#and so much drama that may ensue because of it

[afragmentcastadrift]

An interesting part of the Bell's Hells dynamic is how much the party is both overtly and subtly framed by loss. Each of them carries the scars of personal experience wherein they lost someone or something (friends, memories, years), or have wandered on their own looking for answers, a mooring, family. They all united under Bertrand's employ and wary friendship only to lose him. Dorian left their embrace by choice and purpose, but that still registers as a severing from something once whole. And now, the group is, for the most part, so quick and so eager to fill that gap and smooth those jagged edges by welcoming in another outcast and misfit, another person on the periphery and in-between. This rag tag band has so much love to give because they all recognize how ephemeral life is, and damn if that doesn't leave them so exposed.

[ineffable-rohese]

Neil's picks for Aziraphale & Crowley's Angelic Playlist were Cry Me a River (Julie London), The Book of Love (Peter Gabriel), and The Show Must Go On (Queen).

Three songs. Two about the aftermath of a break up, and one about coming together in love. So very clearly, we can infer a Crowley POV song, an Aziraphale POV song, and a song for the two of them and their happily ever after. (Song lyrics for all three after the cut for reference.)

The Book of Love is a perfect wedding song. It's a song to play under two people declaring their desire to spend eternity together. With lines about dancing and reading and it's perfect. It's originally a Magnetic Fields song that was released in 1999. Peter Gabriel recorded a cover in 2004 for the movie Shall We Dance about which I know nothing but the Wikipedia summary. But since we know how movies are important here... It's a standard rom-com with a bored Richard Gere secretly taking up ballroom dancing after following a pretty lady from the train (J-Lo). His wife (Susan Sarandon) thinks he's cheating, turns out nope, just dancing, drama ensues, he gives up dancing but eventually his wife becomes supportive and he realizes he loves his wife. And dancing. And they live happily ever after, with both of them getting what they want. Maybe we can draw some parallels here? But I think the song speaks for itself better than its connection with what sounds like a standard early 2000s romcom.

The individual songs are where it gets interesting.

Cry Me a River was first released by Julie London in 1951, but became popular after she sang it in the 1956 film The Girl Can't Help It starring Jayne Mansfield as an aspiring rock 'n roll singer. Again, relying on Wikipedia here, but there is an interesting bit about a blossoming forbidden relationship, wiretapped phones, and someone editing the recordings to keep the love affair secret. But again, it's probably a stretch to look too deeply into the movie.

The song has a very classic jazz feel. It's from a decade and a half later, but if you were, say, an angel who enjoyed Moonlight Serenade or A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square, it has a similar feel. You definitely wouldn't say it's bebop. The lyrics are about someone who was in love and had their heartbroken. Their former love (who never shed a tear over the break up) has returned and wants to make up. The singer essentially says "you love me? Prove it. Cry me a river like I cried when you left." Which, fair, but in our context, ouch.

The Show Must Go On is a Queen song, and we know how much Queen we hear in association with Crowley in particular. But this just isn't any Queen song. It was written by Brian May about Freddie Mercury's struggles as he neared the end of his life, and it was recorded in 1990. (Coincidentally or not, the year Good Omens was published, a book co-created by friends, one of whom would die too soon, and the other of whom would reflect on his friend's end of life struggles as the story was told more fully. Yes, I'm crying about this.)

In the song, the singer is fighting to reach a place of freedom, away from empty spaces and heartbreak. They are fighting with pure will, and even though their heart is breaking they smile and carry on because the show must go on.

What I really appreciate here with the POV songs, is that they are cross-coded. Queen is Crowley-coded, but the song about someone fighting through heartbreak to achieve something vital, while forcing a smile for the audience? That's absolutely Aziraphale in Heaven. And the 40s/50s jazz ballad is absolutely Aziraphale's style, but the jilted lover who may be willing to give their love a second chance but needs to see proof that the lover cares as much as they do is Crowley all the way.

It's almost like... Well it's almost like even in their separation, they are each carrying a piece of the other. The book of love has music in it, indeed.

The Book of Love

The book of love is long and boring No one can lift the damn thing It's full of charts and facts, and figures And instructions for dancing But I I love it when you read to me. And you You can read me anything.

The book of love has music in it In fact that's where music comes from Some of it's just transcendental Some of it's just really dumb But I I love it when you sing to me And you You can sing me anything

The book of love is long and boring And written very long ago It's full of flowers and heart-shaped boxes And things we're all too young to know But I I love it when you give me things And you You ought to give me wedding rings

Cry Me a River

Now you say you're lonely You cry the whole night thorough Well, you can cry me a river, cry me a river I cried a river over you

Now you say you're sorry For bein' so untrue Well, you can cry me a river, cry me a river I cried a river over you

You drove me, nearly drove me out of my head While you never shed a tear Remember, I remember all that you said Told me love was too plebeian Told me you were through with me and

Now you say you love me Well, just to prove you do Come on and cry me a river, cry me a river I cried a river over you

The Show Must Go On

Empty spaces, what are we living for? Abandoned places, I guess we know the score, on and on Does anybody know what we are looking for?

Another hero, another mindless crime Behind the curtain, in the pantomime Hold the line Does anybody want to take it anymore?

The show must go on The show must go on, yeah Inside my heart is breaking My makeup may be flaking But my smile, still, stays on

Whatever happens, I'll leave it all to chance Another heartache, another failed romance, on and on Does anybody know what we are living for? I guess I'm learning I must be warmer now I'll soon be turning, round the corner now Outside the dawn is breaking But inside in the dark I'm aching to be free

The show must go on The show must go on Inside my heart is breaking My makeup may be flaking But my smile, still, stays on

My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies Fairy tales of yesterday, grow but never die I can fly, my friends

The show must go on The show must go on I'll face it with a grin I'm never giving in On with the show I'll top the bill I'll overkill I have to find the will to carry on On with the show Show Show must go on, go on, go on, go on, go on, go on, go on, go on

[shytastemakerthing]

heyo!

Do you think you could write a oneshot of the riddle x reader. Reader and riddle are in a relationship.

The reader is jealous because she feels riddle is paying more attention to some one else so she boldly and confidently walks up to him, grabs his face, and kisses him, not even slightly embarrassed. And then of course, drama ensues lol.

Have a wonderful day!

Hello and thank you so much for your request! I am so sorry with how late this is, but I do hope that you enjoy this! Have a great night!

Tw: None

Prompt: Riddle Rosehearts with a jealous s/o

You really didn't understand just as to why you were so jealous, seriously, you didn't

Riddle was a housewarden, it was only natural that he would have to spend some time with the students of his dorm to ensure that they were performing at their best

He may have been more lenient with the rules ever since his overblot but that was still no reason to be slacking off

This was something that you understood when you began dating, or as he liked to call it, courting, him.

But it was starting to happen more and more frequently

As in, hours a day with one student after another, whether it be for tutoring, reprimands over more strict rules that actually did make sense, or even just planning for all the unbirthday parties that the dorm happens to hold

After that, he was just busy with his own studies, housewarden meetings, the duties he held as said housewarden

Needless to say, the longer you had to spend away from him , the more he had to be around other students merely to help will certainly begin to bring out the jealousy in you

..............BAD

Honestly, it felt childish. He was going to be busy but you just couldn't help it

At this point, it had been five days since you last actually saw him, three days since he last managed to respond to any message you sent him (you didn't flood his phone with messages, just a few here and there to not be too bothersome), but even then, it was just a simple and curt message then it was radio silence for hours or days on end.

You had enough at this point

Thankfully, Trey and Cater were able to point you in the direction that they last saw Riddle in, in the Heartslabyul lounge

And just as they said, there he was

......... Tutoring yet another student

And if you were being honest, they looked a little too close for comfort. The other student, not Riddle. Riddle was a sweetheart who was very strict when it came to his relationship with you. No funny business with anyone else. He was yours and you were his

But the coil finally snapped

Without so much as a word, you marched yourself right on over

Riddle had barely managed to register your presence was just about to question you if everything was okay or if you needed anything when you quite literally yanked him up by the lapels of his school jacket and slammed your lips to his, stunning the poor redhead silent, his face matching his hair

Whether by rage or embarrassment, we have yet to find out

In his mind, you had certainly lost yours (man wasn't the biggest on PDA like this)

In yours, you were marking what was yours and making that well known to any other student

At this rate, you have had enough with the fleeting sight of red hair past the corner, either off to help another student within his dorm or too busy attending his housewarden duties. A full week had gone by since the last time you were able to see him, to just sit down and study with one another or have lunch or tea. Not even a response in your messages, the last one being three days ago, and it was just a response to you telling him to have a good night.

Needless to say, you were absolutely over not being able to see him, and when you did, being with someone else who needed his help. You weren't even sure if the other house wardens were needed by their own students this much. Well, there were a few you could count out of that list.

But today? Today is where it all ended.

Trey had been in the Heartslabyul kitchens preparing for the next Unbirthday party that was to take place the following day, Cater with him, mostly to take pictures of what Trey was baking, looking for that #totallymagicamable dish...... Cater's words not yours and seeing you? Well, they knew just why you were here.

"If you're looking for Riddle, I saw him heading to the lounge with another student fifteen minutes ago."

Trey, the ever present seven sent, was the one to inform you of where your boyfriend had been. SO that is exactly where you went.

Making it to the lounge, you saw him sitting on one of the longer sofa's with one of his students that you didn't quite recognize, but what you did know, was that they looked a little too cozy, seeming scooting slightly closer to Riddle with each passing moment, looking like they were trying to be rather subtle about this.

Even if Riddle didn't notice, you certainly did.

Marching your way right to the sofa, the clicking of your shoes was enough to alert Riddle that someone else was approaching, and the moment your gaze met, before he could question you, your hands grasped his jacket lapels rather roughly, wrinkling the fabric with the sheer force of your grip, effectively lifting him from the sofa with whatever strength you possessed that he certainly was not aware of until now.

You were certainly delighted by the small squeak that he let out the moment you slammed your lips onto his, tasting the strawberry of the chapstick that you had given to him, hearing his breathing picking up just a bit, hands fumbling, trying to find out where to hold you, before the moment ended.

His face was as red as his hair, fumbling over his words, and eyes blown wide. The student who was with him looked just as stunned if not slightly uncomfortable as well. Good, serves them right for trying to move in on who was rightfully claimed.

"As soon as you are finished here, you better meet me at my dorm or so help me, I will find you again and drag you there myself."

Tutoring ended early that day.......

Thank you so much for your request!!

[ikamigami]

I'm scared that the longer Sun's alcohol problem will be ignored the more reckless he'll act and it'll eventually lead to a drama..

"What reckless things he did?" You probably ask yourself now.

After he started drinking alcohol he became more aggressive when angry, he was flirting with Foxy when he seemed weirded out whenever ship was mentioned before, he gave Dazzle 5 boxes of Dum Dums (the smallest box that I found had 120 lollipops which is 780g of candy 😭 and he gave Dazzle 5 boxes which is 3,9 kg of candy.. 🫠) and he stole sushi for 100$.. it's a lot of money.. this restaurant lost close to 15 500 yen.. you can for yourself how much this amount is valuable but it's a lot..

So you can see that Sun acts more and more recklessly.. I'm betting that Moon's mental breakdown happened later then Sun teaching Dazzle because we know that Sun took care of Moon afterwards.. or that's what I think.. Sometimes it's really hard to tell when it comes to the timeline of events in these shows..

Anyway even if this may not seem as a big deal for you.. it may become a big problem sooner or later..

I'm afraid that Sun will do either something really dangerous or stupid and the drama will ensue..

He already broke a law because he stole something..

I'm slightly disappointed (I can't find better word) with Earth because while surprised at first that Sun wanted to give Dazzle 5 boxes of Dum Dums she let him do this eventually..

It doesn't matter that Dazzle is huge.. I think that no one should it almost 4 kg of candy.. 😕 (if human ate this amount of candy in one sitting they'd risk having cardiac problems which can end up with death)

Like I said in one of my posts I think that Earth ignores signs that Sun has some serious issues because she feels safe around her older brother and doesn't want to disrupt this. Even if it's understandable that she wants to rely on her older brother I think that she knows better than that and should at least recommend Sun going to a different therapist..

I like Earth and I'm sure that she wants to have some peace in her life after all these traumatic events that happened. Even if she was sharing most of her problems with Solar it's easy to see that she views Sun as a safe person, a safe place she can rest in..

The first person she went to after Lunar killed Eclipse was Sun. I bet that she feels comforted by the fact that Sun is the oldest and despite that he went through a lot he's still the same caring person. She views Sun as someone who is smart especially in regard to social and emotional matters..

Around Sun she lets herself act like a younger sister she is. She feels safe and lets herself act silly knowing that her older brother is right there for her..

That's why she can't be Sun's therapist. Because even if she cares about Sun deeply she favorizes their sibling relationship more than therapist - patient relation. It's because it's a conflict of interests. Sun is Earth's older brother so she seeks comfort in him so when he comes for therapy from her it completely switches their places, it flips their relationship totally..

Even if she tries her best to distance herself from being Sun's younger sister during therapy sessions it's impossible to completely eradicate the way she views him. Also it's way harder for Sun to open up to her because she's his younger sister - someone he takes care of, not the other way around..

So now when Earth is physically distanced from Sun due to him living in completely separated area from her and he's seemingly doing better - he seems more relaxed (due to alcohol intake), she ignores any signs that Sun has some serious issues because he's her older brother and she feels safe around him so naturally she doesn't want to disrupt it..

"He seems so happy. The happiest I've ever seen him. If he had a problem, he'd definitely tell me about it." - I can imagine that's what Earth is thinking to herself.

It's completely fine because it's normal that she wants her older brother to feel better.. but it's not okay that she tries to give him therapy when she clearly isn't suited to help him due to conflict of interests..

[tumblingxelian]

Honest question, what do you think a well-written "Jason lives" story would look like?

Like, if Death in the Family still happened, but Bruce saved Jason before it was too late, then odds are there would still be consequences resulting from how BADLY the Joker brutalized him.

Hmm, OK so with your starting premise and utilizing my knowledge of comics to come but also the fact that if Jason lived then certain ideas and plots would be nixed... While all still colored from my perspective, here is my general take:

So, first, rather than Bruce saving Jason I'd say Jason actually manages to save himself, either because he released his mother or managed to half talk her through disarming the bomb.

I know the original splash page has Bruce pulling him from the rubble but that makes zero sense even by comics standards, he and Sheila should be charred corpses.

So, the bomb is disarmed or they managed to get out cos he released Sheila and Bruce arrives to whisk Jason away to medical treatment with Sheila keeping his head above water.

The exact next sequence is harder to make sense of at first, but here's the thing. The original comic could let Joker get away with learning who Jason was behind the mask because he 'died' soon after and then 'came back'. He also initially mistook Tim for Jason. So, given his state of mind it can be... Tacitly tolerated that he never deduced or used Bruce's identity.

Here, that's a bigger issue and so I will say that to keep the tracks covered as much as they can...

Sheila is kept in custody because while Bruce is furious with her, she did keep Jason alive & separating them seems like a bad idea, though she is to be closely watched by Leslie & Alfred.

Unfortunately, the intel she gave him on Joker's plan was slightly false and she used her time to slip away to go after the clown herself, intent on a redemption arc.

There's messages, misunderstandings, truths revealed and another arrest that doesn't last, before Joker is once again in a helicopter trying to escape but this time with Sheila who shoots him, but he shoots her back as he lays dying and the helicopter crashes.

They cannot find Joker's body but Sheila stayed above long enough to die later, musing on where her life led her, the importance of getting a chance to do something, and that Jason is a real good kid, better than she or Bruce deserve.

This is deeply tragic, mostly conceptually and philosophically, but still.

This is enough to make Bruce sort of ease up on Jason, but at the expense of becoming more overprotective in general. Which is hard to argue with as Jason is doing physical therapy and Dick has a broken leg.

So the drama for the ensuing period is Bruce trying to bench key allies and family ETC, so he can keep them safe while still running himself more ragged, but not quite as terribly as his suicidal spiral in canon.

He also has ideas on sending Jason to a semi boarding school to try and keep him out of super heroics. If he succeeds, this plan will still fail and likely ends up forming the nexus of Jason's own mini team with Eddie and Rose. But also would fail to keep him out of Gotham sufficiently. Still he may be at Brentwood some of the time so one can justify solo Batman stories & some more school time adventures for Jason.

But before all that happens, we have a new player in the field.

The Spoiler!!!

That's right, into the arena is the one, the only Stephanie Brown. She's here to spill the tea and kill her dad, and maybe protect her community on the side.

Best part?

Bruce either does not know who she is at first, or has zero jurisdiction over her and can't gain any without revealing his identity or attacking a teenager for trying to help and she is slippery regardless.

Basically, one of the people who helps crowbar Bruce back into tolerating help is Stephanie basically keeping her original give no fucks about Batman attitude and doing her own thing.

Their relationship is likely a bit contentious and back and forth, far more hands off, not quite mentoring, but also less outright toxic than canon.

She & Jason probably have a thing and bond over some shared and different history stuff, but I don't see it being the mainstay relationship.

Young Justice is likely found eventually under similar circumstances, though Stephanie likely gets to be a member this time, as do Eddie & Rose.

I think the team would be less, Kon, Kid Flash & Robin and more like a cycling mass of active or present members, dealing with an overseer.

Basically a comic series to throw lots of different personalities power sets and problems together and see what dynamics emerge as popular.

After that, less sure.

My ideal is Jason goes to university or maybe has to stay with Young Justice or some other area full time and adopts his own hero persona while Steph gets a run as Robin alongside Cassandra as Batgirl.

Otherwise most major storylines, save one's reliant on Jason being dead, still happen. Steph likely has a less horrible time as Spoiler, but is also maybe always and forever more overtly on the outs so she might not get Robin as she might not want it. (Though maybe during No Man's Land...)

See what I mean about the plot drift?

War Games may still happen but probably with a very different, though not inherently better cos Bruce's plan was dumb, resolution.

Also Joker does return, sadly, and there's always likely a hovering question as to whether he knows the truth of their identities but its never confirmed, or isn't until he dies again.

[kapposuch]

You get in a fistfight

Bad Batch x reader (headcannons)

Warnings: Fighting, Alcohol, Slightly suggestive in some spots, nothing too spicy though

I'm super fucking ill rn and have been recovering from a medical procedure so here's some 100% self serving headcannons about my favourite group of boys because I'm itching for some sort of drama <3

apologies if this isn't great but I'm here to entertain myself for the long run

Scenario

It's an easy going night, and you're all in Cid's parlour, sitting in a booth and relaxing with drinks after a lovely payout from a very high-risk high-reward job. As the night went on, the rowdier you happened to get, as did the remainder of the group of people that had come into the parlour to bet on Omega's killer games of Dejarik, much to Hunters disdain.

An imposing zabrak seemed pretty intent on getting hefty winnings, so when things didn't go his way and he was beaten by the girl with the sunny smile, he too, got rowdy.

You were heading back from the bar with another round of drinks served by Cid, when he grumbled some obscenities towards Omega, to which, you were very much not impressed. Now, you're in no way a helicopter parent over this 5-parent child, but like hell were you letting that slide.

Can't have a Ho-down without a throw-down.

And so, you hit the fuck it button, my personal favourite, and take one of the drinks to pour down his face. A fist fight ensues. Naturally.

Hunter

He wants to be surprised, he really does, but he saw this coming from a mile away

sort of just sits there and sighs, a lil shake of his head as he waits for you to finish this man and head back to them

he is in no way, shape, or form, worried about you. in the same way he'd let his brothers kick up a bar fight without stepping in to help, he'll do the same with you, because clearly, you can handle yourself.

and Christ, can you handle yourself

fists are flying, people are cheering, and Hunter feels a twinge of pride come barrelling towards him

a sort of 'hey, I taught them that' moment

you're honestly having the time of your life, which is valid, but also makes you some what of a target

if someone else steps in to help the zabrak who instigated, he's sure as shit gonna stand up and give them the coldest glare known to man.

you're definitely relying on hand to hand right now, keeping on your toes and being swift, all the while being at least a tad tipsy, which, props to you, Hunter is shocked by your tenacity

the fight doesn't take long to end, especially since you're hyped enough to take on a Rancor. last time he did that, it took Wrecker at least 10 minutes, and all of his own energy to do that

he'll settle you by his side once it's over, and have a sort of look that says 'you really shouldn't have' while he cuddles you tight to his side and takes a swig of his drink

if you're wounded in any way, expect some PDA. while it's not usually his go to, he's not particularly sober so wouldn't mind kissing your knuckles or grazing his fingers across your cheeks to check for cuts or scratches.

if there's anything bad, he'll scoop you into his lap and make sure to rub or kiss you better, and promises to administer first aid whenever you're ready to go

he knows alcohol works like a numbing agent, so either way, you'll be feeling it in the morning. so he may as well let you enjoy the rest of your fun as to not leave a sour taste in your mouth

he's proud as fuck, honestly.

depending on how much he's drank, he'll coo into your ear how much he'd love to 'spar' with you another time to help you out with some techniques.

all the while, snaking his arms around your waist, resting them on your thighs, and giving a light squeeze.

nothing better than some possessive squeezes to ignite the fire in your belly

Wrecker

now,

in most circumstances, this man would just stand up when this asshat throws, or even threatens, to punch you, and that would just about chase anyone away

but he's had some drinks, and wants to witness chaos as much as the next good Samaritan. and who are you to deny the sunshine rainbow boy a healthy dose of chaos

there is a lot of items being thrown, much to Cid's clear disdain, but you don't care. you have claimed a chair and it is no longer for sitting, it's an improvised projectile

you land plenty of hits on this poor sod of a man, before he eventually backs down, all the while Wrecker is experiencing the entertainment of his life

it's hilarious to see someone he'd consider relatively calm lose their shit and start swinging, and to have that person be his? he already knows you have his back no matter what, but you have sealed the deal

"Your hand, I need it. so I can marry you."

"What?"

"Nothing."

you're probably hurt. you threw a chair, hon, you're gonna be hurt, it probably ricocheted and bounced directly off your skull, which

I'm not saying is a good thing, but I'm so glad, it made him keel over laughing. he cares but Christ it was beautiful.

if you come back to him hurt, he'll start pestering Tech to take a look at you, all the while cradling you like a baby and providing you with kisses and compliments on your wild gremlin-like fighting skills

you fit perfectly in his lap, so that's where you're staying, where he can keep you safe and let you calm down from all the excitement.

he's proud. he shouldn't be, because you just about beat that man within an inch of his life, but he's proud.

"That's ma' pardner!"

sounds like a cowboy because since when does he pronounce words properly. we love him though, our big dumb cowboy

you're the chaotic duo no one asked for

if it happens again (it probably will), no holding back. he will start throwing things. including his food if necessary

Tech

he was waiting for this.

saw it coming a mile away

you're not the best at fighting but you're not the worst, so he wants to let it play out, but at the same time, he's calculating the chances of a tipsy, maybe even drunken you winning a fight with someone who's clearly more sober than you are

but he knows better than to underestimate the power of alcohol, and his love of course

most of the time is spent staring down at his holopad, with the occasional glance up to check that you're still physically standing

at some point, he gets bored of not having your presence next to him, so he'll stand and make himself known to your assailant

"I'd recommend sitting back down, y/n. It's clear someone so desperate for masculine validity isn't going to back down until you're giving in."

You look at him with the most confused eyes, having just about no idea what he said, but you know it was a roast as this zabrak has eyes on Tech

now, our sweet boy has no reason to prove himself. he's plenty good in battle, as you've seen, and it's naturally a mistake to try and take on a clone

your foe just about throws himself towards Tech with quite a lot of force, to which goggles simply steps to the side, takes his dance partner by the wrist and thigh, and tosses him over his head onto the floor

you're absolutely gobsmacked

Tech seems utterly unfazed and grabs you by the wrist this time, gently pulling you back to the table, all the while stepping over this poor bastard sprawled on the dirty floor

he sits you down, gives you a once over for bruises or wounds, before getting comfy and diving into his holopad

he shuts things out for a little while, though eventually, a free hand makes its way to lace fingers with yours between you

he'll lean over and whisper as to not interrupt his brothers conversation

"If you like, I'll teach you proper self defence. You're fine on your own, but it'd be smart to learn suitable techniques."

it's endearing, and the sort of compliment that doesn't sound like one, but you know it is, and you absolutely agree to it

anything to spend more time with him

Echo

he's stunned for the most part, considering how calm you often tend to be around him

but he's not seen a bar fight since he was last at 79's with the 501st

a blast from the past, but a welcome one all the same

he's close to getting up and joining you while you're throwing punches, but he decides against it. he'll step in if you need him, so he'll just sit back and watch

considering he's had quite a few, and despite being half machine, he's still got the guts and brain of a clone, he's happily tipsy

some of the patrons don't seem so happy to be dodging a fight between a complete gremlin and a man with a dick smaller than your pinky nail, and you get a few threats from others mid fight

you're already too focused on your swings, dodging here and there to notice the words

Echo noticed though

now, he promised himself he wouldn't get involved, but now that you're getting threats to be ganged up against?

no sir.

he's swearing like a sailor, honestly. throwing a few 'shit's and 'bastards' here and there as he grumbles his way over to you

the zabrak eventually notices he's got what looks like a tank of a man hounding up the way behind you, and gradually raises his hands, asking to drop the fight

you have no idea Echo is now behind you, and with a healthy swing, you get a nice crack to your foes jaw

and down he goes

everyone gets back to it and your opponent, slumped on the dirty floor where he belongs, is left to sit

by the time you realise Echo is behind you, he's already chuckling, snaking his arm around your waist to pull you to his chest

he's mighty proud of you for handling the situation, and tells you he came for moral support, or defence if anyone else got involved, leaving you giddy

"good job, mesh'la, maybe you could... show me some of your moves another time?"

leaves a rough kiss on your cheek, almost as if to say to the rest of the parlour, 'this ones mine'

confident drunk. change my mind. I dare you

he's a bit too whizzed to check you for injuries, but so are you. you're not feeling anything but a flame in your belly as you sit down with him, almost on his lap

he won't let you go for the rest of the night, always reaching around you to pick up his drink to take a sip. his arm will not unwrap from you. you're stuck with him

I don't think you mind, though ;)

Crosshair

he really wants to care

but Jesus Christ he's had enough of this shit from the good ol' days with the rest of the 99'ers when wrecker would throw his food tray

but honestly? entertainment factor just went up

watching his drunk little partner stumble around with a switch blade, god knows where you got it from, was so funny to him

he's doing his best to hide his grin, but considering his brothers are all far to drunk or unbothered to point it out, he lets go and simply gets comfortable

eventually, your swinging slows out of exhaustion, since you're pretty sleepy from the mission

cross notices pretty quick, and considers getting up

he waits a moment more to see what the zabrak does, until his grimy, dirty hand grabs your bicep

oh no. not a chance, buddy.

Cross still doesn't move from his seat, but simply pulls his own tactical knife from it's sheath and it absolutely flies across the room

in the zabrak's bicep

all's fair, right? he touches you, he gets punishment, yeah?

the zabrak just about screams and rips the blade from his arm, blabbering on about how the pair of you are crazy, before running off

you, still a tad weary, pluck his blade from the floor and look over to a very possessive looking Crosshair, whom is patting the space of the booth beside him, silently demanding you sit

you do as your told, snuggling into his side, and he simply leans down with a quiet whisper

"if you wanted my attention, all you had to do was ask, cyare."

his arm is snaked around you, and his hand comfortably glued to your thigh.

he's not letting you out of his sight

and god, he's glad he gave you a switch blade. maybe you need lessons

he'd happily oblige on the conditions that you... return favours for him

[iheartgod175]

So, that Star Fox x KonoSuba idea…

It’s had an insane grip on my brain. To the point where my good buddy @blazing-shadows had to spam me with fifty messages, haha XD

Basically, this is what happens when you get your yearly itch for one of your favorite franchises and add in the game that you’ve been playing religiously for a few weeks ^^

I’ve decided to title this silly story “God’s Favor on This Not-Yet-Retired Veteran!” It may be subject to change, though!

This particular crossover idea takes place during the Assault/Command timeline. Why? Because I absolutely ADORE Star Fox Assault, especially Peppy’s portrayal in that game, and while Command is a whole mess, a few ideas/characters were pretty neat (*cough* Lucy *cough*). That, and I wondered what would happen in an alternate scenario where Peppy dies for real during the tail end of the game (a question that has been answered by several authors, actually!).

So the basic gist is that Peppy dies for real after sacrificing the Great Fox, but receives a second chance at life when he meets Aqua, who revives him and sends him to Axel. That second chance at life involves a world where cabbages fly, ranking works like a video game, and the people there are somehow are even bigger a-holes than in the Lylat System. Oh, and he ends up being in a party with one of those a-holes. Not Kazuma—although he’ll definitely meet him later. That would be Dust, the resident town punk, and his long-suffering party consisting of Rin, Keith and Taylor. With his chances at retirement permanently shot, Peppy now has to navigate his new life of being one of the oldest adventurers in Axel, and try not to either rage quit or kill Dust in the process. Meanwhile, in the “real world”, Lylat is reeling from the Aparoid Invasion when the Anglars make their debut, and the fractured Star Fox team must face this amidst team struggles and without their beloved mentor.

It’d be easy to have either Fox or Falco in this scenario, since their personalities would mesh with the craziness perfectly (I personally would nominate Falco for this position since in-universe he’s super competitive), but even before I got into KonoSuba, the idea of Peppy ending up in an isekai situation—especially in this world—was too hilarious to leave alone. Also Peppy’s my favorite character, so that’s a no brainer, lol XD

Also, the main reason I had Peppy team up with Dust is for two reasons: 1. As much as I like Kazuma’s character, I wanted to challenge myself with writing an ensemble cast outside of the main one. Kazuma and his party will definitely get their chance to shine, but I wanted to focus on a different set of adventurers for this story, and the team that’s the opposite of Kazuma’s seemed to be a fun choice. 2. Dust is one of my favorite characters in KonoSuba, which happened completely on accident, lol (more on that in the KonoFan post I’ll make soon). And just imagining the headaches he’d cause Peppy was hilarious.

This being KonoSuba, hilarious shenanigans ensue, but there’s also a little bit of seriousness due to, well, Star Fox. You can’t expect a battle-hardened veteran like Peppy to just be dumped into a crazy world like KonoSuba and pretend none of the canon in his universe didn’t happen, lol. I told my buddy that this little story is gonna be full of humor, drama, tragedy, a smudge of romance, and lots of wholesomeness, because although I put him through the ringer a bit here, Peppy needs a bit of a break after the stuff that happened in canon ;_;

If y’all like this idea enough—or if I can’t shake the brain rot off, haha—this might be something I’ll post on AO3! Let me know what you think in the replies!

[hellojusthereforabit-blog]

Relationship with Jason Todd

The healthiest way to approach Jason would be through friendship

This man has narrowed down his intake of romance into rough one-night stands and the occasional period drama literature, so its definitely best to approach with caution if you're looking for something long-term

Jason functions best as a friend anyway

He's selfish and unreliable, rude and stand-offish at first, so it definitely takes a lot of warming up to do to even become friends

Even as friends, Jason is very difficult to be around

When you're with him, it feels like you can discuss anything (with the exception of his past) and you can feel truly understood

Jason lowers your guard down, and he can even be really fun on occasion

Ziplining through the city fun or taking you out on motorcycle rides around the city fun

When you're scared and paranoid out on the streets, he'll be the first person you call, with no doubt that Jason will know how to help

As your friend, you start to trust him, and have a soft-spot for him

This is where your problem starts

The more you start to care for him, the worse it gets

Jason is still a selfish bastard, and he's defensive over himself and what he does as the Red Hood

You don't mind the killing, not really- Jason's moral code steers towards hurting traffickers, rapists, and child abusers. The real scum of the earth

But then there are times when he's gone for weeks or months on end without a call or a text and it leaves you breathless with anxiety

Everyday you watch the news hoping to hear for even a hint of his whereabouts, of how he might be

Everyday at work your chest constricts with the thoughts of him being dead in a ditch somewhere, or worse: being stowed away and tortured with every passing second

Worst of all- you don't know who to call

Jason kept you and any other friends or family he may have so separate, so incredibly hidden, that it makes you both angry and hurt, and worst of all helpless

"I fucking hate you" you whisper at your work computer, mad at Jason with every hour that passes without news from him

But the worst is when he comes back, eventually, in whatever state he might be, and acts like nothing had happened at all- expecting you to keep up the same façade

You refuse

"Where the fuck were you"

There's no warmth in his blue-green eyes

If anything- he looks slightly confused at your reaction

"No 'welcome back' ?" Jason asks sarcastically, thinking he can play it off

And when you try to explain, try to reason, he just grows colder, puts his walls right back up and you're left in square one again

"I've been busy."

"So busy you couldn't manage one text?"

You make up, of course, later

But it doesn't change that you keep falling for Jason, and he's too busy to notice a thing

Even if an actual relationship will ensue later on, it will always be difficult with Jason

He'll always try to sabotage it out of his own fears and insecurities, always think he's putting you in some kind of danger

He's not wrong about you being in danger, dating The Red Hood has its own down-sides, but sometimes it feels like you're the only one willing to take the risks just to be with Jason

You stay up late to mend his wounds

You cook dinner for two

You wake him and stay with him when he's had a nightmare

You worry so much your hair is falling out

And all Jason does is look for excuses to justify his savior complex

And when you split to preserve your sanity, because you could never ask Jason to give up the Red Hood and be someone he's not, and you know deep down he would never do it, and even if he does, he would hate you for it later on, Jason just uses your breakup as another point to prove to himself, and to others, of how he deserves this

He's convinced that there's no other way for him and his line of work

He's still, and always will be, your "one true love", but he won't change for you, and you respect yourself too much to accept so little

Being with Jason feels like soaring through the sky, like being on the highest point in the world, but loving Jason is just painful

You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped, and you can't love someone who won't accept it

At least until he decides he wants to get better.

[jwirecs]

Recommended NCT Fics of September 2022💖

hello, hello! here are my nct recs of september! hopefully these beautiful stories will have more recognition as well as the writers 💝

** anything in parentheses and bolded are my thoughts that can be disregarded if needed **

🔞smut || 💔angst || 💕fluff || ✅completed || 🔄ongoing || 💯favorite

Dream Boy || @jiivoc​​​💕💔✅

↳ Perfection - there is no other word to describe him. He is the dream boy, the one that everyone falls for or at least has a soft spot for; he can possibly get anyone in the whole world to fall for him. Knowing him since highschool and being his best friend, you’ve tried your best to control your feelings for him After all, how could you possibly pursue your dream of love with Ten Lee?

Faster || @markresonates​🔞💕💔✅

↳ you catch a ride to a party with Haechan after your date stands you up, but eventually ditch when drama ensues

Fooled Around and Fell in Love || @hyucks-rose​​ 🔞💕💔✅

↳ donghyuck has really, really, really fucked up this time. when you asked him if he wanted to hook up and take the edge off of preparing for the upcoming recital, he jumped at the offer. but he’s slowly falling in love with you, you’re in his dance department so if it ends ugly, you’re unavoidable—and he may or may not be getting possessive when he sees other men flirting with you.

Im Her Boyfriend || @justwinwin​​💕✅💯

↳ You garner unwanted attention from the waiter, and with obvious discomfort, Yuta steps in to protect you.

My Favorite Movie || @jiivoc​​​💕✅

↳ Late in the night you are watching a movie generalized in romance and your roommate returns back to the shared apartment. Upon greeting your tired roommate, there was a sudden confession shared between the two of you.

Next To You || @justwritedreams​​💕✅💯

↳ Request: I wanted to ask if you could do something that includes Jeno being jealous…I don’t know something like jealous bestfriend Jeno being super jealous because a dream member (or nct in general) is being too touchy or too close to you…him being “possesive”… Idk other details I left to your fabulous imagination.

Peach || @milfgyuu​​ 🔞💕💔✅💯💯

↳ Every summer since college you’ve spent a week down at the beach house with your closest friends. However, this time around there are a few less attendees, you’re in a self-inflicted complicated relationship, one of your exes shows up out of the blue hoping to redeem himself, and everything is so far out of the realm of expectation you might just need a vacation to recoup from the vacation.

Tell Me Everything || @daegall​​💕💔✅

↳ Best friends are supposed to tell each other everything, but Donghyuck isn't all that sure if he can tell you about his feelings. (He obviously also doesn't know that you have a big fat crush on him too)

To Burn || @kjmsupremacist​​💕💔🔄

↳ You meet Johnny, star player on the men’s volleyball team, vice president of his frat, and school heartthrob, and try to pretend that you’re not interested in the slightest. Because he’s definitely, totally not your type. Right?

I Hope You Eat Dirt || @doderyscoffee​​💕💔✅💯

↳ despite being a soccer player, chenle doesn’t understand the appeal of running laps. he also doesn’t see the appeal of the new runner, who makes everyone else eat dirt. but after she outruns him in gym class, chenle is determined to put her back in her place.

10 Things I Love About You || @neowinestainedress​​​ 🔞💕✅💯

↳ She feels like Jeno’s only dating her for sex, and he proves to her how much he loves her by telling her ten of the things he loves about her the most (spoiler: they are more than ten).

Safety First || @daegall​​💕✅💯

↳ (love me some blurbs from this wonderful author)

New Rules || @jenozzen​​​🔞💔✅💯

↳ in order to heal from a breakup, the rules are simple (or so it seems), all you got to do is follow them. that’s the only way you’ll get over the boys who broke your heart.

Rockland || @donkey-hyuck​​💔✅💯💯

↳ in which these sorrowful feelings hit you both harder than you had initially thought. (i fcking love their rupture series. like lord heavens)

Heartsigh || @lovedhyuck​​💔✅💯💯💯

↳ everyone was in love with huang renjun, right? the student council prez with perfect grades that every parent would kill to have as a son-in-law. but not nana, and she had a good reason. but would she change her mind after a drunken dare that she’d stupidly agreed to? or would it end terribly? (i dont have a certain tag for this, but i swear i shed tears while i read this)

His || @lemon-boy-stan​​ 🔞💕💔✅💯

↳ taeyong has been in love with the reader ever since kindergarten, but recently, the reader has been infatuated with someone else - his close friend johnny, who is known throughout the school as a notorious fuckboy. taeyong doesn’t believe johnny deserves you, and makes his views clear. is there more to his steeliness? or is he just being an asshole?

No Matter What || @sungbeam​​ 💕💔✅

↳ Request: DUCKIE !! I ZOOMED WHEN I SAW YOUR REQS ARE OPEN !! i am so in love with your works i stopped my 3 am crying sesh for this ( kinda tmi but that’s ok … ! )anyway! i’d like some … badboy!huang renjun + “who did this to you?!” trope wherein reader is a mess from some mean bullies at school for dating the popular huang renjun >:( + hurt/comfort !i know the prompt isn’t in your prompt list and you can totally ignore me if you don’t take anything from your prompt lists :__DI WISH YOU’RE DOING WELL DUCKIE !!! I LOFE U SO MUCH !! ><

Saturday Drip || @neopuppy​​​​🔞✅

↳ “Can you believe while we were sitting swamp ass in misery— Jaemin was fucking my favorite cam girl?!” Jeno blurts out before his roommate can recall the actual events that took place. (i do not have an a/b/o au tag BUT LORD)

Uncertainties || @justwinwin​​ 💕💔✅💯

↳ Fighting was becoming a constant in your relationship, and Yuta couldn’t handle it anymore.

You Cant Have Me...Unless? || @justalildumpling​​💕💔✅

↳ after getting ghosted by your crush in high school, you swore off dating at university, earning yourself the title of ‘the unattainable’. after 3 years you were convinced that there would be no way the two of you would ever cross paths ever again. well, that was until he announced that he was your boyfriend at a party.

Wrong Place, Right Time || @mingiswow​​​ 💕💔✅💯

↳ you worked really hard for that, and you finally were accepted as an exchange student at Neo Culture Institute of Technology. But, for some reason, the system crashed and put you into an all-boys dorm.

Forever Until The End || @justwritedreams​​​💕💔✅💯💯

↳ Request: hello!! can i please request a jeno x reader x jaemin love triangle wherein reader is jaemin’s soulmate but then reader likes jeno? you can choose who reader ends up with hehe thank you so much i absolutely admire your work!!! <3<3 (i am so weak when it comes to angst)

Lost In Japan || @orenjae​​💕✅💯💯

↳ (the fic title says it all and i love it)

The Miss That Missed Steps || @dropsofletters​​​​​​💕💔✅

↳ dong sicheng once had women shouting his name at the top of his lungs as they tossed their shirts on stage. now, if anyone were ever to compare him to the drummer he used to be, they’d laugh at his face. he spends his days folding clothes and making sure people don’t make too much noise around the hotel his uncle owns. the same man that told him music would never work.

Do check out all of the other NCT Fics that i have reblogged as well!!

** if there is any fics that you guys would like to recommend, please do! i am slowly running out of fics to read **

[obsessedobsesser]

Are you into fanfiction? Have you written any, or do you have any favorites that you would recommend?

It may be safe to say that I have an addiction to Good Omens fan fic.

There's of course the fandom favourites (Slow Show, Factory Settings, Shotgun Wedding, Rough Enough For Love, Or Be Nice, One Night In Bangor, etc, etc) which I recommend to everyone as they are beloved by the fandom for a reason.

But, here are 10 that I've come across that others may not know of:

'Thus saith the Lord' by TheManicMagician (Teen And Up).

I read this fic on my way home from Florida sitting in an airport because our flight was delayed. I was so engrossed with it that I missed all the commotion of someone being taken off the previous flight on a stretcher. It does deal with hurt Crowley though and mind controlled Aziraphale. 10/10 would read again.

2. 'Would I Lie to You?' by FeralTuxedo & TawnyOwl95 (Explicit)

The boys are rival team captains for a show 'Don't Lie to Me" - which is based on the real life show 'Would I Lie To You?'. Lots of bicker flirting in this one. I'm a huge fan of FeralTuxedo and TawnyOwl and they do not disappoint with this fic. I devoured this.

3. 'Talk about the weather' by nightbloomingcereus (Mature)

Aziraphale is a meteorologist and Crowley is a YouTube storm chaser. I didn't know I needed this fic in my life until I read it. It's funny and heartwarming and believe me when I say that you'll fall in love with the story and the characters.

4. 'Honey, You'll Survive' by HotCrossPigeon (Teen and Up)

Look, sometimes I just like to see Crowley hurt and being taken care of by Aziraphale. This scratches that itch. The writing is so good and they capture the characters really well.

5. 'The Sandford Flower Show' by Mussimm (Explicit)

I am literally so shocked I do not see this fic pop up as often as it should. The plot in this is GENIUS. IT IS SO GOD DAMN GOOD. Crowley takes Aziraphale to a flower show and they meet Mephistopheles, a fallen seraph. Because our boys are idiots, shenanigans ensue. Seriously. Go read this.

6. 'Trial & Error' by fellshish (Explicit)

Crowley is on trial for temping an Angel (Aziraphale). I just read this one about a month and a half ago and I honestly can't get it out of my mind. The writing is hilarious and keeps you enraptured throughout it all. I also really adore how fellshish writes Crowley and Aziraphale. Their other fic The Loophole, or, How to Convince a Demon God Exists in Three Easy Steps is also amazing :)

7. 'The Shared Desk Dilemma' by MissUnderstoodLyrics (Explicit)

Crowley and Aziraphale are both teachers at Eden University who are forced to share a desk. A prank war ensues. As you can expect, this is a enemies to lovers fic and who doesn't love one of those?

8. 'Big Name Feelings' and 'And They Were Streamers' by ghostrat (Explicit / Mature)

BNF just finished a few days ago and it's such a cute fic. It's a fandom au where Crowley is a fic writer and Aziraphale is an artist. ATWS - as it says on the tin, the boys are streamers and live together. I absolute adore anything written by ghostrat.

9. 'how do we turn on the light?' by moonyinpisces (Explicit)

Honestly, I just know that this will be up there on my list with Factory Settings once it's finished (mainly because it already is). It's SO GOOD. It takes place after S2 and the second coming is happening. I really don't want to even give much away because I want everyone to read this. Everything about it is GENIUS.

10. 'Sit Tight, Take Hold' by nieded (Explicit)

I legit just finished this fic on Sunday but it has moved up to my must read list for anyone who is looking for GO fan fiction. The boys are Formula 1 drivers and the drama in this is *chef kiss*. For context, this fic is 150K words. I finished this fic in 2 days. It really is THAT good. It's also part of a series called #RAINBOWROAD so once you finish this fic, there is more to read!

This is only the tip of the iceberg of my ever growing list of GO fics.

Thanks for the ask :)

[thatmexisaurusrex]

Okay, starting a little chain of reccing possibly 😂 If y'all wanna rec five fics you like or stuff you've written that you like 🥰 And I suppose tag five people who could add recs? 🤔 Here's my five: @bisamwilson @siancore @six2vii @cobrafantasies @saryasy

I'm going to do podfics because I don't think people always think about podfics on lists like this and they don't get as much love as they should, so here are some SamBucky podfics I love in no particular order 🥰 :

1) [podfic] Red Right Hand voiced by @funsized-loser with the original fic written by @abarbaricyalp (T, Western AU, Gunslingers, Walk into a Bar) - A one armed gun slinger walks into Sam's bar...

2) [Podfic] gossip about the weird guy who just showed up by blackglass, GoLBCollabs (GodOfLaundryBaskets), Ravin_Pods (Ravin), Tipsy_Kitty with the original fic written by @abhorsenbranwen (T, Gossip When Bucky Helps Fix the Boat, TFATWS, Text Group) - In between fixing the boat, some neighbors do some speculating about who the fuck this guy who may or may not have a metal arm but possibly mentioned running errands for Wakanda is.

3) [Podfic] honk honk vroom vroom voiced by @quietnighty with the original fic by @enemyofrome (T, Uber Driver AU, Reckless Driving, Crack) - Sam meets the Uber driver from hell. Apparently, the Winter Soldier has a new day job.

4) [podfic] Where's the Love We Once Knew? voiced by @funsized-loser with the original fic written by @jemgirl86 (Not Rated, Newscaster Bucky Barnes, Baseball Player Sam Wilson, Lovers to Enemies to Lovers) -

“Like I said,” Bucky replied, “Wilson is good, but he’s not the second coming.” He shook his head. “You talk about him like he’s Hank Aaron reincarnated or something, when he’s really just an asshole,” he shot back, without thinking. “Yeah, he can field, yeah he can hit, but he knows shit all about what it takes to make a team work.” And, okay, a tiny voice in Bucky’s head acknowledged that he was talking about an entirely different team — an entirely different kind of team. But he was all worked up (because any mention of Sam Wilson always got him all worked up, and he’d been having to listen to people talk about Sam nonstop all week), and he was too far gone to shut-up. Or: Bucky gets caught trash talking Sam on a hot mic, and drama ensues.

5) Buffy Burnes Ph.D. the Scientific Illustrator Roommate [podfic] voiced by litrapod (litra) with the original fic by me (M, Canon Divergence, Crack Treated Seriously, And They Were Roommates) - Sam decides to take a break from Avengers business after Age of Ultron. He puts out an ad for a roommate on Craigslist for his new apartment in Delacroix. He gets one response from a "Dr. Buffy Burnes".

[robot-roadtrip-rants]

Konrad Curze is yeeted to Gotham instead of Nostromo

A child mysteriously appears on the streets of Gotham and beats the living daylights out of whichever lunatic tries to kill him before Batman finds him. Batman, perennial foster failure of orphans, promptly adopts him. Motivated by a thirst for justice and violence, Konrad sets out to become the best Robin there is, and succeeds with flying colors because he’s a super powered transhuman. Damien is pissed about being outdone. Tim nicknames him Konny. Dick steps in as the Angsty Child Whisperer to get him to calm the fuck down. Steph and Cass are too busy getting screwed by editorial to make an appearance. Batman realizes immediately that Konrad’s physiology is hella op and embarks on an epic, years-long storyline to figure out what the hell is going on. At least three origins are introduced and then retconned. Konrad angsts about how he’s a monster who doesn’t belong anywhere. Much drama is wrung from this.

The writers keep using Konrad’s visions to foreshadow that Konrad is destined to be A Baddie. This goes on long enough that you start to suspect that the writers will never actually follow through on all that foreshadowing. Finally the DCU magicians are called in for a crossover, and this fixes all of Konrad’s problems for a few years. Unfortunately the spoopy visions are too good a story hook and eventually they come back just in time for Konrad’s other Primarch capabilities to properly manifest. More angst ensues. Someone travels from a bad future where Konrad became the totalitarian dictator of Earth after he snapped and killed the Joker for doing a genocide (or nuking New York, or starting the Fourth Plague Pandemic, etc.). All of the visions suddenly start focusing on Evil Future Konrad and how he'll murder people for jaywalking and it’s all very tragic.

Konrad flips the fuck out over his evil destiny just in time for the annual giant crossover event where Trigon or Darkseid or some other extradimensional monster invades. It might actually be good but the damn thing is spread out over multiple books and you don’t want to buy them all, so you ignore the missing chunks and just focus on the cooler splash pages of kickass fights. Konrad is nearly tempted to do An Evil but at the last second he is pulled back from the brink by the teachings of Batman, and possibly by the baddie gratuitously killing a popular B-list character. Instead he strikes the decisive blow and saves the day. Much rejoicing is had, and Konrad finally bids farewell to his evil destiny in a heartwarming scene where he is surrounded by the Batfamily. All is well in the DCU.

Five years later all of his character development is thoroughly destroyed when a writer decides he needs a shocking new villain.

Konrad fans lose their goddamn minds. Think pieces are written on all of the geek websites, Tumblr churns out discourse, Reddit churns out circlejerks, 4chan churns out gross memes, but somehow the worst takes all come from Twitter X. It’s chaos, absolute chaos, and honestly you’re kind of tired of it all, and the latest Batman cartoon looks pretty good, so you take a break from comics and just get your fix that way. Much later, you run across a drama write-up, which makes you wonder, whatever happened to Konrad Curze? You look him up on the DC wiki…but he’s gone. Vanished. Disappeared, just as mysteriously as he first appeared. It’s almost as if some mysterious entity whisked him away. A million theories circulate, but no one ever knows for sure.

The grim darkness of the far future may only contain war, but hey, at least it’s simple.

[sukibenders]

I just had an idea for a Sleeping Beauty au for Edwina and Prince Friedrich and now I want to write about it. Okay, so the story takes place following the last season and its effects, the Ton gossips and sinks their claws into Edwina and her image because, from their point of view, she ran from the Viscount during the wedding so, of course, of course, she's to blame (sarcasm). As a result of this, as well as coming to understand who she is, Edwina becomes jaded and closed off. She keeps to herself a bit more, still hurting but not wanting to drag anyone into it, so to escape she goes to the bookstore. Insert Friedrich.

He's recently returned to London, unaware of the drama of the last Ton and its following, and only knows about Edwina because his aunt, the Queen, has been filling his letters with mentions of her. Knowing that he doesn't have much of an option, he accepts an offer to meet the girl his aunt has been so taken by---but not without taking some liberties for himself. He sneaks off to a bookstore, under an alias, where he bumps into Edwina, who is also under an alias. Neither know who the other truly is. Friedrich is almost instantly taken with her, but Edwina doesn't fall for his charms, so he takes to getting to know her as a friend instead.

This false identity aspect plays for a few weeks, as Friedrich is incognito in hopes of avoiding his aunts persistence, and Edwina, in hopes of avoiding the awkwardness of the Bridgerton household, sneaks out under the pretenses of wanting to be her own person (which she does in a sense). It last them a few before others start to notice-- Lady Danbury watches the young Sharma with a close eye, Violet and Mary hold motherly worries, and Kate nearly has half the mind to follow after her sister in secret (even more so when she stumbles upon a rather expensive gift bestowed upon her by a person that Edwina just calls "friend" whenever brought up).

Edwina begins to slowly open herself up more to Friedrich and some seedlings of romance may start to blossom, only for a ball of the next season to happen and makes everything crash down. Or does it. It's here Edwina's and Friedrich's identities are revealed to one another and awkwardness ensues (maybe on Edwina's part). It doesn't help that she's still talk amongst some, so it makes her doubt aspects of her and Friedrich relationship, attempting to push him away, but the blonde prince doesn't seem to get the hint (or maybe just doesn't care about what others have to say). Gifts fill Lady Danbury's house and the prince always finds someway of being near Edwina, to show that even with his princely title, he's still that boy she met at the library and she's still the girl that had his heart from that day forth.

But then, seemingly out of nowhere, a sickness makes its way through London and Edwina falls ill! She has moments of consciousness, but it's masked in a sickly haze and she spends most of her time unaware of the world around her, as if she's in a deep sleep (get it?). Everyone is on the edge of their toes as the reports of said sickness have not been good. Friedrich does not become aware that Edwina has fallen ill until a week later, and instantly bolts to Danbury residents to go and see her. He doesn't care if he becomes sick, as all that matters is that he's by her side.

I don't know if it'll interest anyone, so I think that's why I'll leave it here (mainly because there are a few parts to work out) but if anyone is interested in a follow-up, than I might do it. But this was just a story rant that randomly came into my mind as I was watching Sleeping Beauty (the plot doesn't follow everything about the movie, but does take some ideas from it)

[literaticat]

Hi, Jenn! I was wondering: I know supply chain issues are still a thing, but how much lead time do publishers usually need for a YA book? I heard you need to finalize everything a YEAR before publication? Is that still true?

This is not a supply chain issue per se, it's always been the case that there needs to be a long lead time. Typically the due date for a (non-illustrated) book is around a year before pub date. Ideally, it's then able to be made into galleys/ARCs around 9 months before pub date, and it's ready to print, absolutely no more changes, around 6 months before pub date. A typical timeline might look something like this:

Book sells in mid-late 2022 with a mid-2024 pub date. Contract comes late 2022, and edits ensue in January 2023. There are a couple back-and-forths, final draft is due June 2023. Book goes into copyediting in June, and there are a couple rounds of pass pages where mistakes can be fixed, etc, in July/August, and it is proofread and absolutely done by October 2023. Then it goes into the long queue for printing. Once it has printed, sometime in early Spring 2024, then the final books get shipped back to this country (literal ship. very slow boats.), sent to warehouses around the country, and then distributed to bookstores and wholesalers, each step of which is a whole weeks-long process, and god help us if something happens to a ship or a truck or whatever along the way.

And then in June 2024 - Happy Book Birthday!

Meanwhile also in January/February 2023, the cover is starting to get talked about, the author gives input, they choose an illustrator (or whatever). By June there are sketches, by the end of summer the cover is final, by September the ARC is being distributed (the ARC is generally made from first pass pages -- ie, there still may be some mistakes -- they can't wait for the final-final. That's why they say "NOT FINAL" all over them).

Why does the ARC need to be done 9 months before the book is out? For two reasons: Bookstores need a lot of lead time. The catalogue for Spring/Summer 2024 probably comes out in August/September 2023, and the publisher's sales team is selling Spring/Summer 2024 titles to bookstores in Fall 2023. So all that marketing material (like ARCs, the catalogue copy, the cover, etc) all needs to be in place BEFORE the sales reps get out there and bookstores start placing their orders. Also, review outlets want at least 6 months lead time as well, and we REALLY want reviews!

It might vary a bit by publisher, but this would be what I'd consider a perfectly normal, average timeline for a novel. It *could* certainly be LONGER — and probably WOULD be longer — for a picture book or anything illustrated, and the supply chain issues and whatnot of last year did mean lots of things got pushed because even with a generous timeline they simply were not ready when expected.

It couldn’t really be a SHORTER timeline and still be a normal book: If it were to go faster than this, it'd be a "crash" book -- this can happen for sure, I've had books come out and be on shelves the same year that they got offered on -- but it adds a layer of expense and drama that publishers are not undertaking unless there's a very good reason.

ETA:

Also bear in mind: Yours is not the only book. So while all this is happening for your book, it's also happening for dozens of other books at the same time -- and still more books are at some other stage in the process while this is happening for you. I think it's easy to think like "ugh, why does everything take so long" -- and this timeline might give you some insight, but it still feels like a very long time! -- but remember, it's not like "oh, we have this one book we are working on, let's take three months getting it from point A to point B because we are slowpokes who like to screw with authors" -- rather, it's "we have dozens (or for a huge publisher across many imprints, HUNDREDS) of books coming out in the same season, and ALL of them need to be ready and to a place at a certain time, and it keeps happening, month after month" -- it's like a whole logistical dance that takes many people to pull off, and frankly it's amazing to me that it works as well as it does as often as it does.

[bhsiwoo]

heylo again! this is xydo (juyeon's mun) bringing you my second muse and oldest son, jeong siwoo, the owner of eternity. he's a bit more on the tragic side of my muse spectrum but i hope you love him as much as i do! read under cut for more info and hit the like button if you'd be keen to interact!

dossier / bio / plot / moodboard

BASICS !

jeong siwoo, thirty years old, a widow of three years now and the famous owner of eternity.

he is someone who knows and is well aware of his growing entrepreneurship and wealth amongst society. needless to say, he doesn't fear the main three house but that doesn't mean he wants to fuck around with them. he draws a professional line with the three houses (or basically anyone per say) and does not have any interpersonal relationships with anyone from those household, mainly because it saves him the headache of any unwarranted drama. he does however enjoy tea ceremonies hosted by yeon and is well aware of who is behind yeon but doesn't snitch due to their mutual business relationships (siwoo enjoys teas and tea ceremonies but offers no gossips. yeon gets to host his ceremonies at eternity's private room in exchange).

tw / death. he was in an arranged marriage with his now deceased wife when they were both twenty four and twenty five respectively. despite it being arranged, they were both very much in love. his belated wife passed away just roughly two years into their marriage from being medically poisoned. she was also in her fifth month term of pregnancy.

in present time, he's being pressured to remarry so that there's an heir to inherit eternity but siwoo has no plans to remarry anyone due to his deep infatuation and remorse over his belated wife. instead, he's secretly seeking for adoption of a possible heir or to bring in a mentee whom he will name as an heir. (wanted connection!)

backgrounds on eternity: siwoo was in his late seventeen when he inherited the no name hotel from his late father, leaving him an orphan as well. the no name hotel is then revamped by seventeen year old siwoo who then renamed it to be [eternity]. it's a miracle how eternity managed to get its fame that there were rumors that siwoo had been associated to shamans, people who practice dark magic/supernatural beings, or even that he lured people to his property. others have said that when a nearby prince who had been undercover/traveling to beonhwa had fallen sick, it was whatever is going on at eternity that the royalty recuperated well. no one truly had known how eternity had got its fame especially after the change in reign, and siwoo refuses to budge when prompted or asked to comment on the rumors. what matters now is that the reservation list will always be occupied and unless you know siwoo personally, one may have to wait even over a year to be able to stay at eternity for even just a day.

INTERACTIONS !

siwoo can be found in formal events amongst the main houses, or even cultural/private events that is hosted by the orchid opera houses. he hates attending formal events but has to 'show his face' out of courtesy when required, whereas he enjoys the later since his late wife was fond of performances, particularly involving traditional korean instruments. it would be nice to write a plot where he gets called out on attending formal events where he shows his disdain as much as he hides it, or alternatively if y our muse and him would somehow always be seatmates for shows at the opera house!

honorable guests at eternity. while he owns it, it doesn't necessarily mean he's there 24/7; trusting his management and staff well for things to be in control. finding him there is a sort of an honor which your muse is bestowed? casual conversation, or even attempts of flirts (for muses above twenty seven) ensues? alternatively: he gets mistaken as a guest in his own busi and your muse thinks he's a tourist, hence an impromptu travel guide around beonhwa

someone who looks up to him and wants him to be a mentor or sort (without the naming of heir part)

down the line, a possible fling or someone he has fwb with (for muses that are 27-30), will have to work on trust and chemistry for this

alternative take, your muse having a harmless crush on him that's definitely one-sided and won't be reciprocated by siwoo if you want to sign your muse up for some angst

someone he has business-to-societal benefits with. your muse who makes an appearance with him as his plus one to boost their own name/social standing while he gets insight on the main family/things that could boost eternity's standing and profit.

someone who constantly sees him by the beach alone, wondering why he comes here so often to stare at the scenery before leaving without doing anything in particular) a rather personal angst plot which involves talks of death

someone who thinks of him as a friend? and alternatively, a take where they no longer are friends especially after his late wife passed.

maybe someone who visually resembles his wife a lot and that makes him delirious in a way? (don't particularly need to be a romance connection) but will def go for the angst route

someone from the main house that he works with for a mutual benefit relationship with between siwoo helping the house and them helping with eternity's fame and profit

[prpfs]

🗡 hi! 30f who posted this plot months ago and then got shadowbanned and missed out connecting with all the cool people who liked the ad! so here’s to trying again going into 2024 still craving 21+ writers for a half-formed fantasy plot that's dug its hooks inside my brain and will not let me rest. someone please make my angsty m// prince x mercenary/knight dreams come true

>> there's a war going on, it has been for some time. it's pretty brutal, but may be finally coming to an end because the the prince is being married off to the warring kingdom's princess. only catch is he needs to be escorted across a war-torn country in order to attend the wedding. enter the knight/mercenary, someone who has seen the true realities of war and is either hired by the kingdom or otherwise oathbound to ferry the prince across the land unscathed. >>it might be a pretty standard transaction BUT! the prince happens to be a pampered, thrill seeking, golden retriever-type, booksmart disaster. he's an incorrigible flirt, confident, overzealous, has never had to care about the conflict the realm is embroiled in or had much regard for his own life. (he's also a soft top ahem)

>>the knight/mercenary on the other hand is a little older, a little more reserved, has seen the true realities of this war and just how bad it can get.

>>angst ensues as they travel together and ~FEELINGS arise. the prince sees the realities of war and becomes more empathetic, perhaps even protective of his protector. the knight/mercenary feels more and more conflicted about bringing the prince to his new bride. conflict, drama, hurt/comfort, trauma, soft moments of respite in between. >>(bonus points if the warring kingdom is planning to betray them when they get there.)

i would prefer to play the role of the prince if possible because i have a character in mind. he is my idiot son. so, you are totally free to take the knight/mercenary in any direction you want--his reasoning for taking (or being forced into) the job, his backstory, his part in the war, etc. BUT i'm also totally happy to switch it up as well and could easily be talked into it so just let me know. i prefer to roleply over discord or gmail or gdocs. i consider myself lit/adv, depending on the scene i'm good for 300-800 words per reply. i’m a super enthusiastic partner who will scream and collab with you, let's world build to our heart's content, make playlists, share headcanons! wanna add magic into this world? dragons? let's go for it! we're here to have fun and get WILD. i just want to obsess over our ocs and go a little crazy c: like this and i'll reach out!

Leave a like, and anon will get back to you!