#i really wanted to do a single thing that they'd both fit into but my brain was too empty.... so maybe another time if it comes

[cerulean-fantasy]

some pagedoll-style chibis

(alt expressions under the cut)

[longlivedelusion]

Loved your wolfstar fic 🥹 could u do maybe another poly!wolfstar fic but like maybe they're not dating yet and have to share a bed? one bed troupe that like leads to them maybe getting together? ok if not!!

Hi darling anonnn! Absolutely, managed to get this written out despite my move. One bed tropes are some of my favorites to read omg 😭 Hope you enjoy!

All of the Above

Summary: You get stuck in a hotel last minute with Remus and Sirius, and the only room they had left was with a single Queen sized bed. This should be fine. You were totally in love with both of them, but it's fine. Right?

Warnings: Unrequited love (or it feels like it), anxiety. One bed trope, if that isn't your thing.

I stood in the center of the room, looking at the singular queen bed that sat pressed against the wall.

Shit.

I didn't have problems sharing a bed with friends, I'd done it plenty of times before on trips or when people would come to visit.

The only difference was... I would have to share a bed with two of my closest friends who I happened to be slightly in love with.

Since they were a couple, Remus and Sirius always ended up bunking together whenever we went anywhere, so up until this point I had actually never needed to share my sleeping space with them. Even before when we went to Hogwarts, they always ended up sharing everything anyways.

That's also why I never really acted on my feelings about the whole thing. We always knew they'd end up together, Sirius and Remus. Remus and Sirius. I was never going to be a part of that.

I was happy for them, truly. I loved them both dearly and just wanted them to be happy. So I did what any sane person would do and kept the romantic side under lock and key, and avoided anything too affectionate. I was their friend, nothing more.

But this? Sleeping in the same bed as them felt like a new kind of torture. I could deal with Remus sitting thigh to thigh with me as we talked about our latest reads or having Sirius throw his arm around me on occasion, sure fine! This? This?

There was no way.

"I'll take the floor," I said, already going to the closet to look for extra bedding.

Sirius stormed forward, arms out, "Absolutely not! I'll take the floor, there's is no way I'm letting you sleep on this horrible carpet." Sirius' foot nudged at the floor, his face crinkling in disgust.

Remus smiled, placing his hand on his boyfriend's lower back. "That's sweet Pads, but we both know you'll be complaining all night if you do. I'll take it and you two take the bed."

I shook my head, already carrying over a single extra pillow and blanket as I set them down. "Rem, you've got a hurt back. There's no way I'm letting you sleep on a hard floor. It's really fine, I don't mind. It's just for the night anyways while we wait for Lily and James."

Remus stepped up beside me, my skin tingling as he gently stilled my movements. "Well we aren't going to let you sleep on the floor." His eyes looked over the bed again, "I think it could fit us three actually. Like you said, it's just for one night, right?"

My heart was beating a mile a minute, but I had no logical reason to refuse him. I glanced at the bed, my fight leaving me as I sighed. "Fine. We all take the bed then."

"Great! I get dibs on the middle." Sirius said, throwing himself on the bed.

Remus chuckled, but I felt his eyes turn back to me with a concerned look. "You're sure it's ok? I really don't mind-"

"Yup. Totally fine. I'll just head to the bathroom first." I grabbed my stuff and rushed into the adjacent room, not really waiting for an answer.

I clicked the door shut behind me as I leaned my head back against it. My chest feeling tight as I tried and failed to slow my breathing. This is fine. Just need to stay on my side of the bed and stay very still and everything will be totally and absolutely fine.

I let out another shaky breath. As long as I focused on sleeping and not on the fact that I was going to be in the same bed as two of the most beautiful, incredible people in my life then maybe I'd get through the night.

I was slow to brush my teeth and get myself ready, hoping to stall as long as I could to calm my nerves. I changed into a t-shirt and some long shorts before taking a deep breath. It's not a big deal. It would be fine.

As soon as I stepped out, I noticed the two had already changed into their pyjamas. I froze. This was already a losing battle.

Sirius is what caught my eye first, given the fact that he was wearing long drawstring trousers and nothing else. His tattoos on full display, hair taken down from his bun from earlier. I felt my body temperature rise at the sight alone.

Remus was the more modest of the two, a simple, white t-shirt and his trousers hung low off his hips. Something about the simplicity, seeing him out of his normal jumpers and in something so... intimate, casual. My breath caught as I tried to swallow my returning nerves, my heart filling with warmth.

Longing.

Their eyes drew to me, an unreadable expression crossing over both their faces as a kind of silence filled the air. I shook off as much of the nerves as I could and awkwardly made my way over to the side of the bed.

I heard Sirius let out a cough, mumbling "bathroom" before a shut and click was heard. I struggled to keep focus on the bed in front of me, just trying to get through my nightly routine and into bed as quickly as possible.

By the time the two of them finished their things, I was already in bed, scooched to the furthest edge of the bed as possible and eyes shut. I felt the dip of the bed as Sirius got into bed, and then another weight as Remus did. I kept my eyes shut, my back away from them.

Fine. This is fine.

"Hey," I heard Sirius say from beside me. "You awake?"

I could lie. Pretend I wasn't.

"Yeah," I mumbled out.

"You've seemed off... Is... Is everything alright?" He said.

"M'fine. Really."

"You don't seem fine," Remus whispered. "Can you look at us, please?"

I took in a deep breath and turned my body around, the bed creaking as I finally faced them. I opened my eyes, but struggled to hold eye contact.

Even though it was dark, there was a little bit of light from the outside peeking through the window and illuminating their features. Sirius's eyes were wide as he looked me over, Remus mirrored him as they both locked onto me.

"Is it because your uncomfortable sleeping with us? I told you that-" Remus started.

My cheeks reddened at the phrasing, and I let out a cough. "No. Not at all."

"Are you sure? I mean if you're worried we'll invade your space or be all over you in your sleep I promise I'm the perfect gentleman and only cling onto Moony here." Sirius said, smirking.

"No." I said, my eyes glancing down. "No, you guys are perfect. Really."

"Then what is it?" Sirius pleaded quietly. "I just... I hate seeing you so uncomfortable. You don't have to explain, but just tell us what we can do to make it better."

I wrung my hands on the sheets nervously, struggling to think of what to say.

"It's just my own thing, I-." I choked out. I wrung the sheets tighter, my anxiety flooding out. "It's-"

A tattooed hand gently wrapped around my own, stilling my nervous ones. I looked up to Sirius then as my breath caught in my throat.

Sirius' eyes focused on mine, his thumb slowly tracing over the back of my hand. "Is this ok?" He asked sfotly. "Just... Didn't want you to rip the sheets." His charming smile tilting up.

"Y-yeah." I stuttered out, my face was getting redder by the second as I struggled to think of a way out of this. To hide my feelings. For some reason, it just felt more impossible by the second.

I took a shaky breath in and let it out, closing my eyes for a moment. I couldn't keep hiding it like this. Maybe if I just let it out there, told them and then we could move on. I'd get over it, maybe, finally getting rejected.

I opened my eyes, Sirius's hand still stroking mine as I took them in more confidently. Memorizing their faces for a moment, just in case.

"I have..." I started, the words catching in my throat. "I have feelings. For both of you. That's why I've been acting weird all night."

Sirius's hand stilled, both men starring at me with a stillness and wide gaze that it had me scrambling.

I pulled my hands away and sat up, "I don't expect you to feel the same! Obviously. I just think it's a small thing, a crush really, I'll totally be able to get over it. I mean I know I will because you two are some of my closest friends and I don't ever want these feelings to be more important than-"

Remus sat up too then, hands reaching for my face in a flash as he forced me to look at him. "Darling, please. Stop."

I froze, eyes wide as I took him in. His gaze was so... Loving, so filled with admiration. But also shocked.

I looked over, Sirius now sitting up as well as his hand reached out to my waist. His smile was so big so wide as he spoke. "You have feelings for us?"

"Y-yes. But what is this?" I look around, confused.

"We have feelings for you too," Remus said softly, hand tracing down to my neck. "We have for a while."

"Honestly we never thought you'd even like us like that! You never looked at us any diffently than the others, you barely touched us. So we just thought you weren't interested." Sirius said.

"Your friendship meant- means the world to us. We didn't want to jeopardize it." Remus finished.

I sat there, mouth parted in shock. The two people I never thought in a million years would return my feelings, were looking at me like they had just won a thousand galleons. All of us had been so afraid to speak our feelings, choosing our friendship first, I couldn't believe it.

I reached up to hold Remus's hand, eyes darting between the two. "So, what now?"

Sirius just held his grin, his eyes playful as he spoke. "Well I'd personally love to kiss you. Touch you. Call you my partner. But that's just me."

I blushed even harder, "And you, Remus?"

"All of the above," he said, now smiling too. He slowly leaned forward, breath grazing my skin.

"All of the above," I repeated, my lips meeting his. For the first of many, many times.

[ashwhowrites]

STOP YOUR REQUESTS R OPEN AGAIN YAYAYYY!!!

ima put you one idea cuz i love it idk why ,

steddie x reader

she’s accused of cheating and they both believe it , shes obviously really mad and they hear jason talking abt how it was a bet and they have to apologize and fix it , fluffy at the end 💗💗💗💗💗

Angst to fluff :)

I wrote half of this whole thing and didn't include that it was a bet....my bad

Part 2

Never proofread

~~~

Steve Harrington wasn't the best at relationships, he tended to give his partner his whole heart and soul. And he struggled with being on his own. He was too dependent on feeling loved and wanted. He knew he was hard to love, and he accepted that. All he had to do was find someone willing to put in their time, maybe if they understood him, they'd know why he was hard to love.

Eddie Munson also wasn't the best at relationships. He didn't know how to communicate, once he felt unwanted, he'd shut down and disappear. He was independent, he was fine on his own. He doesn't need to count on someone to love him, that gets him nowhere.

Y/N wasn't bad at relationships. She didn't find Steve hard to love, loving Steve was one of the easiest things in the world. She loved that Steve gave her his all, that she's seen every part of his heart and soul. She wanted to be there for Steve every single hour, she knew his past and wanted him to feel he was worthy.

And she understood Eddie didn't know how to handle being loved. Steve was an affectionate partner, and Eddie only wanted to be touched in private. Eddie struggled to communicate when he was upset. He shuts down and hides away.

Y/N balanced out their relationship. Steve and Eddie were a bit too different, they needed her. She kept the relationship together. She demanded communication when Steve and Eddie got frustrated with each other. Steve craved touch, and Eddie doesn't. She'd provide Steve's need for touch and that allowed Eddie to have his personal space.

The three were perfect for each other. She loved both her boyfriends, she didn't love one more than the other. She treated them both how they wanted to be loved. And they love her. Steve was always holding her hand, and Eddie held her at night. She felt loved by both of them. She never felt left out and didn't feel as if she competed with either of them.

Many people didn't understand their relationship. How can three people be together? People expect their relationship to be filled with jealousy and insecurity.....people like Jason Carver.

Jason Carver had a thing for Y/N for years, she was smart and fit in with the popular crowd. With King Steve Harrington on her arm, she stood out. Once Steve graduated, Jason hoped the two would drift apart. But Jason watched as she drifted closer to the Eddie Munson kid. Now the Hawkins freak was on her arm, and she stood out again.

Jason didn't like the fact she bounced off of Steve and landed on Eddie, how did she pick Eddie when Jason was right there? He's way more like Steve than Eddie was. And once Jason learned she was dating both of them......he had a small idea that maybe she was always wanting more. One guy wasn't enough, why would two be enough?

~~

Steve loved both his partners, Y/N gave warmth and comfort, and Eddie gave support and protection. Steve went from never feeling good enough, and not knowing what it's like to fall in love. Now, he fell in love with two incredible people, and they both loved him back.

At least, that's what he thought.

Eddie adored both his partners, Y/N and Steve, both, kept him grounded, and kept him motivated. Eddie wasn't a lovey-dovey boyfriend, but he knew his partners meant the world to him. He's learning what it feels like to be someone's first choice, learning how it feels to be loved unconditionally.

At least, that's what he thought.

~~

Steve didn't attend high school anymore, he worked with Robin as his two partners worked through their senior year. Steve hated being away from both of them and was slightly jealous they got additional hours together. His mind always thought of what rings Eddie wore today, and how Y/N styled her hair. And sometimes, he thought of things that weren't too innocent. Like if Eddie and Y/N sneak off into the janitor's closet, panting into each other, Eddie's thick cock pounding into her tight cunt. Steve left work every night with his jeans tight and his cock throbbing. Arriving at his small apartment, both his partners were already home and waiting for him.

Y/N was with her boyfriends every second of every day, barely ever alone. That's why, she wasn't worried when rumors started to fly around that she was making out with Jason after a basketball game. She knew her boyfriends wouldn't believe something so stupid.

At least, that's what she thought.

~~

Eddie heard the rumor first. Immediately felt his stomach turn and his body go ice cold. He couldn't feel any blood traveling in his veins, and he barely thought he had a pulse. He didn't mean to hear it, just passing to his next class. Ears listening to the second his girlfriend's name was announced down the hall. Her name came out of a random cheerleader's mouth.

"did you hear about Jason and Y/N? Chrissy found them going at it under the bleachers after his last game."

Eddie shut down immediately. His hands are already grabbing the bricks to build his wall back up. His sneakers will be worn out for how far away he was going to run from this. She cheated, and not just on him, on Steve too. At that point, Eddie didn't care about his heart shattering, his anger was building. How did Y/N have the nerve to betray Steve like that? Steve has been open about not feeling good enough, and she proved him right.

Eddie pitied himself, but the need to help Steve was more important.

~~

Steve was filled with anxiety the second Eddie's van pulled into the parking lot. It was the middle of the day, he was supposed to be at school. And he arrived alone.

"Baby? What's going on?" Steve rushed out the front door, racing to Eddie's van.

"I'm sorry, Steve. I'm so sorry." Eddie mumbled he wasn't the one who needed to apologize but he felt awful. He couldn't look into Steve's warm brown eyes and break his heart.

She fucked up, she should be the one to watch Steve fall apart.

~~

Steve was confused. Eddie showed up to his work, freaking out, begging Steve to get in his van. Driving them to Steve's apartment. Every time Steve brought Y/N's name up, Eddie flinched and his eyes glazed over. Steve grew worried, he's assuming the two got into a fight at school. But Steve knew they'd be okay. The love their relationship had, would overcome everything.

"Can we talk about it now?" Steve questioned, a hand landing on Eddie's knee. Steve was aware of Eddie's communication issues and was always prepared to be patient.

"she's going to tell you." Eddie sneered out, arms crossed over his chest. His heart raced from Steve's touch. He didn't want to allow himself to be upset, one of them had to be strong. Steve's heart needed protection, needed protection from her. And Eddie would never let anyone break Steve's heart.

Speak of the devil, and she will appear. Her worried face met Eddie's hard stare and Steve's anxious smile.

"where the hell did you go?" Y/N rushed out, throwing her backpack on the floor and racing to stand in front of Eddie.

"tell him" Eddie choked out, his jaw tight as he held back his anger. He could barely look at her. Just another person to leave him behind. Someone else didn't love him. And that familiar feeling of being unwanted was settling in.

"tell him what? What's going on?" She questioned, her eyes switching to Steve's. But Steve looked just as confused, maybe even more.

"no idea. This is all him." Steve answered her curious look. His hand still resting on Eddie's knee. His free hand reached for her but Eddie's harsh tone made Steve freeze.

"don't touch her"

Steve and Y/N were taken aback by his tone. They've seen Eddie pissed, but never at one of them.

"Eddie? What the hell is going on?" Y/N asked

"Jason Carver" Eddie answered, standing up and looking down at her. Eyes glaring into hers.

"what about him?" Steve asked from behind, Eddie talked a lot about Jason Carver. A bully that tried to make Eddie's life hell.

"did he say something?" Y/N herself grew angry. Y/N hated the way Jason treated Eddie and she never backed down from protecting Eddie.

"he couldn't say much, apparently his tongue was a little too busy going down your throat!" Eddie spat out, his forehead wrinkled as he clenched his eyebrows together.

Steve felt the dread fill up his body, from his toes to his head. His heart was pounding, his palms were sweaty, and he felt like he was choking.

"um, what?" Steve choked out, trying his best to swallow his spit, his throat felt like it hadn't received water in weeks. Dry and cracked.

"excuse me?" Y/N whimpered out, her head confused but her heart dropped seeing the betrayed look on Steve's face, her sweet boy hiding behind Eddie's broad frame.

"the whole school is talking about it. Jason and Y/N getting caught groping each other under the bleachers." Eddie explained. Trying to ignore the pain in his chest as he heard his own words. Standing tall so his boyfriend could shrink behind him. His heavy hand, filled with rings, reached behind to hold Steve's. Steve held Eddie's hand as hard as he could.

"Who said that?" Y/N gasped out

"that's all you have to say? Try a fucking apology" Eddie snapped

"I didn't! I would never! I'm not going to apologize, I didn't cheat on you!" Y/N panicked, never did she believe her boyfriends would believe she was unfaithful.

"yeah, that's what they all say. How could you do this to us? Ruined this whole relationship for what? A quick hookup with a fucking prick?" Steve could feel the anger rolling off of Eddie's body, his back tense and jaw clenching.

"Eds, let's calm down" Steve tried

"NO! SHE'S NOT DOING THIS TO YOU! SHE CHEATED AND IT'S OVER" Eddie screamed, head turning to look at Steve.

"Eddie, please believe me. Nothing happened. It's a rumor." She tried to explain. Her hands reach forward to grab Eddie's free hand. The way he flinched broke her heart.

"leave, now. It's over. Between us, and between you and Steve. We both know he doesn't deserve this. You are no different than Nancy. " Eddie spoke as softly as he could. Not wanting to upset Steve even more.

Steve and Y/N flinched at the low blow. Eddie knew that wasn't true, she was nowhere near as selfish as Nancy. But he wanted her to hurt, he wanted the upper hand.

"Steve, please. I wouldn't do what Nancy did, to either of you. Please let's just talk" Y/N whimpered, her eyes pleading to him. She understood Eddie was too far gone. His anger has already won, Steve was her only shot to clear the air.

"you are not talking to him." Eddie stepped in, blocking Steve from her eyes.

"I can talk to our fucking boyfriend Eddie. He can speak for himself" she argued. She was innocent, and if Eddie didn't want to hear her out, that was not her problem.

"he's my boyfriend. He doesn't want anything to do with you, the same way I don't want anything to do with you." Eddie kept throwing blow after blow.

"Steve is a grown man, if he wants me to leave, I wanna hear him say it" she argued back.

Eddie rolled his eyes, stepping aside to let Steve crawl out from Eddie's shadow. The anxious boy gripped Eddie's hand, and looked at his girlfriend....ex-girlfriend?

But all he saw was Nancy. A girl that made him feel worthless, left him alone, betrayed him, and didn't love him. All Steve had was Eddie.

Steve picked Eddie.

"please leave" Steve choked out, a drop of his shoulders. Eddie stood smug with a knowing look in his eyes. Steve picked him.

"Steve" Y/N sighed sadly, giving him another look. Her eyes are filled with tears. Steve was turning on her too?

"you asked and he said to leave" Eddie barked out

Y/N accepted the defeat. They wanted her gone, they turned on her before she even had the chance to explain and that's not on her.

"Okay, I'll go. Thanks for hearing me out before you decided I was just like Nancy" Y/N smiled bitterly, most of her attitude aimed toward Eddie

But Steve picked Eddie and that hurt.

Her back was to them as she opened the door, yanking her backpack off the floor.

"and Y/N?" Steve's quiet voice traveled through the apartment

She held her breath as she turned around, seeing his red eyes and teeth eating away at his lips.

"leave the key?" He added

She nodded sadly, digging in her pocket and slamming the key on the table.

Eddie and Steve watched her leave.

Eddie refused to cry until Steve went to bed that night. He fucking loved her and he hated how she made him feel.

~~

It was strange to wake up and go to school alone. Y/N was used to Steve covering her face with kisses and Eddie's knee in her back. But she slept alone and woke up alone.

She knew school was going to drag on, and she wasn't ready to face Eddie. She wondered if he would even show up. It was Friday, chances are he'd skip and have the weekend. Maybe come back on Monday.

Her heart was heavy as she thought about her boys waking up together, cuddling and kissing. Maybe Eddie was so fast to throw her out because he just wanted Steve. Maybe it was a plan, make up a rumor and the two could be together without her.

Turns out she isn't what balanced them out. She was just an added piece.

~~

Steve was in misery. He felt torn. His two partners were pissed at each other and he was a kicked puppy in the middle. A part of him didn't believe she would cheat, but a part of him was insecure. Nancy messed him up and he couldn't deny that.

But he also knew Eddie was quick to get angry and then focus only on that anger. He gets clouded and doesn't think clearly. Steve spent the night with Eddie, he could hear him crying but didn't want to acknowledge it. Knowing Eddie would hate to be seen crying.

Steve planned to talk to Y/N and hear her out. The girl he loves wouldn't cheat, their girl wouldn't cheat.

~~

Eddie woke up and already decided to see her was not an option. And seeing Jason was not in the cards either. Cuddling into Steve's warm chest sounded a whole lot better.

"I think we should call her" Steve's tired voice filled the silence. Eddie groaned at the mention of her.

"no Steve. It's over" Eddie grumbled, shoving his face in Steve's neck.

"Eddie stop that, she's our fucking girlfriend" Steve snapped, sitting up as he looked down at Eddie's tired face.

"she cheated Steve" Eddie stated in a bored tone.

"you went based on a rumor! No actual proof. If you are so fine with throwing our relationship away without giving her a fair chance to explain, then maybe you don't love her the way I do" Steve explained, yanking the covers off as he stood up. Walking to his closet to find clothes

"you didn't seem to doubt me last night" Eddie threw in his face

"oh fuck you, Eddie. I was caught between the two of you. I didn't know what to do" Steve explained

"And yet, you asked her to walk out. She would have stayed if you asked. You can't just blame me" Eddie shrugged

Steve knew he was right. He let her walk out, no, he told her to walk out. He didn't let her explain, the same way Eddie didn't let her. He was just as guilty as Eddie. Eddie felt that one partner turned on him. Steve can't help but wonder how she felt having both her partners turn on her without a single thought.

~~

Eddie couldn't believe Steve, but Eddie knew they both had a soft spot for her. Even sleeping through the night was hard without her, how was Eddie supposed to make it through the day?

Even though he didn't want to admit it, Eddie grew used to leaning on someone. He hated that. He never wanted to get used to someone, or feel dependent on someone, but here he was. His heart was only beating for two people, and now he has to learn to make it beat for one.

Eddie was scared of what he'd feel once the anger faded, once his eyes focused on the real picture. People don't leave Eddie, he makes it impossible for them to stay. And he chased her out of his life, and selfishly he chased her out of Steve's as well.

~~

Just as she thought, Eddie was nowhere to be found. Neither boy tried to call her, and she wasn't surprised by that. She knew the truth and if they didn't want to believe her, fuck the both of them. They can suck each other's dicks and have a total blast without her. She's more than just an added piece.

She went on with her school day, head held high, and shrugged off any looks that lingered on her. She didn't even know it was a rumor and she doesn't know how many people have heard it. Or how many people may have believed it?

She wasn't going to let a rumour get the best of her......

Until Jason Carver opened his mouth.

~~

Steve's walkie-talkie was blaring over and over. The sound mixes with Eddie's walkie-talkie. Dustin's panicked voice rang through Eddie's and Mike's excited tone rang through Steve's.

"MUNSON, WHERE ARE YOU? YOUR GIRLFRIEND HAS JASON ON THE FLOOR"

"FIGHT! YOUR GIRL IS IN A FIGHT!".

~~

Tags!

@bmunson86 @mxcheese @ladymunson @michaelfuckinglangdon @z0mbie-blah @biittersweet @mirrorsstuff @slightlyvicked @micheledawn1975 @ago-godance @magnificantmermaid @tlclick73 @hargrovesswifee @cityofidek @manyfandomsfanvergent @silky-luxe @lokiofasgard616 @loving-and-dreaming @eddiemunsonsbitch69 @thegemaqua @ashlynnkennedy @strangerthingsstories5255 @harringt8ns @pleasinghellfire @whoscamila @manyfandomsfanvergent

[irishhorse-blog]

I received the usual private messages telling me how delulu I am, how disrespectful I am to Jimin because he clearly said he's single and not looking. Okay. I'm not going to respond to each message individually, so I'll address these things here.

Yes, I heard what he said. I know that there are many ways to interpret his words and the signals and signs that have been shown for lo this past decade. Some will see it at face value; some will see it through hate; some will see it through protective lenses; others will see it in a shipper's light. Do any of us really know what he means, or what his life situation is? No. I and the other Jikook stans could be completely wrong.

When I started shipping, I was ambivalent about the whole process. It's honestly gross to force a romantic narrative onto real people when it's very likely to not only be untrue but also offensive to the people involved. I never got involved in RP shipping before, and if I'm honest, the concept sort of squicked me out.

So why do I write a Jikook blog, you may ask? I believe in what I see. I believe that they're actually a couple and that they're actually in a committed relationship. I'm not shipping them. I'm supporting them. And if it turns out that I'm wrong and I've been an assclown this whole time, so be it. I still love them, and I'm still here for it. My first priority and the only thing I have ever wished for them is that they're happy, no matter what they're doing, no matter who they end up with. I hope they find the lives and the loves that they want, because they deserve it.

I believe that Jikook is real. I also believe that there is subtext to the things that Jimin was saying in the second MiniMoni video. I do listen to what he says, and what JK says, and what the other guys say about them. It's the combination of all these words over all these years that has convinced me.

Whatever the truth is, it may never be something we out here in the wider world get to know. It might be that their lives will always remain private, and that's okay. I swear that I won't have a conniption or throw a hissy fit if it turns out that both JK and Jimin end up marrying women and having families of their own. I think they'd both be wonderful fathers, for what it's worth.

I just don't think they will. And only time will tell.

So, keep slinging accusations at me, and keep accusing me and belittling me if it makes you happy. What you have to say means nothing to me. My opinion is my own, and in the grand scheme of things, in the face of death, destruction, war and grief, it hardly matters whether or not two celebrities I'll never meet in person are busy sevening each other. I'm not going to argue about this. There are more important things in this world that deserve my attention and my energy.

[loftec]

Shameless DVD Commentary: None the wiser

I was tagged by a lovely anon over at @shamelessdvdcommentary to do this, thank you! Here we gooo

Which fanfic is your DVD commentary about?

The people (11 out of 20) have spoken! None the wiser

Give us some stats - (when you wrote it, word count, how long it took to finish, is it a one-shot/multi-chapter, etc)

First published: 2015-09-23 (coming up on 9 years what is time??)

Last updated: 2021-12-11 (holy heck that's... shit! I'm sorry!)

Words: 218,480 and counting

Chapters: 53/68

What was the initial inspiration for your story?

A little bit of everything, mostly I'd been reading a lot of Shameless fic at the time and really wanted to write something that was both a really quite basic diner/coffee shop AU, but The Most version of it. The slowest burn, the most diner AU. I had no ambition for people to like it but I wanted it to be Known. If anyone ever asked for a diner fic, they'd HAVE to say, well, NTW is The Most diner fic we've got. If someone asked for slow burn, people would sigh and say, WELL, this one over here is the worst, but it is very slow. And also I was inspired by Before Sunrise / Before Sunset, and working in the music industry.

If the story is written from a character’s POV, why did you choose this character?

I chose Mickey specifically because of the Concept, that Ian decides when the chapters start and end (with some exceptions) by going to the diner, but we're limited to Mickey's POV. Generally I think Mickey is easier for me to write, too, he's got a really strong voice and I like looking at the world (and Ian) through his eyes.

What was your favourite scene to write?

The whole banter/walk scene in chapter 44 when they leave the venue:

“Sure you and your lips can do whatever you set your heart to,” he says, “I believe in you.” Ian is silent, and when Mickey risks a glance in the direction of him and his non-trumpeting goddamned marvelous lips, Ian is looking at him like he’s some kind of unsolved mystery. ”What?” Mickey asks, frowning at him when Ian smiles. “Just a thought,” he says. ”You’ve been flirting with me since we first met, haven’t you?”

I had that whole back and forth leading up to the first kiss in my head for years before I got to finally got around to write it and I still love it.

How did you come up with the title?

It's from a song, one of the core songs I associate with this fic. My playlist now has 149 tracks on it, but the ones I consider "core songs" are None the wiser, Day After Tomorrow, Let's Dance, How I Made My Millions, Not Dark Yet, and Mosquitoes. I'm not sure I can explain why, but None The Wiser came on randomly when I was doing dishes and thinking about this fic I was writing, and the vibes just lined up in my head. Also I think it fits this version of Mickey I'm writing, who knows so much and has so much experience, but refuses to understand what's happening when Ian walks into his life.

Are there any little moments or references you hope readers will notice?

Oh, wow. Yeah. I always reference silly little things and I just have to hope people understand them, or tolerate them at least. I think one of my favourite bit of foreshadowing is in chapter 39 when people keep staring at Ian because they obviously recognise him, but Mickey thinks staring at Ian is a completely reasonable thing to do and is mostly just annoyed over how blatant they're being.

Was there anything you struggled to write? If so, how did you overcome this?

I am struggling right now lol, I had meticulous notes for what I wanted to happen for every single chapter up until 45, and now half of them say "they text all day" and I'm like THANKS!!! VERY HELPFUL!! Also life and writers block etc etc.

Favourite line in the story?

This is such a hard choice, so I'll just go with this one from chapter 42:

“So,” Ian says, sitting back to sweep his arms out in a wide motion, presenting his solution. “I think we should go out for breakfast sometime.”

Because to me it pinpoints the moment when Ian breaks the format, in a way? They have met outside the diner before, but only on accident, and here Ian realises that it might be a problem that they only ever hang out at Mickey's job. But metatextually, he also highlights the narrative crux they're stuck in. I don't know, is that a boring favourite line? I have many, and I grabbed the first one I saw so I wouldn't get stuck rereading the whole fic lol. Do you have a favourite line?

Did the storyline change in any way as you wrote the story?

So much, it's hard to believe because there isn't too much of a plot, but so much. My planned ending is so far from what it was when I started out, which is maybe one blessing that comes from how long it's taking me to write it, I have time to rethink things. I can't really talk about it now without spoiling the actual ending, but you better believe I will expose myself once we get to it.

If you are writing a particular trope or genre, was it your first time writing this?

I'd written fic for a different fandom ten years earlier, but nothing in this style I don't think, and this was my first time writing since I was 20 and stopped writing jrock rpf. I suppose I'm still writing about music, though!

What are you most proud about in the story? (plot, characterisation, dialogue, twist/cliffhanger, etc)

One of the things I've always wanted to do with writing for Ian and Mickey is to let them have conversations, have things in common, and be friends. Because I think they were in canon, we just never got to see it (in the first 5 seasons, careful what you wish for). Guess I'm saying I'm proud of the bants!

Are there any deleted scenes that didn’t make it to the final story?

I don't think so! I mean, maybe the last 15 chapters? I kid! They will make it!

Are there any ‘behind the scenes’ info you’d like to share - e.g. what’s going on in a characters head in a certain scene or how you came to write a certain line?

There is one line Ian says where, when I wrote it, I was like; this is the first time Ian thinks "I love you" but says something else. Cannot remember what or where right now, and I don't want to try and find it, it's late! Submit your guesses here, I might find it over the weekend if I have some time to look. Also, it's like one of those silly I love yous, one of the early ones, full of potential and feeling but perhaps lacking a bit in substance, but he thought it and I saw him thinking it!

Reading back the story now, is there anything you’d change or add?

Eh *coughs* I might already have, and I apologise. The worst part about writing something this slowly and posting the chapters as I go is that the fic isn't finished and so I feel like it's fine for me to sometimes go back and edit already published chapters. It's not right but I... will still do it. Sorry! A most embarrassing example is when, not too long ago, we discussed the layout of the diner here and I went back to the first chapter to see how I had described it, and it had changed in so many ways over the years? Small round tables?? The tables haven't been round since 2016!! So that's a very clear case of something having become canon for all the hundred little times I've thought of the tables as square while writing vs that one time in chapter one I carelessly said they were round.

Would you ever write a sequel to this story?

Yes! So many! Or maybe not a sequel, that suggests another part of equal size. But little bits of stories, yes!

If you’ve chosen your most popular story, are you surprised by the popularity?

Yes! Like I said, my only aim was to annoy my way to fandom infamy. Turns out it's so much more fun to actually connect with people and write something with someone else in mind, besides myself. I feel so lucky that so many people have connected with NTW over the years <3

Were you nervous or excited to post this story?

Mostly just excited, I think! I still am, whenever I get to post something : )

Did you have a beta or a friend who helped you as you wrote?

No, I probably should have but I have a very hard time showing things to people when they're not finished.

Ask your followers to pick a snippet (no more than 500 words) and share your thoughts about it.

Add snippets in the replies and I'll share thoughts, if you want!

Thanks for reading! <3 <3 <3

[piescornerstore]

yknow i really like the headcanon where addisons, when they're tired or otherwise out of energy, can plug into some sort of cable and recharge at the end of a long day. but i also like the headcanon where their main source of energy is money. while they can eat anything, from regular human food to magic food to shoes, usually the most important nutrients an addison can get is from any type of currency. and i thought, why not both? humans do the same. addisons use food as the main source of energy, and connect themselves to a cable so they can clear their caches and be more ready than ever to be able to sell and work, which is all that they're supposed to be able to do.

and that made me think a little more about addispam's place in all that.

you guys know about the right to repair, right? that ever-looming fact that as consumerism becomes more and more dominant in our lives, and as corporations strive to make more and more money, the things we buy are reaching new levels of craptastic that they're basically made to break, and that older tech, while durable as hell, is basically totally accommodated for in the modern day.

and what about addispam in that context? in my fanon, he's a much older model of addison that accidentally rebooted, meant for the dump but is now roaming cyber city trying to fulfill the one purpose he was made for. but of course, the world isn't made for him anymore. maybe it never was

i'd think it'd really click for him once he tried to plug into a cable to recharge. it's practically necessary for any addison these days: if you want to sell properly, you need to clear your cache, or else your head will be swimming with endless noise that'll just fuck you up the longer it's allowed to accumulate. so, spamton bought itself a charging cable with the little money it had, after asking around to figure out what it was supposed to do (cause no one ever gave it a rulebook). but as soon as he tried to do it, the charger wouldn't fit. it went back to the store. tried another cable. didn't fit. turns out they don't sell chargers that fit its model anymore. nobody does. so addispam has to deal with a cache that keeps building and building.

and what about other things? updates are crucial to addisons. you HAVE to keep up with the styles, you HAVE to keep up with the trends, and you NEED to mimic every single little thing a lightner does but not TOO much or it might be too uncanny. so when a new update comes out, everyone's getting it.

except spamton. its model's far too old to receive such updates. it's not even on the table anymore. the last update for a model of his kind was probably a decade ago, and of course, there's no way to modify him to receive one in a way that won't kill him.

and modifications are another thing. as lines of code compressed to form sentient artificial organisms, cyber citizens can modify themselves in any way they want. tall, short, thin, fat, long hair, short hair, eye color, fingernails, even down to the way your voice sounds, you can modify yourself in any way you want. isn't that the dream? and hey, they still have modifications available for spamton's type of model? isn't that fantastic?

except they cost money. way too much money. these are the types of mods that if spamton had them, he'd probably be able to make a few sales, but he can't, because he doesn't have MONEY. and that's the thing that's fueling all of this.

everyone needs their cache cleared so they can make sales. everybody needs to update right away so they can make sales. everyone needs to modify themselves in just the right way so they can make sales. keeping everyone on their toes, their nerves ready to explode once the right mistake is made, is just the way an addison's world works. you wouldn't want to fail at your one and only purpose, would you? you wouldn't want to end up like that guy, you know him, everyone knows him, and everyone knows how much they DON'T want to be him. because they'd be failures if they were anything like him.

anyway i hate consumerism bye <3

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for telling someone that roleplays are a two-way street and refusing to re-engage with them?

Occasionally, if I'm in the mood to write but I don't really know what, I'll browse ship tags on Omegle. Its become synonymous for roleplays, and I've found its (typically) pretty fun.

As with every social thing, there's the odd... Less than pleasant experience. Last night was one such experience. I connected to someone on a ship tag, they sent a prompt, and it was actually a pretty interesting one, so I responded.

It was an AU prompt, but I generally kept my characterisation as close to the character's canon as I could, while still matching it to roughly what someone's personality in that profession and location would be.

(E.g; if the character was a proper old-country style cowboy, or a socially awkward secretary, ect.)

It became very clear, very fast, that the other person had very, very specific ideas about the roleplay, what happens, what my character was supposed to say/do, ect. To the point where (as I later told them) they should've just written fanfic so they had complete control.

Near enough every time I responded, they'd "correct" it or argue against it both in character and in brackets as themselves. For example if I noted something about the background or story of my character, theirs would immediately say "no that's not what happened" or they'd say [hey actually can you change that, it doesn't fit/I don't like it/its not what I envisioned].

After about fifteen minutes of this I got incredibly vexed and decided I was done. I don't mind a roleplay having certain goals/main points/guidelines, but they were literally trying to control every tiny aspect of what I did. So I sent them this:

[I'm sorry, the RP sounded interesting in the prompt you sent, but its rapidly becoming clear you don't actually want a roleplay, you want to be the sole one dictating everything that happens. Honestly I think its best you turn this idea into a fanfic and not a roleplay. It kills off any enjoyment of the roleplay when I have you contradicting every tiny detail I include or dictating what I'm allowed to do or say. I'm not going to sit there waiting for you to approve of everything I intend to say. Thank you for your time, but good night.]

I disconnected, and decided I'd spend another fifteen minutes browsing the tag before I did something else. Well apparently, the other person decided they were going to spend fifteen minutes stalking the tag trying to find me again, spamming every connection with messages ranging from extreme insults and threats to demands I 'speak up again, bitch, I wanna talk' and so forth. After connecting to them for the tenth time, I sent:

[I'm not going to re-engage with you. I said what I did, and frankly, it was a valid statement. If you can't handle the fact that roleplaying means a 50/50 creative allowance with someone else, and that you can't micro-manage or bulldoze every single detail, then you shouldn't roleplay. Frankly, knowing how vile you can be from simple criticism, I'm glad I disconnected. Take a breather and re-evaluate yourself. I'd be embarrassed.]

Well. This morning I logged onto Tumblr and after some browsing, I actually came across them again. Here. By means of a post where they included screenshots of everything and are even going so far as threatening to stalk Tumblr and AO3 to 'match up the writing' so they can find me and presumably say their piece or whatever.

I talked to a friend about it, and surprisingly, they think I'm an asshole. Not for what I said in the first place, but for not re-approaching the other person (through DMs) so they'll stop filling the ship's tag with negative stuff. (They've made 3 posts about it all so far.)

I don't want to do that because it means opening up my private social media to this obviously unhinged individual. I know I can expect to be spammed, sent hate mail, have them try to track down my other socials, ect. I could make an alt account for it, but honestly that's effort I don't see the point in making. If they can't let this go, its not my problem.

AITA? Should I make an alt account just to let them get it out of their system? I don't know how to proceed with this.

What are these acronyms?

[lych33dragoncookie]

alright so the main reason i wanted to make this blog; those new Wind Archer trailers.

I already had a lot to say about the first one, for... One big reason.

The fact we're going to the laboratorium is pretty exciting, but I did not expect for us to already catch a glimpse of the Ultimate Cookie. In fact, I had almost forgotten about that; I thought Matcha making MyCookie was more of a byproduct of the Beast cookies needing bodies to inhabit, but...

Well, I guess Dark Enchantress's original ambitions haven't left her. And she's really, really close to realizing her dreams; the dreams she carries on from White Lily Cookie.

It really makes me wonder how White Lily would react to these developments. To see her dreams realized, every bit as horrifying as she most likely knew they'd be, carried on by a part of herself. I really, really wanna see where they go with this.

On another note...

sorry, i just much prefer his Japanese VA HE'S BAAAAAAAACKKKKK~

You have... No idea how frustrated I was to see that the first Beast cookie to release was Mystic Flour and not him. And while it's not guaranteed we'll get him this time, either (even if i really hope we do)... Come on, it's just nice to have him back. He's a really, really fun antagonist. Sometimes, when all your antagonists have complex motives, believing that despite everything they've done, ultimately they're the ones in the right (with even Dark Enchantress only committing as much harm as she has as a response to the revelation that the world, on a fundamental level, was seemingly much more cruel, uncaring and pointless than she had ever thought; a desperate need to make a difference, no matter how many lives and pain it takes), it's incredibly nice to have that one villain, that one villain who doesn't try to find an excuse for what they do, having fun, not believing that they're doing everything that they do for some greater motive, but just to have fun, to make the entire world one big, brightly burning play area for them to toy with as long as they want, however they want. I love Shadow Milk, because he perfectly offsets the usual monologuing, self-righteous villainy we tend to see (And often enjoy, don't get me wrong, both Dark Enchantress and Mystic Flour have grown one me) with just pure, uncaring, show-stopping villainy for the sake of villainy.

He's manipulative, playful, silly, over the top, more concerned with putting on a show first and foremost than actually accomplishing his objectives; because you and I both know that he knows that he could probably just brute force his way into getting his soul jam back, into taking down the heroes without any opportunity for them to do anything about it. If he wanted to, he could very, very easily create an unwinnable scenario. But he doesn't. Because that's no fun.

And I absolutely adore him for it. Every single scene he's in is an absolute delight.

... Right, uh. Wind Archer.

I'm excited for him! It's been a while since we've gotten any Ovenbreak legendaries, and with Wind Archer in the game, it means we're likely very close to seeing Fire Spirit and Millennial Tree (Both pretty big faves for me, though Millie is the one that does unholy things to my brain just from looking at him). And honestly, this feels like a really, really good use for him! No beating around the bush, no overcomplicating anything, just going straight to the point and trying to stop the current threat at its root. He's going to fail, obviously. Even if he takes out the ultimate cookie, chances are it can just be rebuilt, and the beasts on an individual level would be way too much for him to handle. And with Shadow Milk having awoken... Yeah, he stands just about no chance. But, it will be very fun to see, methinks. It's also just a pretty natural fit; a protector of nature that hunts down anything that may disturb or corrupt said nature being sent to strike down what's pretty much a threat that's entirely artificial, unnatural, bodies made through forbidden, arcane magic and ethically dubious means, stumbling upon the culmination of someone's ambitions to create perfect life by artificial means. It works out really, really well, methinks.

But yeah that's my thoughts so far on the 2 Wind Archer update trailers, I'm actually really excited for where they're gonna take this, we've actually got some good plot progression going on and a lot of interesting writing ideas that while I don't fully trust the devs to execute perfectly, I do still really like and feel pretty hopeful for!

... Now just give me Shadow Milk and Millennial Tree and my life is yours. And Lychee, maybe. That one might take a bit. how are they even gonna do Longan in Kingdom. that's... quite a lot to try to adapt without either rehashing content or completely hijacking the plot. god i hope this doesn't mean they'll just stop at Lotus. I miss my dragons. Except not really because OB has been doing some good stuff with them.

Sorry for the really long post, but I wanted to dump some thoughts and have a sort of primer for the kinda stuff I wanna make for this blog.

Oh, and expect some shitposts along the way, too.

[stars-n-spice]

Silly Squad Alignment Charts

Because I thought it would be fun and silly :)

Find out more about the Silly Squad here!

Of course, have to start with the classic:

Hunter will say they have food at home and it's literally like probably two slices of bread, a bottle of ketchup, and a head of lettuce

Viram KNOWS how to cook so you best be happy to eat her food instead of having Mcdonalds

Khea and Echo it depends on their mood whether they pull up and order a single black coffee before leaving (Echo would never do it if Omega is in the car)

Crosshair doesn't even like their coffee but he does it to be a little shit

Feel like Tech is also kinda in the middle because he'll be like "Technically we have food at home-" but he also needs his caffeine

Phee will ALWAYS pull up to the Mcdonalds, especially when Omega's with her. Then Omega always holds it over Hunter- "Well, PHEE takes ME to Mcdonalds!"

Tay is the definition of a bastard (no seriously)

Phee is bastard (affectionate) but would technically be more of "Badass" than anything

Khea, Crosshair, and Tech are the Bitch Trio and if you put them in a room together they WILL tear each other apart (emotionally most likely but Tech will goad Crosshair and Khea into physically fighting each other while he records)

Majority of the squad is Babey though

Echo is also "Bad Ass" but he could also be a Bitch if he wanted

Hunter is Bastard just because I think it's funny

Dumb Bitch Hunter my beloved <3

Echo is sad dick because he has no dick

I use dumb affectionately with Wrecker (not with Hunter and Tay)

Tech just has big dick energy to me idk

Khea's a sad hoe but she'll never admit to it (the being sad part)

If you've noticed, I really like making fun of Hunter that's why he's there in the dumbass squared category

Wrecker, Khea, and Phee are all smart as fuck but have more fun pretending that they aren't really

Tay is good at pretending that he is smart - he is not

Then of course, Tech, Cross, and Echo are all smartasses

This fit so perfectly I was dying

Hunter is laughing nervously because he's aroace lmao

Omega would be like "Thanks! :D" and just carry on

Jung would most likely do *thumbs up* instead of finger guns though

When you pair up the couples, it's funnier

If Tay said "I know" after Cross told him that he loved him, Crosshair would dump him on the spot

Khea tells Wrecker she loves him for the first time and he short circuits and probably would say something along the lines of "YEET!"

Viram and Echo both have issues and would not be able to comprehend why someone would love them - I'm sure Echo's got insecurities and Viram knows she's a workaholic and therefore difficult to be in a relationship so she apologies in advance

If Phee told Tech she loved him and he went "a horrible decision, really" she'd probably laugh

And of course, who doesn't love Phee? If you don't, get out of here.

Crosshair could care less, he ain't dealing with that shit

Tech would say this ominously as if he's seen the future and knows your death is imminent meanwhile Khea's is more of a - "you probably will because everyone close to me has already died" sort of way :/

I feel like Omega might also be "i'd die for you first" too

Hunter, Viram, and Echo don't want to deal with that shit either, they've already got so much loss, guilt, and other things on their plate

Tay's probably not listening when someone tells him they'd die for him while Phee's like, "Oh, neat. Anyways, as I was saying about my last adventure-"

Jung is ready and willing to put his life on the line and Wrecker would probably more like a "Nu uh" because he's got your back and would look out for you

Phee will also do it for some credits or a cool treasure

Tay is going to fight god (and he's going to lose)

Tech could do so much more than take down the government, but he needs incentives (him and Phee can take down the government together <3)

Khea is a bounty hunter, her job literally requires her to stab people sometimes in order for her to get money

Crosshair would stab without anyone needing to ask him

Echo's taking down the government no matter what, but especially if Rex asks him to come along

Jung is going to fight god if you ask them to (and he'll win)

Viram is the type of friend who is an excellent tutor and you end up understanding the concept after getting her help meanwhile Omega will explain what she knows and then the homework becomes a group project of figuring out what the fuck it's asking

You can copy Hunter's homework but there is no guarantee that the answers are right (most of them are wrong)

You can copy Jung's homework and there's a high chance the answers are right

Khea had better things to do than homework - like get frustrated over it and cry for a bit before giving up on it

Phee did some of the homework but she'll only help you out if you give her something in exchange

Wrecker and Tay, beloved himbos, they had no idea and even if they did do the homework, you wouldn't want to copy off of them

Crosshair also didn't do the homework but he also doesn't want to respond

Tech and Echo both did the homework and it's correct but they don't tolerate copying work to even have suggested it is offensive so now you're left on read

[silvervinewine]

Hii! I hope you don't mind if I make a request here, because I dont really know where to- Although if you do see this, could you please write headcannons for some of the genshin men (Like Alhaitham, Diluc, etc.) on how they'd act when reader introduces them to their parents? Feel free to ignore this if you dont have time tho!! Thank you sm :)) <33

MEET MY PARENTS (W/ ALHAITHAM, DILUC SEPERATELY)

DILUC: AUTHORITARIAN PARENTS (also commonly known as, "i just want the best for you" parents)

your parents were rather worried about you, after all the man you had brought home was not a lawyer, or a doctor? how would you live with that?

you needed to get a good man, a man that would not be bankrupt any time soon.

needless to say when you brought home DILUC RAGNVINDR, known socialite and sought after bachelor, your parents were more than welcoming.

as soon as he pulled up in his fancy car, with one of his finest suits on, you knew you were in for a ride.

as soon as you welcomed in your boyfriend into your parents' home, was he bombarded with questions.

"where did you study?"

"how much do you make?"

"what are you planning to do with our child?"

"why did you choose them?

just your regular strict parents' shenanigans.

the formal dinner you organized, felt more like an interview, with every single response of his precisely calculated in their wording.

after everything he looks at you with pleading eyes as he paid the bill and left with you.

immediatly hugs you as you arrive at your home.

"felt like he was being watched by hawks."

you chuckle at his comment, as you lay down with him.

"you know, even if they don't look like it" you looked at him, "they actually really really like you."

"i mean you're serious, rich and good looking, everything up to their standard."

he smiled at the comment, after all if he wanted to marry you he would need to get your parent's approval.

AL HAITHAM: AUTHORATIVE PARENTS (also commonly known as, sane parents which love each other very much, #mommy issues)

while somewhat demanding, your parents never really asked much of you.

"just live a happy life, work hard to get what you want and always learn from your mistakes."

you were never asked to get a partner, you were never asked to settle down like this, yet you still chose to get a boyfriend.

AL HAITHAM was always a wallflower, your boyfriend smart academically, stupid socially.

he liked you, you were someone interested in the same things he was, you were someone he could lean on.

you two rode peacefully to the little quaint house your parents' resided on, as soon as you came in you were greeted with cheery smiles and laughs.

the meeting or... hangout spot was a little picnic in a nearby park. a place where you often used to hang out with old friends while sitting around telling stupid jokes while walking around.

you noticed how AL HAITHAM was reluctant to your parents' kindness, while your parents strolled around ocassionally picking up conversation with him he really didn't reciprocate.

you really got it, he wasn't much for small talk.

only ever really nodding or making small comments, chipping in with his commentary here and there.

that was until your mother asked him what he studied, things got real after that.

he looked up and started explaining his past lecture, rambling on about the foreign policies he was interested and the importance of proper storage of information and all that.

yeah needless to say, AL HAITHAM was personally invited to the next big family event by part of your parents' recomendation, he was real glad to have met them.

in reality, even though he did not show it enough, he really appreciated both you and your parents.

(A/N i used some psychology terms to explain the personalities of different parents, sorry if the personalities of these did not apply to your parents. thought this arrangement was necessary as there's no one size fits all in these type of fics.)

[velvetvexations]

But they still use the n-word, anon. They still use the n-word. Yet you think that years and years ago they were so worried about being "challenged" on grounds of transphobia ("transmisogyny" was not in widespread use at the time) that they felt the need to change their language? Even though they still, to this day, use the n-word.

You're an idiot.

And yes, actually, GNC boys who present in a feminine matter does affect things! You can't seriously pretend that every single depiction of an AMAB person wearing women's clothing could only ever possibly be a trans woman or based on trans women. That's not only ahistorical and erases real people right in front of you, but it also gets fucking racist as hell when you start imposing that view on other countries. Did you know, for instance, that "kathoey", the term "ladyboy" is a translation of, is generally used by people who self-identify as men? Because I'm guessing the answer is "no."

Femboys are and have always been a thing, stop fucking erasing them and appropriating their language just because you desperately want the world to revolve around you.

So many young trans girls are going to come out of this traumatized from the dooming, isolated and potentially trapped in abusive relationships because they'd been indoctrinated into the belief that only other trans women will ever love and support them.

The problem is that it has "fab" in there, so they can't do it like they're trying to do with femboy because it inherently points to "TMEs."

(2/2 ana mardoll) i really dont mind when trans women genuinely criticize specific terrible shit that a trans man has actually done, and mardoll has always been a fucking loser who does all the stereotypical negative shit that people tend to act like trans men do. i just wish people would not act like its standard behavior to be like that and judge us all on the basis of the worst of our community lmao. this is behavior that goes both ways tho, trans men judge trans women like this too. idk lol

The person I've seen most accused of being a ringleader was Neon Yang, who was definitely not that even though they contributed. The one I most remember was the trans woman who said something to the effect of "yeah well it didn't sound like the author was trans so I was completely justified actually" and that drives me up a wall because the transradfem girlies are going to lose their mind when I post the first chapter of Nursed with Kerosine.

I have to answer them mostly in batches, with a few exceptions, because I get so many.

@ratbastarddotfuck

Imagine if everyone just decided to start saying a PoC who votes Republican is white.

It's going to be difficult for them to ever actually make a callout post for me because they can screenshot my takes but there will never be a single piece of evidence that I've ever harassed anyone and they know it.

It's not just about taking it seriously, but it's extremely repellent just as content and can be severely triggering, which it would have been for me if I hadn't watched it when I was a teenager before The Deeplore Trauma settled into my bones. I don't think I can even get into the later stuff now because of the association.

But fuck me gently with a chainsaw, everything else about it should be immensely cool and it sucks it's not in something that isn't weighed down by that.

Explicitly using dysphoria as a plot point like that is interesting and does sound like good fuel for a transfem headcanon.

No, it isn't, the only thing being discussed is whether he fits the criteria for "TMA" or not, and he does.

Buffalo Bill is not a stereotype of trans women, and in fact I applaud and deeply appreciate the author for making that crystal clear and treating trans people with great respect and sympathy for the time in which it was written, but he became the model for a stereotype of trans women that transphobes have taken and ran with since the day the the movie came out.

[pagodazz]

VINVAN HCS!! that NO ONE ASKED FOR!!!

@freezingmcxn

THESE TWO ARE ABSOLUTELY MY EVERYTHING. like. Absolutely top two favorite characters. I know I talk about Vinnie and HABIT quite a bit but I assure you, I love Evan and Vinnie more.

These two are so perfect for each other and they fit so well, like a puzzle piece clicking together.

They're always gonna be together and there for each other in every single universe. in every single life. It's always gonna be them two. They'll always be the last two to remain.

Their souls are just intertwined together, and they'll always find each other.

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

While Vinnie was locked up in the apartment, Evan showed up, and he stayed there for a little while. Vinnie says that Evan stayed on the couch, but I know that is absolutely UNTRUE.

I think Vinnie let Evan inside, instantly checking him over for any wounds, more panicked than excited to see his friend. It would only be when Evan grabs his hands and makes him stop, that'd he finally remember to be relieved that it's Evan he's touching.

Evan would pull him into his arms, hugging him tighter than he EVER has before, pushing his face into his neck, breathing him in. Vinnie is the only thing he has left, the only real thing Evan has and he's so fucking thankful for that. Normally he wouldn't cry, but he's just so happy to see that vinnie is okay.

Vinnie would take a minute to hug back, his mind running too slow for it's own good. But once he had his arms around Evan he's squeezing him in his arms like a snake constricting it's prey.

They'd stand there for way too long, but once they pulled apart Evan would point to Vinnies septum piercing, and Vinnie would get embarrassed, because he knows he seems like the last person to get one, if you didn't know him right.

But Evan would just smile at him and tell him it looks good, that he looks good.

Evan would end up taking a hot shower, and probably end up having to wear some of Vinnie's clothes, and Vinnie would make them both dinner with whatever he had left.

Neither of them would bring up anything of the things they've gone through. It's not that they aren't AWARE. it's just that they both know this is going to be the only time they get to pretend that they have normal lives again.

Then after awhile, Vinnie would catch Evan up on everything, and then Vinnie would offer up the bed and Evan would shake his head and say he'd rather not be alone anymore, and Vinnie couldn't agree more. they would lay in bed holding each other, nothing any more than that happening, and Evan would have his head against Vinnie's chest, counting every beat until he falls asleep, meanwhile Vinnie has his hand in Evans hair, thinking about all his secrets that Evan doesn't know.

He could never tell Evan about the things he's done, he doesn't want Evan to stop loving him, he can't risk that. Evan is all he's ever needed.

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

Evan is cis(??? honestly his gender is. not binary but it's not exactly. non binary. HES SO WEIRD.) and bisexual.

Vinnie is FTM and gay/maybe also bi... (I get sad about him and Lexi sometimes) (also YES I'm projecting. I'm ALLOWED)

I think that Evan is alot more open and proud of himself than Vinnie is, he's not like obnoxious over his sexuality of course, but he isn't afraid of it.

Vinnie however gets really in his head over it, Probably having alot to do with his religious trauma (every iteration of Vinnie has it), He'll probably wonder if he's "man" enough, but Evan is always very quick to remind him just how "man" he thinks he Vinnie is.

I think that Evan would give Vinnie his T-shots and he would tell Vinnie to stop being a baby about it and Vinnie would just be gripping onto Evans arm until his knuckles turn white. Evan doesn't mind at all, if anything gives him the perfect opportunity to flex his arms so Vinnie can feel his muscles.

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

they YEARN for each other. they are a SLOW BURN GUYS!!!!!

It's only when they're left with just each other that they're forced to deal with their feelings for each other.

and I don't even think that they would talk about their feelings, they'd probably get really frustrated with each other, probably over Evan having yet another suicidal plan, and then Vinnie would just grab Evan and kiss him and the dam holding back their years of forgotten love would just immediately break. they wouldn't even have to say I love you, because this was already enough.

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

Evan is Vinnie's muse, he's always filming him and making sure he's the center of attention. Even through Vinnie's eyes Evan is this great hero, even when it's not Evan anymore, and it's HABIT. Vinnie still adores that vessel. Vinnie can play pretend.

Vinnie is Evans all. his everything. his only. his life. especially after he loses everything else. He NEEDS Vinnie, Vinnie has always been there, Vinnie has never lied, Vinnie never lead him astray (even tho that's all Vinnie did), Vinnie always took care of Evan, and Evan wants to do the same.

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

IM!!! NOT NORMAL!! OVER THEMMMM.

[snek-panini]

I'm trying to get the last of my Binderary projects posted, so today we have books #8 and 9, Fault Lines by Marabelle123. This is a long canon compliant Good Omens fic (pre-second season) that I've had on my to-bind list since I started making books three years ago. It's unfinished and had its most recent update in early 2020, but based on how the existing story feels I'm fairly sure it was close to the end and feels complete enough to be satisfying. It's very in character and captures a lot of the specific feeling from the pre-miniseries fandom, that the relationship between the leads defies all definition. They're as close as it's possible to be and their relationship has teeth sometimes but their bond is as undefinable as it is unbreakable. Give it a read if that sounds like your thing; it's excellent.

The cover for this one is made of two colors of faux leather, cut at a diagonal with no overlap, with the title in silver foil htv. I've never done a cover like this before but I'm in love with the result. It feels very sleek and sexy and modern compared to the more vintage elements I usually favor. And I didn't have enough of either leather to do two full books, but I still wanted to use them and have the volumes match. I think it was an elegant solution.

More pics under the cut! I tried some new stuff with this one.

You may have noticed above that this is a Coptic bind, my favorite for unfinished fics because of the "out" option it leaves. If the author ever returns to it and posts more chapters it would be fairly easy to take out the stitching and add more signatures. I still stand by this motivation, but after a silence of four years and no response from the author when I reached out for permission to bind it I'm reasonably sure this is it for the story. That let me try out some stuff I'd be reluctant to do if I was planning to add pages. Have a look at the spines:

Sadly I couldn't make the page count work with a single volume, since you can't do much to mitigate spine swell in a Coptic bind, but the volume split let me do some long stitches in the center that look like wings. There are plot-relevant feathers in the fic, so it's fitting. I thought of sewing one of them in white for that sweet Good Omens balance feeling, but I didn't think it would pop against the white paper and would leave the set looking unbalanced so I stuck with black on both. To get the pattern right I cut out a wing shape the same width as the spine and traced it and poked holes for the outline, then flipped it for the second volume so they'd be mirrored. You can also see that I did something different at the head and tail, more visible here:

This is a Coptic endband. I found out these existed a couple of months ago and absolutely had to try them. They're woven into the signatures and cover with a separate thread, after the rest of the stitching is done, and they're supposed to add some stability to the wiggly spine that you always get with these books. Unlike other types of endband, they don't have a core. I had a lot of trouble with them and had to pull out the first one and redo it with a different thread (embroidery floss is better than crochet thread for this) but I have no regrets about the finished product. They do stabilize the spine some, though not as much as I'd have liked. I really like how they (and the longstitch section) dress up a Coptic spine. I've always thought the plain ones were a little lackluster for how much work they are, but I love all the texture and interest this one has. Would absolutely not do black on black again though. Very hard to keep track of which thread I was supposed to sew under against a black background. I'll be using a contrasting color next time.

Interior photos. The doublure on the inside of the cover is a striped lokta (I think; it's been a while since I bought it). The title page image is a free-to-use image that I found on I think Vecteezy. Unsurprisingly, given its title, a big theme in this one is underlying cracks and misalignments that the characters don't realize are there until there's a massive disturbance, and that's why I had the text on both the title page and the cover not line up. Things are slipping, things are cracking, and there's extra work to be done on both sides if you're going to stabilize or rebuild. Comparatively, the typeset is quite plain and simple, with only two fonts, no chapter header image, and no section break images unless the break falls on the last line of a page, in which case there's one gray line. I think it's well-suited to the story; there is a bit with an illuminated manuscript, but mostly the characters are busy introspecting in between managing crises. They don't have the time or the energy to dress things up prettily.

And that's it on Fault Lines! As I mentioned earlier, I reached out to the author on Ao3 for permission to bind but never received a response, so I really hope they don't mind that I made these. I love their fic, and I love the bind I made.

[phantomoftheorpheum]

Ahhhb I'm back!!! So sorry for the little haitus it's been a busy week for me! I'm also very upset I didn't get back in time before the last episode aired. I wanted to share theories before anything got confirmed (.

ANYWAY!

I wanted to send you my full on deep

analysis/realizations/theories relating to be Girlies. Their tests. And the arch of the season!

And amazingly, it all boils down to one single photo.

So! This photo I think was kinda overlooked in terms of promos and all. But it's really the key to the whole shush.

So the biggest overarching bad theme in this season is Religion. Makes sense right? But what if it was so much more then that.

take a look at the promo image again. Look at their tests.

Look at them strongly. Wouldn't they, In a way, not represent Jesus himself?! Both the journey and the physical embodiment.

First we have Mouse! She is in what you'd say, 'Hell'.

Specifically the fires of hell! It's the place everyone will go to unless Jesus completes his mission/Also just representing hell and the immediate surroundings. I'd also say she is the skin. As the first thing fire hurts is skin.

Mouse = Atmosphere + Skin.

Next we have Faran.

her task. Carrying a giant peice of rebar for hours on end.

On her shoulders.

now this is a DIRECT symbolism to Jesus holding and carrying the cross (in nearly the exact same position too) too his gravesite. And this would represent arms, hands, and shoulders. Maybe even muscles.

Faran = Muscles. Arms. Hands. Shoulders.

Next! We have Noa!

Her test, (or the original test) Walk along rows of spikes and thorns barefoot. It got turned into a Run via Bloody Rose and the rabid dog. (Which I will refer to as the hound of hell. Or demon dog Another symbolism

This is another direct symbolism! Specifically of the WALK Jesus had to take to his gravesite. Faran represented the carrying of the cross. But Noa was the embodiment of the walk he had to take. One he specifically took barefoot on rough terrain. So, this would be specificity of feet. Or the foot.

Noa = Feet.

Next we have Imogen! (Which I was genuinely shocked about. I thought they'd save the bloody Rose confrontation for last)

She l summarized to be the head. As a big part of her journey involved hallucinations and stuff. (More on this later) And her physical "test' or so involved the confrontation of Bloodh rose herself. The 'head' of the whole murder operation. Also, Imagine literally physically ripped off the mask of Bloody Rose. Which covers her HEAD. Also, I see her as an embodiment of blood. So much of her test and story revolves around blood. She is literally left holding scraps and blood.

Imogen = Head and Blood.

Now for the final girl of girls. Tabitha Hayworthe.

Tabitha. Sweet Tabby. Tabby, is not anything, but the physical embodiment of the Heart.

notice SHE is the one in the middle of the promo. The heart of the operation. Tabitha is the glue of the group.

The heart powers the body. And everything in it. And what is she doing in this photo? But PRAYING. Not only that but kneeling too. She is flanked by Bloody Rose.

Archie. And the being I am officially calling the

'ArchAngel' (fits with the As and all huh?).

I have a good idea for what her test will be. Test of resilience. Of praying for her souls. Of praying for her friends. A test of her dedication to religion. (It doesn't matter if she was religious or not. A heart is what is true. A head is what is logical. And what can disagree. Falling into why Bloody Rose would attack Imogen directly. Kill the head and leave the heart to be free. Of for the taking.

I did my due diligence. And considering her position (noting the roses in front of her) where specifically the blood is on her face. And a specific interview that happened with Chandler (actor of Tabby) where she admitted she was left extremely sore for days after filming this. Which implies this as an endurance test, or doing a specific motion for a long period of time. As opposed to, let's say Mouses task which just involved a little running and camera work.

I believe Tabby is going to be forced to perform a military torture tactic. It's something I'm having trouble finding again. But i have vaguely remember it being referenced to as the prayer position or kneeling position. And ive seen in a couple movies typically in ones where a group is held captive or something.

Basically A person is made to kneel, (hands typically tied behind their back. But in this instance her hands could be in front of her) and I mean full straight up. Their butt can't rest on their ankles or anything. Spikes are then specifically placed and adorned around them, positioned so if the persons endurance gave out. Or they grew tired and weary. Would be impaled or even killed on the sharp objects.

they would not be the main focus. But Tabby being forced to pray for a certain amount of time would directly tie into religious themes. As she could be forced to cleanse the souls or hearts of people.

Tabby = Heart and Soul.

now you may be wondering why this is relevant.

but what does eyes, skin, atmosphere, muscles, blood, heart, head, arms, legs, feet, hands, soul, shoulders, all create?

a person. A living person.

Aka Jesus.

And what did Jesus do?

Jesus came back from the dead.

This somewhat makes me believe that Bloody rose is delusioned. Thinking all of these tests can bring bring back a loved one. In terms of sacrafice of sorts. While also getting their revenge on the girlies.

Bloody rose could be in cahoots with the ‘Mother’ church. I forget the entire title but the mother part is important as fuck. I’ll explain later. Bloody rose could be a couple beings. But if Bloody rose is Imogens mom. I have literally zero fucking clue what their trying to do here.

buuut, if Bloody Rose is Imogens moms secret twin. Then that could certainly be interesting in terms of looping in the mother church.

She could be abusing the religion and convincing them that by endorsing/worshipping her she can not only save their souls, but reincarnate /bring back loved ones.

I do think the church is in cahoots with her specifically because of the intro we saw before Faran was being stitched up. Where two people walked across a group of people in white worshipping blooding rose in the cabin in the woods. This was a direct parallel to the mother church chanting and worshipping seemingly nothing in a circle. Which Faran saw. Greg also mentioned their being a ‘inner circle’. Could be literal.

I also will specifically note that Bloody rose most likely is a Mother. Or someone who lost a loved one and is getting revenge on the girls because they indirectly or directly caused it.

Firstly. In her appearance. Bloody rose bandages her face. And on her head rests a crown of thorns.

Jesus was given a crown of thorns and spikes to mock him for saying he was the son of god. And he was wrapped in bandages and placed in a tomb. The bandages were still there when they opened it three days later. But he wasn’t.

So not only is Bloody rose a physical representation of Jesus. Of the dead brought to life for revenge. But her name!

What Does bloody rose remind you of every time you say it.

Bloody Mary! And who was Mary??? JESUS’s MOM!

Her identity is a combination of both Jesus and Mary.

Archie is a follower. Innacting revenge for his sister. A follower. Either a deciple or a form of Adam. Who followed Eve into the garden and eating the fruit.

And the ArchAngel. This will be the kicker. This is the representation of the dead. The mourned family member or lover. A person taken too soon. A angel in their place. Or. The reincarnation of said member. And if they’re a physical being. Then they will definitely be someone they previously thought to be dead.

Most likely rose isn’t Imogens mom. And isn’t someone thought to be dead. But the archangel will be.

What’s so insanely crazy is this is only like half of the crucial arch and theories and realizations of have if this.

but I am actually falling asleep as I write. And this is definitely insanely long lol. But I will form the second half to my entire plot lore world building ideas lol.

oh. And fuck how they’re having Noa come out to be Bi. That’s fucking insane. Not her being bi. But the way they’re literally using it as an excuse for her to cheat?? Like that’s so crazy. She’s literally been actively cheating and lying to her literal god send of a boyfriend who left his literal mother for her. The boyfriend she was head over heels for last season. Also Jen’s just? Genuinely a horrible person. She gaslights Noa and manipulates her in nearly every conversation. Not to mention she’s a repeat offender who has no remorse for it? Like. She really just had Noas damn boyfriend pay for her bail. Then to pay back what she OWES him she literally STEALS FROM HIS HOUSE AND FAMILY???? And then LIES to Noa (well hid the truth) about it?? And then isn’t even apologetic about it when confronted about it? And then??? Literally has the audacity to get mad at Noa because she won’t break up with Shawn and turned down her totally inappropriate idea of a throuple. Like. No way would Shawn want to share noa with the girl she’s cheating on him with.

And the way Gen just treats him unhumanly. Like one moment she doesn’t give a shit about his feelings but then also says she could definitely love and fuck him. (In a throuple implication). It’s sickening.

I fully expected her friends to be upset at her when she openly admitted to cheating on Shawn. But NO. They’re all supportive as fuck about it and actually encourage her to ditch Shawn and be with Jen. Like what the actual fuck. What type of representation is that?! They’re upset when their own boyfriends or whatever would cheat. But as long as it’s their bi bestie it’s okay???

The shows like. Doing a horrible toxic message that as long as it’s some gay realization. Cheating is Okay. Further contributing to the horrible stereotype that being Bi is just cheating.

Sorry. Had to get that off my chest I hated it so much. I hate what they’ve done to Noas character this season

Wow, I hope you don't mind me publishing all this, rather than responding privately, I just think it deserves to be shared!

This is off topic, but did you ever watch Dark (the Netflix series)? Because with the depth of analysis and the details you're looking at here, it seems like it could be something you'd really love (it's very different from PLL, but it's such a puzzle, one of my favorite shows ever).

I'm gonna put the rest of my response after a cut, just to make this post slightly less to scroll through!

I wish I had seen this poster much earlier! I only saw it for the first time fairly recently, and then I thought it was a fan edit. I didn't realize it was real promotion until a few days ago!

We really are getting hit over the head with all the religious imagery and references this season! This is not my area of expertise, by any means, so all that was a super fascinating read for me. With all that context, it really does feel like Kelly's church has to be looped in to this, or they've wasted all this intricate foreshadowing. I also felt the "Mother" part of "Our Mother of Holy Grace" was a very intentional choice. I do really hope that we get a reveal that pulls all the threads of this season together, since there's a lot of stuff going on, imo.

I can't remember if I said this in any of my previous posts, but I have very much been feeling a "trio of three main co-conspirators" situation recently (possibly with other characters who are less [or even unknowingly, like Mouse's grandmother] involved), so the poster theory with the three figures around Tabby makes a lot of sense. It then also would follow, in my mind, that if Tabby is the central figure of the season, that the villains are most likely to be directly linked to her. And this fits with a lot of the suspicions I have both voiced and read.

I've been saying for a while that I can't help but wonder if there are multiple antagonists working together, but with different aims/motivations. I like the idea of Bloody Rose being tied to religious zeal, while another antagonist (perhaps represented by either Archie or the "ArchAngel" as you called the other figure in the poster) is tied in with different intent. I do wonder if the middle figure is a literal co-conspirator, or if it's possible they represent only the "ghost" of a person, as the motivating factor behind the plot.

If we assume Tabby is at the center of this season, does that lend validity to the theory that BR could be Mrs. Langsberry with the help of one (or two?) others (possibly stand-ins in her eyes for Chip?), and if her accomplice(s) are essentially filling Chip's role, could they also be making a movie (again, tying back to Tabby as the central figure and her passions), perhaps even as a tribute to Chip (attempting to eclipse Tabby and any of her success that they view as an unearned and unfair character assassination)?

There's a lot to think about. It's definitely going to take me a minute to fully digest all of this.

What do you think the purpose of Rose's kills outside of the tests is? My working theory has been, if someone's making a movie, they're basically just cannon-fodder for the film (chosen because of their "sins," because I do think if someone is making a movie, it is a religious themed film). It also makes me wonder if all the religious themes and foreshadowing are designed for the film, but some of the conspirators genuinely believe, and some don't.

I am enjoying thinking way too hard.

As for the romantic arcs in the show. I think I've finally come to the conclusion that I (mostly) just don't vibe with how the writers on this show handle romance. A lot of the romantic "drama" falls into tropes I don't like (and will actively avoid, if possible, like you could not pay me to touch th3summ3riturn3dpr3tty with a ten foot pole) and the feelings seem to fluctuate so quickly that it gives me emotional whiplash.

As I've mentioned a few times, Mouse & Ash are the only ship on the show I feel legitimately emotionally invested in, and while most of the others don't really bother me, they don't really mean anything to me either. I think part of that is the inherent suspicion I have of all the love interests (so my guard is up with most of them), but I also just think that... The reason I enjoy this show is the mystery/horror/slasher elements. I like the puzzle and the whodunnit and the guessing.

I know the original show spent a lot of time on the romances (which, ngl, I also frequently got annoyed with or bored of), but that show also had a lot more episodes per-season to build relationships. Because of the short length of the seasons, a lot of the love interests just don't have the time to be developed into compelling characters in their own right, and the relationships are often fast-tracked, which just doesn't hit for me. I think I also tend to prefer shows that (unless they are specifically a romance) don't place the romantic drama as super central to the main character's storylines.

If the love interests stick around and get more time to be developed individually into future seasons, I may end up attached to more ships eventually, but right now most of those storylines are falling a little flat for me. I guess I'm just really not a "fast burn" kind of person (unless, like I said, the show is a romance and gets to focus the majority of its screen time on the character's romantic relationships and can therefore build a lot more depth and connection in fewer episodes) when it comes to ships.

I have stopped trying to figure out what they want me to feel about Noa's storyline, because whatever it is, I clearly am not feeling it. I just feel kind of baffled and confused about what their message/intent is with it, because all I'm getting is incredibly mixed tone and messaging.

Anyway, I hope I touched on everything! Thanks for all your thoughts, it's truly such an interesting angle!

[theworldbrewery]

I just finished a 5 year long campaign on Saturday. I would describe myself as a hardass on the rules, up to the point that something worked within larger thematic parameters in the setting.

In practice, this meant that the game began with me being very strict on rules. Some things, like carrying capacity, were not worth tracking (especially once they got a bag of holding), but other rules, both official and house-rules, I kept to very closely. As the PCs became more powerful, I started offering them brief opportunities when something important wasn't going to go their way. Memorably, when a PC was about to die by mind flayer and lose her brain and drop concentration on the spell that was holding the boss monster at bay, I asked how badly she wanted to survive, and allowed her to make a sacrifice: the goddesses of luck had a problem with her using her Wild Magic subclass abilities to manipulate her fortune, so she gave up her subclass in exchange for surviving the attack (and got a new subclass later obviously).

This type of scenario worked because I established the possibility of 'trading' a consequence for a desirable outcome -- borrowing from other systems a little bit, where you can succeed at a cost. It fit into the mechanics and flavor of the Wild Magic sorcerer's abilities, but it broadened over time to include anyone willing to make a deal and give something up to get what they wanted.

That practice brought us to an underdark adventure where they found the place where sacrifices 'go,' metaphorically speaking, and set the stage for the finale in which the PCs broke with fate altogether and ascended to godhood to fight Bane to the death. I worked with them to build divine statblocks and what mattered most was the exchange. The sense of loss, thematically, that comes from achieving great feats of power that should be impossible. It builds on the most basic ideas of making sacrifices to a god to receive their support, and of destroying components to cast powerful spells, and turns them into a larger framework of magic and power.

But I still expected them to use spell components, and take fall damage, and remember you can't stack advantage or temporary hit points.

Once they ascended to godhood I relaxed the rules somewhat, to let them savor the power they'd gotten. But as mortal beings those rules represent their vulnerabilities, their relative weakness, the risks and rewards of adventuring. I always considered it necessary for my own peace of mind to be clear on the rules and on the interactions of mechanics, from the limits of dark vision and which hexes could be affected by a spell, but it also empowered me to be more flexible with the rules when specific, thematic moments came into play.

Rule of Cool can get weak when you rely too heavily on it. It takes away the stakes, which kills the fun. But this version of "Rule of Cool" expected the players to open themselves up to risk and change -- trying and failing to wake up a cursed archfey led the group's cleric to give up all his memories before the age of 10, trying to force an enemy to fail her Banishment saving throw made the bard swear to protect the cleric with their life (and be compelled to do so). The losses they suffered weren't punishments, but opportunities: what new subclass does the sorcerer take, and why? Do you throw yourself in front of a blow that would kill the cleric?

The role-play moments that resulted, the twists in the tale, were worth it, every single time.

I didn't accept pure mechanical sacrifices: the gods don't care about your melee weapon attack modifier. They had to give up something that mattered to the character. To understand what sacrifice really is.

And they sacrificed themselves, in the end.

[aphfanficwriters]

Every month we will pose a question and collate responses as a fun and informal little exercise in getting to know each other and spark discussion. This month's question is:

“Which writing rule do you most enjoy breaking?”

relmu / @iamnompuehuenu: this is my personal preference, but i absolutely adore flowery writing that borders on purple prose. maybe it's because the literature i grew up with is filled with metaphors and decorations and that rubbed off on me, but i just find it extremely beautiful and dramatic… I've come to learn that English-speaking writers are more direct and that purple prose is not seen with good eyes, but i like it so much i have to remind myself to not put too much emphasis on descriptions and metaphors when writing lol. it sometimes becomes heavy to read but for me it's a joy, though i understand it's not for everyone 🙏

prush / @proosh: you can take run-on sentences from my cold dead hands

Wasps / @petiolata: "Avoid epithets" is the one I enjoy breaking the most. To me, it's very similar to "show, don't tell". Like every writing practice that people get told "don't do that!" about, they have their time and place. Both telling and epithets can create distance, or emphasize certain qualities about the character. They can also convey information faster. I think a lot of the criticism of them comes from a lack of understanding that people read fics for different purposes and so writers will write with different effects in mind. If a fic is meant to be an extremely fast-paced suspenseful ride—and that's more important to the writer or audience than elegance of writing or creating deep POV closeness—and an epithet best serves that, then isn't it the best choice to use the epithet? What makes good writing is widely debated, but what makes a good writer in my opinion is intentionality. The ability, skills, knowledge, to accomplish exactly what effects you're going for. And sometimes that means making choices that serve pacing or kink appeal over elegance or POV depth. I probably don't use many epithets in my fics, but knowing how much unfair flack they get makes me celebrate every single one.

Tama / @delgumofics: I generally try to follow the rules since I'm always trying to grow as a writer. I think mine is run-on sentences though. If I'm writing a scene where a characters understanding of the world is supposed to be different in some way, like they're really high, or they're very emotionally charged, I use a lot of run-ons to express that. I try to put myself in their heads pace and think how they'd think, and when someone is fucked up or really emotionally charged, grammar and pacing kind of go out the window. Thought becomes one long stream of ideas and feelings so I try to express that sensation with words. That usually results in run-ons dotted with short snappy single or two word sentences mixed into the paragraph.

WhiteWings / @smuttyandabsurd: "Write what you know" seems to be taken as "write only what you know" which is a terrible rule. Write what you don't know. Push the limits of your knowledge. Deep dive into research and learn things you didn't know so you can write about it… Or don't! Revel in making it up and writing with terrible inaccuracy, it's called artistic license babes. It won't appeal to everyone, of course, and you may very well annoy a bunch of people, but you can't please everyone and you shouldn't try to.

Didi / @teaedon: first draft is the final version, and i don't cut anything out (well, rarely).

Yukihitomi / @arthurhonda: Writing rules? Don’t know em. Too busy destroying the English grammar. Punctuation besides commas, periods, exclamation points, and question marks don’t exist.

And there were those who didn't understand the assignment... 😅

Eru / @eruverse: Wasn’t aware there were rules, I do what I want and what fits best

@folightening: I'm not even aware what the rules are so I've no idea. I just write how I want.

Beetroot / @council-of-beetroot: Does anyone have a list of writing rules to reference?

Mossman / @one-more-mossman: I don't even know what rules the writing has [...] Uneducated swine I am