#And thank you so much for your patience! Hope everyone is having an awesome week! (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡

[flurry-of-stars]

I stayed up till like 4 last night writing and woke up remembering I wrote a little thing for the Dad Sigma AU again and went to proofread it.

And all the author's note says is

b(T▽T)

[gentlebeardsbarngrill]

02/24/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; Cast&CrewSightings; Samba BTS; David Jenkins; Rhys Darby; Damien Gerard; Guz Khan!; SaveOFMD Crew Billboard; AdoptOurCrew Saturday Sillies; Making A Difference; Articles; Love Notes; Daily Darby/Tonight's Taika;

Been a long Saturday yall. Hope you enjoyed the BTS and general clown/honking going around!

== Cast & Crew Sightings ==

= Samba Schutte Feat. David Jenkins! =

Samba's back with more BTS for us today!

This time the Crew Shoutout is for Chaos Dad himself: David Jenkins! So good to see Chaos dad having such a great time BTS. We love you David!

Videos on Tumblr:

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

= Rhys Darby =

Rhys decided to take it up a notch today on his Tiktok/Instagram and tell... someone they've created a monster. Who might that be?

== Damien Gerard ==

Our crew-mate @patchworkpiratebear got a Cameo from our lovely Father-Teach, Damien Gerard! There's a bit of a story behind it, see below! Cameo link

== Guz Khan! ==

Hey! It's been a hot minute since we've seen our friend Guz Khan-- and now he's showed up on a cat! Good to see you sir!

== Save OFMD Crew ==

There have been questions raised about the billboard that the SaveOFMD Crew have been posting teasers for on their socials. The Crew had a meeting today wherein they discussed the concerns of the fandom, and have taken that feedback to heart. They are currently working on a clear information packet regarding the logistics of the current billboard efforts. They have kindly asked for your patience while they finish putting those last touches together!

== @adoptourcrew Saturday Sillies! ==

Our friends over at @adoptourcrew were kind enough to set up a new Saturday Sillies this week! This time they made custom OFMD Wordles! There were WAY too many images to include in the recap, so if you'd like to check them out, please visit the tumblr post below!

Wanna play? You can visit a tumblr post here

== Making a Difference! ==

Thank you to everyone who contributed to, or shared the fundraiser for Trans Pride Brighton! They've finally met their goal and can stay open another year! You made a serious difference in the lives of trans and non-binary folk in that community!

== Articles ==

Deze HBO-serie is gecanceld, maar had een 95% op Rotten Tomatoes

Schwule Romanze zwischen Piratenkapitänen

== Love Notes ==

Hey lovelies. I hope you had a fun Saturday/Sunday wherever you are. I know some of you are already closing out the weekend. We made it through another day-- and there's all sorts of action going on across all the platforms. I hope you got a chance to have fun, but also to rest. I know you know this, but even though I do too I often forget it. Rest is so very important. It's so easy to burn out, especially when we're constantly exposed to so much online. I think to myself "oh it's fine I'll just get a few more things done" and then it's suddenly 3 hours later and I've had only 4 hrs sleep in the last 30. Please please please give yourself self care today. Go brush your teeth, or take a shower. If you feel like you can do more, brush your hair, or make yourself a nice cup of tea. Do something for you that makes you relax and feel rested. On your last day of the weekend, make sure to take a few moments to yourself and just remember how awesome you are. You may not feel like it sometimes, but I can tell you now you truly are Awe-some. You bring so much life and love to this world and you deserve all beautiful things you want. Anyway, I'm very sleepy and I'm rambling again (what's new). Sleep well and enjoy your day lovelies, see you tomorrow.

== Daily Darby / Today's Taika ==

I'm being lazy tonight again yall. Just two goofy gifs that caught my eye, sorry I am running on fumes. Tomorrow I'll try to find some themed ones for ya <3

Rhys Gif: Courtesy of @fandomsmeantheworldtome

Taika Gif: ohnotheydidnt.livejournal

[horseimagebarn]

hello friends welcome to the horseimagebarn weekly interaction recap where i respond to all the asks reblogs comments etc i received in the previous week every single friday

however as some of you may have noticed i have done you all a disservice in that i missed last weeks recap due to life reasons that i will not specify but i will tell you i have been listening to weezer more than normal which i believe is ample insight into my life at the moment

i beg your pardon in this slight as i take my duty as the horseimagebarn curator very seriously and i know i have dropped the ball a bit recently by decreasing my posting frequency and missing out on last weeks recap i sincerely apologize and it will not happen again

to atone i shall include posts from the past two weeks in this weekly recap so that you may see all i have had to say

i do not know who you are idespisehorses or why you have such hate in your heart but i hope you know you greatly soured my 9 11 and every day after

she horse on my image til i barn

horse masseuse thats awesome i am glad your mom enjoys my posts and i wish you and her both very well however i have found my niche as it were on tumblr and i enjoy the folk here very much and i dont think i would get on as well with the facebook crowd and i am not doing this for fame or community though the community here is very nice and enjoyable and a welcome benefit i do this out of love for the craft however i do look at horses on facebook from time to time

thank you for your praise my friend you see i always found image descriptions to accurately convey the physicality of the image only and never the emotions or aura of the image so i felt that for something debatably non vital like horse images i might try to employ a more abstract and possibly more spiritually accurate manner of writing image descriptions

never do i feel more satisfaction and joy than i do when i find out the names of the horses in the horseimagebarn this account does excellent work

it is no worries some horse images are not for everyone

yes my friend i tag my horses based on ten key emotions though i am planning on adding more when i have the time to go through and resort my posts as i want people to be able to use the tags to find a horse image that reflects whatever emotion they are seeking perfectly if you have any suggestions for new tags please let me know

please spare me for my sins against car tumblr i fear i will never recover from this

yes this is true and i have read that a horse if old enough may die due to a lack of teeth if it grinds them down enough in its life

you can always look at horses on google sweatybeard the horses can sense negativity

my homie has spotted me in the wild hello homie

congratulations sylvia42

my friends you touch me deeply with your messages and i appreciate your patience greatly it heartens me to know so many people enjoy my efforts i have never risen to such heights as i have on this blog and i appreciate you all so much

i am happy for you my friend i deeply wish to go on a trail ride one day with a horse but i live in a tourist town so it is approximately one million dollars to do such and i am trapped within the throes of capitalism i am glad no horses were harmed on your trip and i am pleased to know you had a wonderful time

shoutout isaac

[turtlethebean]

Rarepair Week Day 3: Letters

Note: Spoilers ahead for season 3.

AO3 Link: Waiting for your Letter - Turtle_The_Bean - Criminal Case (Video Game) [Archive of Our Own]

Another day, another empty letterbox.

Rupert checked his calendar. He wasn’t used to waiting this long for a letter. At this point, it had been several weeks since he sent his last letter. He knew it wasn’t an issue with the postal service; his colleagues had been receiving letters from friends and family abroad with no problem. He would usually pass it off as his boyfriend being busy, but that seemed unlikely at this point. He hadn’t taken this long to write before, and it wasn’t like the Bureau had too much work for him. Rupert had even seen his colleagues on the news, though Armand was nowhere to be seen in the photos and videos.

He closed the letterbox and was about to head up to his apartment when a familiar hand was placed on his shoulder.

“Yo, Rupert,” Amir Devani, Rupert’s apprentice, smiled at the older man as he turned around, “One of David and Alex’s old coworkers is here. She used to work for the Bureau; isn’t that awesome? You should join us.”

Once Rupert heard the Bureau being mentioned, he instantly agreed to meet her. He needed answers as to why Armand wasn’t answering his letters. There was no guarantee she would know anything about what was going on with him, but it was worth a shot.

---

The majority of the Grimsborough Police Department was crowded around Grace, asking her a flurry of questions regarding her work at the Bureau. If Rupert wanted to get closer to her, he knew he would have to wait.

However, his patience was growing thin. He needed to know what was going on with Armand. He needed to know if he was still alive or even just busy with work or travel. He silently begged for an opening, a way for him to get close enough to ask her some questions.

“GRACE!” Amir called out, “I GOT A FRIEND HERE WHO WANTS TO MEET YOU!”

Grace got off her seat and walked over to Rupert. He started mentally preparing himself to ask her the question. He just needed a few words. He couldn’t mess this up.

“I hoped you’d be back, Amir.” Grace smiled warmly at the lab assistant.

“Yeah, I just need to get old Rupert here out of his apartment.” Amir nudged his mentor playfully.

“Good afternoon, Miss Delaney,” Rupert extended a hand to shake, “I’d like to ask you a question about a person who works at the Bureau if you don’t mind.”

It was a bit wordier than he had intended, but at least he had gotten his point across.

“Oh, well, out of what I know, I’m the only one from Grimsborough. There was a member from England, but I doubt you’d have any interest in a teenager.” Grace explained, trying to figure out who he was talking about on her own.

“He’s not from England. He’s Swiss, actually. His name is Armand Dupont. Would you happen to know how he’s doing right now? Even where he is at the moment?”

“Armand Dupont…” Grace’s face fell upon hearing the name, “Rupert, I am so sorry.”

Don’t.

“It may be best for us to talk about this in private.”

“No, it’s alright.” Please, don’t say it.

“Alright, if you say so…”

Please, it can’t be.

“I’m sorry, Rupert, but Dupont…Armand…passed away.”

No.

“He was shot in the chest during a confrontation with a criminal. They managed to remove the bullet, but his body couldn’t take the surgery.”

No.

“He died the same night we accepted the Nobel Peace Prize. I wish he could’ve been there with us, but…”

No. No! NO!

“Thank you for the information, Miss Delaney,” Rupert said, brushing past everyone else as he left the room.

Once he left the room, Rupert felt as though the floodgates were about to burst. He rushed himself somewhere private, his laboratory and closed the door before collapsing to the ground. Tears started flooding down his face as he curled up in a ball on the floor.

He couldn’t believe this. It couldn’t be true. His love couldn’t be dead.

Was it wrong that he didn’t want to believe that anything was real anymore?

---

How long had he been on this floor?

Rupert didn’t know how long he had been crying on the floor. For all he knew, it could be anywhere between five minutes and five hours. He couldn’t get up. His legs felt like jelly anytime he tried. Even using the table didn’t help. He just kept falling back down to the floor. It was as though he was trying to climb his way out of a hole, but he kept sliding back down to the bottom.

He still couldn’t believe the news. He still didn’t want to believe the news.

Did he have any choice?

A knock at the laboratory door. He didn’t have the strength to open it himself.

“Come in.” He called out, not bothering to try to get up again.

The creak of the door and then the clicking of heels filled the room as Grace approached him.

“Sorry to bother you.” She began, her face solemn.

“It’s fine; I’ve just been sitting on the floor for…I’ll be honest, I have no clue how long it’s been now.” He sighed, burying his head in his hands.

“I just thought I’d find you to give you this.”

Rupert looked up to see that Grace was handing him a folded-up piece of paper. He took it from her, unsure if he should unfold it.

“I found it when we were clearing out Dupont’s library. I thought the address seemed familiar, so I decided to keep it on me in case. It seemed important.”

“Thank you, Miss Delaney,” Rupert gave her a weak smile, “I mean it. Thank you.”

“Of course. Feel free to call me if you need anything else.”

Rupert nodded as he watched her leave his laboratory. He finally mustered up the strength to pull himself up onto one of the chairs in his lab. He got up, turned on one of the table lamps and took a deep breath before unfolding the letter.

My dearest Rupert,

I’m writing to inform you that I have received your last letter. However, there is more I wish to tell you.

I miss you. I have this horrible feeling that I may never see you again, but given that we will be in America sometime soon, I hope to have the opportunity to see you again. I miss sitting next to you as we read books and occasionally told each other about our interests.

Even if we never meet again, I hope that you know that I love you.

The letter ended there. Incomplete, but even just seeing the handwriting again made Rupert tear up.

He had been so afraid – afraid that Armand had fallen out of love with him, afraid that he had become too busy for him, afraid that losing his love was going to be the same as him losing his life.

In actuality, his love was alive. Sure, he had physically passed away, but his spirit lived on in this letter.

A letter he would cherish for the rest of his life.

[nextinline-if]

An Update On Things

Hey everyone - my wedding was last Saturday. Originally, I was hoping the writing for Ch 2 would be complete by now but I underestimated how much more work it would need. This is because there is quite a bit of branching for the later half of the chapter which takes a lot of time to do. It's never my goal to give you what I feel is unpolished or mediocre writing on my part.

Therefore, my new goal is to have chapter 2 complete before the end of the year. Not necessarily out to play yet, but the writing is complete so it can be beta tested. I hope that will happen but who knows? I'm going to do my best to make sure the writing is done. But again, I don't want to force out writing or pressure myself too much. So, I'll take my time in the most efficient way I can ha :)

That said, the rest of the year shouldn't be too busy for me so I'm doing my best. I'll be providing more frequent updates + teasers. I appreciate your patience over the last month as I took time away.

Currently, the Alpha Build for Patrons features approximately half of chapter 2. Total written word count for Chapter 2 (including what's not in the Alpha Build) is over 35,000 words. Tha Alpha Build includes:

an enlightening breakfast with James and Vivian;

meeting your pet;

choosing your hobby;

a heart-to-heart with F;

holding court for the first time + meeting 2 new characters;

choosing which charity to support as The Harbinger;

an interlude POV switch.

On that note, I want to say a big thank you to everyone for your support here and on Patreon as well. It means so much to me. As does your patience. You're all so awesome :)

The last thing I wanted to touch on was the Ask box. As you may have noticed, it's been off for a bit and I've answered a few asks but not a ton. There's still a lot to go through. It just feels really overwhelming, to be honest, and that's why I haven't answered many.

That said, I'm going to try and make a genuine effort over the next couple of weeks.

This game is on my mind pretty much every day and I'm still very motivated and interested in finishing it. Anyway, talk soon lovelies :)

P.S. we are almost at 2,000 followers - welcome new lovely people <3 hopefully, I can get the ask box open again soon :)

Discord | itch.io | Patreon |Ko-fi | Tag List

[perfectlyvalid49]

Entering your asks because I have seen your post about Jewish trauma and replies all over my dash (and only doing it on anon because of how stilted and awkward I always am with strangers that I admire). Your patience and earnest attempts to educate and inform those too stubborn, arrogant, and convinced of their absolute moral correctness is astonishing, and I am sorry the world's once more in such a state of hate that you had to make that post in the first place, let alone deal with a mess of antisemitic BS in the notes. (I am sorry we goyim on the left are failing the Jewish community as badly as we are. We never seem to learn, no matter how patiently you hold our hands through the explanations.)

You seem to be all kinds of awesome.

First, thank you!

Second, I’m sorry for being all over your dash. It was a long post to begin with and it only got longer as everybody yelled at the anti-Semite. It was all over my dash too, and *I* was beginning to find it annoying.

It feels weird to be admired, as I think my most notable qualities are “good at remembering rules to TTRPGs,” “incredibly stubborn,” and “does not know when to shut up.” If you feel more comfortable on anon, that’s fine, but if you ever want to put your name on things, know that most of my friends (myself included) are in the “neurospicy and have less than awesome social skills” group, so awkward isn’t going to bother me any.

The patience comes from having two elementary aged kids. If I can deal with a toddler, I can deal with an adult acting like a toddler. Also, I used to be a receptionist at a pediatrics office – so I actually have a lot of experience customer servicing adults acting like toddlers, to be honest.

As for a willingness to educate, I genuinely believe that hatred in all its forms comes from ignorance. It’s much easier to hate a faceless entity than a real person, and it’s easier to hate a group that you have no experience with than to hate a member of that group that you’re having a conversation with, especially when they’re being reasonable. I’ve been a LOT of people’s first Jew, and I don’t mind being the person to show that Jews are just normal people. Even if the person I’m in conversation with isn’t getting it, my hope is that someone on the sidelines – either their followers or mine, will.

There are two Jewish concepts at play here. The first is “tikkun olam,” or “repairing the world.” The idea is that the world is not perfect, and it is our duty to make it better. I feel like educating people, and hopefully reducing hate is a way of doing that. The other is a quote from the Talmud - “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” I don’t have to teach everyone, but when presented with the opportunity to teach someone, I have to at least try. The way I see it, doing this is part of how I practice Judaism.

As for the goyim on the left, a lot of them have let me down. But every once in a while I get an ask or a message like this from someone who seems to understand. Or I’ll point out someone’s antisemitism, and they’ll actually listen to the criticism and try to do better. It gives me hope. Since I made that post, I’ve received kind messages from a handful of people privately, plus there’s been some love in the tags on reblogs. Between that and getting all that off my chest in the first place, I honestly feel better now than I did a week ago. Thanks to everyone who helped with that, including you, Anon.

[arknights-imagines]

Exe is Back 🥳💕!!!

(Most important parts are in bold!)

Hiya everyone svshs 💕👉👈!!! I know it's been a little while, however I'm v v happy to say that I'm back now aaa 😭💞! I hope you've all been well~

Anywho, this'll be an update post explaining why I've been gone and what I have upcoming for the blog 👍!! So if you're interested please take some time to read this whole post, tysm 💕!

Firstly, I'd like to apologize for leaving suddenly and without notice 😭😔 I had an urgent irl emergency happen (I'd prefer not to go into any details!) and so I had to go on a complete hiatus for a few weeks svshsh, I had to put all my writing and activity on the blog on a pause 😭😭

However, everything is okay now and I'm super happy to be back to the blog now aaa 👍!!!

As an apology for my sudden hiatus, 'Rico and I would like to offer you guys flowers and cake sgshs 💞👉👈...!!! Please take them and again I hope you can excuse me, ty v v much for your patience as always 🥺

(Art is a commission by @aruaruarisa on Twitter!!)

Secondly, I'd like to talk about what's next for the blog!!!

The headcanons for all the members of Lee's Detective Agency are still in the works ✨! I'm still trying to get myself better acquainted with the characters of each member so that's why this piece is taking some time 👉👈 I want to make sure I do the members justice svshs!!

Here's a small sneak peek from Hung's section of the piece for you guys!:

"･ The Perro will ensure - in every way he can, whilst still staying behind that line he couldn't yet bring himself to step over - that you know he was entirely dedicated to you.

･ “Hey, if you ever need something, just give me a holler!”

“Thank you…you don’t have to worry about me, Hung! But, ‘something’, like what exactly?”

“You know, anything at all! I mean it, when it’s for you, I’ll always be giving two-hundred-percent!”

･ After Hung said anything like that to you, you’d grin sincerely with eyes warmed by gratitude; he’d always have a hue of pink rise to his cheeks and a gleefully wagging tail as he parted from you."

Thirdly, what I have planned for the blog in the near-future 🥳!!!

Unfortunately svshs, the Guide Ahead event I was v v hyped for (as close followers of the blog will most likely know svshs) happened while I was away aaa... 😭 Thankfully I was able to participate in the event enough to complete some of the event stages and read the entire event story 👉👈!!! I'll be eagerly awaiting its rerun so I can complete it 100% 🥺

Anywho, I v much wanted to have an event on the blog to celebrate the Guide Ahead event being released to the EN server 👉👈 Though the event in-game is closed now, I'd still like to have an event here on the blog svshs because the event meant lots to me 🥺!!!

So I'm definitely still going to be having a special event on the blog dedicated to Laterano and the Sanktas once I'm done with my current wip 🥳 I hope you'll all look forward to it aaa~

(And in the meantime, my inbox is open for any asks regarding the Guide Ahead event 💕!!! You can tell me about your pulls or ask me about mine, or come chat with me about the story, or the in-game mechanics!

Like I said before this event is particularly special for me so I'm v glad to chat about it with you guys aaa 🥺👉👈!!!)

That's all sbshs 💕!!! I'll be organizing my inbox and replying to any miscellaneous asks/DMs from you guys over the next few days, and I'll be working on my current wip as well of course 🥰~

Again please excuse my sudden hiatus aaa 😔 I hope you guys can understand 😭!

I'd also like to say to all of you: even when I have to be away from the blog for some time, please know that I'm never leaving the blog anytime soon 🥺💕 Me (and 'Rico also!) love Arknights and all of you lots and lots~

I'm beyond happy to be back, I missed you guys and the blog v v much 🥺😭💕!!!

Okay, I'll get to work now 👍!! Tysm for your time and please have an awesome day 🌸!!

Yours truly,

- An Exe who's ready to get back to work 🥳!!!

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

Taglist for News 📰!:

@zone10-8

@lucifernn

@tiredstudents

@yoonielien

@marahuyos

[lilacline001]

When do you think chapter 11 is gonna be ready? No pressure tho, I love your fic sm

Okay, so here's a Nocturne update. In total, there should be 5 arcs roughly 5 chapters each. Arc 1 and 2 are complete, and with Chapter 11, we will begin arc 3. The fic in total might be up to 120k words.

My goal is to again shoot for an update every two weeks. However, I'll try to be more responsive when things aren't going well and/or I'm taking a break.

Moving forward, I will update my Bio with percentage progress on the next chapter. This will be a rough estimate, but it'll be better than nothing. Also, please remember that Nocturne chapters are generally massive, so yeah something like 10% would be several hundred words, 50% a couple thousand. I do not want to start posting about progress, that will give me a complex. So it will be up to interested parties to check my bio for updates.

In general, if its been two weeks and a few days after the last posting, feel free to harass me - within reason. Everyone's been awesome and super kind, but I don't want to give people blanket freedom to get on my back. Sometimes things are going well and I want to spend time with people instead of writing alone (writing can be really lonely) and then other times things are going poorly and drinking water is an accomplishment

Also, something that helped my block recently was writing for another fandom. I haven't posted for a different project yet, but please understand that I might. This is a good thing! It helped me get my mojo back and write for Nocturne. So like please don't get upset if you see me update other things. coughRipple Effectcough

My goal is to complete this fic before 2024, hopefully by a lot. At the absolute latest, my goal is to complete Nocturne before Season 5 comes out. 2025 is not good news right? But here is my promise as a Fanfic creator who hates in-complete works just as much as the next reader:

If by the premiere of ST episode 1 "The Crawl," Nocturne is not completed, I promise to release my outline.

I understand that this would not be satisfying, and it's something that I don't want to do - I want to finish what I started, I love Nocturne and I plan to see it complete. But life does happen. So if literally all else fails, I will post my outline, and that way you guys will know how it ends.

I have gotten so much support for this fic, like an incredible amount of support. Simply lovely fan art has been made! Which if I think about long enough will make me cry So I want to give you guys the assurance that your time hasn't been wasted, I will finish and if all else fails, you guys will at least know what happens.

Until then, thank you so much for your patience! Thank you for supporting my bat fic! Thank you for the art!!! *sobs* Thank you for tagging me in bat posts & videos; they're so cute!! Hope to see you next week with Chapter 11!

Happy reading!

[rubynationwins]

300 Followers?!!!!! Holy Shit, thanks so much y’all🥰🎉🎉🎉

Seriously, this is fucking awesome and I appreciate everyone of you so much and I hope you have enjoyed being part of the “nation” so far😋😘

P.S. I know that I haven’t posted much in the last couple weeks, and I’m sorry about that. It’s just that life and school have gotten crazy, and there’s only so much time and brain power to go around. I’ll write and post as often as I’m able to, but that will vary a lot in the coming weeks. Thank you for your patience, and in the mean time, feel free to check out my masterlist!

[chellyrps]

What are your biggest reflections, lessons learned, and gratitudes for 2023? What are your intentions, goals, and dreams for 2024? Pass this on to 3 blogs you follow!

these are such beautiful questions !! i really wanted to sit down and give these a long hard think, so thank you nonnie ♡ this past year, i did a lot to challenge myself - especially in terms of my career. i was able to land an awesome && unexpected promotion, totally outside of my comfort zone, and it's been going really well. maybe even better than i had initially figured. i've had some stumbles, but all within an environment that has allowed for my growth, and for that i am truly thankful. i'm thankful for all of it tbh. it's meant a lot, getting to work in human services, and it's reminded me to count my blessings. even when things have been bleak, i've always had support, and not everyone can say that. i've been taught many lessons in gratitude this year, but also in patience and acceptance ... because my siblings really let me down this past year, but i've made some real peace with that. i came to understand that they're just doing their best from their own ends. i know that there are going to be more opportunities to show up for each other, so i'm thankful for that, too. i really do believe that we are all just doing our best with what we have at the time. as for 2024, oh man ... i have a lot of hopes. i'm not necessarily calling them goals, because i'm working on managing my own expectations in 2024, but i have hopes. things i want to accomplish, but won't be too hard on myself if i don't. i think that's going to be very important for me, and probably for many of us, this year !! i want to have a great first year at this new job, and i really want to be able to implement some of the changes that i can see being beneficial to our department. i'm going to do some more part-time work with a small business and help get their feet off the ground in my area; i have some serious hopes for what that will turn into. all of this to continue building my skills && my savings so that i can hopefully, and pls i'll need a prayer circle for this lmao, move into a nicer space, maybe even get really lucky and buy a house with my partner. in this economy ... i know, i feel it too, these are hopes for a reason !! improvement, in all areas of my life ... even small betterments - that's really what i want for myself this year. i'm starting to feel my age, which is beautiful, as it's a blessing to age !! but alas, i am, and i want to be able to give myself more sure footing if i can, and i really believe that i can. which, speaking of, i've got to start making more home cooked meals because i was pitiful with that during the week in 2023 so here's to summoning my inner julia child in 2024 !! i've also been spending SO much time with my friends lately, and that is something i really need to continue into 2024 because they are my favorite, and the community we have built is truly everything to me !! wow, thank you for sending this to me, nonnie !! i think i needed this today after we just got like 12 inches of snow LOL i had more time to reflect than i probably otherwise would have. and please let me take a moment to thank everyone on tumblr dot com who has been with me this year, even just in notifications, because you've also made me so happy ♡ i left this blog on ice for a while, but it feels so heckin nice to be back and enjoying it. here's to an amazing and gratifying 2024 ♡ if anyone ever needs some support, i'm always here.

[ginnsbaker]

Ahh, I’m late to these last 2 chapters because I was so busy I barely had time to do anything besides my responsibilities (being an adult sucks sometimes haha) but oh my god, once again, I feel like a broken record mentioning how amazing your writing is!! I’ll be writing for chapter 9 because if not this’ll get insanely long! Haha first of all, Shannon irks me but she also seems like a woman that has been through a lot with Pietro so she doesn’t have time or patience for bullshit which makes me like understand her, but her motives in “helping” Wanda feel so fake and like she has something up her sleeves I can’t trust her!! Also I loved Pietro and Wanda’s talk, the part where she starts acknowledging that cheating ruins everything in its wake. Like I know she knew how much it affected her personally, but I also feel she’s more aware of how it goes so much more beyond that, like it goes beyond her and reader! So that felt like good progress, makes me really root for her healing and happiness! I root for her and reader together, but am also conflicted because like I’ve said the way you write this has me questioning beyond just like a cliche happy ending, does that make sense? Haha second, (I’m all over the place, so sorry if it comes off that way) reader withholding information from Nat, woo, it just makes me so uneasy, like I know as humans sometimes we want to put our best selves forward to the most important people in our lives, but if there’s anything life has taught me is, the truth always comes out whether we want it to or not and Nat has just been such a constant, steady fixture in reader’s life that this little information has the potential to bite reader in the ass and I’m so scared?!?! Because I would hate for them to lose each other! Cause honestly I feel like a friendship breakup hurts so much more??? Third, Yelena, my dear dear Yelena, god, you can tell she’s so in love with reader that I really hope she doesn’t get hurt, and again, I know that’s impossible because that’s just the way things can be but, I really wish she can be saved from pain! Me being an optimistic empath, I just wanna hug and save everyone from pain haha but I hope reader doesn’t hurt her and if she does hurt her I hope it’s not the way she was hurt that would be so shitty, but again it could happen (my god, I’m gonna go crazy!!) Fourth, Sparky?!? Not Sparky!! Animal pain is another level so that got me emotional!! Fifth, Vision. My god, can he just fuck off?! (I wish, but he also adds that little spark of ahdjjfjdkskgks to it haha) Sixth, Wanda’s relapse, poor baby, I understand her though, experiencing something so emotionally charged with Sparky, seeing Yelena at reader’s place, coming to the realization that being at reader’s place wasn’t a good idea. Just generally being all over the place, I can see why she relapsed. Still rooting for her healing though!! I cannot wait to see what comes next!! I hope you have an amazing week! Stay safe and take care! -💫🥀

P.S that’s awesome that you’re going to do a race! I wish I could, but I recently injured myself so my main focus is recovering fully! I feel like I’m 80% there though so that makes me happy! Haha just need to keep working for 100% recovery! Also this fic has been such an amazing read, so thank you for blessing me with your artistry!! Truly, I will never tire of saying how amazing your writing is!! Again, I apologize if all of the above seems jumbled and a mess in general as I am slightly all over the place haha but I cannot miss out the opportunity to speak about this story!!

It's not a jumbled mess, I love everything about it, I feel like I'm talking to you in RL and I just get so excited about discussions like this because 1) i have no beta, no one to discuss the plot with at all except when you guys get to read it and comment 2) i get different perspectives and realizations and i see different reactions that are all valid since we all come from different experiences.

First of all, thank you for staying with the story and for always sharing your thoughts.

I think breaking up with a friend can hurt more than romantic relationships. When we enter a romantic relationship, we are aware that there's always the possibility of losing them, but friendships.. we always expect them to last for life. Shannon is a little shit who's defense mechanism is being mean to everyone lol. But she does care about Wanda who is basically her sister-in-law now.

There's going to be healing for everybody. Don't worry :)

Can't wait to hear what you think about the next chapters :D

Again, thank youuuu <3

P.S. What's your injury? I hope you recover 100% soon!

[flyinghighpetresort]

We’re Moving, But not that far! Just a hop, skip or wagging tail. (Same address different Suite Number.) We will still be address 2255 Pleasant Valley Road Camarillo CA 93012 Starting February 11th Suite K & L (Same Parking lot) Attention!! Our Moving Dates February 6th through 10th 2023 We will be Closed for Doggy Daycare so we can move everything to Suite K & L We’re honoring all the current Boarding Reservation already made during that week! We appreciate your understanding and patience. For 10 years we have been in this location. We have so many wonderful memories. We look forward and are very excited about our New updated Location ❤️ It’s been a bitter Sweet transformation 🙏🏻 We understand Our Move has caused other businesses to be relocate. We’re all deeply sorry. None of us ever wanted this to be difficult. Due to Our neighbors long term contract his business needs to expand into Our Current location and with Our 10 year lease being up in October it only made sense to be accommodating. He has always been Supportive of us. Unfortunately the other business was Month to Month. Our landlord was graciously able to give them 5 1/2 months to find a new location. We’re so thankful they did find a better location to suit their needs. We understand this was hard on everyone, but truly believe everything will work out for the best. We feel extremely lucky and grateful Our Landlord was able to keep us near Our current location. We’re happy this move helps us grow and also expands our neighbors business. This was for the good of us all in the end. Nothing personal. We have always been supportive of Our neighbors. We hope everyone thrives in their new locations 🙏🏻 We would like to Thank Our Wonderful Neighbor Dave and Our Awesome Landlord Eric. They have made this move possible. We couldn’t have done this without them. Thank you so much. You both are so caring and giving. We’re very grateful for this opportunity. Our New home is going to be so much fun. We have new play equipment for the Dogs. New floors. New Suites. Colorful, Bright, cheerful Everything New @flyinghighpetresort We hope you love Our New place as much as we do 🥰 (at Camarillo, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnyNB50LB47/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[veggieteensofficial]

Hi friends!

Submissions for Q&A September are now CLOSED.

Thank you all so so much for all your awesome questions. I know there are some that have not been answered yet. And I promise they will be answered very soon. As always, my work schedule has really picked up but will slow down next week. So, I thank you for your patience! It was a lot of fun.

Happy October friends! Hope everyone is staying safe.

God Bless,

ModDoodle

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Looking for a Place to Happen

Warnings: non-consent sex and rape (series), age gap, general stupidity.

This is dark!biker!Sam Wilson x reader and explicit. 18+ only.  Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Series Synopsis: There’s lots happening in Birch and you find it all too amusing.

Sister series to Smalltown Bringdown, When the Weight Comes Down, Little Bones, and Fully Completely

Note: We’re starting Sam’s installment but this weekend I’ll probably only be catching up on my headcanons and drabbles because I’ve been a lazy bitch and I’m sorry to those who have been waiting.

Thanks to everyone for their patience and feedback. :)

I really hope you enjoy. 💋

<3 Let me know what you think with a like or reblog or reply or an ask! Love ya!

Chapter 1: I've got a job, I explore

💀💀💀

The sleepy town of Birch was awake. 

In those last weeks, the arrival of outsiders had roused the attention of many once passive residents of the timeless territory. Those brick buildings unchanged by the tick of the clock inlaid into the old tower above the library that chimed every hour on the hour. They still stood with only chips in the mortar but the air tasted different. The frost was more bitter and the sky more grim. An omen of something no one could predict.

It was the perfect setting for a screenplay. The isolated town with its unsavoury secrets and the visitors who threatened to bring them to the surface. It was inspiring to you, to imagine what was hidden behind the stern wrinkled faces of the town elders and under the jackets of those men who wore the cut of the local club. The bikers ruled the town covertly but everyone knew that Bucky Barnes’ palm was lined with the map of Birch.

As a bystander, an unnoticed observer, just another ant in the hill, you watched from the side and amused yourself with the drama of others. It was like a soap opera or another HBO hype machine. Those things you aspired to when you could be free of this ho-hum town.

The snows added to the natural gloom of the place. The deep heaps smothered the noise and harkened back to those days of colonial settlement. Forgotten, desolate, fearful. 

You ventured down in your heavy boots that stretched to your knees and pushed your chin down into your scarf. As a child, you ran and jumped in those piles, now you were out of breath just trying to walk past them.

You stopped in the bakery that doubled as the only café, a place where the owner, Babs, tried to to intimidate the last caffeinated trends. She was always a few seasons behind but you didn’t mind so much. 

You ordered the salted caramel mocha and waited patiently as the quiet woman fought with the steaming machines. She was older than you but you’d work with her for one summer during high school, only five years ago. She had the eyes of a child still, but there was something worn in her. As if she’d been exposed to far too much in her three or so decades in that place. She was a harbinger of what you didn’t want to become.

You thanked her for your drink and set out once more into the billowing winds. Birch winters were never kind but this one was crueler than most. Your teeth chattered as you blew the steam away from the lid and hugged it with your mittened hands.

You stopped short as you heard the familiar ding of the diner door across the street. You recognised the mechanic who kept to herself and once growled at you in the grocery store. She stormed across the street, followed closely and quickly by a black-haired man you’d only seen once before. He was one of those outsiders who came to deal with the club men.

You sped up as you sensed chaos brewing and pulled out your phone as you balanced your paper cup in your other hand. You flicked your camera on just as you got to the front of the shop and the man grabbed the mechanic. You let out an ‘oop’ as she turned on him and you aimed the lens at the couple as they fell into the snow, the man’s shoes giving little traction to his steps. 

You moved closer, stunned by the scene, and kept your cell phone rolling as you found a better angle around the snowy walks. As she choked him on the ground he elbowed her and she coughed as she rolled away. She snarled as he clamoured to his feet, slipping and sliding as he marched away.

You killed the recording and watched the man cross the street again, nearly wiping out as he did and when you looked back to the mechanic, she was gone behind the clattering door. You chuckled to yourself and tucked away your cell. It was prime footage for TikTok; with a bit of editing, it would be comedy gold.

💀

You stomped up the steps of your grandmother’s house, this time through the front door as you heard her chair rocking in the front room. You usually took the stairs in the back as you paid her to live on the upper floor of the duplex. You checked in with her daily, she didn’t get out much more than the occasional trip to the grocery store when you couldn’t or you dragged her out to join you for a tea at Babs’.

“You’re late,” she grumbled as you set your cup down and unzipped your coat.

“For what?” you scoffed.

“It’s after noon and you don’t even come down to say hello? A ‘good morning, nan’,” she harrumphed.

You chuckled and hung your coat before shoving your boots over on the mat. You grabbed your mocha and leaned on the doorway as you watched her crocheting in her chair, reruns of some court show playing from the boxy television.

“I was working,” you said, “sent in some stuff for review. Hopefully not much work to be done.”

“I don’t know how you make money on that interweb,” she bemoaned, “I don’t trust it.”

“Maybe you’d trust it more if you used the Netflix subscription I got you,” you crossed your arms, “then you wouldn’t have to watch trash daytime TV.”

She shrugged and muttered under her breath. She could be crotchety but you liked her sense of humour. Your aunts and uncles never came around because they just took it as spite. You were the only one who knew how to handle the jaded old lady.

“Maybe you coulda looked out the window,” you snickered, “quite a show going on in town.”

“Hmm, what’s that?” she stilled her needles and reached for her tea stained cup.

“Just a fight. You wouldn’t believe it, that lady mechanic beat the shit--”

“Language,” she huffed.

“Anyway, she had this guy in a chokehold. It was awesome.”

“What guy?” she squinted at you over her glasses.

“I dunno. Some out of towner. Remember I told you about that burly dude hanging around the library?”

“There’s more?” she sucked on her teeth, “those bikers have never been good news and now they’re bringing in more.”

“Yeah, well, what’re you gonna do?” you sniffed as you took out your phone and rewatched the scuffle with the volume down. You shook your head and opened up your TikTok. 

“I don’t understand why you’re always on your dang phone,” your grandmother pestered.

“I’m not always on my phone,” you smiled at her smugly, “there are those time when I’m listening to you prattle on or you know, making you tea, oh, and cooking you dinner. What was it I did last week? Oh that’s right, I got Pippin out of the crawlspace.”

“I’m too old to be chasin’ that cat all around,” she huffed, “where is he anyway?”

“He’s your cat, I don’t know? Last time I saw him, I sent him back out the window for shredding my charger.”

“He knows you need to give it a rest,” she laughed to herself, “got your nose to that screen too much.”

“And what do you do, old lady? Crocheting doilies to put where exactly?”

She gave you that dry smile, the one that said watch it but carried a hint of humour still. You hit post and put your phone away as you waved off her irritation.

“Well, you know what, I sit all day at my computer, doing who knows what and you know what it got me?” you taunted, “a large mocha!” you sipped as you sat on the sofa and grabbed the remote, “and it’s paying my rent and putting bullet points on my resume.”

“Mhmm,” she scowled, “just remember, real life ain’t online. Those videos you’re always laughing at like hyena, that’s not reality. You forget it and it’ll come back and bit you. ‘Specially with those bikers.”

“Oh, nan, you know too well, don’t you? Didn’t you have a fling with one back in your hippie phase?”

“Two, actually,” she raised her brows, “I was young and stupid. Not like you, but still.”

“I love you too,” you chirped and sipped from your cup, flicking the station to Jerry Springer, “that’s more like it.”

💀

Your usual TikToks were sarcastic and dull complaints about your small town life. The response was less than pleasing but it gave you an outlet to vent. You liked to goof around and document the very specific type of weirdos that resided in Birch. But the video of the fight in the snow blew up your phone and made it difficult to ignore the buzzing as you went back up to your room to eke out the last of your captions for the ad agency.

When at last you could call your day hard-earned, you logged off and sent in your hours to the agency. Social media promotion was easy enough but the working gigs for a thousand different companies was tedious. You hoped you could build your portfolio enough to manage a single corporate page as you continued to chip away at your creative outlets.

You picked up your phone as you waited for Netflix to load on your tiny smart tv and flopped onto your bed, not two feet from your desk. You hit the icon in the upper panel of your phone and scrolled through the notifications, pausing to turn on another episode of the cable sitcom from ten years before. You snorted as you read each comment but the number under the video made your eyes round. The thing was bound to go viral.

As usual, you went down to help with supper. Pippin, the orange tabby, returned to cry at his dish and you fed him too. Your nan peered through her glasses at a crossword as she tasted the tangy pasta sauce. 

“More basil,” she snipped.

“Well, I asked if you wanted to help,” you muttered, “I think it’s good.”

“Hmmp, I need milk,” she jutted her chin out, “for my after-dinner tea.”

“You couldn’t say something like three hours ago?” you blinked.

“I could have but I didn’t,” she snickered. You rolled your eyes and she took another forkful of penne and filled in another line on her puzzle, “ah, no hurry, girlie, you know I’m patient.”

“Patient? You?” you chuckled as you took your plate and shoved it in the microwave to keep it warm. The ancient thing had a dial and the door stuck, “I’ll just go get it over with.”

“Don’t forget your mitts,” she called after you as you tramped into the front room, “it’s cold.”

You pulled on your knitted cap and matching mitts. You zipped up your parka and shoved your feet into the deep boots. You grabbed your wallet and buried it in the spacious pocket. You bounced out the front door and down the steps as the sky sent down another coat of powder for the night.

You went up White Forge Street and through the short path behind the diner that led to the main road. You glanced over at The Asp, the beacon of the dull town, and turned towards the grocer. Like anywhere in Birch, the store was outdated and stuffy. It felt like stepping into another time with the paper bags and chunky tills.

You went down the center aisle and stopped at the fridge to search through the frosted glass. Your nan only drank whole milk and the last time you carelessly grabbed skim, she whined that even Pippin wouldn’t drink it. She was particular but that was just her nature. You couldn’t say you were any less fussy in some instances.

You grabbed a jug and the door slapped closed against the worn rubber seal. You headed up the candy aisle and brushed your woolly thumb over your chin as you considered gummy bears or Reeses’ Pieces.

“Hard choice?” The deep voice jolted you.

You snatched the box of chocolate and looked over at the man in leather, his chin tucked down behind the collar as snow dusted his shoulders.

“Sure,” you said as you brushed past him.

The cut of the leather told you he was better not entertained. While you thought the men amusing, you weren’t stupid enough to engage with them. You rarely listened to your grandmother but she was wise in her own way. 

You knew a girl in highschool, she was fucking around with one of the club men in her junior year, she ended up with a baby and no support. You didn’t think he was into you that way but he could hardly have innocent intentions.

“How’s the old lady?” Clayton asked as he rung in your order at the end of the belt, you moved along with the groceries and pulled out your wallet.

“The usual, you know? She’s tryna quit again. Don’t know how long it’ll last.”

“Oh yeah? I’ll keep a carton aside for her,” he kidded as you felt your phone vibing in your back pocket.

“Don’t encourage her,” you swiped your card and punched in your pin, “although I don’t know what’s worse; the smoke or her sucking on those mints all the time.”

“Oh, it’s not the bitchin’?” he laughed.

“That, too,” you scooped up the paper bag and put your wallet away, “have a good one.”

As you came to the end of the first counter, you were nearly cut off by the club member as he swept around from till two. His own purchase of a car magazine and jerky was tucked under his arm.

“Ah, sorry,” he smiled, a sparkling smile, almost charming.

“No worries,” you continued on and he followed close behind.

“Those mitts look real warm. ‘Specially in this weather,” he said as you pushed open the door.

“Uh huh,” you kept on as your boots crunched out into the snow.

“You know where I can get a pair. Leather isn’t exactly thermal, you know?”

“These? My nan made ‘em. I’m sure Clayton got some hung up back there,” you looked across the street as you stepped up onto the ledge of snow between the sidewalk and the road.

“Am I bothering you?” he asked.

You looked at him dumbly and almost laughed in his face. You glanced back across the street then down towards The Asp.

“Sorta,” you answered.

“Make you a deal. Leave ya alone for your name.”

You eyed him. He was older than you like many of the Commandos. At least a decade, likely more than that. You chewed on your hesitation and cradled the bag more firmly against your side. His eyes strayed as he tried to see through the thick layer of your coat.

“Nah, I’m not s’posed to talk to strangers,” you said and hopped off onto the road.

You heard him behind you as he struggled to follow and as you came up to the other side, he came parallel with you and kept stride with you easily.

“I know you’re young but you’re not a kid,” he intoned, “what’s the harm in a name?”

“It’s a small town,” you stopped short of the end of White Forge, “I think I know enough about you to avoid you.”

“Oh ho, is that it? Well, I’m Sam, I’m not a stranger now, am I?”

“Not interested, Sam. Sure there’s women your own age over at the bar,” you nodded behind him.

“You wanna come see? Maybe have a drink?” he gave a crooked grin.

“You don’t give up, do you?” you shook your head, put off by his forwardness.

“Well?”

“Not tonight, Sam,” you turned around and headed down White Forge.

“Then what night?” he asked but you didn’t answer and he didn’t follow.

You turned down onto your street and refused to look back in case. It would be best not to mention the run-in to your nan, she was paranoid enough as it was. Besides, you’d forget about it by the end of next week.

[vrishchikawrites]

You know what would be interesting?

JC never lost his golden Core.

And Wei Wuxian did not lose his.

But he still gets dropped into the Burial Mounds. And like I dunno how, but he comes out of there having mastered the new form of cultivation.

Jiang Cheng acts like a dick that's par for cannon. And this Wei Wuxian who has survived the burial Mounds with his golden core intact has no time for his drama.

He definitely confesses to Lan Wangji o ce he is out of the burial mounds.

Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji in the Sunshot campain would be brilliant. Cultivating and * *wink wink nudge nudge* * dual cultivating.

JC is seething with jelousy. He has everything. The gentry name, the money and sect leadership but the whole world is only speaking about Wei Wuxian and his like awesome cultivation. Both the sword style and with his flute.

Wen Qing and Wen Ning- Wen Ning convinces his sister to join the war. Wen Ning wants to be on Wei Wuxian's side.

What would JC throw a tantrum over if he doesn't have anything to throw a tantrum over??

Like for example he blames Wei Wuxian for Lotus Pier burning. Obviously it's not his mistake. But one day he is yelling at Wei Wuxian about it and sect leader someone maybe XiChen, maybe Sect leader Nie. Whoever. Comes and like defends Wei Wuxian.

What would he do then faced with the facts? Cling all the more to his warped world view? Or apologize?

It will be interesting to see.

You don't have to take this prompt if it's too messy or whatever. I love you and your writing.

Also, thank you for choosing to write my previous prompt.

XOXO.

(this is a little similar to trapped and patient but also quite different. Hope you like it! The format is a bit different because this is a lot of time to cover in a short prompt)

When he stumbles out of the Burial Mounds, Wei Wuxian is stunned. He can't believe he made it, that he was able to survive it, without his sword.

Wei Wuxian walks forward shakily, one unsteady step at a time, putting distance between him and that wretched place.

He feels weak, drained, devastated in small ways.

But he is free.

---

Yiling offers shelter in unexpected ways. He's able to hide in a temple to recover. His condition is wretched enough that he's mistaken for a beggar. A few people take pity on him and offer fruits and buns.

It takes him a week.

That's all it takes for him to recover.

Wei Wuxian washes all traces of Burial Mounds off him, soaks in icy river water for hours on end until he feels purified and reforged.

Now, he's ready for revenge.

---

Wei Wuxian has only tried his cultivation method on the dead. He has used it to repel the fierce corpses, fierce ghosts, and spirits soaked in resentment.

When he tests the method on the Wens, it proves to be even more effective. They scramble like mindless beasts, driven by fear and confusion. The sounds of his Dizi pierce the air and induce madness.

He watches from a distance, indifferent as the Wens turn on each other, swinging their swords, shouting at phantoms, all sense and intellect gone.

He turns away.

---

Jiang Cheng's arms wrap around him and the fog around his mind starts to slowly recede. He stands stiffly, blinking a little before looking beyond his martial brother.

Lan Zhan is there, staring at him with wide eyes. There's so much open concern on his usually stoic face that Wei Wuxian wants to turn away.

"Wei Ying,"

It is only then, under the power of that golden gaze, that his fugue state dissipates. He sees Lan Zhan step forward, almost reaching out only to pull back at the last moment.

Jiang Cheng pushes him away and punches his shoulder, "Where have you been? How dare you abandon us and just frolic off somewhere?"

Wei Wuxian swalllows with difficulty and answers their questions with his habitual dismissive charm.

But that honest expression of open concern on Lan Zhan's beautiful face doesn't leave.

He meets those golden eyes and feels something shift within him.

Shaking his head, he dismisses the feeling. There's no time for sentimental reunions. He turns his attention towards Wen Chao, unsheathes his sword, and kills him in one clean strike.

There. Done.

---

The war is already in full swing by the time he joins it. His martial brother and Lan Zhan are quick to take him to Qinghe, not even letting him ride his own sword.

"Wei-gongzi, I'm happy to see you safe," Lan Xichen greets, running a discreet eye over him. The older Lan brother's concern is well hidden but Wei Wuxian senses it nevertheless.

The man looks like he's just about ready to banish him to the healing halls.

He opens his mouth to reassure Lan Xichen but Nie Mingjue intervenes, slapping his back solidly, "I hear you're responsible for the devastation at Yiling. Good work!"

Wei Wuxian smiles brightly, hoping to banish that increasingly familiar look from Lan Zhan's face. "Thank you, Nie-zongzhu." He smiles up at the man, "I can give you a full report of what happened if you wish it."

The Chifeng-zun's expression shifts into one of approval and he nods, "I do wish it."

"I would like to know as well, if you don't mind," Lan Xichen says and Nie Mingjue nods before he glances at Lan Zhan.

He chuckles, "Lan er-gonzi can join us as well."

---

Wei Wuxian doesn't realize he's been spending more time with the Lan brothers and Nie Mingjue until Jiang Cheng angrily points it out.

"You're too good for us, are you?" He demands, "Abandoning us in favor of your new friends! Even in the battlefield, you and Lan Wangji are inseparable! Have some shame! How dare you abandon your responsibilities and mess around with that man?"

"a-Cheng," Shijie reprimands gently but her voice is weak.

"Aiya, Jiang Cheng, who keeps track of such things amidst a war? They're all our allies. It's not like I have abandoned everyone." He still trains with the Jiang disciples and leads them in battle after all.

"Wei Wuxian!"

"Jiang Cheng," His voice makes his irritation clear, "Is this really the right time to worry about such trivial matters? Who cares about appearances during war? Are were not all one when on the battlefield?" He asks, narrowing his eyes on the furious Jiang, "We don't know whether we'll live or die when we ride out and you're concerned about who fights alongside me? Just who are you speaking of?"

"Who I am speaking of?" Jiang Cheng snaps in return, "Your obsession with that man is unseemly and reflects poorly on the sect! You know it and yet you carry on shamelessly-"

"My obsession?" He demands, "Just what are you trying to imply, Jiang Cheng? You're going to be a brat just because Lan Zhan happens to be the only one able to keep up with me?" It is no secret that his three month stint sharpened his cultivation in ways people find hard to fathom. He didn’t just develop a new cultivation method, he grew. Surviving the Burial Mounds is a feet beyond the skill and endurance of most cultivators. 

Wei Wuxian has earned his already formidable reputation.

Jiang Cheng reels back at the reminder, his face twisting with rage.

Never let it be said that Wei Wuxian takes things lying down. He has spent a lifetime appeasing Jiang Cheng and dealing with his insecurities.

He no longer has the patience.

---

He reaches out instinctively, pulling Lan Zhan out of a blade's path, spinning around to block the strike with his bare arm.

His thick leather brace manages to minimize the damage and he doesn't lose his arm but it is a near thing.

With a hiss, he crowds against Lan Zhan and brings Suibian down in a sharp slash, cutting the Wen before him from left shoulder to right hip.

"Reckless." Lan Zhan says later as he carefully stitches the cut.

"I couldn't let you get hurt." Wei Wuxian says softly, peering down at the kneeling figure before him. He has seen Lan Zhan in various states of indignity, covered in blood, robes soaked in the disgusting sludge of a war-torn field.

Nothing diminishes his beauty.

Wei Wuxian's heart races, his head spinning as he smells the scent of sandalwood. He swallows as Lan Zhan shifts closer, carefully snipping the excess thread and studying his neat stitches.

This close, he feels overwhelmed and realization dawns.

"I love you," He breathes, stunned.

He loves Lan Zhan. The knowledge strikes him now, suddenly, without warning. "How did I not know?" Wei Wuxian feels strangely dazed. How could he not know? It is so obvious to him, his constant need for Lan Zhan's attention, "I hate it when you ignore me." The feeling of those snapping golden eyes on him when he finally manages to gain Lan Zhan's attention, "It's thrilling when you don't."

He has never met anyone more beautiful, "I find you better looking than any maiden." Lan Zhan's proximity now makes him feel-, "Breathless," He says, "When I'm close to you I feel- how did I miss-"

Lan Zhan grip is like vice around his wrist.

Wei Wuxian stops, going pale as he realizes how brazenly he had just confessed love to a man. If Jiang Cheng were here, he'd definitely gut him with Sandu, "Lan Zhan, I-"

Lan Zhan surges forward, eyes blazing and expression dark.

Warm lips slide over his and his mind goes silent.

He doesn't think a single thought that night.

---

War doesn't wait for anyone and Wei Wuxian doesn't say anything in protest when Lan Zhan pulls away from him. He watches with heavy eyes as Lan Zhan shrugs on his discarded outer robes and glances at him.

"Is your body alright?" He asks and Wei Wuxian feels a blush crawl up his neck.

“No! Of course it isn’t,“ He complains even though his body is buzzing with lingering pleasure. He pouts up at Lan Zhan, who studies him with careful golden eyes, “Really, going on and on, taking your pleasure without any care for my virgin body.“ Lan Zhan’s ears are delightfully red, “Who knew er-gege could be so bold?“

“Wei Ying,“ Lan Zhan’s expression is flat but his voice carries a hint of a waver. Wei Wuxian just grins in response, “Be serious.“

In all honesty, his body is already back to its regular state of being. His Golden Core is still spinning furiously and the lingering energy from Dual Cultivation has healed any aches and pains he might have. 

“Fine,“ He says in a petulant tune, inwardly delighted that Lan Zhan is now his, “But er-gege must kiss me to make me feel better.”

Lan Zhan doesn’t hesitate, leaning over him and gently tipping his chin up for the demanded kiss. 

Wei Wuxian sighs, sinking into it as a curtain of silken black hair forms a private cocoon around him. 

---

The war ends but Wei Wuxian’s problems don’t end with it. Three issues stand before him; helping the Wen remnants, helping rebuild YunmengJiang, and figuring out how to marry Lan Zhan. 

One obstacle stands in the way of two of these three goals. Jiang Cheng absolutely refuses to lift a finger to help the Wen remnants, even though Wen Qing’s assistance helped them win the war. Jin Guangyao may have killed Wen Ruohan but Wen Qing prevented thousands of casualties.

Wen Ning was also responsible for rescuing Jiang Cheng from the Wen capture before he lost his Golden Core. It was fortunate that Wen Zhuliu had been called to visit Wen Ruohan and Wen Chao had to wait to enact that punishment. 

Wen Ning and Wei Wuxian managed to steal Jiang Cheng away just hours before Wen Zhuliu returned.

And yet, Jiang Cheng chooses to side with the Jins on the matter instead of listening to Lan Xichen or Nie Mingjue. Wei Wuxian knows it is partly because their sister is marrying into the Jin clan and they can’t afford to make things difficult for her, but still.

Jin Zixuan will obviously protect shijie. There’s no need to be so cautious, especially if three out of four sects oppose imposing any sort of punishment on innocent people. 

On a personal front, Jiang Cheng’s disapproval of his relationship with Lan Zhan is blatant.

Jiang Cheng can’t really stop Wei Wuxian from marrying whoever he wishes. He doens’t need the sect leader’s permission as he’s not really the member of the family. But his shidi is making things difficult with his sneering disapproval and contemptuous comments in public.  

He has already alienated Lan Xichen completely by calling Lan Zhan’s honor in question (boy did he earn the punch Wei Wuxian had leveled at him - sect leader or no). Nie Mingjue will never side with some upstart over Lan Xichen. 

Lan Zhan himself doesn’t care. He has never liked Jiang Cheng and he never will. He only retaliates when Jiang Cheng tries to attack Wei Wuxian. 

His protective er-gege as no tolerance for anyone trying to harm him.

Which is what, ultimately, breaks Wei Wuxian’s ties with YunmengJiang. 

The confrontation is embarrassingly public. He doesn’t mind Lan Xichen or Nie Mingjue being present but feels upset about Jin Guangshan and Jin Guangyao being there as well. 

“Twin Prides of Yungmeng, isn’t that what you promised me?“ Jiang Cheng demands, “Where will your pride be if you break all of your promises and get into...” He waves his hand at Lan Zhan in disgust, “Is this how you intend to repay us? My father raised you to be the Head Disciple of the Jiang Sect and you would rather be some sort of deviant?“

“Jiang Cheng-“

“And you would side with the Wen dogs too! Was this always your intention? Did you always want to bring down my sect and support its enemies?” 

“The Wen remnants have helped us. They’re not our enemies.“

“They’re not our enemies now,“ Jin Guanyao interjects calmly, his voice soothing and patient, “But surely you see that it may not remain so? We cannot risk another war.”

“They’re barely a few hundred people and we have already taken most of their resources. They’ll live as poor peasants. How can they be a threat to us?“ Wei Wuxian asks. 

“You’re indeed naïve, Wei-gongzi,“ Jin Guangshan says in a gentle, placating tone, “Perhaps your fondness for Wen-guniang is making you turn a blind eye. Beautiful women have a tendency to do that.“ He chuckles indulgently.

The sly implication in his tone isn’t lost on anyone. Lan Zhan’s expression turns frosty and Wei Wuxian feels a surge of fury strong enough to make his blood boil. There are so many things wrong with that statement that Wei Wuxian, for once, is rendered speechless.

“You question the honor of Wei Wuxian of all people?“ Nie Mingjue demands, taking a step forward, “I have stayed silent because Jiang Sect business isn’t my business but I will not have you slander and belittle a proven warrior in my presence!“

“Indeed,“ Lan Xichen says calmly but there’s no mistaking the sharp look in his eyes. Lan Xichen rarely reacts to provocations or interferes in sect matters that don’t concern him. But he’s not going to let anyone upset his younger brother carelessly, “The matter of the Wens is easy to resolve. Let us give them a small piece of land, let them set up a village, and forbid cultivation among them.“

“Er-ge,“ Jin Guangyao begins but Lan Zhan is out of patience. 

He steps back and bows to all assembled before placing a hand on Wei Wuxian’s back, “Wei Ying will choose his own path. Wens will remain free. Wei Ying and I will marry.“ He meets Jiang Cheng’s furious gaze, “Jiang-zongzhu must decide whether his brother’s happiness matters to him.“

Wei Wuxian winces. 

“My brother’s happiness?“ Jiang Cheng demands, “All everyone has ever cared about is his happiness! What about me? What about our Sect? A sect he nearly destroyed because of his loyalty towards you.“ Jiang Cheng looks at him, “Did you forget my mother? My father? How do you intend to repay the enormous debt you carry, Wei Wuxian?“

Wei Wuxian stares back at him, “What is my repayment, Jiang Cheng?” He asks softly, “What will it take for you to consider that debt repaid?” It has been over five years since the fall of Lotus Pier. Wei Wuxian has bled and slogged through war to restore that place to its former glory. He has kept Jiang Cheng safe, helped renegotiate shijie’s marriage, and used his name to draw skilled cultivators to YungmengJiang. 

What more can he give? 

“Loyalty.“ He stills, “You devote your life to YungmengJiang and nothing else.“

Lan Xichen makes a faint, alarmed noise while Nie Mingjue huffs in disapproval. 

Wei Wuxian takes a deep breath, feeling Lan Zhan’s fingers flex on his back. He levels a flat look at Jiang Cheng and thinks on the matter of debts. He thinks about Madam Yu’s refusal to bend, of Jiang-zongzhu’s passivity and lack of planning. He thinks about the Wen’s unprovoked attack on Cloud Recesses and the inevitability of war. 

He thinks of his Lan Zhan and shijie’s Jin Zixuan, without swords and facing an armed group of Wens under Wen Chao’s orders. 

He thinks of love. Of what it means to be truly, unconditionally loved. 

No sorrys and no thank yous. No debt owed for simply being a part of someone’s life. 

He thinks of acceptance that comes with an older brother’s amused smile. He thinks of an uncle’s gruff admonishment to behave followed by a stiff reminder to eat, you’re skin and bones already. 

He takes a deep breath and decides. 

“No.“

[lastlifeforfans]

UPDATE 1.0

Hi everyone!

I wanted to update ya’ll and let you know that applications are still being looked through and narrowed down. There have been so many awesome applications, and again, I want to say thank you so much to all that applied! I also would like to use this as an opportunity to answer more asks/questions that I haven’t been able to get to as of late.

Are the sessions going to be recorded and/or posted on YouTube? If so, are they going to be recorded by each individual or by spectators?

As mentioned in this post, I discourage content creation of the LLFF server as it’s almost a direct replica of the original Last Life SMP. I also think the focus is to bring the community together and have fun, rather than for any sort of monetary or popularity gain. However, as mentioned in this post, we’ll possibly have chances to stream the sessions through the Discord community so others may watch/spectate.

Can participants curse/swear? How family friendly will the server be?

I believe it best to keep swearing and NSFW topics to a minimum - once or twice, that’s fine, but excessive use of language may not be tolerated. This goes for both the Discord and Minecraft server. (There will be more information on this in the Discord.)

How many people applied?

156 people applied for LLFF across Tumblr and Twitter! :)

When will your pick for the server be announced?

This may take until the end of November - more information will be released once I have a better grasp on the rest of the applicants.

Is the Discord server ready yet?

We’re not quite there, but very close! I still think we’ll be able to open it up this week - keep an eye out! :D

Thank you for your patience everyone! I’ll continue working through the applications, and I hope you’re doing well. :)