#and then goes back to being a short king post-wereing out <3

[retquits]

sooooo new winter outfits huh 🤭

the aftermath:

[sinner-sunflower]

A HH Lucifer-centric AU 1/22

PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, PART 6, PART 7, PART 8, PART 9, PART 10, PART 11, PART 12, PART 13, PART 14, PART 15, PART 16, PART 17, PART 18, PART 19, PART 20, PART 21, PART 22

STORY 2 - Sequel

HOOK: A LUCIFER CENTRIC AU - AO3

Some RadioApple undertones perhaps.

Another idea popped up but I still can't write fully alksjdakljl

I swear this has more plot to it. It will involve the Sins, Luci's siblings, and overlords.

Big idea. Little vocab.

Will link a part 2 when I post it!

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

The Hazbin Hotel residents stare in fear as the young Morningstar is having an ugly, one-sided, verbal match with her father.

It has been a stressful day and Charlie was on a short fuse. Vaggie tried to coax her girlfriend to relax but it didn't work. The other residents, minus Alastor, were too afraid to try because if Vaggie couldn't, how could they.

Lucifer was up on his tower when he was called downstairs to get his daughter to calm down but it just made him the primary target for her frustrations.

Charlie: Dad! Stop! I don't need this. I. Am. Fine.

Lucifer: Sweetie, you clearly aren't. Why don't you take a nap? I know that always helped you to calm down.

Charlie: Know?! Tell me, Dad. What exactly do you know about me after not being present in my life for decades??

Lucifer, stunned: Char-char-

Charlie: Don't call me that!

Vaggie: Charlie, I think-

Charlie: I wish it was you who had just got up and disappeared instead of Mom. At least she would've been there for me from the start!

There was a small gasp from Angel but no one dared to make a sound. What can they even say to that? All that can be heard is Charlie's labored breathing.

Lucifer's eyes narrow and his heart breaks a little (liar, the whole just shattered) but he doesn’t say anything. His shoulders slump, eyes void as his gaze never leaves his daughter.

Charlie seems to realize what she had just said and opens her mouth to say something but nothing comes out.

Lucifer: Of course

The King of Hell says it slowly, almost like he's drunk. (But he can't get drunk. Believe him, he tried. He tried multiple times to drink himself to-

Lucifer: But you're exhausted and I'm sure Alastor can pick up where you left off. Go sleep.

The King gives a strained smile to the group then promptly goes back upstairs.

Once he's gone. Charlie moves to follow but is stopped by Alastor blocking her way.

Alastor: I wouldn't try that, my dear. I suggest you listen to your father and rest. Separately.

Charlie: But-

Angel: Not a good time, toots. You fucked up.

And she did.

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

I love Charlie okay!!! I just like to think that the most cheerful ones always have the sharpest tongues when frustrated.

[buttl0rd]

I'm watching like a hawk for that new kid 🤲 THE BABY

ALRIGHT HERE HE IS!! lemme introduce you to the new kid 👉👉

this is carroway - he's the best 😎👽

this is gonna be a long post cause i have so much art and content to gush about. i love this kid 👇

Some fun character details:

he was originally supposed to be like the 90's movie tough bully kid but he's ended up just being a stupid asshole. he probably likes to think he's really cool and tough 💪

has 3 younger sisters, hates being outnumbered by girls

huge foodie and finishes whatever you don't eat. not fussy at all

always leaving his mittens outside. they get all wet and gross in the snow

affectionately ripping on everyone he loves. he's a total asshole but most people know he doesn't mean half the shit he says. the real ones tolerate him 😔🤙

he doesn’t know he’s bisexual (don’t tell him, he’ll find out on his own)

Hobbies & Interests

Aliens. Carroway is a firm believer in alien life and has an immense interest in UFO sightings, alien communication and all things outer-space. He often brags to his classmates that he has been abducted and probed, and is friends with the Martians that visit South Park sometimes (do any of them believe him?). He has a telescope that he set up in his friend Dante’s treehouse which he uses to spot UFOs in the night.

FUN FACT: His probe is linked with Cartman's. It's the connection that makes it possible for OCs to exist in the same universe as canon characters.

Drums. He has a drum set in his garage on which he practices every day after school. He has exceptional rhythm and is very talented. He keeps drumsticks in his backpack just in case he encounters a drumset or anything he can make a beat with (tables, benches, trashcans, etc.) Neighbors complain to his parents about the noise, so his garage is sound-proofed to the best of Mr. Carroway’s ability. 

Snowboarding. Carroway goes snowboarding every few weeks. His family do snowboarding trips and he LOVES it. He also skateboards and rides his bike when he’s not up in the mountains, kid just likes to go fast. He dreams of being a professional snowboarder when he’s older.

TFBW: Boarderline

Boarder is a special flying support unit, part of Coon & Friends. He delivers high-impact quick attacks with his hoverboard and can heal/cure status conditions with his awesome space beams. As a speedster he utilizes the whole battlefield and is constantly moving, making him difficult to hit.

Origins:

He was a human that got abducted and genetically modified by Martians to serve and protect the alien race. After battling in many galactic wars he returned to his home in Colorado. His abilities were noticed by the superhero organization, Coon & Friends and Boarder was recruited to join their alliance. He provides support to Coon & Friends in battle.

Design:

Inspired by the gear he wears when he goes snowboarding.

His superhero costume consists of a white bodysuit with black tape accents and a big old metal zip. There's reflective blue strips on the gloves, boots and around the edge of his signature spaceboard. He's got these iconic space goggles that protect his face when he’s flying at the speed of light.

His name is a play on words - board (from his hoverboard) and borderline (being only just good enough for Coon & Friends). Allies call him Boarder for short.

SOT: Skullrogue

Skullrogue is Carroway’s Stick of Truth character.

He is a rogue-class unit and is quick and sneaky on the battlefield. He has a long black hooded cloak and a skull mask. His main weapon is a pair of daggers that are enchanted with flame magic. He cannot use magic himself but he is proficient with weapons, especially the daggers. He throws them and uses them to stab enemies in the back.

Skullrogue has an undisclosed edgy backstory, like any rogue player. He is mysterious and broody and so cool. He is loyal to the Wizard King and thinks Princess Kenny is hot.

Post-COVID

As a young adult, Carroway becomes a professional snowboarder and competes nationally in competitions. He becomes famous and earns a lot of money from his career, travelling the world for competitions. He makes it all the way to the Winter Olympics, representing the USA in the snowboarding category

After a career-ending injury in his mid-30's, he had to retire from snowboarding early and now lives off his sponsors and used-to-be-a-big-shot money. Despite being wealthy, he moved back to South Park and lives in a trailer (it’s easier than having a huge house). 

He sometimes needs a walking aid to get around and is medicated for chronic back pain.

He was too busy with his career to find love when he was younger, so he stays single and lonely in his 40s. He still goes out and does sport events, commentaries and sponsorships - he remains famous even though he cannot compete anymore. He’s like a living legend in the winter sports community. 

I'm still working on a PCOV design for him so stay tuned for that...

Anyway that's it for now!! I hope you love him 😘

[prince-liest]

Omg, I just wanted to say I ADORE your characterization of Al and Vox! I don't even have the words to express how much I love reading your stuff, especially the Anon responses you post on here. The behind the scenes thoughts are literally my food, lifesource, its so good when people not only write characters IN CHARACTER, but also include stuff about their analysis/understanding of the character too.. I'm literally obsessed with breaking down characters and yk, cracking their chrome domes open to see how they work (which admittedly, I am not the best at <_< but I love reading them). Just wanted to say how much I love your writing. I had maybe 2 questions, please don't feel pressured to answer them :>

What in your mind (in reference to the 66.6 fics) would motivate Alastor to let Val get close to him in the first place? Or was that more you picking these two characters up by the scruff of their necks and plopping them into a hypothetical scenario to explore their character and write some fun intimate thingsTM?

What do you think of the dynamic of Vox and Al vs something like Lucifer and Al? Personally I've noticed that something Alastor craves, behind the mask of his static smiling persona, is attention. He's (at least how I saw it) usually peeved when people don't care about his absence, and seems especially bothered by the King of Hell refusing to really acknowledge him, so he goes out of his way to push Lucifers buttons (like calling himself a father figure to Charlie, IN FRONT OF HER ACTUAL FATHER LOL) whereas with Vox, Vox is literally CONSTANTLY thinking about Alastor. Man literally interrupted his regular TV program to do a segment about how much he totally didn't at ALL care about Alastors dissapearance or the fact that he returned (suree buddy). So Alastor can have more fun with him and annoy him by ignoring and messing with him on purpose.

ty if you do respond to this, sorry if it was hard to understand, sometimes I forget how to put the thoughts in my brain into coherent words!

Ahhhh, thank you very much, anon! I'm especially happy that you're enjoying my commentary on Tumblr, haha - I spent a while on Twitter because that's where all the fandom zines I was in were being hosted, but nothing beats Tumblr for giving me a nigh-unlimited word count and a captive audience for my rambling! >:D <3 I'm back to cocooning myself on the OG hell site.

Thank you for this ask, it really brightened my day! :D

As for your questions:

1. I'm assuming that was a typo and that you mean Vox (but in case you did mean Val: that was just a funny accident of him walking by the room! Alastor wasn't paying enough attention until it was too late), and to that I say:

I think Alastor allows Vox to take a go at him in canon because he finds Vox's obsession with him to be entertaining, but also because Alastor is kind of a narcissist and that same obsession massively feeds his ego, especially in a political climate that otherwise forgot about Alastor. Vox's whole "Who gives a shit about Alastor coming back?! Haha, now let me have a public meltdown and short out power to the whole city about it! Oh, fuck, why is he back, though?? Can we send a spy in to find out??" is exactly the reaction that Alastor wants every time he mentions his mysterious absence and gets brushed off.

At the same time, Alastor doesn't seem to register Vox as a sincere and genuine threat. He's a big enough fish in the Pride Ring pond that his obsession with Alastor is gratifying, but Alastor's self-absorption also doesn't really allow him to treat Vox as a threat tier above "annoying in a funny way, and also television is stupid." (Perhaps this will change in season 2... :eyes: (or perhaps Alastor will get Even Worse) (please god let him get even worse))

So those two things in combination make Vox the perfect candidate for Alastor to experiment with while maintaining his ego and not feeling particularly threatened. Despite Vox's Safeword 101 talk, Alastor would never put stock into that system with Vox unless he was certain that he himself would be able to back up a 'no' with overwhelming force. Him even considering safewords in the Live On Air! series is less for his own sake and more a politesse he offers on Vox's request to warn Vox to slow the fuck down before Alastor tries to put his insides on the outside.

2. And in direct contrast, we have Lucifer...

... Who Alastor obviously actually cares quite a bit about, because he's a whole nother power tier from both Vox and Alastor, and furthermore and possibly even more importantly, a credible threat to Alastor's relationships and standing in the hotel. I think a lot of discussion I see about Alastor prodding Lucifer seems to talk about how quickly he got annoyed about Lucifer's comments, but that misses the fact that he was pissed off before Lucifer even showed up. He got pissy the moment he saw the welcome sign, actually! And I wager that he was narratively absent for the scene where Charlie actually calls Lucifer because he would have done his best to manipulate her out of doing so had be been there.

And given that the two clearly haven't met before (though obviously Alastor knows of Lucifer - and hates that the inverse isn't true, hah), it's not 100% clear exactly why he's immediately so annoyed, but in my personal view of things and barring something like "he's projecting onto Lucifer because his contract is with Lilith," I think that what we know of Alastor's personality points most strongly to "he liked being the hotel's benefactor and sees it as His Project, and doesn't like the idea that Charlie called daddy for something that she thought mysterious, powerful Alastor couldn't handle." He distracts a lot with obviously-goading comments about practically being Charlie's dad in his duet with Lucifer, but underneath that he puts a lot of emphasis on the work he's done for the hotel and the fact that he's been supporting Charlie and the hotel from the start, so why the fuck is this deadbeat asshole suddenly turning up?!

Tl;dr: Charlie missed her insight roll on Alastor's personal investments and he's sooooo offended - and taking it out on Lucifer!

I think one of my favorite things about both Lucifer and Alastor is that they both sooo obviously belong in the Pride Ring, hahaha.

[sarasade]

On Claudia, Viren, Aaravos & Claudia's Character Arc

This post is mostly about Claudia's character development or should I say character deterioration.

It's highly likely that Callum will be the one to take down Aaravos- like it all goes back to Harrow's letter in s2 and chains of history and the themes of free will vs destiny and such. Aaravos possessing Callum is all about that. He's literally taking control of Callum's faith. There is clear antagonism there that's in a direct conflict with who Callum is.

But at the same time Claudia is the one who's got the biggest personal beef with Aaravos. He exploited her grief, manipulated her and used her father to accomplish his own goals. If Aaravos didn't exist Claudia wouldn't have spent two years of her life in a complete stagnation waiting for her dad to come back from the dead instead of moving on. It seems like Aaravos has been molding Claudia into his personal minion through dark magic during the time skip as well.

Taking this into account it would be really satisfying to see Claudia snap out of it and take her revenge. Characters having a personal connection to the villain always makes a story's climax more gripping. More personal the better! And everything between Aaravos and Claudia is VERY personal.

That's why Viren worked so well as a foil to Callum and Ezran in s 1-3. Especially Ezran whose rightful place as the king he tried to take. He was basically their shitty, power hungry uncle who turned against them. Side note but if Viren is still alive I hope he makes a return as Ezran's foil.

Claudia helping to take down Aaravos would be emotionally satisfying. All the elements for that are already there. Of course Claudia should come to some kind of realisation about the way she's been used by Aaravos before she can take that turn. I doubt the show's got the time for that but it's an interesting possibility to think about.

I really like how the plot around Aaravos manipulating Claudia is done. Even Claudia's own father didn't do anything to prevent it from happening although all the signs of Aaravos having sinister plans for Claudia were there from the beginning: Aaravos calling Claudia "an asset" and encouraging Viren to lie to her in s3 therefore enabling Viren's worst impulses while also using them to his benefit. It's SO EVIL (and I love it). Viren isn't that much better since he always had some kind of excuse to ignore the red flags. At this point of TDP's run I'm convinced that Runaan's "Faith worse than death" line about Aaravos' mirror is finally paying off. It means that the consequences of Viren's actions have hurt Claudia, the only person Viren loves unconditionally, in an unfathomable way.

I think Claudia's arc is relatively subtle and very well done. It balances between Claudia being a victim of manipulation and neglect while also giving her agency to influence the plot as a whole. My only complaint is that Lost Child short story should have been implemented in the show itself and not just be extra material. I have some other grievances but those are mostly fandom related.

How some fans, especially in YouTube reviews, talk about Claudia's downfall like it was inevitable because she's always been fucked up or talking about how "trauma isn't an excuse for bad behaviour" is strange to me. Like, yeah, it isn't an excuse but it's simply just bad media analysis to instantly jump into condemning Claudia's actions, like she's a real person who uses trauma as an excuse to hurt other real people, instead of seeing it in the terms of a character study. Claudia clearly uses trauma to convince herself that what she's doing is right but never tries to manipulate anyone else by using it as an excuse. Think about her and Terry for example: she usually refuses Terry's help instead of trying to garner sympathy from him. This character trait is one of the many reasons why she felt obligated to keep her family together as well. She's extremely stubborn and not very self-conscious about her trauma brain but she does understand why others would see her actions as objectionable. I think this character type (usually a woman) has been given the playful nickname "trauma bitch" in the internet lexicon. Anyway god forbid if we actually empathise, reflect on and engage with unpleasant or problematic characters instead of instantly condemning them.

TDP is about how people can always CHOOSE a different path. Viren's dark magic hallucination in season 5 stated this very clearly.

In Claudia's case it's more interesting to think about WHY she DOESN'T choose differently. That's where all the meat of her character writing lies.

Claudia's arc is what happens when the desperate actions of someone motivated by trauma around abandonment are taken to their logical conclusion in this fantasy setting. It's a fictional story, it has metaphors and shit. Fantasy genre has used necromancy and extending one's life by magical means as a story element to explore humanity's relationship to death many times. The metaphor for loss and regret basically writes itself. Ursula Le Guin has used this trope in The Earthsea books, Peter S. Beagle's The Last Unicorn has done it etc. Everything can't be a one to one comparison to real life (trauma rarely makes you want to kill your friends with dark magic irl. idk that's just me though) and there needs to be a level of abstraction involved in a fantasy story. Abstraction and metaphor, paradoxically, can reveal a greater truth about the world. (I'm probably accidentally quoting someone here but can't remember who.)

Anyway the rest is great. When you think of it all for a moment it's pretty fucked up how Claudia has been used by Aaravos. It's not some tiny part of Caludia's story. It IS her story. And Viren set that norm for her. Viren too has abused Claudia's trust. It's a complex subject and probably requires its own post since Viren, Soren and Claudia's situation reflects some pretty realistic dynamics real life troubled families have. That's why the characters compliment each other's stories so well. Viren is a more realistic character after all when Aaravos is more over the top and symbolic and less of a real person. Aaravos is one of those villains who embodies the opposing ideology of the heros. We (still) don't know almost anything personal about him so he matters mostly in relation to other characters.

Thanks for reading this Claudia propaganda! I've had so many of these in the drafts. Anyway TL;DR

[ask-prismaknight]

Hi!

Welcome to the askblog! This is where you can ask questions directly to Prisma and her friends. My main is @startistdoodles (where likes/follows come from). I have posts regarding all my headcanons tagged there under #kirby worldbuilding.

A few notes upfront:

Depending on the amount of asks I receive, I may not be able to respond to every one of them. Please understand.

On a similar note, please refrain from repeatedly asking the same/similar question multiple times.

Please keep asks PG-13 at most.

The characters are not omnipotent, so lore-related questions about the world or things they may not know will be moved over to @startistdoodles .

My AU follows both anime and game lore, so characters from either can be asked about. Generally anyone who is not dead is free to talk.

Side modes such as Knightmare and Dededetour are not canon to my AU. However, Soul Bosses and Magolor Epilogue are canon.

That's about it! I'll update this post with anything else if needed.

Under the cut is information on some of the characters of interest.

Prisma Knight

Prisma Knight (she/her) is a Star Warrior turned queen after she got into an accident involving Dark Matter that resulted in her losing her wings. Ashamed, she fled her troop and went into hiding on Planet Permafrost. There she was crowned queen after saving the inhabitants from a terrifying threat.

Many years later, she reunited with her old friend Meta Knight and was brought to Popstar, where she currently lives with her servants and new friends.

Kirby

Kirby (he/him or they/them) is a young Star Warrior that arrived on Planet Popstar a couple years ago. Ever since then, his incredible power has been put to the test as he stands up against terrifying threats. But he is never fazed and goes right back to naptime after every battle.

Kirby is still a child (about 3-5 in human years) and his speech isn't the best. He resorts to communicating with drawings or gestures alongside his babbling. His friends can often help suggest what he might be trying to say.

Meta Knight

Meta Knight (he/him) is a mostly retired Star Warrior who resides on Planet Popstar and serves as a watchful knight who aims to protect the planet alongside his crew, the Meta-Knights, aboard his Battleship Halberd. He serves as a mentor to Kirby, as well as a sort of parental figure (despite him disagreeing with the latter).

Many years ago, he and Prisma Knight along with Sir Falspar, Sir Nonsurat and Sir Dragato were in the same troop in the GSA (Galaxy Soldier Army). He presumed Prisma dead when she went missing, but was reunited with her many years later.

King Dedede

King Dedede (he/him) is the self-proclaimed king of Dreamland. Once a greedy and stubborn king, he has since chilled out quite a bit and now acts as a proud ruler (now with 10% less stubbornness!) that many respect. While he can still be loud and hotheaded at times, he cares deeply for his friends and especially his Waddle Dee family.

He and Kirby are friendly rivals, and he will defend his little buddy with everything he's got.

Bandana Waddle Dee

Bandana Waddle Dee (he/him - Bandee for short) is the king's right-hand Waddle Dee. A soldier in training, he assists in the defense of Castle Dedede and even hangs out in town looking for ways he can help others.

He is also one of Kirby's best friends, and the two are almost always seen hanging out together.

Dark Matter Blade

Dark Matter Blade (he/him or it/its - usually shortened to 'Dark Matter', 'Dark Blade' or simply 'Dark') is the former right-hand of Lord Zero, the incarnation of pure dark energy. While once highly respected among his kind, after failing his first big mission of killing a Star Warrior and then again failing to defeat Kirby in his invasion of Popstar many years later, he was forced to flee the Dark Matter tribe under threat of being killed by his master. So, he returned to Popstar where he was reunited with Gooey.

Nowadays he spends his time with his new friends, though is still distrusted by some. He wishes to lead a life of peace and comfort and as such shys away from conflict and confrontation. His relationship with Prisma is very tense — they don’t speak much.

Mochi

Mochi (he/him or they/them) is a new baby that recently landed on Popstar. There is something strange and somewhat dark about him...but he seems sweet enough so Prisma is raising him.

Sidia Knight

Sidia Knight (he/him) is Prisma Knight's old mentor and father figure. After going MIA during the great war that demolished the GSA, he was stranded on Galacta Star for nearly a century. Eventually, he reunites with Quiver Knight and they settle down and live happily together as a married couple.

[johannestevans]

My Top Stories for 2023!

In case you missed ’em: these were my most popular works of fiction and non-fiction of the year!

It’s very nearly 2024, and it’s been a big year for me! 

I’ve published so many short stories and new essays, I had a great time at EasterCon and BristolCon, and have published pieces with several new (for me!) publications on top of moving into my new apartment. I’m now based in Yorkshire instead of Ireland, and that means I’ll be attending a bunch more conventions and other events across Wales, Scotland, and England as well as still going back to Ireland from time to time. 

Firstly, as a big thank you to all my supporters and to ring in the new year, I’m currently doing an end-of-2023 giveaway! Sign up here! 

On 01/01/2024, I’ll be drawing a winner of the giveaway, and they’ll receive by post / mail signed copies of my paperbacks, Heart of Stone and Gerald Poole and the Pirates, vouchers for my eBooks, some badges, and some other goodies that will be contained in the parcel. 

Secondly, I wanted to remind people who’ve had a little bonus or gifted money and want to treat themselves that as well as being able to subscribe for access to all reader-locked works on Medium, by any authors, for $5 USD, I have a Patreon where I publish almost all my works (barring those that might be against Patreon guidelines, of which there currently aren’t many), there is an option to pay annually on Patreon! 

You can subscribe to me monthly on Patreon for access to my works at £3 / £6 / £10.50 / £17 per month — there’s no difference in the benefits of these tiers, just that you can choose to support me with a subscription for what you can afford. 

If you subscribe annually on Patreon, you get a 16% discount on what you would ordinarily pay monthly, and you get full access to everything for the duration of the year’s subscription! 

With that intro done, let’s get to my top 24!

My Top 12 Fiction Pieces of 2023

January 2023 — Erotic Short: Running the Table

A trans man is the favourite pocket on the pool table.

Rated E. Cis M/trans M/cis M. 4k. Featuring consent play with a prenegotiated rape roleplay, object insertion (not sanitary, not safe, just sexy), double penetration, begging, tears, size difference, age difference, lots of anal play, belly bulging.

Jock and Phineas first appeared in Centre Pocket, where Jock initially makes the threat of the pool balls.

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon / / Read on Ao3

February 2023 — Erotic Short: Fresh Bounty

A bounty hunter takes a young wizard to the king’s court.

1.7k, rated E, cis M/trans M! Power play with a lack of negotiation, but fully consensual enthusiasm for it, cockwarming, threatened overstimulation, D/s, implications of public use, and sex on horseback!

CW for a mention of it in dirty talk, but no animals are actually abused, harmed, or looked on sexually.

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon

March 2023 — Erotic Short: Purpose-Built Toy

A stretchy supervillain goes up against five huge superheroes.

3.2k, rated E. Trans M/5 alien Ms with alien cocks. There is absolutely no redeeming plot features in this, it’s just horrible unrealistic porn with lots of come inflation, objectification, humiliation, and belly kink.

There are several consent issues in this fic, where the trans guy is basically being turned into a fucktoy for these aliens without anyone asking how he feels about it — with that said, he’s really into the whole thing, and absolutely does not want to opt out.

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon / / Read on Ao3

April 2023 — Erotic Short: Slime Breeder

An elf is used as a distraction as his party fight a gigantic slime.

3.5k. A trans masc elf getting fucked from all ends by a giant slime creature, used as a seedbed by it, then played with by his variously gendered friends in the aftermath.

Mildly to very dubious consent here, but Sam is absolutely enjoying himself by the end of it — featuring a giant slime monster, aphrodisiacs, tentacle sex, encasement, choking, oviposition and egg-laying, cumflation, overstimulation, anal, oral, and vaginal penetration, objectification, lactation, milking. All that fun and beastly stuff!

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon / / Read on Ao3

May 2023 — Erotic Short: The Mermaid and the Fisherman

A wanderer meets a mermaid, and the two of them work to understand each other.

This short is also available for purchase on Smashwords as an eBook, and is originally from September 2020.

7.3k, rated E, M/M. A young man fleeing home has taken up residence in an old fishing cabin on the west coast of Scotland. He is observed, very closely, by a mermaid from beyond the maerl beds nearby.

Featuring cultural differences, humour, oviposition, cervix penetration, mild chem sex from the mermaid’s aphrodisiac, some rough sex, some mildly dubious consent, stuffing, belly bulge.

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon

June 2023 — Erotic Short: Agony and Ecstasy

An abbot takes a stranded sailor on for… personal duties.

6k, M/M, rated E! Age difference, virginity kink, some naivety, some oral and anal, first time enthusiasm.

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon

July 2023 — Erotic Short: The Stasis Box

A prisoner is frozen in time with his holes still accessible for the crew of a mining vessel to use.

5k, rated E, trans M/cis M but hundreds of other people. A trans twink agrees to be involved in an experiment in lieu of his year-long prison sentence — he’s placed in a stasis box, frozen in time, with his holes still accessible for the crew of a mining vessel to make use of.

This is honestly one of the most fucked-up things I’ve ever written, it goes big on the sci-fi body horror fucky horniness.

Full consent is given throughout, the twink knows what he’s in for. Featuring medical kink, fingering, anal and vaginal fingering and sex, sensitivity, time stop, big overstimulation, mind-break and ahegao, objectification, huge come inflation, gaping, come vomiting, general degradation.

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon

August 2023 — Erotic Short: The Interview

A workplace roleplay with age difference and some hearty degradation.

Rated E, 4k, cis M/trans M. Younger boss/older prospective employee, pre-negotiated roleplay, degradation and humiliation, daddy kink, nipple play, PIV, riding, sex in the office, casual sex, bareback. The older man is fat, but none of the degrading language is about his body or his size except for commenting on the size of his chest — the degradation primarily is about his age and assumed loneliness.

Words used for the trans man’s body are tits and chest, one comparison to a cow’s udder; cock, cunt, hole.

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon

September 2023 — Erotic Short: Training Toy

A cheerleader loans out his favourite toy to the football players.

3k, rated E, trans M/many cis M. Continuing on from Stuck.

A cheerleader trains up another student to be a good fucktoy, and shares him out to local football players — featuring D/s, multiple orgasms, mild bimboification vibes, training, multiple penetration, degradation, objectification, anal, vaginal, and oral, big penetrations.

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon / / Read on Ao3

October 2023 — Erotic Short: A Gift For the Wolfmen

A young man in a brothel is invited to join a quartet of hulking wolf-like warriors.

6.4k, rated E. Two trans men, both being gangbanged by four cis wolfmen with huge cocks.

Fantasy universe with adventurers and so forth. Featuring stuck-through-wall and grope boxes, body writing, vaginal, oral, and anal play, huge come inflation, size difference, knotting, power dynamics, virginity kink, objectification and dehumanisation, degradation, humiliation, breeding kink, body modification, mentions of lactation and pregnancy, and enthusiastic consent throughout.

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon

November 2023 — Erotic Short: Confession and Penance

A priest takes a hands-on approach to addressing a worshiper’s poor working habits.

11k, cis M/M, rated E! Tiernan, a manipulative workaholic who only ever relaxes during Mass services, is taken aside by Father Mullen when it all gets to be a bit too much. D/s, BDSM-approach to enforcing self-care, spanking, painplay, bit of a priest kink but it doesn’t go into that aspect too much, faith. Also some anal.

Note that by definition consent’s an issue here because this is the very definition of religious abuse, especially because Tiernan is a CSA survivor and references past CSA by another priest. Content warnings for the religious abuse and references to the CSA throughout, as well as dubious consent in other sexual situations. For all that, though, the tone is generally light-hearted and is more dark humour than dark drama.

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon

December 2023 — Erotic Short: Knight Tactics

An elf serves as a distraction and an exhaustion tactic for a bandit camp. By letting them fuck him.

3k, trans M/loads of cocks, assumed as cis M. Amaethon gets himself stuck in a wall so that the bandits will work out their stamina fucking him rather than fighting off the king’s guard.

Stuck in wall, free use, fully (and gleefully) consensual whilst pretending he isn’t, mild belly bulging and come inflation, gaping, exhaustion, messy and come-spattered, etc. All the fun stuff.

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon / / Read on Ao3

My Top 12 Non-Fiction Pieces of 2023

January 2023 — Fast “Who am I?”: A Fun Game to Play with Friends

A silly fun game to play rapidly with your friends and loved ones in 2023.

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon

February 2023 — Our Flag Means Death S01 E01: Close Textual Analysis

Examining OFMD E1: Pilot in close detail and liveblogging/analysing the text.

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon / / Read on Ao3

March 2023 — Ringing The Devil’s Doorbell: A Light-Hearted, Practical Guide

Let’s talk sex! Vulvar and vaginal stimulation for fun, pleasure, and profit.

Contents:

Preface

The Anatomy of the Vulva and Vagina: the actual anatomy of the vulva, it and the vagina’s attendant parts, and how everything fits together

On Testosterone: the effects of testosterone as a HRT treatment on the vulva and vagina in the context of sexual pleasure

(I don’t have any specific advice in regards to different intersex configurations or further genital and hormonal diversity, but that section might nonetheless be semi-relevant; there’s also some notes on vaginal atrophy that might be relevant if you’re menopausal or similar)

Stimulating the Vulva and Vagina: ringing the Devil’s doorbell, dancing about in his vestibule, and then running into (then out of) (then into) (then out o — ) his house

Additional Reading: more resources and links

Read on Medium

April 2023 — The Precarity of Subscription-Based Income

We’re basically busking online. No wonder we have anxiety about it.

Read on Medium 

May 2023 — The Straight Male Gaze on Pretty Male Gays

How does it feel when straight men want to fuck us?

A quick little intro — I went ham on this one. I watched A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge and it just gave me a lot of feelings.

Warnings throughout this piece for discussion of the film’s gore and violence, the homophobia both in- and out- of universe, sexual violence, homophobia in general. I use a lot of slurs in this one because I self-identify with a lot of them, and a lot of this piece is about the ways in which queer identity is weaponised and not weaponised against us.

Bon appetit.

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon

June 2023 — Passing Privilege: Through My Eyes, as a Trans Man Who Passes

Second puberty and the waves we send through the spaces around us.

On Medium / / On Patreon / / On Tumblr.

July 2023 — Yentl: A Trans Man Studying Talmud is Distracted by Gay Thoughts

Yentl (1983, dir. Barbra Streisand) and Yentl the Yeshiva Boy by Isaac Bashevis Singer.

On Medium / / On Patreon.

August 2023 — Barbie Isn’t Anti-Men — It’s Anti-Toxicity

Patriarchy does damage to us all, and Barbie (2023, dir. Greta Gerwig) clearly depicts that.

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon

September 2023 — Close Reading: A Deep Dive into the Process

An in-depth guide into applying analysis to a piece of text and extrapolating meaning.

A close reading is what we call an in-depth analysis of a piece of text, which might be in the case of fiction a short story, or for novels and novellas might be a portion or an extract from the text.

On Medium / / On Patreon.

October 2023 — Looking For 🍑🍆💦: A Beginner’s Guide to Grindr for Trans Men

Approaching Grindr (and cruising culture) as a trans man.

Read on Medium

November 2023 — As a Trans Man, Why Do Doctors Always Want to Get Me Pregnant?

I’m so tired of fielding questions about my “lost” fertility.

Read on Medium / / Read on Patreon

December 2023 — Uncling Duties

A selection of conversations with my friends’ cats, Kira and Bercow.

On Medium / / On Patreon.

[warmaidensrevenge]

Love and pinball

Pairings: Eddie x Chrissy x Fem!plus size reader

A/N: Hey everyone. I'm glad some of you are still reading my stuff. I really appreciate the love. This next part is a little bit rough. But I'm happy with it. As always thanks for reading. Feedback is greatly appreciated. Feel free to share your thoughts. I'm always open to suggestions and help for any fic I write. Kay love ya byyyyyeeee.

Word count: 6,000+

I do not give permission for my work to be posted anywhere else. Please respect all creators.

Warnings: 18+ No minors please. Language, slow burn, angst, sexual implications, hurt/comfort. Not proof read.

Summary: The truth comes out. And feelings grow.

Part 3: Can we be something?

Eddie sat on the couch when you went to change. When you came back you were in an oversized shirt and shorts that looked like underwear. With your hair down. You looked so pretty and comfy. You smiled at him and went to grab a couple of beers.

Once you handed him one, you went to grab a game.

He wanted to talk about the possibility of you being in a relationship with him. However, he got the feeling that maybe tonight you just wanted to hang out.

When you opened the board, you looked at him and gave him another pretty smile.

" I hope you like checkers. I do have the stuff for chess. But I don't have the patience for it."

He took off his jacket and got up. Sitting on the ground next to you

" That's surprising when you work with kids."

You chuckled, lining up the black pieces. " Okay. Maybe it's not patience. Maybe…I just have a problem with remembering which thing does what."

" Hmph. Same."

He helped you finish the board and both took a drink.

You motion your hand to the board. " Black goes first."

He reached over and put his beer down. In the process he moved his other one behind you on the couch. Did he mean to do that? No. He was just trying to get comfortable. What he didn't expect was you to move closer to him. So close that your shoulder touched his chest. What did that mean? Were you interested? Was it possible that you just might want more than this friendship?

"Bud?"

He looked at you and you nodded towards the game while taking a drink too.

" Right. Sorry."

He moved a piece, starting the game. About half way through you started up the conversation again.

" So…how long have you and Chrissy been together?"

" Al-almost five years."

" Hmmm you seem unsure about that."

He saw you smirking as you made your next move. "That's a long time."

" Yeah."

" Umm have you guys always done the whole open relationship thing?"

He shifted a little. " No. It's been about a year."

" Oh…so how many girls are you seeing?"

He licked his lips and sighed. Kinda embarrassed to tell you the truth.

" Just Chrissy." He said taking one of your pieces.

You moved a checker to his side and kinged it. " So it's not an open relationship?"

" I uhh…it is. I just didn't feel like I wanted anyone else."

Until now.

" Didn't? As in now you do?"

He grabbed his beer and took a swig. Trying to find the right words.

" I-I don't know."

" Hmmm. Does it bother you that she's seeing other guys?"

Not anymore.

" It used to."

The silence after his comment was weird.

" Hey bud. If you don't want to talk about it, or if I'm annoying you, just tell me to back off."

He smiled a little and shook his head. " You're not annoying. I get that this is something that a lot of people don't agree with."

" No it's not that. I think it's interesting. I don't judge. It's just…you didn't look too happy with her date."

He sighed and finished off his beer. That's when you got up and got him another. Bringing along some goldfish crackers. Sitting a little further away.

" Sorry this is all I have right now. I haven't gone shopping yet."

" No. Don't be. I liked these." He said with a half smile.

" Cool. Well eat up. I don't want you to get a tummy ache from the beer."

He let out a light chuckle before popping a few crackers in his mouth.

" Umm so…you don't like the guy?"

He shook his head. " Fuckin' hate that guy."

You strained your mouth into a frown. " Oh no. What did he do?"

" It... it was a long time ago."

You put your hand on his thigh. " It's cool if you just want to drink and keep playing. But I'm willing to listen. No pressure K."

He nodded and took another drink. After he put his hand on yours. Rubbing soft circles with his thumb.

" In highschool, he was popular and a jock. He uhh bullied me a lot…I was always different. And everyone thought that I was some satanic worshiping freak. I uhh I guess the long hair and metal I listened to didn't do me any favors."

" Let's egg his house."

He threw his head back and laughed.

" No seriously. I have bologna. We can put it on his car and in the morning, he will try to take it off and it will peel the paint."

He shook his head and smiled." Oh so you've done this before?"

You pressed your lips. Shaking your head. " Not yet. But I'm willing to vandalize and destroy everything in the name of justice for little Eddie Munson."

He grinned. Why were you so…cute?

" But you're not right? A devil worshiper?"

He laughed a little. " No. I mean I do love metal-"

" Who doesn't? Honestly the best songs I've ever heard were by Black Sabbath and Warlock."

He lifted his brow. " You know Warlock?"

You pulled your hand away and got up. Turning on the radio low. He smirked when he heard the opening of I Rule the Ruins and saw you slightly banging your head.

When you came back you sat closer to him.

" This is the first song I heard by them. And I just fell in love"

He started banging his head too." This is really a good song."

You guys just sat there listening for a minute.

" You know I was bullied too."

Out of nowhere he lifted his hand and moved your hair behind your shoulder. Leaving his hand on your back. Then you hung your head.

" Kids can be really cruel when you don't fit into the norm."

" Who wants to be normal?" He asked. " Normal is boring."

You turned to look at him. " I used to say the same thing all the time."

As the night went on you guys talked and played. Truthfully, though the night started off the way it did. He was happy he was there with you. That it ended with you and him.

" Well it's getting late. I have to work early."

He suddenly felt sad. He didn't want to go. Neither did you.

" If you want." You stood up. " I would like for you to stay."

His eyes widened.

" I mean I don't want my friend to drive after drinking."

Damn.

" That couch is a pull out."

He stood up too. " No. I don't -"

You grabbed his hand and squeezed it. " Please. I would never forgive myself if you got hurt."

He looked down at your guy's hands. How could he say no to that? So he agreed.

He laid there thinking what it would be like to sleep with you. How would your warm body feel next to his? Would you like to be the little spoon? Or do you even like to be touched? He hoped so.

-

You did the same thing. Think about what it would be like to cuddle him. To feel his strong arms around you. You thought after the conversation about Chrissy, he would ask you if you wanted to hook up. You might have said yes. Who knows? If he would have tried to kiss you when he brushed your hair back. Maybe you would have. But, you had never been in a relationship like this. It was very complicated. It could get really messy. And that was something you wanted to stay away from. Still, Eddie was something. He was different, and though you wanted to push the feelings that were there away. He made it so hard when he looked at you with those baby cow eyes.

…

In the morning you woke him up for breakfast. He sat at the table while you served up two plates of chocolate chip pancakes.

" Thank you sweetheart."

" It's no problem. It's nice cooking for someone in the morning."

" Well if you want we could do this again?"

You were quiet and it freaked him out.

Shit shit shit!

" I-I m-mean-"

You held up your hand. " Eddie, I have to be honest here."

He closed his mouth and stared at you intently.

You put your hands on your lap and averted your gaze to your plate.

" Okay so I don't know how you feel about me. But I was not being entirely truthful when I said you weren't my type…you are. And I think that maybe there's something between us…I-if I'm wrong please tell me-"

He reached over and held his hand out for you. A little hesitant, you lifted yours and put it in his.

" There is something sweetheart."

You met his big brown eyes. " Oh-okay…so umm I don't know how to do this."

He grinned a little. " I don't either…but maybe…we could figure it out…together?"

You sighed. " Together sounds nice."

When breakfast was finished, you were kind enough to make him a sack lunch too. When you guys parted you gave him a big hug.

" Have a good day bud."

" No, you have a good day."

You giggled. " Bye..Make good choices."

He grinned at you.

The rest of the day he was in the best mood.

…

Time went on and you spent loads more time with him. Hugs were the closest you guys got to touching each other. Not that he minded it. He liked that you two were going slow. Getting to know each other instead of immediately jumping into bed. Like he did with Chrissy.

But after a month of breakfasts and dinners. You got closer.

He was over watching The Thing. You were on the other side of the couch when it started. But 30 odd minutes in and your face was buried in his chest. He held you tightly for the rest of the movie. Later that night he was laying on the pull out when he heard you.

"Ed-eddie?"

He looked up and saw standing in the hallway.

" Yeah sweetheart?"

You cleared your throat. " Umm you doing ok? Do you need anything?"

He shook his head. " No, I'm good."

" Oh-okay."

He leaned in his elbows. " Are you okay?"

You tucked your hair behind your ears. " Y-yeah. I umm just wanted to make sure you're not scared or anything like that."

He smiled to himself. He knew that you were just trying to hide that you were.

" Umm I might be a little."

" If you want… I could lay with you until you fall asleep." You proposed.

He nodded. " Yeah. That would be nice."

He pulled back the blanket and you climbed in with him. He didn't know if he should hug you or something. But you quickly decided for yourself. You pulled his arm under your head and snuggled up closer to him. Grabbing his other arm and draping it across your waist.

" I hope this is okay."

He pulled you closer and sighed. " It's perfect."

You settled into him and he tried to control his breathing. A minute went by before you lifted your leg and placed it on his thigh. His hand slid down your leg and hooked behind your knee. Pulling you closer. After his hand went back around your waist and firmly tugged you so that your body was flush with his.

His heart started to pound out of control when your hand went up and gently started scratching his head. You were so close and you were so fuckin warm. He wanted to touch you and kiss you all over. But then he heard you sigh deeply. Your minty breath smelled so good.

" I have to be honest." You whispered. " I came out because I was scared."

He lightly chuckled. " I know…don't worry. I'll protect you."

" Prom-promise?" You asked sleepily.

" Pinky." He whispered. Giving you a kiss on the forehead.

Before he knew it, you were softly snoring.

" I want to do this every night." He said before sinking deeper in the bed. Falling asleep too.

…

The following week was date night with Chrissy. He decided to take her to the carnival. He absolutely loved the rides. And she always liked to play the games. So it was a great idea. He had come to the conclusion that in order for this relationship to work, he needed to focus on the girl he was with. And try his best to not think of the other when he was spending time with the other.

So tonight he was going to be all about Chrissy.

-

You were in the kitchen mixing up a batch of cupcakes. Swaying your hips to Angel Baby. Thinking about waking up with Eddie spooning you. It was nice. Being held like that again. Though it was the first time you slept together, it almost felt like you've been doing it for years. That feeling of being protected and cared for was something you had missed. And when he left, it hurt your heart. And it hurt more that he didn't come over during the week.

You knew he had to go home and spend time with his actual girlfriend. Which you wished that was you. Maybe you were being selfish. But you couldn't help what you felt deep down. Something you weren't ready to accept or even think about.

"Hey Sis."

You turned around and smiled. " Hey. You're early. There she is."

You put the bowl down and picked up Natalie.

" Hi baby. How are you?"

" Hi Tee. I missed you."

You kissed her cheek. " I missed you too."

Your brother put down her overnight bag and gave you a hug.

" How's it going Paul?"

He sighed. " Good. Just been busy."

" Well it's nice to see you."

He grinned at you. " Yeah. Same. So what're you making?"

You looked at Natalie and widened your eyes. " Chocolate cupcakes."

Natalie laughed." I love chocolate."

" I know you do. Why don't you go and put your stuff away and you can help me."

She nodded.

You put her down and she ran to her room with her bag while your brother sat down at the table.

" How are you y/n?"

You continued to mix. " I'm doing pretty good. Been working a lot."

" That's good. I'm glad you're keeping busy."

" I try."

There was an awkward silence after your comment. Paul always did that when he was judging you. You rolled your eyes and turned to look at him.

" What, Paul?"

He didn't look at you. But you could see his jaw was flexed.

" Who's the guy?"

You furrowed your brow. " What guy?"

He met your stare. Obviously upset. " The guy you're in love with."

You jerked your head back. " What are you talking about? I'm not in love with anyone."

" Common y/n. You only listen to this type of music when you've fallen for someone."

You looked at the radio. It was playing Wonderful World by Sam Cooke. You shook your head and turned to fill up the cake liners.

" I'm not in love with anyone."

Paul sighed. " Well maybe you do. You're just not ready."

You were quietly thinking. You couldn't possibly be in love with Eddie. You guys only knew each other for about 3 months.

" Y/n. Whoever this guy is. Make sure you don't do what you did last time."

You scoffed and turned around. Crossing your arms over your chest. " What did I do last time that was so bad?"

" Well let's start off by dropping out of school."

" You knew that I never wanted to go. I hated college. I never liked going to school. I only went because pop pop wanted me to."

He sat up straight. " Okay how about running off to a different country without telling anyone for a year."

" What's so wrong with me traveling? You know I wanted to see the world."

" Fine! How about when you missed Sandra's funeral."

You looked away, fighting the tears that were coming. How could he say that? You apologized so much for it.

Paul regretted the words as soon as they came out. He immediately got up and put a hand on your shoulder.

" God…I'm sorry. That wasn't fair. It's just." He sighed. " Champ…"

You met his eyes and gave a thin lip. He hadn't called you that in so long.

" I just don't want to lose you again. Especially now that Natalie is used to you being here. She needs her aunt and I need my sister. "

You sniffled and nodded. " I got my head screwed on right now. I'm not gonna bolt again."

Paul hugged you. " Okay. Just be careful."

" Daddy?"

Paul looked down and smiled at his daughter.

" Hey baby girl. Are you ready to make cupcakes?" He asked letting you go and pick her up.

" Are you gonna help us?" She asked.

He looked at you and you gave him a nod.

" Yeah baby girl. I'll help frost them."

Natalie squealed, making you and Paul laugh.

A little bit later you guys started frosting.

" So what are you guys doing tonight?" Paul asked.

"Well." You fed Natalie a little bit of frosting. " We're going to the carnival."

Natalie's eyes were saucers. " Yeah Tee?"

" Yeah baby. After dinner we are gonna go for a little bit."

" Is it going to be just you two?"

" umm I might call Robin to come."

" Well you guys be safe and have fun. Do you need some money?" Paul said pulling out his wallet.

You shook your head at him. "No, we'll be fine."

…

" What is it Chris?"

Eddie could tell there was something up with her when he parked.

" N-nothing."

" What? Did you not want to be here?" He asked, gesturing towards the carnival.

" No. It's just…I came here last night…Clark brought me."

Eddie flexed his jaw. " Fine. We'll go somewhere else."

Chrissy put her hand on his forearm." Ed, it's okay. There was a couple of rides I missed and I saw a big pink monkey I wanted."

He turned his head and saw her pout. " Alright Chris. Let's just have a good time."

He got off and opened her door. After he helped her out she grabbed his arm and put it over her shoulder.

They walked for a while before getting on a couple of rides. After Chrissy led him to a ring toss booth.

He played two games and was only able to get her a small frog. He was going for a third time when he heard a familiar voices.

" TEE! I WANT TO RIDE THE CUPS."

" Okay baby. What do you say Steven? Want to release your inner child."

Eddie looked around and saw you holding Natalie's hand. With your arm hook with Steve's. A wave of jealousy washed over him. Were you on a date? When did you start hanging out with Steve? First Gareth, now Steve. Why hadn't you told him?

" Ed?"

He turned to Chrissy and she was looking in your direction.

" S-sorry."

" Did you know she was coming here?"

He shook his head.

" Let's go say hi."

Before he could say anything she took off.

Fuck!

" Hey Steve."

Steve turned around. " Oh hey Cunningham."

Chrissy smiled at you.

" Hi y/n."

You looked shocked. But Eddie saw you fake a smile.

" Hey-hey. Umm…"

Chrissy gave you a big toothy smile." Nice to see you again."

You cleared your throat. " Y-yeah. Umm-"

"BUD!!" Natalie squealed.

She let go of your hand and ran to Eddie. Hugging his legs.

His heart melted and he laughed. He bent down to pick her up.

"Hi princess."

Natalie wrapped her little arms around his neck. Giving him a warm hug. When he met your eyes, he saw one of the most beautiful soft smile he had ever seen. Your eyes had this mixture of sad and happy in them. He didn't know whether to be glad or upset from it.

" Hey there." You said giving him an awkward hug. Taking Natalie after.

Why his heart broke then and there, he didn't know. But all he knew was he definitely did not like it.

After a bit, Chrissy suggested that you guys just enjoy the fair together. Eddie could tell that it made you feel uneasy. But before he could say no, you faked another smile and agreed.

The first ride was on the teacups. He wanted to sit with you and Natalie. What he truly wanted was to have this night and all future nights to be spent with you. Just you. But he couldn't. He most definitely shouldn't.

The next ride was the Tilt a Whirl. All of you squished together in one. Eddie was on the end with Chrissy then Natalie then you and finally Steve.

The way Steve held onto you while the ride spun had him fuming. Chrissy noticed it again and got really annoyed with him being quiet. When the ride was over Steve and Natalie wanted to go again. You were feeling nauseous so you sat the ride out.

Chrissy saw Eddie contemplating going too. So she told him to wait with you.

" Are you sure?"

She nodded and went to join Steve. Eddie then went to sit with you. You gave him a thin lip smile before looking at the ground.

" You feeling okay?" He asked.

You let out a slow steady breath. " Yeah. I'm fine. My stomach isn't what it used to be."

He was silent for a second before he turned his body towards you. " Sweetheart, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were gonna be here."

You glanced at him. " It's fine bud. You don't need to apologize for being on a date with your girlfriend."

He went for your hand but you pulled away. Now he was confused.

" S-sorry."

He lifted his hand and gently pulled at your chin.

" Don't be sorry. Remember we're still trying to figure this out."

You nodded and held onto his wrist. A second passed and he dropped his hand and intertwined his long fingers with your short chubby ones.

" Is there something going on with you and Harrington?"

You opened your mouth to say something, then they came back. Eddie shot his head towards Chrissy and then looked back at you when you jerked your hand away.

Nope. Don't like that.

" Ed, Steve said he could get me the stuffed monkey. So we're gonna go try. Why don't you and y/n take the little girl to get some food?"

He should've said no. He should've told her that they were on a date and that he could win her that stupid monkey. But he just agreed. All he cared about was being with you and Natalie tonight.

Once you guys split up, he held out his hand for you and took you to a food stand. While he waited for the food, he watched you putting a little sweater on Natalie. Giving her Eskimo kisses after.

He loved that. Loved how absolutely adorable you two looked together. How such a beautiful loving person you were when no one was looking.

He grabbed the food and sat watching you help Natalie with her hotdog.

" Are you sure you don't want anything? I can get you a pop or a funnel cake."

"No thank you bud. My stomach is still being a poop."

He took a long breath in. " You look really beautiful tonight."

You peered deep into his eyes and gave him another amazing soft smile. " You don't look too bad yourself…but can I say something?"

He licked his lips and stared at you, waiting for you to finish.

" You look better with your leather jacket and battle vest."

He looked down at his cardigan and scoffed a little. " Yeah…Chris made me wear it."

" Oh. S-sorry. No offense."

" No…you're right. This isn't me." He said taking off the itchy sweater. He haphazardly folded it and gave you a wink.

You blushed lightly and bit your lip.

"You're pretty when you blush like that."

"So what, like I'm ugly the rest of the time?"

" N-no." He stuttered. " You're just extra pretty."

You narrowed your eyes at him but smiled right after.

A few moments passed when he got up and went to sit on the other side of Natalie when she offered him some fries.

" So we got interrupted earlier…is there something going on between you and Steve?"

He watched you take a deep breath and take a second to answer. This only served to worry him.

" Would it be a problem if I was?"

That wasn't what he was expecting. A hard YES was shouting at him. But it wasn't fair that he set rules in place for you. Why couldn't the girls he was seeing just want him?

"Uhh no. It-It's fine. Harrington is a good guy…so is Gareth."

"Gare-"

" OH ED! HE DID IT!"

You were cut off by Chrissy's giddiness. When he looked over Steve was grinning away and Chrissy was holding onto a big pink monkey.

" Awe cool."

Both you and Eddie looked down at Natalie who's eyes were huge looking at the toy. She wanted it. Eddie could tell. So he looked at Chrissy.

" Hey Chris, how about you let her have it."

Chrissy then began to pout. " Aww but-but."

Eddie then heard you whisper to Natalie.

" Common baby girl. Let's go get you one too." You then stood up. " It's okay bud. I'll win her one."

You held out your hand for her and went to a stand that had Bushel Toss. Eddie shook his head at his girlfriend.

" What?! You know I wanted this."

Steve and Eddie looked at each other. Giving one another a thin lip. When they didn't say anything Chrissy scoffed. " Whatever. Stevie? Want to go on rides with me."

Steve ran his hand through his perfect hair. "Uhhh well I thought I could help y/n win a-"

" That's okay. Ed can help her. Right Ed?"

Eddie rolled his eyes. Chrissy clearly was flirting with Steve right in front of him. But he wasn't angry at her for it. He was angry because she didn't give Natalie the stupid monkey.

" Yeah man. Here." He handed Steve tickets. " Take her on whatever she wants."

When he walked away he could hear Chrissy giggle.

-

When you left you weren't mad or anything. You were sad. It cut real deep seeing him with her. So instead of showing that it hurt, you pretended. Then he said he was fine with you seeing his friends. That felt overwhelming. You had to get out of there.

While you and Natalie got ready to throw the balls Eddie came and paid for more.

-

Eddie could see you staring at him through his peripheral.

" Double the chances sweetheart."

…

Eddie was in bed staring up at the ceiling. Listening to the storm that rolled in when he was at the carnival. Just 30 minutes ago he was arguing with Chrissy about her not giving Natalie the toy. A heated argument turned into angry sex. He fucked her so hard that she was screaming his name.

Once she came she knocked out. Now he was laying there thinking about what you were doing. Wondering if you were okay. But something was eating at him. No longer able to stand the lie he told, he got up and got dressed.

When he pulled up to your house, he saw the living room light on. It was down pouring and he waited for a minute trying to practice his speech.

He took a deep breath and jogged to your front door. Before he could knock, you opened it.

" Well aren't you a cliche waiting to happen?"

He looked at the ground and grinned. " I guess I am huh?"

" All you need to do now is confess your undying love."

He looked up and you looked away. Obviously not meaning what you said.

" Y/n…I came here because…" he pressed his lips for a second. " Because I lied earlier…I would have a problem if you were seeing Steve. And I know it's tremendously selfish of me to say that. So I'm gonna try and be okay with it, if you do want to spend time with other people…I just don't want you to spend less time with me."

You stood there, not saying a word. You had this confused look on your face and he felt like he should go.

" Well it's not a declaration of love. Still, I just couldn't go to bed knowing I wasn't honest with you."

You nodded and he said goodnight. He started back to his van when you called him.

He stopped and turned around. "Yeah?"

" There's nothing going on with Steve and with Garethe. Steve was the only one who was free… I honestly don't know exactly what you and I are doing. But whatever it is…I don't want to do it with anyone else…I don't want to spend time with anyone but you."

His heart jumped for joy. That was the best thing he could have heard. Now he knew what he wanted to do. So he walked back to your porch.

He smirked. " Who's the walking cliche now?"

You rolled your eyes and laughed a little. " Common curls. Let's get you dried off so you don't catch a cold."

…

He was in your room waiting for you to grab some stuff for him. He got curious and looked around. Your room was so simple. Like you didn't need much. It was so different compared to the room he shared with Chrissy. She had insisted that she decorated the place. So naturally the bed had way too many pillows. And random glass balls everywhere. Everything has a place with a label. The bedsheets were silk and a lavender color. They were nice he had to admit, but fuck were they slippery.

Your room however was…for the lack of a better term. Perfect. Only two pillows on the bed with sheets that looked like they came from Walmart or something, because they had random patterns that he normally saw. There was a half empty water bottle on the bedside table and a fan that was clearly used for white noise. He used to have one for the same reason when he lived with his uncle. His eyes wandered and settled on the pictures on the dresser. Somewhere of you posing in what looked like Greece and Italy. Others were of you and Natalie. Goofy smiles and all. He smiled to himself and continued to be nosey.

" So thank God my brother left some stuff over. They might be a little big but they should be okay."

He turned around and took the clothes and towel you handed to him. " Thanks sweetheart."

" You're welcome…you could use mine." You said pointed at your master bathroom.

He nodded and went to shower quickly. Even your bathroom was simple. Not overly decorated or anything. He liked that too. He opened a cabinet and took a gander

Tampons, Tp, extra towels and soap.

Then he went and opened the medicine cabinet. A part of him told him to stop going through your things, but he shut that voice down.

Lotion, perfume…birth control?

He closed the door and decided that was enough of him snooping. Once he was finished showering, he looked at himself in the mirror.

" Kiss her. Kiss her like you've been wanting to." He whispered to himself.

He knew how he wanted this night to end. But only if you were willing. He looked at the shirt you gave him and decided he didn't want to wear it. He took a deep breath and walked out. You weren't in the room though. That's when he heard you humming to There Goes My Baby by The Drifters. He went out to the hall and found you sitting on the couch reading. You looked up and blushed a little seeing him shirtless. He smirked and went to sit next to you.

" This is a good song."

You raised a brow. " I'm surprised you know it."

He put his arm on the back of the couch behind you. " Hey. I know good music when I hear it."

You scoffed a little while closing the book. " And here I thought you were all metal."

He tilted his head and grinned. " Who's judging who now, sweetheart?"

" Not judging. Just wrong… again."

While taking a short breath and holding it he reached up and tucked your hair behind your ear. " My uncle loves this kind of music. He used to play it all the time. I guess you can say he rubbed off on me."

You turned your eyes down to your book. " Yeah? My mom did the same thing. Still does actually."

" That's cool."

You leaned your head on his shoulder and sighed. He wrapped his arms around you and took a whiff of your hair. That's when he noticed the song These Arms Of Mine by Otis Redding just started.

Now or never man.

He softly said your name as he gently pulled up your chin.

" Can…can I kiss you?"

You took a second then moved back out of his arms.

Shit! You're not ready. Fuck!

" Y/n, I-I'm sorry. I just thought-"

"Yes…Yes you can kiss me."

His heart was pounding so hard and his palms got all sweaty. " Are-are you sure? If your not ready-"

" Kiss me Eddie."

He gulped and nodded. "Oh-okay."

This was so damn scary. Time seemed to slow down as he scooted closer and started to lean in. He kept repeating to himself to not fuck this up. To calm down. That it was just a kiss. But he was scared and nervous and excited. He felt every feeling all at once. He could have honestly pass out from it.

He was about six inches away when a loud boom shook the house. Stopping him in his tracks. The sound of the power going down accompanied by the sudden darkness was such a mood killer.

Then you laughed. " Alright God, calm down."

He hung his head. " I'm gonna have a talk with him about how it's rude to interrupt."

You laughed even harder, making him laugh too.

" Common bud. You check on Natalie, while I get my camping lantern out of the garage."

He helped you up and told you to be careful.

With lightning lighting his way, he went to Natalie's door. He peeked in and grinned seeing her complete out, hugging the big orange monkey he won for her.

Sleeps through a storm too.

He silently closed the door and saw a light being shown on his back. When he turned around he caught a glimpse of hurt in your eyes. But instead of hiding it with a fake smile, you looked away and moved the lantern away from your face.

" Umm…Chrissy uhh really went to town on your back."

His stomach fell to the floor. And all the air was snatched from his lungs.

Jesus Christ!

" I-I-I" he swallowed. " Sweetheart I'm sorry."

You walked right up to him holding up the lantern once again. Eyes focused in the middle of his chest.

" Stop being sorry... Girlfriends do that sometimes."

He wanted to cry. He wanted to fall to his knees and beg you to forgive him. But before he could say anything, you quickly checked on Natalie and started for your room.

You sighed." I'm gonna go to bed."

Are you kicking me out?

" If the thunder scares you, you can sleep with me."

He felt so damn guilty when he followed you to bed. And he felt even worse for wanting things to go farther when he literally had sex with Chrissy an hour ago. Clearly you were hurt at what you saw. Honestly he hadn't noticed them. But damn did he wish he would have drove you home instead of Steve. Then he would have never fought with Chrissy. He would have never had sex with her. And he would have never seen that look of pain you had.

He laid there wishing you would say something. Anything about how you were feeling right now. However, you turned your back towards him. He could have cried. He should've left you alone. Now that he hurt you, all he could think about was never doing it again.

" Eddie?"

He lifted his head and looked at you. "Y-yeah?"

" Maybe we can try that kiss another time."

And just like that, he had hope.

" Of course. Whatever you want."

You shuffled a little and softly cleared your throat. " You can hug me now."

A wave of relief engulfed him. He still had a chance. Only this time, he wasn't going to ruin it.

...

@browneyes528 @marsmunson86

[tanoraqui]

Hi, Maedhros and Fingon from the superhero au make me feral, I love everything about them. if you feel like it I would love to see some more about Elros and Elrond from that au. Or alternatively, i was too shy to suggest anything the other week when you were doing the prompt list, but how about Elros and Elrond, the mafia au, library?

I’ll take “Elros and Elrond from the superhero au” for 500, Alex; thank you!

Elros’s Finwëan superpower is healing, because in THIS house we respect “the hands of the king are the hands of a healer” as an ancient truism of Arda and, accordingly, believe that Elros was the one with innate healing talent and Elrond only learned it later in life, likely in memory of Elros. Superhero au!Elros can heal others and himself by laying hands on them and willing it, though it does require energy from him and concentration. He gets much more efficient with both power and speed once he learns anatomy.

Elrond’s Finwëan power is the ability to radially radiate an aura of peace, in which harmful attacks are physically slowed and the will to violence, and all other negative emotions, are calmed. Ranged projectiles which enter the space also slow, though not necessarily enough to do no damage. He can push it farther out and/or more intensely the longer it goes, with limits. Elrond has to maintain his own sense of peace in order to do this, no anger, fear, desire to injure, etc. Elrond glows while he does this; the light marks the area and strength of effect.

Five generations down from Finwë, these powers are relatively weak compared to previous generations. However, their Maiaran blood means they both have a natural talent for Singing (ie, magic), which they can most easily use to augment their Light-based abilities.

These twins grew up in a post-apocalyptic hellscape timeline in which Morgoth conquered Earth and now most people are dead or, if unlucky, enslaved. The small group of free survivors which their parents led, constantly on the run, was luckier and more protected than most thanks largely to the Silmaril Elwing bore, but they were hunted fiercely by the small surviving band of the Sons of Fëanor (down to Maedhros, Maglor and Amrod) and their few remaining followers...while all were hunted by orcs, wolves, vampires, etc.

They found some sort of rip in reality, maybe caused by Morgoth's discordant war of conquest. Eärendil went through it to seek aid from the Valar. When the Fëanorians cornered them there, waiting for his return, Elwing tried to go through it with the Silmaril. Her sons tried to follow her, holding on to the back of her shirt, holding on to each other.

They got about 1.5 out of 3, and ended up by the side of a random freeway in modern America....

Maglor and Maedhros were driving (being driven) by on their way to a concert - Maglor to sing, Maedhros bullied into having a pleasant night off while supporting his beloved (annoying) brother and smiling for the cameras. Maglor saw 2 bedraggled 6yos trudging along by the side of this random freeway and told the limo driver to pull over...

In short order,

- the Fëanorians are like, 'holy shit, hitherto unknown baby cousins of some sort?!?' because these kids eyes definitely have Light in them

- Elros tries to stab Maglor, because Maglor reaches for them and these are literally the terrible monsters they were fleeing from 30 minutes ago, albeit much cleaner and less obviously scarred, and of course the 6yos from the post-apocalyptic hellscape have their own knives + basic combat training

- Elrond is too scared to stop anything with his power, see: previous comment about monsters.

Maglor's hand gets a little stabbed. Maedhros grabs Elros's arm and wrenches the knife away before he can try again. Elrond bites Maedhros's arm, like, really hard, the way you secretly always want to try biting someone just once, lots of blood.

- Maglor Sings the children to sleep with a hasty but strong lullaby (he was under stress, okay, and stabbed!). He and Maedhros look down at the uneasily-sleeping children.

- "They look a little Turgon-y," Maglor offers. "In the eyebrows?"

- "I don't even know if that's Light like ours," says Maedhros. He kneels down to frisk each boy for more weapons, then picks them up, one in each arm. "Remember Dior?"

- (Dior, son of Lúthien and Beren, had time-travelled back a comic books time!couple years ago from a terrible future in which Fingon was actually for real and ever killed this time so the House of Fëanor went to war with the magical isolated island of Doriath, in the name of retrieving the one Silmaril free of Morgoth, to the detriment of most of the rest of the world. That terrible timeline averted, Dior had stayed in the present and (re?)married his non-future wife, a millennia-old Iathrin forest ranger named Nimloth. They'd just recently had twin sons, though clearly not these ones - those were silver-haired rather than dark, and this one who'd just stabbed Maglor definitely had Fingolfin's nose.)

- (So the Fëanorians both knew that all-out war was to be avoided at almost all cost. But Doriath actually now had two Silmarils, or rather, the same Silmaril twice over, and Maedhros didn't need to say it aloud for Maglor to understand: ransom.)

[empires-au-ideas]

Once again... sorry for all the Shelby posting. But she IS my poor little short sighted magical meow meow and I WILL put her in situations <3

Anyway. Withered Witch au my beloved <3

...

A Strange Force

...

Shelby straightened her books on the shelves, making sure they were all in line. Her cauldron was polished clean and all the potions she had prepared were neatly organized into crates.

She was wearing her nicest sweater (so the one least stained with mud) and her green overalls with the dainty embroidery her grandma made as a parting present. She fluffed up the flowers on her hat and tied back her hair in a neat-ish ponytail.

She even went though the effort of scraping away the mud, pulling out the plants that grew on the paths and getting rid of as many of those stupid roots as she could. Which... Shelby admits, she had been putting off for a while.

But Katherine was coming over soon, for her first visit to the Evermoore for a trade deal. Everything had to be PERFECT.

"ShelbyYyYy~"

"She know who we are, Sausage. Stop pretending to be some incomprehensible spirit."

Speaking of...

"Sausage. Gem." Shelby cleared her throat. "I'm... going to be doing a trade deal in a moment here, so if you wouldn't mind... not being around right now?"

"Who's coming over?" Sausage snapped his attention over, clearly excited.

"Better not be that archeologist," Gem mumbled, crossing her arms. "I bet he knew who we were, no thank you."

"Or that grave robber!" Sausage scrunched his nose. "I swear, he looked RIGHT at me-"

"Uhm..." Shelby shuffled her feet. "Just uhm- just..."

Why did her face get all hot? It wasn't embarrassing, to have a trade deal, right? The two ghosts were emporers way back when, they knew how this stuff worked. And they live in her house, have been, possibly months prior to their first appearance. Shelby has nothing to hide from them.

And... why did everything have to be perfect for Katherine? Katherine was really nice and cool and strong she guessed... probably just because she's a princess. Yes, Katherine was a princess with a nation that could squash the Evermoore like a bug. It would be important to impress her.

"Katherine!" Shelby blurted out. "Just- just Princess Katherine. So please don't make me give off a bad impression because it's very important this goes well because she's really strong and could proooobably kill me if she wanted to."

Ah! That must be why Shelby was so nervous. She was scared of Katherine, obviously.

"Ah..." Gem nodded knowingly. "Magic emporer to magic emporer, Shelby, I never got used to dealing with royalty. It doesn't get better."

Sausage blinked back, shaking his head. "Uh, hello, Gem? I was a king? And one of your closest alliances?!"

Gem looked him up and down. "My point still stands. So Shelby, if you need me to set up some spells, scare the princess off-"

"What?!" Shelby blanched. "No no no no, it's just a trade! I just need to impress her!"

... if Shelby was scared of her, why WOULDN'T she want Gem to scare Katherine off?

Whatever.

"Just..." Shelby took a deep breath. "Don't do anything stupid? Please?"

Gem looked over at Sausage again.

"Hey!" Sausage put on the meanest face he could... which wasn't that much. Despite what the books said, Shelby could NEVER see this guy being the servant of a terrifying demon.

"I literally said nothing." Gem crossed her arms, turning away.

"You both had what, a thousand years to make ammends and apologize?!" Shelby touched her temples. "How do you still SQUABBLE this much?!"

"Wrong," Gem rolled her eyes. "We had a thousand years to get SICK of eachother. "Why couldn't I have been stuck in the material plane with Scott? At least I could have a civil discussion about magic with HIM without it turning into a screaming match. Or Katherine. Or Shrub. Or Pix. Lizzie."

"Joey?" Sausage raised his eyebrows.

Gem paused. "Okay, no. I wouldn't go THAT far."

Shelby yelped as someone knocked the door. "Oh my goodness, she's here!"

Shelby rushed over to the door, turning around one more to shoo the ghosts off.

Sausage shook his head. "Man, this is the thanks we get for the free tutoring?

The ghosts disappeared, but Shelby knew better than to think they were gone. She brushed off her green overalls and adjusted her hat one more time before opening the door.

"Katherine!" Shelby cringed a little as her voice slightly cracked. She cleared her throat, trying to play it off. "How are you?"

Katherine was so cool. She always had the best outfit for the occasion. In the muddy and chilly Evermoore, she wore a pinkish purple peacoat and a brimmed hat with a bow. "Shelby! Here, I've got that string you ordered."

"Nice!" Shelby gave a thumbs up. Was that weird? That felt weird. "Here, you can come upstairs with me and take your choice of potion-"

A book page flipped.

"What was that?" Katherine leaned over to look behind Shelby.

The witch also spun around, seeing Sausage raise an eyebrow as he flipped through her potions manual. Katherine didn't seem to see him at least, but she could definetly see and hear the book's movement.

"Just a draft! Weird... fog draft!" Shelby laughed, rushing over to her desk to slam down the page Sausage had flipped to so he couldn't interact with it. "Yeah, if you'll come with me I-"

Shelby looked down to close the book to take upstairs with her when she froze. Sausage had opened up the book to the page on love potions.

She turned bright red. Why was she bright red?! Shelby quickly closed the book, hoping Katherine didn't see.

"Hey, are you okay?" Katherine crossed her arms. "You don't look so good."

"Just..." quick quick quick- "I get small allergies to the potions sometimes! Yeah, uhm... me and spider eyes don't mix well, ha."

"I TOLD you!"

Shelby glanced past Katherine to see Sausage floating circles around Gem, who surprisingly looked quite bemused herself. "Okay, I totally see it now... you know what they remind me of? Like Scott and Jimmy before Scott actually made a move."

Sausage barked a laugh. "Oh MAN does that bring me back!"

The two faded out and Shelby was left simmering and confused. Through their talks she had learned that there was a near identical ruler from their time for all of the empires now (except False? And Oli? She really needed to get around to asking about that...), but she had yet to actually write down who was who and what goes where.

"Shelby?"

The witch spun around. Right! Right. "I uhm... yes?"

"Which potions are strength again?" Katherine went over to a crate, picking up bottles and rotating them so they reflected in the candle light. "I told you I'm gonna be fighting over by the Ancient Capitol tonight, you know."

"Really?!" Shelby cleared her throat, not intending her voice to be that high. Or to crack that much. "That's uh- that's cool! Here, strength are the red ones."

A minute or two went by without anything jurassic happening. Shelby helped Katherine load the potions into her bag, even though the princess didn't really need that much help.

"And you're sure this is gonna work?" There, Sausage. From somewhere outside.

"Yes, yes." Gem, sounding as done as ever. "I've done this one a million times before. I did it at Joel and Lizzie's wedding, for crying out loud! Even with your grimy blood sheep magic in the way."

"Hey!"

"Well!" Shelby clapped her hands together, leaning towards Katherine on her tip toes. She needed to get Katherine OUT OF HERE before these ghosts embarrassed her any more. "Thank you so much for making a trade with me, Katherine! I'll see you-"

"Aw," Katherine's smile fell. Only by a little, but for whatever reason it made Shelby feel like she had committed the ultimate act of betrayal. "You aren't gonna show me around the Evermoore?"

"It's..." Shelby looked outside, and was for the first time ever grateful the sun was going down. "It's gonna get dark soon, and not even YOU should brave the Evermoore alone at night. You know? Here, I'll-"

A record scratched. Music started playing. But it wasn't like the weird eery music the ghosts usually played. It sounded like it was coming from all around them.

And it was... some kind of waltz, heavy with strings and wind instruments, not a lot of percussion. Which, if Shelby had to guess (based on a school project from what, five years ago) would make that a song from the long fallen Ocean Empire, dating it roughly 1000 years ago. Based on the counts and the tempo, it was... matrimonial.

Huh. Gem was right, she really had potential for history.

Speaking of Gem, and Sausage, Shelby was going to DOUBLE MURDER THEM.

"This..." Katherine tilted her head, listening to the music for another second before continuing. "Huh. I don't usually like these songs, but this one is quite pleasant! Is this a spell, Shelby?"

Shelby was going to melt away and die. "Uhm I- well... yes! It's my... it reminds me to make sure I don't have any potions left on the stand."

"Do you dance?"

Sausage's laugh could be heard from inside the room, but Shelby couldn't make herself glare to try and find him through the blush.

Why did that make her blush so hard?!

"Uhm, well I uhm- the-" Shelby took a breath. "No, no not really. Just like lame school dance stuff you know..."

Katherine groaned. "Oh gosh tell me about it, I have to go to all these prissy galas and balls... it's been years since I started going to them and I STILL cannot do any of the dances."

"Yeah at the dances I was always just sort of-" Shelby did a short little awkward dance, smiling when Katherine starts to giggle. She did that, she made Katherine giggle, she was doing such a good job. "You know?"

"Oh that looks MUCH more fun than a boring old waltz-" Katherine copied the move Shelby did. She laughed again, doing the dance with a bit more confidence, stylized. "Come on, dance with me!"

Shelby laughed, awkwardly doing the little dance with Katherine at first, but getting more comfortable as she realized Katherine was not taking it seriously one bit. They both loosened up and danced until the record scratched out, Shelby had kind of forgotten it was playing- and who might have started playing it- until Katherine stopped dancing.

Katherine and Shelby just danced together- kind of- to a marriage song.

Shelby stutters to a stop as soon as soon as the song is over, once again: she was going to DOUBLE KILL Sausage and Gem.

As Shelby's face goes back to a furious red, Sausage laughs again, and she SWEARS she heard Gem's snicker.

"Aw, well. That was fun." Katherine lifted her bag of potions with one arm effortlessly. "And Shelby..."

Katherine slowly looked around the room, before her eyes resting on Shelby, looking her up and down. Shelby felt her skin tingle at her gaze, she felt like she was going to bubble over word vomit. "S- Something wrong, Katherine?"

"No offense..." Katherine gave her a sympathetic smile. "You look like a mess... I think I know what's going on."

Shelby ALSO thinks she knows what's going on. Her heart stops, she was too obvious... she wasn't even doing anything she didn't even realize what she was doing or why she was acting like that... "Listen, I'm-"

"Ghosts are tough, but I know how-"

"What?!" Shelby's eyes went wide. She maybe looked a bit too relieved that Katherine didn't know about-... what she was thinking about.

"You look tired, your eyes flicker," Katherine listed off her evidence, keeping on that warm pitying smile the whole time, to her credit. "Books move on their own, MUSIC plays randomly... you even told me yourself I shouldn't go alone through this place. You've got ghosts!"

Shelby blinked at Katherine for... a long moment. The two ghosts stand behind her, Gem looking rather impressed and Sausage rather indignant. "I... am having a bit of a ghost problem, yes."

Sausage threw his hands in the air, grumbling. Gem face palmed.

"I see..." Katgerine looked out yhe windows, before leaning in to whisper, as well as pulling Shelby down to her level to be closer. That did NOT make Shelby's heart stutter, no siree. "Well... I have a little side job I do for the empires... I'm a monster hunter, and I'm sure I could get rid of your little ghost problem if you wanted."

Shelby smiled, big and awkward, not... really sure what to say? What could she?! "Oh don't bother they're from the ancient empires and help me with my magic 101 homework" like what?! And Katherine looks so eager to help...

Not to mention if Shelby DID say that... she'd need to explain WHY she needed tutoring...

"Wow, really?!" Shelby laughed, mainly from the nerves. She managed to give it a relieved air, she's really good at lying on the fly. "That'd be so helpful! How can I repay you?"

"Oh... you're a witch, right?" Katherine looked off to the side, scratching her arm.

"Yes...?" Shelby ignored how that also felt like a lie.

"I've- no, my KINGDOM has this curse, right?" Katherine explained glumly. What Shelby wouldn't DO to get that tone out of her voice. "And now that my parents are retired they- and my kingdom- expect me to cure the land. But I'm not sure how... but! You're the Great Witch Shelby! If you could come over to Glimmer Grove sometime and take a look-"

"Sure!" Shelby smiled, no she did not squeal that out. "I'd love- or, it'd be my pleasure! I'll do some research and... thank you!"

Of course Shelby did not want to get rid of the ghosts, but she did now have two reasons to be around Katherine. It was honestly annoying how much that idea made her grin like a fool.

The ghosts were silent as the emperors bid eachother bye, Shelby sighing dreamily as she leaned against the door after Katherine left.

This moment was ruined by Gem appearing in front of her, arms crossed and foot tapping. Man, she REALLY DID look like her teachers back home. "So now you're letting a ghost hunter in the Evermoore because she's your girlfriend?"

Shelby blanched. "Katherine is NOT my-"

"Not YeEeEeEet~" Sausage teased, forgetting he was in a bit of peril with a ghost hunter on their case now to torment Shelby's crush. Shelby didn't have any siblings, but this is what she thinks her peers at the Academy were talking about when they complained about their younger brothers and sisters.

Shelby hid her face in her hat. "Shut up, both of you! Gosh... now I've got to search for curse cures-"

Gem groaned. "PLEASE use the correct terminology-"

"AND for ghost PROTECTION spells, who would even write about those-" Shelby ignored her and started searching the books on her shelves.

Gem looked over her shoulder, helping her look, but still engaging in the conversation. "Just make sure you tell us before you start like. Kissing or something."

"Gem!" Shelby hissed, turning red again, she struggled to take five books (unlike Katherine, who could probably carry a million books) to her desk. "Can we PLEASE drop it?!"

"Nope!" Sausage piped in. He began to sing. "Shelby and Katherine sittin in a tree~"

Shelby glared down at her books. Maybe she WOULDNT look for those protection spells.

[thegoblinboy]

Bark At The Moon

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | you are here | coming soon

Tw; brief mentions of blood but nothing in detail (also contains Billy, but he is a asshole in this but only plays a minor role, I just really really wanted Steve to put him in his place)

Words of this part: 10k

Words total with fic: 40k

Tags; #wolf! Steve Harrington #EddieMunson has a great relationship with his uncle #MonsterAu #Steve goes disappearing like Will does in season one but instead he turns into a wolf

Part: 4/9 (5 and 6 will be up soon)

Summary; Hawkins, Indiana is thrown into a panic when High-school prince, Steve Harrington goes missing. With no trace of what happened to him and no hope that he'll ever be found, he suddenly reappears naked in a snow bank. One Eddie Munson may or may not be curious as to what happened all while trying to figure out what is wrong with the white female wolf near his trailer, who by the way saved his life. Now Eddie wasn't much for gossip, nor was he a fan of trains. What he was very into though was conspiracies. Was JFK really assassinated? Or was the CIA trying to cover up their asses for the Bay of Pigs situation? Questions like those intrigued him in ways that thousand-piece puzzles didn't. As conspiracies could be interpreted in any way you wanted them to, unlike puzzles that were made to create only one understanding and one understanding only. The process of getting to the finished product always the same for each puzzle. Which is how he found himself infatuated with the disappearance of one senior high king, who now would be a super senior high king. Forced to repeat the year that he had missed, along with Eddie who had been there the entire year but just flunked all of his classes.

Note; Hey, so with everything happening with ao3 I decided to make sure that my fic would be easier to read on here instead of being lost in all of my posts. So if you are looking for a steddie fanfic in these dire times I have part 1-3 linked to this post. This part is part 4 which I never posted because I didn’t think of doing it. I was also planning on doing a surprise double update with 5 and 6 but as ao3 is down I’m going to finish them and post them on here as well. Most likely before ao3. The parts are not short, 10k words each. They were made for Ao3 specifically but with the circumstances I didn’t think anyone would really mind. As a writer I’m currently very anxious about receiving the small list of comments that were left on this fic over on Ao3 so as a writer to a reader (you don’t have to for me) go and leave long ass comments on everything a author gives you. It would mean the world to them.

Also the other parts are not organized in the same set up as this one. So you will probably have to come back to this one to get to the other parts. Sorry.

Plant your feet; November 2022

Steve's feet slip from underneath him, the loud squeak of the rubber part of his shoe sliding on the gym floor catching everyone's attention. His footing is lost as his right foot slips further ahead than the other causing him to lose balance. He proceeds to then fall on his ass, he's not embarrassed. It happens. Not like there weren't accidents in basketball. Quite the opposite really. The number of times a kid took a basketball to the face was far more than what Steve could count on one hand.

What was embarrassing was the fact that he fell because of a new kid. Hawkins Highs star athlete fell on his ass over a new kid, who could barely dribble the ball between two hands. The same guy whose greasy curls fell past his shoulders and stuck to his forehead as he held the most obnoxious grin known to man. Licking his lips in a way that was way too much, and maybe a tad suggestive. Steve's heart was racing, anxiety going through him. His representation would be absolutely fucked if he let Billy Hargrove one-up him in basketball as well. Already beating his record at the keg during a party the other night. That he didn't care about, he wasn't getting a scholarship for being able to drink so much beer in one sitting.

He's still frozen to the ground, sweat pooling through his shirt as his breathing stays heavy. He was a bit lightheaded, but he assumes that was from dehydration. Sometimes he couldn't keep up with the amount of water his body needed. Though he isn't completely sure he could rack up all of his symptoms under being dehydrated. It was that time of year again which meant he was going to be coming down with something any day now. Normally the flu hit him a couple of days after Thanksgiving, but this year it didn't seem to be all that forgiving.

There was a dull sore ache in his body, a slight pinch of pain whenever he tried moving his joints. That was probably one of the reasons why he didn't plant his feet well enough when Hargrove came out of nowhere jabbing his ribcage with a dirty hook from his elbow, nearly knocking the wind out of Steve and causing him to lose balance. Making the dirty play more obvious as Billy nearly fell on top of him in the process.

Steve moves sitting up a little with a wince, fighting back the urge to stand back up and start swinging at the culprit who did this. The small ache that had been dull, was now blooming into something far worst. The reason behind the permanent scowl aimed towards Billy, who was currently taking it upon himself to bend down to take his hand and pull him to his feet. "Think you need to learn how to plant your feet, King Steve." He hisses in the most obnoxious tone ever. God, Steve really should have started to swing right then and there. It would bite him in the ass later but at least he would feel better knowing he wiped that cocky smirk off his face.

Steve rolls his eyes in response. Gaining balance as he hears the school bell ringing. His eyes never move away from the other guy as he taunts him, afraid that if he even flickered his eyes from the other, he would only shove him back down on the ground. This is why he stays frozen in his spot watching the other take a step back, still looking Steve up and down like he was the unpredictable one in this situation. The guy was confusing the hell out of Steve. He's never dealt with a guy who's acted like Billy Hargrove. Who constantly held a condescending tone, a flirtatious look, and judging eyes all at once. It was a very confusing combo, normally Steve could read people but that was not the case here.

Steve runs a hand through his hair, feeling his shoulders more tense than normal. He was probably going to have to spend longer in the shower in hopes of the hot water to loosen up some of the knots that stuck themselves to his muscles. Similar to Billy, who has decided to stick himself on Steve's ass like a leech for everything. He wonders if the stress that he has been feeling so much more lately was causing him to feel like shit. With schoolwork, his job, and the anxiety about what Billy Hargrove was going to do he just couldn't catch a break.

Billy was everywhere he went, not giving him a moment's peace. Not even in the showers, where Steve finds himself now. Feeling as if a daze washed itself over him in the gym turning his brain into autopilot and walking him into the locker room and all the way into the next room. Where only a select few were allowed in. He really should be on high alert instead he is naked, sweaty, and focused on not passing out.

The wave of dizziness came out of nowhere. Which was odd. Steve has randomly come down with many things, but not once has he ever felt like this. His stomach was acting like a Ferris wheel, constantly going around and around on repeat. He even drank almost an entire bottle of water before stepping into the shower room, he doesn't understand why he's feeling this way. This was not dehydration.

He has a slight sway to his walk, moving his way to the back of the room to the furthest shower that was hidden mostly. Doing this as he knew the other guys would avoid him, not wanting to piss off their captain. Sighing, he lets his body relax a bit as he realizes that he is finally alone for the first time that day. Rubbing his face, trying to wipe the stress away as he moves forward turning the nozzle on cold, unsure if more heat would help the light headiness.

He doesn't even realize how warm his skin was until he compares it to the cold water, one hand on his shoulder as he tilts his head back in relief. His skin was scolding hot, he wonders if he was running a fever. He would have to check and see when he went home. Not wanting to stay any longer than he had to in this stupid school.

His breathing picks up again, moving his hands onto the wall in front of him to get a better balance. Little stalls next to him on both sides, only covering the bottom half of his body. Shaking his head, a little, and wiping his face he hears footsteps coming in his direction. Then the shower to his right turned on. Glancing over annoyed Steve isn't shocked that Billy Hargrove is staring right back at him with a taunting smirk. "What? Can a guy not shower Harrington?" He tries to sound sarcastic but only comes off as mildly amused. He really doesn't understand what the other was trying to get at, or even what his goal was.

Steve shakes his head with a grumble, "Whatever man." He huffs not wanting to start a fight that he was unable to win. Moving his hands up he begins to play with his hair a bit. Rubbing against the back of his neck as he focuses on cooling down and gaining some control over his body temperature. Proceeding to then reach over to where he had sat his soap. Grabbing his bottle of shampoo and pouring it into his hair. Beginning to scratch at his scalp, determined in getting the sweat out of his hair along with getting the hell out of there as fast as possible.

He was going to take his time in the shower, but his plans had obviously fallen short with the presence of another boy. Who was constantly making some form of noise, whistling a tune loudly, making some form of a comment here and there, and even at some point the guy decides to be an ass a reach over when Steve had soap in his hair unable to see, and shuts his shower off.

Steve's normally a levelheaded person. He really is. But this was pissing him off. He doesn't mean to let it show, but he was starting to feel off, and caring about how he was coming off was his last concern. His hand fly's out and he's turning the nozzle back on, nearly snapping the handle off in the process with brute strength he didn't even know he had.

He could feel how looser it was now, as his agitation starts to Rince from his body, teeth unclenching as he quickly rinses soap from his eyes so he could inspect the damage. He opens his eyes quickly only to close them again when he sees that his vision was spinning causing him to press his palm against the shower wall. His ears were starting to ring a bit, breathing picking up as he focuses on not falling. His heart was racing as he was overwhelmed with nausea.

"Knew you had it in you Harrington. Seems like the king isn't as perfect as he seems." Steve doesn't look over at him. Afraid that if he turned his head he was going to throw up. It was only his luck to get sick on Thanksgiving break. The shower next to him stops, and he can hear Hargrove moving around. Grabbing a towel, and laughing a little as he does. Before he's walking out of the area. Most likely with no towel wrapped around his waist, only in his hair. The guy seemed like one of those guys who wants everyone in the locker room to know he has a big dick.

Steve's heart is racing, and he can feel his hands starting to shake as he finally feels how cold the water really was. Must have been some weird heat flash. He turns his own shower head off, moving and drying off as he moves off to one of the benches. Where he set his bag of clothes. Most of the guys did this, but others also left their stuff in the locker room. Not trusting the other teammates not to steal their clothes. But everyone knew better than to steal Steve's clothes. Only one who didn't have just walked out of the room, and thankfully didn't decide to be a huger dick and steal his clothes.

Twenty minutes later as Steve's parked outside of his big house. It was ugly as fuck, but he had no say. Even though he lived in it more than his parents, who decided how the house was to look. He's a bit light-headed and has to take a moment in his seat to catch his breath. Even though all he did was drive, which possibly might have been a mistake with the way his vision kept blurring randomly, head pounding as he could feel sweat forming above his brow. He was overheated, must be another hot flash. He's never had many of them, except that one time he had food poisoning. Which was why he was confused as to why he was getting them now. This didn't feel like food poisoning. It was worst.

He glances out of his side window, catching sight of his neighbor who was currently watering plants. It felt like something from a movie. But then again no one around this neighborhood was original when it came to being nosey. Grunting, he feels that wave of agitation goes through him again. Like earlier. He grips his steering wheel, for a second wishing that he didn't have eyes on him constantly. His body relaxes after a second, his hands loosen around the wheel. He puts his best smile on and lifts his left hand up and awkwardly waves at Debra. (Of course, it's a fucking Debra, like their decorating skills no one in this neighborhood had original names)

He moves stepping out of the car, legs feeling shaky as he turns shutting his door and locking it behind him. Glancing at the driver's wheel for a second and mumbling a few curse words under his breath when he notices he clawed up the fabric cover. That was definitely going to be a problem for another day as he starts walking up the pathway, to his door. Debra, of course, decides she wants to get his attention when he's one step in the house and one step out. He felt like shit and just wanted to go in and curl up in a ball in his bed.

"Hey Steve, everything okay?" Her tone is sweet, but her voice is way too high as if she was talking to a five-year-old. It felt patronizing and if Steve didn't know he would get his ass chewed out he would snap at her. Tell her to shove the tiny shovel in her hand up her ass. No one was gardening in November, she had only decided to gather up that ruse after Steve had spent longer than five minutes in his car. Which wasn't normal for him in the slightest. Steve tenses up a bit, putting on his best fake smile. Flashing his teeth, knowing that normally did the trick. It was the same trick he learned from his Dad growing up.

"Yeah, just not feeling well." He yells back. The amount of energy it took just to do that nearly knocked him over. Causing him to lean against the doorframe as he could feel his heart beginning to race more in his chest. Vision tunneling a little, going black around the edges. He felt as if the blood was draining from his face, when in reality there was not one cold part of his body. The heat was leaving him in waves, and he was going to have to pull out his AC just for tonight. Something he had put in the box and carried into the basement just at the end of last month.

"Oh? Do you need anything dear? Me and the girls can bring some soup over? It's that time of year again." She smiles tightly. Though Steve was seeing through her. She would set the dish of soup on his porch, ring the doorbell and spring back to the safety of her yard. Not wanting to catch anything with it being so close to Thanksgiving. Which was only a few days away now.

Sure he didn't blame her, but her condescending smile was what really pissed him off. He shakes his head no, hiding his irritation the best he can as he puts the same smile on. Copying the expression of the other on purpose. Watching the same flicker of irritation flash through her eyes. "No, I'm fine. I can make myself something to eat, thank you." Steve says a little too tightly. Quickly walking in the rest of the way before she could keep him any longer, he's confident that if he had stood on that doorstep any longer he genuinely would have passed out. He nearly falls on his face, stumbling forward as he drops his keys in the small bowl on an equally small desk. Leaning his weight against the wall as he quickly starts to pull his shirt up and above his head. Along with sliding his pants off, groaning as  a cold draft hits his skin.

It doesn't last for long, as he quickly bends over and grabs the small pile of clothes off the floor and moves them to toss them down in the basement, where the washer and dryer were. He normally wasn't that lazy, but due to the circumstances, he was unsure whether or not he physically could walk down those stairs without falling down them and breaking his neck. That would be all he needed for his sports career. Then again he would most likely wouldn't be alive to enjoy much of a career.

He closes the door with a click, pausing in his steps as he tries to figure out his next plan of action. Either climb in the freezer, curl up, and hope for the best. Or go upstairs, not push his body any more than what it could take, and sleep it off with a fan blowing on him. This was just a heat flash. That's all it was. Moving and walking up the steps, he gives up on using the railing and pretty much crawls up the stairs. Regaining some balance at the top and walking to his room. Face flipping down on his bed, not even bothering with the fans. All energy was wiped out of him, along with any ounce of motivation he had to keep himself cool.

The panting of his breath never silences down as he quickly drifts to sleep only to sit up with a loud cry a few hours later as his body starts to burn from the inside out. Similar to that of growing pains in a sense. His breathing is still heavy as he turns his head to the left, seeing the moon staring back at him. He rubs his face as he feels tears forming in his eyes. The worst form of pain blossoming and spreading through his veins. Causing him to lurch forward again with a soft sob. Rolling off the bed, slamming into the floor. Trying to grip onto anything as something inside of him takes over.

His limbs are moving without his say so, he felt like he was having a out of body experience as he crawls to his door. Groaning gently, before fighting to stand up. Moving back to the staircase that he had walked up just a few hours prior. Tripping over his feet and landing on his ass halfway down, gritting his teeth even in more pain. His body seemed to be on autopilot, however, it was controlling itself and didn't seem to understand the concept of walking on two feet that well.

Steve blinks as he felt so lightheaded, feeling a little better when the faint light of the night sky dims on his skin. It satisfies whatever itch he's had, as he stumbles dumbly to his back door that leads to the pool. Which has a pool cover over it, to leave it protected from the season that was slowly coming closer and closer. That and the leaves, that were slowly starting to die in piles surrounding the pool.

His hands shakily move on the plastic of the door, opening it with a soft creak, before pulling it shut behind him with a clicking noise. He blinks, eyes adjusting to how dark his surroundings were. Breathing heavily still as his muscles relax, feeling the cold night air hitting him. He tilts his head up, still on autopilot, looking up at the stars with glazed-over eyes. Standing just a few inches away from his house, glancing over at his neighbors instead quickly catching onto the fact that there were no lights on. He doesn't even know what time it was. He moves to check his watch when he feels something snap. Which was strange, and he barely even moved from his spot. His mouth opens up, trying to yell out for help as he falls to his knees.

No sound comes out, as he lands on the palms of his hands. His back burned as he whimpers, the only sound his throat was physically capable of handling. His heart is racing as he feels his jaw locking into place as if something was keeping him silent. The pain is so excruciating that he doesn't notice anything else that happens with his body until a sense of relief hits him. He's exhausted as he comes to. Still feeling off as he pushes himself off the ground. A blissful feeling hits him and once again he's no longer in control.

There was no way to explain what he was feeling. All he knew what that he wasn't alone, and instead of being afraid a calm wave hits him stronger than before. What shocks him more was the fact that he was more excited about not being alone, not afraid that he had little to no control over his body anymore. The only description that could be used for what he was feeling was dissociative. He felt disconnected from himself but knew he was there all the same. He's sure there were better descriptions but for now, he watches through the eyes of the being that he was tagging along with.

Turning his head to the right slightly, he catches his reflection. Wanting to gasp when he sees the most beautiful wolf in front of him. White fur, brown eyes, and a small frame. The creature walks forward, looking at itself curiously. Moved a little too close to the glass and bumped its snout against the glass, causing a soft sneeze-like sound to come out of it. Eyes never break from the glass. It takes longer than it probably should have to realize that the wolf was Steve. And Steve was the Wolf. When the discovery finally dawns on him, he feels more like himself than he's ever been. It was all a strange and crazy feeling, and if the creature would allow him to panic about being a wolf, he would be doing so at that very moment.

Instead, he turns, facing the woods. Silently trying to chant no over and over again at whoever or whatever and fully reign over his body. That same being not listening as they start to run, sprinting into the woods. The wind hits their fur as they race into the woods, the freedom of it all hitting Steve as he relaxes once more. Quickly giving in, he moves into the woods with such happiness he never wants it to end. His emotions were all over the place but that was as expected.

The woods were gorgeous at night Steve quickly discovers. He should come out more when he - if  he shifts back to being human. He's never felt like he's given up so much control before in his life and it was addicting, very addicting. He lets whatever that's controlling him keep on doing whatever they wanted, they both seemed more content that way. Even if that choice lands him sniffing in the garbage next to a beat-up trailer. It was disgusting, but he wasn't going to tell his wolf no (who was currently wagging her tail like crazy). He thankfully could drift off and zone out as she digs her snout into the numerous bags searching for something.

A door slams open, and both Steve and the wolf jump frightened. Steve knows he would have still been there, frozen in his place if he currently held the reigns to his body. But thankfully the animals' first instinct was to run, paws kicking up dirt as she does. Entering the safety of the woods within a few seconds. Proceeding to lurk in the shadows, curious as to what scared them Hearing a soft, "Damn Raccoons." Grumbled in their general direction soon after. It was only one of the trailer park residents. (Not shocking, considering the fact that they were indeed in a trailer park at the moment.) 

They move to the outskirts of the trees, not wanting to be too far in the opening. Hoping that whoever came out to yell at them would go back inside. They were hungry and Steve's pretty sure that there was a half-eaten pizza in one of those trash cans. He doesn't know how he can smell it from all the way over here, but he wasn't going to let it go to waste. Not with his stomach growling the way it was.

They wait for a bit; Steve is unsure how long he can't really tell the time right now. Mentally cursing when he realizes that he had been wearing his favorite watch when he shifted? Whatever he did to turn into this thing, he tore his watch apart. A fact that he was very not pleased with.

When the wolf thinks they are in the clear, they start to sniff out for that pizza. Nose stuck to the grass like a hound dog as they move to every trash can that they could find. Taking one sniff and quickly moving on to the next when they didn't smell what they were looking for. Steve inwardly groans when he realizes that the pizza was coming from the trash can that the older man had come out from. Well- who he assumed was older. But this fact doesn't stop the wolf from getting back into the can. Hopping up on its back legs and clumsily flipping the trash can lid up and bend halfway into the can.

Teeth biting into cardboard as they pull the pizza out. Getting into it within seconds and having most of the pizza wolved down in half the time. (Steve snorts a little as the pun was very much intended.) He was still hungry, stomach growling to eat something when they both heard something moving to their right. And yes, Steve knew that Wolves ate animals, but he still wasn't fully prepared for the animal to move with lightning speed to clench its jaws tightly around a raccoon's neck. Stifling its screams before it could alert the neighborhood. The taste of blood filled his mouth.

Distractions, September 2023

Steve knew the risks of coming to the trailer park during this time of day. The residents were starting to grow more protective of their park, afraid that if they let a wolf run around more would soon follow. Their thought process wasn't wrong, if Steve wasn't whatever he was he wouldn't want a random Wolf lurking around his home. Afraid that it would eat a pet or be feral to the point of attacking at random. This was why he had stopped coming around nearly as much as he used to. As much as his Wolf needed to check and see if Eddie was okay.

Today though, he finally gave in. That was a lie, he couldn't gain control nearly as fast as he normally could. It was like he was a new shifter all over again. Unable to control anything he was doing, letting the animal take complete control. Which was very risky as the wolf was intelligent, but not people smart. Steve wasn't sure he could fully explain it.

His normally white paws were a light grey, and dark brown from running around the woods for so long. Moving a bit too close to a trailer on his way to see his boy. No, Eddie was not his boy. That was just his Wolf's thoughts leaking into his. The line between their consciousness always blurring. Even when he was in his human form. The animal was so excited to see the other boy that she doesn't pay nearly enough attention to the other people around her. Accidentally bumping into a can, knocking it over.

It was like the guy was waiting for her to show up. Flinging out of his door, as if the trashcan was some form of trap to let him know when she had gotten there. Rifle in his hand, shooting before he could fully process that what was in front of him was not a raccoon. Steve processes the loud bang first, before the excruciating pain in his side that was beginning to grow damp from blood. Dying his fur red.

The switch from the wolf to him happens fast, his first instinct is to run. Like he had done months before when he first encountered the Munson family. Paws moving his body as fast as he could with his injury, Wolf gets excited in the worst moment when she sees Eddie stumbling from his steps. As if he was coming down to check on her. She can't stay as they sprint right by him, brushing against his leg gently.  More concerned about not hurting him when she was currently in so much pain.

Steve is in full control when they make it a few inches from the tree line. He nearly pisses himself when he hears another gunshot, the loud snap of the bullet hitting the tree bark close to his body. He wants to stay and make sure that Eddie was okay, but he has to worry about himself. Even if that means running through the woods with blood dripping down his fur, anxiety higher than it has ever been. Knowing that the guy had taken the shot even though Eddie had been so close to the firing range. The thought that the other took a bullet for him was nerve-wracking.

He stumbles into his backyard careful to sneak his way to the back door that leads to the pool. No one should see him, but with the blood lost he isn't thinking clearly. Normally he would stay hidden in the trees, find the bag of clothes that he left out there and change quickly before walking out of the woods as if he only went on a short run. Which was not a complete lie, he did technically go running in the woods.

Instead of doing his normal ritual, he pushes himself through the doggy door that he had installed just the other week. Blood smearing over the side of the doggy door, his paws meet the hardwood floor and start to slip as he falls hard onto the side that was injured. A loud cry leaves him as he does. He hopes that none of his neighbors heard him, or else he was going to have a lot of explaining to do. Something he would much rather avoid when he felt so dizzy and like he was going to throw up.

The shift back was far more difficult than what he would have thought it to be. The mental toll of demanding it to happen causes his brain to go fuzzy from exhaustion. The shift isn't as painful as it once was but the changing of fur to skin was extremely excruciating around the area that was skimmed. His joints were snapping into place as his human hand grip to his side, trying to stop the bleeding. Blood was all over the place, the floor, his hands, and somehow smearing more across his naked body. He blinks, still in the slight daze of transitioning like that as he tries to come back down to earth. To force himself up and to help himself before he bled to death.

He knows that Billy saw him, and watched the whole situation unfold in front of him. It was only a matter of time before he came over to check on him. Not because he wanted to, but because it was a part of being in a pack. Something that Steve was still trying to wrap his head around. They weren't really a pack, just a duo who so happened to be able to shift into wolves. Steves is the Alpha in a way.

He whines in pain as he sits up, tossing his head back as he fights to breathe like a normal person. His chest heaves out and in as he forces himself to stand. Stumbling and nearly falling on his face. He looks down at the floor, knowing he would have to clean the blood up later. For now, he would have to focus on patching himself up.

Steve proceeds to the kitchen, grabbing his first aid kid off the fridge. Placing himself down in a chair before he starts to improv everything that he was doing. He knew that he would heal a lot faster than most humans did but he needed something to clean it up with so that his side didn't grow infected. Ten minutes later he looks a bit paler but at least his side was cleaned and wrapped up with a medical wrap.

He fights to stand up, his head spinning as he tries to keep his balance. Moving his way to his basket of clothes that sat unfolded in front of the basement door. He had no strength in walking up the steps to his room. His hands were shaking just trying to keep a good grip on his shirt as he pulled it over his head. Fighting to step into his boxer shorts without falling, quickly decided he didn't need pants on.

That thought is quickly thrown out the door when he hears his doorbell continuously going off. As if the person was pressing the button nonstop, which was very much the case. He groans as he waddles his way to the front door, his right hand holding onto his side as he hides behind his door so that whoever it was didn't see that he was only in a shirt and no pants.

His shoulders sag in relief when it was only Dustin. His eyes move out a bit paranoid as he pulls the boy in. Who was rambling out a lot of things that were not yet sticking to Steve's brain? The slight buzz in ears was too loud to really catch what the other was saying. The sudden lightheadedness strikes again as the buzzing turns to ring and he nearly falls face-first into the ground. A soft whimper leaves the back of his throat and he can hear his wolf starting to panic as he nearly loses consciousness. But forces himself to stay awake as he blinks confused as he watches Dustin move closer to him.

Hands gripping onto his shoulders in an attempt to push him back against the wall, to give him more balance. His mouth is still running a mile per minute and Steve wasn't processing anything as his mind and body started to melt from exhaustion. The adrenaline rushes no longer there as if his body knew that he was finally in a safe place.

He slouches a bit forward, nearly tumbling and taking Henderson out with him. He's fighting to take back control over his body again, but this was different compared to sharing with his wolf. This he wasn't sure he could fight dominance over. His body needed rest and he was fighting against what his body wanted. His eyes glossed over as he feels more like shit watching Dustin's eyes widen and look like he was on the verge of tears. Obviously begging for something and close to a panic attack. The kid was barely fourteen and he was having to deal with Steve's bullshit.

Bullshit.

God, only if Nancy was here. She would know what to do.

He's barely conscious when he feels an arm wrapping itself around his waist. His surroundings were nonexistent to him as he starts to mumble random things under his breath as he finally laid carefully on his back. Laying as comfortable as he could on his mother's couch.

"Can't get blood on the couch..." he mumbles starting to drift to sleep, a hand carefully starting to slap the side of his face in an attempt to wake him up more. It wasn't working, but his eyes do open a bit more, focusing a bit more as they land on Billy Hargrove's face. "My moms going to kill me if I get blood on the couch." He groans trying to sit back up and get off the couch. Only to be lightly shoved backward again.

Billy's face pinches up in irritation as he shakes his head no. Steve catches sight of Dustin behind his shoulder faintly freaking out. Cursing as he walks back and forth across the living room, with his hand close to his mouth. Hargrove must have caught onto his distraction, turning his head to look over his shoulder. Obviously snapping at Dustin to knock it off. The boy listens, stops in his tracks but proceeds to sass the other back. None of the words are comprehensible for Steve to understand as he lets his head lull back. Giving into sleeping on the couch, deciding just a few minutes wouldn't hurt.

And that is the last thing he remembers before he is sleeping.

When he comes back to, Dustin is curled up in one of his mother's side chairs with a blanket tightly wrapped around him as he sleeps. Steve can't help but smile a bit at the image before he moves to sit up. Whining a bit as he does. His side still ached but not nearly as badly as earlier. He keeps his noises down the best he can as he sits up, letting his feet touch the carpet. Lifting the arm that wasn't affected by the wound up to sweep his hair out of his face. Not bothering to use any product anymore. Not because he didn't want to but because it bothered his wolf when they shifted.

Standing up, with a slight sway to his feet he works his way to the kitchen. In hopes to get something to eat and drink. His throat was extremely dry, and he really wanted to change that. When he reaches the doorway to the kitchen he freezes. The wrinkles on his forehead pinch together as he looks at the sleeping figure for a moment. Billy Hargrove was not nearly as endearing as Dustin Henderson when he slept. His curls fell over his face growing matted the longer he slept. His face was relaxed, something that was a rare sight, and his mouth was open a bit. In the process of drooling a small puddle onto his table.

Steve creeps forward as silently as possible. Making a face as he touches the other's shoulder lightly, not missing the way the other jolts up in a flinch. Eyes glossed over with sleep slowly growing more alert as time went on. His back and shoulders grew stiff as his body prepares to defend itself from any harm. Steve didn't like Billy Hargrove and thought the guy was a royal douchebag. But he had to admit the other came through for him today and he can't help but feel bad for waking him up. Normally he didn't care, the guy was too much of an asshole to earn his empathy but today was an acceptance. The guy looked like a walking zombie. Obviously not getting enough sleep at home. For what reason, that was unknown.

"I have guest rooms if you want to just stay?" Steve comments. Looking at the other a bit wary. Unsure if his invitation would be considered by the other. "Don't really think it's a good idea that you drive like this, you look like a fucked-up Zombie dude." Steve tries to joke as he moves to his sink. Reaching up to one of the cabinets carefully as he pulls out two glass cups for water.

"No," Billy says a bit short. Standing up as he starts to stretch his back out, little popping noises are heard throughout the kitchen. He then moves to leave the room in an attempt to leave but before he passes a threshold a look flashes over his face. Before it fills with agitation. Steve simply glances at the other, not wanting to be caught staring. Recognizing the way, the other try's to push his body forward to only be forced to a stop.

"Wolf causing problems again?" Steve asks carefully. Not wanting to hit a trip wire or something with the other. The topic of their wolves scarcely coming up together. Seemingly sensitive with the other still. He moves his eyes away from the other quickly when the other turns to look at him, trying to act nonchalant about the whole situation.

He turns the faucet on, filling both glasses up with water before setting one on the sink and turning his body to lean on the counter. His free hand moved and held onto the edge, careful not to strain his side too much. Allowing his eyes to land on Billy after a moment of silence. Watching the other's face contort into frustration before he gives in to his wolf. Walking over, his presence was a bit anxious inducing as Steve never knew what the other was going to do. Billy was his own personal wild card if you will.

Billy gets a little too into his personal space, blue eyes skimming Steve's face for any sign of weakness. This was an intimidation tactic, both Steve and his wolf could recognize that from a mile away. Before whatever the hell happened to him and Billy he would have stepped back, would have let the other think he was In control if that meant there was no conflict. Now, his wolf refused to give in. Some hidden meaning to it. Steve assumes that it would be a bit more harmful to give in now than when they were humans.

He watches in real-time as the other's eyes soften along with his tense shoulders and back. As if he had been testing to see if Steve was strong enough to handle him a few moments ago. Lifting the glass from the counter, his eyes never leave Steve as he takes a slow sip from his water. Before setting the glass back down on the counter with a soft dinking noise. Some weird interaction was happening between the two, which seems to be the first positive one since they were forced to hang around each other by the whole weird wolf thing.

Billy steps back, turning around as he helps himself to the refrigerator not answering Steves's answer. The whole exchange seemed to be the answer. Billy takes out the hamburger Steve and pulled from the freezer from the night before. Enough there to feed the two of them and Dustin.

Shit, Steve was going to have to call Claudia before he was arrested for kidnapping. Better yet, he was going to wake Dustin up and force him to call Claudia to either let her know that he was spending the night or on his way home. Most likely the rather as it was growing closer to eight o'clock and the sun was almost down entirely. Soon to be replaced with the moon.

"What is it and your weird obsession with the freak?" Billy asks. Pulling out a pan, seemingly knowing where everything was in Steve's kitchen. That was a bit concerning, but Steve did give the other permission to come here after a night of shifting. So it was no shock the other would actually follow through.

Steve raises his eyebrow as he moves to go sit down at the table. Felt the already familiar dizziness begin to hit him. "You mean Eddie?" he comments.

"Yeah, Munson," Billy says in a sarcastic tone, refusing to call him by his first name. "Now answer the damn question, your stupid obsession nearly got you killed. " He says annoyed as he forms one patty. Placing it on the pan. Starting to make two more but leaves them separate from the other one. Not bothering to season any of it. Probably did not care to do so.

"Why didn't you walk out the door like you wanted to?" Steve asks with a raised eyebrow. There was a point to be made here, and he wanted to make sure the other caught it. Even if that meant agitating him a bit. Watching the way Billy's jaw clenches a bit from irritation only amuses him a bit as he knew he was right about earlier.

"So it's your wolf?" Billy asks tightly. Being a bit snippy as well but Steve chooses to ignore that. Not wanting to put fuel on the already smokey fire.

"Yeah," Steve answers gently. "Don't really have control over it," He admits. His arms stay crossed over his chest as he talks. Letting the silence fall over the both of them with the accepting of the light sizzling of the meat cooking. Cooking the meat all the way through so that Dustin could eat it, while Billy leaves theirs slightly pink in the middle but cooked enough to pass them as normal.

"I'm going to go wake the kid up," Steve grunts a little as he moves standing up from his chair. Feeling his knees popping a bit. Making a few more questionable noises before walking his way out to the living room.

Obsession; September 2023 (two days after being shot) 

Steve knew that the people knocking on his door had their hearts in the right place, but he was growing annoyed by the number of people randomly dropping by to check that he was okay. Even Chief Hopper had dropped in, admitting that he had received numerous wellness checks from concerned neighbors and or fellow people in town who had noticed he missed a day of school.

Steve had decided that with his wound the way it was that he wasn't going to school. Too afraid that If he did go that he would accidentally pass out or something. Or he would reopen the wound up. Which was already starting to heal faster than Steve thought. He can't even imagine what it would have been If the bullet actually hit him. He would not have been capable enough to pull a bullet out of his body. Nor would he have been able to run through the woods back to safety.

The reality that he could have died had started to set in when the first of many knocks started against his door. Now, over thirty knocks later he was ready to shoot himself if it meant getting these people to leave him alone. Constantly forcing him to get up and off his couch to answer the door, interrupting whatever he was watching so many times that he has been stuck on the same movie for nearly six hours. (The movie was only a two-hour film) Not only was that a problem but he could barely walk outside without feeling someone's eyes on him, or getting called to.

He had only missed one day of school and this was the reaction of the town. It was overbearing and he wished there was something he could do about it but there was nothing. He had finally gotten them mostly off his back and now here they were again, worst than when he had first come back home. Sometimes he wishes that he wasn't found. Then he would still get away with running around the woods as a wolf twenty-four-seven. Now he had responsibilities, like Billy and friends that would miss him too much. He's sure Robin would personally pick up hunting and kill him for trying to leave her behind. God only knows how Dustin would react. (Hint; it would not be good)

So when the next morning finally rolls around he forces himself to get out of bed, to slide on clothes. His side was still not in tip-top shape and his skin was itching to shift but with all of the attention on him the day before he didn't dare risk it. His hair was a mess and he couldn't bring it in himself to really care. The day before had been so miserable and exhausting that he didn't even feel like trying too hard for today. Which meant his grey sweatpants and yellow sweater would have to do.

There had been another reason why he had been so interested in going to school. Eddie Munson was its name. He was so worried about him being injured that his wolf was beginning to stress out with the fact they were unable to just strip naked and shift into the woods and find themselves in the trailer park. Where they would only lurk on the edge of the woods for hours, watching Eddie do whatever mundane task. But Steve quickly learned that there was no mundane task with the Munson boy. Everything was done with such craziness that watching him simply bend over and tie his shoe was hilarious. It was hard to explain and Steve didn't have the energy to do so. He did feel like a stalker, but he didn't have much control over his wolf when it came to this area.

Billy had made it very clear to him that Eddie was fine the night before. Said Munson was a little shaken up but no mark was left on him. Though the guy that pulled the trigger had a broken nose from Wayne Munson who immediately punched him the second Steve was gone. Something that brought a bit more enjoyment to Steves's evening.

Going to school in the condition he was in was probably not a good idea, but staying inside all day answering numerous phone calls and knocking at the door sounded more painful. That and his wolf just needed to have one glimpse at Eddie to feel better, after that if he was still not feeling great then he would leave school early. That was the deal he makes with himself as he gets into his car. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes before turning the key in the ignition.

Looking out of his passenger side window catching sight of his nosey neighbor, once again holding a small shovel. This time though she was actually gardening, even though her eyes were trained on his car. She puts on that cheery smile that Steve hates so much and lifts one of her gloved hands up and waves at him. He's tempted to ignore it, instead, he bitterly raises his own hand and waves gently at her with a tight-lipped smile as he begins to pull out of his driveway.

Turning the radio to the same station that had been set in the tow truck that Eddie had driven him in. He doesn't even know whos playing, but he does know that this was one of those songs that Eddie had on repeat in the privacy of his own room. The familiarity of it eases his wolf to a more relaxed state as he drives, more carefully than he typically would. Parking in his normal spot he unbuckled, grabbed his bag from the back of the vehicle, and tosses it over his shoulder carefully. Ignoring all of the eyes that were still more interested in him than the conversations that they were having or the teacher's words, who most times would get irritated with the lack of attention and assign more homework. All because everyone wanted to look at the boy that was supposed to be dead. (A lot of kids were going to get held back at this rate)

Walking through the halls of the school that he shouldn't even be in right now, he heads toward his locker. Taking a long way round so that he could pass Eddie's locker in hopes of seeing him. His eyes skim the crowds as well, stomach doing flips of excitement whenever he sees a head of curls. Only to be disappointed when it's just some girl. When he gets closer to the other locker, he slows down on purpose. In hopes that the other would just come in out of nowhere. His eyes land on the locker that had stickers all over it, wolf keening in disappointment as he heads to his locker to drop off some books to lighten his load, but to also pick up some of his folders of work.

Ten minutes later and he finds himself doing loops around the area trying to see Eddie. He hopes he isn't being too obvious, but the look he receives from Billy says that he was as he meets the other boy near the doors to figure out a plan with getting Steve the ability to go and shift after school. Which was apparently swapping clothes, both of them deciding to wear a hoodie to cover their faces. It would be a bit risky for Steve to shift so close to school but if he didn't do it then he was definitely going to accidentally shift at home. And with the number of eyes on his house he didn't want to risk somebody getting suspicious of the white "dog" running into the woods and trying to drop in to let Steve know his dog escaped only to find Billy there and Steve nowhere in sight.

"You look like a fucking creep," Billy grumbles under his breath for only him to hear. Steve rolls his eyes as he takes the sweater from the other hand. A black zip-up that was going to be baggy on him but should work. He drops his bag to the ground slipping it into the bag before putting it back on his shoulder with an eye roll. Trying to ignore the other's comments.

"How many times are you going to circle his locker before the first bell rings?" Billy scoffs, arms crossed over his chest. Glaring holes into whoever dared look at them longer than a few moments. The guy was back to being a dick full-time as his eyes kept shifting back from Steve to the other kids.

"I don't know, now will you shut up," Steve growls a bit. Wolf grew agitated with the other. Billy's posture goes rigid as something flashes through his eyes. It wasn't fear but it was something that Steve has never seen the other hold in his expression before. It was a bit unsettling knowing that he got Billy of all people to listen to him.

Both of them snap out of whatever heated moment they have as Steve asks, "Did I just-?" He asks unable to finish his sentence before Billy grumbles and starts to turn around to leave.

"Shut up, your stupid boyfriend is on his way. Was just hopping in his van when I left." Billy snaps. Not bothering to be soft with his words. Agitated with whatever just happened between the two of them. Saying it loud enough in an attempt to embarrass Steve. In response, Steve just rolls his eyes and turns his back on him, and starts to walk forward going over the scene that had just taken place.

Steve was slowly starting to realize that he had a bit more control over the other than when they first met. As if their dynamics suddenly shifted and all because of their wolves. His shoulders relax when the other is finally gone and he turns to do one final lap around the hall. Lost in thought trying to figure out how he was going to control his wolf from just snapping Billy's head off like he has done before. Even though he did kind of deserve it.

They were still coming up with theories as to why they suddenly started to shift into wolves, but even that was hard to pinpoint down let alone why Steve was the "Alpha" of the"pack" when Billy probably fit into that role way better than him. Steve had always been more of a follower throughout high school, with the image saying he was the leader of most of the bullying when in reality that had been Tommy. Who was still pissed at him for dropping him the second he came back home.

His wolf forces him to snap out of his thoughts when they smell the familiar scent of weed and horribly cheap knock-off Axe. His lips pull up in a relieved smile when he finishes his last lap of the hallway. Eyes looking at the frantic figure of the boy, not stopping to check if he was okay. No matter how much he wanted to.

The bell finally rings a few seconds later giving everyone their first warning to head to class. This time instead of taking a turn to the right like he had numerous times before he takes a left heading to his first-period class. Wolf was somewhat pleased and his tense shoulders sagging with relief

After School, September 2023

Steve was really nervous about this plan. If Billy somehow messed this up they were both so screwed. It would only take one person seeing Billy's face to know something was off. It would also take one person to see Steve shifting for everything to go wrong. He would have to do this quickly or else it was all over. Grunting he holds the plastic bag, wearing the hoody Billy gave him. It smelt like cigarettes and booze. Though when he pressed his chin against his chest in an attempt to hide his face better he could smell that familiar Billy scent. That overwhelming scent of old spice makes him want to gag but smell more because he just couldn't stop sniffing at it out of curiosity.

It was like spoiled milk, you would smell it to check if it was bad and nearly throw up in the process. Getting your answer. But still going in for a second sniff just in case you were smelling wrong. It was kind of like that for Steve, who knows that after all of this, he was going to have to scrub the scent off his skin. He honestly didn't mind the smell it was just the thought that he was sharing a smell with Billy Hargrove that made his nose scrunch up in disgust.

He's in the process of walking down the small trail that leads through the woods behind the school, trying to get far enough that no one would be able to find his bag of clothes or see him doing something unnatural that would leave to a witch hunt. Or some poor innocent person being locked up in an asylum. He passes the picnic table, stopping when he catches the familiar scent that he had spent twenty minutes that morning searching for. 

He stops in his tracks, listening for anything that seemed off. Catching some commotion happening to the farthest left hidden in the trees. If his instincts were correct there were at least three people gaining up on Eddie. It concerns him that he could know all of that just from his ears. When it should be physically incapable to hear something that was so far away. Before his brain can think logically about being seen in the woods, breaking his plan of not being caught  

Cramming the plastic bag into a nearby tree he jogs over to the place he knows Eddie is. His wolf was seeing red when he catches sight of Eddie hunched up on the ground holding his stomach with Jason Carver standing over him rambling about something that Steve really didn't give a shit about. He only cared about getting the group of jackasses off the scrunched-up boy. 

His side was burning from the extra strain but he doesn't let that stop him as he runs tackling Jason into the ground before he could get another kick in. Steve wasn't too worried about losing, a monster wolf thing against three human teenagers? The fight was pathetic as he holds back. Letting the two guys pull him from Jason before he is elbowing one in the stomach and tossing the other into a tree with a little too much ease. Regretting his decision on doing that as he moves a hand down to hold onto his side. Wincing a bit, showing a sign of weakness. But the boys were way too slow to even get a hit against him.

 It takes giving Jason a bloody nose and injuring one of the other's wrists for them to back off. Cursing him out calling him a spew of nicknames that didn't bother him that much. Steve would give some sass back but he was too busy catching his breath. Panting like a dog as he feels his skin doing that telltale itch, where he knows he's close to shifting any second. Clenching his jaw as he bends over a bit, curling into himself with a soft pained wheeze. Nearly losing balance as he grows a bit pale again. 

"Shit dude, are you alright?" Eddie's voice rings through his head for a few seconds as he nods his head with a groan. Billy was so going to kill him. The one thing he had to do he failed. How typical of him. He tilts his head to the side to look up at the other a little as he nods his head. Not ready to use any more oxygen than he had to. Wincing a bit when he feels the other hand reaching over to his left shoulder to carefully lead him to sit down against the tree. 

Steve was already making a mental note to allow his wolf to piss on Jason Carver's porch. Something that was very disgusting but so going to be worth it. He's in a bit of a daze, fighting back from shifting. He was there but not fully. His wolf slowly grabbed more control over his body and mind. This whole situation was similar to that of Dustin the other night. He could see Eddie's mouth moving but couldn't hear what he was saying. 

He allows his eyes to skim the other, catching the way he similarly grips his side. He takes back allowing his wolf to piss on porches, he's going to allow her to drag a dead animal on the porch. That would get his point across. His ears are ringing as he blinks, trying to come back to earth when he catches sight of it. Well, he shouldn't say it, but her.

His anxiety raises, not liking how close the wolf was getting to Eddie. Her fur was a dirty blonde almost. It wasn't white but it wasn't a dark brown either. His eyes meet her and there seems to be a bit of familiarity in her eyes as they move from him to Eddie. As if she was there for the same reason as Steve. He scrunched his face up a bit still looking at her and not Eddie, who finally turns around to see what he was looking at. Still looking a bit stressed out about the entire situation that was happening right now. When Eddies back faces him Steve hopes the other wolf could understand him.

"Go, he's okay." he mouths. Watching in real-time as the creature freezes like a deer in headlights in front of Eddie. There must be something about him that got reactions like this from wolves. It wasn't natural. A second later and the wolf is sprinting away disappearing into the woods.

Now that was going to be added to a mental list of things to do. What the hell was going on with Hawkins and why was wolf skin becoming the new fad?

[mathlann]

hey! has been seeing your rogue trader posts for a while, and can't help but ask, who is the mysterious ym? I pieced together that he's mara/rt kid (???) or maybe i'm completely misenturpreted. also I'm very new to 40k to know if it's even possible between the species.

anyway pls take this ask as an opportunity to ramble about him, and/or your rt's relationship with the murderous stick bug, i'm very curious <3

Oh! Omg yeah I can tell you about him!

You didn't misinterpret, YM is absolutely those two's Warpspawn, to the misfortune of everyone around him. Originally he started out as goofing with @poetikat because decent sense says Cas and Marazhai should not be parents (together) but he got too fun as his own thing so just exists now, although he's still semi-canonical until I finish my second run. (As to whether half-Aeldari exist in canon: it's very complicated, but its one of those things, to me, where personal HC is king because its 40k, rules don't matter that much if its not battle related.)

The rest under the cut because this got kind of long lol.

I’ll go backwards and talk about his parents first, and then YM.

So, to start, I always kind of see Casimira/Marazhai more as kindred spirits rather than a full corruption thing. They both are heavily shaped by growing up with high-status backgrounds within very harsh “prove yourself worthy or die” societies, and despite being proud members of their respective cultures end up exiled from their homes and stuck somewhere entirely unfamiliar to them. And as much as I find romanced!Mercenary ending a little funny (why should I pay you? Your wife has Profit Factor tf?) I do like that it establishes that they still maintain a lot of independence from each other. Like sure, Marazhai is Casimira's [romantically] and he sees her as his equal but he doesn't want to actually be her xenos pet and does want to build something for himself outside of her.

Personally, I see their relationship as being on pause while he goes off to found his mercenary group (RIP Astartia Werserian). The Kasballica being the ascendant faction of the Expanse by the endgame proper and the Corsair!Yrliet "Alaitoc war" ending half a century later certainly gives Marazhai plenty of opportunity to find work. His mercenary group is one of the best in the Expanse by the end half of the war and only then does he come back to Casimira. Of course when they are back together they're never apart for more than a few years at most, in part because one of the convenient things about him being a famous mercenary captain and her being a Rogue Trader is that they always have a plausible excuse to be around each other whenever they want. Their relationship is never public knowledge, but it's not necessarily a heavily guarded secret either. Those outside their immediate circle who do know are (usually) smart enough to keep their mouths shut about it.

“The Young Master von Valancius” (YM) is born roughly a century or so post-game, after the war with Alaitoc. He was an unexpected solution to a long-standing problem, ie, “Casimira not having an heir” and “it being difficult to find suitors willing to compete with a Drukhari.” YM is officially Cas' son only, although anyone close enough to her and/or Marazhai could put 2 and 2 together relatively easily, he's an even mix of both of them. However, as far as polite society is concerned, YM is a Genetor baby with an unstable genetic code that led to some mutations, but is otherwise, fully human. It also helps that Cas' features were more dominant when he was an infant, thus any official Public Space Christenings and the like could go off without much trouble (so long as a cap stayed on his head). For the most part, the mutant facade holds into adulthood, although when among the Aeldari he can be taken for a short Asuryani, but only at a distance, his eyes give him away (too human, too hungry looking).

As he grows up, YM does develop a love-hate relationship with being Casimira's heir, given that he is half-xenos and being set to rule over a giant population of humans. Firstly, he deals with this by holding a very idealized view of his parents, i.e., they are exceptional, therefore he is too, and as follows, anyone who doesn't see that he's special must be stupid and not worth his consideration. This inflated sense of himself and his place in the Expanse is helped along by the fact that he identifies himself as Drukhari first, and internalizes quite a bit of Marazhai’s “True Aeldari” bullshit (can YM call himself Trueborn though? debate of the century: 17k dead, 563k injured). Of course, as the child of a former Dracon and a Rogue Trader, he also sits at that unfortunate intersection between “incredibly spoiled” and “weighed down by immense expectations'' that tends to make him a very difficult person to be around to put it kindly. Marazhai is usually the easier parent to please, given that he and YM enjoy much of the same violent pastimes. Cas is the parent he tends to come into conflict with more, and much of his acting out specifically manifests as avoidance, especially towards complicated or tedious tasks he feels should be beneath him. Unfortunately for YM, his mother is very strict about him actually being a competent Rogue Trader, and thus the Most Special Heir does, in fact, have to come down off his pedestal and learn how to file his own administratum paperwork and the like.

Other YM Tidbits that I'll List for Speed

(Mostly canon for him so far/Stuff I haven't previously mentioned)

Soul quality-wise YM isn't two feet from Slaanesh's jaws the way most Aeldari are. But his soul is stained in a similar but stronger way as his mother's. He doesn't need it to live, but a general appetite for suffering is just a part of his being and something he has to deal with. Also, realspace doesn't affect him, but Warp incursions definitely do. Although the effect isn't as strong as Marazhai or Yrliet would feel, it's still enough to be a problem that keeps him from being fully "present" during frequent/consecutive Warp travel without some kind of coping mechanism (usually murder).

There are four Werserians that he's raised alongside as a child. They are all close as siblings and he is loyal to them secondary only to his loyalty to his parents. He will occasionally even take their advice before anyone else’s, which is good because they're a lot more sensible and levelheaded than he is. But also, that Werserian strong moral fiber tends to come into conflict with the fact that YM is very much a product of his parents and thus can be very reckless with other people and hard to accept fault when his pride is hurt. This may or may not get one of them killed at some point.

Despite the fact that YM considers himself to be Drukhari, Commorite culture doesn't interest him that much, mostly because he understands he would not be welcome there. However, he does hold an intense fascination for Casimira’s home planet and Ashleen culture. Iocanthos sits in his head as Human!Commorragh, and therefore is probably one of the best human worlds by his limited estimate. The fact that Iocanthos is a place he will never see, with relatives he'll never meet, and only exists in his mom’s (rose colored) stories about it also adds to the romanticism of the place with very little opportunity for it to disappoint him. Unlike the human planets and populations of the Koronus Expanse, who he encounters every day, and who largely suck (Foulstone and Kiava Gamma especially).

Inasmuch as YM does develop a lot of unearned self-importance because of who he is, he does find himself privately frustrated by the fact that he doesn't actually have many ways to prove/validate himself in the ways his parents would've had to. There eventually gets to be a period of time in his young adulthood where he is much less invested in his education as the “Rogue Trader’s Heir” and starts getting himself into dangerous trouble mostly just to see if he can. Eventually Cas does agree to let him (discreetly) travel across the Expanse and the Webway with Marazhai for a few years so he can get his taste for adventure sated. This is absolutely throwing him off the deep end so far as gaining experience goes, and Marazhai is a lot less forgiving of YM’s fuck ups, but he does survive the ordeal in mostly one piece.

[tllgrrl]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

Thanks for the tag @missamyshay !! Sorry for the delay. Some of these questions were hard to answer, so I ran away, then came back, and ran away, and I apologize for the ramblings.

If anyone has any questions/asks, feel free to…well…ask.

* * * * *

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

70 (Note: Many, of them well under 1K words and one shots. When something starts on Tumblr, it pretty much also goes over to AO3. Even drabbles.)

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

163,518

3. What Fandoms do you write for?

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier - Marvel Cinematic Universe

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

1. One Quarter of a Year, 2. Language Lessons, 3. Welcome Home (the sequel to One Quarter of a Year), 4. A Front Yard Situation, 5. Bucky, Cass, and the King of Mardi Gras

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Yes. I don’t always immediately respond, but I eventually do. Why respond? Because I’m already surprised that anyone reads a thing I wrote. No one is required to leave a comment. They can read and go on to the next, and they do. But if someone reads something I wrote, and wants to tell me that something about it made them want to tell me about it what they liked or what touched them and/or ask a question, or in one case complain about it? It’s an amazing thing to me, so much so that a comment always sends me back to read WTF I could have possibly written that made someone feel this.

6. What is a fic you write with the angstiest ending?

I haven’t written one with an angsty ending. Yet.

7. What’s the fic you write with the happiest ending?

Hmmm…lemme think…

They’re all pretty happy, I think, but the most hopeful, heartfelt ending I think is at the end of Ndinawe when Sarah walks out of the therapist’s office building after her first ever session post-Snap/post-Return, and finds Bucky waiting for her with a little bunch of flowers.

I will leave it to readers to tell me what they think my happiest ending would be.

8. Do you get hate on fics.

There’s that one time someone liked, but complained about 6 words (2 short phrases) in a 300 word ficlet/triple drabble where Sarah and Bucky are in a very quiet and intimate moment, and he says something to her in isiXhosa, which we know he speaks. Then he says it in English, and then in Kreyol, which, in my headcanon, Sarah learned from her parents, who spoke Haitian Creole (Darlene’s family) and Louisiana Creole (Paul’s family). Because Louisiana.

This person was annoyed and couldn’t understand why anything other than English was being spoken even though the translation is in the story and a little Glossary is in the notes..

And when I tried to explain why I chose that and that in canon, Bucky and Sam both speak more than one language, the person commented back that didn’t want to read an explanation…which is why I wrote one anyway.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

I write erotica. To my mind, smut is different. And I don’t like the word “smut’. Like how some people don’t like the word “moist”.

I write two middle-aged grownup adult people for whom Communication is important. Even if things are difficult or awkward, they still at least try.

Also, they’re perfectly able and willing to grab a Quickie, and I’ve written at least one Quickie, but in my stories so far, like to take their time when they have the opportunity. Someone once described it as making love “like adults: long, slow, luxurious”.

I think that’s the kind I write.

Maybe that didn’t describe the kind of “smut” I write. If anyone can describe it to me, please do!

10. Do you write crossovers?

Not yet. But I do have something in mind.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know of and I hope not.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Not that I know of, but I would actually like to try to do that myself with help from Google Translate, Language Tutorials on YouTube, and the assistance of native speakers.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic?

Yes!! Bucky, Cass, and the King of Mardi Gras co-written with The @btwxsixesandsevens. The Paul & Darlene Ship Logs is a A Talk Like a Pirate Day day-long speed write, where @btwxsixesandsevens, wrote Bucky’s Journal entries and I wrote Captain Sarah Wilson’s personal ship logs. And also Snitches which was born from a funny “what would happen if” conversation with @shellyac75. I asked if I could embellish it, stretched it out and make a fic, and was given permission to play.

14. What’s your all-time favorite ship?

Bucky Barnes & Sarah Wilson (aka SarahBucky or BuckySarah) from the minute Bucky made it a point to let Sarah know that he was there, and he saw her. And she saw him, right back.

That having been said, if I’d known, when I was a kid, that I could make up my own stories about characters I liked, there is one ship that I would have filled my PeeChee notebooks with: Lt. Nyota Uhura & Spock. Yes, long before JJ Abrams made them a thing, I, in my tweeny brain, felt like something was possible there with those two. Nurse Chapel be damned.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

I don’t have one of those. I have a couple of Finished For Now stories that I have plans to revisit and continue, though. They’re not WIPs though. Plus, I’d never not finish a story.

16. What are your writing strengths.

Beats me. Someone who knows about writing techniques will have to tell me. I have been told that when reading my stories, a reader can see where they are and what’s happening.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

I overthink and I think I get in the weeds when I write. I’m hyper critical, so I find fault with everything I write. Someone else will have to tell me what my weaknesses are in my writing. I know what they are in my process.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic.

(See #12j I’m not afraid of it.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

The only fandom I’ve written for: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

That having been said, I may have inadvertently written a drabble/ficlet/thing as an answer to a question that was posed in a Firefly forum on Ravelry (a multi-use community website for knitters and crocheters) probably 20 years ago. People enjoyed it and one commenter said I should write fan fiction, which, at the time, I thought was ridiculous. If I can find it, I may post it on AO3 for shiggles, though the show is long gone. (I know that there are still Browncoats around.)

20. Favorite fic you’ve written.

This is a really hard question because I find fault with every thing I’ve written. Every single thing. And my answer can change sometimes a couple of times during the span of a day!

I’d rather people tell me their favourite, and why, (Soft suggestion: Please feel free!!) but if I had to pick one today right now:

One Quarter of a Year / Welcome Home

I consider these two a single story that has yet to be joined on AO3.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Whew.

I am soft tagging @khululekile , @philtstone , @btwxsixesandsevens , @spinachgarden, @sarifinasnightmare and anyone who wants to jump in and play. Come on in! (If you’ve already been tagged, apologies! )

[bunkodebunked]

Heyyy so I thought I'd share some things about Jia so you can get to know her better! She's my beloved oc and I would love for you guys to get to know her and hopefully love her too <3

edited

Some Info:

As you know from my previous post, Jia is young woman who had a demon sealed inside her. During the process of sealing it, the demon tried to take over her, but ultimately failed, and ended up merging with her life span. So long as the demon is inside Jia, she is half-immortal.

She is known as someone with a strong personality, but extremely affectionate to people she loves. She's a badass girl who can kick butt.

About Jia (Past):

Jia actually goes way back, like, real way back to when the Brotherhood was formed. She joined them LAAAAATER on after it had been established for a while. Sun Wukong was the one who begged asked the others if she could join.

Before she joined, though, Jia lived a more secluded life with her parents. There, she spent her time meditating, keeping the demon inside her in check, or studying about their families history of their famous sealing techniques.

Back then before joining the Brotherhood her personality was kinda rigid, quiet, but oh so yearning for a more adventurous lifestyle. (Note: I'm still struggling to work on this part of her story lmao)

Her friends back then were:

Sun Wukong

Macaque

Azure Lion (Like an older brother figure?)

Yellow Tusk (Kind of)

Demon Bull King (To some extent. He will ultimately deny it if you asked him though.)

No Peng is not her friend, she hates him. 💀

During the time before Wukong was released by Tripitaka, Jia spent a little more time in the Brotherhood before parting ways one day, and she disappeared for a very long time.

There is a point where she runs into Wukong again one time, but for now I'm gonna leave it at that. Just keep in mind that in the present, Wukong is in contact with her.

About Jia (Present):

Into season 2 of LMK, I'd like to think that is when she makes her appearance again.

When Wukong leaves for... Vacation, it goes a little something like this:

Wukong:"dont worry bud,one of my old buddies is gonna be here to keep you company while im gone,trust me your gonna love her,okay BYEEE!!" *blasts through the hecking mountain*

Mk:

Mk:"wait her?"

-@bella-bubble

She doesn't appear immediately, but after a few episodes she makes her entrance and Mk has a little happy moment of meeting one of Wukong's friends.

Jia is almost there as an emotional support to Mk? To at least help to some extent with Wukong being gone and all.

It gets interesting on Episode 7, Shadow Play, where Macaque reappears. Here, Mk learns a small bit of Jia's history, and about the demon sealed Inside her. Macaque also mentions briefly how the seal holding it back was weakening.

Jia also gets to talk to her "old friend" after years, Macaque. (I think I've hinted their relationship enough HAH-)

Yeah so I ran out of juice BUT I PROMISE TO DEFINITELY UPDATE THIS ONE DAY WHEN I HAVE MORE FOR YOU!!! I'm sorry if it probably seems all over the place!

I really hope this helps you get at least some satisfactory on learning more about Jia! It's short, but there will totally be more in the future!

[vladdocs]

Lmao let me jump onto the latest Radu train as well because my heart has just shattered I think. I have always felt quite sorry for him because you know, he goes to a completely foreign country as a smol bean with his big brother and I reckon that it does not matter in what times you live and what you are said to accept the fact that you are doing something important for your country, a kid will always be a kid and it must have been so damn scary. There is also the fact that both Mircea and Vlad were no doubt pretty badass guys while Radu was allegedly more diplomatic and tender, so it must have been even more difficult for him with such badass big bros. And then his big brother and protector (okay, we do not really have evidence of their personal bonds but let me dream of Vlad being the cool and protective older brother lol) is sent back home and leaves him in this foreign country. Your last Ask replies actually made me realise that maybe Radu did not really like the Ottoman life that much but simply had to adjust and adapt (under huge amount of pressure and manipulation I suppose) to somehow survive and try to become something on his own. Maybe even become Mehmed's lover not out of affection but just to live a decent life. Like damn, that is such a tragic life story. Radu deserves better.

The problem is that we normalize those people by our modern standards too much, It's hard to explain this but voivodes weren't like kings or sultans always worrying about their lives and with personal grudges, All that was mattering was the country to be safe and their bloodline to remain on the throne. Vlad it the best example for how a voievod was, He allied with the murder of his family, fought his wars and protected his family to get to the throne, how he said in a letter (I posted it in a previous question) "I forgive them all" which he did, Vlad punished his family murders only when they broke the law and put the country in danger. He could have been a rich high-ranking ottoman and had a life full of carnal pleasure if he stayed in their side, even after the war with him the Ottomans still acknowledge Vlad as one of the best commanders in the world, and he could have EASILY made them switch Radu with him even after 1462. And again, when Matthias "imprisoned" him and gave one of his relatives in marriage, Vlad could have just kick back his feet and relax in a life of luxury but yet he chose by his own will to leave his wife and children and go to war. Let's not even add that Vlad was also alone at the ottomans since he was 3 years old until he turn 7 We modern people simply can't comprehend how someone could so easily give up on sex, unlimited riches, fame and glory just to live a short life as a ruler of a small nation that it is a constant battlefield. So you need to think of Radu as a voievod, someone who doesn't really care about himself or how it treated, if it loved or hated by his family, what matters most for him and us it that if he was a good ruler for the country. We can find that from his documents here: German Romanian

[angelhummel]

The funniest thing about Klaine was the lengths that show would go to sometimes to make Chris colfer look shorter or on equal height with Darren Criss in the early years. Like in so many of their promo pictures they’re TFT at the locker scene where poor Chris must have been leaning at a 70 degree angle to give the appearance of being shorter 😭😭😭 I can’t have been the only person to notice this

NO BC LITERALLY I RANTED ABOUT THIS BEFORE AND THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE THAT NOTICED

Here's a post about it uwu I also have this post and that post in the same vein but yeah it all goes together baby

And like I really don't get it likeee i think it makes less sense for Chris to be standing like that of his own volition than it would be for him to be directed like that??? like it feels calculated lmao i dont think chris's automatic actor instinct would be to plant his feet two feet from the lockers and lean back so he appeared inches shorter than darren aksjdflsk

it's insane to meee that they were literally out here utilizing camera tricks and downright optical illusions to make darren/blaine seem like the taller one like darren is a short king and it's okay for his on screen partner to not be a demure little thing standing next to him looking up at him lmao

and like to get all meta conspiracy theory i really think the second darren stepped on the scene as blaine the people behind the scenes were doing everything in their power to make him the Man of the relationship and the fandom picked up on that and thus started the toxic male/female binary of this GAY ASS relationship between two MEN and i dont believe they did this intentionally so in two seasons they could swap the dynamic around so that in another season they could have an important conversation about kurt not being the fragile flower who needed protecting. it was a good scene but you know the writers didnt have that in mind as early as season two lol

ugh anyway i've already ranted and rambled about all this before and you can read it in the posts linked above lmao. but its so annoying and i really think it created this whole Way of viewing the two characters and the couple that had a ripple effect that still permeates the fandom on some level to this day

i also think Maybe it wasnt so bad in s2 bc a lot of what im thinking of is instances of photo shoots which im guessing the directors didnt have a hand in. but in s3 it was definitely intentional and nasty but they were nasty to kurt in general that season aaand i think that was all just part of it. idk

sorry for ranting about them trying to make blaine the more masculine one and then including that pic in the middle </3 hypocrite that i am. but like even the fan manips were in on it lasfjdkls but also part of me says idc bc that first pic is so cute idc idc