#i've had these ideas since first playing the game and never wrote them down

[blueseachelle]

Dandelions

Ominis Gaunt x Hufflepuff! Reader

Summary: Y/n is hopelessly in love with Ominis but, she only watches from afar. Her best friend Poppy finds out her secret one spring afternoon and decides that Ominis needs to know her feelings.

Inspired by: Dandelions by Ruth B (All credit to her for the song. Obviously.)

Y/n sat a couple tables away from Ominis in the Library. She was trying to study for her History of Magic class but failing too. Her gaze would wander over to Ominis sooner than later. It got to the point where she couldn't look away. She has been in love with Ominis since first year. They accidentally bumped into each other on the way into Charms class and she helped him pick up his books. Yes, he didn't give her an attitude from hell and a cold shoulder but, she couldn't help but admire him. She kept her distance but watched from afar.

She let out a loving sigh and opened her journal. She glanced over at Ominis as she wrote.

Maybe, it's the way you say my name Maybe, it's the way you play your game But it's so good, I've never known anybody like you But it's so good, I've never dreamed of nobody like you

And I've heard of a love that comes once in a lifetime And I'm pretty sure that you are that love of mine

She closed her journal and packed her bag. She departed and passed by Ominis as she went. The scent of warm vanilla filled Ominis's senses, it had become a familiar smell for him. It was an unordinary smell at Hogwarts. He found comfort in the smell. He sometimes found himself searching for the smell but stopped himself every time before finding the source. He just enjoyed the smell before continuing his studies.

------_

Y/n sat under a tree on a beautiful spring day. She plucked Dandelions from the ground a blew them out, one by one with the same wish every time. For Ominis to be hers one day. She opened her journal and scribbled down some more ideas.

'Cause I'm in a field of dandelions Wishing on every one that you'd be mine, mine And I see forever in your eyes I feel okay when I see you smile, smile

Wishing on dandelions all of the time Praying to God that one day you'll be mine Wishing on dandelions all of the time, all of the time

Y/n started to sing her lyrics softly to herself. Not expecting anyone to hear but, of course, not everything can be perfect.

"That's a beautiful song, Y/n! You have a lovely voice. Did you write that song?"

It was her best friend Poppy. She stood next to her, looking down with her amber eyes glowing in the sunshine. Y/n smiled and nodded,

"Yes, I wrote them. It's not finished though. I have some more ideas to write down."

Poppy sat next to her and smiled,

"Who are they written too?"

Y/n raised and eyebrow and looked over at the brunette, making her giggle.

"C'mon Y/n! Every song is written to someone! Your's is a love song so, who's your crush?"

Y/n blushed and stuttered, scrambling to answer with a lie. Poppy smirked,

"I know who it is. It's Ominis! I see how you look at him when we are anywhere near him. You always glance at him with a loving look. I know love when I see it!"

Y/n just blushed and said nothing. Her downcast eyes only confirmed Poppy's accusations. The girl patted her back and stood back up,

"No worries, Y/n. I got you. I'll see you at dinner, Okay?"

Y/n nodded as Poppy turned and walked away. She went back to picking Dandelions and thinking about her lyrics.

-----_

As soon as Poppy was out of Y/n's sight, she ran as fast as she could to find the Slytherin duo. She found them sitting in the courtyard.

"Ominis! Sebastian! I have to tell you something!"

Sebastian looked up from his book and acknowledged her,

"It was that important that you ran all the way here?"

Poppy nodded catching her breath,

"You guys know Y/n right? My bestie?"

Sebastian nodded and looked over to Ominis and nudged him to respond. The blond crossed his arms,

"Yes, I have. I haven't talked to her since first year when she made me drop my books on the way to Charms."

Poppy smiled,

"Let me describe her real quick. She's 5'1, has (E/c) color eyes, (H/c) hair. She always reads in the Library or outside under a shady tree. She always smells like warm vanilla sugar. She's sweet as honey and loves animals. She's also a really good singer, I found out."

Ominis huffed,

"And why do I care about this?"

Poppy smiled,

"Beacuse... She's had a crush on you since first year but, she knows you were kind of sore about bumping into you even though she apologized. So, she kept her distance. I decided it's time for you to know. For her sake. She should at least have a shot before we all graduate and she never sees you again."

Ominis sat in slight shock. She was that comforting scent this whole time? Why did she think that he hated her all this time? Yet, she still harbored this crush on him? He doesn't even acknowledge her.

Sebastian smirked and nudged the blind male,

"Looks like you have a secret admirer. Maybe you should talk to her and get to know her. Couldn't hurt."

Ominis sighed,

"I'll think about it."

Poppy let out a squeal and thanked them before taking off to her dorm.

-----_

It's been a couple days since Poppy figured out about Y/n's crush on Ominis. She went about her days like normal. She was curled up in an armchair on the second floor of the library in the corner. She scribbled ideas for her song in her journal. She let her mind daydream about what it would be like to be dating Ominis before scribbling down her idea.

'Cause it gets so hard to breathe When you're looking at me, I've never felt so alive and free When you're looking at me, I've never felt so happy

She was lost in thought until she felt someone sit in the armchair next to hers.

"Do you mind if I sit with you?"

She knew that voice. It was familiar and foreign at the same time.

Y/n looked up to see Ominis sitting in the armchair. She nodded before realizing what she had done and said a quick 'No, not at all'.

Ominis sat with his Charms book in his lap with his wand waving over it as he read. Y/n could only stare in shock. Said male was just enjoying her scent. He felt as if he was wrapped up in a cozy blanket on a cold winter's day reading in front of a fireplace.

"You know, I realized this week that I haven't talked to you since First Year and I wanted to let you know that I hold no contempt for you about it. I apologize for not telling you sooner, Y/n."

With widened eyes, she sputtered out,

"No no no. You're okay. More than okay actually. I've been just doing my thing... Ya know?"

Ominis let himself smile at her awkwardness. She is really sweet. As sweet as she smells.

"I do know. I've been doing the same... I want to get to know you better."

A short silence fell over them before Y/n squeaked out,

"I would like to get to know you as well, Ominis."

Her face was now a bright red. She was sure she would melt at this rate. Ominis smiled at her,

"I'm happy that you do. Can I expect you to sit with me at dinner possibly?"

"Yes!"

Y/n quickly cleared her throat and made an attempt to cover up her eagerness,

"I mean... Yes, I would be honored to sit with you."

He stood up and ticked his book under his arm,

"Okay. It's settled. I'll see you at dinner at the Slytherin table. See you later, Y/n."

With that, he walked off. Leaving a melting Y/n in his wake.

------_

Y/n read her finished song as she walked to the Great Hall for dinner with Ominis. She tucked her book away as she entered. She looked around before she heard someone call for her.

"Oi! Y/n! We're over here!"

Sebastian waved her over. Ominis smiled in her direction as she approached them. The brunette scooted over giving her a spot between the duo. She settled between them. Ominis was first to speak,

"Thank you for joining us, Y/n. I assume you know Sebastian."

Y/n nodded,

"Yes, I do. I beat him a Crossed Wands recently."

The blind boy smirked,

"You didn't mention that, Sebastian. Embarrassed?"

Sebastian grumbled,

"No. Just disappointed in myself."

Y/n patted his back,

"It's okay. I'll say that it was a lucky shot that got you out, Okay?"

The brunette huffed and crossed his arms. Y/n giggled and Ominis chuckled.

The three of them had a delightful dinner. Ominis learned a lot about Y/n and... he actually felt himself liking her. Her laugh was contagious. She was very smart and could keep up with him on an intellectual level. She was fun but, not idiotic like Sebastian tends to be. She was a breath of fresh air to him. He has never experienced that with anyone before. He enjoyed it.

After these developments, Ominis would seek her out more and more. This went on for a couple weeks before he heard her.

He was walking around outside, looking for Y/n, of course. He paused mid-step, he heard something. It wasn't any normal sounds he had heard around Hogwarts... and the smell of vanilla accompanied it. He instantly started to follow it. He got closer and closer. He heard singing. It was Y/n's voice. Her voice seemed to be carried by the spring breeze into Ominis's ears. He stood behind the tree she sat at and listened.

"Dandelion, into the wind you go Won't you let my darling know? Dandelion, into the wind you go Won't you let my darling know that?

I'm in a field of dandelions Wishing on every one that you'd be mine, mine And I see forever in your eyes I feel okay when I see you smile, smile

Wishing on dandelions all of the time Praying to God that one day you'll be mine Wishing on dandelions all of the time, all of the time

I'm in a field of dandelions Wishing on every one that you'd be mine, mine"

Ominis shifted, the grass crunched when he did, catching the Hufflepuff girl's attention instantly. Her eyes widened as she looked up at him,

"Ominis. Um... How long have you been standing there?"

Ominis could hear the embarrassment in her voice but, brushed off her question with his own,

"Was that song written for me?"

Silence settled between them. Y/n could only stare, her breath caught in her throat. She didn't know what to say for once. Ominis walked closer and sat next to her. He looked over at the stunned girl,

"I'm gonna be honest with you. I started talking to you because Poppy told me you had a crush on me. She told me why you never talked to me again but admired me from afar. She wanted to give you a chance to confess before we graduated and you never would see me again. Sebastian convinced me to talk to you and learn about you."

Y/n felt tears well up in her eyes. She wanted to say something but, Ominis continued,

"I did and I'm happy I started to talk to you. I can honestly say that... that I have feelings for you, Y/n. You are smart, kind, and, from what I hear, beautiful. I like how you and I can have deep talks and how you always get the quotes I say from books I read. I just... I just wish I talked to you sooner and didn't make you think that I was mad about dropping some stupid books."

Y/n sat in shocked silence. She couldn't believe that this was happening. The tears of sadness turned to happiness as she tackled Ominis into a hug. He made a startled yelp but, hugged her back in return with a smile. She said into his chest as they hugged,

"It's okay. I forgive you. I have feelings for you too and yes, the song I wrote was for you. I wished on Dandelions every day that you would be mine."

Ominis let out a chuckle at her muffled rant. He nudged her up and brought her into a kiss. She returned it happily. After they parted, Ominis put his forehead to hers and whispered,

"Please be mine, Y/n."

"Yes. I'm your's, Ominis."

[kimmiessimmies]

Make this night count...

"Look at all the colours! Isn't it pretty, James?"

"Very. The view is great from up here."

"It was a good idea to book this room for tonight."

"I'm full of good ideas."

"We have made things difficult for her this year, haven't we, James?"

"For whom, lovely?"

"Our author. This. Us. It was never part of her plan, was it?"

"No, but, haven't we also made things great for her?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Well, we've made things great for us, either way, Sade."

"Cheers to that, lovely."

"Sade..."

"Hmm...?"

"You wouldn't let me kiss you under the mistletoe because of where it might lead, but... since we're here now... Will you let me kiss you for New Year's?"

"Umm... No, I don't think so...

"Oh... Sorry..."

"I'm not going to let you kiss me for New Year's, James, because I'm going to kiss you first."

"Wha..."

"Happy New Year, you."

"Happy New Year, my girl..."

......

....

...

"James?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think she'll let us be together in the new year?"

"We'll have to see, love... Let's make this night count while we're here..."

My dear followers,

This year has been very... intense... for me. I already wrote a long post about my mental health struggles, which put a huge stamp on my year. However, 2023 will also forever be the year I went back to my Sims, back to my stories, and back to Tumblr.

I spent five years away. Both because real life took over and because I had gotten into a rut with my Sims and the story. I never forgot them, though, and never stopped loving them. And suddenly, somewhere in February, it clicked. Everything fell into place, and I knew where I wanted to go with it all. In fact, it was this boy up here, my dearest James, who pulled me back. His story was suddenly clear as day to me. But how to begin? So, in March, I decided to just start writing. Then, I dusted off my game, found that all shortcuts and cheats were apparently in my muscle memory, and started shooting pictures to go with what I had written. And once I got going, I didn't stop. Everything I wrote in 2023 (and that's a lot!) even if it seemed unrelated, was geared towards James's story and the big moment that still lies ahead. However... As I've emphasised several times by now, I didn't account for this girl... So now it's like James said, "We'll have to see."

Coming back to my story brought me so much this year; I went from gameplay-based to story-based and found out how much I truly LOVE writing and how much it helps me, especially now that I'm going through rough times. Encouraged and inspired by someone dear to me, my story gained a title and came to Tumblr in full. I learnt to not only accept the benefits of poses, but how incredibly enhancing they can be to bring my ideas to life when used right. I reconnected with old contacts and made new connections too, some of whom proved to be true friends outside of this Tumblr/Sims world too. I've loved getting caught up on the stories I used to follow and discovering new ones. I've been amazed at how good CC has become in five years and pleasantly surprised to see there's still a good crowd playing TS3 in addition to the great things some of you are doing with TS4. All of this has been bright spots in my darkness.

And now we're entering 2024. I hope it will be light and bright for all of us. May the good days outnumber the bad ones and may we continue to feel the joy these little pixel-people bring us. Happy New Year to you and yours.

Much love. ❤️

-Kim

P.s. I know, I know; Some of you are now very disappointed you didn't get to see James and Sadie "making the night count." Just for all of you filthy animals I have one more post in this non-canon series set to go. Be forewarned; this one is very NSFW (And Not Suitable To View At New Year's Parties With Lots Of People Around) and will be labelled mature. I also have a sneaking suspicion it'll take Tumblr about 3 seconds to take it down, so I have an alternative post with Pillowfort link waiting in the wings. Going live as the the New Year hits where I am, at midnight GMT+1. See them making the night count by clicking here!

[sunflower-lilac42]

𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 "𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗺𝘆" ; 𝘤𝘣98 ୨୧

➪ summary: no one knows that y/n and connor are dating, so when her team finds her crying in the arms of connor, they can't help but get angry

➪ warnings: fights, jesper/timo being a little mean (protective)

➪ word count: 3.0k

➪ file type: fic - reupload

➪ sunny's notes: the reader is not related to anyone in this fic, everyone on the team just thinks of her as a little sister! the user of 'their/our girl' is strictly platonic unless its in reference to connor. anyway, yeah, i love this fic. i can't remember if this was based on anon idea or if this was just something i wrote but i remember writing it when i had a 100 followers (the first time around) and i'm just happy that i've grown both on my old blog and on this one. i love you all of you guys and thank you for sticking around through my madness <3

© sunflower-lilac42 ; do not copy, repost, or translate my work and designs on any other website or here

cb98 masterlist || nhl masterlist || new taglist || navigation

Sitting on the bus, y/n looked at her phone, biting her fingernail. She was nervous, beyond nervous if you were to ask her. She wasn’t ready for anyone to find out, they had gone two years without anyone noticing and it could be revealed within seconds.

“You okay?” Luke sat down next to her, throwing his arm on the back of her seat. 

Y/n and Luke were the rookie two on the Devils, well, because they were both rookies. She was traded from the Canadiens not long after she was drafted, why? She would never know, but she couldn’t care now. 

“Nothing, why would something be wrong? Do I have a look on my face? Am I shaking?”

“No, but you’re talking fast and rambling.” Luke pointed out, his eyebrow-raising.

“Oh. I promise I’m fine.”

“Bull shit.” 

“Well, you know with Nico and Jack out, I’m just a little nervous about playing by myself.”

When y/n first started practicing with the team and even through her debut, she had always played with Jack or Nico. It wasn’t a conscious thing that Lindy had done but somehow she was always on the ice with one of them. When Nico got injured, she had played with Jack but when he got hurt during the Blues game she was nervous. She hadn’t played without them since and the thought of that was terrifying.

What made it worse, is that she was playing her boyfriend, the 2023 first overall pick. What made that worse, was that no one knew they were dating. Everyone had been raving, the past two first-overall picks were all playing on the ice.

“You’ll be okay, promise.”

“Y/n/n! Luke!” 

The girl turned her head to see Dawson standing at the front of the bus and they realized they were all alone, “Time for practice you two.”

“Ugh, I don’t want to.” Luke dragged her off the bus, following behind Dawson. 

Her phone rang as she went into the bathroom and she answered it, “Hi?”

“Hey babe.”

“Oh, hi Con!”

“Are you here yet?” Y/n nodded her head, forgetting that her boyfriend couldn’t see her, “Hello?”

“Yes, sorry. Luke and I just got off the bus.”

“I heard something about us filming a video or something, I don’t really know.”

The girl groaned, “Of course. Why can’t we-”

“Y/n/n hurry up!” Both she and Connor stopped talking at the voice, “Give me a second!” 

Whoever was behind the door, she couldn’t tell, walked away and y/n sat her phone down on speaker as she got changed, the two catching up. When she was done, the two said goodbye and she walked out, startled to see Luke standing there, “Oh!”

“So, who was that?” 

“Who was what?”

“The guy on your phone, dumbass.”

“Hey! Unnecessary roughness.” That had become an inside joke with her and the team. Whenever they were at practice and one of the guys accidentally shoved her a little too hard, she would always stop and call it ‘unnecessary roughness’. This happened both on and off the ice. 

“I’ll take your clothes, you go find your way to the ice.” Luke grabbed y/n’s clothes that she had changed out of to the clubhouse.

‘Find your way to the ice’ was an easy task, she had been to the United Center plenty of times. However, she purposely got lost in hopes of running into Connor, which was successful. She walked down the hallways, running into staff and other Hawks players who kindly waved at her. When she took a brief look at her phone, going to text the group chat that she was lost she ran into a chest.

“Connor!”

Connor looked down at the girl and smiled, “Hi.” She gave him a tight hug, some tears slipping out.

He pulled away, his smile turning into a frown. He placed his hands on her cheeks, wiping the stray tears, “What’s wrong, baby?”

She shook her head, “Nothing. I’m just so happy to see you. I haven’t seen you in months.” Connor wrapped his arms around his girlfriend once more, practically squeezing the life out of her, “It’s okay, I promise.”

They continued to hug for a few moments and when they finally pulled apart, y/n’s tears were still on her face. She went to dry her face off when a loud voice echoed down the hallway, “Hey!”

The two turned to see Jesper and Timo standing there, faces plastered with anger as they looked at their teammate/little sister with tears falling down her face. The two walked towards them and separated them, “Guys? You okay?”

Both their faces softened at y/n’s voice and looked down at her, “Shouldn’t we be asking you two that?”

“What do you mean?” Connor spoke up, his arms crossing over his chest. Now, the Devils and Hawks were not rivals. They had no affiliation with them and only played them twice a season, once at home and over in Chicago, so really the two shouldn’t have a reason to be mad at the two talking. If anything, they should be glad that their girl was making conversation with other NHL players besides themselves, especially one who was the same age as her, but Timo and Jesper’s faces tensed up at the 18-year-old’s voice, “I don’t know Bedard why don’t you tell us why our girl is crying? What did you say to her?”

Y/n went to defend her boyfriend but the two weren’t having it. Timo dragged the girl away from their teammate and Connor as she tried to get through to the two men. None of them listened once again and she couldn’t do much but give up. 

ﾟ+*:୨୧:*﹤

Throughout practice, y/n took her frustration out on her teammates and the puck. The boys exchanged looks with each other as practice went on, having no explanation for why she was acting like this. Lindy was confused as well and as soon as y/n ‘accidentally’ shoved Jesper into the boards, which also didn’t bode well with her since Jesper was 5’10” and weighed 175 pounds. As she ran into him, she tripped over both his and her skates, causing her to go flying to the boards as well. 

She let out a yelp in pain as she landed on her arm. It wasn’t anything serious but the initial action of her landing on it caused a big enough ache through her arm for her to verbally react to it. 

Connor had been watching from the stadium seats and winced when he saw it happen. He went to run down when he remembered Jesper’s words.

‘If I ever see you near her again, I wouldn’t mind getting a suspension.’

Sure it was a little harsh, but y/n was his teammate, his little sister, of course, he was going to be protective and so was everyone else on the team. 

The whole team crowded around y/n, the trainer pushing their way through the hoard of hockey players to assess the girl’s injury. As soon as they went to touch her arm, she shoved them off, “I’m fine.”

The trainer nodded their head, “I understand that but I still need to-”

Y/n got up and threw her gloves on the ground, “I said I’m fine!” She skated a little ways away and started moving her arm around, “See, I’m fine. I could punch someone if I fucking wanted to.” 

She continued her skate and got off the ice, heading for the locker room. She didn’t mean for her words to come out so harsh, nor did she mean to swear, but she was mad. Who were they to tell her who she could and couldn’t be around? They weren’t her keeper. 

Connor met her in front of the visiting clubhouse, “Are you okay?”

She nodded her head, having cooled off from her walk and it wasn’t him that she was mad at, “I’m gonna be so trash tomorrow.”

“Hey don’t say that, y/n/n. You’re going to be great!”

“But, Nico and Jack-”

“Nico and Jack have nothing to do with your performance. Sure they might enhance it, but you control how you play. Tomorrow you are going to kick ass, as much as I don’t want you to- not like that! I want you to do well it’s just that if you do well that means-”

Y/n cut him off with a kiss, “I know what you meant, Connie.”

Connor blushed and nodded his head. The two heard footsteps coming their way and immediately split up, heading back in their respective directions. 

ﾟ+*:୨୧:*﹤

Throwing on her suit, y/n got ready to head to the UC. She slicked her hair back into a ponytail and put her heels on. She headed down to the lobby of the hotel and waited in the corner, away from anyone else. She hadn’t talked to anyone since yesterday’s practice and she wasn’t planning on talking to anyone until she absolutely had to. 

She sat at the back of the bus instead of sitting next to Luke like she always did. She put her headphones in and listened to her holiday music, she didn’t care what anyone else said, holiday music made her happy. She could hear the quiet conversations around her through her headphones even though she tried to drown them out. 

Placing her headphones back into her pocket and stood up ready to get off the bus. She was stopped as soon as she was about to get off the bus by Vitek, who handed her a cup of coffee. Vitek was one of the players that she could never be mad at, he was adorable and no one could be mad at him. 

“Thanks, V.” She gave him a grateful smile and he returned one right back, letting her get off the bus. She ignored the cameras flashing as she walked to the clubhouse, following whoever had gotten off the bus in front of her. 

The team all went through their pregame rituals, getting ready for the game. No one attempted to talk to y/n, mostly because she was always nervous before games and any slight conversation made her even more nervous. 

During pregame, as they were practicing, everyone could tell something was off. The Devils knew something was off, Lindy knew something was off, the Hawks knew something was off, and even the fans knew something was off. They chalked it up to just the absence of Nico and the recent absence of Jack, they had lost their two-star players without much time apart.

Y/n stood between Dawson and Nathan during the National Anthem, making eye contact with Connor since he was ironically directly across from her. They slowly got through warmups and soon it was time for the game to start. 

Having faith, and assuming that she had a complete reset and she was back to normal, Lindy sent her out for the beginning face-off. She wanted to protest but she knew she couldn’t. She skated toward center ice and faced her boyfriend. The two sighed before bending down into position. Let’s just say, it was not a good start for the Devils. 

It was almost two minutes into the game and Taylor Hall had scored already. Y/n wasn’t on the ice when it happened, having changed lines just beforehand. She sighed amongst the others on the benches and leaned over and whispered into Toffoli's ear, “Can you get a penalty for checking your own teammate?”

Toffoli laughed, causing her to let one out as well. The bench looked at each with smiles on their faces, glad to see their girl smiling once again. 

Over halfway into the period and y/n had done jack-shit. No goals, no assists, no nothing. It was like she was invisible out there, well not really. She had gotten a few hits which was no big deal but normally, those wouldn’t have happened. She would have dodged them completely or softened the blow a little bit, but she just let them happen. 

When Dawson scored his first goal of the season she was on the ice with him. She skated fast and hugged him, so excited for him. That was the only other time she was happy during that period. Every other time she came off the ice she was so close to chucking her stick into a board or the bench itself, she was pissed off. She wanted to prove something to everyone and herself that she could do something without Nico or Jack, and right now, the only ones she was proving right were the ones who said she was trash from the start. 

ﾟ+*:୨୧:*﹤

During the first intermission, the Devils walked back somewhat happy, they were leading 2-1, Dawson had his first goal and so did Max Willman. Lindy spoke briefly about the first period and kept making little jabs towards y/n. None that were hurtful but ones that tried to ignite a spark in her for a second. 

That didn’t happen at all. The second period was worse than the last if that was even possible. Everyone could tell she was frustrated. Connor noticed it the most when she was on the ice with him. Her whole body was more tense, her shot was weak and floppy, and her passing was not on point. 

The second intermission was when Lindy stormed into the clubhouse, “What was that, y/l/n?!” 

The team snapped their heads up at their coach, they hadn’t heard him so mad at y/n before. 

“I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.”

“Damn right, it won’t happen again. You’re playing like shit.”

“Jeez, I know I suck, but you don’t have to frame it that way.” Y/n’s eyes watered up. 

Lindy knew she could play better, he was determined to make it that way, “You have to man up. You think Hischier gets off all high and dry when he plays like you are? You think Hughes is going to sit on his ass after a game when he did nothing all game? No.”

She looked at the team, looking for some support but she knew she didn’t deserve it, “You have got to put your personal issues aside, this team is what matters now. I don’t care who’s hanging out with who, who’s kissing who, who’s fighting who, I don’t care. You all get your heads in the game and get out there and play some hockey.”

The team was speechless, “Do you hear me?”

“Yes, coach/sir.”

ﾟ+*:୨୧:*﹤

Coming back for the third period, y/n was nervous, more nervous than before. Yet it seemed like Lindy’s speech worked. 

4:35 into the third period, y/n scored. John assisted and the team was elated for the girl. They patted her head and hugged her before she skated off to high-five the bench. And from the other side of the ice, even though his opponent just scored, Connor held a smile on his face, he was proud of his girl. 

Although, that wasn’t enough for y/n. If she was going to prove herself, she was going to prove herself. The team briefly faltered when Donato got his goal but right before the game ended, y/n got herself another goal, unassisted this time. 

Everyone was proud of her, especially Nico who was watching from home and Jack would be too when he was able to watch it, not knowing where he was at this moment. After the game everyone got changed back into their suits, doing some post-game interviews beforehand.

They wanted to celebrate but they weren’t going to go without y/n. They were going to go out for dinner but she declined nicely, saying she had other plans. The team looked confused as they stood outside talking with one another, but when someone all of a sudden came behind their teammate and picked her up and spun her around, the realization grew on their faces, Jesper and Timo becoming embarrassed.

They let the two have their moment for a little bit before someone cleared his throat, Luke. 

“Yes, Lukas?”

“Ooo, full name bud.”

Luke glared at everyone, “Aren’t you going to introduce us to your friend?”

“I think they’re more than friends.” Dawson snickered with Nathan as they stood behind everyone else.

“Right, guys this is Connor, Connor this is the team.”

“You watch yourself, Bedard.”

“Okay, we’re leaving, bye everyone!”

The two ran off before anyone could say anything else. They got into Connor’s car and drove to their new favorite restaurant, Culver’s.

ﾟ+*:୨୧:*﹤

•❅ 《 𝘉𝘖𝘕𝘜𝘚 𝘚𝘊𝘌𝘕𝘌 》 ❅•

“I don’t want to go.”

“I know, sweetheart, but think of it this way. The 22 I’m in Columbus, you’re in Detroit. I’ll drive there after the game and we can spend some of Thursday together before our games on Friday. And then about a month later we can visit for Christmas.”

“You’re gonna be so exhausted Connie.” 

“You’re worth it.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Connor gave y/n a kiss on the forehead, before kissing her cheek and her nose. She leaned in to kiss him on his lips yet was interrupted by a loud voice, “Y/n! You’re gonna miss our flight!”

She rolled her eyes, “How do they always manage to interrupt us?”

Connor shrugs and smiles, “Go on.”

“But would me missing the flight really be a bad thing?”

“Y/n!!”

“I’m coming, jeez!”

Connor kissed her and ushered her off, “Love you!”

“Love you too!”

𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗚𝗢 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗛𝗔𝗪𝗞𝗦 𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧 ୨୧

@toasttt11 @chiblackhawks @pucks-goals-penalties @dancerbailey3 @petite-potato4 @absolutelyhugh3s @dyslecticdutchman

© sunflower-lilac42 ; do not copy, repost, or translate my work and designs on any other website or here

[thedragonagebigbang]

Bang Creator Interview: Tumblr: @blarrghe  |  [AO3: blarghe

The Collaboration period has begun! In these quiet months before works are due, we want to foster a sense of excitement, camaraderie, and celebration among our participants. To that end, all participants were given the option of a formal interview by our mod, Dema, or an informal “ask-game” survey. We hope you enjoy getting to know our phenomenal creators as much as we have!

Tortured Man More Tortured by Having To Endure the Best Week of His Life

Blarghe and Dema talk art imitating life writing, romantic foils, and the Platonic Ideal Dorianmance 

Dema: I'd love to begin in OC land with you. As someone who is both an artist and a writer, do you find that making art of your OCs informs your process? Or are those pretty separate for you?

Blarghe: Hmm. That's a good question.

Dema: Why, thank you!

Blarghe: My feeling has always been that I'm a better writer than I am an artist, so maybe the writing informs the art, more. I am always getting very visual ideas, like maybe some comic-panel type storyboards in the brain, and I can't really illustrate that to the degree that I want, so it can be like it is in my head. But I can more easily make words do that.

I'd very much like to do some illustrations for my own stuff, and I love drawing my OC and some things have helped in the other way, like designing his vallaslin on paper did give me something better to describe from in writing. I'd really love to reach the point of being able to do a few comics. There are a few scenes I really see that way. I try to be quite visual in my writing in the meantime I guess, haha.

Dema: That makes sense! I have the same dream. Comics are very intimidating. So it sounds like you write your OCs before you draw them?

Blarghe: Yeah, generally. I think since we're going from a video game and I already have seen the characters that way, there's that. Though I have OCs I have not made in the character creator. I haven't invented a ton of non-canon side characters but there are a few. I think I can picture them pretty well. I wind up drawing them after falling in love with them through writing them, rather than like, designing a character visually/on paper/in the cc before putting them in a story. Honestly, I put down DA:I for a looong time while still writing da:i-inspired fic with my OC and other canon characters. So I guess I don't have to look at him that often.

Dema: I have asked several of our writers if they make all their OCs in the CC, and if that's step 1. I'm curious, too, at what point you knew you were going to make fan content of your OC and participate in fandom. Did you finish the game first? Did you come in with a foot already in the fandom?

Blarghe: Ok long answer: I was into the games first. I started playing in maybe 2015, shortly after Inquisition came out. My partner already liked the games and was excited to play it, so I wound up watching some of that and being intrigued. But I started with Origins, loved it, and wound up loving and playing all three, all of them with more than one OC, to varying degrees of completion. When it comes to writing fic, I had ideas, like, little comics and some additional fill-in-the-gaps scenes written into notebooks and stuff for all three games. Mostly expanding on the personal relationships and romances, as you do. I'd done that kind of thing for other media I liked, but never really been in "fandom" about it for anything. I've always done creative writing and original fiction as a hobby and it was just a way of getting back into that on a personal level. I wrote the most after finishing DA:I for the second time... I kind of did a playthrough I wasn't super happy with, then made a new character specifically for a romance (Dorian's) then... wasn't super happy with that character either, THEN made Taren who is my current OC obsession, and wrote like 30K words of canon-divergence fic with a whole other OC companion inserted and just had fun with it. I forgot about that until 2020, when I found it in my docs and re-read it and decided it was actually pretty good and that I could maybe try to post online, find community, etc. I've since completely scrapped and deleted that fic from AO3, but getting out there got me into doing writing prompts and writing other stories, and now here I am. (I still haven't actually finished my Taren playthrough. I will before Veilguard lol) I was definitely motivated by COVID, thought I might go insane without community, so I picked a couple things I was already into (writing and dragon age) and went looking.

Dema: I'm guessing most of the art and writing you've done for DA has been DA:I?

Blarghe: Most, yeah. If only because my long fic is a DA:I inspired modern-au. Honestly it's fairly divorced from canon lol. Most of my canon writing is for DA:O actually. And I'm obsessed with Taren, I've drawn him more than anyone ever. He is very pretty, you see.

Dema: He is very, very pretty. Is DA:O your favorite game in the franchise? Everyone hates this question but I GOTTA KNOW hahaha!

Blarghe: Yeah it is! I love them all for different aspects, but it's got that first-game start of the obsession nostalgia. I also love a finicky, strategy-heavy RPG so to me the usual combat complaints aren't really a thing. I like the pause-every-two-seconds combat hahaha. I do really love running around through the scenery in Inquisition though, and I like the characters, and the fun flashy rogue stabbing too. But I have a soft spot for Origins for really gripping you into that story and world. It's a great balance of silly and funny and dark and difficult choices.

Dema: I haven't asked anyone else this yet, but are you finding the Veilguard announcements and previews are refreshing the inspiration? Or are you avoiding all spoilers and pretending it does not exist until the release? Or some secret, third thing…

Blarghe: Somewhere in between. I've been here the whole time lol, I don't know that it hyped me up any more, but it's nice to finally have news. And I'm excited that it will mean new people in the fandom and a resurgence that way. I am not totally avoiding spoilers but still kinda keeping my distance for my own sanity. I'll definitely lock down the spoiler tags once it's actually out.

Dema: So valid. I am feeling very inspired, myself, but I think it may be more the energy of the fandom around me reaching such a fever pitch. We're like a flock of ducks getting a whole loaf of bread after years of crumbs. 

Blarghe: So true haha. I am really excited about how it looks. Can't wait to play it!

Dema: Same! Returning to Taren a bit because, well, he's pretty: you said you went through a few iterations of OCs for a Dorian romance before him, and then were hooked. What is it about Taren that makes him a favorite? Was there a particular inspiration for him?

Blarghe: Oh boy. Not a specific inspiration. I played DA:I three times, counting the Taren one that I'm not technically finished, and the first I completely missed any romance (thought I could get Harding until it was too late) but I loved Dorian's character and his personal arc hit so hard that I immediately made a new character just for him. He was like a sassy Trevelyan who didn't really wanna be there, trying to pull kind of a rogueish charming sarcastic irresponsible pretty boy to hang with Dorian but I really didn't like how that clicked. I know it's a pretty common character archetype esp in a Dorian romance to do sassy x sassy so no hate but I found the Inquisition storyline and dialogue options just wouldn't let me be that irresponsible and funny, which makes sense. I really liked the themes of how the game pushes you into this impossible role where the only thing you can do is become a big responsible hero figure. I'm sure there's a compelling story there for the kind of character I'm talking about, but since mine fell so flat to me I decided to lean the complete opposite way. And Dorian inspired it too. The more I played and considered it the more I felt like I wanted him to have kind of a counterweight romance, you know. Opposites attract kind of thing. So Taren started as this very responsible, serious character who has always been prepared for leadership, being a First, and takes all that really seriously. He's also very Dalish and has reason to distrust and argue with him, which is great for Drama, but very very sweet and genuine and wholesome, which is so fun to contrast with all Dorian's trust issues. Dorian's quite emotional and idealistic, really, so they match in that way and it's very romantic. Taren's also a bit aspirational. Part of why I like Dorian so much is that I relate to him a lot, and I was struggling with trying to become less arrogant and more genuine, so Taren embodies a lot of that for me. Part of what makes him my favourite is probably the blank-slate of it all, too. Not having the Origin and getting to make stuff up. The whole romance plot is really compelling. I stuck him in some AUs and got carried away by worldbuilding, too. And after so much time spent with him he's just the fave now. But yeah, he's not my usual archetype. I think I've made a lot more sarcastic rogues than genuine sweethearts. He has like, anxiety and trust issues and I keep throwing him in situations to give him Trauma, but that sort of, happy, sweet, genuine, and healer-class character was all new ground to me and I wound up just loving the different-ness and challenge of it.

Dema: I did want to tell you that your "This is a story about trauma and relationships and socioeconomics and questioning belief and searching for balance. It's also about finding your soulmate on grindr" summary absolutely sent me.

Blarghe: Thank you, I'm very proud of that.

Dema: Speaking of which, can you come up with a clickbait title for your bang fic?

Blarghe: Something like Tortured Man More Tortured by Having To Endure the Best Week of His Life [[REDACTED]] you can cut that last part because it does make it obvious.

Dema: A+. Thank you for the lovely interview, it's been a treat chatting!

Blarghe: Thanks! It was very fun.

[imagionationstation]

Hi! I read your TMNT 2012 separated au that you made with ellestrade and it really gave me brainworms so I wrote a small one-shot for it! The characters kinda ended up writing themselves haha.

anyways, wanted to share it with you and also make sure that you're okay with it. Not sure how you feel about other people taking inspiration from you ideas, so if you would like me to take it down, just let me know!

Thanks for sharing such fun ideas. Here's the post (I've also tagged you in it but sometimes tags are weird and don't always show. Also its on my fandom specific sideblog, but I am the same person haha)

Gotta love those brain worms! (Ironic statement from a 2012 viewpoint, actually-) HOLY CHALUPA, BRAIN WORMS IN THIS AU UNIVERSE, WAIT WAIT ACTUALLY WAIT-

*background rambles and spazzing*

Okay, I’m back.

I’m always a-okay with whatever fan things anyone wants to create with inspiration from something I made or helped make. As long as it isn’t containing some stamp that says “this I deem canon” when neither me (nor my partner) deemed it canon, no one ever has to worry with me getting upset over some story/comic/art.

I’m going to give some thoughts and I want to disclaimer.

When I discuss my thoughts on your POV of events in the AU, I will never, in any way, intend to diss or attack the story. I think the flow was excellent and Raph’s analysis of the events occurring was intriguing. I loved it! And nothing I say will be a statement otherwise.

But, since I have a distinct inability to keep my mouth shut when it comes to turtles and you asked, I have thoughts 🧐

My brain is now turning and ya’ll have to deal.

Characterization:

Donnie: Much distrust. Much sass. A strong sense of duty to defend his brethren turtles who don’t deserve it but he’s doing it anyway.

Very on point. Much approval 👌

Mikey: Could not be more perfect. I love him. Sweet soul ✨

Leo: He’s a bit less… Forceful. Cold and calculating. Than I envision.

I’d imagine that he had to learn to shut feelings down in order to survive. Fidgeting/smiling/visibly hesitating is out of the question. Staying in Shredder’s graces meant learning to play the game. His silence is what earns Raph the ability to be loud. The only times that he’s himself is when him and Raph are alone, outside of the sight of cameras, or when someone in is danger and fear/fury overwhelms all else. He seems bland to outsiders and it takes the Hamato brothers a while to see that that he’s just a scared little boi at heart that’s just trying his best in a cruel world.

He’s also set in his beliefs, so he’s going to assume that they’re being tormented mentally, if not physically. There’s no place in his mind that wonders if they were actually safer elsewhere.

I do like your POV, though. Plenty for me to play with.

Raph:

He’s ABSOLUTELY the first to question the differences between how Shredder treats them and how Splinter treats their brothers. He doesn’t jump the gun, but as devoted as he is, he’s never really liked Shredder. I love the implications that he’s been filing away concerns subconsciously and his brain keeps poking him like “HELLO?!”

He’s very deep. I can’t decide how I feel about that 🤔

Shredder would have wanted to fan that temper into something unforgiving and vile. Or course, that doesn’t mean he stops being a sensitive soul. It could… Have something to do with Shredder manipulating him into being angry when he wills it (basically all the time) and solemn and still when he doesn’t (such as during lectures, punishments, etc).

His brain registers this situation as one where he’s not meant to be loud and angry, and so he’s kinda… Shut down. Sassy, but mellow. Processing. Adapting. Letting what happens happen because he’s not meant to stop it.

It’s a reason that Leo gets so defensive when punishments come into play. It forces Raph to feel small. It make him vulnerable.

HOLY MOTHER OF MUTATIONS- I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS NEW TAKE ON THE AU @ellestrade TELL ME IF I’M ONTO SOMETHING

Anyway, commentary:

“in one of Takeō's strategy books he couldn't care less about”

It’s like Space Heroes. He claims so and YET he read, recalls, AND clearly has DEBATED the passage so I call sus vibes.

I get giddy when I think of Takeō discovering Space Heroes-

“Junkō and Kōta— or Donnie and Mikey, whatever false name they’d been given—”

My brain made connections. I don’t know if it was intended, but I always believe that they knew them by Shredder’s names through the beginning of season one, end of season one/beginning of season two they were associating them as both, and then by the time that the City is under attack, they’ve adapted to using their real names. (But the Saki brothers still keep their Foot names.)

So, now I assume this is somewhere in that middle plot.

Fun little Easter egg~

“Takeō and Akihitō were the offense, and Donnie and Mikey were the defense” “They held their own. In fact, they dominated.”

I’m in love with Raph’s simple acknowledgment of their roles in battle. It’s a very practical outline of exactly how their dynamic on the field plays out and he's so certain of his place.

On the other hand, I’m a bit uncertain about whether they’d dominate. I do believe that they are trained and can hold their own, but I don’t know about them being as impressive as Raph&Leo, simply because Splinter trained them to defend and Shredder trained them to kill. The Hamato brothers haven’t had much time to practice in the offensive, especially since that’s Leo&Raph’s job. (In non-AU canon, they are all offensive/defensive.)

I think Mikey might learn that kinda strength at the farmhouse after being taught by Leo&Raph, and Donnie will step back from that, finally finding his place not as a fighter/leader, but as a scientist.

Definitely an interesting take, tho 🤔

“Only now does he think that, perhaps, there was a reason their master made their primary weapons blunts and not blades.”

I am chewing on this line so hard. It’s so powerful.

I can’t even tell you why. It just is.

“Akihitō knows that Takeō isn’t lying. He’d already tried to take tonight's blame all on his own shoulders, spare Akihitō of the punishment. But Akihitō knows all his tricks and he won’t let his brother suffer alone. Again.”

100% behind Raph learning to butt in when Leo tries to take the fall as they get older and punishments get worse.

“Seeing the situation, the evidence glaring at him, Akihitō cannot deny that this wasn’t exactly a great sell. Takeō and him are tied to the ground, trying to convince these two strangers that they would be safe with them. That their clan would not hurt them while that same clan was just about ready to beat them to a pulp.”

I was thinking the same thing 🤣

Leo, dude, seriously. Look around. Think for a second. You are not selling your point. You are doing the opposite.

In the end, it doesn’t even matter. Sensei will always find them no matter where they run. It was better to follow than be chased.

SOMEONE NEEDS TO TEACH THESE KIDS THAT THIS IS A TOXIC RELATIONSHIP. YOU SHOULD NOT FEEL MOTIVATED TO STAY WITH DAD BECAUSE HE WILL FORCED YOU TO REMAIN OTHERWISE. BRUH. RED FLAG.

These were Foot Ninja binds made specifically to hold them. Mutant strength and all.

It makes sense that Shredder would make these. But.

But man. He made those. For them.

Takeō tries to take control of the situation again, the bossy oldest sibling coming out in him.

HA. Got him. Leo is Leo in any universe.

“His name is Mikey.” Donnie glares. “The rat is lying and he has—” “Donnie, its fine.”

Absolutely how they view things. Mikey doesn’t care what they think or do as long as no one he cares about is paying the price. Donnie feels it is a manner of principle that they accept logic and truth.

Leo talking over both of them is valid. This kid, I swear.

“Then tell your older brother to shut up about—”

LEO IS IT OFFICIAL YOU HAVE BEEN DISOWNED

“Sounds like a you-problem.” Donnie stands. “Mikey, we saved them. It's time to go.”

Donnie would die for them <3

A hand lands on his shoulder, and he recognizes it. Takeō always knows when to give support. He’s a good brother. He hopes Donnie and Mikey will know that one day too.

OH. OKAY. WELL. 🥺

THOSE FEELS CAME OUT OF NOWHERE-

He loved his big bro sm hjkhkjhkjhjkkjhkjhkjhku

If Akihitō didn’t know any better, he’d say it was longing.

Oh, don’t worry, he is dying to have other people in his life who genuinely care for him, but as long as you guys are with the enemy, you’re a threat to his baby brother and daddy and not to be trusted

And, just maybe, it could be their world too. 

Oh, so that’s what pain feels like. Glad to be reminded.

[tunastime]

currently in a strange state of thinking about how etho, known runner and ‘he’s a survivor,’ chose to protect cleo and grian even at the detriment of himself and the rest of the server, something something ethubs is in a weird position while cletho is definitely winning (idk if any of this is making sense) the difference between “he loves me” versus “i never expected him to protect me”

YES. OKAY. I had to run and watch bdubs' episode from this week since I hadn't seen it and good grief. yeah. I've really been avoiding making silly life series things into dramatics this time around, but there's something that runs so deep between etho and bdubs regardless of that that I had to answer this. I actually wrote something up and then reworded the whole thing into this:

so I think etho and bdubs play the game very differently, and I also think, that, at least from a character standpoint, bdubs and etho understand that difference between each other. both etho and cleo don't see bdubs as a threat, even on red (especially with the way etho waltzes around him like it doesn't mean anything, aligns himself with him as soon as he's infected, and has since the beginning, offered some sort of haven for bdubs to exist in). so as much as ethubs might be on temporarily shaky ground, if we consider the context of them in the life series as a whole, I think this isn't the first time that etho's elected to protect his teammate and chance of winning. Which. Help girl!!

etho is also more scared of cleo than he is of bdubs--I think etho's often taking advantage of bdubs' kindness and forgiveness, and I think he thinks it's much less likely that cleo will forgive him as easy as bdubs would. with that, I think also that etho doesn't remember the bargains and pacts he makes when he's faced with a quick decision. his loyalties at the beginning of the season don't stick throughout the whole time the game is played--or they nearly don't. I think they kind of treat their loyalties differently as well. as much as etho wants to keep everyone he cares about in his immediate circle, he is, like he always is, spreading himself much thinner than he actually can.

so I think. yeah. it makes sense that etho would elect to protect cleo. I think he protects grian less than he does cleo (since he talks about where grian is in the base, and goes to get the warden and such), and part of me thinks that's because people know what happens when you team with grian. lest we forget grian's horrible track record of killing his allies. I also think it's important to note that I think both cleo and etho are scared--of the game, of the people around them, of losing their progress--while grian is not. grian doesn't fear the games at all.

I will also say, that the phrase we also should be bouncing around is bdubs' "this is how you treat me?" because. good grief. something about that--I think the real jealousy of bdubs' voice kind of seals the deal for me. I really do think that bdubs' jealousy is warranted, despite him knowing that etho never agreed to give him anything. I think he's operating less on an assumption that etho would offer him something in return, and more on the idea that etho, after hearing bdubs tell him how far he would go for him, still chose to hide his overt ally. that's the real kicker here I think. etho up until this point was trying to play both sides, and doing well, up until he deliberately chose to side with cleo, his overt ally, and not bdubs, his long-time friend. I think etho cares about both of them deeply, but he's having to choose a side that serves kind of his best interest, and cleo is that side, both for his own protection, and because bdubs isn't really his overt ally.

I really think this is like. holding up a mirror to last life. we get comments from bdubs about the heart, about how etho and him can be on the same side, and then we also get etho choosing his partner over the rest of his teammates, and almost over himself.

do I think it comes down, this time, to etho's supposed clear path at winning? to not wanting to dig himself further down into a hole, like he did spreading himself too thin in last life? maybe! do I think bdubs is seeing the same thing pan out again and wondering if it'll be different? absolutely! do I think this means cletho is winning? maybe? I think if anything, this dissuades them from turning on each other. loyalty granted sort of situation, and etho's respect and care for cleo shining through. do I think this means that ethubs is losing? no <3 never <3 if anything, etho will ultimately recognize his horrible mistake and come crawling back, like he always does. but I think him choosing cleo over bdubs in that moment is to protect himself from a fallout he knows he can manage, versus one that might have him killed.

he's a survivor, man.

BUT ALSO. lest we forget. they are SO stupid and silly. bdubs as both a character and creator is incredibly dramatic, and will always cajole etho into the worst situation possible. and etho is a pathetic loser who will always fall for it and worry about upsetting his friends. he will also always be the most spooked person in the world.

UM LMAO did any of that make sense?

[prismadog]

I wrote a little soft Clockers family one-shot!

I've had an idea in my brain for a few days now (ever since watching Cleo's Limited Life earlier this week), and I had to get it out. It started as an image, but then I decided to write a little one-shot as well.

Ao3 Link

[fanart below after the one-shot]

There was Only One Bed (but not really) - Clockers Edition

They were standing in a field of flowers, surrounded by people without faces.

Friends.

Allies.

Soulmates.

They were smiling.

Crying.

They were laughing.

Screaming.

They were dancing.

Running.

They were living.

Dying.

“Cleo,” someone calls.

They turn, searching.

“Cleo,” someone calls again.

The people are fading.

“Mom!” someone yells.

— — — — —

Cleo startles awake and cracks open their eyes. There’s a grey ceiling above her, one made of stone. There’s darkness around them, moonlight streams in through the windows above.

“Mom?” a quiet voice whispers.

Their eyes turn to the man beside them, standing in his orange pajamas, holding a pillow to his chest. His green eyes are tired, there’s dark circles under them, his hair is a mess.

“Scar?” they ask quietly, voice rough with sleep. They sit up a bit, dislodging the hand on their shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

Scar looks away, a light pink dusting his cheeks. “I uh…can I…?” he struggles with his words and his shoulders droop. 

The zombie sits up more, reaches out a hand to her ally, rests it on his arm. “Scar, is everything okay?” they ask gently.

He shakes his head in response.

A moment ticks by. Then two.

“Can I…” he starts again. He swallows. “Can I sleep with you, Mom?”

Mom. 

They’re only a couple sessions into the Games but that word, that name, title, is growing on them. The two of them - Cleo and Scar - are about the same age, and yet he calls them ‘Mom’. It was weird at first, should still be weird, but they’re getting used to it.

“Sure thing,” they say and shift over in the bed, making room for their friend. 

Scar gives a grateful smile, sets his pillow next to their’s, and slides under the covers next to them. He doesn’t say anything, only lays on his side, stiff.

They lay down again too, on their back like they were before, and hold out an arm. “Do you want to cuddle?”

His eyes search their’s for a moment, looking for something, then he gives a small nod and scoots closer to them. He stiffens more at their arms wrapping around him, pulling him to their side, then he starts to relax.

The two of them lie in silence for awhile, the only sounds around them being the crickets outside and Bdubs’ snoring from across the room. It’s nice. Scar is warm against them, like a heater, and it feels good.

“You’re cold,” his voice is quieter than before, barely a whisper.

“Sorry, I can put a blanket between us if you’d like?”

He shakes his head and curls up more into their side. “It’s good. I like it. Like the cold side of a pillow.”

They chuckle, and start playing with his hair. “Do you wanna tell me why you’re awake in the middle of the night?”

There’s no answer, not immediately, and for a moment, they think he’s fallen asleep, but then he sighs softly, his breath tickling their skin. “I had a bad dream,” he replies. “Not a nightmare or anything, just…bad.”

They’ve been there. They have bad dreams too, ever since the first Game, and it’s never fun. But, they’re used to it now.

“Do you want to talk about it?” they ask.

“Not really much to talk about,” he says. 

They think he might just leave it at that, saying nothing more, just wanting to go to sleep. But, he surprises them.

“It’s the same one I have most nights - I’m in an endless desert and I’m alone. There’s voices talking to me and I try to follow them, but I can’t find them.” He wraps his arm around them, squeezing them close. “I run, trying to find them, and when I think I’m getting close, the desert sinks below my feet and I fall into the Void.

“Then I wake up.” Scar shakes his head. “I hate that dream. Every time I have it, it makes me feel like I’m alone. Like I have no friends or allies. Even in 3rd Life and Double Life, with Grian, I felt alone.”

“Well, you’re not alone now, Scar,” they say. “You’ve got me and Bdubs here. We’re your allies, and your family.”

They feel a small smile against their skin. “Thanks, Mom.”

Cleo chuckles, “No problem.”

“Would you two keep it down?!” a rough, irritated voice calls from the other side of the room, startling them both.

The two of them look over to find Bdubs awake and glaring at them from the comforts of his own bed.

“Sorry, Bdubs,” they both say.

Bdubs glares for a moment longer, eyes narrowed, studying them, then he sits up, eyes wide again. “Hey! You two’re cuddling without me!” he yells, accusatory.

“You’re more than welcome to join us,” Cleo says. “Right, Scar?”

The man nods, smiling wide, “Yeah, com’on, Dubs, join us! The more the merrier!”

Bdubs doesn’t hesitate to get out bed and join them in Cleo’s. He drops next to the zombie on the opposite side of Scar, and curls into their side, draping an arm over their stomach and a leg over their’s. “How dare you try to steal Mom away.”

Scar gasps, almost too dramatically. “I would never!” he exclaims. “I had a bad dream and Mom was kind enough to let me sleep with them.”

“Yeah well, two can play at that game. I’m sleeping with Mom too!”

Cleo sighs and pulls the two men - boys, more like - against their side. “All right, you two, settle down and go to sleep. I’m too tired to listen to you argue.”

“Sorry, Mom,” they say in unison.

“And for the record, you’re both more than welcome to sleep with me.”

They can feel the smiles from both men against their skin now. “Thanks,” Scar says while Bdubs says, “Thanks, Cleo.” The two of them settle down, relaxing into the zombie’s arms.

Within seconds, Bdubs is already fast asleep again, snoring quietly.

Scar yawns and in a very sleepy, on the edge of passing out, voice, says, “Thank you for not letting me be alone.”

Cleo smiles softly and presses a kiss into his hair, “You’re welcome, Scar,” they reply, their own voice barely a whisper.

The man smiles. Soon, he too, is fast asleep.

The zombie stays awake awhile longer, holding their boys, their family, close to them, and listening to their soft breaths of slumber. They play with Scar’s hair and stroke Bdubs’ arm.

It’s nice, peaceful, and when they finally do drift back to sleep, they have nothing but good dreams of dancing in flower fields with their boys.

[Image ID: a lineart drawing of zombie cleo, goodtimeswithscar, and bdoubleo100 cuddled close to each other and sleeping]

[damagedintellect]

Craig Tucker x Fem!reader

💌 Craig Tucker is a mother fucker: Chapter 8  💌  

Summary:  You want to say that it wasn't your fault buuuuuut it kinda was. You didn't think much of it as you casted your joke vote for the "Hottest guy in school" and in hindsight you should never listen to Clyde but it was pretty funny at the time. Craig just wanted a peaceful junior year and you can't blame him for that however waking up the morning after a party, in his bed, being told that you two were dating wasn't exactly your definition of peaceful either.

Notes:  I was always too scared of the fandom to post it back in the day but I wrote this before Creek was made canon so let's just say Craig is bi for my sake because I've had a huge crush on him since forever. My S/O pointed out that Craig is just Trafalgar Law but with a guinea pig instead of a polar bear and I haven't been the same since I have a type and it's them. THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS 🍋

💌 Word count: 3,128 💌  <= Previous | Chapter 9 =>

A few weeks later, the day of the sleepover arrived. Wendy and Bebe picked you up probably to make sure you weren't going to flake on them. You all headed over to Heidi's for the sleepover party, you didn't really want to go per say but you thought it had been forever since you've had a proper girls night. Especially since the last girls night you ended up alone, kind of? It still baffles you that Craig of all people ended up keeping you company that night. You're glad he did now but at the time it was unusual.

As you arrived to the party most of the girls were already there setting up the living room for activities. You laughed to yourself a little bit, you felt like a kid again. Nails, hair, make-up, lame party games and scary movies? Surely you thought by high school girls would outgrow sleepovers but in a way you were glad they weren't. You guys started watching a scary movie for shits and giggles but Bebe suggested making it a drinking game which most everyone was down for. Anytime someone dies, anytime you see nudity, anytime someone trips for no reason, the phone rings and anytime someone else takes a drink you guys have to drink. There were a few more but you didn't bother to keep track you decided to drink soda anyways. By the end of the movie a few people were on the cusp of being tipsy but most people were still pretty sober. It was a bad movie but it was a good one to make fun of the entire time.

After the movie was over, everyone was voting on whether you guys do things in smaller groups or one giant group and it was pretty much unanimous that everyone wanted to stay as one group. It was a team building sleepover after all. The next thing you guys were deciding on would be what to do first. You voted to play lame party games because you could always do the other things on your own time but lame party games you kind of need more people. Most of the girls agreed with you and changed their votes but now the question was what lame party game to start with.

You guys started with Never have I ever which was fun for a little while but you won since you were pretty boring in comparison. You guys ended up switching to Truth or dare mid way through the second round, it was just a better game for both boring and risky people alike. There were different ways to go about starting the game but you guys had a few empty bottles lying around so you ended up using the bottle method. It took a while before it landed on you.

"(Y/n) truth or dare."

"Hmmm," you thought for a moment but decided to play it safe this round, next time you'd choose dare "sorry guys I'm boring, let's go with truth."

"Boring you say. Who has a juicy question then." all the girls looked around some even pulling out their phones to get ideas for questions. "I'm telling you guys no matter what you ask you'll get a boring answer." You egged them on which was probably a big mistake as you saw Bebe light up. "Wait I got this." Bebe crawled into the center of the circle and grinned at you. You swallowed hard you already knew what she was going to ask. "How was sex with Craig?" everyone was suddenly very interested in the game now and you cursed yourself "Remember you have to tell the truth." you heard someone shout. You frown at Bebe who just laughed "Hey you really should have seen this coming considering I've been asking about it for a month!" you took in a deep breath "O-M-G It's like so totally hot he's an animal in bed." you answer sarcastically.

"Nah I'm fucking with you guys. I still have my V card." there are gasps around the room "Bebe I've literally told you nothing happened that night since the beginning. I was too drunk and passed out before anything could happen." you lied about that last bit but they'd never know. You probably could have just made up some story but then it would cycle around and that's what you were trying to avoid to begin with.

"Girls new plan, we're getting (Y/n) laid tonight!"

"Ummmm wait what!" all the girls cheered and started laying out make up and shit "MAKE OVER!!!" you made a distressed noise as you were pulled into a chair. "We're helping you get laid. You guys have been dating for over a month now and you're telling me you guys haven't done it yet."

"Is Tucker a man or a mouse? How has he just not had his way with you yet?"

"After we're done with you he won't be able to resist you!"

They were pulling you and all different directions but you tried to protest "Or and this is a pretty big or. You guys leave us be to do it when we do it." You feel like you chose the wrong option here this was supposed to be boring and dissipate the situation not make it worse. "Quick does anyone have cute pj's with them."

"How about lingerie what are we working with."

"It's no use fighting it we're a team!"

And that's how you ended up here. Outside of Craig's house at 1 in the morning wearing sexy underwear and cute baby doll style pajamas. You turned around to everyone hiding in the bushes they had taken your phone and used it to text Craig saying you were outside his house and that he should let you in. They gave you back your phone but it was too late to delete the message he had already seen it.

You stood frozen in place for a moment before the door opened. Craig lifted his eyebrows and questioned why you were there "I thought tonight was the Sleepover why are you here?" you didn't even need to say anything he took one look at you then looked passed you scanning the area "It's not safe to talk here is it?" you slowly nod you had no idea how to explain what was going on. You sighed throwing your arms around his neck so you could whisper into his ear "I'm sorry but can I stay the night? The girls aren't going to take no for an answer, trust me I've tried." He didn't say anything more he quickly scooped you up bridal style and took you inside. You blushed not expecting to be picked up the way he did.

He could hear squealing coming from the bushes as they cheered saying mission accomplished. He motioned for you to be quiet being that his parents worked in the morning and he didn't want to wake them while sneaking you in. Neither of you said a word until you were in his room. He gently put you down giving you one more look up and down you were pretty dolled up and that wasn't like you, well not when you had a choice anyway. "So what exactly happened?"

"We were playing truth or dare and they found out that I was a virgin and they were so taken aback they needed to help me get laid." You sat on his bed as he looked out the window to see if they were still there "In short I'm here to fuck you." You said "Fuck you" with air quotes. He took a moment to rub his face thinking over where to go from here, no matter what there would definitely be talk on Monday. He walked over to his computer putting his headset on "Sorry guys I gotta go (Y/n) needs me." You overheard someone, probably Clyde shout "I thought she was at the sleepover?" before he ended the call and closed out of the game they were playing. You shifted in your seat you felt bad. It was bad enough you weren't able to play with them tonight but now you're taking Craig with you.

"You didn't have to end the game. You could've kept playing."

"I don't know someone came here to fuck me." he said sarcastically "I wouldn't want league to get in the way of that." He laid down next to you like one of those French ladies clearly joking with you making you grin as you played along "Are you a virgin, Craig?" you gasped "Am I going to pop your cherry?" you both couldn't help but laugh this was stupid "Not to burst your bubble but I've done it before."

"Well fuck, plan's ruined. Now what am I supposed to do?" you over exaggerated as you flopped down next to him. This entire bit was extremely silly. You both stare at each other, it was like you both were having your own sleepover now. A sleepover that actually would involve sleeping. You smiled, this was nice.

"Do you think they're still outside?" he sighs glancing towards the window "I hope they left by now it's been like what twenty minutes or so?" you sit up kind of curious "Should I look?" he pulls the blanket out from under you getting ready to sleep. "Nah, I think it's safe to call it." he pulled the blanket over you and made yourself comfortable under the covers "Ye, your probably right." Craig yawned turning to face the other direction and you did the same.

You felt odd, you couldn't put your finger on why, like you weren't expecting anything to happen anyways but it was just awkward. Maybe the girls got to you or maybe you still had no idea how Craig felt about well anything and it's still bothering you. It really shouldn't but it did and you didn't even know why.

You couldn't tell if he saw you as a friend or maybe you were too dense to pick up on it. You turned back to look at Craig he was still facing the opposite direction. You felt your stomach flip and you grasped at your chest. When did he start making you feel like this. You wondered if he felt like this too. Would he answer you if you tried to ask him about it? You thought it over, no he probably wouldn't as Clyde and the guys have said before he's not great with his emotions. Over the last month he seemed so close to you. You wanted to know what he was thinking. You reach your hand out but see him shift. You immediately turned over and tensed up. You mentally cursed yourself. You stayed like that for a while.

"Are you disappointed?"

You hear him ask. You curled into yourself before stretching trying to figure out what he meant by that. You didn't exactly know how to answer him.

"hm?"

You shifted to look at the ceiling you never noticed before but he had glow stars on the ceiling, it was cute.

"You and me," he paused laying on his back as well "It seems like we always end up here but..." he trailed off getting quiet "I don't do anything about it." He brought up a good point he was the one that said anything goes and he's pretty much had you make all the moves. You wanted to say you didn't really mind but you did, you did mind. It's had you on edge for the past few weeks. Almost like you've done something wrong but you guys aren't technically dating so it really shouldn't bother you.

"I mean you don't have to do anything."

you said very matter of factly as you felt Craig shift. He was leaning over with both hands on either side of you. "But do you want me to? Do you want me to take your virginity?" Your heart skipped a beat for a second fluttering heavily in your chest. The way he said it made the words echo in your head. You looked at him trying to get a read on where this was coming from what was he thinking but you can't. You felt weird again maybe he was too close to you. You bit your lip staring back at him. Then again maybe he wasn't close enough.

"You wouldn't have to take it if I gave it to you..."

The words fell out of your mouth before you even realize what you were saying. There was a beat where you both held your breath glancing back at each other's lips. Craig slowly leaned down further, closing the distance between you. The kiss was hesitant and slow but it made you melt just the same. You think back to that time in the janitor's closet but now you could feel your whole body tingle. You’re panting heavily as Craig pulls away shifting once more making himself more stable putting his knee between your legs as he dips down to your ear.

"We can stop whenever you want."

He looked back at you and you could tell he was nervous but then again so were you. You smiled softly feeling your face flush and your heart beat accelerate "What if I don't want you to stop." you reached up to pull him back in for another kiss. This time it was more relaxed, less unsure and more sensual this time. You started to think that maybe he wanted it too.

His hands started to wander under your dress everywhere he touched made you shudder as he palmed at your breast through your bra. It felt good but you wanted more. You arch your back slightly giving him just enough room to unclasp your bra which he took the hint at. You threw the bra somewhere in the room as Craig went back to fondling you lightly pinching your nipple which made you gasp. He licked and nibbled at your bottom lip before slipping his tongue in your mouth. The pace of the kiss quickly changed as you swirled your tongues together, getting more aggressive with how he squeezed your boobs. Your head was reeling with the sensations as you moaned into his mouth.

You feel Craig smile against your lips for a brief moment as he pulled away, taking the time to look at you with lustful eyes before he trailed kisses down your neck trying to find your sweet spot. When he found it you gripped his shoulders trying to push him away but he was insistent on leaving a mark. The feeling was too much you could feel it pool in your stomach. You bit your lip as you moaned again curling your toes.

"Aha C-Craig~"

It hurt ever so slightly as he nipped at it switching between biting and sucking. You bit the back of your hand to stifle your moans not wanting to be any louder. He moved your hand away to kissed you again before tugging at your dress pushing it up just enough to reveal your bare chest peppering kisses around your boob. You squirm under him as you feel his hand slip under the waistband of your shorts feeling the moisture from your soaked panties. He licked at your tit while running a finger up and down your crease through your underwear before he slid his hand underneath them too. Your breath hitched.

Craig he kissed you once more as he starts teasing your clit rubbing circles into your sensitive area. He continues this for awhile before breaking away trailing kisses down your chest to your stomach only stopping when he hit the cloth of your shorts slowly helping you out of them. Craig pulls you a little closer peppering kisses along your inside thigh only lightly nipping at them occasionally before introducing his tongue to the party. You curl up a bit as he does this, the sensation was so weird it was hot and moist it made you sigh softly in pleasure. His tongue was working your clit as his finger slowly prodded at your entrance looking up at you to see how much of a mess he's made of you.

You covered your face with embarrassment. Your whole body jerked when he shoved his finger inside it was the perfect length to hit all the right areas. You bit down on your lip as your shaky hands tangled themselves in Craig's hair. He could tell you were close, his movement became more sporadic as he added a second finger pumping both in and out while he continued to spell the alphabet with his tongue. It was overwhelming you squeeze your thighs together around Craig pleading for him to stop, your whole body trembling as you came.

He pulled away wiping his face with his shirt discarding it to the side as you caught your breath. You watched as Craig rummaged through his desk drawer pulling out a condom as he continued to strip for you.

Had you not been still riding out your high you probably would have made a few jokes here but you didn't. You were too turned on and anxious for that. He lined himself up with you kissing you as he slowly pushed all the way inside. You arched your back involuntarily feeling him all the way in you. You moaned in his mouth nibbling his bottom lip you buck your hips wanting him to move more. He was going painstakingly slow rolling his hips into you, it felt good but it was driving you crazy. You wrapped your legs around him whimpering in his ear for him to go faster. Your breath hitched when he did

"Ah f-f-uck~"

It felt so good, your mind was going blank. Everything that you had been worrying about seemed to melt away. With every thrust Craig's breath became more labored you could feel his movement begin to be less deliberate. You were close to finishing again as you clawed at his back. Craig thrusts into you one last time pushing himself all the way in sending you both over the edge leaving you trembling into his arms as he collapses on top of you.

"I love you."

You were still on cloud nine but you thought you heard Craig say something but you couldn't tell. If he did, he said it too quiet for you to make out what he said. You didn't ask him to repeat it or ask if he said anything at all, it might have just been in your head. Wishful thinking as you came to the realization. You were in love with Craig Tucker and have been for a while.

[todoroki-waifu]

I absolutely adored the one you wrote for me. It was so cute and I got so giddy. I hope you don’t mind me asking for another one? Could I request a Baji x female reader x Chifuyu where the three have been dating for a free years and the reader has never been to a cat cafe before so Baji and Chifuyu take her there for a date? Please and thank you!!❤️

Note: Thank you for the request! I'm so sorry that it's super late. I was away and when I came back, I felt a bit unmotivated. Then of course when I wanted to write, there were so many things that got in the way. ^^U Anyway, really liking these multi characters x reader requests. :) Hope this is okay! I struggled with the ending lol

Baji x Reader x Chifuyu

Warning: Female reader, cursing, and mentions of someone being mean to a cat (no details written about this), but cat is okay!

Genre: Fluff

Word Count: 1,570 -------

You were with your two lovers, sitting in between them while you waited for dinner to be delivered. The three of you were too lazy to cook and agreed to ordering takeout. You were sitting on the floor, leaning against Baji's chest while Chifuyu rested in between your legs. Chifuyu was focused on his gaming console and you and Baji were watching some funny videos on his phone. 

"Oh my gosh, that's so cute!" You gasped, seeing an advertisement for a cat cafe. "Is that how it really is?"

"What do you mean?" Baji looks down at you.

"The cat cafe. You can have some snacks and play with them?" You then laugh nervously at his confused stare. "I've never been to one so I don't know what it's like." 

"You've never bee-" Before Chifuyu can finish, your phone rings suddenly. 

"Food's here! I got it." You remove yourself from between them, answering the call as you walk towards the front door. 

"Dude!"

"Dude!" Chifuyu and Baji mirror each other as they lock eyes. 

"Can't believe she's never been to a cat cafe!" The ravenette whispers to his blonde haired partner. 

"I can't believe we never thought to take her to one! All these years of trying to think of date ideas and we didn't think of that?" 

"Okay, okay. This Friday, we'll take her to a cafe, but we'll keep it a surprise." Baji starts to plan for the end of the week with Chifuyu also offering ideas. 

"So excited for this!" The boys immediately quiet down as you hum happily with dinner in your hands. They quickly get up to help you, setting up utensils and plates at the table.

-----

You were so eager for today especially since the week had been going by so slowly. Your boyfriends said they wanted to take you out on a date, but never mentioned where or what you'd be doing. All they told you was to wear comfortable clothes. 

"You better not let me hit a pole or something!" You warned the Toman captain, holding onto one of his hands while his second in command was behind you, shielding your eyes. 

"Of course not, babe! What do you think I am?" He gives your hand a reassuring squeeze as he continues to walk. 

"Almost there!" Chifuyu says as he sees the approaching sign. Once you were in front of the place, Chifuyu finally returned your sight. 

"A cat cafe?!" You gasped before letting out a tiny squeal. Chifuyu and Baji share a grin, happy to get a positive reaction from you. They start running after you as soon as you disappear inside the shop, both your partners paying for everyone's admission fee. The three of you always alternated on paying for dates to make it fair. Yet Chifuyu and Baji can't help but spoil you. They love you and love seeing that bright, beautiful smile on your gorgeous face. 

"So many kitties!" You see a variety of felines scattered throughout. The three of you first grabbed some pet snacks and toys before picking a spot to wait for them. An orange colored one approaches you, eyeing the teaser wand in your hand. You give it a little wave above its head, holding it high enough where it wouldn't be able to reach easily. 

You, Baji, and Chifuyu switched between feeding the cats or using the toys that were provided. You saw a __(color) cat approach you, eyeing the goodies that you were giving to his fellow friends. You smile at it, presenting an open hand with a treat. The cat jumped into a defensive stance, giving you a warning hiss before running away. 

“That damn cat! ___(y/n)’s giving you a treat!” Baji held up a closed fist.

“Seriously? Even a cat you'll fight?" You laugh a bit as you shake your head at your short fused boyfriend. "It's okay, Kei. Maybe he wasn't in the mood." 

"Would you be interested in buying some cat ears? It's our new item for this month." A staff member approaches you, showing you a basket of cat ears headbands with multiple colors. You bought three, one for you and the rest for your boyfriends. 

"We look so cute! Let's take a picture!" You pull Baji and Chifuyu to both of your sides. You held out your phone, snapping pictures of the three of you. You then requested some solo photos of yourself and the surrounding cats, which Chifuyu gladly took on his phone. After you were satisfied with the images, you stood up to head to the counter for more pet food. Chifuyu and Baji were looking at the green eyed boy's phone, marveling at your snapshots.

"Chifuyu...she's so damn pretty!" Baji was practically melting at your poses and smile. 

"Right?!" Toman's 1st division vice captain agrees immediately while he shares the photos in your group chat. 

----

On your way to the front, you notice a male near a corner with the same ___(color) cat that had hissed at you earlier. You frown at the male's rough behavior and how he was terrorizing the poor kitten. 

"You're bothering the cat. You need to stop." You couldn't allow him to continue. 

"Shut up! This cat is mine. Go get your own." While attempting to trap the feline, he managed to slip past the stranger and ran straight to you. He leaps into your arms, finding security in your hold.

"I'm not gonna let you frighten him anymore." You secured your new friend in your embrace, looking for the nearest employee. When the stranger sees you walk away, he quickly blocks your path. 

"We're just playing around...now give him to me!" 

"Never!" You turned your body away from the man as soon as you saw him try to grab the cat. 

"The hell are you doing with our girl?!" Baji's voice boomed throughout the shop.

"Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" __(e/c) eyes meet with beautiful emerald ones, shoulders dropping slightly when his hands gently hold your arms. 

"Yes, I'm okay. I'm not hurt." You catch your black haired boyfriend holding the stranger by the front of his shirt and landing a fist to his face. The altercation alerted the workers, few of them rushing to your group while some tended to the other clients. You explained what you witnessed, everyone looking at the man with disgust. 

"Sh-she's lying!" He attempts to throw himself at you, but your lovers quickly intervene. Baji pulls the male backwards then uses his elbow to slam him to the ground. Chifuyu had stood in front of you, ready to shield you from harm. 

Baji kept the man far away from you while the manager of the cafe called the police. Once statements were given and the perpetrator was apprehended, you felt it was safe to finally release the kitten in your arms. But when you placed him down, he jumped right back to you.

"I've never seen him do that. He doesn't typically go to people. He must really like you." The manager says, smiling at the two of you. 

"Well, I'm glad that we're friends now." You gently scratch the top of your new furry pal's head as he nuzzles his face against your chest, a low purr emitting from his throat.

"Heh, that's no surprise. We are talking about our __(y/n)." 

"Yeah, no one can resist her charm." Chifuyu adds to Baji's comment, a light blush dancing across your face. 

Before you left, the cat cafe wanted to reward you for helping one of their little ones. For today, they let you pick any merchandise to take home with no charge plus free entry for an entire month. They also included a discounted admission fee for a year once the free month was over. 

"You sure that bastard didn't touch you?" 

"Yes, Kei. I promise I'm okay." You answered for what felt like the 38th time. 

"Just making sure." He mumbles after hearing you sigh. He knew he was being annoying, but Baji wanted to make certain of your wellbeing.  

“Well, minus that asshole, I hope you still had fun today." Chifuyu says, swaying the conversation elsewhere.

"Yes! Lots! I really appreciate everything that you guys did. I love you both so much." You planted a kiss on Chifuyu's cheek and went to do the same with Baji. However, he moved his head where your lips touched instead. 

"Love you, too, ___(y/n)." 

Knowing them very well, Chifuyu was probably pouting, also wanting to share a kiss. A soft chuckle leaves your mouth at the blonde boy's jutted bottom lip before capturing it with yours. 

"Love you, __(y/n)." Now he's grinning happily after the kiss. 

As you made your way to where the boys parked their motorbike, you were stopped by an interesting sign. There was a poster taped to a window of a coffee shop, advertising their new upcoming motif. 

"No way! This place is going to have a ___(anime, manga, etc..) theme in a few months from now. I love ___(anime, manga, etc..)!" While you continued to read the details of the advertisement, your boyfriends gave each other a knowing glance, already making mental plans for your future date. And how perfect it was that it landed on your anniversary. 

If you thought the cat cafe was great, wait until you see the surprise they have for you next. 

[huntunderironskies]

So I have been working on that were-animal game I threatened to do a while back, and I'm...fairly pleased with where I'm at in at least the general concept phase. Lore feels good, I have some solid antagonist ideas, I have a gameplay loop working, all that fun stuff. Now I'm starting to get to the scary parts (having to nail down a system and figure out just how I'm going to put this thing out into the world.)

This got weirdly self-reflective about my history with gaming instead of mostly talking about the actual mechanics so I'm gonna put it under a cut. :U

The tl;dr if you just want to know what I'm (probably) doing:

High-ish power system

Medium crunch (I'm aiming about for the level of Exalted Essence)

(This means a pretty good amount of powers and shapeshifted forms provide bonuses to keep track of)

Trying to avoid specific point-related bookkeeping so there won't be a fuel stat in the way that Chronicles of Darkness or Exalted has it where there are pips that rise and fall

Milestone "leveling" most likely (no actual level traditional leveling system, just skill/attribute pools, powers, and a character rank system similarish to a power stat)

Dice pool

(Yes, I did really like ExEss, don't judge me)

I am...attempting to come up with something more than a binary pass-fail system but I would rather not steal PBTA's iteration on it

Social combat (sorry, I know a lot of people are bearish on it but I like it :c It's the one thing I don't want to toss)

x/y-splats real

I have never tried to work within a system that's 100% of my own making. I think I'm a little gun-shy of it because one of the GMs I used to play with (who I stopped playing with because she's a horrible person in addition to being a horrible GM, incredibly long story, send me booze money to get drunk if you want to hear it because I don't want to be sober when thinking too hard about her) was really insistent on trying to make her own system and her game design sense was...well, not great. Didn't have a good head for dice odds and went for the most simple solutions possible (d6 with small dice pool, 1s are fails, boxcars are crits) without thinking about actual gamefeel, expected players to handle most of creation of character abilities and powers (as in, doing most of the design lifting for her outside of the basic dice systems) but also was incredibly thin-skinned about feedback. She had the desire to be famous and make this big idea but was not willing to do the hard work to make it happen.

And like, I'm somewhat sensitive (I would not call myself the most confident person) so I'm used to feeling a bit hurt by negative feedback, but, you know, you have to listen to players to see how they're reacting to the game especially since you need to get out of your own head when designing mechanics. Critique is how you get better, as much as it hurts. Unfortunately she also hated learning other peoples' systems even if you wrote her cheat sheets so...I never really got to play anything for more than five sessions or so for quite some time.

(Upside: the drive that gave me to search for actual active RP groups led to me meeting some of my favorite people in the world.)

Anyways. I think that's led to me kind of psyching myself out. I've kind of gone from the mentality of "yeah I have a great head for mechanics" to "oh no I'm just a savant with one singular system." I...might have to start with brand-X-ing a system I'm familiar with (ft. minor changes) (guess which one) and then start tweaking from there until it doesn't feel like The Werewolf the Forsaken We Have at Home.

I think it both helps and hurts that a lot of my design philosophy is somewhat similar. I'm trying to do a higher power level, at least in the same way that Chronicles of Darkness has the "if your PCs throw enough resources at something, they will get what they want, it's just a matter of what it will cost them and if it was something they should have wanted in the first place." I also have an extremely strong preference for dice pool systems, I just think the dice odds feel so much better than single-roll systems.

I've also always liked being able to downgrade a failed roll to a dramatic failure since it's led to some really fun situations, but I think the inverse could be fun as well, i.e. if you REALLY feel like you need a roll to succeed you can upgrade it to a single success at a cost that could potentially bite you in the ass later. It's another way to potentially cause drama and give players more meta-options to control how the game can proceed.

On the subject of meta-options I'd really like to give social systems some mechanical weight since I honestly enjoy social combat. I know that's kind of a controversial opinion but I just feel like it gives more tension to negotiations and the like and it gives me a lot more design space to work with when designing what would traditionally fall under "utility powers" as an umbrella.

So that's sorta what I'm working with right now. The scary part is I will need to playtest this at some point and that means recruiting people and that also means starting up what will likely be a community server to keep in touch with people instead of just vomiting out whatever thoughts pop into my head on tumblr. One Fear.

[impyssadobsessions]

Bully: The Deal

I've been proud of what I wrote for a big story idea for Bully (the game by rockstar) but its still like first chapter and I probably wont get to it anytime soon. So I wanted to post some bits and pieces. Mostly showing like Pete's perspective and resemblance of like Gary and his Grandfather Also this is the game Bully so offensive language is kind of part of the deal.

Pete Kowalski have had many bad days in his life. As being a small and shy, but curious child, it was bound to be the case. Like the time when he was five and a bunch of boys poor glue all over his head. Or like the time he was eight and he watched his dog get hit by a car because he wanted to play outside with him.

The lady who hit the dog, fussed at Pete for not keeping him on a leash and demanded his parents pay for the damage done to the bumper. Pete never asked for another pet since.

There was also a time when Pete first started Bullworth. A bunch of bullies stuck him into a trash can and rolled him off of school grounds down into the beach path. He rolled straight into the water. Pete had to swim back to shore as the trash sailed off to sea. And that was just a few really terrible ones that came to mind, however, none of them compared to the deep sense of dread and anxiety of today. Well... maybe the dog thing was worse, but this was a close second. “Hello~ Earth to Fem-boy!” A hand waved in front of his face. The hand retreated back, like a pulled curtain, revealing a scarred face with a wicked grin. Gary Smith was back for another year at Bullworth. “I hate to disappoint you, Petey, but I don't swing that way. Though I know its hard not to stare. I'm an incredible. Human body at its peak.” Gary flexing his arms, “Humanities greatest achievement. Genetic marvel, really.” “Not mentally.” Pete bit his tongue as soon as he let his words slip. Cursing internally as Gary turned back towards him.

“Ooohoo hoo~ I see someone got started on their testosterone while I was gone.” Gary cooed with a nastier grin. Eyes sharp. Petey rolled his eyes, as he always did with the boy. Though he can't deny after the stunt Gary pulled last year, he was highly on edge. Just being in same room with Gary, set off his flight response. Pete couldn't imagine rooming with the guy again for another year or two. “Whatever Gary. What are you even doing here?”

“Oh, you know! Just like every snot-nose moron that infect these halls, I was.. forced to.” Gary gritted his teeth and clenched his fist, shaking it a little.

Pete raised a brow, his arms crossed. Forced to? “Yes! Girly-boy,” Did Pete say his thoughts out loud again? Though, with Gary, it could be that he read Pete's expression or that he wanted to continue for the sake of dramatic effect. “-Forced! Forced by the unfortunate trash that gave me life to attend this sorry God-forsaken zoo we call a school.” Gary flopped back on his bed, opposite of Pete's, arms crossed. His back against the wall. “Trust me, this is the LAST place I would want to be. Well, I guess second to that damn asylum.” Petey couldn't say he was shocked. Letting out a sigh, Pete asked mostly to himself, “Why me though?” “I don't know, Petey. Why don't you go ask Dr. Crabs-for-brains? After all, I'm sure he'll tell you with all the sucking up you had to do to get the title of HEAD boy. Or maybe he might even switch you with Hopkins if you offer some ass.” Pete's face flush with embarrassment and scrunched up in absolute disgust at the comment. “You're so gross.”

“I'm not the one sucking cock-” “Whatever, Jerk. I'm outta here.” Pete swiftly turned to walk out of the dorm. “Give the head a good kiss for me~ Right on the ass che-!” Pete slammed the door shut, a bit harder than he wanted to, but within ten minutes in the same room with Gary and Pete was ready to go back home. Too bad his parents wouldn't let him even if he did. 'You spend too much time inside!' 'Go out and play, son!' 'Don't you have a girlfriend, yet?' 'You're sixteen, Pete! Go to the park, go ride a bike, or get drunk at a party- just go do something!' Pete pinched the bridge of his nose while sticking his free hand into his pocket. To think he was even looking forward to the new year. He had FRIENDS.. well a friend and his friend's current... girlfriend? Jimmy never made it clear what Zoe was, but neither did Zoe. He was the head boy, which was bound to gain him some respect. At least by the smaller kids. The cliques were somewhat on good terms since Jimmy beat their asses again. Things were looking up for once. But... Pete should have known better by now, that anything that goes up must come down.

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

“Here he is, Mr. Smith. The perfect model student of Bullworth Academy. Our Head Boy, Paul Kowalski-”Dr. Crabblesnitch stood up and patted Pete on the shoulder. “Peter, sir.” Pete corrected with a muttered. “Aha-yes yes. My mistake. Peter Kowalski.” Dr. Crabblesnitch's hand squeezing Pete's shoulder. His face keeping a stressed smile. “Head Boy?” The gruff voice of the older man asked with a raise brow. Pete tried hard not to frown as he recognized that tone. Mr. Smith plopped down in a empty chair right next to the one that was overturned on the floor. “This puny punk? Ha! He looks like one step away from wearing a dress and changing his name to Patty.” Okay, yeah. They were definitely related. Pete's face twitched in annoyance. “You must be Gary's grandfather. I can see where he gets his sense of humor from.” Petey outstretched his hand out towards Mr. Smith, trying to ignore the painful grip of Dr. Crabblesnitch's hand on his shoulder.

Mr. Smith tilted his head as his mustache swished back and fourth. Pete tried to keep his smile in place. He didn't want to appear weak or intimidated, but the silent tension was making Pete nervous. “Hahaha! Nice to meet you, Peter.” Mr. Smith burst out laughing while he reached out to shake Pete's hand. “Nice. To meet. You. Too... Mr. Smith.” Pete said through gritted teeth, trying to not let the pain show as Mr. Smith crushed Pete's hand in his grip. “Call me Allen, son.” Mr. Smith let go of Pete's hand and leaned back into his chair. He nodded his head slightly, as if he given Pete his approval. Pete let out a slight breath in relief. He folded his arms behind his back and rubbed his aching hand. Jerk. “Nice to meet you, Allen, sir.” --------------------

“So I thought to myself on how we could prevent the past from repeating itself and then it occurred to me. Our major blind spot is among his peers, thus entrusting a student with upstanding morals for the task was top priority.” Dr. Crabblesnitch looked over at Mr. Smith, “Of course, Gary Smith will be tested regularly as well to make absolutely certain that no tampering has arise.” This was a bad idea. A VERY bad idea. Pete couldn't stop Gary last year! He definitely couldn't, didn't WANT to this year. Gary did what Gary wanted too. He could fake it so easily and Pete... Pete was pretty certain all this would bite him in the ass. In more ways than one. “Hmph. Sounds like a lot of hoopla to me.” Allen's voice snapped Pete out of his daze. “S-sir! I was Gary's roommate last year and-and I don't think-” Petey stuttered. He had to say something, anything to try to get out of this. “Splendid! Then you'll already know what his condition is like with or without his medication.” “No-I mean yes, but-!” “Well! You've certainly convinced me, Crabblesnitch. I think its a wonderful idea.” Allen laughed loudly, standing up with a grin. Pete froze as he whipped his face towards Allen in confusion. What were all the adults on in this town?! The old man walked over to him, and slapped his back making the poor boy stumble forward. “I feel quite satisfied that this young lad is going to be playing caretaker to my grandson.” Allen barked. Pete's eyes danced between the headmaster and Mr. Smith. Confusion still written clearly on his face. “Ah, I'm so glad you've come to reason, Mr. Smith. Though Peter is not going to be responsible for Gary Smith's actions, he will at least keep us updated.” Dr. Crabblesnitch letting out a small breath of relief. Pete was too stun to reply. His fate was sealed, just like that.

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

“Ah, finally some fresh air. I was getting tired of smelling all that bullshit in there,” Allen chuckled as he gave Pete a wink. Pete choked on a snort. “It was.. stifling to say the least.” Allen barked a laugh as he started to walk again. “Well, I'm glad there was at least one person that isn't stuck so far up their own ass that they can't smell shit around them.” Pete hummed in response, not sure how to take the compliment.

[coffeebanana]

20 questions for Fic Writers

Omg it took me ages to get to this but better late than never! Thanks for the tags @rosie-b, @monpetitchattriste, @lesbitorte, @kasienda and @celestialtitania!!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

Um. 107*... It's possible that I have a problem 😂

(*one is on anon. more on that later adfdsd)

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

801,972!!! (fun fact i was just below 800k the first time i got tagged in this game so i was like "oh well i'm posting a new chapter tomorrow...i'll do this game after that so i can pass that milestone!" and then i posted the chapter but it took me close to a week to do this ahaha)

3. What fandoms do you write for?

mostly just ml. i have a few spop fics too but i don't really write for that fandom anymore. or at least not right now.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Gah. okay. I'm going to answer this honestly but to do that I first need to explain that my most kudoed fic is on anon because I'm annoyed it's my most kudoed fic aksjfbksdb. Like. It's only so popular because there's a bit of lila salt? and really the fic isn't about that but i don't really write that kind of thing anymore and i don't want ppl coming to my profile and sorting by kudos and seeing that first. There are other things i'd do a lot differently in that fic now too ahaha.

Break a Leg

Cards Against Ladybug's Identity

Ladybug And The Tramp Stamp

Imaginary Friends

The Sun Will Rise Again

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

I do!! I reply to pretty much every comment--unless it's particularly rude/rubs me the wrong way. I know commenting takes time and I appreciate the effort ppl put into it so I like to give my thanks back!

6. What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Probably Every Teardrop is a Waterfall. Although I think Girl Is A Gun is a strong contender too?

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Uh...well, most of my fics have happy or at least hopeful endings. I don't think I can narrow this down to just a few haha.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

I don't think I've ever gotten hate? Definitely some comments that aren't super nice but nothing too bad. (now i've probably gone and jinxed it 😂)

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

um. a little tiny bit but not enough to have a particular kind LOL. i've only posted it once so far. but i also have Entangled, which will have smut in the next chapter--and that's angsty smut. which i suppose would be my brand of smut if i ever write any more

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

i haven't! i entertained the idea of an ml/spop crossover a couple years ago but i don't have any interest in it anymore. oh and i ALSO had an idea for a marigami spyxfamily crossover. but i don't know if i'll ever get around to that

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

not that i know of! (*knocks on forehead since no wood is nearby*)

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

no, but that would be super cool!

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

i have not! a few times i've planned to write things with other ppl but nothing that ever really made it to the writing stage ahaha. although the littlebug vday zine is a collab in the form of a series--not exactly co-written but similar vibes

14. What's your all-time favourite ship?

to write for, definitely the love square. and then catradora is so special to me because it got me back into writing and also i started IDing as a lesbian in part because i binged spop.

aside from that i can't really decide because like. there are so many shows i've seen and books i've read and ships i've loved for so many different reasons asdfbk. and then i have OC ships that only live in my head but that i love to play with sometimes before i fall asleep at night. so please don't make me choose!!

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

uh. i would say none of them? because it's only when i completely lose interest in a fic that i lose the belief i'll finish it. and that's only happened with maybe two of my wips i can think of?

16. What are your writing strengths?

Depicting emotions! And using the setting to do that by establishing the mood/tone/etc...

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

i guess like...self-doubt? not that i'm awful with it. in general i think i'm pretty good that way. but it's my biggest barrier to writing when i have periods where i get in my head about my writing, and it can make me overthink and not know if i LIKE my writing. and i think my writing is at its best when i'm having fun with it (which is probably true of most ppl), so...

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

i think it makes sense when the characters are actually speaking that language for a short time but aren't speaking it for most of the fic? like i have one ml AU set in new york so they're speaking english for most of it and i used french for the first couple lines that were french (and weaved the translations into the narrative). so that's the only time i do that personally--aside for maybe one word lines like bonjour--but as a reader it doesn't usually bother me when i see it used other ways

19. First fandom you wrote for?

ahaha the Vampire Academy book series. and NO you won't find those fics anywhere, even though they are still out there somewhere

20. Favourite fic you've ever written?

currently Say Something. and i very much wish i could finish writing it, but it'll happen when it happens!

I think most people I would have tagged have probably been tagged by this point...likely more than once 😂. So whoever else wants to play should do so!!

[sarah-sandwich-writes]

20 Questions - Fanfic Writer Edition

I was tagged by both @writer-or-whatever and @jmrothwell so I suppose I better do it 😅 Thanks guys!

1. How many works do you have on AO3? 42 (*gasp* am I Miles Morales?)

2. What's your total AO3 word count? 1,265,660 lol

3. What fandoms do you write for? currently just Spider-Man but I used to write for Supernatural and before that Harry Potter. I'm a one obsession at a time kinda girl.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Paradise (spread out with a butter knife) - 72k spideypool soulmates au

Don't Freak Out - 136k parkner rivals to lovers speedrun

A Peach Like You - 73k parkner featuring autistic!peter, loveatfirstsight!harley, and a cringe self insert as the villain of the week lmao

The Distance Between (You and Me) - 29k parkner bodyguard au

You're Freaking Out - 166k sequel to DFO featuring plot (wow!) and Miles (yay!)

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

My dudes I try. I know I'm not very consistent and I have a tendency to disappear for months at a time, but I read and cherish each one.

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

I don't really do angsty endings lol I think the closest I've gotten is Lay Me Down - 8k destiel major character death--lowest kudosed fic out of all 42 lmao

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

This is an impossible question. I am like the queen of happy endings? You want me to rank them??? Fine, it's You're Freaking Out. Best 10k epilogue in the land. Oh hey also I just noticed it has 997 kudos. May I humbly request 3 more pretty please?

8. Do you get hate on fics?

No. Closest was when someone complained on one of my destiel fics about the grocery store not having plastic bags and needing a quarter in order to obtain a cart. I specifically remember they said, "I hate when writers do this," and went on to complain about us making up obviously fake stuff that pulls them out of the story. Like, first of all you're complaining about storytellers making stuff up ??? okay. And second, it was an Aldi. A real grocery store. That I didn't make up.

I had to take a day to cool off before I responded and then they were like oh yeah, my roommate told me when I complained to them, you responded to this really nicely though! WHICH folks LET ME TELL YOU made me angrier lol Like you found out you were wrong and didn't even come back to edit/delete/apologize for your comment???

Anyway after that I internalized that you don't know what kind of lived experience your commenters have so some comments should be taken with a grain of salt. Which is a double-edged sword bc sometimes I get really nice enthusiastic comments and read it like, okay but what if this person is 12 and read it at 2am in a fit of delirium and this is their first fic ever and it's actually not as good as they think haha

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

I doooo. I haven't published any since I wrote for spn but I have a parkner pwp ready to go as soon as I muster up the nerve.

I have no idea how to interpret the question "what kind" lol uhhh the hot kind? pffft

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

I have but I never published them. Again, these were for spn which is hella fun to play with merging into other canon. I started but never finished spn crossovers with Firefly, The 100, The Hunger Games, Criminal Minds, Agents of Shield, and Teen Wolf. I think that's all of them. I've been thinking about putting all of my abandoned wips on AO3 for archive purposes, but idk still noodling on it. I wish there way a way I could elect to post without notifying my subscribers :/ Or at least send them a message warning them that I'm about to be incredibly annoying

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know of 🙃

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yes!! A few now! The ultimate kudo in my opinion, and one I never expected <3

The wonderful @bluettspetal has translated An Insignificant Problem, Undercover? I thought you said under covers..., and Completely and utterly devoid of sex appeal into Russian with plans to translate more.

And Faaayeee42 on AO3 translated Paradise (spread out with a butter knife) to Mandarin Chinese.

I'm forever blown away by this.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Nope! Done some brainstorming a few times but nothing that has evolved into actually writing out a shared thing. Not sure I'd be any good at it tbh. I'd probably be a very frustrating writing partner.

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

Peter Parker/Harley Keener. They're good boys.

15. What's a wip you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

My Infinity War time travel fix it (make it worse) fic 😔 It's got so much potential but it is perpetually at the bottom of the to-do list.

16. What are your writing strengths?

Dialogue and developing relationships

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

mother fucking action sequences and like, coming up with The Plan (the evil kind and the ones to take down the evil kind)

This silly little graphic I made for You're Freaking Out where Harley mocks The Plan made by the spider dumplin gang was initially one half of my brain negging the other half about being shit at making Plans and I decided that it might as well manifest as the characters lmao

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

Eh. It's fanfiction, you know? Do what you want. Experiment. Try your best to do it justice. Accept that some people are going to let their eyes blur and skim over it while others will pick it apart but most will exist somewhere in the middle. Just write what you want to write, how you want to write it.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

*sigh* Harry Potter. Looking forward to my own post getting gobbled up by my block list lmao

20. Favorite fic you've written?

Goodness gracious how do I even decide? I think Peaches Ain't Pretty is my favorite. It's the fic that showed me beyond a shadow of a doubt that I can step outside of fanfiction and write whatever I want and be just as satisfied, if not more.

[amelias-zelda-calamity-quintet]

Would love a director's commentary of any/all your fics 🙏

AH! I wasn't expecting an answer so fast! And they're so massive where do I even start? Like my biggest thoughts right now are all MoaH, which I have some things queued over the next few days, but everything else I'd wanna say...it's all spoilers. I'm not trying to avoid the ask, it's just a very big question with all of them. I guess I'll throw out a bunch of factoids and feel free to ask me more specifics.

To condense the star ask as well since this is gonna be a random chapter grab, and since the first chapter of the final battle is out tomorrow for GoS, I've had this arc planned since basically 2012. There was one major change on which individual would be the target of a particular stage of the fight, but other than that, it's been this fight since 2012. And the whole thing can get played to the 25th anniversary medley. I have a note somewhere where I wrote down the chapter time stamps to it for the AMV in my head (which maybe I'll put out after GoS is all done). It was the same song that is the reason Endeavor plays violin as well.

I have never been huge about idol groups, but the Earth Sages in GoS are my absolute favorite. I knew I wanted the dungeon to be musically themed and so the boy band idea was an early decision with that. I wanted their names to be musically themed too, so all of the Earth Sages actually have names based off Japanese music scales, which fit with the Keaton. Do Re Mi names might have been too obvious. Following that, Dominus is probably my favorite Sage.

Same dungeon had a prime opportunity for a triple inspired boss name. The Earth Temple's boss, Dungeon Master, has three inspirations. One, it follows franchise convention on most powerful versions of enemies, so Wallmaster/Floormaster -> Dungeon Master. Two, it's a nod to the TTRPG role, as this boss occupies the literal fourth wall of a theater, which is fitting to compare to a DM. And three, this fight was the first time Ganondorf made an appearance in the story, and I was trying to invoke a bit of Mr. Mercer's performance for a lack of ability to convey an actual voice via some pop culture osmosis.

Princess has a Muppets reference after the dungeon once she drops the idea of marrying Link, Zeal mentions it. It may help to circle back on Princess being a pig moblin leaning Blin who is also a diva.

Admittedly a lot of GoS before that is a bit fuzzy cause of the whole nap in the Temple of Time I did on it. From starting up edits, I can say that Bruce's horse, The Wind, is a personal reference. Any time I'd convince my dad to play a Zelda game, he's always name himself A.Stud and in the case of TP, he named Epona The Wind. When I started writing, that was a recent in joke for me.

One of the reasons the Dark Portal gets mentioned so early was because Minecraft was just getting big when I started writing GoS and I had the unrealistic idea that I'd build GoS's Hyrule in it. The Dark Portal would have been a Nether portal. I never went anywhere with that idea, but it's the reason the GoS map sketch I have is divided on a grid. That was theoretically gonna be chunks (highly ambitious plan there, no what it would have fit).

I have actually no idea how much time takes place between the start and end of GoS. Loosely, it's from the beginning of summer to the end of autumn. Whatever time skips make that work are canon in my head. And it's one of the reasons I have been so serious about keeping track of time in MoaH. The rapid pace of GoS though does fit. GoS Link really did get woken up in a dream by some stranger and then harassed by a bird until he did it what they said, so. No rest.

My favorite Sage dragon design is the Forest Sage's, all though the Soul Sage's dragon is pretty good too. That's an easy second. I'm a plants person, what can I say? Though the Earth Sage and Fire Sage dragons have good chonky boi personalities that I love too.

And there's absolutely so much to say about MoaH and like. I can say basically none of it because y'all only have the current 23 chapters and I'm writing the 65th? chapter now. MoaH's first book will be written before its updates are out, that's for sure. It'll likely hit about 250k words, compared to GoS's current 410k. So. There's a lot to say about MoaH. I guess the few that I've got for MoaH, uh...

Rephi x Rudoe is my favorite couple, hands down, those two are amazing NPCs and criminally under used. I need to find an excuse to go back to Deku's Shelf to write them again. I picture Rudoe's voice now like the Luma in the Mario movie.

I know all of my Links talk in my fics, largely for the purpose of medium. Writing a mute Link I think is a lot harder in fic over comics, and it's a little outside my wheelhouse with my limited skill in sign. That said, of all my Links, MoaH Link is the one I think most fits being a talking Link. And I even have some in text response to that later on in the story.

I know a lot of people don't like Zelda presently in MoaH (kinda the point), but I absolutely adore her and Link's dynamic. It really starts coming out in the Nayru's Temple act of book 1, but this man has a massive blind spot for this woman and I love writing it even though the secondhand embarrassment causes me like actual physical pain.

In general, I adore writing MoaH Link. The balance between exceptionally competent fighter and likeable male protagonist is a difficult but very fun line to walk. I think because of the mercenary comment, a lot of people expected a Geralt or a John Wick or some other machismo personality for Link when I originally started MoaH and that has never been franchise characterization of Link and it's not true about MoaH Link. He is a lovable idiot. GoS Link has this very humble, almost bashful personality to me (mostly cause of then teen angst) while MoaH Link gets to be this absolute dork and it is a joy to write. And also seeing how different they are as incarnations of the same character is a lot of fun, particularly for spoiler reasons. But man, that contrast between awkward, fumbling, kinda impulsive guy into combat where he gets to be efficient. Mmmmm, that's some good shit.

I cannot wait for y'all to get more time with Floan. I love her and Link's relationship. It is a bit of a polished sibling relationship, I'll admit that, mostly because I don't know how to handle an age gap as big as theirs (MoaH Link being 27 at the start of the fic and Floan being 10, which not impossible for siblings, but a wide gap) as accurately as my two year age gap with my younger sister, but they are the best. I have a chapter coming up that's just them getting loads of interaction time and it's so goddamn cute.

And I'm getting into spoiler territory, not to mention an essay, so I'll cap it there for now. Please let me know if there's anything else, I have a lot of thoughts on all of this.

[celestemagnoliathewriter]

All That Remains, Ch. 1 and 2 Notes

I wrote a fic for the @regulusblackfest and I have been DYING to talk about it since I finished it a month ago.

Author reveals came today so now I can gush all I want! Since I wasn't able to post about all my chapter updates or plans for this fic, I thought to write posts to tell you all about how this fic came to life, and notes behind what I did in each chapter. I'll do it in twos. Below is a moodboard I created for the fic to give you an idea of what I was thinking (visually) as I created it.

This story came out of a desire to see Regulus in a thoroughly, morally grey way. Regulus, to me, is often (mis)characterized as this poor little meow meow who has no agency, or he's just immature and misguided, and underneath he has a heart of gold.

He does have a heart, feelings, and wishes, but he makes a lot of morally questionable to morally reprehensible decisions. My goal in writing this work was to make a darker character like Regulus more sympathetic. You may not like him - you probably won't, to be honest - but you'll root for him.

Chapter notes below (there are spoilers, fyi)!

Chapter 1 - la recherche commence | the search begins

I chose a prompt in which Regulus's partner becomes pregnant. To do this in a way that felt faithful to his characterization, I had to give Regulus some motivation to find a girl. His parents want him to marry and he's got the idea to choose his own bride. He thinks it will be easy.

A line to capture his previous thoughts on women:

She was familiar enough, having spent his childhood growing up along other pureblood children, but as she was always with the other girls, he never needed to pay much attention to their feminine nonsense.

Regulus is purposefully written as a misogynist, and it's not a good look. He's a) a baby boomer, b) a pureblood in elite circles, and c) the son of a family that cares about continuing the line, which only matters through the male line. He's a chauvinist, but one who thinks he's in the right, because he's parroting the tradition of generations before.

A commenter wrote, wondering how Regulus could be so clueless about girls, when he's got 3 girl cousins.

He starts talking to them and it's really awkward. He gets one word responses, awkward responses, or skittish girls. He makes a list of potential brides, like a pro/con list.

Having female relatives is no guarantee of success in treating women nicely, fairly, or even knowing how to talk to them. He's arrogant and assumes he doesn't need help.

But he's also fragile. He's just 17, playing adult games, and wounded from a lifetime of being compared to Sirius. Regulus struggles with his ineptitude and wonders what Sirius would do.

He ends the first days of his search in frustration.

All That Remains, ch. 2 Notes

Chapter 2: le devoir avant le plaisir | duty before pleasure

It astounded Regulus that the girls around his age were less willing to allow him to court them, but the girls from the minor pureblood families, and the younger girls, seemed to understand the privilege they were receiving by being singled out by him.

In this chapter, we see Regulus trying to narrow down who he's going to court and it's not going well. All his conversations are one-sided and he struggles to figure out why.

This is the chapter that I began some world-building. This was a huge experiment for me, putting Catholicism this blatantly into a fic, but I was inspired by both the work of @artemisia-black and @green-and-grey-kenaz to bring this to life.

Thus I've got Regulus having a good old time on the organ, musing on his lady troubles.

Regulus's new friend/thorn in his side, Maia, gives him a reality check, and I start showing off her personality. In the previous chapter, she's not afraid to tell him what she thinks or argue with him.

She's no saint, either. This is one of the lines I give her: “You are the last wizard I’d want to spend my life with, and that includes Muggleborns.”

She doesn't say Mudblood, but there's a clear hierarchy in her mind that Muggleborns are different/worse. She's not necessarily outwardly bigoted but there is prejudice there. It's one of the reasons why Regulus becomes attracted/intrigued by her. He's never going to go for a blood traitor - think Blaise Zabini's comment in HBP that he wouldn't touch a blood traitor like Ginny, no matter how attractive she was. Same deal for Regulus. Maia's not a blood traitor, but she's not outwardly terrible.

The last thing we see in the chapter is Regulus thinking about his Dark Mark. He's not regretful that he joined the Dark Lord but he DOES wonder what his future bride will think of the tattoo. It sets up an uncomfortable tension that will continue throughout the story.

To read the fic:

[truly-hopeless]

Honest Question About A Fic

So not too long ago, while at work, I was thinking about a story of mine that I haven't updated in almost two years. The story is titled "I Move the Stars For No One," which is a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin with L/Light Yagami as the main ship that I started writing after reading other LawLight fairy tale rewrites, namely eleonoraw's Merman and Totoroto's Snow Moon. It was my first story published to AO3 near the beginning of the pandemic and was my first LawLight fic. It currently sits unfinished at seven chapters (there was an eighth, a scrapped prologue, but I moved it to "The Dead Darling Graveyard" since it had little to do with the story) and was last updated December 2021. While I like parts of the current version (such integrating other fairy tales into the story since I'm a sucker for that kind of thing), I feel dissatisfied with the story for several reasons:

It's taking too long to get to the main conflict of the story (Beyond disrupting Light and L's arrangement and the two needing to find a way to stop that from happening) even without the long hiatuses and that smaller conflicts (L hiding he's a goblin from Light, Light feeling conflicted about what to do now that he's not going to be executed, and Misa's jealousy) are getting resolved too easily.

The story barely resembles Rumplestiltskin at all. Sure, it was always going to be a different story from the original fairy tale since the protagonists' identities and circumstances that make them desperate enough to ask a magical stranger for help and who they fall in love with are not the same (while the miller's daughter can definitely do better than the greedy king demanding she spin straw into gold on pain of death, never in a million years is she going to consider the man who demands she hand over her baby [presumably to eat it] in exchange for his help marriage material unless there is serious tweaking done to his character), it still feels off.

The main characters feel out of character. Light and L became too familiar too fast (even for a ship fic) and there's no real tension after L's deception is revealed and Light forgives him (too easily, I feel). And while I don't necessarily want to vilify Misa to add conflict (especially since I just complained about how awful the king in the original fairy tale was), she should be a little more unwilling to share Light with L (even if she is the one that gets to marry him) and push back more.

I just hate the title. It was taken from lyrics of a song from Labyrinth, but outside of L being the King of Goblins in this story and the memory-wiping peaches there's nothing in common with Labyrinth either; it could have been, if I wasn't afraid of adding more conflict and making L more dark grey when it comes to morality, but that wasn't what I wrote.

So I'm thinking about rewriting the story, to make it more in line with both the original fairy tale and in the spirit of LawLight. But that comes with it's own problems:

If you've been following me for any amount of time, you'll know that I'm not the most consistent when it comes to updating my stories; it could be anywhere between a week to four months to a whole year before I update something due to a combination of burnout, stress when I think about how I'm almost thirty and nothing in my life is coming together, and being distracted by other story ideas. Speaking of...

I have too much shit going on as is when it comes to writing. I was tagged for that WIP ask game a few weeks ago, where I had to list out all the stuff I've been working on. The list has 31 drafts and I found out today that I still forgot to list a couple (not going back to change it now) and then there are ideas that play out in my head during work or when I'm trying to sleep that I haven't brought myself to write down because I am trying to keep the new WIPs to a minimum.

I have yet to finish a long story (I have the same problem as the protagonist from Dave Made a Maze: I start all these projects, but never finish them) and will feel slightly guilty for abandoning yet another one, even if it's for the sake of a rewrite instead of abandoning it altogether and trying to forget they exist like the stories on my FFN account.

So what should I do?