#duskwood writers

[shane-mc]

Jake and MC on their first meeting...

Jake: MC, are you hungry?

MC: Yeah, we've been talking so much that I didn't notice the time.

Jake: Yes, it's already evening. What do you want to eat?

MC: You

Jake: Wha- Whaaat?!

MC: Oh! I mean you? What about you? What do you want to eat?

Jake: Oh! You.

MC: Whaaat?

And you know what happened next 😏🤭

[duskwoodgirl4life]

I really wish you could go back on the chats on duskwood I really need them for references why does my brain have to go completely blank now when I don't want it to. I've completely forgotten what Jake says to MC when they first start talking.

I remember the first couple bits but after MC replys back saying she found following the chat between Jessy and Dan I've forgotten Jake's reply.

Am I being way to picky with rewriting how two people come together? Or is this a good thing that. #SendHelp.

[miss-celestia13]

Silence

Sometimes, most times, Jake said more when silence fell between them.

His wandering hands spoke for him, fingers talking in shivering whispers as they trailed across her flushed, pebbled skin. His secret smirk revealed everything he felt for her, love and desire etched into every laughing line, and he heard it echoed back in her matching smile.

The arch of his brow, a slight quirk of his mouth, and the roguish glint in his eye were a lure she could never resist.

He could say much, doing so little. Through tiny tempting touches, and his electric eyes on hers, it was all there. Loud and crystal clear.

Manon was an expert at reading him, and he had her memorized.

He told her he loved her in so many ways that she was fluent in many silent tongues.

He was a safe, soft place for her to fall when her world was aflame, and nothing went her way.

And he was the wildness, the chaos, and dangerous desire when their world was bright and open, beautiful.

If Manon had her way, she’d tell the entire world he was hers and lay claim to him.

It was only fair. He already possessed her body and soul.

Jake didn’t forbid her from doing a damn thing, but he loved to fight her when she went on a martyr rampage. It was incredible how effortlessly he could ease her into a placid mood.

Her fiery, tempestuous nature often ate through her threadbare patience, and he knew how to soothe it. But would never attempt to tame her.

She could only show her love how she fought.

Full of fire, clawing hands, and biting teeth.

Manon wanted to carve a space for herself amongst his bones.

Engrave their initials in the ivory.

Lounge in the deepest, darkest parts of him so she could seek out the lingering shadows within him and comfort them.

—————

I’m writing vows for them and had to write something to get into the mindset. Felt like sharing it ❤️

Violence - Jakes feelings/thoughts toward my MC

[slytherinlizzy]

I've been and am currently working on a Duskwood (Jake×Mc, post Ironsplinter Mine happenings) fanfiction. I know that fanfics take a lot of time to actually publish, with all the information searching, writing, editing, promoting, etc. process.

My only question is, would some of you be interested in it?

Since I have exams, competitions, entrance aptitude tests ahead of me, I've been thinking of publishing the chapters weekly, starting of late spring/summer. Until then, I'll keep working on it in my free time.

This fanfiction stepped in my life so suddenly, that it made two of my main project freeze, together with the help of writer's block.

Every feedback is welcomed, and I'll report back soon with more detailed information.

Until then, have great days!

[itsnotzka]

Me: Yes, I'm going to write something dark.

(writes something dark)

Them: OMG, it's so cuteeeee~!

Me:

Me: ...huh.

[diariodelissa]

Jake was fascinated when he heard MC speak. He thought of many things. He thought about kissing her and leaning her against the wall. He wanted to undress her and love her.

MC noticed his blush and laughed. She passed her arms around the hacker's neck, hugged him tightly and gave him a long, deep kiss.

[lois-carroline]

*MC singing Double Take song*

Looks at Jake and sings: You are a 19th floor view~

Jake: *Looks at her weirdly and cringes*

*Smiles secretly*

[gvtted-ratz]

list of fics/headcanons we made (all links go 2 our ao3)

works: 21

@gvtted-ratz is the main writer and owner of the ao3

@rppik is the proof-reader and co-writer

it is not our responsibility to baby/take care of what you take in. so if you dont like something, do not read/interact.

fem aligning/identifying ppl dni with our mlm works (unless mutuals/friend/in gc with us).

remember to read the tags/ratings on the works. we use them 4 a reason and we would like you to pay attention to them for your own safety/comfort. none are/will ever be fem!reader. gn, male/masc, trans male, neogenders, and nonbinary only.

rules for requests are here!

marvel:

• single-standing marvel fics - x reader (unfinished)

• single-standing marvel ship fics - ships/otps (unfinished)

• sharpshooter - frank castle/matt murdock/male reader (complete)

• hitman - frank castle/matt murdock/male reader (unfinished/on hold)

slashers:

• all final people/reader (in progress)

• all slasher/slasher + slasher/final people fics (in progress)

• all slasher fics - gn+male reader (complete)

• odd - hannibal lecter/male reader (complete)

• alive - jason voorhees/male reader (complete)

• the collection - the collector/male reader (complete)

• slasher headcanons - gn+male+nonbinary reader (complete)

split (2016):

• lost and found series - southern!it/its!m!reader (unfinished)

marble hornets:

• eldritch deity - it/its!deity!reader (unfinished)

• single-standing mh fics - x reader (unfinished)

• single-standing mh ships - ships/otps (in progress)

the batman (2022):

• all riddler fics - the riddler/reader (unfinished)

duskwood (game-everbyte):

• you’re looking in the wrong place - richy/male reader/phil (unfinished/on hold)

call of duty modern warfare 2:

• single-standing codmw2 fics - x reader (unfinished)

• single-standing codmw2 ship fics - ships/otps (in progress)

uncanny valley (scopophobia studios):

correct ending - john doe/m!it/its!reader (complete)

will be updated whenever a new work is made/ finished

feel free to send in some requests. or just brainstorm in our box. we are happy to listen and try out sometimes. if we're uncomfy with something, we'll tell you.

edit: usually, we use it/its if it’s self indulgent since we're a dude who uses them and we never seen them in fics. we make sure to put that in the tags if those pronouns are used.

[ameliawarnerr]

Evanescent

(She was the evanescent of his life– there and gone.)

Part 4

(Part 3: here)

Warning: Smut.

Jake’s Pov (I’m freaking excited about this!!!)

Sneak peak: “I grab her wrists and flip her over and in a breath, she’s under me. I pin her wrists over her head.”

“Maybe too much is exactly what I crave right now.”

Her words echo in my mind as I walk away from Lilly. I told Amelia to wait for me in the room while I tell Lilly that I have talked Thomas out of his dumb act. It was just an excuse for me to have a minute to myself. I can feel the selfish part of me taking over my conscience and it is not my power to stop it. Deep inside me I also am aware that I don't want to stop.

Three hours ago, I remind myself, just three ago I was certain that I will let her go. I won't make her go through the troubles I have and still am. That mindset seems too foreign right now. She changed it. One conversation with her wavers my decision making. It used to be easier over texts. I could control my emotions then. But seeing her, hearing her voice— god, her voice, it's a type of voice one can never forget, it makes me lose my goddamn mind. And I am so envious of the people who's have known her before me.

I used to believe that it's impossible for me to live without my computer for even an hour. But the moment I saw her, the moment I kissed her, I forgot such a device existed.

My belief to let her go wavered the moment Phil’s name popped up on her phone’s screen. The uneasy feeling that passed through my entire body when he said they had ran into eachother was unbearable. That made me realise how used to knowing her every action I was. I would know whenever she talked to Phil, whenever he or anybody called her. But if I decide to let her go, I would never know who she meets, who she shares her emotions with. I would never know anything about her. Just the thought of it is haunting.

I am tired of running away from her, from happiness, from a normal life. I am so so tired that this stay at Lilly’s place is like a vacation. I never knew Duskwood would be such a soothing place.

As I make my way up the stairs, my fake phone vibrates in my pocket. Sighing, I take a look at it.

Unknown: She is not who you think she is.

Whoever this person is did not mention any name but my mind instantly goes to Amelia since she's all I have on my mind. It took me three minutes to figure out the I'd of the said person. And some additional information.

I stop in the middle of the stairs and lean against the wall.

Sender's Profile: Alex Graham

Age: 21

Passed out from Everbetten Institute of Arts.

No photos attached*

That's all there is about him on the Dark Web. Individuals collect information about as many people as possible and upload it. There was one about Amelia too. Dark Web is highly complex, it took me a whole day to take Amelia’s information down.

Me: Alex Graham. Next time you message someone while keeping your identity private, do it with a fake phone.

I walk to the room. I'll deal with him later.

As soon as I open the door, I see Amelia standing in front of the mirror. Her hand is grabbing the material of her top around her neck, streching it out as she tries to look at something in the mirror. “It looks heidous.” I hear her whisper.

When I close the door, it makes a sound and Amelia turns towards me. “You’re back.” She says, something feels so wrong about her tone.

“What looks heidous?” I ask as I walk towards her.

Her eyes widens just a little and then she's shaking her head. “Nothing. What did Lilly say?” I know her too well to know that she’s just trying to distract me from the question I asked.

“Are you seriously trying to hide something from me?” I jump back to the topic and she sighs.

She comes nearer to me and stands so close that our feet are touching. It's the exact same position we had been standing in when we kissed earlier. That memory is still fresh and it ignites something inside me.

Her hands go towards the collar of her top and she moves it down a little. There’s a scar around her shoulder which moves a little down to her collarbone. Without thinking, my hand touches the scar. “Doctors have suggested me ample of products that’ll help me get rid of this. But I just can't do it because I am not ashamed of this. But still, I think it looks ugly.”

I was ready to tell her that scars are nothing to be ashamed of. But I smile that I don't have to do it. I love her confidence and self-loving attitude.

“I am looking at it and I don't think it’s heidous.” My hand goes to her cheek. “You are okay with it which is amazing. Who else do you have to prove? No one.” The words of comfort that leave my mouth sound so foreign to me. I become a better version of myself around her.

She smiles and I find a smile on my lips too. “What took you so long?” She asks moving closer and wrapping her hands around my neck.

“Nothing you need to worry about.”

Her eyes get narrower at my lack of information. But I have no intentions of bringing up the Alex guy. So I move my both hands around her waist, pulling her even closer to me. And the feeling of having her in my arms can never be replaced by any other.

“Did you tell Dan—”

She's interrupted because of my incompetence to keep my lips away from hers. I tilt her face up, my hand caught somewhere behind her neck and the base of her jaw and I kiss her, soft and slow, heat filling my blood with dangerous speed. I pull her tighter and she gasps, stumbles and takes an accidental step back and I catch her, pressing her against the wall behind her. My hand roams under her top and she gasps. Her skin is soft as silk and warm and hot and perfect, just perfect.

I silently laugh at myself. God, I was walking away from this.

Her hands grab my hoodie and she pulls me closer if it was even possible. In one swift movement, I pick her up. She wraps her legs around my waist and I support her with my hands under her thighs. She lightly touches my neck and kisses me. I carry her to the bed since that position was too unfair for me. My hands were bound under her thighs while there were thousands places I wanted to touch her.

I plant small breathless kisses on her neck while my hands roam under her shirt. I move my hands up, exposing her stomach. I stop and find her eyes. She's already looking at me. She nods and I take her top off and throw it somewhere on the floor. The sight of her makes me breathless. Her scar is completely visible to me. I lean in to kiss it. A whimper escape her sweet mouth. I guess she didn't get enough kisses there. I intend to change that. I take her hand and guide it to my hair. I love the feeling of her hands on me.

My hand goes to her waist, then her back and slowly trail upwards to the hook of her bra. Using my fingers, I click it open. She draws her hand back from my hair only to remove her bra as it too joins the floor. My head sink lower and I kiss her stomach. My kisses grow hungrier as I reach her breasts. I plant a small kiss in between as my hand grabs one of it. She gasps and her chest moves upward, giving me yet another better angle.

My hand hovers over the button of her jeans. I hesitate.

Too fast

Too fast

Too fast—

I let my head fall in the crook of her neck.

“Jake?” Her voice soothes me. But I don't answer. What is wrong with me? I just met her yesterday. I have nothing figure out. I might have to run again. I am too selfish for her. And she's too much for me. I don't deserve an ounce of her.

“Jake, what's wrong?” Her hand touches my hair. “Jake, look at me.”

I shake my head, refusing to look at her.

She grabs my face both of her hands and forces me to meet her eyes. An exasperated breath leaves me at the sight of her face. I don't have a clue how to deal with all these emotions all at once. My mind can’t form simple thoughts around her. God, the fantasies I have had about her. The places my mind has gone.

“I don't wish to do anything reckless. I want to figure everything out before we move to the next step. And I might take forever doing it.” I try to be as honest as possible. It's not just the government but the inner conflicts within me that is coming between us.

Understanding awakens in her eyes. “It’s okay. Jake, I understand. I like it that you care. You don't need to feel bad. I understand.”

“Why?” I say, a little more irritated than I intended. “Why do you always understand? Why not just slap me across the face and find another guy with less issues." I say it though I hate the possibility of that happening.

She laughs. And I look at her, confused. “Jake, you got me swooning over texts. Over words. You understand that? You think I can ever get over you easily after seeing you?” I drop myself beside her, taking in her words. She turns towards me and wraps her hand around my waist. My own hand wraps around her waist and I pull her towards me, kissing her. She breaks the kiss but doesn't move her head away from mine. I can't help but to look at her lips when she says, “I know what I am getting myself into. And I have already told you, I got as much time as you need as long as you don't run away from me.”

I can't breathe. The sight of her half naked, in my arms, saying exactly what I need her to say is making me wonder if I am in heaven. “I think I love you too much to let go now.”

That makes her smile. “And I think I love you too much to let go now.” I didn't understand what she meant. But I soon do when she gets over me and her hands go under my hoodie. Her hands on my skin reminds how much I want her right now.

I help her removing my hoodie. And she gaps at the side of my naked upper body. She suddenly blushes. All confidence and dominance leaving her. “You got some muscles.” She says as a matter of fact. Being physically strong is also one of my priority. I don't have any clue what I might have to deal with. And that's why sleep places somewhere below on my priority list.

My hand goes to the back of her neck as I pull her into a kiss. Her chest touching mine and she slightly moans at the contact. Her hands roam around my chest and stomach and stops around the hem of my sweatpants. And suddenly she's not in front of me but below. I lift myself up, supporting my upper body by my elbows and look at her. “What are you doing, love?”

She looks at me. “Just lie down.”

“No.”

“Jake, it's fine. Lie down.”

“I said no.”

She doesn't listen to me and continues pulling down my sweatpants. I grab her wrists and flip her over and in a breath, she’s under me. I pin her wrists over her head with one hand and the other goes to her cheek. “Tonight is about you.”

This time, without hesitating, I open the button of her jeans and pull them down along with her undergarment. I kiss her lips as my hand slips down and down her body until it's rubbing her. She gasps in my mouth. My mouth moves to her neck and my hand moves faster against her. I insert two fingers and doesn't move them. Her thighs squeeze my hips. With my other hand, I part her legs and start to move my finger, faster with every second. She holds onto my shoulder.

“Up." I whisper breathlessly against her lips. “Your hips.”

She does as I said, arching her back. I move back, looking at her. And it's not in my control when I say, “You are beautiful. Every part of you.” And soon my mouth replaces my fingers. Her hand goes to my hair, pulling lightly— it only makes me go crazy, faster. And every time she whispers my name, I realise how much I love her. How she's never getting rid of me.

My eyes open and I look at the time. It's 8 am in the morning. We slept at 3 am. I slept for five hours straight. That's a record. My insomnia would strike approximately after two hours of sleep. Then I see the reason. The reason is wrapped around my body— her hand on my stomach, her head on my bare chest, her leg on mine. I smile unknowingly. I caress her check lightly and she snuggles in the crook of my neck. I take in the sweet smell of hers.

I close my eyes again wrapping my hands around her as she tightens her grip around me.

This is a place I never want to leave—

A knock. “Hey. I know you might have slept like a few hours ago but just saying that the breakfast is ready so if you wanna come, you can.” I could have let it go if he had whispered it. But that bighead idiot shouts it and Amelia brushes her eyes open.

I say something ungentlemanly under my breath. Amelia puts her hand on my chest and lifts her upper body towards me, slightly amazed. “Did you just swear?”

“No.”

Her head again falls back to my chest. And I hate myself when I say, “Do you want to get up?”

She hums. “Yeah. I should take a shower.”

I prepare myself and get up from the bed. Amelia still doesn't get up and curls herself around a pillow now.

I go to the bathroom, wash my face and brush my teeth. I prepare a bath and go back to the room. Amelia is now awake, sitting on the bed, hiding her naked body with the sheets. “Come on, the bath is ready."

Her eyes widens a little. “I can go by myself unless you...” Understanding settles in her. “No, Jake. It's really appreciated but I’d like my bath alone."

“Seriously?” As much as I love her, I don't get her sometimes. And my eyes again go to the sheets that is covering her body. Why is that even there?

I walk near her and pull the sheets away. “You don't need to hide. Let's shower. Come on.”

She grips a pillow, still hiding. I sigh.

“Fine. I’ll shower first and go eat the breakfast with Lilly and Dan. You can have your alone time.”

She throws the pillow at me and I grab it. “How can you go without me?”

I smile wide. She realises a second later that she has nothing to hide her with anymore. “God, you are such a perv.”

I say as I walk towards her, “Really? Because last night—”

“Shut up.”

I place the pillow on the bed and open my arms wide anough for her to climb. She sighs then smiles. I pick her up and carry her to the bathroom.

It takes fifteen minutes to shower. It took us thirty.

It was not even like we were doing something sexual. It was just us having some stupid conversation, I washing her hair and she drying mine later. Normal. It feels so normal yet exciting and soothing.

“Let's go.” She says and exits the room. I follow her behind and my phone beeps in my pocket. I take it out while walking behind her.

Me: Alex Graham. Next time you message someone while keeping your identity private, do it with a fake phone.

Unknown: I don't need to. I have nothing to hide. She, on the other hand, has a lot.

My grip tightens around my phone.

(*Not edited*)

Part 5

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

I triedddd, okay? (Lemme know in the comments. Writing smut always lower down my confidence)

Also, I have seen a lot of fanfics where Jake and Mc has to deal with Jake’s past together. So how about something unique? Yup, the conflict is gonna be Mc’s past.

Please do comment your opinions. I really need some feedback on this one.

Thank you!!

Loveee you alll!!

🖤🖤🖤

[lyon-amore]

One of the things I won't understand is the position, because then I see stories with numbers higher than mine and there it is, always changing positions

I need a little ego ☺️

From here to a series there is one step, Everbyte, just as an idea 👀

Ok, ok, I'm joking, like I said, I need a little ego 🥹

[paigenoelchas-blog]

HELP! I want to write, to at the least finish the things that I have started, but I can't find the inspiration. Someone, please send me some ideas to write about. I have tons of prompts, but none of them seem to be working. I appreciate you.

[shane-mc]

Pregnant MC waking up at 1 am craving for something.

MC: Jake, babe. Wake up!

Jake: Mmmm... babe, what is it?

MC: I want it. I want it right now. I need to touch it.

Jake: MC, it's 1 am. Can you just wait until later? I promise as soon as you wake up it's there.

MC: No! I want it right now!

Jake: Ok fine!

Jake talking to someone on the phone.

Jake: Hello, it's happening again.

XXXX: What? Common man! I'm working here. Can you try to do something with that?

Jake: Don't you think I did? And let me remind you that I hate this but what can I do, it's what my pregnant wife's craving. I can't go against her. Do it or I'll hack your bank account.

XXXX: Agh fine! Give me a few minutes.

Jake ended the call. After a while, someone rang their doorbell. Jake went to the door to get it and he let the person in.

Jake: She's in our room.

The person went inside the room and Jake followed him.

MC: Phil! I'm so happy to see you!

Phil: I wish I could say the same. I want to see you MC but not like this. At this time and with your weird craving. But here, you can touch my hair!

MC started to caress Phil's hair.

MC: Awww, thank you Phil. Wow, your hair is really silky. What's your conditioner again?

Phil and Jake both just sighed.

A/N: I don't know what's gotten into my mind but I just had to write it. 🤭 Yes, it's a really weird craving. 😂

[duskwoodgirl4life]

I want to write chapter 5 for "Just Friends" but I'm to tired 😴 I keep opening my google docs and closing it again.

[miss-celestia13]

Mastermind

Jake x MC Silly Fluffy One Shot

Words: 4.3k

Inspired by old memes! I've added one to the end.

Jake has planned their trip to IKEA down to the last second. He forgot to account for MC and her ability to turn a simple shopping trip into a day-long adventure. He's a mastermind, but he might have met his match.

Thank you so much to the lovely @julesisreading for all her help and insights with IKEA and the things that could happen to Jake there 🤭 I have only been once or twice myself and needed some help with it. Anything that is wrong, call it artistic liberty and I have no budget to stick to when writing, so I can do what I want🤣❤️

Jake

He was armed to the teeth. Nothing could surprise him or knock him off track. The map was crystal in his mind, and he was confident every challenge, problem, and panic attack had been accounted for and neutralized before they could infringe upon his ability to complete this mission. It was one he took seriously and would accept nothing but success. They’d eaten a decent breakfast, and he packed bottles of water and snacks in case she got hungry. All avenues had been considered. He knew every entrance and exit and mapped out multiple escape routes for every turn and pitfall they might fall into. He was ready. He was prepared. Or so he thought. He’d forgotten to account for the human elements, and a sinking sensation in his stomach already warned him all might not be well.

Jake eyed the mammoth building with a gimlet eye and smothered his groan as they approached the entrance. They were about to face the most arduous struggle many couples grapple with… a trip to IKEA. The challenge? Walk in, get what they need, and walk back out without breaking up. He was confident he could hold his own and not give in to the pressures being faced with so many options could place on a person. A strange notion swept over him as the automatic doors parted to allow them inside. Should he be laying a trail of breadcrumbs to ensure they found their way out? He was almost intimidated by the size of the place and doubted his own ability to remember everything he’d planned. The woman beside him insisted on pushing the cart so he could grab things she pointed at, and there was a distinct frenetic energy around her small form that made her bounce as she walked.

The list he created the night before was on his phone, and he knew exactly where everything was to the last inch. Reassured by the website that all was in stock, he warned her on the way there that they would not be distracted by anything shiny and they would avoid the food hall. He couldn’t remember if she actually agreed to his terms or if she made him forget them by using her feminine ways to distract him. If she had, he knew he enjoyed every moment of it and wouldn’t hold it against her. She laughed at his intense research, but he was determined to make it out alive and mostly intact. He felt more like he was gearing up for a fight than furniture shopping, and her delighted squeal as they approached the pile of reusable blue and yellow bags only solidified that feeling. She was grabbing one after another and smiling as she turned to him.

“Do you think four will suffice?”

He opened his mouth to affirm, but she shook her head and muttered, “No, better get a few more just in case. I think… yep! Seven will do!”

“We don’t need that much...” He said as she bounced back to his side and tossed the bags in the cart.

“We might see something we didn’t know we needed, Jake!” She laughed, eyes alight with mischief as they ambled into the market hall.

A subtle but noticeable scent hung in the air: sawdust, maybe something with cinnamon, and a bunch of other things he didn’t have a name for hit him as they walked in, and it was pleasant, but he did not trust it. He knew it was only there to lure one in, get them lost, and keep them trapped inside this horror store forever. His credit card burned a hole in his pocket as she approached a row of finger-smeared computers and began pointlessly searching for all they needed. He stifled a chuckle as the first two she tried would not work, and she growled at the screen, huffed, and glared at him when his worked on the first try. His touch screen was faulty, though, and when it failed to show him where he could find the coffee table she so desperately wanted, he sighed through his nose and prayed this wasn’t a sign of things to come.

“Come on, Hackerman, we’ll just have to do it the old-fashioned way!” She chirped, guiding the cart away and over to a display of kitchen utensils.

“I have everything we need marked down. We just have to go there, and...we don’t need a lemon juicer.” He arched a brow as she demonstrated how to use it and winked at him.

“You never know! It’s only -”

“Yeah, it’s only $2.49. That’s how they get you.” He said, and she scoffed but put it down after remembering she didn’t like lemons.

There were too many shiny, cheap, and silly things to grab her attention. Like a magpie, anything that glittered under the fluorescent lights caught her eye. She flitted from shelf to shelf like some demented fairy while he watched on and felt his hope of getting out before dark dwindle and drain away to nothing. They successfully found both the nightstands and dresser, but as he failed to find the shelves she specified, his frown deepened, and he pulled out his phone to double-check the website. It said they had it, but he stood before the empty space where his shelves should be and wanted to beat his head off a wall. Rechecking the site, he didn’t notice her approaching and jumped a foot in the air as her bright voice cut through the angry murmurs in his head.

“We can just choose another set. It’s fine. The ones down there look alright.”

“If it isn’t in stock, the website shouldn’t say it is! It should be here, where it’s stupid tag is. Or what’s the point in it?” He grumbled, glaring at the empty space one last time before following her as she skipped to another set that fit their budget.

She grinned as she pointed at it and posed like a hostess on an old game show.

“See, it’ll do. Crisis averted. I bet if you checked the website it would be out of stock! Help me get it in the cart!” She demanded with a cheeky grin. He couldn’t help but return it as he did as she asked.

The other shoppers reminded him of those old zombie movies. Glazed eyes and faces frozen in thinly veiled discontent as they blindly tossed mass-produced artwork and lampshades into their carts. Somehow, the millionth print of a black squiggle was something many felt completed the décor of their homes. He didn’t understand it and was glad when his overexcited partner completely bypassed that section to drag him to another display, making him want to dig in his heels to avoid it. His eyes could barely keep track she moved so fast, just a blur of hair and freckles jumping from aisle to aisle. Bedding, shower curtains, and decorative pillows somehow made it into their cart, and he could sense his finely tuned plans falling apart like wet paper under his hands. This was his Great War. He’d brought a knife to a gunfight and lost the battle before they’d arrived.

He kept his mouth shut until she let out a thrilled noise and made a beeline for the mirrors.

“The stuff we need is over there. It says there's only one in stock. We need to hurry.” He tried as she waved a hand at him and examined the many mirrors.

He could see himself glowering as she paced along the aisle, a finger tapping her chin. And practically heard the cogs turning in her head as she pondered how to convince him they needed another mirror to give the illusion of space.

“I think another won’t go amiss, that one!” She clapped her hands and gestured toward one that would require another cart.

“We can order it online once we know we have space for it.” He smiled, and hoped it looked genuine.

“Have you seen the delivery charge?! It’s more than the mirror. I’ll grab another cart while you get the things on your list. I know you can find me anyway.” She teased, making him bark a shocked laugh, but he couldn’t deny it.

“Fine, but we’ll meet back here in an hour, deal?” He held out his pinky as she sidled closer and looked up at him through a fan of dark lashes.

She hooked her pinky around his and shook, “Deal. Now, off you go! Let me have my fun.” She sang and left him blinking after her. Gods, he loved her.

He knew it was futile, but he clung to his plan and moved away to track down what they needed. The store wifi kept dipping out as he walked deeper into the maze of shelves and displays, getting turned around and making the same journey twice to find his way out. It didn’t feel like a win whenever he found something they needed. It felt like a payment that cost him blood and tears. His nerves were frayed, and his skin felt too tight as he tried and failed to double-check their stock. Again, it said everything was available, but as he came across yet another empty shelf, he wanted to throw his phone away in frustration. He had half a mind to update the stock counts online himself after this shit show, and he just might make that his new mission if he couldn’t get what they needed.

“There are three in stock. Where? Why... where the hell are they?” He was whispering as he crouched to check underneath, and seeing nothing, he straightened and looked around for an employee.

It took a few more minutes before he tracked down a worker bearing the store’s famous coloring and swallowed his anxiety to question him.

“Hi, sorry to bother you, your website says these are in stock, but there are none. Do you have any?”

The man sighed heavily, glanced at Jake’s phone, and shook his head, “I don’t think so. If none are on the shelves, you’ll have to try online or at another store.”

Jake bit down on his disgruntled groan and asked the question he knew all retail workers despised, but he had to be sure. He couldn’t give up yet.

“Could you maybe check in the back? I hate to ask, but my girlfriend-”

The man’s face morphed into an expression of supreme understanding, “Ahh, sure, man. I’ll do it. Wait here.”

Jake clung to his fading hopes as the minutes ticked away and other shoppers moved around his still form. It couldn’t have been longer than five minutes, but it felt like an eternity to Jake before the employee strode for him empty-handed.

“Sorry, man. We haven’t got any in. We’ll get more soon and can email you once it’s here?” He offered, but Jake shook his head.

“No, we’ll pick something else. Thank you, though.”

That sinking sensation spiraled lower in his gut as he eyed the available units and chose the one most similar to what she wanted. Soon, the hour was up, and he returned to the agreed meeting spot. She wasn’t there. Of course, she wasn’t. His phone signal was better there, and the wifi worked, so he pulled up his tracker and waited for it to find her. She was on the opposite side of the gigantic building and was moving farther away as he cursed and hurried to chase her down. Half-dazed shoppers jumped out of his way as he vaulted down aisles, and the cart almost went sideways as he took every corner at a run. The rattling of the boxes and items against their metal chariot drowned out the beat of his heart as he rounded another corner and saw her. Her arms were full of assorted office supplies and décor, which she dumped in her overflowing cart that also contained a multitude of items they didn’t have on his list.

She spied him and grinned, waving him over, and he approached with an almost nervous air as she explained her thoughts.

“You have an office to fill, and I think these will work perfectly. I also saw some little work lamps, but I thought you’d like to choose that. Ooh! We should have lunch! Meatballs! I’m starving, and we haven’t eaten since this morning.”

He didn’t know where to start with that, and he knew no matter what he said, it wouldn’t sink in while she was surrounded by the sights and smells of everything she wanted.

“I have some snacks with me; we can eat those and just get everything done so we can leave.”

“But... meatballs, Jake! And cake, I can’t pronounce the cake’s name, but you have to try it! Do you want a tiny lamp? Or an even tinier fake cactus? They’re quite cute.”

“We can make meatballs at home...”

Her hands were on her hips as she pinned him with an unimpressed stare, “It’s. Not. The. Same.”

Sighing, his lips twitched with the urge to laugh at her adorable face, but he tamped it down as he replied, “We’re already behind schedule, and you wanted to get some of this built before everyone comes over tomorrow.”

She didn't respond but nodded as she turned and walked over to her cart. He was not distracted by the many pens, notepads, and stationery holders. No, he wasn’t. And he certainly didn’t toss a few packs in with his half of their shopping when she wasn’t looking. He wasn’t as sly as he thought, and her arched brow when she saw him covering the pens with a pillow told him she missed nothing when it came to him. As the checkout came into view, his chest loosened, and victory hovered at the edges of his mind as they were quickly rung up and charged a small fortune. He felt safe to internally celebrate making it out alive as they headed for the exit. But she uttered some words that delayed it instantly.

“I need the bathroom! I’ll meet you at the car.”

“I can wait for you here?” He offered.

“No, it’s fine. I know where you parked.”

Seeing no way to argue, and he was blocking the exit, he nodded and took control of her cart along with his. It was risky business navigating the busy parking lot, and he was sweating by the time he reached his. He opened the large trunk and methodically began to pack everything inside, using the backseats for everything that didn’t fit in the trunk. Silently, Jake swore he would never again darken the Swedish megastore’s doorstep. It would be a cold day in hell before he subjected himself to that place again. He was returning the empty carts to the store when his phone buzzed. He waited until his hands were free to check it and didn’t know whether to bemoan her tenacity or delight in it.

MC: I’ve got your meatballs and kladdkaka! Come get them before I finish mine and eat yours.

His traitorous stomach rumbled as he read, and the smile flirting with the corners of his mouth soon overtook his face. He couldn’t complain; they finished shopping and had nowhere else to be. She was only playing by his rules and twisting them to get him out of his rigidness. And he was hungry... pocketing his phone with an exasperated curse, Jake once more entered the hell of IKEA and set off to find the insistent woman who held his heart of glass in her steady hands. The food hall teemed with frazzled shoppers, overexcited kids, and elderly folks who eyed the mayhem with narrowed eyes. He scanned the bustling tables for a familiar head of hair and spotted her off in the back corner, dancing as she ate. As he rounded the table, he saw his own plate waiting for him and plopped into the hard chair across from her as she forked up the last piece of her cake and stuffed it in her mouth. He found it oddly endearing that she always ate her dessert first in places like this.

“You found me! That’s your reward.” She chuckled and pointed at the food on his side after she cleared her mouth with a sip of cold water.

“Mmhmm.” Was all he said as he tucked into his fast-cooling meal and caught her staring at his slice of cake.

He didn’t get the hype, but the meatballs were edible, and the mashed potatoes were silky smooth with no hidden horrible lumps, so he was happy to munch away. She did the same and kept dancing with every mouthful she took, though her eyes would stick to his dessert every now and again. They chatted between bites, and he wondered if she realized just how deep a hold she had on him, how far he’d go to see her smile like she was then. He didn’t think so and thought it was part of her charm. She could make a trip to the DMV an adventure, and he admired her warm, romantic view of the world despite his learned knowledge that it was often cold, hurtful, and dark. Her ability to make him feel the same way was a form of magic he’d never heard anyone discuss, but he thought it should be treasured more than the big things. The mundane made up the majority of their daily lives. It was a special kind of magic and person that could make even the dull seem extraordinary.

The freckles on her nose scrunched up as she caught him watching her, and he ducked his head to hide his grin as a blush sparked in her cheeks. He was content to observe her squirm and pretend she didn’t want to ask him for his slice. Pulling it towards him after he finished the bland meatballs, he used his fork to cut off a small piece. She was barely breathing and leaning closer, eyes locked on his hands. He popped it in his mouth, ignoring the rush of saliva as the flavor exploded on his tongue to push the rest of it over to her. Her eyes lit up, a coy smile on her pretty mouth as she tried to be considerate despite the feral nature of her love of all things sweet. 

“Are you sure? We can split it?” She said even as she shoveled it into her mouth, and he couldn’t help but laugh at her when she looked confused at her now empty plate. 

“I think it’s too late for that,” he joked before going on, “Do you want more? We can get more.” 

She considered it, and he was getting ready to do it when she shook her head and said, “No, if we buy more, I’ll eat it all before we get home and feel sick all night. We should go before I forget that!”

He knew it was true and let her lead the way to the car, her swinging gaze catching on every table until they were on the way downstairs and approaching the double doors to freedom. They were soon back in the car, stomachs full and warmed through as he pulled out of his spot and followed the traffic to the main road. The journey home was short, filled with her singing along to whatever radio station she found and asking him questions he thought she might already know the answers to but just wanted to hear his voice. Still rusty from years of disuse, his answers sometimes meandered off the correct path, but she hung on his every word like he was revealing the secrets of the universe. And it never stopped. No matter where they were, if he spoke, she focused intently on him until he was done. It was oddly heartwarming and touching. He hoped he made her feel the same way whenever she was telling one of her stories that had a thousand offshoots and side quests. Their home soon came into view, and the last vestiges of stress fluttered away as he parked on their driveway. 

The truth was, they didn’t need anything they bought today. But her only condition for him moving in was that they make it feel like his place, too, and it must look like he lived there. She wanted him to put his mark on their home so he knew he could always find safety there. He’d been happy to move in and use her things, used to having nothing, and everything he did have could fit inside a backpack. Material goods didn’t really matter to him, but it wasn’t the furniture she cared about. She wanted him to feel like he counted, and he needed to have a hand in how their home came together. His mind buzzed as they swiftly unloaded the car and carried everything inside. It didn’t take too long before they were seated on the couch with mugs of hot coffee as they studied the many boxes they’d have to assemble.

As soon as he’d downed the last of his drink, she slapped her hands to her thighs and declared, “I’ll build the coffee table if you can handle your desk! Then we’ll just build them one by one.”

Jake agreed, and they got down on the carpet to begin. She tore at the packaging, practically gnawing on it like a squirrel to get the tape off as he found a packing knife and unsealed it neatly. Her brute force approach worked well for building the furniture. He was still setting all his pieces out in order of use before he picked up the first piece of wood he had to join with another while she was battering in the last leg of the table. Music played quietly as they worked, and she lit some scented candles when night drew in, turning on the lights once it was too dark to see. His frustration mounted as the last piece refused to slide in, making a queer rattling noise when he tried to force it. She was halfway through a nightstand when she noticed and came over to see if she could help. 

“You know, when it doesn’t fit right, I just… make it fit.” 

Jake snorted, “I’ve tried that. It doesn’t want to catch the slider.” 

“Want me to hit it?” She asked with a wicked grin. 

“No, I think that’ll make it worse.”

“Okay, let me know! I have some rage I’d like to get out.” She said as she crawled back to her side. 

He couldn’t help the silly chuckle that slipped free of his clenched teeth as the drawer finally gave into his pressuring shove, and his frustration bled away as it smoothly rolled open again at his urging. 

“What rage do you have?” He wondered aloud as she slammed her fist down on the top of the nightstand to test its strength. She was more akin to a hissing kitten when mad. It was difficult to imagine her acting truly angry.

“Stupid things. Marge next door telling me not to feed the birds. Janet at work, who keeps forgetting what days I work, and the man in Starbucks who always misspells my name!” 

He was grateful her grievances were so frivolous and hoped they always remained so. She should never know how it felt to be completely alone and lost in the world. Whatever life handed him, even the good parts were often accompanied by soul-destroying despair. Even now, he was the happiest he’d ever been, free of his self-made chains and financially secure. He was still waiting for the other shoe to drop and often was paranoid that it hadn’t. He’d do everything in his power to ensure she never knew such darkness. If she ever lost that glint in her eye and the rose-colored glasses that made her world seem so gentle and lovely, he would never forgive himself. All he wanted was peace and happiness for her and for him. He knew life came with dips and often destruction, but he would feel complete if he could make this house their private little oasis from the world. The place they could retreat to and rebuild from the rubble whenever life’s hammer fist crushed them.

Long into the night, they playfully bickered and talked as they put together their new joint life and saved the rest for another day when their eyes turned gritty, and their yawns lasted longer than their conversation. Her soft hands were the sweetest medication as she ruffled his hair and suggested they got ready for bed. Side by side in the bathroom, they brushed their teeth and washed their faces, changing out of their clothes and putting on something lighter to sleep in. He knew his way around the house blind, and they didn’t turn on any lights as they entered their bedroom and crawled into bed. He curled around her body, his arm wrapping around her waist as she snuggled closer and hummed contentedly. Her soft breathing deepened, and he assumed she’d fallen asleep until her fatigue-roughened voice broke the silence.

“IKEA wasn’t so bad, was it?” 

He huffed a laugh, kissing the crown of her head before answering, “It wasn’t too terrible. But will you promise me something?” 

There was a smile in her voice as she said, “Sure, anything for you.” 

“Next time, we order online, and I’ll make you an entire chocolate cake you can eat by yourself.” 

There was a pause, a giggle, and finally, “Okay. Deal. I promise. I’ll even let you have a small sliver of cake.” 

“Deal.” He said and closed his eyes on the long day, certain in knowing he had many more good days ahead of him.

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

Thank you for reading! And if you reblog or comment, thank you for that too. It was a daft idea I had that wouldn’t leave me alone to write other things🤭 I hope you enjoyed it!

[slytherinlizzy]

I've been and am currently working on a Duskwood (Jake×Mc, post Ironsplinter Mine happenings) fanfiction. I know that fanfics take a lot of time to actually publish, with all the information searching, writing, editing, promoting, etc. process.

My only question is, would some of you be interested in it?

Since I have exams, competitions, entrance aptitude tests ahead of me, I've been thinking of publishing the chapters weekly, starting of late spring/summer. Until then, I'll keep working on it in my free time.

This fanfiction stepped in my life so suddenly, that it made two of my main project freeze, together with the help of writer's block.

Every feedback is welcomed, and I'll report back soon with more detailed information.

Until then, have great days!

[babeczka415]

As a writer there are always two sides:

side 1: oh lets write *starts writing and hates it*

side 2: *starts writing and loves it and life happens and you forget where you were going*

i have picked up from side 2 and now on side 1 where Im like do I delete it and restart???