#and more of the story. the important bits. the bad and ugly bits

[beaulesbian]

how it feels playing da4 tbh

[moon7jay]

Can u make a jake or( whatever member u want)make up sex ? If not it's okay! 💗🐣

Ofc I can bb 🫶actually was already working on a hurt comfort fic before you requested it

love on you (s.jy)

Idol!jake x artist!reader

Warnings : angst ,hurt-comfort, smut, fluff, reader is insecure

Wc : 4.5k

"Man you didn't tell us y/n won an award wtf" jay's words sounded like static to jake's ears

"What? " He questioned through his hoarse voice, his head throbbing because of the constant state of moving his body had been in for the past few days. He doesn't remember when he last slept for more than 4 hours

"She just posted it on her story, check it out if you even care bro" jay scoffed and left the room, his voice condescending and accusing.

jake's brows furrowed while he automatically reached for his phone

"What do you mean if I even care? " he muttered to himself, feeling anger rise up in his chest at jay's tone.

His thumb swiped at your profile and clicked on your story, all anger leaving his body when he saw your figure holding the golden trophy while standing in front of the mirror, your face hidden from the flashlight of your phone.

His heart sank to his stomach and dread filled up his chest when he realised the gravity of the situation

"fuck" He muttered and rubbed his temples, heart running a mile per minute. What had he done.

He quickly clicked on his notifs and saw a couple of messages from you dated yesterday

"Shit baby I'm so sorry" he muttered, the throbbing in his chest reaching fever pitch, an ugly feeling rearing it's head in his chest when he finally read your messages

[Mine🤍]

[5:40 pm] I'm wearing the blue dress that you love so much tonight :), tell me how I look

[5:40 pm] (photo attachment)

jake clicked on the picture and he wanted to cry. You looked like a fucking goddess. God you were beautiful, you were so beautiful he was questioning how you were real.... how you were his

[6:30 pm] I'm feeling nervous, can't wait for you to be here, I just need to hold your hand for a bit, only for a bit I promise :(

[7:21 pm] you aren't coming are you

[3:30 am] (audio message)

jake's heart felt like it was tearing apart in two, he had fucked up so bad and he didn't think there was anything he could do to make this right.

There were missed calls from you after that last message and finally an audio message that sat staring at jake ominously

He rubbed his palm over his face and finally pressed play with trembling fingers

"Hi babyy i miss you- you slurred, your voice was shaky and he could tell that you were drunk when you recorded this message ,intoxication dripped from your tone

"Where even are you? Busy? Did you at least eat today baby?" he didn't deserve it, he didn't deserve your concern or love, he didn't fucking deserve you

"I hope you did- there was a pause - I haven't eaten- your voice sounded solemn all of a sudden, as if you were deep in your thoughts now, ur voice was hoarse like you had been crying

"Don't feel like eating ...... I waited for you- a sharp inhale, shit, you were crying. jake felt his own eyes dampen at hearing your first sniffle, he hated when you cried. He hated that he was the reason why.

"I feel stupid now" You whispered and then laughed condescendingly

"I mean, it's not like it was an important award anyway... just a stupid art exhibition. It's not like my art is that good anyway, I'm honestly questioning if they gave me that award cuz they needed a female in the merit list"

Wrong. You were amazing. And if anyone deserved that award it was you.

But jake didn't remember the last time he had told you that.

another sniffle

"You have more important stuff to do and i get that. And i told myself I won't cry today but here I am- you giggled through your sobs- I look so stupid right now, I bet I sound even more stupid everytime I annoy you with my stupid fucking feelings"

No you don't, he loves you, you are his everything, he wanted to say

"But I'm trying to change i promise.... I haven't been keeping track of our anniversaries anymore since the last time you told me it was childish and you had better things to do with your time"

jake closed his eyes and let a single tear fall down his cheek, god he regretted it everyday, he regretted opening his stupid mouth and talking to you that way every damn day. He had wished you would forget about it after he apologized to you but of course you haven't. That kind of hurt cannot be forgotten so easily

"It hurts but i manage... it's hard to manage tonight, I don't know why.... maybe because I can't stop expecting things to change, hoping that one day I would wake up and I'll be your priority again " You were full on hiccuping through sobs now

"God I'm so stupid and I wore this stupid fucking dress cuz I felt beautiful... not anymore tho, I don't feel beautiful when you aren't there to tell me I am..... you just matter so much to me and it kills me that I won't ever matter even half as much to you"

jake cursed and threw his phone aside while you still talked, holding his head in both hands, jake let himself cry

He let himself cry for all the times he'd hurt your self esteem so much it made you want to change, he cried for all the times he watched your smile fall cuz he couldn't be there for the stuff you wanted to do

He let himself cry for making you feel like you were less of a person just because you got excited over small things and little gestures mattered to you

He cried because he had been hurting the one person who made his life worth living, so much to the point that you had started to make yourself smaller. He had made you shrink.

"You are my first and last everything jake.. and i know you are an important person and have to hide it from the world that you have a girlfriend but i just feel like... Maybe in an effort to make everyone else believe that i don't exist, you started to believe it too.... and i don't even blame you. I've always been forgettable"

His phone dinged to signal the message had ended so he pressed play again. And again. And again. He doesn't remember how long he sat there listening to your sobs and heart wrenching pain. The pain that he had caused.

jake hadn't felt this kind of fear ever before. Not even when he had moved to a foreign country alone. He was losing his mind, dark circles under his eyes as he sat outside your apartment door. You weren't here, he knew that, he'd been coming to see you everyday but no sign of you. A locked door. That's all he was greeted with for the past 1 week.

Your phone was switched off, no calls or messages, no way of knowing how you were doing and where you were. Had you really left him for good this time? Would he never be able to hold you in his arms again? Hear your giggles and taste your sweet kisses? Was this your goodbye?

That was the thought that had him breaking down completely in his car in the middle of nowhere as he drove around looking for you aimlessly.

just once, he needed to see u once.

He wiped his tears and dialed jay's number

"I need you to do me a favor"

You missed him. You missed him so much it hurt. Were you being too harsh on him? You weren't doing it on purpose, you just didn't feel like you were capable of facing him right now, too embarrassed and feeling exposed after you sent that stupid voice note. A drunk mistake.

What if he broke up with you? What if he hated you now ?

You sobbed into your pillows in your childhood bedroom, crying yourself to sleep, imagining his arms around you, shushing you softly, telling you he loved you

God you don't even remember the last time he told you he loved you.

His knees buckled when his eyes fell on you. There you were, so fucking beautiful, so fucking tempting he had to physically stop himself from running to you and taking you in his arms. You weren't smiling and that's what made his heart clench. As long as he'd known you, you were always smiling, you were his personal little cheerleader.

"Y/n look who's here to meet you" your mother's voice made you jolt, almost dropping the antique case that you were cleaning.

And you almost dropped it again when your questioning eyes met his dark ones. Your heart started beating unbearably fast, your palms sweaty as you placed the case back on the counter with shaky hands

"you didn't tell me you had friends back in the city y/n! And such a handsome one at that- your mother cooed, wiggling her eyebrows at jake whose ears turned red - anyways, you kids talk while I bring you guys snacks" your mother said and disappeared around the corner, leaving you and the reason of your escape from the city alone. You stood there fidgeting with your fingers, the silence sitting heavy on you while you made it a point to look nowhere else except your feet.

After a few foreboding seconds which felt like hours you saw his shoes come into your line of vision, moving closer to your feet

Your hands gripped onto your skirt harshly when you felt his big hands cup both of your cheeks and move your face up to look into his eyes. His face inches from yours.

"Baby.. " he whispered and that's all you had to hear before breaking down, your vision becoming blurry and harsh sobs escaping your lungs

"God I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry sweetheart I'm so fucking sorry" His voice cooed, thumbs swiping at your cheeks to wipe your tears, kissing your cheeks and eyes to calm your heavy breathing

Your hands moved up to fist the shirt on his chest and you closed your eyes to finally let it all out, crying and sobbing your pain out, so hurt and so upset from what things had come to.

He pulled your heaving body into his arms and circled his arms so tight around you, as if afraid of losing you. You sobbed your heart out in the crook of his neck while he apologized to you, whispering countless confessions into your ears

"I love you, I love you so much baby, I'm sorry I haven't shown it to you enough" he whispered and you hiccuped in his chest, letting the hurt and disappointment wash over you, hearing him say he loved you already healing a part of you

His guilt ridden voice had you eventually giving in and wrapping your arms around his neck, pulling back to stare into his eyes, small sniffles leaving your lips as u observed his tired face. Your hand cupped his cheek and he leaned into your touch, kissing your palm. You traced the heavy dark circles beneath his eyes, his irises were red rimmed and exhausted, hairs messy and uncombed

"How long since u slept?" You asked in your hoarse voice

He stared into your eyes, giddy from feeling you close again, feeling too good cuz you were back in his arms

"2 weeks" He whispered and your eyes teared up again. You knew he had been harsh on himself because of his work, he was often sick, unable to sleep or rest and then there was you and your feelings

Who cared about your stupid feelings when this man in front in front of you couldn't even get proper fucking sleep? If anything, you were the extra baggage that he had been carrying around

"I'm sorry" You whispered and his brows furrowed "baby why? "

"because I'm so inconsiderate, I'm sorry I'm so demanding and - his lips cut your rambling off mid sentence, chapped lips pressed against your plump ones and he kissed you like he had never kissed you before. Desperate hands grabbed your waist while your own tangled In his hairs, pulling him closer to you. You were both hungry. No the better word would be starved. You were starved to the point that even a little brush of skin against each other was sending your heads reeling. The kiss tasted of despair and guilt, it reeked of frustration but most of all jake kissed you like he was scared.

"Wanting to feel loved isn't a demand sweetheart, I'm sorry i haven't been there for you, I'm sorry i haven't been making you feel like you are my priority, because you are. You have no idea what you mean to me baby, you're my little heart" he whispered into your mouth and you started crying again like the crybaby that you were. You were his crybaby tho, his to console and comfort. His to love.

He kissed you again, soft pecks all over your face, whispering things that he had never told you before, he didnt like talking about his feelings this way but the moment demanded vulnerability and he could do anything for you.

You were sure your mother had heard everything by now and that's why you didn't hesitate to drag jake into your childhood bedroom. The both of you snuggled in your bed and talked about your feelings for hours. Tears were shed on both sides but it was comforting in a sense, to clear everything up and come clean about what you both needed

"Will you wear that dress for me again? When we get home?" he asked, his fingers tracing patterns into your waist and you pouted at him

"you've lost that privilege" You teased , slapping his chest lightly

He stared deeply into your eyes, his gaze so serious it made your own smile drop

"I'd do anything to gain that privilege again, to see you look so beautiful for me,so fucking pretty for me" he whispered and you blushed, your head reeling from his words

"I'll wear it" You mumbled shyly, god you were weak for this man

He leaned into you to bite your cheek

"Yeah? you'd let me take it off you too won't you? Unwrap you like a present, just for me? "

You blushed harder, ears burning up, your fists hitting against his chest

"Pervert" you whispered and he chuckled, his hands wrapping around your body to pull you closer, nose burying in the crook of your neck, leaving small sensual kisses

"Can't help it baby I'm so down bad for you" he groaned into your neck, making you flinch slightly as it tickled. His hold on your waist was tight, squeezing you desperately

"you're seriously not thinking dirty things while my mom's down the hallway right? " You asked giggling even though your cheeks were red and flushed. It had been a while since you and jake had done anything like this, since you felt wanted by him like this

jake's pants tightened uncomfortably upon hearing your giggles. God you were so sweet, there was a reason his manager had been forbidding him from seeing you

You were a distraction. You were addicting. And anyone with two eyes could see that jake was addicted to you.

He had physically recoiled when his manager had told him to chose between his idol career and you, seeing how he was willing to sneak out to meet you, risking everything and putting everyone at stake

But jake had promised he would control himself. He couldn't live without you, even the thought of you not being there made his chest constrict. So he decided to stay away from you for a while. Even though it hurt , it surely hurt less than to stay away from you forever

"I was drunk and couldn't stop thinking about you" jake whispered, coming up to move your body, laying you on your back so that he could hover over you

"so i drank more and kept drinking till I couldn't feel my fingers"

Your wide doe eyes stared up at him curiously, wondering why he was telling you this all of a sudden

He brought his palm up to your face, stroking your cheek by the back of his hand, caressing you like he loved you

"I didn't forget about your award sweetheart, I was too drunk to remember anything at all, woke up hungover the next evening and i realized what I had done. In an effort to forget about you, I forgot everything else as well. I know it's not an excuse but i just need to tell you" He said, his expression guilty and distraught

You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him closer to yourself

"Why were you trying to forget about me? Why not just come see me? or call me? "

Your innocent questioning eyes made jake close his eyes in impending sorrow. He leaned down and kissed u deeply, tasting your hot mouth to stabilize himself before pulling back and telling you everything.

You layed wide wake, stroking your fingers through jake's hair as he slept soundly snuggled into your chest. His soft snores and breath hitting your clavicle.

Honestly you weren't surprised that his manager had done such a thing. You weren't a fool, you noticed the hostile stares he would shoot your way everytime you went over to the boys' dorms or practice sessions. His eyes were always set on you in a glaring warning, as if to say, "you're not welcome here"

You hated that you understood where he was coming from. Being responsible for an entire group's reputation must be hard and your presence only made it harder.

You sighed and hugged jake's head closer to you, burying your nose in his hairs, breathing him in after so long. His hands were around your waist, grip so tight even in his sleep, it made you feel safe and so loved. This was all you wanted. Him in your arms, was that really too much to ask for?

You were still awake about two hours later, sleep just wouldn't come to you, head filled with so many thoughts. You tried slipping out from his grip to fetch water but his strong hands were pulling your body back into him

"Hmm don't go" He mumbled, his voice heavy and sleep ridden, eyes still closed but brows slightly furrowed. You smiled and kissed his nose, trying to slip again when his eyes opened wide, a gasp escaped your lips when he was flipping you over, resting his body over yours, nibbling on your ear

"I said don't fucking go" he growled and the sound had you rubbing your thighs together, hands coming up to rest against his shoulders

"I-i was just thirsty" you whispered and he hummed into your skin, nibbling on your ear again, sucking your lobe into his mouth making you whine softly

"I'm thirsty too" he whispered in your ear, his hands moving down to grab your thighs and parting them so he could settle his crotch against your middle, making you feel how hard he was in his jeans

"so fucking thirsty baby" He groaned and thrusted against you, a harsh gasp left your lips at his actions

"J-jake not here" you whispered but even you didn't believe your words, pussy starting to drip just from the way his voice sounded so husky and deep in your ear. His hands groped your lower body, taking a handful of your ass as he issued another thrust against you

Before you could tell him to stop again, he was pulling back, standing on his knees between your legs while he hastily undid his belt and jeans

"I'm sorry sweetheart I just can't wait any fucking longer, I need to put it in" he panted, you squirmed underneath him, watching how he was quick to pull his pants down his legs, his boxers coming off along with them, hanging around his thighs

He didn't bother taking his clothes all the way off, desperate hands reaching under your skirt to pull your panties down your legs

Your breathing was heavy, eyes pivoted to the hard dick that hung between his legs, arousal gushing down your slit when he rubbed a finger against your hole while fisting his own dick a few times "such a pretty fucking pussy"

"jake please" you moaned and he cursed, coming up to capture your lips into his own while he settled between your legs, rubbing his cock against your leaking cunt, rubbing it up and down, bumping against your engorged clit, making you moan into his mouth that was busy licking into yours

The feeling of being so close to each other after so long had you feeling hot and heavy

"Yeah baby? you want it?" he demanded, eyes dark and lust ridden as he gazed into your teary ones

"Y-yes please" you mumbled and jake clenched his jaw. Fuck. You were sweeter than candy and he couldn't control himself when it came to you

He rested his forehead against yours, looking down to stare at how his dick entered your warm sex, hips grinding to slide in smoother and deeper. Your mouth fell open in a silent moan upon the feeling of him inside of you after so long "baby f-fuck" he groaned into your mouth, feeling his resolve to go soft on you fading away at the way your tight walls were clenching around him

"you're sucking me in baby, so tight"

His words made your hips twitch. The indication enough for him to start moving in you. Your nails dug into his shoulders from above his shirt that he still wore as his hips started snapping against yours, his balls smacking filthily against your ass

His hot moans were making you wetter, drool escaping your mouth at the pleasure

"ts so good baby I fucking missed this" he pants, his hands groping your body mercilessly as he kept moving in and out of your leaking pussy

He licked the drool escaping your lips, sticking his tongue inside your hot mouth, licking into it with urgency while he moved your legs upwards, pressing your body in a mating press, increasing his pace

Harsh animalistic thrusts were sending your body in a ripple, making you move back and forth as he moved above you, sending the headboard of the bed slamming against the wall, the sex getting louder, messier

"Yeah, yeah, fuck yeah" he insinuated with every grind of his hips into you, meshing your lower bodies together to create a friction so insane it had you moaning his name in a chant, mind numbing pleasure clouding your senses

You both shared open mouth kisses, sucking on each other's tongue lewdly, uncaring of how messy it was, you loved messy

His hands moved up to hold onto the headboard above your head as he moved his hips deeper into yours, letting your legs fall around his hips, wrapping around his waist, your ankles digging into his ass to keep him buried deep inside of your warm cunt

"Wanted to make love to you but look what you fucking do to me" he groaned into your mouth, occasionally licking into it and digging his teeth into your lower lip, making you whine and moan in extreme pleasure. His dick made out with your cervix, bumping pleasurably into your g spot, penetrating your womb mercilessly

The sound of the headboard slamming was getting louder, bed creaked beneath your writhing bodies, the sweat on your naked bodies making it easier to slide against each other

Your moans were getting louder as his silent curses reached a fever pitch, a bunch of "Umhhnshit baby" and "so good" s falling from his lips, hips getting sloppier, pistoning in and out of you in a frenzy, uncaring of how your mother could probably hear you get pounded into the sheets

"s-so close jake I'm so close" you moaned and his hips got faster, his hand sneaking down to rub against your clit to make u reach your high faster. He couldn't wait to feel you gushing around his cock "that's right baby, make a fucking mess on me yeah?" he groaned, biting your lower lip and rubbing harshly against you, his hips never faltering, thrusting and thrusting until you were cumming all over his dick with a scream of his name

The moan was so pornographic it had him cumming within minutes of feeling the delicious clench of your cunt around his aching cock, filling you up to the brim, harsh pants escaping his lips as he used your pussy to ride his orgasm, eyes rolling back in pleasure. Sighs of satisfaction filled the empty space between your mouths

Harsh breaths were shared as you both came down from your highs, sharing sweet kisses and confessions, a string of "I love you" s falling from his lips while his palms caressed your body softly, rubbing against the parts where he'd grabbed you harshly

"Don't you need to go back? what will your manager do if he finds out you're here with me?" you asked some time later, his dick was still in you, feeling too good to cockwarm him just like this

He kissed you softly and shook his head "Told jay to take care of it. I honestly couldn't care less baby I just need you"

You bit your lower lip, getting shy now that he was being so sweet to you, not used to have him say such things to you casually "But u should care jake, you can't just risk your career for me"

"I could do anything for you. Nothing matters if you're not there, I hope you know that sweetheart" he whispered in your mouth before kissing you deeply again. "I hope you also know how proud of you I am my pretty little artist, no one else deserved that award more than you baby"

You wrapped your arms tightly around his neck and kissed him back, heart feeling full and all insecurities fading away at his words, cheeks flaming red from his compliments, unable to hide the smile overtaking your face

"I love you" you whispered, as if saying them any louder would take the meaning of the words away

"Yeah? Say that again baby" He whispered back and you giggled shyly, burying your face in the crook of his neck where you repeated the words again

He chuckled and kissed the side of your head adoringly "I love you so much too baby, and I'm going to show it to you every waking moment, I'm gonna love on you till you're begging me to stop"

You curled your body further into him at his words, heart feeling giddy after a very long time. Hoping that this feeling would last forever.

[planetlongjourney]

Ok so I believe that the story of Star Trek is much more important than the visuals. Like. it’s not a Star Trek series if you don’t almost cry at least once over a sad backstory or hard ethical question. But I also think that the way it looks is also pretty important to the franchise and that’s because it SHOULD look somewhat bad!

If you can make me feel something about these characters, or make me have to think about new moral questions, while the characters are wearing neon green jumpsuits with random bits of prosthetics coming off them, or are very clearly in a grey, cardboard studio set (Star Trek had no money), you have achieved peak storytelling. I want to look at it for the first time and think “wow that looks absolutely terrible” and then get immediately transformed into a Trekkie as I watch a beautiful story unravel in front of me and then have no idea how that just happened. Make Star Trek ugly again please

(P.S Star Trek can still look good and be good, I’m just saying it’s looking a bit too amazing now. Give me back my weird civilian clothing)

[imbecominggayer]

What Are Archetypes And How To Use Them!

Character archetypes are one of the many tools in a writer's arsenal to write believable and universally relatable characters which transcend geography, time, and culture!

Throughout this post, I will be discussing what archetypes are, how to use them, and how to subvert them.

What Are Character Archetypes?

What are character archetypes? Archetypes are kinda like templates that are grouped into categories depending on their traits, experiences, and actions.

When thinking about "archetypes", your mind may jump to the archetypes in the major Arcana which represent different aspects of life! Like character archetypes, the archetypes represented in the Arcana encompass a multitude of various traits, experiences, and meanings depending on the reader of the tarot or, with character archetypes), interpretations by the author!

Archetypes are meant to transcend time, geography, location, and the differences between other individuals to communicate universal truths about humanity.

But it's important to use archetypes correctly! All characters require character development and if you don't use character development or there isn't enough character then the characters are going to be flat, boring, and unoriginal.

The difference between "stock characters" and "archetypes" is the fact that stock characters aren't meant to be main characters. Stock characters are the strict librarian that tells the lovers to be quiet, the mean bully that gets humiliated, or the MC's lovingly dead mom.

They are static, flat characters who are meant to serve as filler. Archetypes are the foundation to create complex, changing characters!

Mixing Character Archetypes

Most characters fall into multiple character archetypes depending on the perspective that you are looking at. Mixing character archetypes allows your characters to be familiar but not cliche!

Character Archetypes (And How To Subvert Them)

There are way too many archetypes so I'm just going to give a quick run-by!

The Caregiver

The caregiver is a character who selflessly and whole-heartedly supports their loved ones. They often tend to fall into the Mentor role, the Best Friend role, or something else. It's common to see the Caregiver as an accompanying character to the Hero.

Traits: Selfless, Kind, Compassionate, Honorable, Loving

Pitfalls: Too selfless, tends to lack growth or goals, a bit too dedicated to assholes

Subvert: Caregiver can serve as an enabling force who encourages the Hero or the Villain to follow all of their desires and will force their loved one to deny any healthy accountability for their bad behavior. The Caregiver can be a shallow individual who has a tendency of nearly abandoning the group when things seem hopeless. The Caregiver can show some selfishness

Everyman

The Everyman is your regular Joe-Shmoe who isn't smart enough to be a Mad Scientist but not dumb enough to be the resident Idiot. They aren't particular ugly nor particularly attractive (but they tend to get the love interest anyway). They are kinda average in most respects.

The Everyman is humble and cooperative but not stand out.

Traits: Humble, Hard-working, Grounded, Relatable, Cooperative

Pitfalls: This is the protagonist for 95% of stories. Tends to flail around so much that the audience wonders why they are even needed.

Subvert: The Everyman tends to fall into the Innocent type. Basically, oblivious as all heck and a bystander. The Everyman could be a secret mastermind behind the whole operation and more aware than anyone suspects.

The Creator

Constantly creative and constantly making something. Their creation can be physical (inventor) or in the divine sense. To the Creator, there is nothing that is more important than what they are trying to make, and they are willing to sacrifice themselves and others to reach their goal.

Traits: Obsession, imaginative, strong-willed, egotistical

Pitfalls: The Creator tends to be unsympathetic and not that obviously relatable to the non-creative types.

Subvert: Actually try and make this Mad Scientist or God relatable. Many people have that one thing that they would sacrifice their time and life for whether that be their job, their family, their identity, or their creative pursuits. Connecting that creation to these universal truths will turn your one-dimensional character into a tragedy or masterpiece.

The Explorer

They want to break boundaries, take risks, and travel the world for something new. They yearn for something more than a normal life. They want to find their purpose and they don't believe their purpose lies in the mundane life everyone wants them to live.

Traits: Courageous, independent, nonconforming, driven, curious

Pitfalls: Explorer types tend to be the garden-variety " I want to explore this place". Highly common protagonists.

Subvert: Have the Explorer be a little bit lost in the world. They aren't courageous about their desires and they don't even really know what they want. They just know they don't want to spend the rest of their life here. They are afraid of stagnation. They are afraid of looking back on their life and only being able to feel regret. Make it spiritual. Make it about fear.

The Hero

The Hero rises to the challenge. They can't or refuse to stand by any longer to the injustice surrounding them. They fight the villains.

Traits: Honorable, Justice-Orientated, Strong

Pitfalls: One-Dimensional. "really? another story about Superman going rogue and killing people because angst?"

Subvert: At this point, having a character who is genuinely a good person who wants to try and be a good person is a subversion. Seriously, if you can only write an interesting character when they are evil or "morally complicated", they you are putting yourself in a box. They aren't perfect but they try. That's the thesis statement for heroes.

The Innocent

The Innocent is defined by their unending optimism and naivety with a child-life attitude (if they aren't an actual child). The Innocent tends to be the starting place for a character who will eventually have their comfortable life radically shifted by worldly events until their ignorance is swept away from them.

Traits: Trusting, Loving, Sincere, Open, Powerless, Oblivious

Pitfalls: So innocent to the point where they are obnoxious and not relatable to anyone above the age of 7. "Why is a man who has the ignorance of a child the Chosen One?"

Subvert: What if the Innocent isn't this childish person but actually acts serious? A story could have a character going on this journey to become the Innocent in an effort to get rid of their memories of the horrors of life that they have deemed unbearable. And they succeed. The Innocent could be someone whose naivety about the world often has them acting in cruel and insensitive ways.

The Lover

Ranging from the hedonistic players to the dreamy romantics, Lovers are guided by their heart. Like Creators, they also have an all-consuming obsession and dedication, although, in this case, the object of their obsession is the receiver of their love whether that be a person or an object.

They often overlap with the Caregiver.

‍Traits: Devoted, compassionate, caring, protective

Pitfalls: They often tend to be one-dimensional and horribly problematic.

Subvert: The recipient of their love could be an object, a friend, or a family member. Their love could also be demonstrated as purposefully toxic as their codepedent traits have the potential to intersect with Superior Complexes, Inferiority Complexes, and/or Savior Complexes.

The Rags-To-Riches Orphan

While not always a literal orphan, the Orphan starts in a state of poverty and unimportance who transitions into a life of opulence and excitement.

Beyond that, Orphans tend to fall into Found Families, as a desire for belonging often reunites them with either social outcasts or the Riches group.

‍Traits: Survivalists, empathetic, determined, driven

‍Pitfalls:  Another orphan? Really? Wow, you got picked up off the street and became unbelievablely rich? How relatable.

Subvert: The Orphan uses their skills and resources from their time in poverty to secure power, influence, and popularity from the masses as their relatable upbringing, connects to the underground market, and survivalist mentality leads them to be even more cunning and manipulative than the natural-born. The Orphan isn't as innocent and ignorant as everyone seems to think they're. The Orphan falls from their rich status. The Orphan hates their found family and relishes in the opportunity to leave them.

The Rebel

The Rebel leads the charge against flawed leaders and power structures when the balance of society is threatened. They might be the public head of a rebellion, a charismatic outsider, someone who works in the shadows, or just someone whose another James Dean- knock-off.

‍Traits: Natural leaders, courageous, inspiring, strong, charismatic

Pitfalls: Romancization of rebel groups and abusive behaviors as , more often than not, rebel groups establish a new order that is the same or even worse than the previous group.

Subvert: What if we didn't contribute to the massive romantization of rebel authority and instead investigated how extremists groups can manipulate desperate citizens into horrible governments. Because Hitler was a rebel who instigated a national rebellion. What if we explored the topic of co-option as previous signs of rebelliousness and civil rights are being commercialized for right-wing non-pocs and "rebellious" teens?

The Mentor

The Mentor is the character who is typically off in the corner, training the protagonist with life advice such as "life happens man" and "if you klll a killer, that's somehow worse than being that killer".

Because writers don't know how to write actual wisdom so they copy facebook quotes and look up a thesarus for some "fancy" words

‍Traits: "Wise", caring, patient, insightful, rational

Pitfalls: "Author! Arthor! This a serious topic with a huge diversity of variables and an imperfect solution as humans are inherently imperfect! This advice seems really oversimplified and kinda biased!

Subvert: What if the mentor's teachings are revealed to be heavily biased and based on misinformation which is reflective of the mentor's upbringing? What if the mentor is secretly working with the antagonist to feed the fledgling Hero with false beliefs? What if the mentor genuinely hates the Hero but is still on Team Good Guys?

[plussizefantasia]

Hesitant Hearts

Kili Durin x Soulmate!Reader (Part 4)

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3

warnings: tragic backstory, mentioned abuse (not graphic) alcohol, running away, reader is depressed, abusive ex

word count: 2.9k

a/n: thank you to all who sent me messages encouraging me to continue this! I have so much love for this story in my heart, but no time to actually write it haha anyway, shoutout to @crackedpumpkin who has been my backbone for this part and will be just as important for the next couple I'm sure.... Anyway enjoy this next chapter, I've already started on flushing out the next one <3

Kili hadn’t been back to the tavern since that night. Honestly, you were missing his presence; you didn’t realize how much safer he made you feel when he was there. Roland had been true to his word and not shown up again either. It felt a little bit like you weren’t really there, like you floated from one day to the next, never actually taking anything in- just existing.��

Last week, Brant had told you he thought you were ready to take over the tavern fully, you immediately turned to Kili’s stool to celebrate with him and felt your heart drop into your stomach when he wasn’t there smiling along with you. 

That’s been happening a lot recently, Kili’s absence has become a lot more noticeable as the days go by. Once you were able to put aside your fear and hurt, all that was left was longing, and that scared you in an entirely different way.

You swore never to let your heart be controlled by anything but you ever again, you had made the promise to yourself on a cold dark night huddled by a fire with nothing but the stars over your head. Your life in Bree was not a pleasant one, daughter of a merchant whose wife had died when you were just a little girl. There wasn’t much love between the two of you but your father did his best to provide for you and the time came that you ought to have started looking for a husband he did what he thought was right.

By all accounts the man he had promised you to was not a bad man, he was well off and made good conversation. He was not an ugly man and he took the time to get to actually know you. You did not want to get married, not then. You had hardly explored the world, you had no interest other than what your father had been interested in. You wanted more, you wanted to be more. But your father had insisted. “It’s how it’s done, girl.” He had said. That was that. Three moons later you and Ricard were married in the church, nobody in the seats but his mother and your father. 

 It wasn’t exactly a happy marriage but it didn’t compare to some of the nightmare stories you had heard from the other ladies. You had heard of course the stories of women whose husbands were nothing but useless drunks. Who raised a hand to them regularly and kept them under lock and key. Your marriage was not a nightmare, and you forced yourself to be thankful for small miracles.

Until Ricard had become the very type of man you had feared. He controlled everything in your life. You didn’t leave the home you two shared, after all, why would you need to when he provided everything? He didn’t like when you spoke, it seemed that when he looked for a wife he wanted a maid instead. You warmed his bed and cooked his food and turned a blind eye when he came back smelling of another woman. He had trapped you, stripped you of the vivacious young woman you had been.

One day you had had enough, you don’t even really remember what pushed you over the edge, just that one night after he had drunkenly stumbled into bed smelling of ale and other women, you had grabbed a pack that you had stashed under the floorboards and ran. You didn’t stop running, not when you found yourself alone in the woods, or when the sounds of wolves and wargs alike haunted your dreams. Not when you were given dirty looks in the towns you passed through.  And certainly not when you ended up in King Thranduil’s palace staring down the elf with all the disgust you could manage. You hadn’t meant to stumble into the elven kingdom you had been walking for weeks, months? You weren’t sure anymore. You had no destination in mind just a goal: get as far away from the life you led and anyone who knew you when you lived it.

Walking through the woods while it was dark was admittedly, not your best idea but you had lost any sense of what was a good idea a long time ago. There were no good choices, only ones that kept you alive and ones that killed you, nothing else mattered. 

A pack of Elvish guards doing a patrol to keep the spiders at bay had seen you, a human woman looking worse for wear trekking through their woods. They had grabbed you and not listened to your pleas as they dragged you through the forest and into the King’s home, throwing you down to your knees right before his feet.

You didn’t speak Elvish but the quick and ruthless exchange of syllables from those that surrounded you made your hair stand on edge. 

The Elven king stood tall before you, “You’re far from home.” It wasn’t a question but you knew he wanted an answer.

“I am traveling to meet my kin in Dale.” you paused. “Your Majesty.”

“Alone?” He raised an eyebrow at you and curled the edges of his lip into a sneer.

“I have no family left to escort me. I must meet my Uncle in Dale.”

“Well then, allow us.” He turned his back and waved his hand. Seconds later your arms were grabbed with an iron grip and you were once again being dragged through the halls of the King. 

He had a pair of guards ‘escort’ you to the edge of Mirkwood. Before they released you back into the wild, on the other side of the forest, they stripped you of your little belongings and passed along a message from the King.

“If you’re seen again within King Thranduil’s kingdom you will not live long enough to see the inside of a cell.”

You were honestly surprised that you had managed to make it to Dale. You had no provisions, the clothes on your back, and only strength of will. 

It was nighttime when you stumbled onto the city streets of Dale. At the time, the town was still young, mainly filled only by the survivors of the Battle of the Five Armies and some families that had made their way to the city in the year that followed. 

Your legs felt as though they were made of lead. They dragged behind you as you stumbled from exhaustion into the center of town.

It was late, most lights were out and doors were locked. You didn’t know where the master of the town lived or if there even was one.

The sound of revelry caught your attention and in a small burst of energy, you followed the sound. You happened upon a tavern that was soon to be your home.

When you pushed past the doors all talking and laughter seemed to stop. Eyes shot at you and your torn dress, they filtered over the mess of hair on top of your head as well as the dirt on your face.

Everyone was still and then slowly, from behind the bar an older man stepped closer to you. His hair was speckled with grey and his shoulders were broad. If you had more sense you might’ve turned tail and run but you were locked where you were. Your legs refused to move but your heart refused to stop. You felt as if it would burst out of your chest.

The man reached a hand out to you and smiled. For the first time in a long time, you let yourself have a moment. One moment to let go, you reached out your hand and placed it in his.

He put a hand on your back and started to usher you to the set of stairs on the other side of the room. He gently guided you up the stairs and into an empty room.

“I don’t imagine you’ll want to answer too many questions so I won’t ask any. You can stay here for the night at least, get a hot meal and a bath.”

“Thank you.” Your voice rasped from lack of use, not having another soul to speak to for weeks since you were expelled from the Elven kingdom. 

One night turned to two, then three, and then a whole week. During that time you had started to help out, you had no money but wanted to return the kindness shown to you.

Eventually, you told Brant the basics of your story, that you grew up in Bree and managed the journey across Middle-Earth on your own in order to make a better life for yourself. 

“Well, you can start one here. It’s been a while since I’ve had decent help and you need a place to stay.” You nodded and gave him a hug, he patted your back, and thus began the next chapter of your life. 

Over the course of the next three years, you’d found a purpose, gained back some of the spirit that had been stripped from you, and carved out a handsome little life for yourself here, halfway across Middle Earth from the life you had once been imprisoned in. 

And now it feels as though you’ve lost it all in one fell swoop. In protecting your heart you may have lost the only person who would honestly take care of it. 

You still remember the silence that echoed after Kili’s departure. The sound of the doors slamming on repeat in your head. You fell to your knees and wept. You bared your teeth and held in a scream. Your heart cried out in pain, pain for a love lost, for the innocence it longed for, for you, for Kili, and for what could have been. If only you were a little braver.

That is how Brant found you the next morning. He descended the stairs from his own rooms above the tavern and saw the young lass he had taken a chance on, curled in on herself fitfully sleeping with tear tracks down her cheeks.

Sighing deeply he shook you awake and ushered you upstairs despite your protests.

“Lass, I’ve kept this place standing for longer than you’ve been alive, one more day won’t kill me.” He placed a single kiss on your forehead and you smiled for the first time in a while. Brant had filled the role of a Father far better than your own had and you were deeply grateful for everything he had done for you.

You thanked him and placed a similar peck on his cheek, sleepily shuffling off to your room and closing the door softly behind you. 

You yearned for a dreamless sleep but the Gods did not see fit to grant your wish. For weeks You dreamt of a love lost and slamming doors. Of drowning in your own sorrow and waking up in your bed back in Bree chained to a man with locks nobody but you can see. Ricard takes steps towards you, locking you in with his body, a cruel smirk spread across his face. 

You jolt up in your bed, sweat dripping down your face and a scream trapped in your throat. For a brief and terrifying moment, you don’t know where you are, you feel the phantom grip of his hands on your skin and his breath on your face.

You force yourself to stand and get out of the sweat-soaked sheets, quickly getting changed and fleeing the dark room that twists your mind. You amble your way down the stairs, Brant said that he could take care of everything and you trust him but it wasn’t fair to leave him high and dry, not for this long. 

You need to work, to push yourself out of whatever fog you’ve been in, just a few hours of not thinking about your own life, about your past or your present. Not thinking about the way your heart still twists when you don’t spot the shag of brown hair among the sea of people. You want to lose yourself in the rhythm of serving drinks and food. Take care of everyone so that you don’t have to do the same for yourself. 

The mindless thrum beneath your skin keeps you moving, you aren’t as bright as you normally are, no pleasantries fall from your lips and no smile falls upon your face. But you’re fast, and people respect that. No glass goes unfilled for very long and no surface is dirty. You fall back into the recesses of your mind and let the familiarity take over. 

You lose yourself in yourself and for one brief and terrifying moment, you realize that there is a longing deep within yourself to stay lost. To lock down your mind and your heart, to become a numb and mindless being with no purpose. 

Then his voice rings in your mind, his laugh fills your heart and his smile warms your soul. 

There might be a sense of peace in the numbness, but you would rather hurt for the rest of your life than give up the joy that he brings you, even if only through memories now. 

You don’t notice the group of men who walk through the door until one of them is standing right in front of your bar, he knocks his knuckles against the wood and your eyes shoot up to get a look at his face.

“Ah, My King, how are you this fine evening.”

Bard smiled at you and shook his head from side to side, “It’s just Bard, and you know that. None of this My King nonsense.”

“Sorry, King Bard but you mean too much to the people ‘round here for me to throw that all away. Anyway, what can I get you?” You send him a teasing smirk and wipe your hands off on the towel hanging from the loop of your skirt. 

“Whatever you have for supper tonight and a round of ales if you please?” 

“Of, course just you tonight?” You ask.

“No, As much as I’d love to spend the night indulging in simple pleasures there is always work to be done. A meeting with the Dwarf prince about the new training for our guards. Hopefully, we can put everything into place soon so that I can start eating dinner with my family again.” He caps his words with a laugh but you don’t hear it. 

The second the words ‘dwarf prince’ leave his mouth your eyes are scanning every face in the place. Desperately searching for just a glimpse of the man whose face you’ve only been able to see in dreams. 

You cast your eyes to Bard’s usual table, seated there are Captain Steinar, Bain two men you don’t recognize from this far away, and a Blonde dwarf who has two braids flowing from either side of his lips. 

You try to ignore the way your heart freezes when you realize that Kili has sent his brother, Prince Fili. How much damage did you cause? How much did you hurt him that he won’t even show his face? Will you ever see him again?

The thought alone of never seeing Kili again almost brings you to your knees. Nevertheless, you take a breath and smile at the King.

“I’ll have your food and drinks out to you as soon as I can.”

He nods and leaves some coins on the counter before pushing himself off the bar and walking back towards his companions for the evening. 

You load a tray up with five servings of fried fish and potatoes along with some bread and cheese and make your way over to the King’s table, placing the food down in front of each of them before returning back to the bar to grab their drinks. 

You load them up into your arms and take about ten steps toward your destination when the front doors are thrown open. They loudly bang against the interior walls and with them, a chilly gust of wind permeates the room.

It isn’t the cold wind that freezes your blood in your veins though, that would be due to the man who stands in the entrance. 

The man takes his hat off his head and looks around the room, locking eyes with you and you watch as a cruel smirk spreads over his face.

“Hello love, miss me?” 

The only sound in your ears is the shattering of glass and the rushing of blood.

How the hell did he find you?

taglist: @bunnybabe-babydoll@kokochanel111@shiinata-library@oneiratxxia10@targaryenteam @sunnysidesidra @shadowrose13-blog1-blog1 @staygoldsquatchling02 @whiteoutimp @spookydestinydonut @somethingabitspecial-blog @bandshirts-andbooks @buckyyyismahhlife @gh0stedddd

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[windmill-for-the-land]

Finished the Netflix Devil May Cry show a couple hours ago and i think i've finally collected my thoughts about it (Spoiler Warning and a kinda long post)

TL;DR Pretty good but the second season is going to either make or break this show, it depends on it to flesh out its characters, and fix the concerns raised up by its cliffhanger ending.

To start, i think the show is a fair 7/10, I really enjoyed it, the action scenes and animations were great(even if the cgi got pretty bad on a few of them, specially on Agni and Rudra at certain moments),the songs always fit in very well with the scene, and the licensed music choices were really good, the story and voice acting were pretty nice too, they got Dante's character pretty well in the show which is great and the 6th episode was simply beautiful!(even if what it depicted didn't feel very devil may cry but we'll get to it)

But the show has a fair bit problems(most of which i think can and will be solved in season 2 but we'll see) that hold it back from being REALLY good instead of pretty good or okay.

One of the biggest problems being Lady's adaptation in the anime.

When i saw that she was going to take a very important role in the anime i was HYPED, she is easily one of my favourites, constantly fighting with Nero over who is my number three favourite. Unfortunately, her character in the netflix show ended up being pretty shallow for the most part while also barely feeling like the character she is supposed to be. They did a good job on her backstory in the shows universe(plus arkham is totally alive since he didn't die on screen in her flashback, which is great because it means there could be a possible take on the dmc 3 plotline in one of the seasons that would develop her as character), my problem with her is the way she acts throught the main story, her swearing like a sailor is already pretty disappointing, something i like about dmc is that the characters rarely ever use profanitys, making it so that a line like nero's fuck you in dmc 5 actually feels impactful and cool, meanwhile in the show, she says either fuck or shit in every sentence and it felt ridiculous, not like her at all, i was already so sick of it by episode 4 or 5, it felt like a forced attempt to try make her sound cooler and justify this show being for adults(much like castlevania).

But more importantly, her arc in the show feels unsatisfying, i understand that her arc is clearly not complete, it is certantly going to continue in season 2 with her leaving darkcom, throwing that ugly-ass armor away and rescuing dante, and that's fine, i dont think every character should have their entire arc in only 8 episodes, but the main focus of the first season was on Lady (I'd say 60% Lady 40% Dante, which sucks because this is a pretty good version of Dante that NEEDED more screentime), and she barely changes by the end of it. She starts out blindly following darkcoms orders and being a dick to dante, and ends still following their orders and hurting Dante, but being slightly remorceful and unsure about it now, the only major change is that she doesnt hate every single demon anymore after her encounter with the hellIrefugees, and that she actually likes Dante and feels bad for doing that to him, although with season 2 hopefully finishing her arc, i think season 1 will become a little better retroactively.

Speaking of the hell refugees(i forgot their name sorry)

they were fine? I guess??

I get what they wanted to do, they wanted to add some moral greyness to Sparda's actions and flash out the demon world so that not everyone except Sparda is evil, therefore building on the theme of there being humans as wicked as any devil, and devils as kind as a human.

But since literally every demon in the show was working on the goal of freeing the weak devils from the demon world so they can have a better life, YOU END UP WITHOUT ANY ACTUALLY EVIL DEVILS IN DEVIL MAY CRY, which of course, isn't very good for an adaptation of a series based on slaying hundreds of demons every game. I think this is another complaint that can be remedied by season 2, if they show that the refugees are the exception, not the rule, and that the underworld is still packed full of stronger demons working for Mundus that willfully perpetuate the misery of the weaker ones, it would solve one of the most consistent complaints i hear about the show, that it humanizes the demons way too much, by answering these complaints with "Actually, these are just a portion of the demons, there a LOT classic 100% evil devil may cry demons, you just didnt get to see them in season 1!!"(also i think the demon world looks too much like an alien planet instead of the underworld, which i get that's what they're going for, but it really doesnt feel right in an adaptation of one of the best visual depictions of the underworld in videogames, specially in Dmc3, some of those sections look gorgeous, and the show is severely lacking in that gothic architecture.)

Also the U.S.A invading the demon world and DROPPING NUKES on the weak demon refugees in a analogy to real world US actions while American Idiot by Green Day plays in the background felt so on the nose and unfitting for dmc I couldn't take it very seriously, they went too hard on the "humans are the real monsters" side with little to no nuance, since they are depicted as more evil and malicious than any of the actual demons, plus it makes the regular humans have too much control, the demons in dmc should absolutely destroy the army, like in 5's opening scenes, with their only hopes being our protagonists, i REALLY hope that when season 2 drops they start with Vergil and Mundus' forces absolutely destroying the humans forces, to show that, sure they can arrest and bomb a bunch of weak demons who can barely survive on their own land, but when the powerful ones show up, they're out of their depth and are forced to rely on Dante and Lady.

Now,moving on to the storm shaped elephant in the room, Vergil.

He's got a total of like, a minute of screen time, but it was enough for a huge size of the fanbase to go up in flames about it, and honestly? i understand why, i don't agree with the assumptions that Vergils is absolutely be like that in this adaptation, but i get it, having Vergil on screen basically saying that he is voluntarely serving Mundus sounds sound insane and like a huge character assasination.

Buuuuuut, i think that's the point, its to make us question what is going on with Vergil, since at no point in time would he ever willingly work for Mundus. My theory is that instead of unlocking his devil trigger and escaping the attack on their home, in the show's universe, Vergil is captured and brought to hell as a child, likely being tortured or brainwashed by Mundus to align with him and make him blame Sparda and the human world, so it would basically make it so that Dmc1's corrupted Vergil shows up before anything else.

I really hope im right and this is the direction they're taking Vergil, because if he really is willingly serving Mundus and his Devil trigger is Nelo Angelo, it would be soooooo fucking bad that i could not defend the show anymore, it would be such a huuge character assasination and would turn Vergil from a hurt and tragic character, that copes with his feeling of powerlessness and guilt from not being able to protect his mother, brother and himself by becoming as powerful as possible to make sure he is NEVER in a situation like that again, no matter what and who it takes, into the stereotypical EVIL TWIN that simply does bad things, alongside the person who killed his mother and probably his father, and it would absolutely not fit with Dante and Vergil's dynamic AT ALL.

also before i get to my closing thoughs i just wanna say dante felt a little weak in it and that i feel like he didn't get enough spotlight in HIS OWN SHOW, like i know that he's waaay less experienced than any version of Dante from the games but omg he spent the entire show post episode 2 getting his ass kicked by lady and almost every single demon, even with devil trigger(speaking of which, having devil trigger from dmc5 playing during his devil trigger transformation while cool on concept, really doesnt fit since that song is VERY personal to Nero and doesnt fit Dante as well, plus i honestly didnt like the cover of the song used tbh but its not that big of a complaint.

In the end i really did enjoy the first season of Devil May Cry, and i am very hopeful and excited for the second season, the highs were really high, the animation was pretty amazing, loved the opening and every single one of the endings, and dante felt great, but I cant help but be worried for the future of this show, if the second season doesnt address some of these issues, SPECIALLY LADY AND VERGIL, it will really be like the castlevania netflix show, fun in isolation and with no knowledge of the source material, with a decent plot and some nice visuals and songs, but lacking severely in the core elements of the series they are adapting, making it that i cant help but dislike it a little, i really hope it turns out well since i want to really, REALLY LOVE this show, not to JUST like it or even dislike it.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

what did you think about wiege miss raven …

It was cute 🥰

BRO 💀 LUKA IS SO HOPELESSLY IN LOVE AND DOWN BAD FOR HYUNA… He’s smiling like a kid in a candy store and blushing like a schoolgirl with a crush when a GUN is pointed at his head??? Wanting to run to her and embrace her anyway, with zero regard for his own situation or how she might react negatively to him??? Kissing her missing poster (even though kissing isn’t really a thing in their society?) He’s literally SO mentally ill and obsessed with her… This is toxic and codependent het, I KNOW IT IS 👁️👄👁️

The song this time was admittedly not my favorite, honestly (its tone is sort of haunting)—but I love what it represents… A pure lullaby, holding all the hope for a peaceful and happy future. It’s probably one of the few songs Luka ever sang without intent to manipulate or harm his duet partner.

I loved seeing more gaps in the story being filled in!! Mizi after being rescued and Hyuna trying to calm her down, Hyunwoo’s presence in general, Hyuna competing in Alien Stage, Luka and the other children in Anakt Garden… Ooogh, and those flashes to an alternate universe where everyone is alive, well, and involved in their passions… Luka and Hyuna with their matching rings (not sure if they’re promise bands, engagement rings, or wedding rings)?? It was nice but I feel like I might not be as invested in their relationship if that AU lacks the ✨ spice ✨ of being enemies.

LITTLE LUKA WAS SO PRECIOUS BUT ALSO SUCH A LONER LOSER OTL Laying his head against her… Him sitting under that tree alone and huddled up, counting his fingers to pass the time… Hyuna casually joining him… The pure joy that brings him… Hyuna going in for what seems to be a hug, only for the scene to cut to her body slumping on his AFTER BEING SHOT WHILE PROTECTING HIM 💀 That was absolutely FOUL…

TILL, MY BELOVED SON… He didn’t show up a lot this song, but I loved seeing him having so much freedom and creativity. Spray painting, drawing, just acting like a Normal Human Being and not constantly lashing out and being violently subdued 💦 I always feel like I’ve been punched in the gut myself when he’s harmed. Poor guy… He deserves all the happiness in the world.

dhjsvajFagfDah DONmT yhINK i FORgoT MIZI eiThER. Girliepop is fr going through it??? Still having trauma visions of Sua… LOSING HYUNA NOW… and now she’s left with that fucker whose ass she beat in a fit of rage 😭 which does NOT bode well. THE MURDER IN MIzi’S EYES AT THE ENd, HOLY ShIT. I am half expecting the next installment to just be her wailing on Luka, maybe blaming him for what happened to Hyuna and still holding a grudge for using Sua’s death in such a despicable way.

Hyuna’s final words to Luka were so 👌 It wasn’t too long, it wasn’t too short… It was the perfect length and it conveyed everything she needed to tell him. How important he truly is to her, how she hates him because she loves him; he is and always was her one and only weakness, how all she wishes in her final moments is for Luka to live life to its fullest—even the ugly bits. That he should forgive himself and love himself no matter what…

“Luka, live with love. Embrace the pain, the frailty, and the moments so unbearably shameful. Forgive yourself… Again and again, endlessly. Because everything… begins from there.”

P.S. I feel like I definitely got lost on some parts of the story 😅 I wasn’t sure how to interpret that scene where Luka was covered in blood and there were a bunch of his dead clones (?) in tanks?? Is the implication supposed to be that the aliens were trying to make the perfect performer and the Luka we know now is the ideal test tube baby…? I see his hand on what appears to be a control panel of some kind?? So did he accidentally kill the clones?? And I’m not sure why the random gunman tried to shoot Luka. Isn’t Hyuna the leader of the resistance? Why didn’t she command them to stop? Why did she throw herself in harm’s way instead? Was it a spur of the moment or adrenaline fueled move? Did the gunman really dislike Luka or what he represents + want to kill him so badly they disregarded orders to let him go?

P.P.S. Sorry to Ivan fans… I do not have much to remark on other than the opinion I have always held, which is “Man has killer eyelashes.”

P.P.P.S. I actually didn’t cry! 👍 vxjsneksksk I live for angst like this, so I was eating it all up like a bag of chips.

Really looking forward to seeing where things will go from here on out! The resistance is lacking a leader now; will Mizi step up?! What’s going to happen to Luka, is he going to be taken as a hostage and slowly come around to join the resistance? How are the aliens going to retaliate? Will the competitor even continue at this rate? So many interesting questions!

[glitter-stained]

hi, last anon here, by "didn't get to have the respect/honour of being a survivor" i meant that he didn't get a chance to rebuild his life and the he didn't get to feel the sense of pride in having survived despite everything. he didn't even get the chance to take back his agency and control.

of course, survivors are often treated horribly and ostracised as well, my point was that jason didn't get to survive and also went through the stigma that survivors go through while still being touted as a failure for having died. he got the worst of both worlds.

Yeah no don't worry I see what you mean!

I feel like with irl trauma recovery there's like, you gotta process the trauma and then learn to rebuild yourself as a survivor and there's like, a lot of societal pressure to avoid looking at the "shameful", unpleasant bits?

Kinda like "why are you defining yourself as a victim, you shouldn't view it that way, you survived it, you're a survivor! Think of it like that!" Except that a lot of people with PTSD don't actually survive it, because they're stuck in memories and thoughts and emotions about the traumatic event(s) that just run through their mind on loop and then they kill themselves.

Except that we put a whole lot of shit on people with PTSD we put victim blaming we put expectations of how to behave correctly as a good victim we expect them to be an empowering story of reinventing yourself like in superhero stories we want them to be survivors because doesn't that sound so much better.

But the thing is, with PTSD, you're a victim before you're a survivor. Because what happens when you have PTSD is 1) something very bad happens to you/you are in an extremely threatening situation where your life or integrity is in danger. 2) in that moment your sense of agency is extremely diminished, you feel powerless to stop it. 3) after the fact, all those emotions those thoughts those memories are going to keep sticking with you and they won't let you be- as if you were stuck in that moment, in your experience of victimhood.

There are so many scientifically proven efficient methods when working on trauma in therapy, but no matter which one it is we actually have like a guideline of steps to go through: first the person needs to be stabilised, aka they need to be in a state of mind that makes it possible to work on the trauma. Then comes a bunch of therapy techniques focused on processing the trauma, and it's like, avoidance is an extremely important part of how trauma works so it's about having a safe, controlled environment to process. To deconstruct that avoidance. To learn to bear that experience of victimhood that, outside of that environment and techniques, often just feels unbearable. And only then, the last step is about rebuilding yourself, internalizing that the trauma is in the past and going forward and that's when survivorship happens. That's when you get to "the chance to regain his agency and control" you mentioned. You have to process that it happened before you can internalize that it has stopped happening; aka, victimhood precedes survivorship.

And both are so important to healing, but again I feel like the way it's handled, survivorship is often portrayed as so much more palatable than victimhood, because like nobody likes to hear about these uncomfortable things, nobody likes "a complainer"/"whining"/"and besides so many people have it so much worse"/"people need to get over themselves and push through" etc, etc. You can't rush towards survivorship without acknowledging victimhood and it's really so violent to put that kind of pressure on people.

And again, wrt Jason, I feel like in dc there are so many characters who are survivors, with an emphasis in their stories on survival, and again I don't mind that I think it's very important (like, Mia Dearden is my second favourite dc character) but the way Jason's character ties into victimhood, puts emphasis on that stage even when it's ugly, is super important imo¹.

And as I said, when people are talking about how other characters "had it worse"/ "had more of a reason to be upset actually" and they're comparing Jason with characters whose arcs are based on survival to emphasize how morally superior those are, I'm like... You are missing the point. You are preaching the moral superiority of survivorhood and using it to downplay a story about the experience of victimhood. My catharsis. My catharsis bro, you're spilling moral superiority all over my catharsis. That's not cool.

1. Reading comprehension check: did I say that red hood is the only traumatized character with a focus on victimhood ? No, I did not.

[sevilynne]

Sorry in advance, I'm going to rant here a bit.

Why do 80% of Snaters have to bring his looks into the discussion? Like, the way he looks has nothing to do with his character! I just saw another post calling him a "disgusting, oily, ugly man" in their rant on how he is an evil person, like... I look, apart from being a woman, exactly like him. Like, I 100% match the book description. Crooked teeth, shoulder long hair that gets greasy way to quickly, big, hooked nose, dark eyes, too skinny, walks in a "gliding" way: that's me! Why do the marauders fans have to do this?! Don't they realize that there are people, who will look like the charakter they hate on? This fucking fandom made me so insecure about my nose, that I am considering an operation at 19 years old! I just cried for half an hour after seeing jet another post about how ugly Snape is and no wonder he never found love! It just causes so much pain. If they want to hate on Snape's character, fine by me! But why can't they leave the way he looks out of it? Why?

Sorry for freaking out here, but you are one of the few pro Snape accounts one can write to anonymously and I don't want them to be able to figure out who I am. Thank you for reading this messy thing i wrote, it just needed to be said.

I must offer my deepest, sincerest apologies for posts you’ve seen. Alas, Marauder Stans possess a troubling insensitivity and thoughtless disregard for the nuances of character and narrative. In Sev V. S Marauders arguments, when they find themselves cornered without a coherent defense for their beloved quartet, rather than talk about the substantive truths about Sev, they instead throw callous, almost vulgar fixations on his appearance.

Marauder Stans, as fervent as they may be, are often proved problematic. Their disdain for Sev runs so deep that they not only dismiss his importance and erase him from his own circle but also stoop so low to attacking his appearance and ridiculing his poverty.

Marauder Stans seem to revel in disparaging Sev, often going out of their way to strip him of any redeeming qualities. It's that they take pleasure in rewriting his narrative, erasing his virtues and amplifying his flaws, making a one-dimensional caricature that serves their biases. It's a weird thing, revealing more about their own prejudices than about Sev himself.

Your appearance is a distinctive and beautiful part of who you are, but it does not, in any way, define your value or your capacity to be loved and cherished. Those who resort to attacking someone’s looks often do so because it’s the quickest, most mindless way to inflict pain. It says more about their own insecurities than it does about you. You deserve to be appreciated for the incredible person you are, far beyond the surface.

Please remember that you are so much more than any fictional character, you have your own unique story, rich with experiences and emotions that are entirely your own. Here, you are loved and valued for who you are, regardless of how you look or the way you express your personality.

You can always try to block every Marauders Stan who spews negativity about Severus’s appearance. Hypocrisy is those are often the same people who accuse him of bullying, completely oblivious to the irony of their own actions. They fail to recognize that by mocking an 11-year-old who grew up in the grip of poverty and isolation, they are perpetuating the very behavior they 'condemn'.

Have a pleasant day! (Apologies, I'm bad at comfort. And in summary, they hate Severus's character by itself and it's appearance and NOT because he bullied kids, and people like spewing insults at Severus because he is conventionally unattractive, unlike Potter and Black.)

[once-upon-an-animation]

Alright PJO fandom. Let’s clear the air on something real quick.

So if you’ve watched the PJO premiere, I’m sure one of the major changes you noticed was Gabe, and how toned down his behavior is compared to the books. There is also a clear change in the dynamic between Gabe and Sally, with Sally being more assertive and snarky with him.

The fandom seems pretty split on this change. Some people hate it and feel that a dark yet important aspect of the narrative has been lost, some people are neutral about it and are wondering if the whole Poker Player Statue bit is getting removed, and some people welcome this change, saying that Sally is more cool, strong, and badass now, and that showing a woman staying in abusive relationship in hopes of protecting her kid is not okay for current audiences.

To the people who are saying that Sally is more cool, badass, and strong now…

…FUCK YOU.

And here’s why.

I cannot even begin to describe how awful and disgusting it is to imply that book-Sally was weaker, less cool, and less strong because she struggled to stand up to her abuser, struggled to balance the need to leave an abusive relationship and the desire to protect her kid, and found herself making difficult choices in an abusive household. I am baffled that people think that this is an okay thing to say in the year of 2023, going on to 2024.

Are all of you shitting me right now? Are you seriously fixing your fingers to imply that book-Sally is inferior to show-Sally because her story reflects an ugly truth about how hard it is for mothers to stand up to their abusers while trying to look out for their children? Are you all fucking joking?

I have never felt so angry to see so many people diminish what book-Sally went through, and claim that it would be bad to depict something like that on TV. I know what Sally goes through is triggering and not fun to watch, but it is the very fact that her story reflects an ugly truth about what many wives go through that I think her struggle with an abusive husband is so fucking important!

Yes, we don’t want to encourage victims to stay in abusive relationships. Yes, we don’t want to make women feel like the only way to be a good, loving mother is to endure bad situations for your kids. Yes, we want to make it clear to mothers that they, under no circumstances, are obligated to endure an abuser. HOWEVER, the ugly and unfortunate reality is that many mothers have such a strong desire to protect their kids that they will find themselves making this unfortunate choice, and that is not a truth we should shy away from. A depiction of difficult choices that victims feel like they have to make is not necessarily an endorsement of that choice, but rather, a realistic reflection of what people go through.

And I will be DAMNED if I sit here quietly and watch so many of you tread into victim-blamey territory, or imply that book-Sally is somehow inferior because she struggled with the courage to leave and accept the risk of Percy not having Gabe’s protective smell. I literally saw a comment on Reddit where someone was trying to defend the change, and they typed out the sentence “You know what’s not badass? Staying in an abusive relationship.”

As if most abuse victims have the full freedom, resources, and support to just pick up and leave whenever. As if every choice that an abuse victim makes isn’t being made in the context of danger, pressure, stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and so much more. As if an abused woman’s top priority should be to look “badass” instead of trying to take care of herself.

I am a proud Book-Sally defender, and I will happily fight anyone who dares to imply she isn’t as strong or badass as show-Sally because standing up to her abuser wasn’t easy for her. I am extremely disappointed in this fandom for this ugly language regarding book-Sally in comparison to show-Sally.

And quite frankly? All of you can kiss my ass.

[ssaalexblake]

I wish fandom asked Why more often. Like, sure, to take one example in sunrise on the reaping; Collins could have used a different original character in the story rather than having Effie there. Apparently there could be No actual reason for having Effie there that helps the story.

So, instead of just stomping our feet Immediately and not thinking about it, why don't we ask why Collins chose to include Effie instead.

I mean, I'm not Collins and these are just some things I got from it, but I think Effie's presence tells us a few things. I mean, for starters you have a person who is falling for a different part of the capitol propaganda than most of the other capitolites we see up close. Effie's not out there thinking that these kids are animals, she thinks they're people and is visibly moved and shaking in the launch room as she sees Haymitch off (and presumable already saw Wyatt, Maysilee and Lou Lou off). Effie is an example of somebody who has fallen for the treaty of treason as absolute, not the dehumanisation of the districts. It's important to note that there's not just One type of propaganda the people are being fed.

She also demonstrates their society's obsession with looks, and this works in part Because we know her when she's older. Effie of the trilogy is caked in makeup and in wigs all the time. The implication is that Effie who is at most, what? 25 here, realistically, is already Late in the game of plastic surgery to 'fix' everything wrong with her (because she's apparently old and ugly at that grand old age... ugh) despite her being afraid to do so and not wanting to go near needles because of it! Which tells us something about the Effie of the future. She genuinely feels social pressure to do something she's afraid of because of low self esteem over her body, which is why she presents as she does in the trilogy. This series isn't Only critiquing things like implicit submission, Collins also takes shots at things like beauty standards and bodily autonomy (and their lack of it). Sure, there's no evidence that Effie was literally forced to have work done, but there is that victors are. Effie now chooses to hide herself under more make up, wigs, and presumably surgery (or at least botox or something like that) because she has to. The capitol isn't into non conformists, lets be real.

(and, honestly, I think that part is really important. I've seen 22 year old girls get paid promos in instagram for damn Botox. 22!! the only botox you need at 22 is for medical reasons, not to remove non existent wrinkles)

How come Haymitch knows Katniss' parents? Well, that's because Katniss says that district 12's population is only about 8000 people, and i cannot emphasis that this is TINY, and while 24 years have gone by at the 74th games, it's unlikely the number has changed that much. This is a small town, every kid of reaping age at the very least knows Of each other (even Katniss could list off past tributes and their families, and Katniss almost tried not to know things about other people. This was a sign) but kids of the same age in that district Do know each other. We already knew that Haymitch was roughly the same age as Katniss' mother from lore drops in CF (Maysilee being Asterid's friend makes them around the same age, Maysilee being Haymitch's district partner, it's never mentioned that Katniss' parents were different ages). It would have made No sense and gone against established canon for these kids to not know each other.

So, why are mags and wiress here? They're showing the importance of mentors imo. It may even be a bit of a nod to how Bad Haymitch was at mentoring when he was so broken down in thg,all the little things that Mags and Wiress do to just treat the tributes like people deserving of respect Haymitch notably does not do, showing how broken down he is by 74. Their presence also highlights how damn important it was to the tributes to have support staff who were genuinely trying to help them.

It's also probably a hint to how genuinely screwed twelve was regularly in these games. If it's not enough that your odds of being reaped soar Shockingly higher in such a small district in contrast to others, that they assign mentors from other districts makes it even worse for the ones who do get reaped. Twelve was just Lucky in this quell that they were assigned mentors that genuinely helped them and didn't just not bother to to aid their own district's kids.

And could you really blame those mentors, either? They want the kids they travelled on the trains with and saw reaped to live. They want their district to get parcel gifts that year to ease the burden on families. Are mentors who aid other districts looked down upon for 'helping the enemy' back home? Is it another scheme to set the districts into conflict with each other instead of the capitol?

Their presence also tells us things about the universe just by comparing them from point A to B. Having people assume that the games had a severe effect on Wiress' mental state for years, and then to say that No, she actually kind of owned the capitol with that one. What really happened is that she was tortured for her part in rebel actions.

And okay, i'm not saying these reasons have to be good enough for people to like the inclusions, but people could at least be bothered to think about it and actually try and work out why she did these things. Because it's all just shades of not liking something so finding a ~moral~ reason why it's bad otherwise. You don't like it, so obviously the only reason Collins did this was because she's a greedy old crone!

In the end, I think she could probably have achieved some of the same points without these inclusions, but i think it would have made the book clunkier by adding even more new people from the long list of them we already had to remember to the list, and i'm not sure she could have given some of it the depth it has with how she did actually do it.

[imtrashraccoon]

Hello lovelies! I have been working on this for the past two weeks and it's finally time for Badsansuary 2! This time the story is set in my Dark Fortress AU and if you haven't already read that oneshot, I highly recommend doing so to fully understand what's going on. Check it out here. This chapter is a bit wordy to explain some of the worldbuilding and lore, but I am happy to answer any questions you might have.

@owl-bones Thank you for making the prompt list! I'm very excited to be doing this again.

Next Day

Bad Sansuary II: Dust - Differences

Word Count: 2,015

Note: Reven is my name for Dust in this AU.

It was a rather dull day today. The sun should have reached its apex a few hours ago, but thanks to the cloud cover, you couldn't be entirely sure what time of day it really was. On the horizon, there was a large mass of ugly, gray clouds that signaled an impending storm. The only questions were how long the rain would hold off for and, when it did arrive, how much precipitation would end up descending on the land.

You wrinkled your snout in disgust. You didn't like rain. No matter what you wore, it would soak through to your fur, leaving you feeling soggy and gross. Wet paws also meant you were more likely to lose your grip on your weapons or your own footing, not to mention the infamous wet dog smell. Hopefully the rain would pass overnight and you wouldn't have to put up with all that unpleasantness.

Your folded ears flicked as the merchant in the line ahead of you raised his voice, complaining about how long the screening process was taking. You got up on your tip toes, craning your neck to see what had set off the grouchy man this time.

There were at least three guards at the gate into the city, but only one was going through the various baskets in the man's hand cart, while the other two stood back and watched like overgrown squirrels. You had to actively suppress a grin at the comparison, noting how their eyes looked small and beady behind their metal visors. The last thing you needed was to look out of place.

No, you were here for one reason and one reason only: to infiltrate enemy territory.

Your cream coloured fur had been mussed up and stained with clods of dirt to give the appearance of living on the land for weeks already. Your old suit of half plate armour had been downgraded to a set of rough hide and fur, so as to not draw suspicion from onlookers. The quiver of basic iron arrows on your hip, combined with the wooden longbow and rucksack slung over your shoulders, completed the look of a nomadic hunter.

The bow wasn't your preferred weapon, but you were at least competent enough to hit a target if you had to. Unfortunately, you had to leave your trusty meteor hammer behind as it would only betray your military background. At least you had been able to bring a dagger along, so you weren't completely out of your depth.

The blade had actually been a gift from your soulmate, as an apology for destroying your old one, but you suspected there was more to it than that. While the handle looked rather nondescript, the blade was made from steel, folded a dozen times and sharpened to such a fine edge that it could slice through flesh like butter. You had to constantly resist running your paw pads over the leather grip, marvelling at how it molded to your grasp and repressing the itch to test it out.

You were a little surprised that you had been tasked with such an important and risky mission. There were others with more experience, but your small stature and unassuming looks meant you were more than qualified. It helped that your subspecies, canine monsters, were very common throughout the various kingdoms in the land.

Two months.

It had been two months since your last mission. Two months since you abandoned your allegiance to the Klasical Kingdom. Two months since you died.

Well, that was the official account of what happened. The truth was that you had finally found your one and only, except he was the one you and your fellow soldiers had been sent to kill. It had been his idea to fake your death and, lacking any other option, you had agreed. You had willingly thrown away your military career, those you had called family, and your old life, all to spend the rest of your days with your fated.

You didn't regret it one bit.

While your old friends may have thought it weird to partner with a member of a completely different subspecies, you wouldn't have it any other way. Donovan was powerful but careful with you, stern but always fair, intelligent but straightforward with his explanations, thrilling but tender behind closed doors, and so much more to you. Needless to say, you only wished you had met him earlier, rather than waste your years climbing the ranks.

The group in front of you moved forward as the squirrelish guards let the grumpy merchant into the city. You shuffled forward as well, remembering the reason you were sent here in the first place.

Newridge, a city built like more of a fortress than anything else, had caught Lord Donovan's attention a few weeks before. It was built in the narrow valley between two opposing escarpments and if controlled, would grant easy access to several kingdoms just ripe to be conquered. The strategic position wasn't actually what had caught his eye, but rather the presence of a powerful entity or source of magic.

With all the supplies that would be needed to sustain four monsters for a month or so, and no desire to wear everyone down right away, the journey from the Dark Fortress had taken the majority of three days. Travel had been slowed down even more on the third day, so as to not attract unwanted attention from the city or other travelers, and another day was dedicated to setting up a secret camp in the wilderness outside the walls.

Which was how you found yourself standing in line with half a dozen other travelers hoping to get into the city. Some looked like they intended to do trade with local merchants and others you could tell would be moving on in the morning, likely to a more hospitable city for their business. Thankfully, it looked like the guards were processing people at a fast enough pace that you would be in before nightfall, but as long as you weren't forced to wait in the rain, you were happy.

~ ≈ V^ᴥ^V ≈ ~

"Name?" the guard muttered, barely sparing you a glance as you finally reached the front of the queue.

"give simple answers to any questions you're asked, nothing more, got it?" Reven growled. "The less reason they have to be suspicious, the better.

The spellsword seemed especially grouchy today, but you paid him no mind. Your attention was currently divided between him, the resident assassin giving you a suitable makeover, and the subtle clinking as the tank, and your third companion, worked on cleaning Mr. Grumpy's chainmail.

You opened your mouth to respond when Dirk clicked his tongue and tilted your head to the side. "at least stay somewhat still, or i might poke out your pretty eyes by mistake," he chided, rubbing a bit of dirt into your temple. "be a damn shame if i did that, huh?~"

Thankfully, you didn't need to scold him because Maul let out an annoyed huff. "shame ya never shut up." He straightened and leveled the assassin with a stern look before adding, "but feel free to risk yer own neck an' see what happens..."

"Akela Dogera."

You had been practicing how to make your voice sound rougher, almost harsh, to add another level to the simple hunter persona. Of course, the name was fake, but still believable since you knew of several canines with similar last names.

The guard scribbled your "name" in the ledger next to him. "What's your business here, mutt?"

"To sleep in an actual bed tonight before traveling to Lowswitch Kingdom," you answered with more sass than necessary.

"You and everyone else." The guard finished writing and waved you through the gate. "Just keep your nose clean or we'll have to throw you in the Newridge dungeon."

You nodded and stepped into the city, mildly surprised they hadn't wanted to search your bag or question your choice of weapons. Maybe they were tired of harrassing travelers today? Hopefully Reven would have as easy a time getting in as you had.

Taking a moment to look around, you noticed a small market with a few stalls set up not far from the gate, a couple of citizens milling around, and most importantly, a tavern. Heading inside, you were relieved that the establishment wasn't very busy and bought a room for the night. After that, you settled at a corner table with a drink to wait for your partner.

Over an hour passed before the spellsword finally trudged into the tavern. He looked completely different and yet, you would recognize him anywhere. You didn't know how Maul had managed to get all the dust out of the chainmail, but even Reven's red cuirass was cleaner than you had ever seen it. He wasn't wearing his hood at the moment and his mismatched eyelights were a dull white colour. You didn't even know he could change the colour of his magic like that. Interestingly, he was also wearing an amulet with a crossed gavel and axe. While it took you a minute to remember that the symbol belonged to Rytos, the deity of justice, you were more intrigued why Reven would have chosen it.

You supposed his disguise was actually pretty good, despite being what he wore every day. He looked like a battle weary paladin and you couldn't help but wonder if this was what he used to look like before everything that had happened to him. Still, you waited a couple minutes before meandering over to his table, making it seem like you were headed to the bar.

"Didn't expect to see a holy man in a den of iniquity like this," you remarked.

He lifted his skull, giving you a look that was equal parts boredom and resentment. He just seemed so tired and done with the world. After a moment, he made a bit of a show of taking in your leather armour.

"didn't expect to be accosted by a mongrel dog while i'm trying to drown my demons," he growled. "surprised the guards even let you in..."

His comments seemed unnecessarily mean and you wrinkled your snout in annoyance. "Take it easy. I was only going to offer to pay for your drink, as thanks for your service of course."

Reven raised a bonebrow but said nothing.

"Meet me upstairs later," you whispered before resuming your trajectory to the bar.

~ ≈ V^ᴥ^V ≈ ~

A subtle knock was the only indication that your partner had decided to come around. Thankfully, you had been waiting and quickly let him into the small room you had rented.

Reven sort of brushed past you, letting out a quiet grumble in response to your greeting. He dropped heavily onto the bed, rubbing at his skull.

You closed and locked the door so no one could disturb the two of you. Cautiously, you crossed the room, pausing in front of him. "Did you have trouble getting through the gate?" you asked carefully.

Reven grumbled and shook his head, not making eye contact with you.

You bit your lower lip, wondering what could have happened to make him so irritable. "What's bothering you? Did I say something wrong?"

He sighed, "no, not you. it's just...been a rough day." When you remained silent, he looked up and you noticed his eyelights had returned to normal: red with a ring of cyan in his left.

"my lv is acting up," he grumbled. "it takes a lot of concentration to suppress my magic like this. i just can't wait to leave as soon as possible..."

Well that certainly explained why he had been snappish all day. You knew he had a lot of LV but not exactly how much. Definitely more than you had since you didn't experience LV attacks, just increased urges for EXP.

"Maybe you should rest for a bit. We can investigate the city in a few hours when there's less eyes on the streets anyways."

[mediocrecowboyhat]

Set in sand - Chapter 24

We mark the year 1934 and a peculiar journal falls into your hands. It's telling the tale of an outlaw and the downfall of a gang. Some pages are torn and others are downright unreadable, but nevertheless, you are still able to make out some parts of the tragic story.

With the help of a certain time traveler friend of yours, will you be able to save the author of the journal or will you be the cause for his demise?

Previous chapter - Next chapter

Word count: 2.9k

TW: end-game spoilers will be mentioned very early on in the story, 18+ MDNI, sexual themes, violence, gore, death, misogynistic themes (anything that happens in the game as well), she/her pronouns

"We can blow that building up, alright, but we'd need to get inside. The pillars looked unstable to me.", Hosea explains into the round and everyone nods to themselves.

Dutch, Arthur and you are sitting on the balcony upstairs and listening to Hosea's plan regarding the distraction for the bank heist. He hasn't confided you in the finer details, wanting to have you present when he talks to the others.

"Didn't you say that the place was locked?", Arthur chimes in, scratching his cheek. The beard is a bit more visible now and you feel your lips curl up ever so slightly.

"It is, but I know how to get the keys and this is where you come on in.", the older man answers and his eyes land on you. "You said you knew him from before. I think, you should organize a meeting and get the keys from him."

It makes absolute sense for you to take the initiative in this, yes, but the weight of it makes you anxious. "Are you suggesting, that I steal them?"

"Precisely."

Everyone's gazes are on you and you feel an uncomfortable heat creep up into your face, but you mask your nervousness. Stealing something this small shouldn't put such pressure on you, but given the reason and importance behind it makes it a huge task.

"I can do that.", you finally manage to bring out and a pleased smile forms on Dutch's face.

"Perfect then!", he exclaims, throwing his arms into the air. "Whatever you need for the job, Miss, don't hesitate to ask. This is of great importance, after all."

You nod at his words and listen with only one ear as the conversation moves to another topic. The cogs and gears in your head are working on overdrive while you think of a good way to betray James yet again. The thought alone sends an unpleasant shiver down your spine.

As you get up from the chair to leave the balcony, Arthur falls into step beside you. His blue eyes fixate you from the side. "Do you want me to come with you?"

Tilting your head slightly, you contemplate his offer. Having a competent gun like him there would definitely make you feel more relaxed, but James isn't too fond of the outlaw. His presence might compromise your plans.

"No, that would be a bad idea.", you answer and shoot him a look that pretty much says 'after everything you've done to the poor man'.

Arthur immediately raises his hands in defence and shakes his head. "Hey, that ain't my fault. It was just one of 'em things."

"Sure. It's always one of them things with you." Your voice comes out more joking than upset and it earns you an easy and quick smirk from him. Then it vanishes as soon as it had appeared and is being replaced by a serious look.

"But you do need someone there with you. If things go bad..." Arthur leaves the rest unspoken and you nod.

"I know, I know. I already have someone in mind for the job."

"You do? Who?"

He follows your knowing gaze until his eyes land on a certain blonde woman, who is inspecting one of her guns at the moment. An amused scoff leaves his throat and he hooks his thumbs into his weapon belt.

"Sadie?", he ask, already knowing your answer.

"Exactly."

You wouldn't want anyone else riding with you (besides Arthur of course) and you trust her to have your back if things get ugly, which they most likely won't. Besides, you promised her to take her with you on a job at some point and James has seen her face at the saloon. It might be suspicious to bring someone new.

"Will you be leavin' now?", Arthur wants to know and leans against one of the pillars, crossing his legs.

"If she's ready, yes. I just want it to be over as quickly as possible."

A sigh leaves your lips afterwards and you run a hand over your face. Hopefully you all will be able to leave this place for good, once the heist is done with. And hopefully you won't run into James when he notices your betrayal.

"Are you sure you don't want me there? I'm not questionin' Sadie's competence of course.", the outlaw says and takes your hand in his. There is a certain hesitancy in that action, as if he's not sure you will let him touch you. "It's just that, this job is not not dangerous."

"I'm fine, don't worry. It's not the first time I'm stealing something."

And James won't suspect anything anyways.

Before pulling your hand away, you give his a gentle and reassuring squeeze. A smile forms on your face, but it doesn't quite reach your eyes. Arthur's fingers brush over yours as you turn away and walk towards Sadie.

Something flickers in her eyes when she lifts her head to meet your gaze, smirking. "Hello there."

"Are you busy?", you ask and she lifts her eyebrow in curiosity.

"Not really.", she answers, her voice laced with anticipation. She knows from your tone and expression that something is up.

"So remember how I told you that I'll take you with me on a job? Are you still interested?"

The woman's smirk turn into a wide grin and excitement washes over her face as she jumps up to her feet. "Are ya seriously askin' me that? When are we leavin'?"

"I was thinking about right now.", you answer, chuckling.

Next thing you know, she's dragging you towards the horses and you explain the plan to her during the ride. A thoughtful hum can be heard from her direction.

"And this guy isn't suspectin' anythin'?" Wariness laces her tone, but you don't share it. Rather confident, you shake your head.

"It didn't look like that to me when Hosea and I talked to him."

"Well, if anything goes to shit just say the word and I'll start shootin' up the place.", she exclaims with a heavy drawl and fishes a revolver out of her weapon belt to underline her words.

"Will do.", you murmur under your breath, hoping it won't come to that.

After a while the two of you find yourselves in a rather fancy neighborhood. Actually, you recognize riding through here in the coach with Hosea, Dutch and Arthur, back when you attended that garden party. James must live only a few houses away from that place.

You hitch your horse on the side of the street and take out the card he has given you. Checking if you're at the correct address, you step into the front yard and walk towards the door. Sadie is following close behind you, her hand always placed close to her holster.

After you ring the doorbell, it takes a few seconds for the large double door to be cracked open. An unfamiliar face greets you. It belongs to an old man with silver, slicked back hair and a face that strongly reminds you of an owl, but not in the same way the mayor did when you met him.

"How can I help you?", he asks in a slow way, dragging out pretty much every single word.

Clearing your throat, you show him the card James has given you. "I'm here on business matters."

His deep brown eyes read the delicately printed letters on that small piece of paper before nodding and he steps aside. With a quick look that you throw Sadie over your shoulder, you walk into the house.

The hallway is open and filled with all sorts of plants. It makes you feel like you're more in a botanical garden than a normal residency. The walls are painted in light colors and the floor is made out of white marble that reflects the sunlight coming through the many windows.

"If you'll follow me.", the old man rips you out of your thoughts and takes you up a flight of stairs, leading you into an office.

The room has a high ceiling with a chandelier hanging down in the middle and the walls are covered in book shelves. Your guess is that most of these books haven't even been read and are only here for decoration.

James is sitting at a wooden desk that is adorned with fine carvings and it seems like that piece of furniture is far too big for him. He's not a man of small built, but his surroundings really aren't doing him any favors. The wide windows behind him drown the entire office in warm sunlight.

Unfortunately there aren't any plants in sight, making the room a vast contrast to the rest of the house's interior. James looks up from the pile of paperwork infront of him and his entire face lights up in delight.

"You came already?", he speaks up and stands up from his desk chair. He gives the older man a quick nod to signal him that he can leave now.

"Yes, we'd like another look.", you answer, forcing a convincing smile.

"Ah and here I was, scared that you might back off from the deal.", he answers with a soft chuckle. A few of his blonde curls fall infront of his face and he brushes them back with his hand. Then his eyes fall on something behind you. "You're a familiar face, but I'm afraid that I missed your name."

Sadie steps forward to stand next to you, her stance more relaxed now than when you entered this place. "Sadie. Mrs. Sadie Adler."

"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Adler."

The two of you aren't wanted anywhere (yet), so you're free to give him your real names. Not that you believe that he will snitch on you anyways if he'd somehow find out that you're criminals. On the contrary, he seemed incredibly excited back in the saloon when he saw your guns.

"Shall we go then?", he suggests and you nod.

Outside, an open coach is already standing ready for your small group to use and you all climb in. Your eyes linger on the two horses that are hitched up infront of his property.

"Could you give us a ride back as well?", you ask, motioning with your chin towards Penthesilea and Sadie's horse.

"Of course! I was meaning to drop you off at wherever you're staying.", he answers in a matter of fact way. "Where are you staying, if I may ask?"

Sadie and you exchange subtle looks before you answer. "Hotel Grant."

It's the only hotel that you know of in Saint Denis. Much to your relief, James seems to buy it and he leans back into his seat, satisfied with your answer.

"Where is your business partner from yesterday?", he then wants to know with a raised eyebrow.

"He couldn't make it." Your answer comes out shorter and more curtly than intended, but he doesn't seem to take notice.

At this point you're starting to assume that James is naive and gullible in nature. You have given him plenty of reasons to be suspicious by now. What if he knows what you are and he just doesn't care? It's hard to say what would be worse.

"This warehouse.", you start, faking interest in the building. "Why aren't you using it anymore?"

The man sitting infront of you curls up his lips in an embarrassed way, as if he'd been caught doing something bad. "Well, I really shouldn't tell you this, but we've had some issues with mold the past few years."

That would explain the stench. You nod to yourself, but say nothing further about that topic. Mold is the least of your problems and you wish you could tell him that he shouldn't worry about it either.

As you get off the coach, you track every single movement James makes. From the moment he fishes out the keys from his pockets to when he stores them back. The location is a tad unfortunate, but nothing you can't manage. They're stored on the inside of his coat right at his chest.

Maybe I could pretend to trip and just slip my hand in there? Yes, that should work.

You walk around the building, careful not to breathe in too deeply. He wasn't kidding when he said that they've been fighting mold for a long time now. A quick look over your shoulder tells you that Sadie is on the other side, inspecting some pillars and the naked brick walls.

As you take a step onto the metal staircase, leading up into the office, you feel the structure wobble under your feet. A presence appears right by your side and you turn your head to face James. An apologetic smile is on his lips.

"That needs some fixing, yes.", he comments, his gaze set on the rusty stairs and you let out an agreeing hum. "I know it doesn't look too good, but I'll offer a great deal for the property. If you don't like the current state then surely you can tear this down and re-build it."

You pretend to think about it. "We'll see. I will have to get back to Hosea about that."

"I can send you a price, once I've gone over the logistics and documents. Hotel Grant was it?"

"Just drop it off at the post office.", you answer, not wanting him to snoop around at the hotel. If he'd do that, then your cover would be blown.

"And should I address it to you or your business partner?"

"Tacitus Killgore."

You take in his reaction with a subtle side glance. His eyebrows shoot up and he studies your side profile for a few seconds before responding. "Is that another partner or something?"

"It's kind of the boss.", you say, too unsure to possibly sound convincing, but nevertheless, he nods. Much to your surprise, he doesn't come off as suspicious at all and even drops the topic.

After Sadie and you have given the entire place a thorough look-over, you leave through the front door again and you observe where James puts back the keys. They're in his chest pocket again and you step aside to let Sadie climb into the coach first.

Just as you take a step forward towards the vehicle, you trip over your own feet, but luckily James catches you. He protectively wraps his arms around your form and you place both hands on his chest to support yourself.

An embarrassed chuckle leaves your lips and you look up to meet his gaze. Worry covers his expression and you force an apologetic smile as your hand slides into his coat. Your fingers find a small object and without him noticing anything, you grab it.

"I'm so sorry. I swear, these shoes will be the death of me.", you joke and pull away from his grasp.

The concern in his face is being replaced by relief when he sees that you're alright and he extends his hand to you to help you into the coach. "It's quite alright. The sidewalk here isn't the cleanest either."

"You really should stop falling all over the place.", Sadie chimes in, making your clumsiness more believable.

"This happens regularly, I take it?", James asks curious and Sadie gives him a big nod.

"You got no idea, pal. I'm surprised she hasn't lost a leg yet!"

"Real funny, Sadie.", you grumble with crossed arms and hide the key in your fist.

The ride back to James' house goes by with some light small talk and he shakes your hand before the two of you mount your horses. He waves you goodbye as you signal Penthesilea to carry you away, outside of the city. You feel his eyes in the back of your head, but you don't dare turn around.

"That went smoothly. You got the keys?", Sadie asks over the sound of galloping hooves. Once you're around several corners, you lift the metal object into the air for her to see.

"It was easy."

"I think that feller is sweet on ya.", she tease with a smirk, but you sternly shake your head.

"He knows that I have something going on with Arthur."

"That don't always stop folk from developin' feelings.", she argues and you let out a defeated sigh.

"Just don't tell Arthur about that. God knows what he might do to that poor guy."

And with that you're one step closer to your freedom.

---

"You did well, stealin' those keys." Arthur's rough voice brushes your ears as the tips of his fingers trace the outline of your knuckles.

The keys are now in Hosea's possession and him and some of the other boys will plant the dynamite inside that building, once the time comes. A deep sigh leaves your lips and the outlaw throws you a questioning look.

"Why do I feel like shit now? I didn't feel like that the other times I screwed people over.", you complain with your gaze set straight forward.

You find yourself resting on a chair at the front porch with Arthur sitting right beside you. A cigarette is tugged between his lips, a cloud of smoke covering most of his face. The both of you are sitting close together, fingers intertwined and thighs pressed together.

"You like him. For some goddamn reason." He grumbles the last part in an irritated way and you give his shoulder a playful slap.

That action earns you an amused smirk from him and he holds the cigarette between his fingers. Some of the ash falls down and you watch the glow die out on the wet wood.

"Don't worry 'bout it too much. Focus on the fact that you did a good job, alright?"

"Alright."

But it just doesn't want to let you go. 

Taglist: @shackspossum @abducted-cowz @heloixe

[allureasdiary]

𝑮𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑮𝒊𝒓𝒍𝒛 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒛𝒊𝒏𝒆: 𝑫𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑫𝒊𝒗𝒂

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧

As someone who's deal with skin problems all my life, from being acne prone due to genetics, to having PCOS doubling the problems I deal and have dealt with when it comes to my skin, to also being stress prone and insecure in my own skin for what felt like a very long time, etc, this is definitely a topic I've looked forward to for a while now. With that being said as you read down below, are my tips and things that I do or may have done that's improved my skin or help given me the look I desire

:( 𝐃ⱺᥣᥣ𝗒 𝐃ⱺω𐓣𝖾𝗋

♡♡♡ "When I was little, I caught very quickly what beauty was and what it meant to many people, including myself. Knowing that, I became insecure about many things, my skin being one of the biggest. From its skin color, to body hair, to the ridiculous amount of acne. Knowing I'd get older it got worse and worse. I felt depressed, ugly, inferior, etc compared to many people. I use to think "why them and not me" when I shouldce been thinking "what's stopping me?" I use to obsess over research constantly looking for the next "big thing" that would miraculously make all my skin proborm go away. Not realizing then but soon enough, if I wanted to be beautiful, I had to know I already was beautiful." ♡♡♡

𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐥𝐞, 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫, 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞

🧼 𝒞𝓁ℯ𝒶𝓃𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔

When it comes to any form of skincare, cleansing is the most important part. Our skin collects dirt, dead skin cells, oils, sweat, etc everyday regardless if we can see it or not which is also why cleansing it daily is important. Many skin problems can be fixed with the right cleansing. But remember don't be too harsh!

I like going in with a nonscented soap or antibacterial soap (i.e dial antibacterial, african black soap, etc). I call this a "deep cleanse" im not focusing on any scents, just making sure my skin is overall clean. I have sensitive skin, while it's not as bad as others I prefer being careful with what I use or how much I use. If you're feeling fancy and want that extra sparkle, Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap will have you feeling SO refreshed (I wish smb would've warned me when using it near the 🍪, i put it on my inner thighs long story short it had me wrapped up like a scrunchie in my blanket LMAO)

Now we can focus on scents for a bit. For this, I always use a body wash I don't have too many scented bar soaps. I love, love, love a good dove body wash, recently I've been using dove moisturizing body wash whenever I don't feel like wearing anything scented but still want that extra "clean smell" if that makes sense and this cucumber one it's so good!. It's perfect for a regular everyday scent. But I like trying other body washes as well. One of my favorite is definitely strawberry poundcake from bath & body works. (I won't go too deeply into scents on this post since I have a separate post for that however, it we going to look like a glazed donut we might as well smell like one too lol)

When I'm cleansing, towels also play an important role. I definitely don't like using just any towel. I have 2 seperate towels for separate things. I love towels that have that sort of hard scrubbing to it? Reminds me of an exfoliation gloves it makes me feel like I'm really scrubbing away all my dirt. When it comes to my 🍪 and princess parts I use a softer feeling towel and much more gentle when scrubbing (even though technically you're meant to gentle scrubbing your skin regardless so you don't scratch it or something)

🧽 𝓔𝔁𝓯𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷

Speaking of a good scrub, the next thing to make sure your skin looks like a yummy glazed donut is exfoliation! I won't lie to yall, I learned about exfoliation only about a few years ago. I had no clue how important it was until I learned more about it overtime. Since cleaning your skin is important, our skin not only carries dirt but dead skin cells as well, sometimes a simple washing can't always wash away those spots. This is where exfoliation comes in, it removes those dead skin cells from the outer layer of our skin. Not only can it improve texture but also brightened your complexion and even prevent breakout by unclogging your pores. If you love moisturizing like me, exfoliation enhances product absorption making it even more effective!

♡ Gourmand Guru: "It is recommended to exfoliate 2-3 times throughout the week. Remember what I said about harsh scrubbing? While exfoliating can be good you don't wanna irritate your skin either making it sensitive or tender. If you know your skin, I suggest seeing what works for you. Some people can exfoliate everyday, others only a couple days out of the week. The most important is you do what feels good to you. Use gentle exfoliate and pay attention to how your skin reacts if you're a first timer, this way you'll know what does and doesn't work. This includes paying attention to what kind of exfoliate you use, some can be used daily others cannot."

For me, when exfoliating I love using scented ones after the body wash. Currently my Wishlist is some dang tree hut scrubs (yall PLEASE stop buying them for a sec I wanna get some too everytime I go in there, the shit sold out man 😭)

I don't have exfoliating gloves yet (but I definitely want!), I do use loofah. I'm still trying to find a good quality african exfoliating net I've heard many good reviews on it so I for sure wanna try it out

I don't have too many scrubs right now but my Japanese cherry blossom one from B&B has been lasting quite a while for me.

🪒 𝓢𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰

So as yall know, I have PCOS (mentioned at top) and unfourtanetly 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️ I deal with a lot of body hair not only an Insecurity but struggle (yall I'm ready to laser blade ts off😭) but until then let's shave! Now I won't lie to yall, I really really hate shaving it's probably the one part of my routine that is very frustrating because if I'm getting some off I want it all off. Then there's cuts when using the razor too much and such, using a hair removal can get kinda messy, etc it's just a lot 😭 but nonetheless the after effects are worth the pain! Leaving the skin flawless and smooth. Shaving to me has its ups and downs as it can also sometimes cause ingrown hairs (which suck!) But if done right, you can minimize that from happening

So I know a lot of people recommend when using a razor, use a multi-blade one but I actually don't have the best experience with those. It gets hard to clean for me and I'm just not a big fan so single blade has worked great for me. (Remember when I said use what works best for you, this is a lovely example).

I HIGHLY recommend using a good shaving cream. This one i used called "pure silk spa therapy shaving cream" I love it so much 😩 and it has a nice smell to me. Some recommend shaving after shower when your body wet but it feels messy to me so I don't do too much water add the shaving cream and be done.

So, never use a razor to shave your face if you have facial hair use the thinner looking razor blade (ex: the first pink razor in the photo) as it can grow back faster and thicker. I don't recommend but when I'm on the go and don't really have time to do that...that razor gets the job done😭. Do I regret it? Yes, but was it worth it? Also yes.

🧴𝓜𝓸𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓲𝔃𝓮

Finally, there's moisturizing. Now this probably is my favorite part because as a black girl, the last thing we wanna be is freaking ashy 😭 and ofc after finishing the entire routine your skin may or may not feel Hella dry. Nonetheless that is taken care of with moisturizing, giving your skin a nice glow as well as hydrating your outer layer of skin and improve skin texture.

For me, I like lotions and what not that are creamy like squeeze out the bottle but body butters are really good during winter

For this section, to really get that glow I recommend using a body oil as well. Depending on how my skin has been I may mix a bit in my lotion, do it after I shower if I don't need to shave and so forth or I just apply after I've applied lotion. But body oil most definitely will leave you looking shimmery and glowy.

Glitter lotion I also recommend! I love sparkly skin like a doll so I try opting for lotions with some glitter in it if they ever have any, if not I like spraying body glitter on after applying.

💦 𝓦𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓻

I know this was lengthy but we we are finally on our last section but definitely not least, WATERRR. Some of my best skin days were when I didn't do too much and simply drunk water. Being hydrated will always have you with a refreshed glowing looking and bring color to you.

It is recommended for men to drink around 13 cups (3 liters) of water and for women around 9 cups (2 liters). Now me being me, idk if I can handle all that 😭 which is good that when drinking water, there's no one size fits all. For me I like drinking 4-6 bottles of water

EAT HEALTHY!! Good fruits and veggies definitely can go a long way, it'll have you looking good and feeling good too. Sometimes when it comes to out skin, it purges because dieting plays a part as well. Cut out those process foods, don't take in too many sweets and eat well proportioned balance meals. Don't eat any more then you have to and slowly lean to healthier snacking alternatives. For me, I've moved away from cakes and started snacking on some fruit with dark chocolate when I want something sweet or 1 toast, or if I want something a little savory then nuts especially almonds (my fav!) I can snack on those forever and it makes me wanna drink water (cus u eat and get to choking LMFAOO)

There you go dollies, this concludes my guide on "How to get Glazed Donut Skin". Let me know what you guys would like to see more of, this is my first post for the "Gourmand Girlz Magazine: Dollicious Diva" feature.

[slaaverin]

Your edits are so beautiful. They are so beautiful, and their wonderfully beautiful love.

Thank you for sharing your talent with us, and showing us them in such a profound way.

I wish other bloggers on here were respectful like you.

Thank you so much for your kind message 💜🥺

Editing is really what brings me the most joy in life. Since I became ARMY and jikooker I never stopped wanting to share jikook's beautiful love.

This isn't even our relationship, but I feel their love is very important. To me but also to the world. So by sharing it, and seeing all the messages of people saying it brings them comfort, I feel like I'm doing something useful.

Sometimes I can't help but think I make silly little edits and it's pointless but I still have this nagging feeling in my mind that there is some importance to this, even if I can't find the proper words to explain why. But I may be overthinking. It brings me joy, it brings other people joy and that's what matters.

I am so happy that people enjoy them, it's my only way so far to express myself, and even if this is jikook's love I can't help but put a little bit of myself in it so when people give me those huge and incredible compliments (they often do) I feel seen and heard and appreciated. It is very special to me because in real life I am isolated for several reasons, I don't have many friends to share things with. So I feel like in our lovely jikook community I can be myself and loved for who I am and what's inside me. It feels nice and it compensates some other lackings in my life.

So thank you so much 💜 Everything people say about my edits means so much more to me than any of you can imagine 😭

The truth is, I love Jimin & Jungkook so much, like many of you. I feel and know and understand how incredible humans they are. How pure and beautiful their soul is. They are people who truly deserve our unconditional love. And what they share, their relationship, it is simply so wonderful.

We are in a world where everything is mingled, the good the bad and the ugly. But Jimin & Jungkook and the love they share, what they represent and how they are in this world, that's something that I resonate with, that draws me in, because I wish more people were like this. I wish the world would be a little more beautiful and loving and pure.

It is not like this. But the fact Jimin & Jungkook and their love exist, it's like a reminder, a lighthouse that shows the way, that says to us "Look, it's possible, it's not all bleak, there is something more, remember it."

It all comes down to love, in the end. Like all the drama and all the trauma and all the pain and all the fear, it's just stories, it's all fleeting. But what matters is love. That's the fundamental thing that everything is based on. So that's what matters to me.

And that's why I will continue to make silly edits, and that I can't help talking about jikook to everyone I know, that's why even if the groups splits up I will always support them no matter what. Because what else is there? What else truly is worth supporting?

I hope people can take inspiration from them and be a little more like them. Not everyone one will, but even if a single person does I think they would have succeeded.

I can't wait to see how the future enfolds, and be there with all of you to follow their life journey.

That was quite a lenghty oversharing post but who cares it's my blog lol

I will always try to remain respectful, I think it's a basic human thing to do, so once again thank you so much 😭💜

I hope I can make many more edits in the future that will make you smile,

Take care anon 💜

[letsgobarbs]

Hi! Welcome to my masterlist :D

If there is anything you like in my work please comment or reblog! I started writing a few months ago and the best part is someone enjoying what you made and then fangirling over it together. It also helps make new friends <3

The header and divider are from @saradika-graphics page.

Love, Marriage & Affairs

Pairing: Tim Rockford x F!Reader

Summary: Convinced your husband doesn’t want you, you turned to Jack for some help. The situation unravels and all secrets come to light.

Length: 3 Chapters (Complete)

His Priestess

Pairing: Marcus Acacius x F!Reader

Summary: Marcus Acacius finds his life spared at the behest of a Vestal Virgin who faces unimaginable consequences for challenging the Emperors. Accused of unchastity and sentenced to a live burial, Acacius follows his saviour through her last night in this world. He knew the Gods could be merciless, but to tempt him with love before ripping her away from him was an act of cruelty he had not imagined. 

Length: 4 Chapters (Completed)

His Young Wife

Summary: A spin-off series of His Priestess. An alternate life of Acacius and his anaticula, where she never became a Vestal and they married young.

Length: 7 Chapters (WIP)

Christmas With Jack And Marley

Pairing: Jack Daniels x F!OC

Summary: Agent Whiskey invites himself to Agent Gin’s family Christmas celebration as a cover for a very important mission. He only has a day, just until the Christmas Gala Dinner, to complete his mission. But will he be able to complete his mission? And evade discovery? Especially with Gin’s niece watching him too closely over Christmas Eve.

Length: 6 Chapters (Completed)

Homecoming

Pairing: Dave York x Queer Muslim!OC

Summary: Just like any other war, coming home was no easy feat. He had returned from his fight with McCall more broken, lost and alone than ever before. He'd lost his friends, his brothers. His family had moved on with their lives. With both his legal and not-so-legal jobs on hold, he finds purpose, direction and an anchor in Maryam. She is the bright spot in a world he has stopped caring about, and far too sweet and innocent for the likes of him. Dave is nothing if not a selfish man and he will find a way to bottle his personal ray of sunshine— if only he can convince her to take a chance on her friend’s ex-husband.

Length: 3 Chapters (Ongoing)

Note: This story is only available on my ao3 for now, I will move it to Tumblr once I have written more. The progress is a bit on the slow side but I will not be abandoning this work because it is something personal and brings me joy.

A FOOL'S TRIP

Pairing: Harry Castillo x F!Reader

Summary: Just as Harry Castillo is about to divorce his wife, who is obsessively in love with him, he begins to hear her thoughts. And she doesn't seem to be as enamoured with him as she had led him to believe.

Length: Prologue

A Groom On The Bride Train

Pairing: Hard of Hearing!Pero Tovar x Facially scarred, F!Reader

Summary: Short of employment opportunities in a cold winter, Pero decides to interview for the servant's post advertised on the tavern wall— a decision that lands him abducted and bundled into a wagon full of women, bound for a mysterious town where he is supposed to be married.

Length: 1/3 Chapters (Ongoing)

One-Shots:

Carpenter!Joel Miller x Reader x Lumberjack!Logan Howlett: Just smut. You forgot to place an order with the local lumberjack that your boss Joel has asked you to. Logan takes a little fee to expedite your order; Joel doesn't like that Logan got to you first.

The Plant Nanny: Fluffy and sweet. Javier Peña fails to keep up with his New Year’s Resolution and reminisces about life with his sweetheart after quitting the DEA. Javi P x GN!Reader.

Crying Cryptids and Canoodling Cupids: Javi G has a very bad day and accidentally makes his soulmate cry. Meet ugly. Javi Gutiérrez x Plus Size F!Reader.

Kermit (Pedro Pascal Close Encounter 50th) x AFAB!Reader: PWP, stinky kermit and pegging.

Moodboards:

Javier Peña x South Asian Reader

Joel Miller x Black, Muslim Reader

Retired!Javier Peña x Muslim Reader

Dieter Bravo x Muslim Reader

Marcus Pike x wheelchair user Reader

Clint (Freaky Tales) x Reader

Joel Miller x Reader

Ramadhan with Frankie and Family

My Lore Masterlist

Drabbles and Ideas:

Reed Richards Series of Smutty Ideas

Javi Gutierrez x Reader (Enemies to Lovers)

Tommy x Reader x Joel (smut)

Clint (Freaky Tales) x Camgirl!Reader (smut)

Cult Leader!Lucien de Leon x Reader (smut)

Retired!Javier Peña x Wife!Reader (Arranged Marriage/Marriage of Convenience)

Dieter Bravo x Reader

Joel Miller x Wife!Reader (fluff)

Retired!Whiskey x Neighbour!Reader (Playful fluff)

Stalker!Frankie Morales x Reader

Jackson!Joel Miller x Reader