?" she asked shakily, her wariness prevalent in the way her voice shook as she stared at the man in front of her. 

The towel she was pulling closer to her body felt like nothing in the room with him. Maeve, who had only made it  back to the cabin an hour prior, had expected to be alone. She'd hadn't expected to walk out of her shower to find a tall man sleeping in the bed she'd rented out for the week. She also hadn't expected the rainstorm to be so bad, her weather app claiming her entire week here would be sunny and perfect for hiking, so finding a man in her cabin hadn't been in her plans either. 

And wow was he a sight for sore eyes. 

"What are you doing in my cottage?" he asked, Maeve's eyebrow raising as she heard the trace of an accent, "Mrs. Bagby rented this place out to me, she never said there was someone already staying here," he huffed, his eyebrows furrowing as he studied Maeve's. 

"Mrs. Bagby? Who the hell is Mrs. Bagby? I'm renting this from Mrs. Baird," Maeve said, "I was here first! You're the intruder!"

Maeve, who had always been prepared to debate with anyone, was not backing down no matter how exposed she was in front of a handsome man. She wasn't going to stand for a stranger barging into her space, she needed this vacation more than anything in this world and she'd be damned if she let this ruin it. She watched as the man in front of her opened and closed his mouth, looking like a fish out of the water as he tried to come up with a solution to the very obvious problem. If Maeve was honest, she had no idea how the confusion had happened or how they'd both ended up in this situation, but she didn't have much time to think about it. 

The thunder outside shook the walls of the small cabin, rattling the jars and the decorations on the walls throughout, and it wasn't until Maeve heard the crack of lightning that she realized just how bad the storm outside had become. The view outside the window had been fogged, the colorful autumn trees disappearing behind the wall of water falling from the sky as the landscape blurred into a mixture of grey and orange with red splotches. Maeve, whose attention had switched from the man in the green hoodie to the raging storm outside, had grabbed the pile of clothes she'd left on the dresser. Without another word, she walked back towards the bathroom and made sure to twist the lock before she let out a breath. 

The man in her bedroom for the week had been, breathtaking to say the least. His eyes, although wide and filled with confusion when Maeve had looked into them, were brown and shone even in the gloominess of the weather His hair was short, the tufts of blonde hair curling near the ends. Maeve guessed that his hair had been a darker color naturally, the roots she'd spotted proving her point. He looked like a kind person, maybe he was like Maeve as well, just another person looking for an escape. 

That's all her trip to this cabin was meant to be, an escape. 

Maeve's life had always been simple if you could call it that. She'd been born on a rainy afternoon, her mother liked to tell her it was because she was meant to outshine the sun itself. Her parents, who'd met in Scotland years before she ever came to take her first breath, had always told her about the magic the country had to offer. They told her stories of the forests so vast and large that even the biggest of problems could shrink down into pebbles that flowed away in the rivers. She'd grown up in a small town, dreaming of the wonders that Scotland had for her when she was old enough to see them. 

Maeve had moved when her time at university peaked when her nose was stuck in books that spoke all about the history and the cultures that made up the world. It had been the first time in her life that she'd been away from her parents, from the only home she had ever known, and it had been so thrilling. She went from only traveling to big cities for concerts or when her father had needed to run errands to living right in the heart of all the commotion. The quiet nights that had been filled with only cicadas singing into the night were replaced by the sound of a city, alive and cheerful at all hours of the day. Maeve had never experienced so much at such a fast pace and her life at her university flew by before she had a chance to slow down. One day she was unpacking her bags in her dorm and the next she was accepting her diploma and applying to jobs around the country. She felt the burnout, felt the way her brain tensed whenever she read through application requirements and the thought of having to pack up her life again. She felt the way her eyes forced themself open while riding the train to interviews. She knew that she needed a break, a few days off to remember who she was and what she wanted in life. To make matters worse, her relationship had been going downhill. She'd met James at a social event the school had put on, both of them were in the same program so it wasn't hard to make conversation with him. After too many history jokes and a trip to the campus bar, Maeve found herself awake in his arms as he slept. She'd laid there that first night, looking out at the stars through his window, wondering why she'd felt a pull towards a different place, a different person.

That feeling hadn't stopped since that night, she'd stayed with James, he was a nice guy who made her laugh and kept her company as they both studied. But he wasn't someone she saw herself spending the rest of her life with. She had a feeling that James felt the same way even if they were both too afraid to admit that the spark that had been there before was fiddling out. The arguments were getting worse, the silence lasting longer as time went on. It wasn't until one night when Maeve had been studying for a final exam that it had all exploded. Words were thrown around, tears were shed, and she was left feeling like something was wrong with her. She couldn't understand why she couldn't love James as he loved her, she'd turn distant and pushed him away until all that was left between them was a broken flower vase and tears.

That's why she'd jumped on the opportunity to fly to Scotland when it arose. She'd been sitting at her desk, scrolling through an endless list of applications and teaching opportunities when the email had popped up. She'd read through it a couple of times, making sure she wasn't imagining the words on the screen. Her professor, who'd helped her in more ways than one could count, had recommended her for a teaching job abroad. She would have to visit the school, make sure that it was both a right fit for her and for the administration, but it seemed like they were more than ready to offer her a spot and helping her make Edinburgh her home. 

Mrs. Baird, the lovely older woman who had driven Maeve up to the cabin and helped her unpack, had told her that she was glad she'd arrived a few days earlier after Maeve had told her all about why she was visiting Scotland at such an odd time of year. She'd been a curious soul ever since Maeve had stepped out of the taxi that had taken her from the train station out to the main residence Mrs. Baird had seemed to be the owner of. She'd asked Maeve all sorts of questions, which Maeve had taken as to her host just making sure she wasn't escaping from anyone dangerous or anything like that, it was a tough time to be a woman traveling alone.

"Oh, I'm sure you'll love the spot you'll be staying in then. It's very private, it'll be good for you to clear your head and relax before your big interview," she'd nodded as she packed up a few bags with groceries Maeve hadn't recalled reading about on the website. 

"Oh, um, I don't think I paid for anything like that, Mrs. Baird," Maeve chuckled and shook her head, "I was thinking of just popping into town and picking up a few essentials."

"Oh don't you worry, darling! It's my pleasure. Plus, the cottage is quite secluded so it'd take you almost half a day to get to the shops and back," she shrugged, "Let's get going, yeah?"

The drive up to the cabin had been slow and gave Maeve a chance to take in the sights. The forest was alive with colors that Maeve's eyes had craved to see. It seemed like everything her parents had told her about the place they'd met was still the same. The trees still sway in the chilly breeze and somewhere in the distance, a river flowed with a power that only came with years of flowing and receiving rain. The drive itself had been plenty enough to get Maeve excited about her days of rest but the second her eyes saw the stone bridge that led to her home for the next couple of days, she knew her life was about to change. After helping Mrs. Baird with bringing in all the bags and thanking her for the candles she'd also brought, telling her a rainstorm was predicted to pass through the next day, Maeve was alone. 

Her first day in the cabin had been spent unpacking and unwinding. Mrs. Baird had been kind enough to bring a bottle of Scottish whiskey, telling her," when in Scotland" and Maeve had sampled the liquor, letting it burn her throat as she stared out at the river flowing outside her bedroom window. Her trip had been going great so far, she'd successfully beaten jetlag, had managed not to burn the small kitchen down during her dinner, and she had taken a nice and relaxing show when the rainstorm had shown up the next day. She'd made sure to light a few candles around the place, not wanting to walk around in the dark if the power did go out. Then, of course, everything took a turn for the unexpected when Maeve walked out of the bathroom and was met by a man sleeping in her bed. 

By the time she'd walked out of the bathroom again, fully dressed and a little more confident in herself, the power had gone out and the whole cabin had been illuminated with an orange glow coming from the candles. The man was no longer in the bedroom, but the storm outside the window was winding up more and more as the seconds passed. She knew she couldn't make him walk out in the forest during the storm, it was too dangerous and mean in general to kick someone out in the middle of a downpour. So she'd let the guy stay until the storm passed and then they'd both walk down to the main residence and sort out whatever the hell was happening. 

"Calum," he mumbled, looking over as Maeve stepped out into the living room, "I'm Calum."

"Maeve," she replied with a nod, "You're not here to murder me, right?"

Calum chuckled and shook his head, which made Maeve warm and sent a shiver down her spine. His smile was nice, a murderer wouldn't have waited for her to get dress unless he was into that, she thought. She'd smiled at him, tugging the sleeves of her sweater down a bit as she looked around the living room. The candles gave the entire room a moody glow, the storm had stopped the sunshine from coming in through the windows and it had felt later on in the day than it actually was. 

"So...tea?" she asked softly as she motioned towards the kitchen. 

Maeve had found out that Calum, which was a very fitting name for the man sitting across from her watching the rain outside, had been in Scotland for a little over two weeks. He'd been traveling on his own, exploring the smaller cities and seeing what the Highlands had to offer. Maeve had told him about her interview, confessing that she wasn't the most prepared and that these few days before were to help her hopefully calm down. To her surprised, she’d learned that Calum was a professor at a university near his town, both of their widening at the confession of just how similar they were.

"That's exciting, what are you hoping to teach?” Calum asked, his eyes meeting hers in the candlelight, “I specialize in Art History.”

“History,” she nodded, a blush on her cheeks, her eyes glancing down to the cup of tea that had been warming her hands, “I’ve always loved studying it and I want to help others learn about it too.”

“Yeah? I get that. The history department at my school isn’t the best Some older man names Rainer runs it like it’s still warm times,” Calum chuckled, “He’s the worst.”

Maeve laughed, shaking her head as she thought about her fair share of professors who had yet to catch up with the times She thought about what kind of instructor Calum was. It was only his second year teaching so was he the one who made his students excited for lessons ahead? Did he use fun activities and assignments to incorporate them into his plans? Maybe he assigned cool projects, where the main point was to gain a bigger understanding of something a student has been wanting to talk about. Calum seemed like the type and from what Maeve had learned about the man in the short hours she’d known him, she knew he was kind and attentive.

“How was your hike up here?” Calum asked as he set the cup of tea down on the table, his legs stretching out as his head leaned on the back of the couch. 

“Hike?” Maeve asked, furrowing her eyebrows as she looked over at him.

“Yeah, I left around like five and didn’t get here until ten,” Calum chuckled and shrugged, “And somehow you look like you just took a leisurely drive up here,” he teased, sitting up as he saw the look on Maeve’s face, “Oh my god, you drove up here, didn’t you?”

"In my defense," Maeve giggled out, holding her arms up, "Mrs. Baird offered to bring me up here"

"Oh, and she forced me to walk for five hours and fall in the mud!?" Calum whined, shaking his head as he let out a groan, "She's so not getting a good review from me, whatever her name may be."

Maeve laughed softly, watching the way Calum ran a hand down his face and pouted over at her. She was surprised at how easily they both got along, usually, Maeve had trouble getting out of her own head and talking to new people. But with Calum things just felt so carefree. She wasn't sure if it was such a good thing, opening up to a complete stranger who had been booked into the same cabin as her, but the rain outside wasn't letting up and she was more than willing to work out a compromise to share with him until the rain stopped and they could take the quad bike Mrs. Baird had told Maeve about before leaving her in the middle of nowhere. 

"Do you want to go freshen up? I'm sure your five-hour hike up here more than justifies a nice warm bath," Maeve nodded, giggling as Calum glared playfully over at her, "I'll try and mix something up for lunch?"

"That sounds lovely, if the rain doesn't stop soon I'll make us dinner," Calum shrugged, standing up from the couch and walking over to the entrance of the cabin, gathering his bag and a pile of clothes that Maeve hadn't even noticed were on the floor before making his way over to the bathroom. 

The rain had not stopped by the time Calum had gotten out of the bath, much to Maeve’s pleasure since she’d heard his soft voice singing along to whatever song he’d been playing. The rain hadn't stopped while the two ate their lunch, a stew that Maeve had managed to throw together in the tiny kitchen. And the rain had, surprisingly, not stopped while Calum had been bustling around the kitchen a few hours later, making dinner while Maeve read through one of the many books she’d packed with her for her trip If she hadn’t known anything about Scotland before traveling there, she would’ve assumed the Earth was flooding and that her adventure abroad would end before it even started.

It wasn’t until a crack of thunder rocked the walls of the cabin that Maeve realized just how extreme the weather has turned. The window was howling against the windows, shaking the panes with the intensity of it. The power had yet to come back and as the day had gone by, the cabin had only grown gloomier and gloomier. Their only source of light had been the many candles that their host has left them, something Maeve would be eternally grateful for. They crackled and glowed in the darkness of whatever room Maeve would get up to look out the window through. Her shadows mixed with the firelight and danced across the dark walls of the safety she’d come to know in her short stay. The river outside of the house, which was louder now that it was filled with rainwater, had grown taller as Maeve would barely see the giant rocks inside of the river which had caused the small rapids earlier in the day.

It was all terrifyingly beautiful.

Nature had put on a show for her and Calum, letting them in on the secret dance the forest and elements did for one another. The trees danced with the wind, swaying wildly from side to side and switching directions when they pleased. The river water jumped over the stone bridge above it, splashing cold water onto the top and lowering as it sprinkled back down onto itself. The woodland animals, who would be hiding in the safety of their own homes, hidden somewhere Maeve couldn’t quite see but hoped they’d be just as amazed watching the show that the world put on for them. It was all so terrifying and violent, the rain submitting to no one but itself as he disappeared into the river only to come down harder from the clouds in the night sky. It wasn’t until the thunder, which had been singing a song for the forest itself, cracked again that the stone bridge took its final bow.

Maeve watched as the bridge crumbles. It started slowly, one of two big pieces crumbling into the river below as if by accident. But the water was cruel and greedy, splashing upwards and sending more and more stone into its hands. Maeve, who could do nothing more than watch as their only way back out to civilization crumbled and washed away into the river below, gasped and leaned against the window. The glass shook underneath her hands, the wind greeting her palms from the outside and howling in excitement as the once-solid bridge was split into two pieces, never to meet again, as the final act of nature’s show came to an end.

“Did you hear that?” Calum asked as he walked into the bedroom, where Maeve had been watching the show, “Maeve?”

She turned to face the stranger, her wide eyes softening as she was met with the definition of a word she couldn’t place in her brain. Calum had changed into a pair of joggers, the grey material hanging loosely off his hips and only held up by a haphazardly tied knot. His upper half was dressed in a warm green sweater, the color reminding her of the fields of green she’d seen on the train ride to the small town, his board shoulder stretching the fabric a little bit in the candlelight, he looked breathtaking. Maeve knew he was good-looking, it was one of the first things she’d noticed when he’d jumped up from the bed with tired eyes that had been filled with fear. He was beautiful and kind and…stuck with Maeve.

“T-the bridge,” she stuttered out, her cheeks flushing as she realized Calum was still standing in front of her waiting for an answer, “The bridge fell.”

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[yehet-me-up]

*busts through the door like I'm the Kool-Aid man* BONJOUR FUCKERS I'M BACK!!! It is I, the Theatrical Gay Anon™! I hope you're ready to endure my endless babbling for a bit cuz I've got lots to say holy shit. Consider this part 1 of like, 1000 cuz I think Tumblr got rid of the submissions feature. I apologize in advance for the spam hehe.

Okay, with that out of the way. Ms. Yehet-Me-Up, may I call you Sarah? Sarah, what the fuck!? I can't even rn. I I give you a simple suggestion, no expectations behind it. I say "Hey, don't you think it'd be cool if Zitao was in the Exodus Mall universe?" to which you said "Yeah, that'd be neat, I might do that. Perhaps make him work at an Irish pub or something" and then I flip out with gratitude and excitement thinking you're gonna do like, a DRABBLE. 500 words at MOST -Theatrical Gay Anon

Imagine my SHOCK, my STUPEFACTION, upon realizing that you wrote OVER TEN THOUSAND WORDS about Huang Zitao aka the wind beneath my wings, the rain to my drought, the corny joke to my Junmyeon. And not only that! But you did this A MONTH AGO. I could've been reading this for so long and I had no idea! How foolish am I? I can't believe you wrote all of this based off of a silly little suggestion I made. I feel like bowing over how not worthy I am Wayne's World style -Theatrical Gay Anon

NOW IN REGARDS TO THE CONTENT OF THIS MASTERPIECE OH MY GOD WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN!? I am floored by your preeminence. First things first, the title? Perfect. Full disclosure, I suck at titles. I've been writing for over a decade now and I'm still shit with titles. It's so hard to come up with just a few words to encapsulate everything you wrote but you do it SO WELL. The moodboard? Amazing. I've always loved that picture of Zitao and it fits so well with the pub setting -Theatrical Gay Anon

I'm afraid you've written "Fractions of Tomorrow" so well that I don't see there being a need for anyone to write anything else...ever. Stories? CANCELED. Poetry? CANCELED. Biographies? CANCELED. It's all over folks. Sarah has written The Best Thing Ever. We've peaked as a society. After I finish writing these asks I'm gonna become a hermit in the woods and make friends with all of the woodland creatures that inhabit it. -Theatrical Gay Anon

But seriously though, I love absolutely everything about this story. As a Zitao fan, I'm used to getting breadcrumbs. Not a lot of ppl write fics about him. I can count on one hand how many long fics of his you can find on Tumblr. But THIS?? This was no breadcrumb, this was a whole fucking bakery. And it all appeals to me so much oh my god? The sappiness of it all, the flowery prose, the rebellious rejection of cynicism, it's all so beautiful I want to marry it. -Theatrical Gay Anon

If I discussed all of the sentences in this fic that made me giggle with joy and kick my feet around I'd be here all day so keep in mind this is just a FRACTION of the ones I loved but I couldn't go without mentioning at least some of them so here we go. "It’s not his first time here, but it’s his first time paying attention" SHUT UP this line is go good it's so simple yet so nuanced I adore it. Seriously, why hasn't anyone hired you to write a screenplay? -Theatrical Gay Anon

"He wonders if you ironed the collar of your shirt to be that precise or if you simply move through the world without acquiring any wrinkles" God, this line is so CUTE it's DISGUSTING he's fond of the reader's un-wrinkled clothes that's such a specific thing to like and is totally the type of thing I've done with the ppl I've crushed on throughout my life. -Theatrical Gay Anon

"‘Zitao,’ he says finally. ‘Cute.’ You say" this is such a little thing but I love that you included his full name in this. I love his full name so much it sounds really pretty. Whenever I hear him refer to himself as "Huang Zitao" in interviews my heart soars. Hearing him speak Mandarin in general is a delight as well. It's an audibly gorgeous language and any racist who says otherwise can EAT MY ENTIRE ASS -Theatrical Gay Anon

"For someone who’s been in love for as long as you can remember she fights awfully hard against Baekhyun’s romantic nature" DEAR GOD I LOVE THESE TWO! I love these movie loving lovesick fools. I love that everyone in the world knows they love each other except them. I love seeing bits and pieces of their story throughout this written universe. I can't wait to see it all come together in Baekhyun's Exodus Mall fic. It's gonna be GLORIOUS -Theatrical Gay Anon

Also! I know you enjoyed my song recs that I thought fit perfectly with All Our Broken Places so here are some for when the Baek x Hitchcock fic drops. I know it's not done yet but I just *know* what it's gonna be like I can feel it in my bones. "Sidekick" by Walk the Moon and "Tongue Tied" by Grouplove. As for Fractions of Tomorrow I knew right away what songs I'd pick. "Dreams" by The Cranberries, "Jumpstarted" by Jukebox the Ghost and "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey -Theatrical Gay Anon

Gosh, this fic filled me with so much energy and joy I feel like a toddler on caffeine. But I really should sleep now though. It's gotten so late that I can see the sunrise peaking up sdksdksl. I'll see ya soon! I will be spamming you with more compliments about this fic once I wake up though! - Theatrical Gay Anon

Hi! I'm back. Okay, now where was I? Oh yeah, I was talking about some of my favorite lines from the story. "‘Hey man, how’s it going?’ Baekhyun reaches out and does a complex handshake with the man before you. ‘Oh, you know. Just working at the salt mines,’ Tao says with a laugh." I LOVE that you made Baek the one Zitao was close with. I miss the beef brothers so much. I'll never forgive SM for what they did to OT12. They were all such good friends 😔 -Theatrical Gay Anon

"‘I’m not sure.’ For a flash Tao’s eyes linger on you once more. ‘I think it would depend on the person.’ And then the bastard goes and winks at you." GOD, HE WOULD DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS! HE'S SUCH A SHAMELESS FLIRT I HATE HIM *narrator voice* This was of course a huge a lie, he in fact loved Zitao immensely -Theatrical Gay Anon

"‘Sweetheart, I’m everyone’s type.’" You've captured Zitao's unlimited confidence so well and that makes me really happy. It's one of my favorite things about him. The man truly loves himself and I think that's awesome -Theatrical Gay Anon

"Tao looks at you through his lashes, bending close enough that you can feel his breath on your lips when he speaks. ‘Words are just the appetizer, darling. I prefer to have an entire feast.’ 'Any other questions or can I grab your orders?’" ASDKDSDSL SO YOU'RE JUST GONNA SAY THAT PANTY DROPPER LINE AND GO BACK TO BUSINESS AS USUAL ZITAO???? HUH??? IS THAT WHAT WE'RE GONNA DO??? -Theatrical Gay Anon

"‘Oh, nothing.’ He looks like the cat that caught the canary. ‘I just love being right.’" Something I love about EXO fic writers (myself included lol) is that despite all of the different ways they'll write the other members, there is one member who is always written the same and that's Baekhyun. He will always be written as a cheeky little shit cuz he *is* a cheeky little shit. That's just who he is. Messing with ppl is a favorite past time of his. -Theatrical Gay Anon

"'So, love, huh? There’s not some girlfriend or boyfriend of yours waiting for you at home?’" Thank you for not being heteronormative with the "are you dating someone?" convo. I know it might not seem like much but I really appreciate it. -Theatrical Gay Anon

"The beginning of love is always a lightning bolt. If that’s all it ever is you never have to deal with being knocked on your ass by the resulting thunderstorm" OOF, this one got me. So very true. The beginning of love is so scary! -Theatrical Gay Anon

"I could argue that anarchy still is love. Love of your beliefs and love of a person or a place or a thing so much that you’re willing to fight for it" OKAY BUT PASSIONATE LEATHER JACKET WEARING ANARCHIST ZITAO IN A ROCK BAND IS SUCH AN ATTRACTIVE CONCEPT!!! There's nothing sexier than a bad boi that will hate capitalism with you! He'd probably be the one to give ppl rides to protests and stuff I LOVE IT -Theatrical Gay Anon

"If we say love is a feeling, who’s to say that we aren’t in love? If we decide it’s an action then which one is it? A kiss or a commitment or - maybe it’s nothing more complicated than putting words to the way I feel when you look at me?" Listen I don't mean to be dramatic or anything (wait, who am I kidding? I'm literally the Theatrical Gay Anon being dramatic is like my Thing) but if a guy ever said that to me my trans boi pussy would be open for business IMMEDIATELY

Alright, so, uh Final Thoughts. This may be my new favorite work of yours, and no it's not just cuz it's got my ultimate bias in it lmao. This year has been so shitty and it's made my depression + anxiety reach the highest possible levels but reading this, this love story filled with hope and certainty despite not knowing what the future will hold for them, made this year seem easier to cope with. Thank you so much for making this, it means the world to me. -Theatrical Gay Anon

ALRIGHT, LAST ASK AND THEN I'LL SHUT UP I PROMISE but I personally headcanon that Double Shot + Zitao stayed together till the very end. They didn't get married cuz they hate formalities but they got matching tattoos and even when they're old and grey you can still them clear as day on their wrists. When they're asked how they met no one believes their answer lol. And when Double Shot died of old age before Zitao he would sing her favorite song by her grave every Saturday -Theatrical Gay Anon

OKAY SO I know I said I was done and I know I've already sent in like, 30 bajillion asks but I'm curious does Yifan or Luhan also work at the Irish pub?? Or do they work somewhere else in the mall? Inquiring minds want to know -Theatrical Gay Anon

When I tell you this made my entire month (when you sent it weeks ago, I’ve been hanging onto these because they seriously bring me SO much joy holy crap) I am not remotely kidding j;oaisjdflkasdjfa

I am absolutely going to put on these song recs while I work on the next chapter! 

a;osdfjlaksdfjasl the fact that you stayed up late to read this warms my heart so much. It reminds me of all the times I stayed up til the ass crack of dawn reading fanfics because I simply could NOT stop reading, so the fact that you enjoyed this like that makes me helllllaaaa emo 🥰

I just??? 2020 was indeed such a long year and affected my energy and creativity and honestly don’t really remember writing this hahaha. I kind of go into a fugue state with these longer fics and they just EMERGE. So to see you reflecting back some of what I wrote allows me to enjoy the process so much more. Makes writing and tumblr fun and I seriously wish everyone writing and creating could have someone as passionate and thoughtful and hilarious as you hyping them up 🌟 it honestly feels like a GIFT and I will absolutely keep writing this series and hoping to be worthy of it 😘

We will definitely get to see more of these two in the finale fic! I got into EXO after Tao, Yifan, and Luhan left so I’m not quite as familar with their personalities, but I could definitely see Yifan working at the US Bank haha. Business suit by day and partying/flirting by night. As for Luhan I feel like he’d work somewhere like the bookstore or the music store?? somewhere quieter and more contemplative. 

Thank you again for sending this and for being you <3 I hope 2021 is a wonderful year for you and that you know how AMAZING you are 💖💖💖💖💖

[crystu-cii]

OF COURSE!!!! I'd say you're hella close to it!!! Definitely closer than I am XDD 💖💞💝💕💝❤️💕💕❤️ A G R EED /hj XDD

Yeah ;w; oohh that sounds super interesting!! I can understand not pursuing a story tho, stories are d i f f icult-- XD fun, but difficult, and you need an attention span for them! (Why do you think I only write one page stories??)

OMS yessss that's so accurate tho-- like I haven't changed much if I'm being honest (I spend a LOT of time inside.. XD) awww-- I can understand that- in japan we didn't have a backyard, so I stopped going outside much at all-- occasionally I biked to convenience stores or walked to vending machines, that was cool, but no backyard :/ having no backyard sUCks, like where am I supposed to scream into the void?? INSIDE?? /j

OMS-- CRYS XDD what a Mood™ tho- "oh I'm gonna continue this thing!!" *does something else entirely*

XDD It was done Against My Will™ (get Against My Will on the album I Haven't Awoken Well Rested Since I Was A Child by the band The Bags Under My Eyes Aren't Makeup! XD) MOOD-- I spent the quarantine summer doing nothing but staying up until the sun rose and sleeping until it was at its peak- where did the time goooo

I AGREE HOW DARE HE- LIKE EXCUSE?? YOU TINY HEATHEN??? anyways now I'm trying to go back to squirting him with a squirt bottle to startle him(even tho he's a fan of water, the harsh spray startles him) but anyways thank you crysss I'm never getting a cat in my life now bc of this rude child (dogs are superior anyways /hj)

(and now time to reply to the OTHER ask cause I'm efficient and not going to send two separate asks to respond to things that can be responded to at the same time.. ....why did I even ramble about that wtf henry(huh I never refer to myself by name that felt weird))

Okay!! No worries dude, you can always take your time with replies, I just don't trust tumblr XD 💞❤️💕💝💝💖💕❤️💖 of course!!! Thank you!!! 💖💕💕💖💞💕

Oooh!!! That sounds super fun!!! Man I miss hanging out with my friends-- but my closest friend(lives in my neighborhood) has a parent who works in other people's houses, so high risk, and the rest live several hours away :)) but anyways yeah that sounds hella!!!! I love that y'all were just like "okay well. we're gonna hang out anyways." XDD

Aww-- I'm glad you are!! My brother and his bf were supposed to come but I think we have to postpone that cause someone in his workplace tested positive for covid :( YESS FOODDDD-- oooh cheesecake?? I've never heard of having it on Thanksgiving!! Usually we have pumpkin, cherry, apple, and pecan pies!! (We're having pumpkin and cherry ones this yeah!! Two pumpkin pies, a cherry pie, and a cherry cobbler--) I... Have never heard of pineapple pie in my life! Sounds like it would make pineapple-on-pizza haters burst into tears tho--

YOURE WHAT-- CRYS YOU HEATHEN IT IS NOVEMBER!!!!! /j I can't stand Christmas music, being a choir student made me not be a huge fan of it-- too much Christmas music.. ugh. (Straight no chaser is tolerable at least. And Pentatonix. And covers by artists I like. But if I have to hear Jingle Bells ONE MORE TIME--) YESSS BESTOW UPON ME THOU'S PRESENCE AND PRESENTS... Ooh nice!! Pfft XDD Yess- I have multiple on my wishlist-- mostly for the switch-- OMS I CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T ASK FOR THSC-- MAYBE IM THE HEATHEN--

Okay, it's January 5th! Literally not even two weeks after Christmas-- Feel free to scream happy birthday at me :3 XDD now I'm curious, what's yours?

awhhh thank you ;w;; 💕💞💕💞💞💕💞

and legiT- and omg- also what i do a lot is thinking i have a story all in control but then i realise that i only focused on the main parts and nOT the transitions and all that shit and then i end up last minute thinking them- XDD and ngl one page stories sound SOO much better- imo- not just for writing- but for reading as well- whenever i go to see a fanfic I always read the ones that has one chapter- dunno how to fully explain it- possibly cause its satisfying to see a story actually have its end other than a long lasting series that will never end- XDD oneshots are my FUEL

buT WoW omg this topic has now made me realise how i barely go outside- XDD i wish there would be other thingd around my neighborhood other than a "park" that has DEAD GRASS and the sprinklers go off like every hour for some reason- duNNo what the builders were thinking but i guess i dont mind- i stay in my house a whOLELE lot xD

and YESS IT GETS ME EVERYTIME- "hey lets draw-" *-WRITES-* XDD AND ABHAHAHAHA (NOW ON YOUR LOCAL MUSIC STORES- XDDDD) and omG MEEE- the times i would usually sleep would be around 3 am to 6 am- ironically my mom has a more screwed up schedule than i do- and SHE STILL HAS- last night she told me that she hasnt slept in 48 HOURSSS- MaMAAA PLEASE SLEEP

GO AWAY CAT HEATHEN- XD and omG a squirt bottle of water yes XDD and awh i definitely understand now how youll not get a cat- sounds like a hecka pain ;0;; i never even had a pet before (or not that i would recall- oh wait i think i had fish but i have an embarrassing story that made my mom ban fish from the household- OH MAN the shame)

and yeahh oh man- i hope you are okay with all these topics XDD and thank you!! 💕💞💕💞💕💞💕💞

awwhh i see- i wish you can hang out with your friends without it being too risky! that reminds me of that one time where my friend said "hey so uh you guys can hang out at my house since at my parent's workplace someone was positive for covid" and then immeadiately after they were like "SO WE NEED TO GO TO ONE OF YOUR GUYS' HOUSE" and Im LIKE- UH- NOO??? nOt AfTEr you just say THAT- nuh uh- thankfully we didnt hang out that day- better safe than sorry xD

and omggg those pies sound AWWESOMEEEE- i always wanted to try pumpkin pie before but when i asked my mom that she was like "nO iTS diSGusTing" and im like "*visible confusion*" and lOwKEY SAME- pineapple pie just sounds a bit off but my mom was really hyped to make it xD i'd actually say its not that bad! but im still not a fan of pineapple so uhhh xD (aNd YEAH IT DOES feel like it would make those haters cry-- XDD)

and PFHAOHFA IM A LIVING HEATHEN- XDD omg at this time of year- it gets CRAZYY for me- first off- Tree is a true filipino- right when it was the first day october- youd hear them say "FUCK HALLOWEEN"(and id just whine to them like "BUT HALLOWENENENEN") and then their family set up a whole christmas tree and over-the-top decorations- and omg- if you hate christmas music- you would despise the philippines sO MUCH- when the FIRST day of SEPTEMBER hits- CHRISTMAS MUSIC ON ALLLLL THE STORES- it will drive you WILDDD ( yeah its actually a normal filipino thing- not that i ever went to the philippines myself at tHAT time of year- but my friends and family tell me all about it- filipinos are the true christmas maniacs XDDD)

and awhhh choir must be a pain ;0;;; that would remind me how on one concert- the beginners class of choir screamed on purpose even though they werent supposed to- the teacher got so pissed XDDD and YESSS PRESENTSSSS- and awh man- i actually dont own ANY consoles at all- so the only things i can ask for is steam games- last year for christmas i got just shapes and beats- which was WORTHHH

and oo YAY- now i shall mark that on my calander- XD and mine is february 7!