#Writer's Month 2022

[daughter-of-arda]

WM2022: Day 31--Rainbow

Summary: Ingrid tells stories.

Word Count: 100

Warnings: none

Author’s Note: back to masterlist HERE. That's all for this year's writer's month!

——————————————————————————

“Look!” Bilbo says one afternoon, peeking at the sky from under his rain hood. “A rainbow!”

“Better watch out for red-haired sprites,” Ingrid grins. “They’ll turn your hair red.”

“Wait, what?” Fili says. “A red-haired sprite?”

“You don’t have those in the Blue Mountains? Well, we don’t either. They’re just stories for children. The sprites live at the end of rainbows and turn people’s hair red. They get lonely seeing all the brown- and black-haired people of Bree-land, so they creep in during—” Ingrid blinks. “Why are you smiling at me like that?”

“I like hearing your stories,” Fili says.

[ladyshandioftheendless]

Shandi’s Writer’s Month Prompts!

Day 27: Word: Silk | Setting: Car Shop

The long awaited continuation of Day 17! It’s so goddamn cheesy but I kinda love it and I hope you do too! =3

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Over the next few days Eric was finding it difficult to focus. His exciting night with Vinnie was all he could think about. Even in his dreams he'd have vivid memories of Vinnie lacing their fingers together and holding his hands tightly as he rode him. He remembered every word from those gorgeous lips.

“Ohhh god, Foxy you feel so fucking good~!!”

He was moaning blissfully and thrusting down so hard the bed was shaking. His eyes were rolling back and his mouth hung open. So perfect~

“Fuuuck…I'm gonna cum, Foxy…I'm gonna cum~!!”

“Show it to me..let me see..!”  

He watched Vinnie lean back and grasp onto his thighs, shouting out loudly and gloriously as he climaxed. It was a beautiful sight~

Shit.

He was daydreaming again.

And now he was hard as a rock.

He groaned and asked his boss if he could be excused for the day. With his jacket tied around his waist.

Of course the dirty thoughts didn’t stop on the drive home, or after rubbing one out in the shower. He needed the real thing. He needed to see Vinnie again.

~*~

On his next night off he went back to the Firehouse, only to find Vinnie standing in front of the bar smiling at him as though he were waiting for him. “Welcome back, Foxy..I missed you~”

“You..were expecting me..?”

“I knew you’d come back for more eventually~”

“I’m..that obvious huh?”

“I think it’s adorable~ Just to let you know..I will have to charge you this time.”

Eric sighed and nodded. “Yes, I know. I brought money with me but I don’t know how mu–” Vinnie pressed a finger to his lips to hush him. “You let me worry about the money. Let’s just have some fun~”

“O-okay~”

~*~

Once they were back in Vinnie’s room, Eric took off his heavy boots. Why did he even wear those in the first place? He rolled his eyes. Guess he was too busy thinking about Vinnie to even put on sensible shoes. He felt Vinnie’s hands on his shoulders, gently rubbing away the tension. “Been working hard, Foxy~?”

“Only so I could come here.”

Vinnie’s laugh was music to his ears. “Did you really miss me that much~?”

“I’ll tell you a secret. I’ve been having dirty thoughts about you all week.”

“Ohhh really~? Did you touch yourself when you thought about me~?”

“Every time.”

“Mmm..I love the thought of you screaming my name while you cum~”

“I can give you a demonstration~”

“Would you~?”

“I kinda wanna do things a little differently this time.”

“You’re the customer after all~ We can do anything you want~”

“Then you don’t mind me taking charge?”

“Honey..I’m flexible. I can be whatever you want me to be~”

“Take off your clothes then.” He smiled when he felt Vinnie shudder against him. “Is that an order, sir~?”

“It’s definitely an order. Stand in front of me. Let me watch you do it.”

“Take a seat then~”

Eric smiled and made himself comfortable in a nearby lounge chair. He watched Vinnie move his body slowly and sensually as he undressed. Soon he could feel his own face starting to heat up. “I..I’ve never had anyone..do a strip tease for me before..”

“Don’t worry..it’ll be our little secret~” He moved closer as he tossed away the last of his clothes, leaning down to position himself between Eric’s open legs. “I bet somebody else is very excited too~”

“Y-yes..very..”

“How about we let him out to play~?”

“Not..quite yet.”

Vinnie pouted. “Why nooot?”

“I told you. I wanna do things differently.”

“How do I fit in~?”

“We’ll find a good..fit for you~” Spotting a black silk scarf draped over the headboard, Eric went over to the bed and grabbed it, winding the ends around his palms. “I think this will do nicely. Stand up for me..and turn around.”

“Oh, yes sir~” Vinnie trembled in anticipation as Eric approached, the floorboards creaking under his feet. The scarf was wrapped around Vinnie’s eyes and tied against the back of his head. “W-what’s this..?”

“A blindfold, what else?”

“You do know I have actual blindfolds right?”

“Shh..I know you have them. I told you I’m doing this my way.”

“Consider me intrigued, Foxy~ What now?”

“Now..turn around..and get on your knees.”

“Y-yes sir~” He enjoyed Vinnie’s eagerness to obey. Maybe there was a small part of him that enjoyed being a Sub as well? “What do you think I’m gonna do to you now, Vin~?”

“Please, sir..” Vinnie leaned forward with his mouth open. “..let me..let me taste your cock~”

“I thought you said you couldn’t fit me in your mouth~?”

“I’ll never know if I don’t try.. Please..?”

“Beg for it.”

“Oh sir, you’re so mean to me~ You have no idea how much I’ve thought about your cock inside me. You felt so good..so so good~ You can get just as much pleasure out of fucking my mouth..I promise you~”

Eric stroked Vinnie’s hair. “I should’ve expected you to be so good with your words~”

“Did I make you hard, sir~?”

“That’s for you to decide~” He guided Vinnie’s hands to his fly, helping him pull down the zipper. “I think you can figure out the rest from here~”

“Thank you..for keeping my hands free, sir~” Vinnie sounded absolutely delighted as he pulled Eric’s cock free, circling the head with his tongue before wrapping his lips around it. “..mmmmm~” His moan sent shivers up Eric’s spine. “F-fuck…maybe you can’t..get it all in but..you make a damn good effort~”

~END~

[daughterofhecata]

Alright, es ist August, das heißt, es ist Writer's Month, das heißt, ihr findet hier auf ff.de oder hier auf ao3 wieder jeden Tag ein Drabble zum jeweiligen Prompt!

[brownskinsugarplum76]

Writer's Month 2022: Day 1, promise/beach

I'm going to do drabbles again. Here's the first one. It's pretty simple, but it's nice to be writing something. 😁

Robert emerged from the ocean with his hair and tiny trunks waterlogged, but his spirits high. The cool water was a treat after the heated 3-on-a-side volleyball game with Bonzo and some of the roadies.

He stretched out on his beach blanket and soon lost himself in the intricacies of his Welsh mythology book. Led Zeppelin was becoming a household name, but no matter how full his life became, or how many people put demands on his time, he promised himself to never deny himself this level of peace and quiet, or life's simple pleasures. 

[aibhilin-atibeka]

Writer’s Month 2022 :D

Hey there!

In case y’all haven’t noticed yet, but I’ve started doing Writer’s Month 2022 this August! =^_^= It’s been going swell, actually; and I’ve made A Series to go with it, too~

I have inserted the prospective titles of future fics into the Notes of said series, just in case you want to stay up-to-date on my progress. ;)

A ton of the works that’ve come out of this are about Buggy & Shanks in various constellations and at various ages. :)

Enjoy~

[joemerl]

Writer's Month 2022, Day 3: "Actor AU"

Fandom: Daria Status/Word count: Just a snippet of a fic that I'll probably never write. 318 words. Summary: The Daria cast are Animated Actors doing DVD commentary. Kevin discusses Shakespeare. Author’s notes: This is an old idea I've had, of doing this for the whole series. As if I have the motivation.

Jane: And we're back! I'm Jane...

Daria: ...and I'm Daria.

Jane: And today we're discussing episode 104, "Café Disaffecto." And joining us we have...

Kevin: Kevin Thompson, baby! Even though I'm not in this episode much.

Daria: We open with you. That's good enough.

(Mack: Maybe we'll start Hamlet today. That has a skull in it.)

Kevin: (chuckles) Oh, yeah! I remember this.

Daria: As some of our viewers may have realized, the Shakespeare jokes here tie into your famous run at the American Shakespeare Society's production of Romeo and Juliet.

Jane: Was this before or after you won the Tony?

Kevin: I think this episode was right after? I remember I was still recording during the day and doing shows at night.

Jane: Wow, your career was just getting started, and already you were too good for this show.

Kevin: (laughs) Nah! But seriously—Daria is still one of my favorite projects. They never cast me as comic relief on stage, for some reason.

Daria: I mean, you do drama so well.

Jane: You saw him once, didn't you? In Romeo and Juliet?

Daria: I'm not ashamed to admit I cried.

Kevin: The funny thing is, I originally auditioned for Hamlet, but they were like...Kevin, you're not thirty. And I was like, bro! It makes more sense if Hamlet is a teenager, and there's evidence that that's how Shakespeare originally planned it. Let's shake things up, y'know?

Jane: Well, something for you to look forward to.

Kevin: Anyway, that's why I do Hamlet's lines later. I asked Glenn, "Hey, can I at least be Hamlet in the show?" (laughs)

Daria: It fits the character. Getting them mixed up, I mean. And we are completely forgetting to talk about what's happening on-screen, aren't we?

Jane: (laughs) Oh, right. We're here to talk about the episode.

Kevin: It is a custom more honored in the breach than the observance, huh?

[writers-hq]

WHY IS WRITING IS SO FUCKING HARD?

Ten types of fuckery that stop you from writing the thing:

1. Imposter syndrome

You think you're not good enough or everyone else is better than you and you're just winging it AKA ye olde imposter syndrome bullshit. Yeah nah you're fine. No really, you're exactly where you need to be right now, and you'll keep getting better and better so long as you don't stop. Chances are, if you're filled with doubt about your abilities it means you've actually improved to the point where you can really start to understand what makes good writing. It means you know where you wanna end up and goshdarn it you're gonna get there.

Read this: 4 tips to kick imposter syndrome in the face and also genitals

And also this: How to silence the inner critic

2. Fear of rejection and/or failure

Yeah, us too. It fuckin sucks. BUT. Not all rejections are equal. And rejection is a necessary part of the process. Sometimes it takes a rejection to realise that a story isn't ready. Sometimes a rejection is entirely subjective and has ZERO reflection on the quality of your work. But shying away from the very idea of possibly maybe hypothetically getting rejected is only going to hold you back from even trying. And knowing why you got rejected and how to learn from it is one of the most valuable writing skills.

Read this: The different types of rejection (and how to deal with 'em)

Then read this: How to cope with rejection

And also this: Writing lessons from Groundhog Day

3. Not enough planning / too much planning

Leaping into a new story with nothing but a glimmer of an idea is exciting as heck (and can sometimes be a great way to begin) but at some point you're gonna need some sort of outline or plan to keep you on track. HOWEVER. Planning your story to within an inch of its life can also sometimes be a hindrance - leaving you stuck in the hypothetical stage of the process where your story doesn't quite exist yet (and therefore avoiding the prospect of it sucking). The sweet spot is in the middle. Having just enough of a plan to know where tf you're going, but enough freedom and flexibility to let the story lead the way...

Read this: Planning vs pantsing

Then read this: Five plotting techniques

And also this: The perils of overplanning

4. Your WIP just isn't working

Sometimes things just fall flat. Sometimes you work on the same story for yeeeeears and then it just kinda... dies. Sometimes you have the best plans (see above) and the best intentions and things still don't work out. Sometimes it's just time to move on. And sometimes it's not! Sometimes a story can be revived, fixed or changed. Sometimes you just need time. Sometimes YOU'RE the one that's changed and this isn't the story you need to be writing right now. Many variables. Muchly personal. Read the things below for more advice cos this is a big question:

Read this: What to do when your WIP isn't working

And also this: Give it space - how to grow a story in your head

Or how about this? Editing 101

5. You keep deprioritising it

Ah the irony of writing being the thing you love/want to do most of all AND YET the thing you procrastinate over and avoid and shove to the very bottom of your to-do list all the freakin' time. Maybe it's the comodification of art destroying our freedom to create without pressure. Maybe it's late capitalism sucking up all our available time and energy. Maybe it's a lack of self-belief subconsciously telling us our 'little hobby' doesn't really matter. Maybe it's maybelline. Whatever it is, you have the power to reclaim and revalue your writing. To say, "I'm a fucking writer, goddamnit!" and mean it. To ringfence your creative time so nothing and nobody gets to interrupt it. To do that thing you love.

Read this: Prioritise your writing

Read this: How to write in 30 second bursts

6. Shiny Thing Syndrome

You know that feeling when you're just getting stuck into a writing project and then — SQUIRREL! — you get distracted by another, better, more shiny writing project? Or maybe you're deep in the editing phase and your current WIP just isn't feeling very shiny at all and pretty much ANYTHING seems more exciting? Or you simply can't decide which of the many squirrelly writing ideas to actually start? You, fine writerperson, may be suffering from Shiny Thing Syndrome (STS). But fear not! There are a few ways to combat it, depending on the cause, and most of them involve embracing the squirrel-brain and injecting a bit of fun into your writing, like so:

Read this: Shiny thing syndrome - a writer's malady

Aaaand read this: Get excited about your writing again

And also this: Write like a kid

7. Perfectionism/self-sabotage

Look. Writing is scary as shit. What if someone READS it? What if they don't like it? What if they see into your soul and gain a deeper understanding of you through your words? Writing your truth, being vulnerable, smearing your heart juice all over the page? No thank you. But also, that's where the good shit is, so actually yes please. Just make sure you smear responsibly. And rest assured, even the most 'successful' and experienced writers ALSO feel like this sometimes, so you're in good company. It's just part of the art, bruh.

Read this: Why writing is scary (and why that's a good thing)

Read this: Beginning a story - what stops us starting?

And also this: Get out of your own way

8. The dreaded blank page

Oh godddd the blank page. It should be an exciting palimseset of possibility but is somehow also the most terrifying thing known to humankind. You wanna write something but where to start? HOW to start? You type that first line and immediately delete it. You watch the cursor blinking at you—taunting you—until you just give up and shut your laptop again. It's probably tied up with a bunch of things we've already covered so far: perfectionism, imposter syndrome, fear of failure, maybe a lack of planning or faith in your story or whatever. But it doesn't have to be this way. A blank page IS exciting and full of possibility. We just have to get over ourselves and learn to embrace the unknown...

Read this: Don't fear the blank page

And also this: The moaning method

9. Not enough time/energy/motivation/gnuuuughh

Dude, same x 1000. But you don't have to get up at 5am, do hot yoga, drink a kale smoothie and write a thousand words before sunrise to be a Proper Writer. You don't even have to write every day. But what you can do is hack your writing brain and figure out when, where, how, and why you write most effectively. Then tweak your schedule, your habits, and your attitude to ensure you're making the most of your time. Productivity is a big ol' lie but finding the secret to getting in your own personal writing zone is actual MAGIC.

Read this: Maximise your writing time

And also this: Get in the writing zone

And also unto this: The Writers' HQ Guide to Productivity

10. You're just fucken stuck

Got the writing morbs? In need of some literary sudafed? Stuck as a pig in a poke? Writing is a whole puzzle of a process—and to be honest that's what makes it so fun and exciting and addictive, because your writing brain is hardwired to both create AND solve the wordy puzzles within your story. Sometimes the answer is time. Sometimes it's a second opinion or a fresh eye. Sometimes a totally different approach or just a hefty kick up the bum. But whatever the problem, there IS a solution. You just gotta keep going and trust that you'll find it...

Read this: Troubleshoot your writing - why are you stuck?

And also this: Break through the writing blockage

And also also this: Write yourself into a pit (and then dig your way out again)

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

Alright, that's it for today. Now go write, you flithy animals.

(And if we missed anything, stick a question in our ask box or check out the rest of our shit here)

[guzhufuren]

Pride Month Celebration: wlw in asian queer shows

Ink (Bad Buddy) Pa (Bad Buddy) You Yi (Couple Of Mirrors) Yan Wei (Couple Of Mirrors) Fon (Secret Crush On You) Kongkwan (Secret Crush On You) Choi Yuna (Semantic Error) Tiffy (Lovely Writer)

[isabelcanasauthor]

Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.

—Ira Glass

[bazzybelle]

Was curious about the Dreamling explosion and when it started on AO3, and shout-out to the 4 lonely fics from like 2003-2010. Bet those writers didn't see this coming, but I like to imagine them being hype as hell watching it unfold.

[daughter-of-arda]

WM2022: Day 30--Loud

Summary: Ingrid is shouting.

Word Count: 100

Warnings: none

Author’s Note: back to masterlist HERE. Move to day 31 HERE.

——————————————————————————

“You’re shouting again.”

“What?”

“You’re shouting!”

“I’m not pouting. I’m fine.”

Fili comes closer. “You’re shouting.”

“Oh.” Hot tears creep up. She’s been weeping intermittently for days now, since the Dragon Smaug was slain but everyone survived. “Sorry.”

“Hey, Thorin says we should—” Kili stops short. “Ingrid, why’re you crying?”

“My ears hurt and I can’t hear anyone because that awful Dragon popped my eardrums, and everyone keeps saying I’m shouting when this is a normal volume for me!”

Bofur walks past, stalling at the doorway. “Why’re you shouting, lass?”

And Ingrid dissolves into tears of frustration, relief, and laughter.

[ladyshandioftheendless]

Shandi’s Writer’s Month Prompts!

Day 25: Word: Lips | Setting: Underworld

IT’S GENE’S BIRTHDAY!! I swear the prompt theme lined up PERFECTLY~ This is gonna be fun~ >3

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Vinnie had been seeing Gene for a few weeks now, and he was falling in love. But Gene was so mysterious. He never talked about his personal life. Never showed where he lived, where he worked, not anything. It made Vinnie start to worry. Was he hiding things? Dangerous things? Should he even bother asking? Vinnie sighed. Maybe..he would open up to him more when they saw each other.

That evening’s date went the way they usually did. Gene took Vinnie to an expensive restaurant and paid for everything he wanted, then Vinnie would take Gene back to his place for some incredible sex. Gene always seemed to have an endless supply of stamina. They would fuck until Vinnie was absolutely exhausted. After Gene would gently take him into his arms and hold him while they slept. On that particular night however, Vinnie couldn’t sleep. He still had way too many questions. He turned to face Gene and stroked his cheek. “Can we talk..?” 

“Still awake? I must be losing my edge. I’ve usually put you to sleep by now~” 

“I would be asleep if my mind wasn’t racing a mile a minute.”

“What’s the matter?” 

“Who..are you..?” 

Gene chuckled. “What kind of question is that? You know who I am.” 

“Do I?” 

“Vinnie. What is this about?” 

“Why won’t you answer me? I want to know who you are. Who you really are. We’ve been dating for nearly a month and I barely know anything about you except your name.” 

“And that I’m the best lover you’ve ever had~” 

“This is serious, Gene. If this relationship is going to go any further..I want to know the real you. Is there..something you’re afraid to tell me..?” 

Gene fell silent. As he looked away, Vinnie could swear he saw his pupils glow red. “Who are you, Gene..? Are you..even human..?” 

“When I choose to be.” 

“What does that mean?” 

“Do you wish to know me? What I truly am?” 

Vinnie swallowed the lump that was rapidly forming in his throat. Now that he was this close to finding out everything he wanted to know, he had to be ready. “Are you..really so afraid to show me..?” 

“Anyone who has ever seen my true form has lived to regret it.” 

“But none of them loved you the way I do.” Vinnie wrapped his arms around Gene’s neck and kissed along his jawline. “I won’t tell you I’m not afraid..because that’s not true. All I know is that the time I’ve spent when you has been amazing. You’ve treated me the way no one else ever has. Like a precious treasure. I’m happy when I’m with you. I can see myself with no one else. Maybe it’s a foolish thing for me to say in such a short time but..I love you.” He smiled, feeling Gene’s arms tremble as they embraced him.

“Would you love me still..if I didn’t look like this..?” 

“Show me, Gene. Show me the real you.” 

Silently Gene got up from the bed to begin his transformation. Vinnie watched  fire slowly circle Gene’s feet. It rose higher and higher until it engulfed him completely. The heat was unbearable but subsided quickly. In the place of the man he loved stood an entirely different being. A white face. Pointed black markings around his eyes and black lips. Clad in heavy armor with a red cloak. Long, clawed fingers. Fangs. Black dragon’s wings. Smoldering red eyes. For a long time Vinnie stared with wide eyes. “G-Gene..is that..you..?” 

“Yes. You see my true form. The Demon King of the Underworld. Do you still want me now?” 

“I..” 

“Hmph. Typical reaction. I have seen it many times before. I will take my leave and you will be free of me.” 

“No wait!!” 

“I will not stay where I am not wanted.” 

“Don’t go..” Vinnie wiped his tears away. “..I don’t..want to be alone..” He got up from the bed and went to Gene’s side, wanting to be embraced by him again. “Please stay..” 

“You would have me as I am?” 

“Does your change in physical appearance change how you feel about me? The intimacy we have shared together?” 

“No..it does not.” 

“Then you do love me~” 

“I have loved you since the moment I first met you.” He extended his wings, wrapping them around Vinnie as if he were guarding him. “I had hoped to someday take you back to the Underworld with me. There we could rule together as Kings.” 

“That sounds wonderful~”

“You would go?” 

“There’s nothing for me here. I would much rather be your King~” 

“Then there is nothing more to say. Let us go~” With a portal now open before them, Vinnie walked hand in hand with his Demon King to his new destiny. 

~END~

[somerandomblog69]

Let the hunger games NaNoWriMo begin! Good luck to all my fellow writers participating this year! See you on the other side

[brownskinsugarplum76]

Writer's Month 2022, Day 2: Dancer AU

I'm going to be lazy and mix Robert and Iggy stories over here. This one is inspired by Mr. Pop and this concert ad:

The ad is from 1979, but I'm thinking 80s for this drabble. I think I'll write more for this in the future. I'd love to explore Iggy's physicality some more.

He weaved through the stragglers in slouchy shirts, Spandex tights, and Reeboks, approached the mirror at the back of the classroom, and shrugged out of his jacket.

The aerobics instructor paused mid-sentence with her last student to admire the man's muscular back. He was small but finely chiseled, if the reflection of his exposed chest in the mirror was any indication.

He caught her eye. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything," he started, as the last student scurried away. "I have an audition and wanted to rehearse one last time."

"The floor's yours," she said, smiling as he turned around.

[aibhilin-atibeka]

So, just in case you haven’t noticed yet, I’m participating in Writer’s Month 2022! :D

You can find the Series I made for any works I’m putting online on my AO3~ feel free to check it out! ;)

Am I also procrastinating writing the next installment by being on tumblr? Why yes, yes I am.

[ohmightydevviepuu]

try / cry / why? (just a dream)

!!! new cover art commissioned from the amazingly talented @svenjaliv !!!

if you are active in this community at all you've had the gift of seeing her art and feeling what she puts into it. take it from me--if you have the opportunity, and the funds, and there is something special you'e been wanting for yourself--do it. you won't regret it. working with @svenjaliv made me feel so incredibly seen--like my story was coming to life in front of me.

we are so fortunate in this fandom to be surrounded by incredible talent and amazing artists. ignore AI. enjoy the real thing whenever and however you can.

--

find the complete story on AO3 (37k, 32 chapters), or follow it through the 2022 writers month prompts:

promise | chance | gold | melody / heart | castle | popular |  heat / echo / kiss | swim | leak | knot | wild | comfort | shadows | ice | bridge | bubble | jealous | pain | horror |  dream  | bow  |  lips | scream | silk | sugar | loud | bond | rainbow (part one) | rainbow (part two)

–

The iPod hasn’t even hit the ground before he’s forgotten about it, though he’s sure he’ll never get the chorus of “Charley’s Girl” out of his head again. Ever.

Because there is a freaking bird standing on his desk like that’s normal—and, holy shit, there is something in its mouth.  It brings back memories to see that—none of them pleasant ones.

He doesn’t pray.

He never prays—it is a bad habit, as far as he is concerned, this business of making promises, asking for something with no understanding of what the price will be—but he thinks about it, for the first time in more years than most people would believe.

(But the Blue Fairy couldn’t save him then, and she sure as shit can’t save him now.)

He doesn’t pray—or plead, or bargain—not even in his own mind—because he already knows: The curse.

Emma.

It’s done.

“Broken.”