#excerpt from a fanfiction i will never write

[jimothy-g-brooks]

Ki Users In The Dresden Verse

 Very quickly, I told Bob about my run in with the Foo Fighters, wincing at every bruise I was reminded myself of. Other than a few crass questions about the girls that took part in my emasculation, it seemed like he was paying close attention to my description. 

 "Thing is, they felt human," I finished. I like to think I can feel out when something is inhuman, at least when it starts pulling out the mojo. Mind you, when most creatures do that, that's when they stop pretending to be the least bit human. "And not like scions either. These were bonafide purebred humans, near as I could tell. Not vanilla mortals for sure, though. Not the way they moved." 

 Bob was quiet for a moment, his eyes socket empty of ethereal orange light. If he were human, I'd expect his eyes to be closed and thoughtful hum to be coming from his lips. "Well, boss, it sounds like you had a run with some ki users. Not a lot of those on this side of the world, more of an Eastern thing." 

 I nodded, reviewing what I remembered about Chicago's latest exotic guests. "That tracks, they sounded like they were from there. So, it wasn't magic then? Or is ki a kind of magic?" 

 "They're the same thing in the way that radio waves and gamma rays are the same thing. Technically, but you're dealing with very different animals. For one, they're not bound by the Laws."

 That got a flinch out of me. The Seven Laws of Magic were a combination of metaphysical and legal. Break them, and it stained your soul, at least right up until some very interested men in grey cloaks come around to chop off your head. It was the biggest thing keeping wizards from running richkshaw over vanilla mortals. 

 "Mind you, you won't normally see a ki user invade minds, change people's forms or raise the dead. Some can, but they're an esoteric minority of an already small bunch And you definitely won't be seeing them time travel or do any kind of summoning, let alone things beyond reality." 

 I thought about what he said or, more importantly, what he didn't say. That still left Law number One, Thou Shalt Not Kill. That'd put a new spin on our encounter if I didn't naturally assume everyone wanted to kill me already anyway. It also meant a bunch of potential killers that could go toe-to-toe with White Court Vampires at the very least were loose in Chicago. Not that they've killed anyone, yet. 

 "Any weaknesses?" I asked, getting to the practical question. 

 "No more than you. Less, actually. They're still mortals, with all the perks that come with having freewill. Ki doesn't even mess up technology the same way magic does." 

 I frowned, thinking of the logistic implications of that. "Is there a particular reason that ki use isn't more widespread? It doesn't sound anywhere near as restrictive as magic." Magic users might be rare, but a big enough city like Chicago has a small community. 

 "There's a few theories, though they all have problems. Your basic predator doesn't like prey that can fight back, hence that White Court scheme to wipe out minor female practitioners, but wizards are a wily bunch, especially when cornered, and you lot have ways of taking your killers with you." 

 I grunted at that, noting at least one implied weakness there, ki users didn't have a Death Curse. Not that I was planning on killing them, but life has a funny way of sneaking up on you and so does murder, so it was a good thing to know ahead of time. 

 "The Jade Court operates in the East and for as quiet as they are no one's got the balls to step into their territory, at least not for long. Now, the theory goes that while every other predator went out of their way to cull the herd of humans that could hop like grasshoppers, the Jade Court cultivated them instead." 

 "Why would they do that?" 

 "Why don't you ask Thomas how good wizards taste? White Court vampires eat with magic, Jade Courts eat with ki, so people think they allowed ki users to spread in their territory for greater meals. The problem is, that's kind of like roiding up your local deer population so they make more meat, it's asking to get gored! I don't know a lot about the Jade Court, not a lot of people do, but I'm pretty sure they're not stupid." 

 "Okay, so what's the other theory?" 

 "Well, whatever misbegotten gene gave you monkeys magic must've been present in your earliest ancestors, because as rare as it is, they still show up everywhere. So, the other theory goes that whatever traits lets humans harness their ki showed up later in Asia. It had to have been after the last Ice Age too, because the trait doesn't appear in Native Americans either. 

 "Now, the problem with that theory is that migration is still a thing. People packed up their things and hoofed it for thousands of miles all the time. Yet, you still hear about ki users so infrequently in the Western hemisphere that you're over here asking me what even are they. So, one of two theories that actually makes sense combines the last two. 

 "The ki trait shows up in Asia, possibly because of Jade Court vampires, meddling with the stock without knowing the results or humans just developing a defense or even both. It grows out of control before they can do anything about it but every time it moves out of their sphere of influence every other predator moves in to cull the herd." 

 I sat back, digesting that monologue of exposition before letting another knot of worry settle in my stomach. As dangerous as that group that I ran into potentially was, they looked young. Like, too young to drink even. And if the local post-human pseudo-cannibals got wind that another breed of freak kine was running around, they might do exactly as Bob suggested and cull the herd once again. Those kids were inordinately tough, I'd seen that myself, but I also didn't go in against them with gun blazing. The monsters of Chicago wouldn't handle them with kids gloves. 

 "Wait, you said one of two theories that made sense. What's the second one?" 

 "That the decadence of the West is detrimental to the discipline needed to harness ki." 

 "Oh, well fuck you then."

[letterstokareokay]

I think I should kill myself.

[aca-4]

You Gave Me Your Kindness - So I'm Giving It Back (MLP Fanfiction)

Summary: Something has been wrong with Fluttershy lately. Discord keeps brushing it off at first, but in the end he can’t ignore the alarming changes any longer. As he looks back on their relationship, he realizes there is only one thing left to do to save his most beloved.

A/N: I once woke up with what seemed like an amazing story concept and decided to trust my sleepy imagination. After putting it on and off for like one or two years, I finally sat down and finished it.

Not my very first time writing fanfiction, and for this fandom no less, but I’m still not used to this and highly doubt I’ll ever write something again (that I’ll publish, at least).

Again, English isn’t my native language - I have however spent many years learning it. So if I still made any mistakes, please do correct me so that I can learn even more!

Rated T Word Count: 3.464 Ship(s): Fluttercord Genres: Romance, Drama, Angst without Happy Ending Warnings: like one swear word lmao

It had all started on a warm late spring day.

Discord had visited Fluttershy for their scheduled afternoon tea. Since the weather had been so nice they’d decided to drink outside, surrounded by chirping birds and flowers in full bloom.

Fluttershy had talked about something that made her smile as she poured him another cup. He couldn’t remember what it was now because he had stopped listening.

Not in a rude way, of course - at least, he didn’t think it was rude to be so distracted by your best friend’s beauty you start zoning out. Could anyone really blame him for that?

“Discord, are you listening?“, he had eventually caught her saying.

“My apologies, I believe I have something stuck in my ears. One moment, let me just…“

To demonstrate he had pulled out a red handkerchief - which had been tied to a yellow one, which in turn had been tied to a purple one, a green one, and so on. This had continued for a short while before all of the handkerchieves were out of his head.

“There we go! Much better. Now, you were saying?“

It was a lame trick and an even lamer excuse, but Fluttershy had playfully rolled her eyes and giggled anyway.

That lovely sound had been enough for him to get his focus back on her words again. Although he was tempted to check if his chaotic magic had spontaneously created butterflies in his stomach or if that was the doing of Fluttershy’s own magic.

Either way, he couldn’t complain. Not when that strange feeling made him all soft and warm inside.

It was somewhere during their long conversations and the sun illuminating Fluttershy in an angelic glow that Discord realized he was, without a doubt, utterly and completely in love with her.

-

They had started dating sometime after that.

The love confession had actually been the hardest part. The usually loud and eccentric Discord somehow always found himself at a loss for words the second he wanted to tell Fluttershy how he truly felt about her.

Combined with her timidness, it could have taken them ages to ask each other out if Angel Bunny of all creatures hadn’t let the truth slip out in frustration at the two.

Everything was much easier afterwards. It had felt so right to be together like that.

No personal kingdom of entropy could ever begin to compare to the joy he had found thanks to and with Fluttershy. She had been the first to offer him her friendship, and then she’d shown him love, too.

Everything had been so blissful in their own little world, he’d grown ignorant to all the signs that reality was becoming anything but.

-

Pinkie Pie was the first one to notice, surprisingly enough.

She normally missed a lot of social cues, yet it was her who waved Discord over when he was out visiting Ponyville one day and whispered to him her cryptic message.

“I felt the weirdest energy shift around Fluttershy the other day. This might be a bad omen.“

Then, somehow, she managed to completely change the mood in the same breath as she casually continued with, “Or it was that spoiled milk I drank before. Made me all sick the rest of the day. You really gotta listen to those expiration dates!“

Immediately back to her usual cheerful self, she’d bounced back into Sugar Cube Corner.

Discord was left a little confused but ultimately decided to just laugh at the mare’s odd behavior. Just typical Pinkie Pie.

Must have been that odd „Pinkie Sense“ of hers, he figured. Much as he enjoyed her fun energetic company, he didn’t actually believe in her crazy nonsense. Not this time, at least. She admitted she might have just misinterpreted whatever she had felt, after all.

Looking back, he really shouldn’t have dismissed her words so easily. Especially since they involved his dearest Fluttershy.

-

Rarity was the next one, discreetly pulling Discord away from the group one day to give him a piece of her mind.

It had been during last year’s Hearths Warming Eve no less. Quite rude of her to judge him during the holiday celebrating ponies coming together despite their differences and finding peace, he had told her irritated.

At least that’s how he had felt then. Now he could only repeat Rarity’s words in his head over and over again.

“Listen here, I know you and Fluttershy are close - and Celestia knows how you even deserve her kindness after everything you’ve done - but I still don’t trust you. If she wants to be with you, then fine. Who am I to tell her how to live her life? But if you as much as harm a single hair on her head, I swear I will personally harness the power of the Elements of Harmony and banish your ugly patchwork behind all the way to Tartarus!“

He’d faked a sarcastic oath then, thinking the unicorn was only being melodramatic as always.

Rarity had scowled at him for that and returned to the group with a final: “I am only worried because she is a very dear friend of mine. If you truly care for her as much as you claim to do, you will not hurt her.“

Discord had watched her take a cider off the table, take one big unladylike gulp of it, and sit back down between Applejack and Fluttershy.

Now that he was replaying the uncomfortable memory in his head, Discord couldn’t deny that he’d long broken the promise he’d never made in the first place.

Despite being surrounded by the most loving friends in all of Equestria, Fluttershy had looked almost annoyed by the shared laughter of the other ponies. Out of all the blurry images in his mind’s eye, a single gray hair stood out on the pegasus.

-

He definitively should have known something was wrong when Applejack and Rainbow Dash tracked him down to interrogate him.

At the time, Discord didn’t understand where their sudden hatred had come from. He thought they’d actually gotten along better over the years. He never believed he’d even have this many friends, but it seems that was just the positive influence Fluttershy had on him.

So seeing them this furious at him hurt. Although not nearly as much as the accusation itself did.

“You’ve done something to Fluttershy!“, Rainbow Dash yelled, flying up to him and pointing one hoof right at his face.

“Now, we don’t know that yet for sure, Dash.“

At least Applejack seemed more civil, pulling the loud pegasus down by the tail. Despite her words, she was clearly just as upset.

“Fluttershy’s been acting mighty strange lately. Think today was the worst I’ve seen ‘er lash out in… well, ever.“

Discord already didn’t like where this was going.

„We just figured, since y’all have been together for a while now,-“

“And because you used to be a manipulative villain!“

“-ya might know what’s been going on.“

“So spill it! What are you hiding from us?“, Rainbow added impatiently before Discord could even ask them what had brought this suspicion on.

So they explained.

Apparently, during one of their group’s regular meetings, Fluttershy had seemed disinterested. Pretty unusual already, but nothing of concern yet. She often got stuck in her own head with all her worries, after all.

It wasn’t until one of the others had asked if she was feeling okay, and she’d glared and spit at them, that it became obvious something was very much not okay.

To cut a long story short, kind concern was met with harsh words, turned into tough love, but was all ultimately ignored and Fluttershy had left with her nuzzle held as high as those snobby high-society ponies from Canterlot.

“Ya got any idea what that could have been about?“ Discord ignored the accusing undertone in Applejack’s voice.

He knew they were all thinking the same thing. He just wasn’t sure how to reply to them. It’s not like he wanted Fluttershy to act like that ever again.

“So…?“, Rainbow urged him for an answer.

But his mouth only hung open uselessly.

Instead, Discord excused himself and teleported himself home so quickly and abruptly that it made even him dizzy.

-

He had missed the first warning, and he had certainly missed many more. He’d like to think it was because it happened so suddenly that none of them could have known what was to come. Except they did.

All of them but Discord.

But it’s not like he didn’t notice something was off at all!

After he’d moved into her cottage and saw her everyday, he truly began to see the change in her behavior for himself.

It was in the way she treated her animals; Food heedlessly spilled into bowls instead of lovingly prepared (if she didn’t forget completely and Discord had to remind her or do it in her stead.)

He’d assumed it was the stress finally getting to her. With all those animals in such a tight space, it was no wonder she looked more tired, and he couldn’t blame her for letting out her frustrations on others.

It did surprise him a little when she’d locked Angel out of her own house when the bunny (that at least half of the time didn’t deserve its name) refused to eat his dinner because the slices weren’t evenly cut, or something petty like that. He’d even laughed in mockery as the little devil was left scratching at the door.

He was more surprised when he’d looked out of the window the morning after to see Angel still waiting outside.

He had mentioned it to Fluttershy, confused that she hadn’t let him in as she normally would after giving the annoying brat a little time-out. She’d said he still had to learn his lesson if he wanted to live under her roof.

Discord had agreed with her at first, not very fond of the bunny’s picky eating habits and general rudeness, either.

He’d only grown concerned when another night came and rain began to fall. Angel had still been outside, curled up and shivering at the doorstep, when the guilt became too much and Discord let the little guy in.

As he was drying him off, Fluttershy had come into the room, looked the both of them up and down, and just turned back around with a scoff and the words „you pity him too much“ muttered under her breath.

Discord and Angel might never have seen eye to eye on things before, but in that moment, the bunny looked at him with such deep concern that Discord simply couldn’t deny Fluttershy’s worrying state any longer.

-

“So, the others have already talked to you, I’m assuming?“

Discord only nodded a remorseful yes.

They had done much more than that. Left him cryptic warnings, gave him a stern talking-to, even straight-up yelled some sense into him, and yet he had brushed his friends off every time.

He wasn’t all that close with the five ponies, not the way Fluttershy was, but he trusted Twilight the most. It’s why he had eventually decided to confide in her.

“I’ve noticed it, too. Much too late, I have to admit, but her outburst the other day and the way she’s been avoiding us ever since are really worrying me. Do you know when this drastic shift in behavior started?“

The fact that even Twilight Sparkle didn’t notice sooner was only slightly reassuring.

The Princess of Friendship always seemed to have her nuzzle stuck in paperwork or research for personal projects, whereas Discord was always right there, frequently visiting for an afternoon tea or whatever other excuse he came up with just to be with Fluttershy.

If anyone should have noticed right away that she wasn’t acting like herself, it should have been him.

In all honesty, he didn’t quite know when it started. So he told Twilight what the others had already said to him; including Pinkie’s odd comment from about a year ago, which suddenly didn’t seem so random anymore.

“Her Pinkie Sense… I’ve long given up on trying to understand it but it’s never been wrong even once…“, the alicorn had already started muttering to herself.

Discord was left to watch her sort through the books on the shelf behind her. Spike had been there, too, offering his help to search. Otherwise he kept himself out of the conversation.

Although, knowing him, he had probably noticed before anyone else that something was wrong. If the others hadn’t listened to him at first or he had kept it to himself for whatever reason, Discord didn’t know.

But just seeing the guilty look on the young dragon’s face now, he didn’t need to hear it to know how bad it was.

“Hey, Twi? What was with that book about balancing magic that Cadance gave you on your last birthday?“

“The Theory of Magical Balance“, she corrected while skimming over various book covers in deep concentration. „Yeah, you might be onto something.“

Twilight flew over to a different section of she shelf and pulled out the book Spike mentioned.

The contents were still rather speculative, as there weren’t many cases recorded to prove the theories. Personally, Discord never cared for any sort of magical science and laws of physics anyway, since he could defy and bend them to his will.

But just this once he looked over Twilight’s shoulder to read about the exact thing that was happening to his dear Fluttershy:

“… if such opposing magical auras were to meet, they might balance each other out; each taking a part of the other and thus intertwining. But that raises the question: What if they were imbalanced? If one such aura was too strong, or both exposed to each other for too long, the weaker one could be overtaken completely. Or, perhaps, one might give all of itself away and…“

Discord stopped reading right then and there.

He didn’t want to accept it. He never wanted from the beginning and it’s why he’d avoided acknowledging it for so long.

Twilight began to speak carefully, trying to piece together all this new information.

“I know it’s been a long time now — and I do trust you not to go back on your word to never cause harm ever again! — but you have to admit, she has been acting…“

Discordant.

She didn’t have to say it out loud for they both were thinking it.

Years ago, when Discord had initially been freed from his stone prison, he had hypnotized and tricked his former enemies into turning the complete opposite of themselves. Back then, it had been so fun to watch them like that; arguing and in disharmony.

Fluttershy had been different, though. He’d had to actively cast a spell on her in order to turn her mean-spirited.

(And even so, despite everything he’d done… it was her who had shown him the light of friendship in the end.)

But now… now, without even trying, without any intention, his chaos magic was affecting her once more.

“Are you sure this is it? Isn’t there any other explanation?“, Spike tried against all odds to hope.

“I’m not sure… I’d have to ask Celestia if she has any more books on the matter. Or, who knows, maybe it’s the same type of magic that turned Luna into Nightmare Moon centuries ago? We cannot leave out any possibilities! Spike, take a letter…“

Discord had teleported out of the castle once Twilight went fully into study-mode. 
He appreciated her help, and he’d tell her so the next time he saw her, but deep down he already knew what was going on and what he needed to do to stop it.

There was only one thing he could do to help Fluttershy now. No matter how much he dreaded it.

-

In the dim light of the room, one might not immediately notice the gray fur on what once was a brightly pastel colored pegasus. Discord, however, can’t help but stare the truth right in the face.

“What?“, she asks, annoyance clear in the way she practically spits out the word.

This monochrome impostor is still his beloved, he needs to remind himself. It’s his fault she is like this to begin with, so he has to make it right again.

“We need to talk“, Discord finally brings himself to say.

“Sure, whatever. But it better not be about those Celestia-damned ‘friends’ of yours. I’m not apologizing to those—“

„It’s not about that“, he cuts her off before she can finish the insult. He knows she doesn’t mean it. Not her true self, anyway.

“What is it then?“

She starts getting impatient. Her hoof taps against the floor, wordlessly telling him to go on already. He isn’t sure if he can.

“It’s about us“, he says quietly. He feels small, all of a sudden, wringing his paw and claw together and looking meek. Shy, even.

(He’d laugh at the irony, but she’s giving him that disinterested look again.)

“So?“

“I think it would be best if… we broke up.“

A heavy silence lies between them. He forces himself to not look away.

Slowly, Fluttershy’s emotions change. She raises her eyebrows, opens her eyes wide. She looks at him, through him, to the floor, to the wall. Then she snaps her head back, turns up her nose and glares at him with the same intensity she normally uses for her infamous ‚Stare’.

“What?“

Her words cut through the air and through him.

“We can’t go on like this“, he admits. „This close exposure to my magic — to me — has turned you evil. This isn’t you.“

“I’m fine!“, she huffs and stomps her hoof for emphasis. It only proofs his point further.

“I never meant to do this to you. I can’t control it. And now look what it’s… what I’ve done to you.“

For the first time in his life, Discord is painfully aware of just how much influence he really has on the world around him. How easily he could affect those close to him.

He is the only one to blame here, he is now certain. It’s all his fault for not stopping this sooner, for so selfishly wanting Fluttershy to be his, that he let her become a twisted and malicious version of herself.

“What kind of bullshit reason is that?!“ Cursing sounded so wrong coming out of her mouth. “You know, if you don’t love me anymore, you could have just said so!“

“I do love you. That’s why I have to do this.“

Fluttershy looks at him like he’d done the opposite of growing two heads. She probably isn’t used to him being this calm and reasonable. It’s like they switched places.

“Are you fff— ha! Are you serious right now?“, she half laughs in utter disbelief.

“I wish I wasn’t.“

Fluttershy makes a few faces as she wildly looks around the room again. She then settles on one emotion she’s grown way too accustomed to the past year.

“Fine! See if I care!“, she yells. “I never liked you anyway!“

She is lying through her teeth now and he knows it.

“I really wish it didn’t have to be like this.“ — She ignores him. — “Please know that I’m doing this for your own good.“

“Whatever. Just go.“

She refuses to look at him while Discord isn’t sure if he can bring himself to ever take his eyes off her. No matter her current state, somewhere in there is still the sweet, gentle Fluttershy he fell in love with.

Despite all her anger and harsh shouts that he should leave already, tears are forming in Fluttershy’s eyes. He wants to reach out and dry them, tell her everything was going to be okay and that he’d stay here with her forever. But he knows he can’t.

The damage had already been done and the only thing he can do now is return the kindness she had given him all those years ago.

So with a strained smile he says „Goodbye, my dearest. Thank you for everything.“

“Don’t you— Don’t you dare say that! You don’t get… get to say something like that!“

Discord has to tune out her cries as he opens the door and steps outside. He allows himself to look back at her only once, only briefly, to see her let her wings drop to the floor, ugly tears streaming down rosy cheeks.

Among the ashen gray hair is a single pink strand, encouraging him to close the door and open up a portal to his old home.

Only once he is back inside the cold walls with forgotten furniture floating past his head upside down, does he let himself cry, too.

––––

MLP:FiM and its characters belong to Hasbro

I only own the artwork and (I still can’t believe I’m saying this) the story

[sexynetra]

ITS STILL SUNDAY TECHNICALLY SO I CAN STILL DO SIX(ish) SENTENCE SUNDAY :)

If I stop being stupid for like 3 seconds, chapter 5 will be up this week :)

————————

One shot.

Sugar and Anetra were together. And there was nothing Marcia could do about it.

Two shots.

There was something Marcia could have done about it. But she had chosen not to. So she had no right to be upset now that she had given them the go-ahead.

Three shots.

She was upset. Incredibly upset. Getting drunk wasn’t making her any less upset.

Four shots.

Five.

[kristeristerin]

“What horrible crime have I committed against you that justifies the way you treat me?” I gripped his arm in an attempt to prevent him from turning his back on me. “From the moment you met me you have treated me with nothing but thinly veiled contempt at the best of times and outright hostility at the worst of them.” When I met his gaze I was taken aback by the hatred that burned in his  hazel eyes. 

He laughed mirthlessly, “Are you really so naive that you don’t understand why I despise you?” He pulled his arm free from my grip and moved to face me fully. “You can’t honestly tell me you don’t know what your family did to my people? What your being here, and being promised to my High Lord, my friend, means for this Court.” 

I didn’t miss the predatory gleam in Cassian’s eyes as I stumbled back and he began to stalk closer to me. My breath hitched when I felt my back hit the opposite wall and in seconds he was close enough that our breath mingled as he leaned forward, bracing himself on the wall behind me. 

“The worst of all of this is there is something about you.” He made a show of slowly looking down my form before bringing his eyes back to my face. “There is something that makes me want to forsake every vow I have made. Something that makes me want to throw away the over 300 year friendship I have developed with Rhys, just for a chance to be with you. I hate you for it, Princess, but not nearly as much as I hate myself.” His eyes settled on my lips for a moment before he pushed back from me and made to leave the room. He paused at the door to add, “I will return shortly, I have business I must sort out with the innkeeper before we depart tomorrow. I suggest you turn in for the night. It’ll be an early morning.” 

[struggling-author]

I am so conflicted between different story ideas and it is honestly undoubtedly connected to my own real life convictions

like I find myself really wanting to write a story where someone actually challenges and changes the status quo without becoming the villain, but then thinking about that I am also so so tempted to make them slip just a little bit further and become what they swore to destroy, I care about both of those ideas deeply.

and then also, I am a sucker for happy endings, but I just thought of one such character, they lost their parents when they were really young and have committed themselves to changing the world with more and more desperate measures, and their wife is the only one still keeping them in the light - so I realized that I had to kill her for the story

I also wanna write a character going dark and coming back from it, but again it would be love pulling them out so it can’t be the one who’s wife just died, but I also feel like I can’t write a going dark story twice cuz it would just be repetitive?

and then lastly I‘m torn between a sweet friendship to lovers or an enemies to lovers relationship (friends to lovers would be the wife that dies, enemies would be the one who pulls them back)

[iluffyouxo]

ᔕTᖇᗩᗯᗷᗴᖇᖇY ᑕIᘜᗩᖇᗴTTᗴᔕ || 𝚋𝚊𝚗𝚐 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗

stray kids — bang chan x black, female oc

“Moon? Moon? Are you even listening to me?”

The question was met with an annoyed sigh as the person it was directed at looked over at them through the corner of their eyes. “Yes, Chan, I hear you loud and clear.”

Moon returned her gaze back to the mirror in front of her, taking in her beat up state. Her nose was busted, her right eyelid was slicedㅡbut thankfully her eye hadn’t been damagedㅡand her left eyebrow had cuts all throughout it (not including the intentional cross that ran through the middle).

The multiple sources of oozing blood was tainting her hazel skin, and all she had was a giant black band-aid with wolf heads on it to cover her nose with. She wrapped smaller brown band-aids around her blooded tattooed fingers but she only had enough to wrap around a few cuts since she had already given some to Chan. She placed one on her index and two on her middle, the others were left opened to the infectious air but, that was the least of their worries.

Moon exhaled shakily and leaned against the graffiti battered, mildewed wall of the male's public restroom the two were occupying in some abandoned restaurant they always hung out in with the rest of their friends.

Moon groans as memories of the night's previous events began flashing through her mind.

The two had lost so much in such a short amount of time.

As tears began welling in her big honey colored eyes, she pulled a pack of strawberry cigarettes and a giant clear lighter out of the pocket of the oversized black Fila hoodie she had stolen from Chan months ago. A puff of flavored smoke ran through Moon's puffy lips as tears finally escaped her red rimmed eyes.

A sympathetic sigh slipped through Chan's heart-shaped lips as his own bruised hands found their way around Moon's torso. His pale fingers ran through her long raven coils. The cigarette rested on the tip of her mouth as she hugged him back, tears flowing freely.

Instantaneously and ever-so slowly, the yellowed bathroom lights began flickering and a distorted figure flashed in the mirror. The friends pushed each other away in urgency, a knowing look glittering in their eyes. Moon threw her cigarette to the ground before the two dashed out of the bathroom and into the city lights.

“Bloody hell,” the Australian growled, “Why are the streets so empty in this neighborhood?”

Suddenly, a vivid image of one of their friends getting gutted alive hurtled through their minds, followed by a high pitched scream echoing down the hollowed roads and glowing white eyes. The pair slid to a halt causing Moon to trip over her black rose boots and stumble against the cracked concrete, earning her a few new scars. She sat up, balancing herself on one knee, and looked around. They didn't know where the screeching had come from nor did they know which direction to run in.

“Let's head towards the hospital, it's just a few blocks away, I'm sure we'll make it,” Chan suggests as he offers his hand. Moon took it and hummed in response, running hand in hand with him down the street.

Another screech sounded, this time louder and so much more closer. “Dammit, dammit, dammit,” Moon hissed as her ankle began throbbing. “She's gaining on us, we need to find somewhere to hide real quick.” Chan pointed towards a large blue truck, “Let's hide under there.” They slid under the car and waited until they were sure She had disappeared for the time being.

Once they had slid from under the truck, however, Chan was met with glowing white eyes with no pupils, red tears and a sharp-toothed grin. Before he could react a porcelain hand wrapped itself around his neck and he found himself dangling meters off the ground.

Then, he was falling.

Moon shouted out his name through uncontrollable tears. In a moment of desperation Moon ran under Chan's fallen figure to become his cushion. He dropped on top of her seconds later, both collapsing to the ground. Once again the pair was awarded with more wounds but nothing severely damaging.

Moon pulled him close. “Oh, thank God...thank God!” She sobbed. “We have to go, we have to go now.” Chan and Moon stood back up and started off in a sprint towards the hospital.

Throughout the desperate try to get to safety, they were cut by Her cawls, pierced by nails in gates, tripped in puddles, pushed against brick and concrete—anything to cause more physical pain and injury.

Chan's heavy breathing was becoming uneven and Moon was now limping due to her swollen ankle. “I don't...I don't know how much more I can take,” Chan spoke, “We haven't ran into Her in a while...I feel like She's toying with us. It's only a matter of time before She gets bored and kills us off.” Moon looks up at him and gripped tight to his hand. “I know...I'm tired too...but, it's not like we can kill a ghost or whatever She is.” Chan opens his mouth to say something but is interrupted by an echoing of Ring Around The Rosie. A shiver goes up Chan's spine, “I hate that fucking song.” Suddenly, the glowing figure pops up in front of them. “Shouldn't have said that.”

The ghost opens Her mouth wide and was about to take a bite out of Chan but instead Her teeth soak into Moon's hoodie clad arm. Moon screams before snacking her arm away then, she runs off again, Chan in tow.

“Oh, God, is your arm okay?” He panicked, trying his hardest to check her arm. Moon only shooed his concerns away. “We don't have time to worry about that right now. The Emergency ER is right there!” Chan whipped his head back around to find that she was right, the 24 hour ER was glowing as it sat right across the street from them. How close they were only encouraged their erge to run faster and faster and faster.

A car whipped past causing them to come to another abrupt stop. The two had made it to a wide street with no crossing from what they could see. Moon looked behind them. There was no sign of their torment...that in itself was a bad sign. If they didn't cross now, they were going to be doomed. She looked back at Chan who held a desperate look on his face. “We have to cross now.” He looked at her slowly and shook his head. “We can't. What if this is apart of her plan? What if one of us gets hit?”Moon stares at him. She hadn't thought about those possibilities.

“Even so, those are still 'what ifs'. We at least have to try. And if we die, at least we died fighting together.”

And for the first time that night Moon smiled at him.

It was gentle and small but a smile nonetheless. Chan inhales before nodding and giving her hand a tight squeeze. “Whatever you do, don't let go of my hand...please,” He requests weakly. “Of course.”

A truck was zooming passed the speed limit as the pair made their way across the street. The sound of the truck's horn inched closer through the huffs and puffs of the exhausted couple. A determined look was painted on Moon’s face while a horrified look graced Chan’s features. “Just run a little faster,” Moon wheezed out through strangled breath. “But, what if we don't make it?” She looked back at Chan. “We're going to make it.”

A few steps later and they were both standing on the sidewalk, dangerously close to the street they had just zipped across. Moon smiled over at Chan as they walked hand in hand inside the ER. “See? I told you we'd make it.” He nods, a sigh of relief escaping his lips as he placed his head on her shoulder.

The sun was just coming up overhead. Halloween night had finally come to a close.

[not-poignant]

Would you ever accept prompts and post the results on tumblr or ao3? Obviously you wouldn't have to accept all prompts, only the ones you liked. I'm just thinking it might help new people find your writing because prompts do pretty well on tumblr.

Hi anon,

Would you ever accept prompts and post the results on tumblr or ao3?

Nope.

I opened for prompts a couple of times about 8 years ago and I learned a few things. The first thing is I don't like writing shortfics and flashfics. The second is that I don't like most of the prompts I get. The third is that it didn't actually bring just about any new people over lmao (the people who do best with prompts are people who do prompts regularly, become known for it, and build a lot of their Tumblr presence on prompts, I can't think of anything worse personally), but also, I don't really want to bring people over who want prompt responses or want to follow a 'prompt response blog', because that's not my focus.

But mostly, I don't do it anymore for two big reasons:

My writing budget re: wordcount is actually planned out for the next 12 months, and I do not have an excess of words to spare. Prompts are great for people who need ideas. This is not a problem I have.

I don't like doing them.

The second is really the only reason anyone ever needs. There's a reason I never opened for prompts again, and why I always say no when folks ask, and 'people might like your Tumblr more' is really not a selling point, because I do not want to be a 'prompt blog' for folks who mostly just want to read prompt fills anyway.

[todoslosdiasdemivida]

He hadn’t been home the last two nights. 

[ “Why won’t you talk to me anymore? We used to talk about everything even after the war. I know how hard this is on you. How hard all of this is on you. I know that you’re struggling. Do you think I can’t see that just because you won’t say it? You’re my husband, my partner. I want to support you. I am trying so fucking hard to support you, but it’s like you’ve completely locked me out! I’m watching you self-destruct from the outside like everyone else and it is killing me to have to watch and to not be able to do anything. En la prosperidad y en la adversidad, en la salud y en la enfermedad, todos los días de mi vida. GABRIEL! I meant those words… Did you?”

“If you think you need to ask me that, then maybe you already have your answer.” ]

Mona had looked at him like he’d hit her instead of just throwing the words out–– like he didn’t know the effect they would have.

She had left the room without another word.

[ She hadn’t turned in time to hide that first tear spilling over. ]

He had stood there, trying to breathe––to think of something else to say, something, anything to make this anger dissipate, to make this right, to find the words to explain to her, to make himself rebuild the bridge that he had burned down. 

[ Because it wasn’t Mona. God knows she’s tried harder than anyone should have tried, cared more than anyone should have cared, and set herself up for failure every time knowing how it would end but hoping against hope that this time he would just take her hand and let her try to pull him back from the brink, that he would let her save a man dangling over the abyss… or at least let her get pulled down with him. ]

He hadn’t moved from that spot, hadn’t managed to find the answers he needed, when Carlos had confronted him, and they had an argument.

[ ”If it bothers you so much that mom asks you questions or tries to help you because she CARES, why do you even bother staying? Why don’t you just leave? We would all be happier that way!” ]

The kid wasn’t wrong.

He hadn’t been home the last two nights since the respective arguments, but now, here he stands, on the doorstep, knocking at the door like a stranger come to deliver ill tidings.

[ He had left his key in the house two nights ago when he grabbed his go bag and shut the door behind him. He could always have slipped in by other means were it anywhere else… but not here. Not in his home. It is still that, isn’t it? ]

She answers the door. He takes a breath, braces.

“Where’s Carlos?”

“He’s over at his friend’s house. It’s Jaime’s birthday, and he wasn’t going to go but I told him––"

She knows him too well, even still, and she stops talking, redirects, pivots to address his expression and the heaviness to his manner. 

“Gabe… What’s… Did something–”

“Jesse’s gone. He left.” The correction is almost instantaneous, realizing he had chosen the exact wrong words the moment he sees the first shift in her expression. [ Idiot. It’s not bad enough without you giving her that scare? ]

“I don’t know where he went. I don’t know why. But his place is cleaned out. Nobody has heard from him. I tried calling. The line’s out of service… I just… I didn’t want you hearing it from someone else or getting blindsided…”

There’s no answer. He hadn’t expected one, really. What is there to say? And even if there is something to be said, how can she say it to him of all people?

He sighs and turns to leave.

“… I should––”

Her hand catches his––calloused and strong and shaking.

“Not tonight, Gabe. Not tonight. Please stay… Please…”

He looks back to her. 

[ She doesn’t turn away this time. Not even when she knows he can see the tears welling in her eyes. ]

He stares back for a moment longer.

He swallows hard, nods once.

He steps forward, wraps his arm around her shoulders and guides her inside, locks the door behind them.

Tomorrow, he’ll go back to work. Tomorrow, he’ll continue as though nothing had happened because he has to continue.

Tonight, he won’t leave her. Tonight, he’ll be here for her, like she needs for him to be.

[ Todos los días de mi vida. Of course he had meant it. ]

[lets-not-jinx-it-please]

had I hope for love, it might it be this ..

If love ever stood beside me, I hope I’m not devious. I hope I don’t play any stupid games. I hope I hold it carefully. I hope I’m honest. I hope there’s no impressing, I hope there’s no trying. But when it happens, I hope its as simple as a breeze. Because everything else is otherwise. Everything else feels impure. Everything else feels dishonest, something bad. Something that says it isn’t respected enough. something insecure. something that won’t persevere. Something that will lose its sparkle as it ages. So when it happens, I hope I welcome it with a smile. I hope I trust it. I hope I believe in it. I hope I have its back. I hope I make it last. I hope I take it slow. I hope there’s no scheming, I hope there’s no begging. I hope there’s no crying. I hope that it stays because it wants to, because it's a beauty in itself. something to be protected with our wits, like an infant or a sapling, something to be preserved in our safest vaults. I hope i don’t waste it, I hope I’m strong enough to lift it. I hope I put up a fight. I hope i make it stay ..

[persianflaw]

ATTENTION ALL PERSONNEL!

ATTENTION ALL PERSONNEL! The M*A*S*H fanfiction community has been approved! actually it was approved two weeks ago but i was on vacation

This community is open to any and all fans of M*A*S*H fic. Whether you're a writer, a reader, or a total newbie, this space is for you! You can talk about fics you've loved, ask for advice about a sticky plot point in your latest WIP, ask for recommendations for a ship you like, share an AO3 link to your latest fic, or share snippets from your work; the world is your oyster!

>> LINK <<

(As of 6.21.2024, communities don't let you generate an invite link yet, so just like/reply to this post if you want an invitation! This post will be updated with a proper invitation link once that feature is implemented.)

RULES (May be subject to change, but probably not that much change, lol.)

Be nice. Duh. Any bigotry or unkind behavior will not be tolerated. Welcome everyone with open arms and open hearts, and be ready to make new connections.

18+ only. Go nuts. Show nuts. Whatever.

No gory or sexually explicit images. Most of these go against tumblr's TOS, and we don't want the community to get deleted.

Keep things on topic. We're joining this community to talk about fic, so let's make sure we keep our posts fic-related! General discussions about M*A*S*H are fun, but not what this community is intended for.

If you don't like something, scroll past. We all like different things, and that's what makes the world interesting. If someone shares a fic that isn't to your tastes, you don't have to read it. Leaving a rude comment on anybody's post will get you kicked. (If you're concerned that somebody is posting bigoted or hateful material, let me know, but I honestly don't anticipate this being an issue at this time.)

Use read mores for long posts or NSFW material. This makes navigating the dash easier, and helps prevent people from getting jumpscared by lovingly detailed descriptions of oral sex on the subway, something that has of course never happened to me.

Tagging or using content notes for your writing is encouraged. This is the best way to find your audience. People who aren't interested in a particular subject can skip over, and you'll also be able to draw in the people who are enthusiastically interested! If you think a particular topic might be especially sensitive, a read more is never a bad idea.

Only give concrit (constructive criticism) when asked. This is a somewhat contentious topic in fandom as a whole, so we're keeping it simple and asking that members don't give criticism on fic posts unless the author specifically requests it.

And one final note:

Small groups and communities can easily become cliquish. Few things feel worse than joining a group, hoping to find like-minded people, only to find yourself surrounded by what feels like an impenetrable friend group with no interest in talking to you. Nobody wants to feel alone in a crowd.

So when you join this group, don't just talk to people you already know. That defeats the point of joining this kind of community, anyway! Make an effort to talk to someone new. Leave a gushing comment about a stranger's fic excerpt. Tag someone who you think has a really cool interpretation of a character you like. Reply to a post that hasn't gotten any attention. Include people who seem a little shy. Be open and friendly and welcoming.

[moonydustx]

So I have this thing...

I need more Law x Reader fics pleeeaassee (；ＴДＴ)

Anyway...

May I ask a reader (up to you what gender) reacting to law proposing to her? Which I doubt canon law would even do but I guess since it's fanfiction, who cares if it's Canon, right???

OMG, this is incredible, hold my hand and I'm with you on this, thank you so much for the request. In my HCs on the Law (I will still post them) I think if it was important for him to do it without even blinking. Surely it would be something more discreet, a small ceremony between just two? I don't know, I might be rambling too much.

Apologies because I didn't have much time to review and maybe I got carried away writing it. I hope you enjoy!

Important: italics are for flashbacks and character readings aloud.

The proposal - favorite moment (part 01)

Part 02 - Part 03

Law counted the minutes until night arrived, it was one of his favorite moments. That was when you would sneak around the submarine and end up knocking on the door on it. In most of these situations, you didn't get out anytime soon. He's not much of a follower on the calendar, celebrating each month together - and come to think of it, everything happened so naturally that it was decided on which day it started to be difficult for you to be a boyfriend.

Like so many other nights, you found yourself doing what was one of the only things Law could name as a hobby. You were nestled between his legs, your body resting on his chest as you attentively read another book. He found himself leaning against the wall, one of his hands resting on his body while with the other he tried to leaf through one of the new editions of Sora comics that he had picked up on the last island he visited.

He had already lost count of how many times the two of you had wasted hours tangled up in his bed reading and something else he was used to hearing you sniffle at something, like you were doing this time. His eyes looked away from the painting and went straight to where you were reading, just out of curiosity. The other times you were sniffling, he had found you reading about some character who died, some reunion, some couple who got together. This time, from what he could see, it was a marriage proposal.

He already knew it was an important topic for you. He also knew that if he had to choose to spend his entire life with someone, it would be you. Law had thought about the hypothesis a few times and when reading the small excerpt from the book, he let himself think about the idea.

"Wow." your feet were planted in front of an immense showcase. Dresses were stacked side by side in various sizes and textures, some with huge trains and others full of silk.

"Don't tell me you're one of those marriage freaks." Ikkaku planted himself next to you, next to Bepo.

"They are beautiful." the bear confirmed, touching the glass.

"Not freak…" you tried to find the words, you really didn't want to sound like a crazy person. "I mean, marriages are two people coming out in love to the world, to the government, to whatever god they may believe in or to no god at all, as if nothing could intervene or separate them."

"Okay, insane then." Shachi appeared behind you, mumbling.

"Actually, that's a nice way of thinking." Ikkaku replied to him, watching you just shrug. "And I won't deny it, they are beautiful dresses."

"Time to go." The captain's voice echoed closer than you imagined, as if he had been there the whole time listening.

Seeing the crew members move forward, agreeing to the captain's request, Law took a few seconds to evaluate the display that had distracted everyone. He could just be daydreaming, but one day you would look incredible wearing a dress like that along with the new name you would carry. Ms. Trafalgar.

From that day on, the idea of ​​proposing to you never left his mind, Law just needed to find the perfect opportunity and it appeared before his eyes.

"Okay…" your choked voice took him out of his reverie. "That's enough tears for today and I'm getting sleepy." you closed the book, turning towards him and snuggling even closer against Law's body.

"Do you mind if I keep reading some more?" he asked and you just mumbled no. His hand got tangled in your strands of hair and it didn't take long for unconsciousness to take you away.

Law gave himself a week to put the plan into practice. The small room at Polar Tang was tidier than usual however you could notice Law more tense than usual behind his back.

"Everything is fine?" you asked, quickly turning to face him. Law seemed distracted from the book in his hands.

"Everything amazing." his lips quickly touched the top of your head. It was now. All the other battles he had faced had not even come close to the anxiety he felt at that moment. "That book you were reading last week?"

"Ah, it's this one. I'm almost done. It's a period romance, princess, knight and all the little things that involves." you laughed, knowing that from your description he would hate the book. "There's no point trying to convince me to read Sora, this one is much cooler."

"So cool you were crying the last time you read it." he said in a teasing tone.

In a casually planned way, even if it went unnoticed in your eyes, he placed the comic he was reading on the bed.

"It's because he was so sweet to her, made an amazing statement."

"Really? Let me see." He moved even closer to your back, looking for space on your shoulder to follow the written words and find the perfect cue.

"Here. Can I read it?"

"Please." he asked, feeling his hands sweat cold.

"Of all the countries I've visited, I don't think I've ever found a home except in you. You've been my home, my safe haven." You started reading, already feeling yourself melting with those words. At the same time, Law took out a small box hidden behind one of the pillows. "So let me be the sword that protects you, the heart that loves you infinitely. I thought happiness would only find me in the next life until I found myself lost in you. What do you mean by that, my love? So, the The knight fell to his knees, the wounds of the battle he faced seemed not to bother him, not when Annya's eyes rested on him. Annya then heard the four words that carried a lifetime of promises…"

"Would you marry me?" Law's voice echoed alongside yours.

Before you could ask what he thought, a small black box appeared in your field of vision. Inside it, a golden ring with a small heart symbol glittered. The book fell from your hands, finding your lap, as you turned to your boyfriend.

"Law?" at that moment, your voice was not the most reliable. As shaky as she was, your vision was blurred by what you suspected were tears. Your hands covered your lips, still not believing what you were seeing.

"Maybe my sword heals you more than defends you, but that doesn't mean I'll let anyone hurt you in this world. You're my home, my safe haven and I can't wait for you to be my wife. I'd even kneel, but It's a little complicated." he smiled, seeing you still paralyzed on top of him. "So, would you marry me?"

"Yes." the first time came out as a whisper. "Yes Yes Yes!" with each new time the word left your lips, you allowed euphoria to take over your body.

Law took your hand, placing a small kiss before putting on the ring and repeating the gesture, as soon as the jewel was in the place where it belonged. His hands pulled you so your legs were around his waist.

"That's…" you even tried to speak, but it was impossible to put everything you felt at the moment into so few words. You saw him pull out a ring that was the same color as yours, without all the details. "Let me do it."

Before he could put it on his own finger, you took it from his hand and repeated the same thing he had done to you. He placed a small kiss between the tattooed fingers and let the jewelry take its rightful place.

"I don't believe." You looked at your hand and then at him. "Law, that was so amazing."

"You're incredible. I can't wait to see you become Mrs. Trafalgar. My beautiful, smart, a little crybaby…" he wiped away your tears, bringing a laugh from your lips. "My dear wife."

"I love you so much." you cupped his face, taking his lips to yours.

Even though it was full of emotions and promises, it was a calm kiss. Law, like you, wanted to record every second of that moment, every inch of skin kissed, every touch.

In the end, Law was also a marriage nut - just with his dear Lady Trafalgar.

----

Little extra:

Law was never a big fan of public displays of affection, but that morning he had made an exception. Seeing you happy, showing off your new ring and the promise of marriage, ideas of what to do on the date, honeymoon suggestions. He couldn’t deny it, it was amazing to see how happy you were with the whole situation.

His happiness was short-lived when he saw three sullen faces - one of them looking like a bear - sitting in front of him.

"So Law, my friend." Penguin began.

"Shut up, it's me."

"But I'm his best friend." Bepo grumbled.

"What do you want?" he asked, trying to understand what the three were discussing so much

"Which of the three of us will be the best man?" Shachi warned and Law watched the three in front of him cross their arms and wait for a response.

Before he could respond, Law felt two arms slide and lock around him.

"We haven't decided that yet guys. We can talk about it later." you asked and watched them begin to argue among themselves who would be what.

"Thanks." Law muttered, making you laugh. You bent down to his ear level.

"And you, I'll be waiting for you in the room. I got someone to cover my duties today, now I want to continue feeling what my dear fiancé can do for me." In contrast to the whispered and sexy voice that left your lips, you left a chaste kiss on Law's cheek and left towards the dorms.

[luvlloyd]

[🌺] hi Aiden Clark lovers!! (and anyone interested lol)

quick question for y’all,

if I were to write a Aiden Clark x reader fanfiction and post it on Wattpad (and or maybe here depending on how many are interested), would you guys read it? I provided an excerpt and additional details of the story so you guys can read my writing style and get the flow of the story. Its just an a portion I took out from my story.

Would this be something you’d guys like to read more about? I just wanna know whether or not I should actually publish it 😭

Thank you sm and have a good one!! <3

excerpt and additional details below cut

feel free to skip, this is just a brief introduction

welcome to tunnel vision by @PR0D13Y

Aiden Clark x Reader

★﹒WARNINGS | gore, violence, death, mentions of bullying, angst, trauma, manipulation, kinda absent parents. (NONE OF THIS IS MENTIONED IN THIS EXCERPT THOUGH)

…As I gazed at my phone, my anticipation was bubbling for a response back. I waited at least two minutes until it dawned on me that she had deliberately left me on delivered. With a scoff, I tucked my phone into my jacket pocket.

I loved Ashlyn, truly I did, but there were moments when her actions got on my nerves. Take now, for instance. Every time I tried to talk with her on a deeper level, she always pushes me away. While I understand that she craves space, her cold demeanor towards me has yet to unfrost, even after seven years from once we first met. We are inseparable, at least in the eyes of others. But in reality, there always seemed to be an invisible wall between us when we talked…

I sighed as I equipped my helmet and mounted my motorcycle, a sleek black base adorned with line art in my favorite color, a cherished gift from my parents on my sixteenth birthday. I gave the bike a pat, murmuring,

"Just you and me, buddy." Glancing at my hand, I hesitated as if waiting for a response that never came… The silence clung onto the morning horizon, leaving a distance feeling of emptiness inside of me.

With a roar, I ignited the engine and maneuvered onto the main road from my driveway, the morning breeze caressing my skin. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a gentle glow on the indigo sky. It felt like a moment of pure freedom from worries and thoughts, just me and the open road. Humming softly, I navigated the quiet streets of my hometown. Arriving at the modest school building, a familiar sight in our small town, I parked my bike and removed my helmet with a smile.

I sat on a bench outside the main door, tapping my feet impatiently, waiting for Ashlyn. My fingers idly scrolled through apps on my phone until I heard the groaning of wheels and the slow halt of a yellow bus. A flurry of students emerged, I spotted a familiar redhead with two braids, her green eyes scanning for me until they locked onto mine. With haste lacing her steps, she made her way over to me.

"Let's go," she muttered, and I rose from the bench, amused by her slight irritation.

"Surprised you have friends!" a playful voice chimed from behind her. She turned, her expression tightening but saying nothing. And then I saw him…

His eyes, a deep crimson, reminiscent of the darkest rose, held a mischievous excitement as they met mine. His slightly disheveled blonde hair caught the early sunlight, casting a soft glow around him. He was an unfamiliar face, but an attractive one if I were to be honest…

He looked at me with a mixture of curiosity and amusement, glancing up at me up and down as if saying, well well well, look what we have here...!

Behind him stood a taller figure, with a boyish face. He was rather lean but had an awkward demeanor to him. Ashlyn shot me a warning glance, but I couldn't resist the urge to open my mouth.

"Hey, I'm (name). You guys must be new here," I greeted, flashing a friendly smile despite Ashlyn's audible groan. Aiden's face lit up with enthusiasm…

Thank you for reading!! Please let me know what you think <3 This is just an excerpt of the text and isn’t the complete chapter.

[the-blue-eyed-firebender]

Just a lil Royai fic rec.

I'm new to the FMA fandom, but these two now live in my head rent-free. And so do these fics. Enjoy!

Catharsis by kekkubean

Rating: M

Word count: 5K

Summary: She knew better. And now a little girl was dead because she wanted to believe that her father’s behavior existed in a vacuum.

Or,

When Riza learns of the Tucker incident, she doesn't handle it well.

Excerpt: At her feet, Hayate whined, she imagined disapprovingly. It was definitely too early to be drinking, although thankfully she skipped training him on understanding the appropriate hours for alcohol consumption. Riza met his gaze and they regarded each other for a moment as the burning subsided slowly. Hayate cocked his head to the side, curious, and whined again softly, as if he could read her wretched mind.

She briefly, morbidly wondered if Alexander and Nina shared thoughts, or if one of their minds dominated the other in that body, or if it were an entirely new—

Riza slammed her palms on the table, instantly suppressing the thought, and abruptly pushed herself up to standing. Hayate jumped and slinked off into her bedroom. She stood swaying for a moment, trying to gain her balance and some semblance of her sanity.

My thoughts: This one is canon to me. I can offer no higher praise for a fic. Before reading this, I never considered how Nina's fate might affect Riza, but it just makes so much damn sense. The way kekkubean writes trauma is blade-sharp. And the pacing, the dialogue, the characterization - exquisite.

Anytime by myrhymesarepurer

Rating: G

Word count: 838

Summary: It was not his Captain standing there in front of him. It was his master's daughter, so brutally burdened with ink, secrets so cruelly exposed to the world by one blasted broken zipper. 

Excerpt: She lifted her head and blinked, feeling a great bit foolish that she stood in front of her superior, tortured over an issue  he managed to solve in,  oh,  less than one second.

How very Roy Mustang.

My thoughts: I've read this so many times. It's one of the first I read in this fandom, and I keep coming back to it. It's short, poetically formatted, and utterly perfect in it's simplicity.

Beautiful People by That Hoopy Frood

Rating: T

Word count: 6.4K

Summary: Soon after the conclusion of the Ishvalan Civil War, Captain Maes Hughes receives a phone call in the middle of the night. The message is short, concise... and perhaps the most terrifying thing Hughes has ever heard.

Hawkeye's apartment. Now. Come alone. Someone has been hurt.

A promise was once made amidst the sands of a distant desert land: oaths will be upheld, and secrets will be scorched away. The sinful had waited too long; Roy Mustang was indebted to his promise, and Riza Hawkeye had come to collect.

Shut the door; it's starting to rain.

Excerpt: "You asked her to follow you… she would have walked over burning coals for you…" Hughes felt hot, angry tears running down his face. His glasses fogged. His voice cracked. "You were supposed to fall in love with her, Roy! You were supposed to marry her and have kids and be just be happy for once in your goddamned miserable life… now look what you've done. Look at what you've done."

My thoughts: Riza's back-burning is one of the most starkly absent scenes from the FMA canon. The scene has been written and rewritten in fanfiction many times, but this particular fic fills the gap in a way that is just perfectly brutal and raw. The addition of Hughes' presence makes the whole thing cut like a knife. Like Catharsis, this one is canon in my mind.

And now, a shameless plug:

The Counteroffer by theblueeyedfirebender

Rating: T

Word count: 2.6K

Summary: On the eve of Mustang’s inauguration as Fuhrer, Riza Hawkeye submits her resignation.

Excerpt: He pulls a manila envelope from the drawer and stands, sliding it across the surface of the desk in her direction. Her gaze falls to the hand he’s extended, long fingers and pale skin, the lingering scar of a transmutation circle still faintly visible, crosswise marred by another, thicker scar, twin to one on his other hand.  

Something snags in her throat, but she swallows it down and picks up the envelope. It’s thin, like it contains nothing at all. “What is this, sir?” 

For a moment, he doesn’t answer, as if the routine honorific has stuck him somewhere unexpected. When he speaks again, his voice is thick. “A counteroffer.” 

My thoughts: My first-ever FMA fic, complete with an ACOMAF Chapter 54-inspired confession (iykyk).

[fanfic-writer-and-rambler]

Ratcatcher 2 and Damian

I will write this for the Fanfiction I'm posting on AO3. I'm on the come up as the kids say lol. This is a... Rough draft per se for this fic. I am using Ratcatcher 2 (from suicide squad) in this. She's around Tim's age when she meets Damian. Context: Yeah Ra pulled malicious compliance and he won't send ninjas for Damian's birthday, nah he'll trick him into going on a boating trip, leave him on the island and defeat the ninjas there. Because that's what the boys parents wanted! Lol. Enough rambling, this is an excerpt and I'd like to know what you guys think and if it looks like a good chapter.

Damian scanned the island with a pair of binoculars his grandfather was 'kind' enough to let him use after stranding him on an island. Hidden in a tree he could get a better look of the area and where the ninjas could be.

Damian: They went to lunch, thank Christ.

Damian checks left and right to see if he can spot the phone tower. If he could make it there he'd call his father and maybe his mother. Depends on what mood she's in.

Damian: I truly 'love' that when my father explicitly said not to do this ninja crap what does Ra do? Not on my birthday, oh no, he'll put me on a boat, take me to one of his islands and leave me to fend for myself against NINJAS!

Damian's anger and unsteadiness causes the tree branch he was standing on to break and he lands on the ground.

Damian (his face on the ground): It is not my day.

Voice: Psst.

Damian (exasperated): Dang it, can't a boy have a moment to compose himself before you attack me?

Voice: I am not a foe.

A woman with messy, choppy black hair crawls out of a bush and goes over to Damian. Damian sits up seeing the strange woman.

Woman: Hola.

Damian tensed up as the woman leaned in closer to him to study his face.

Woman: You are a young boy. Not a ninja I imagine. How did you get on this island?

Damian: My power hungry grandfather dropped me off here to teach a bullshit lesson. Pardon my language.

The woman giggles, sitting next to Damian.

Woman: No hay problema. Your grandfather is wrong for doing such a cruel act, who is he?

Damian (hesitantly): Ra... Al Ghul.

Woman stares at the boy shocked. Tilting her head her eyes squint.

Woman: You do bear a close resemblance to that horrible man and someone else. He just left you here?

Damian (relieved the woman wasn't attacking him for being related to Ra): Yes, he's done this since I was a toddler. He said if I reach the phone tower I have only one call to make. To him!

Woman: And if you're atascado?

Damian: You know normal grandparent punishment, I have to say that sending his middle school aged son on stupid trips or sending ninjas and assassins on his birthday is teaching me resilience. I will never doubt his word again and will become the perfect assassin for him!

Woman (shaking her head): Puta.

Damian: Yes, he really is.

Woman: I actually know a short cut to get to the torre de telefono. We have to go through my place though, but mi familia can be a bit shocking to see for some weirdos.

Damian: Ma'am my grandfather is the owner of this island.

Woman: Mi familia are rats and that's doesn't mean anything else. I have pet rats.

Damian: That's it? I like rats, they're adorable.

The woman smiles and holds out her hand.

Woman: Ratcatcher is my nickname.

Damian (shaking the woman's small hand): Damian is my... Legal name.

Hope you enjoyed this draft.

[takaraphoenix]

Good news for everyone interested in the story, devastating news for me, who thought she was gonna write a short oneshot:

The Clever One (link to the excerpts I already posted on tumblr) decided to turn into a multi-chapter fic, as I was possessed to write like 2.1k on the season 2 finale alone today. Which is not what's gonna happen next, the story starts with the season 1 finale. Which means that all of season 2 has to happen in between.

I have however also decided to not delay it so the first chapter will be posted on AO3 and FFNet tomorrow. So, look out for some Pack Mom and Alpha Mate Stiles coming to a fanfiction site near you tomorrow! ;)

And to sweeten this announcement, have a tiny bit from what I wrote today at work, because I like being a tease.

--

“Help me get my pups down.”

Stiles' voice was a growl, his eyes hard. Even as he held his aching ribs and hunched over to avoid more pain, he somehow managed to be a threatening presence. Chris looked at him startled, his eyes wandering to Boyd and Erica, still strung up.

“Your pups.”

Rolling his eyes, Stiles got to work. “You're clever, Chris. Figure it out. Your father did too, after all. That's why he took me.”

A pause, and a sharp intake of breath. “You're the Alpha Mate.”

“Ding, ding, ding,” Stiles' voice was dripping with fake cheer and sarcasm. “Now, help me get my pups down, or get the fuck out, I don't care.”

He was mildly pleased when Chris actually came to help him. With some difficulty, Boyd and Erica were freed, both wrapping themselves around Stiles near immediately, nuzzling his neck from either side to scent their Alpha. Stiles returned the gesture, as well as he could at the moment. Everything ached and the two werewolves attached to him were solid walls that limited his movement.

“Get out,” Chris ordered, voice low.

As Erica and Boyd flanked him from either side to help him, Stiles threw one last look at Chris. “Thank you. I'll not forget this.”

There was a tension in the air, both Chris and Stiles knowing how much these words meant. He was the Alpha Mate and he admitted a debt to the hunter. Stiles knew that was a big deal, but he also knew Chris deserved it. Knowing his mate's tendency for burning everything to the ground on his path for revenge – a bit ironic, all things considered – Peter may very well try to kill all remaining Argents. And Stiles had just handed Chris a get out of being murdered free card.

Stiles returned his attention to his betas. “C'mon, kids, time to get home.”

A sarcastic eyeroll from Erica that lost a lot of its effect due to her tear-smeared make-up and slowly healing bruises. “Sure thing, mom. I'm sure dad will be delighted.”

That actually made Stiles wince a little. Yeah, Peter was not going to be happy about this. Gerard had taken him to punish Peter, to send a warning to Peter. Ideally, Stiles would go home, nurse his wounds on his own and never tell anyone about this. Alas, there were two very worried and protective betas with him right now and there was just no way they weren't gonna go tattle to their Alpha. Might as well get it over with then.