#making sure they aren't overstepping or anything ;3;

[jackdup]

Stargazing with Timothy for the first time has been one of the most peaceful experiences that Micah rarely receives nowadays. It’s lovely being able to find a time to find only ease, now being when they were having exchanges about themselves and Micah would ramble about the outer space while Timothy would listen attentively. Then there’s a certain point when he complimented xyr freckles. ( His kind words still linger at the back of Micah’s mind, xyr cheeks burning occasionally the longer xe dwells over the compliments. )

The moon reaches at the highest in another hour later. Usually, Micah wouldn’t feel as drained even at this time from insomnia, although after a long day and the deep comfort xe feels from being with Timothy, the lulling sense of serenity brings xem to a sleepy state, not realizing that xyr arm is slowly meeting against Timothy’s side. Micah blinks tiredly at the warm contact and finds xe’s touching him. Part of xem should be alarmed, knowing how restless Timothy can be with physical contacts, but the exhaustion is falling deeper in xem to be as responsive.

“S-sorry, Timostar,” Micah mumbles, yawning. Xe plans to move away from Timothy to respect his space, but xe realizes how deeply touch starved xe is when xyr heart sinks at the thought of moving. Micah glances up at Timothy, xyr gaze all gentle. “Um, actually, is it okay if I can lean on you for a bit before we call it for the night?” xe asks quietly, fiddling with xyr hands, “From tonight, you just make me feel very safe and comfy...” It is a soft given honesty that makes Micah see just how much Timothy matters to xem. ( He is the stars that the moon cares and cherishes forever. )

@solarisgod || and thus i die (´•̥̥̥ ‸ •̥̥̥`✿)

Listen, folks . . . Micah's not the only one still reeling after an unexpected compliment.

Big shocker, right? You tell a guy he looks nice, great. You tell him his smile is . . . what was it, lovely—? Awesome. You tell that same guy already down for the count from the positive attention not to lose his light, because apparently it fits him . . . for some freakin' reason? Yeah, okay: Timothy didn't take Micah for a violent type, but he was really beginning to think they were doing their best to destroy him. In, like . . . a weirdly . . . good way? Does that make sen— No, it probably doesn't. Whatevs. The real point here is that at least both of them are dealing with some semblance of a recovery period after that, not that Timothy really understands why Micah needs it.

Didn't most people tell them things like that? He had a hard time believing he was anywhere near the first, and if he was, he wanted to very badly grab everyone who ever interacted with Micah by the shoulders and just shake them like Are you blind?! (Unless they . . . literally were blind, and then, hey, okay, free pass, but—)

They were silent after some time, still keeping their eyes on the sky, on the stars winking almost cheekily down at them. Timmy hadn't been oblivious to the gradual weight falling against him, starting with that tiny brush of an arm that solidified and became heavier as Micah sunk further down. He's not bothered. Not even slightly. If he was asked to describe the feeling, he'd not really know the right word, but honestly . . . It's nice. It's nice that they trust him enough to let their guard down, to let themselves relax without any reservations, and Timothy decides somewhere in there to remain as still as possible: to not disturb them.

Until, ya know, they catch themselves like some idiot falling asleep on the job—or in a less safe environment—and quickly apologize—

“Ah-tut-tut—!” he interrupts their drowsy words in the space of that breath, no hesitation. “Hey, no, you don't . . . have anything to be sorry about. What are you—? No, it's cool. I mean, it's—” Tim picks up on the slurred speech, on the confession of what his presence does for them. Which, okay, yeah, he probably could have connected those dots himself, but actually hearing them say it is . . . yeah, we're just gonna keep going with that “nice.”

He shuffles, finally. Now that they're awake enough he won't fully bother them. Timothy adjusts his position equally for his own comfort and theirs, moving just slightly enough that his arm is now behind Micah, and their weight can fall against his side. “Sure, I . . . Yeah.” He pauses, thoughtful, then: “Guess you could say we have that in common. I'm glad.”

[thenightfolknetwork]

Hi there. I’m not really sure what to write here. I’m a long time listener but a first time writer I guess? I’m sapio as far as I’m aware, but recently I’ve been wondering about that. I’ve always felt different to everyone else, and recently that feeling of being different has become feeling Different with a capital D if that makes sense? I hope I’m not overstepping any boundaries by asking this- and please feel free to not reply if so or if you’ve already answered a very similar question- is there any way I can look into whether I am a member of the Creature Community? Thank you for reading my letter and any advice you can give:)

[also OOC MA and this blog have really helped me get through some tough times so thank you so much <3]

My dear reader, I assure you, it isn't overstepping boundaries to explore your own identity! How could it be? It isn't as if identifying as a member of the community is a finite resource. You aren't taking anything away from others by exploring the matter for yourself.

Is anything in particular that makes you think your difference from those around you is specifically liminal in nature. Have you noticed any particular differences in your physicality, or your abilities? Are you sensitive to salt, perhaps, or other thaumaturgically reactive materials? Is there some question about your biological parentage, is there a family history of liminality?

Here at the Nightfolk Network, we have always been fervent supporters of self-identity, and reject all notions of gatekeeping around the community. That being said, the fact is that being a member of the community does actually mean you experience some kind of difference from the sapio norm.

It might be an inherited difference, or an acquired difference; it might be a difference of physiognomy or perspective; some people may even consider themselves members of the community simply on the grounds of their work, their hobbies or their social milieu. I am reminded of a listener who wrote in once after spending some hundred years working as a psychopomp, only to wonder if they still had a place in the community once they retired.

In short, there are about as many ways to be liminal as there are members of the creature community. A general check-up with your GP might be able to shed some light on biological differences. Alternatively, you could go private, and contract a magical practitioner to assess your presence on various planes of being.

If you wish to join our community, you are very welcome to do so. You might explore your own biology and discover some liminality in your DNA, or you might take up a magical practice, look into being turned, or any number of other paths.

A quick word of warning, though: joining the creature community is not a panacea for emotional distress. You say you want to explore your liminality to explain why you feel so “different” to the people around you. But difference is not a problem to be solved. You are not a problem to be solved. And belonging to a community – any community – is so much more than meeting some arbitrary set of demographic requirements.

By all means, explore your liminality. I only hope you can put the same energy and enthusiasm into connecting with the communities to which you already belong.

[For more creaturely advice, check out Monstrous Agonies on your podcast platform of choice, or visit monstrousproductions.org for more info]

[cavitybloom]

౿    RULES – @’#cavitybloom !

ADMIN INFO . . !

hello, i'm ayu! i'm an 18+ writer who enjoys plots of all kinds! i've been writing for a while, but i've decided to start fresh as my style of writing has changed & i want to write with people who have experience as well. i've been writing since i was 13 & it's become something that i truly love & seemingly cannot live without. i am currently a student so i will always prioritize my education over writing & i hope that people can respect that when it comes to responses. as much as i would love to relax, chat with my partners, & write all day i don't have that luxury 24/7. college has proven itself to be . . . pretty demanding. however, outside of writing, i hope that we can become friends! i do tend to talk a lot which can get pretty awkward fast, but i truly enjoy having partners who are the same.

i love love love making playlists, pinterest boards, & simply just talking about our ship or the characters that we've involved in our plot. so, if you're the same, please come out of hiding.

2. WRITING INFO. . !

i am an adv-lit - novella writer! depending on how much detail & planning that goes into our plot i can reach around. . .3000-4000 words, maybe even more! don't feel obligated to match the length, all i ask is that i'm given something to work with. i will take quality over quantity any day so please don't shy away because of this.

i love darker plots & i will admit, i do prefer them solely because there's a lot that can be built on topics that are gritty/angsty. while i don't have many triggers/limits, i WILL NOT write non-con between our characters or anything nsfw involving underage characters. that being said i would like for dead dove topics to be discussed before being incorporated into our roleplay. i do not throw in sensitive issues just because. everything needs to tie in & be handled with care.

i'm a sucker for toxic relationships/corruption. . .i will kill for anything similar at the moment so do what you must what that information..

i write most pairings, m x f, m x m, f x f, a x nb (you). i do have a preference for writing male characters but i am open to pretty much anything. i will always be open to writing against trans ocs, so feel free to introduce them without worry. ❤︎

i mainly use realistic fcs, but you're more than welcome to bring drawn ones. just no AI. 3. PRIMARY RULES. . ?

for my own comfort & i'm sure for others, i will not write with anyone that is 25 or older. i'd prefer to write with people who are close to me in age, & of course, this will change as i tragically get closer to death.

DO NOT beg me for responses. a check-in here & there is fine, but do not become a pest. . . i am super friendly & patient & i truly understand that writing is exciting & fun, however, it frustrates me when people don't understand boundaries, or don't take into consideration that this is a hobby for most & not everyone has time to respond day to day. i love talking to people & making friends outside of the roleplay, so don't be scared to start a conversation.

GENRES; ! - psychological horror, western (bring me your cowboys), apocalyptic / post-apocalyptic,victorian, romance ( depending on the rp, i will not be doing enemies to lovers at this time so so sorry!), fantasy, supernatural + more!

if we've written before & i accidentally ghosted/you ghosted...i got busy/you got busy. whatever the case may be, feel free to reach out again. i don't really hold any grudges because, to be frank, it's never that serious LOL. though, if you leave without warning intentionally or anything of that nature please don't reach out. i'd rather be told that you aren't interested than left wondering.

when it comes to nsfw, i can either write it all the way through, fade to black or we could just not do it at all. these are things i like to discuss before we start so i don't accidentally overstep or make anyone uncomfortable! i do prefer to play the dom/top role as most of my muses are, but it can vary depending on the plot or the muse! i'd rather it not be a determining factor of anything plot-related or plot-centered.

i believe that is all for now! anything new will be updated. please like or dm if you're interested & i will reach out or you're more than welcome to on your own! i look forward to writing with you all! ❀

[dipolardruid]

This might just be the wlw in me but imagine

What about if yan stepmom never met reader's father Instead he died in a car accident with Y/N inside and she happens to see it and managed to save reader so instead she met bio mom in the hospital. They aren't as trusting of each other but eventually they warm up to each other and shower reader with love.

TW: MENTION OF CAR CRASH

To be honest I struggled with this because it's very hard to see a good ending to their relationship especially because Bio-Mom is not a good person, Betra can sense when someone is up to no good and Bio-Mom gives her that vibe but at the same time Bio-Mom is an amazing actor, however for the sake of the story I'll do the beginning of everything.

You still remember the first day you met Betra how she pulled you out of the burning car by your wrist making sure to get you and herself as far as possible holding you close to her with her left hand while using her right to call the cops that's all you truly remembered before you had completely blacked out not waking up for 3 days.

When you did finally wake up you were alone and confused in a white cold room with a thin blanket over you unable to move because of the pain, you'd be like that for a for a moment before remembering there was a crash and how you never saw your father being pulled out causing you to start panicking and forcing yourself to get up at the commotion a nurse had come in to try to calm you but after failure to do so help came to sedate you as a way to prevent your injuries from reopening and getting worse.

It wouldn't be until the next day that you'd see the woman who saved you and your mother, Despite asking about your dad they remained quiet on that subject but kept you company keeping you updated on other things to keep your mind off of things. They always seemed to visit you everyday no matter what, your mother you could understand the visitations as for betra not so much but as time went on you grew used to her presence.

Throughout that time you did realize they had slowly formed a close relationship that began with a few conversations here and there to spending almost whole days with each other during the times you were with them, it wouldn't take long to realize that their friendship and had formed beyond a simple friendship, you didn't really put too much thought into it since they continued to treat you the same way.

Except for Betra who's affection has increased along with her want to be more involved in your life like school and friends, you never complained or said anything since they always seemed happy.

Betra would help your mother with you when she had to go out to work and made sure your bandages were changed and your injuries disinfected, your mother was a little less involved due to her job but made sure to spend her remaining time with you and Betra and always bought you something before you left.

If betra was out of work and your mom not around she'd take you out either to eat or somewhere to just hang around and just have fun, if you just wanted to be home and do your thing she'd respect that and leave you to do your own thing besides a few conversations here and there.

This was how life was when you were with them nothing out of the ordinary besides the elephant in the room, that being your father.

Your mother was there as much as she possibly could be but left you alone when you wanted to be alone, the same for betra. Your mother did not enjoy hearing your cries she hated it and it frustrated her to no end that she couldn't help you all she wanted was for you to feel better but knew there was nothing she could do but be by your side.

The same for betra she was awkward about it since she didn't want to overstep boundaries but did let you know she was there if anything was needed, she would have liked to have done more but preferred you come to her. If you ever did go to her she'd feel glad that you're comfortable enough to do so, whether that's a listening ear, advice or just a shoulder to cry on she'd be more that happy to give you what you need.

While everything wasn't sunshine and rainbows when you were with them, Everything was fine you were very well cared and loved for, So you never thought anything could be going on after all they both were very happy at the end of the day and so were you, that's all that really mattered in the end.

Request are open!

[thatturtleleon]

The TFP Autobots Comforting You After the Loss of a Family Member

Note: This ones a bit personal bc my grandma just passed away. This is how i'm coping lol and i hope this brings anyone else in the same situation some comfort <3

Optimus:

He understands loss more than anyone

Honestly all the autobots do, they lost family, friends, their culture, their home, etc.

Optimus knows everyone grieves differently, so he doesn't push you to talk about it

When he finds out/you tell him, he'll say "I'm deeply sorry for your loss (insert name)" and nothing more, unless you want to talk about it

Then of course he's there to listen

I feel like he would be the best person to vent to in this situation, and he would love to hear all about the memories you made with the person you're grieving

Overall he's very gentle with the subject and knows almost exactly what to do

Ratchet:

He's definitely up there when it comes to experiencing loss

Ratchet's a medic, so he's dealt with losing people and handling the reactions of people who have lost people

I'd say he'd be pretty similar to Optimus in this situation

Won't push you to say anything, but is always there if you need him

Checks up on you more often, not in a constant, overwhelming way of course, but in a "subtly makes sure you've eaten, slept, and drank water" way

If you DO want to talk, he's there.

He was working on the computer? Not anymore, his attention is on you

Ratchet isn't as good with words, but he lets you know he's listening by nodding

When you're feeling a bit better, he'd try to make you laugh by repeating some random joke he heard from Raf or Miko, but fails so miserably at making it funny that its actually funny

I think its canon that he has horrible humor lmao i love him sm

Bumblebee:

Once you tell him, he gets noticeably sad, even if you don't express being sad at the moment

Completely understands if you don't wanna talk about it and offers to take you on a drive for a distraction

He'll look extra hard for any radio stations that have your favorite songs

When you do end up talking about whoever passed, he'll listen and probably ask some questions about them

He's curious about how much this person meant to you and wants to be there for you no matter what

Bee's probably curious abt how human funerals work and things like that, and you explain to him that it depends on the culture and family

Bulkhead:

Arguably the sweetest bot

Isn't entirely sure how to handle it at first, but he knows he hates seeing you upset

So he asks about hobbies you like and helps you/is with you while you work on those

He's always bringing up stuff that you like (playing music you like, telling stories you like, etc)

And just like the other bots, he's there to listen if you want to talk

I'd say bulkhead's more on the listening side, he'll occasionally say a comforting phrase, but mostly just nods along

Similar to 'Bee, he'll be curious about how humans handle this sort of situation too

Arcee:

Ohhh boy she knows what its like to lose family

She'll try not to overstep any boundaries, but definitely pushes you to talk about it, at least a little

She knows what its like to keep feelings bottled up

Always makes sure that you know she's there for you

If you really aren't feeling up to talking about it though, you two just silently enjoy a ride or sitting up on top of the base

She'll bring up Cliffjumper a few times, share stories about him

And you share stories about your person

Arcee gives the best advice, especially in dealing with grief, mainly because she's learned from her past struggles with it

[snobgoblin]

oh,,, when else do his sensory issues come into play?

good question! probably quite a bit. im not sure how to answer this in a broader sense so I'll narrow this question down to when they come into play with the specific love interests

🌊 Asra- they know Danny very well right off the bat, so they're really good at accommodating for those needs without him even saying anything. Asra knows which teas are safe and which aren't. which pillows are the wrong texture to bring home. which doohickeys make a grating noise he doesnt like. stuff like that. Asras someone who remembers a lot of things about his friends (he even remembers Nadia likes jam and pushes it toward her during lunch, wordlessly) so I think this kind of thing would be about the same. he likes remembering, he likes being kind to his friends

🐚 Nadia- usually she goes above and beyond for her guests, but she can't do that for someone who's a complete mystery to her. she's talked about how her court keeps things from her so she won't worry, and she's talked about how people tend to do that for her in general? and she's frustrated by that. she just wishes people would be honest with her because she CAN handle the truth, she's not delicate. with this in mind there is a small conflict with Danny. he really really doesn't want to embarrass himself in front of the Countess so he's trying to take up the least amount of space possible, so when she gives him an outfit that's Wrong he's just kind of like "wow I want to crawl out of my skin but I don't want to seem ungrateful so I'll just grin and bear it around her at least" and when he inevitably can't deal with it anymore Nadias just kind of like "look you gotta be honest with me i literally love taking care of people so don't be so freaked out" and after that point he slowly gets more comfortable letting her know what is and isn't okay for his sensory issues

🦜 Julian- he's a doctor and has been described as a mother hen so I think he'd be pretty good with it. he likes taking care of people and being kind in general (helping the player out of a barrel in the prologue when he thought they were a stranger for instance) and I feel like, with him being a doctor, he'd notice how much Danny fidgets when he does certain things and kind of stop doing those things. he kind of catches on. but sometimes he does just outright ask "is this okay" when he's not sure and something about him puts Danny at ease in that way so he's pretty upfront with him

🦀 Muriel- so they're kind of in the same boat. neither one of them want to communicate their needs but also, they don't really overstep the others boundaries ever because they have similar needs. Danny doesn't get overstimulated by noises because Muriel isn't noisy or loud at all and Muriel doesn't get overstimulated by too many people because Danny doesn't....... really have friends 💀 stuff like that you know. though there are little things like Muriel notices Danny takes way too long to eat a certain kind of egg and he stops cooking them that way

🗺 Portia- there's something about Portia that puts everyone at ease- not to mention she's really good at getting a read on people (like knowing which nobles she can and cant seat next to each other). so she kind of tends to just kind of know what questions to ask that make Danny less... guarded? more willing to spill the information she needs to make deductions about what is and isn't okay

🏔 Lucio- ..........oh god this oblivious man. sensory nightmare. he doesnt understand when Danny is showing clear signs of overstimulating and continues to talk his head off. it takes Danny being overstimulated to the point of tears for him to finally get a hint and kind of realize "hey maybe I shouldn't make him cry seeing as he's the only person who's given me positive attention in 3 years" and reel it back a bit. he may not always remember where the boundaries are (hell he can't even remember to bring socks on a trip) but he will definitely try to be good. if for no other reason than he NEEDS this to work. sometimes in more tender moments he may walk on eggshells because he's not really sure what's going to trigger crying again, but most of the time he's a little bit oblivious. Danny ends up being more direct with him out of necessity and eventually he starts to be a bit more respectful

[ayyy-imma-ninja]

I'm curious, I know sometimes you respond to asks as a character and they aren't always comfortable answering them, but are there ever questions that actually make you uncomfortable? I just worry easily so sometimes I wonder if anybody's ever overstepping boundries. You haven't said anything of the sort so it's likely just my anxiety acting up but I still wanted to ask, just to be sure

I have received a few iffy asks, but if I don't have an answer or don't want to I just delete them. Most don't usually warrant an announcement to say "Don't do this pls"

I've yet to actually get an ask to have me do that.

If any boundaries are overstepped, I'll make it known, so don't worry <3

[pancake-breakfast]

I've been neglecting Tumblr as a whole this weekend as I burn through costume-making, but I think I can keep up with Trigun Book Club!

Archive

Trigun Volume 1: Covers + 1-3, 3 Detailed Thoughts, 4, 4 DT, 5-6, 5-6 + DT, 6 DT, 7-8, 9-10

Trigun Volume 2: Covers + Extras, 1, 1 Supplemental Research, 2-4

Stream-of-consciousness thoughts for Trigun Vol. 2, Chapters 5-6 below.

Chapter 5: Murder Café

CW: Sexual assault, human trafficking

This title sounds like a place I'd either really want to eat at or never want to eat at.

It's interesting to see what they did and didn't keep of the city design in Stampede.

Even yandere emo boys have to eat sometimes.

The heck? Is this woman barefoot?? Why would anyone be barefoot out there??? Oh. Oh, shit. Are we gonna get into that aspect of the story already???

Yyyyup. Well, dang. These men chose the wrong bar to stumble into. I know a few things about yandere emo boys and there's a thing or two they're a bit sensitive about....

If your SO ever, EVER slaps you to the floor while screaming at you for looking at someone else, even if it's not in public, get help and get out of there. I realize these guys aren't these women's significant anything, but that's not the point. Or maybe it is. They are the kind of people who would treat another human being this way. They are not people who love these women.

Dude. This shit is blaming Legato for being too pretty and making these women feel bad that they'll never have a handsome man like him while bragging about assaulting them in the same breath. WTH???

Everyone else in the bar wants to take these guys down, but they're big and powerful and intimidating, making it pretty impossible for the average person.

Ok, but this panel of chibi Legato just... chewing away. At this rate I'm gonna add him to my collection. And then shove him in a box and throw him in the bottom of the sea.

I wonder if this guy meant to hit Legato's fork or if it was just a lucky shot. Also, what kind of grip does this man have that he was able to keep ahold of his fork while it was shot in two?!?!

Huh, he was going to let them go about their business, confident they'd get theirs. But they done overstepped now.

He says it like a command, as if they have any control over the matter once he's in play.

Nice and traumatic for all involved. Good... good....

I'm impressed these guys are standing their ground after that display. We're gonna assume they're so scared that whatever sense they had has left their stupid heads.

Current favorite angry Legato face:

Just in case being kidnapped and raped by slavers wasn't already the most traumatic thing to happen to these women....

Honestly, it's good and important to see this bit of humanity from Legato, even if it makes for a much more muddy morality in the story overall. Maybe particularly because it makes for a much more muddy morality overall.

Dude, for his arm to be at this angle, he's gotta have CLAMP-in-their-Tsubasa-Chronicle-xxxHolic-era proportions.

I wonder how Vash would have handled this situation had he been there instead. Surely Vash isn't unaware that this sort of stuff happens in this world....

Chapter 6: A Gathering of Demons

CW: Human trafficking

So much sand....

I love how, in this story, our primary windows into the world are Milly and Meryl. Like, they're characters in their own right, but they're also the closest thing we have to an Everyman through which we interact with the story.

Yeah, Vash is probably on hyper-alert for now because of the Gung-Ho Guns. Constantly concerned about the safety of everyone around him.

That reminds me, I should retrieve my tea from the kitchen. (It's jasmine, if you're curious.)

GoshDARNIT, Legato! You're not supposed to be flattered and happy when people announce they're gonna hunt you!

He's just a silly, happy boy.

Heh. Foreshadowing.

YUS YUS YUS MY BOI WOLFWOOD IS HEEEEEEERE!!!

Soooo many things I could say here and I will say none of them. Instead, let's all just appreciate how much the bus driver here looks like a hippie straight from 1960's Berkeley.

I'm impressed they managed to get that thing on the roof of the van.

LOL, Wolfwood's response to people calling him out for being a frumpy, shady guy....

Awww, cute Vash face!

I love everything about their meeting here.

It's interesting that WW quickly notes how much Vash fits the description on his posters when Monev was quick to say Vash looked nothing like the description of him.

I do like the introduction '98 gave them, though, with Vash inventing a crazy name for himself and then Milly casually dropping the whole "Vash the Stampede" bit.

Vash looks very unsure of WW here. Resigned, but unsure.

The slavers are gonna try to do what to whom? Hahahahahahaha GL

Speak of the devil....

Who the hell is he talking to??

Yeah, this wasn't gonna end well for them....

THE PORTABLE CONFESSIONAL!!! Gods, I hope this thing shows up in Stampede. It's the dumbest thing, but it's also beautiful. Especially the way WW just SHOVES it on people's heads.

WW's introduction is great. Is he a genuine sweetheart or is he a conman? Both??

WW can't not melt at kids, can he?

Dude, they've been hanging out for... what, a few hours? And already WW is reading Vash like a book.

This pose looks... uncomfortable.

Hahahahahaha, he's stuck in it.

Gods, that's a freaking MOUNTAIN of bodies. He should compare it with the one Erwin Smith has.

Ok, I kind of love how Legato handles these guys. He's like, "Oh, so you want to make a profit selling people? How about I kill half of you so you can make a profit off the organs of people you might actually give a shit about? Get fucked, scumbag."

Oh. THAT'S where the chapter title comes from. Hi, everyone!

[mayybirds]

I love that Ethan is Jewish in your fic. I like that it adds some depth to his character and is especially poignant in zombie-ish settings I think. I was wondering your opinion on non-jewish writers making characters Jewish in fics? Especially in settings that could be especially upsetting for a practicing Jew. Im Jewish but I feel like I barely qualify as both my parents are Jewish atheists and I'm kind of disconnected from my faith so I'm wondering if it would be a bad idea to include such hcs in my fics. Also I was wondering, what do you think about Jewish!Karl Heisenberg?

Oh, thank you! Making Ethan Jewish was initially an impulse decision, but one I felt very strongly about once it was in my drafts. I'm glad it resonates. <3 I do think putting a Jewish character in a zombie setting is such an unexplored area, and if I'm brave enough I definitely want to eventually push on what Ethan's (loose) sense of Jewish faith would make of realizing he's a mold!boy, given Jewish laws around body modification and funeral proceedings...

I personally have no problem with non-Jewish writers writing Jewish characters, though a couple things worth noting here--I fall into the old(?) camp of thinking that generally a mixed/diverse cast more representative of the real world in any story, so long as it is done with respect and good intent (and an open ear to feedback), is for the better, rather than the new (Twitter inspired?) mind that one can only ever write from their own worldview successfully (There's layers and layers of nuance here concerning that debate and what stories one "can" write and where one might be overstepping boundaries, but that's not your question really so I'll not jump into my whole spiel there).

The second thing worth noting, though, as it pertains better to your question and your information on your personal situation... depending on who you ask, I'm not Jewish either, lol! To be clear, I identify as Jewish both religiously & culturally, have Jewish ancestry, and consider myself a practicing Jew--but I'm only ancestrally Jewish through my father. My mother was not born Jewish nor ever converted. Depending on who you ask, I'm not Jewish haha. I see myself as Jewish, as I was raised in no other faith, and according to many reform Jews--the sect I belong to--that's good enough. If you asked many other Jews, though, (hell, if you asked some of my own orthodox ancestors), they'd likely tell you "no!!!".

Rule number one, with Jewish people, in my experience? None of us agree on almost anything lol. Jewish faith is splintered into vastly different sects and practices, these days, and what's acceptable and true to me as a reform Jew likely lines up very little with what's acceptable and true to most Orthodox or Conservative Jews. I guess I say all this for two-fold reasons: One, to not cast any illusions about my Jewishness in order to better appear a "jewish authority," but also to stress that... there's no single good answer for a "jewish authority," because Judaism isn't a singular uniform religion. As the child of non-practicing Jews, you likely already know a lot of this, but it feels worth stressing! To me, if you asked, I'd say you're Jewish if you feel you're Jewish, which entitles you to explore and write about your view of Judaism/Jewish identity however you please--in fics or otherwise.

And for people who aren't Jewish at all, I think it's just worth noting--there's no interpretation of Jewishness that would please all Jewish people lol. I'm sure my interpretation of a Jewish!Ethan would be wildly offensive to some other Jewish people. So much as I say, "write in good faith and listen thoughtfully to feedback," no one should ever be shocked if they're praised by some Jewish people and criticized by others. Like all religious and cultural/ethnic minorities, Jewish people are not a monolithic opinion... we're arguably more splintered than many minorities lmao.

But yes, tldr, my personal opinion? I think you individually have every right to write Jewish character hcs into your fics, just as I think anyone can as long as they do so with respect, restraint, and forethought (&, as a Jew, "barely qualifying" or not, I'd say you personally have more wiggle room than goyim to just...do as you like with your writing about Jewish-ness... when one is basing their fiction off any personal experience, arguments about 'validity' become ridiculous. It's valid if it's true to your experiences and feelings, even if they're not universal! Nothing is universal!). That said--take my opinion with a grain of salt, because I have no more right to give you a "Jewish stamp of approval" than anyone else!

(And on your last note, I'm actually a huge fan of the idea of a Jewish!Karl. My current draft notes for his chapters currently imply his mother was Jewish, but I'm undecided on whether I'll explicitly leave that in. In my heart, though, yes, he's matrilineally Jewish. I think it brings an additional element to his backstory of basically being abducted into a religious cult and stripped of his own identity as a child particularly... poignant... because boy did Christians do this to some Jewish kids, historically!)

[st-kitten]

pt.1, pt.2, pt.3, pt.4

[continued]

she didn't know if she felt anything for kiyoshi, but she was sure falling for his actions. his little gestures that swooped her and whisked her away

"why did you give me this book?" she asked

"because i saw myself in you back when i was studying. but, i got distracted by the training, the parties, the dating, and the works. i wanted to study and get my degree, but i also wanted the fun. i knew i had it in me to focus, but…" kiyoshi was unsure about saying riko's name, but fuck it, he thought. he didn't want to lie. "riko made all the fun seem more enjoyable than the studies. so, i slacked off and eventually fell deeper into the student debt when i couldn't catch up. i had to drop out. then i got the cafe job, which I'm still working. I've been studying with some friends, who are helping me catch up for an entrance exam to get into a nearby university once more. somehow…"

kiyoshi looked directly into y/n's eyes

"watching you study so passionately made me want to try it too… and not gonna lie… studying with my juniors, kagami, kuroko, and of course, imayoshi, who by the way is over the top insane about studying and basically a monster version of you… is fun too. you made me see how fun it can be to truly put your effort into something. so, if i was doing this better, i couldn't leave you worrying over your studies. i'd seen this book in touou university library, when i went there to give imayoshi some things hyuuga couldn't deliver. it seemed older. but, i still wanted to get it for you. There's just… this pleasure… in reading a fucking book… with actual fucking pages. never thought i'd say that, but here we are..." (my thoughts too, bestie)

y/n felt happy for kiyoshi after hearing his story. she never thought she'd have an impact on him

"kiyoshi... that's so kind of you. and i'm happy that you're studying hard. only good things from hereafter, trust me. no better joy than to overstep the word limit of your paper. ace that exam, you motherfucker!" she punched him on the arm

he ruffled her short hair. "nerd."

"right back at you, asshole."

y/n and kiyoshi spent the next few minutes insulting each other and eventually ended up laughing comically

"international terrorist, what, where did that come from?" asked kiyoshi in between laughter

"i don't know! the way you look rn, you'd pull off a mass murderer easily"

"i'm the sweetest guy ever! whom would i kill anyway?"

"your exam, your friends, your teachers, the common public?"

"you think you'd survive?"

"you won't kill me."

"mm you sure?"

"oh yeah."

"how so?"

"aren't i your inspiration to study?"

"well i am studying. not like i need ya now"

"what if you do?"

"what if i don't"

"you'd really kill me off?"

"depends."

"on?"

"what you have to offer?"

"i could be your legal support."

"too complex."

"i could make another speciality for your cafe"

"i already do that"

"i could be your tutor?"

"no thanks, i don't want another imayoshi..." said kiyoshi

"the fuck, teppei, just kill me off now. I give up."

"already? someone i know didn't give up on her work and still continues to strive for it..."

"you and your wordplay. you sure you're not a manipulator or something?"

"a terrorist, a murderer, a manipulator. do you actually like me or were you just attorney-ing your way into my cafe?"

"shut the fuck up, i do like you!"

"what was that? didn't hear you."

"you sly bastard. i said i do like you."

"mmm must be hyuuga snoring, could you repeat that?" kiyoshi leaned closer to her, lending his ear trying to hear clearer

y/n leaned forward and yelled in his ear "i fucking like you, asshole!" 

kiyoshi flinched a little, laughing at her messy state

"ahh, i see. got it. you love me,"

y/n hit his arm once more, laughing

"you don't love me? bitch pick a side!"

"stop playing mind games, kiyoshi!!!" she whined like a child

"nah"

"wym nah" she asked

"nah. i won't stop."

"fuck you then"

"right now? here? i don't even have a condom."

"kiyoshi fucking teppei. what is wrong with you?" she asked, chuckling

"more like what's wrong with you? you say you love, wanna fuck me, and then you call me out like that? girl, you mean"

"bring back kind kiyoshi. please" she begged.

"mean kiyoshi is sexier tho"

"no he isn't."

"he is"

"isn't"

"is"

"not"

"is"

"I'm not playing this."

"so i win?"

"no."

"so you lose"

"i- wow you'd make a troublesome lawyer"

"advocate kiyoshi... has a nice ring to it."

"sure does"

"tell me, ms l/n, what do you have to say for your crime?"

"bitch what crime?" she asked, throwing a pillow at him

"my my, you've gone deaf now? you defamed me, kiyoshi teppei, your guardian angel, who helped you generously and got you through a tough spot. yet you defamed him."

"fuck i did not!" y/n couldn't hold back her laughter.

"and now you lie! this is perjury! the court demands you answer the truth and nothing but the truth."

"geez, fine." y/n raised her hands. "ask away, punk"

"Mm... Did you think about him after you both kissed?" he suddenly asked. y/n looked at him. he looked solemn, meaning he wasn't joking around.

"kiyoshi..."

"answer the question"

"i- kiy..."

"truth and nothing but the truth"

y/n took a deep breath. "yes"

"yes what?"

"yes, i thought about him after we kissed"

"and is there something you'd like to tell him about it?" he asked. he had no idea where this unflinching confidence was coming

y/n wanted to lie and say that it didn't mean anything. that it was just an accident. and even if it was so back then, she couldn't lie to herself that she'd liked it better than her kisses with hanamiya. hell, sometimes she'd imagined kiyoshi instead of hanamiya whenever they made out

"tell him... that the kiss didn't mean much..."

kiyoshi gulped.

"... but it might if it happened again..."

kiyoshi had never reacted this fast in his entire life when he grabbed y/n's face and kissed her roughly. y/n jolted a little from the impact, but kissed him back, holding his shoulders. kiyoshi pulled her closer and she sat on his lap, snaking her hands around his neck, aligning her lips with his, deepening the kiss. this was a moment she didn't know she wanted until it happened. kiyoshi half-moaned into her mouth, holding her waist with his vice claw, practically embedding her onto his lap. he'd imagined this scene countless times and now that it was unfolding, he wasn't going to let it go...

u guys want smut? ( ≖‿ ≖ )

[ghostlygeto]

“I didn’t know where else to go” with armin pls? you know the vibes 🤙🏻🖤

i rewrote this 3 times bc i couldn’t get it right. but i think i like this version :’) the ending is meh but i hope you’ll forgive me <3

pairing: armin arlert x reader

warnings: angst!!!!!!! but happy(?) ending. eren is a shit bag (nothing srs, has a bad temper but doesn’t go into details), armin loves u so bad but was mean :( not proof read

wc: 710

“I didn’t know where else to go.”

2:33am.

You didn't know who was pounding on your at this hour, but you were ready to lay into them. You didn't have any missed calls or texts, so you knew it wasn't one of your friends in an emergency. However as soon as you looked through your peephole and saw a very upset looking Armin, all of your anger went away.

As soon as you opened the door, he practically fell into your arms. If he had come to you this way six months ago you'd be less confused, but now it's different. You broke up and haven't spoken in nearly half a year. So Armin, finding himself at apartment door at nearly 3am, was strange.

"Armin are you okay? What are you doing here?" You slowly sank down right there in your doorway so you were both seated on the floor, "Is everyone okay?"

Armin just shook his head, trying to calm himself down. He didn't mean to show up here, not at nearly 3am when he knew you had an early class the next day. Not when you hadn't spoken in six months because of something he said to you.

"I'm sorry, y/n. I didn't know where else to go," He leaned away from your shoulder and rubbed his eyes with the backs of his hands. "Eren got shitty again, y'know how he does. He threatened me and made me leave and I just. I didn't have anywhere else," He didn't even have here, he knew that. He was overstepping being here.

But that didn't matter. You knew what Eren was like when he lost his temper, you had been on the receiving end of it a few times. It was scary. "I told you you could always come here if he ever got bad, I meant it." Even though it killed you to see Armin right now, you'd rather him be here safe than there. "I'd never want you to stay where you aren't safe."

For some reason, that made him cry harder. He couldn't remember if he even got to apologize to you. All he wanted was for this to be okay again. To go back to how they were before. "I'm sorry, y/n."

"You don't have to be sorry. Let's stand up okay? Go to the couch. Do you want some hot coco?" You rubbed his back before standing up and offering him your hand, "The way you like it."

Despite you keeping your composure, you felt like you were about the burst. Part of you wanted to yell at him, for coming here in the middle of the night when you told him you never wanted to see him again. But the other part of you felt thankful, you missed him. You missed his smell, the way he said your name, the way he felt so right next to you.

You felt his absence as soon as you stood. Your heart begging for him to reclaim his spot next to you. But he didn’t. He went to the couch as you instructed.

“You can stay here tonight if you need,” You offered, hanging him his hot chocolate the way he loves it best, with a little bit of cinnamon and lots of mini marshmallows. “I have class in the morning but I can miss if you need me to.”

“y/n no I could never ask you to miss class, especially not tomorrow morning’s. It’s important for your major,” Armin shook his head, dismissing your words. Now that he was calmed down, he felt dumb. Running to you like a little kid because his friend yelled at him. He should’ve just locked himself in his room and waited it out like he usually would.

“Making sure you’re okay is more important than anything else,” You admitted, “I’m sure someone can send me their notes for the day. I want to stay here with you,”

Something about your tone of voice and the look on your face told Armin all he needed to know. Tomorrow, after you would both wake up in different rooms of your apartment, he would apologize. He’d beg for your forgiveness and ask that you give him a second chance.

And you’d say yes without hesitation.

angst sentence prompts

comments, reblogs, requests n likes appreciated <3

[cinnamonest]

Remembering my toxic modern boyfriends HCs for reading your texts and breakups, as well as the "annoying habits" post, so kinda combining those I have some more general thoughts on boyfriends being toxic and obnoxious <3

---

Ayato is especially controlling, but particularly when it comes to two things: what you wear, and who you talk to. He's just not quite controlling enough to completely cut off your contact with others entirely -- he's got more confidence than that, and he's socially apt enough that he realizes that doing so would be overbearing, and likely overstepping the limit of what you will tolerate before turning against him.

So he allows you to have friends -- just ones he approves of. He's got a way with words, and can convince you at least that this or that person specifically is a bad influence, will only cause trouble and unnecessary drama, doesn't have your best interest at heart, and so on... And he knows very well that one of the best ways to convince someone not to do something is to present an immediate alternative. In this case, it's a better friend -- a safer one, in his mind. 

That person is two-faced and selfish, so you shouldn't (he always uses shouldn't, not can't) go out with them... but what about your other friend, that one you haven't seen in a while? Maybe you should call them, reconnect and go see them instead. They're a much more trustworthy person -- and he doesn't get the impression that they might try anything, so he can relax if it's them.

Even then, though, there is the issue of the things you wear. But once again, he knows he can't just outright tell you he doesn't like it, that would be too overbearing, so he just gaslights you into thinking you aren't perceptive enough to recognize when something is so revealing it's inappropriate... Or that perhaps you're doing it intentionally. Either way, it's less I just don't like you wearing this, he manages to communicate it as you're embarrassing yourself by wearing it.

Do you really not see why you shouldn't have that on in public? Come on, don't make him have to be firm with you... Trust his judgement on this one. Perhaps you're just... Lacking in perception skills. He's careful to not really push that idea -- it would be too obvious. He intentionally trails off when he says it, fakes sheepishness, as if he's trying to not hurt your feelings or make you doubt yourself -- which makes you believe he's being genuine, and only doubt yourself that much more.

---

Venti does the exact opposite of isolating you -- he befriends your friends. He's a very pleasant person, very easy to get along with, so he integrates himself into your social circle in no time. It's not just your friends, either, he gets very friendly with your family as well. He makes sure your family and close friends love him. 

He goes out of his way to buy a gift for your parent(s) the first time he meets them, knows how to perfectly tread the line of enough flattery to endear himself to them without looking like he's trying too hard. He's a natural conversationalist, so he smoothly talks his way into your social circle without even a second of awkwardness.

He does it a little too well, to the point that he's settled into the group even independently of you, he's friends with your friends even if you weren't involved. He's close to everyone in your life. They like him. Your friends like him, your family likes him, they would be so sad if he were to be cut off from them.

You would feel guilty about it if you ever broke up... but it's more than just that. He doesn't say so, he knows he doesn't have to. He knows that that doubt will take root in your mind regardless -- that there's a chance that they would take his side. That if you were the one to initiate the breakup, they'd be upset. But he was so nice! It couldn't have been that bad, right? I really liked that guy... maybe you should reconsider... They would possible judge you, see you as cruel or harsh for dumping him, because in their mind he was just so nice, there's no way he could have done something bad enough to deserve that.

But it's because he's so sweet that you can't imagine it's intentional on his part. He's just a likeable person... He gets along with others so well, it could almost make you a little envious. But you'd feel bad for feeling that way... It's not like he's making you feel that way on purpose.

---

Childe likes being annoying, honestly. Your reactions are cute. Something simple and annoying and dumb -- some habit of his you find annoying, he makes sure to do it more often, in an exaggerated, overdramatized way, just to get on your nerves. He also comes up behind you quietly and grabs your shoulders, laughs at the way you squeal and thrash. It's not funny! so you say, but he thinks it's hilarious, and adorable on your part.

Similarly, whenever you're at peace doing this or that, aware of his presence but not really paying attention, he'll come up to you, prepare some blaringly loud noise on his phone, turn up the volume, hold it right up to your ear and press play. Haha, you fell off the couch! At least it's better than that time he did the same while you slept, you really hit your head hard when you flailed and fell out of bed.

If you have longer hair, he likes to come up behind you, grab a handful and tug hard to get your attention. You've told him to not do that a hundred times now. But in his defense, especially if it's in a ponytail or pigtails, you're basically asking for it, it's impossible to resist.

Whenever you want space, he ensures you can't get it, trailing you into your room where you've gone to lay down because you're upset. You say I wanna be alone for a while, but nah, he can't let you be all sad alone! Besides, cuddling will fix that anyhow, so you'll have to deal with his suffocating presence anyway.

And when you're somewhat mad, he likes the way you pout, cross your arms and sulk off to yourself. He makes it so much worse, coming up to you and hey, hey, hey, and repeats your name over and over, poking and prodding you all the while. Aw, are you mad at me? He asks in that sort of babytalk voice that gets on your last nerve. You can only take so much, of course. So every few days or so, when your patience and tolerance has ended, you snap.

I said knock it OFF! 

You grab his arm and push him back, glaring for a moment... and then you start to stand up, preparing to stomp off. Not that he'd allow that, no, he grabs you by the waist and pulls you back down to the couch where you two were sitting. Hey, hey, look, he's sorry, okay? He didn't realize you were serious... He just thought it was cute... Come on... He won't do it again, okay?

Sometimes you sigh and settle down. He prefers it that way. But sometimes you stay mad. 

No, I mean it, let go of me!

Which is when he starts to be the one to get upset. His attitude shifts almost immediately.

Come on, it was just a joke. You're not actually mad, are you? Seriously? Over something so trivial? Don't ruin your night together. Don't be overdramatic. He goes from playful to vindictive so quickly, like turning a switch on and off.

And likewise, when you give in and mutter a fine, he goes back to being sweet just as quickly. He knows how you are, you just tend to overreact... He can handle that.

---

Xiao is clingy. It's exhausting enough in person, but it's almost worse when you're apart. Which isn't often, seeing as that if he has his way, he will spend every waking second in your presence, usually physically touching.

It's normal for everyone to want their "me time," isn't it? At least that's what you thought. Apparently he has no such need. You still try to get some for yourself, though, try to nicely hint at what you want -- you wait for him to start working on something important, then say you're going to take a nap and I'll be back in just a bit and start to walk off, but hear pattering steps behind you.

Ok. I can do work later.

And thus, your nap is spent with arms wrapped around you the entire time. You say you're gonna take a bath, saying you'll be right out to very clearly imply you intend to do so alone, but he doesn't seem to get the message, instead putting down whatever it is he's doing to come with you.

I'm gonna take a walk, be back in a bit! 

I'm going to the grocery store, do you need anything? 

I'm just gonna study in the other room for a while...

But he never takes the hint, always following you, physically clinging. In public, he constantly literally clutches onto your sleeves, the back of your shirt, or the strap of your bag if you carry one.

Eventually, you try to put it nicely, say you just want a few minutes by yourself... He takes it as if you'd stabbed him in the chest. He's so dejected and mopey for the rest of the day -- going on two or three days, even -- and needed so much reassurance to go back to normal, that you avoid doing so again in the future. It's not worth the emotional labor.

But again, it's worse when you're apart -- when you are, your phone is vibrating at least once every ten minutes. Which you tolerate at first, because you assume it's just insecurity and that it'll get better with time (spoiler alert: it doesn't). It sets his mind at ease... and likewise, it makes him a bit nervous when, one day, you don't answer quickly. A minute passes... three minutes... now it's been ten minutes! What if something's wrong? Why else would you not answer?

What actually happened is you went to lay down for a while at your place (largely because you need a break from him) and end up falling asleep... and you wake up to repetitive ringing of your doorbell, along with 25 missed calls and 37 unread messages. He was just concerned about you! He's rather upset, though, now that he learns you were just negligent, although he's not outwardly very expressively panicked, it's not his nature, it's more of a quiet, hurt pouting.

It gets so frustrating, you end up just caving and spending all your time with him, which is great -- after all, he wants to isolate you, but he's far more transparent and shameless about it than the others who do the same, he'll directly say what he feels about the matter. He doesn't need friends, you're the only thing he needs... So why can't you feel the same way?

For now, you can tolerate it... But you're quickly approaching a breaking point.  You try to avoid thinking about how that will work out, at least for now.

---

Kazuha utilizes guilt. You're going out with friends, you say, you tell him he shouldn't wait up and can go to bed without you and you'll come back later. Oh... okay. He says it in a soft tone that signals the "something wrong" alarm bells in your head. You turn around and tilt your head, ask him what's wrong, hand still resting on the doorknob.

No, no, it's -- it's fine. Really, don't worry about it.

But you can detect the (intentional) dejection in his voice. You let go and take a few steps back towards him. You insist on him telling you what's wrong. He gives one more resistance, just so as to appear extra selfless and considerate of you - no, really, have fun with your friends.... But after you push yet again, he finally answers.

It's just... We didn't get to spend a lot of nights together this week...

Well, he's right, you were busy doing work and stayed up late the past few nights, and he did seem a bit hurt by it. Still...

He knows better than to demand you stay home all night. No, no, he doesn't have that much leverage against you in this situation, it would just be controlling. Really, go see your friends, you don't get to see them often...

You do, in fact, go see them, but you promise you'll come back soon. He knows you're sweet. That your time with your friends is already going to be ruined, because you won't be able to get him out of your mind, you'll be plagued by a nagging sense of guilt, remembering how sad he sounded. 

And of course, much to his satisfaction, you arrive home two hours earlier than the original time you gave him. He insists you didn't have to do that for him, he wouldn't want to intrude on your time with friends... At least outwardly. It's a success on the inside of his mind, though, he's ecstatic that you care enough about him that you did that. It was a sort of test, anyway.

But next time... Maybe you'll just not go at all. He can only hope.

---

Xingqiu goes for doing things in a grandiose way to minimize the chances of refusal. He utilizes your reputation, you not wanting to be viewed in a negative light. That's why, in addition to his usual habit of high spending to induce guilt, he does everything publicly.

Of course, said spending tendencies are still present as well. It's a very simple, easy method, while also virtually never failing him. How are you going to be mean to him when you know the cumulative total he's spent on you? He singles you out because he senses you're the nice sort of person, who will feel far to guilty to reject his gifts. Your eyes widen and you look at the ground when you say thank you, but you wear and use the things he gets you all the same. He makes sure to never remove the price tags before doing so either.

So of course you won't say no when it inevitably leads to him asking you to come with him to this or that -- he doesn't use the word "date," but it's rather obvious all the same. He asks rather casually, actually... but he asks within earshot of others. Not exactly outright making a big show of it or overdramatizing it or anything, just while sitting across a table or room from some other people. He knows you're too nice. You won't reject him in front of people and humiliate him like that. He knows the process you go through in your head -- that even if you'd rather not, you will convince yourself it can't be too bad, for the sake of wanting to be nice and polite and not hurt any feelings. So you say yes, as planned and anticipated.

He's always extra affectionate to you in front of others, when you're in a group conversation or the like. What are you gonna do, jerk your hand out of his, or flinch at his touch? No, that would be awkward for everyone, it would draw attention, and you don't want that.

Of course, he likes to believe that you would be receptive and accepting of him and his affection anyway. He knows you would, that you want to. This is just... extra insurance, in case you're in a bad mood or something at any given time.

---

Scaramouche has a need to keep you feeling insecure and inadequate, keep your self esteem low - or rather, as he would say, "in check." So in addition to the usual treatment as if you were annoying or inconvenient, you also get a projected sentiment that you're the most emotionally sensitive, overdramatic, histrionic person on earth. Your feelings are perpetually invalidated... because they don't deserve to be taken seriously, that's all.

Rolls his eyes. Oh, now you're going to act like *I'm* the bad one, aren't you.

An exasperated expression. Don't tell me you're gonna start crying.

A heavy sigh. Let me guess, you're mad.

It's all carefully worded and toned to control your behaviors. To create a specific effect on you -- and it does. You find yourself feeling a sense of shame wash over you before you even speak. You hang your head at the words and grow quiet. You start to feel like you're the one in the wrong for being angry to begin with... Even when he doesn't say anything. After all, given the exasperation, you must truly be overreacting, oversensitive... That's the exact thought he wants you to have, of course. For you to feel dumb for even raising what you see as issues, to question your own judgement.

This way, see, there's less conflict. The two of you can't have issues if you feel too embarrassed to even be upset over things. Well, of course, he still has complaints about your behavior -- which is only further used against you. Ever notice how you're always the problem? Maybe you should reflect on that a bit. Be a bit more appreciative of what you have.

It makes you scared and insecure -- since you're apparently so annoying and difficult, no one else would ever want you, or such is how you slowly come to perceive yourself over time. You feel guilty. You feel grateful. You go out of your way to try and earn approval and security, being as good and appreciative as you can. Which is just the beginning of an arguably even worse behavior: withholding affection.

If he's mad, when you go to embrace or curl up to him, he just sighs, doesn't make any move to return the action. Acts like you're not there, outright ignoring you. You call his name and just get an exasperated what? -- a clear message that you're only being a bother.

It has the intended effect -- you show more outward displays of affection, are more desperate and clingy.

But once you've been good for an extended time, once you've earned affection and attention, you can have it back. You feel like you're melting into the touch once you finally get an arm wrapped around you again, finally get words that are approving rather than critical. One time, you were so deprived and made to feel guilt so badly for so long that when you finally got that warmth back, you completely broke down, crying and clutching to him -- and it was euphoric to watch, to feel you cling.

But heaven forbid you ever get mad over his ways, if you express anger or, even worse, threaten to leave... you're digging yourself quite the hole, and it's gonna take unimaginable effort and perfection to crawl your way back out of it. Not that you have the choice -- in the end, he makes sure coming back to him is the only option you really have.

[minniepetals]

part 9 of Genie!au please!!!!!! 🥺

part 1 / part 2 / part 3 / part 4 / part 5 / part 6 / part 7 / part 8 / part 9 / part 10 / part 11 / part 12 / part 13 / part 14 / part 15 / part 16 / part 17

“No.”

“Huh?” 

Namjoon steps over the line, his answer firm. “You are not a tool, Y/N, and I will never use you as such.” The expression on his face is marked differently from what you have seen before and it isn't just him. You can't quite put your finger on it but they look severely upset, as if offended by the words you have chosen to give them, and you fall completely silent in their overbearing presence. “Never speak about yourself like that ever again.”

But you can help. Why won’t they let you help them? 

As if hearing your thoughts, Yoongi shakes his head. “We’ve gotten out of these situations before, we can do it again. Stay out of it, Y/N.” 

Stay out of it? Your brows furrow at Yoongi’s harsh words, feeling a bit offended yourself and stand your ground. 

“Why can’t you let me help you? I’m not incompetent, you know. For once in your lifetime, can’t you let me do my job? I’m here as your servant so why can’t you just order me around?” 

“Like what your previous owners have all done to you?” Jimin asks, scoffing a little. “I thought you said you hated them.”

“I hated them but at least they made me feel useful.”

“You can be useful in other ways, just not this.”

“You say that but you’ve never asked me for anything before,” you argue. “How can I do my job when you won’t let me help? Surely making a simple wish won’t hurt you, will it?”

“You are not a tool.”

“But I am! Why can’t you understand that reality? You may think of me in other ways but I am a tool created for you. So use me, damn it!” 

“No.”

You grow frustrated. “Why not?”

“I thought your owners’ words were law, Y/N.”

You glare up at him. “Don’t use that card on me.”

“Uh…why don’t we just—”

“If your owners’ words were really law to you and you really take oath to obeying your dumb rules, why don’t you listen to us now?” Taehyung asks, cutting off Jungkook as he grimaces in the back, not liking how things are heating up. 

You shoot the man a glare. “Well maybe if my owners would just make a wish, I wouldn't have to resort to overstepping a rule.”

“Why are wishes so damn important to you? Can’t you just live as is? You’ve been doing fine until now.”

“I live to serve my owners but none of you have ever made a wish yet!” You point out, getting more heated. “How can I live as a genie if I can’t play my role as a genie?”

“I thought you enjoyed the freedom.”

“This isn't about that, why can't you understand it?”

“Guys, please.” Jungkook steps in between, worry clear on his face as he desperately tries to diffuse the situation. “Can’t we just talk about this in a calmer manner? We’re getting too worked up.”

“No, Y/N, why can’t you understand the fact that we won't ever be using you as a tool?” 

“What hyung means is—”

“If you won't use me as a tool then what the hell is my worth here?” 

“Well maybe you aren't worth anything here.” 

That shuts you up.

You feel something weird against your heart, a sharp pain, a punch in your face, and as you hold your glare, you eventually find it to be irrelevant because it’s six against one and your owners have just called you worthless.

Worthless.

Your eyes fall and your anger begins to dissipate, slowly turning into pain as you relive those words in your mind. A worthless genie is no genie at all. You live to serve your owners and if you can’t do that simple job, if they utter such words to you, you will always feel those chains that tie you down around the wrists, the ankles, and the neck.

“You’re worthless!”

“What good is a genie if you’re so incompetent?”

“Leave. You’re useless to me.”

The words of your previous owners echoes in your ears as the memories flashes well in your mind. It would always hurt when you hear those words, a permanent scar that falls upon your heart when those words are uttered from the lips of an owner. It is the consequence the incompetent genie has to face when they can’t be of use to their owners.

It had always hurt but why is it that this time the pain feels a lot more prominent and more long-lasting? You don't think you’ve ever felt this pain before. It’s familiar yet so foreign at the same time.

You’re worthless to them. 

To your seven owners who had never once yelled at you and who always had good intentions. They’ve given you freedom, love and care, and you’ve repaid them by being worthless. 

“Forgive me, owners, I have failed you.” The words echo as if falling under a spell when your body follows to lower into a 90 degree bow with both arms placed on top of each other in front of your chest.

They freeze.

“..What?”

You feel the wind harshly pricking at your skin and in a span of seconds, you find yourself returning to the very place you always dreaded to be; your lamp.

This is banishment, a punishment placed onto a genie who has failed their owners. You have to remain stuck in here for a week, reflect upon yourself, and once the banishment period is lifted, you must do better to serve your owners. 

How many times has it been? 

This is your fourth time repeating this ritual of banishment. 

Ah, you want to cry.

.

.

A curse leaves the lips of the leader as he runs his hands through his hair, the amount of regret and guilty weighing so heavily on his shoulders.

He hadn’t meant to say that, it was just something that took place in the heat of the moment and he should have been more level-headed than anyone but he resorted to taking out his frustrations out onto you. They wanted to make you understand you weren’t just a tool to them but the harder it was to make you see that, the more frustrated they got.

“Y/N?” Jungkook calls your name hesitantly and they wait for a second.

Then another.

And during times when you’d always show up at the first calling for you, there is nothing but the empty space standing right before them.

“Y/N?” The maknae calls again but nothing happens, almost as if the magic had disappeared the moment you left.

You’re gone.

He turns around at the rest of them, fear causing his eyes to shake. “You…don’t think…” He looks back at the empty space again, where you were just mere seconds ago. “It can’t be, right? There’s no way she’d just…But isn’t she obligated to answer upon her owners’ calls? It’s one of the most important rules, right? Even if she doesn’t want to see us, she doesn’t have control over appearing the second her owners call for her, right? But then…”

“This has to be part of it too.”

“Huh?”

Seokjin stares at the empty space, brows furrowing slightly. “We called her worthless and to a genie, not being of use to their owners is one of the most dishonorable act they can make. When she left, her body dissipated differently from when she’d usually disappear off.”

“You’re saying this is a punishment spell placed upon her?” Jimin asks.

“Why else would she not appear when Jungkook called her?”

The room falls into an uncomfortable silence.

They hadn’t meant to speak to you in such a manner. Usually they’re calm and gentle with you but why was it that they snapped and acted against you as if you were the bad guy for not understanding anything outside the norm of a life as a genie?

Of course you wouldn’t understand their viewpoints. You’ve lived as a genie much longer than their lifetimes combined together and all you’ve ever known was to be used as a tool by your owners. Giving you freedom and kindness didn’t mean you’d understand how to treat yourself well, it’s just in a genie’s nature to serve their owner and heed to their every word, even if that meant doing things you don’t wish to do.

Which was why they should have been more understanding and reasonable when trying to explain things to you. But now it’s backfired on them.

They didn’t want you to think of yourself as just a tool for them but in trying to desperately get that through your head, they made you feel worthless.

The expression on your face will forever be engraved in their minds now. The way your frustrated expression fell and an inaudible gasp left your lips. Your eyes widened a bit, glassy. Initially you were shocked, until the words registered and the way your face broke slightly with pain makes their heart ache at the image.

They had hurt you.

And now that you’re sent back into your lamp for who knows how long, how lonely and hurt you must be feeling, falling confused and rethinking your worth to them.

They hadn’t meant it but now you’re gone and left all alone, having to face the consequences for the words they uttered to you.

[parchmentedpetrichor]

➳who cursed the bludger? ♡

in which the reader's dominant hand is injured badly after a rogue bludger slams into it and none other than fred weasley is behind it. who cursed the bludger?

fred weasley x fem!reader

word count: ± 2k

tw: serious injury, a little bit of swearing

drop a follow if you wanna see more of this content!!

my masterlist:D

ft. penny clearwater

who cursed the bludger?

y/n was currently draped lazily over her broomstick, haven given up trying to teach penelope clearwater how to fly. said prefect was on the grass, smirking as y/n embarrassedly looked around.

"penny that's not ok to ask!"

"fine, fine," she pondered for a moment, "hey, what's up with you and fred weasley, huh?"

"nothing at all," y/n answered a little too quick for penny's liking.

"c'mon, y/n, you're younger than me, i should know all that happens. you two are very...flirty."

"yeah well, my dear pennysylvania, we have flirty personalities. duh."

"no, you don't."

"okay, i don't. he does."

"but he seems like he means it."

"of course he means it? he says it in a joking way? y'know, he means it as a joke."

"hmm, nope, i don't think so, y/n. he's looking your way right now."

"i'm probably blocking the space, let's move outta the way."

"you're not gonna play with them?"

"already play in matches, why now? let's chat."

fred was silently eavesdropping on their conversation as he heard his name.

"sooo you and perceeee??" y/n dragged out, grinning as she did loop-do-loops with her broomstick.

penny blushed, but looked disappointed, "he likes oliver."

"oh. well, f percy, what about marcus??"

"he's just marcus. we're best friends, y/n."

"my fav trope of romance is best friends to lovers," y/n wiggled her eyebrows suggestively and penny shook her head in amusement.

"my one is the opposites attract."

"hmm yeah, that's a good one too, it's really cute! say, aren't you and mar-"

"i was meaning you!"

"huh?"

"you and fred."

fred smirked as he listened, flicking back the bludger harshly at angelina.

"oh yes because we are totally meant for each other," y/n sarcastically replied.

"what's that supposed to mean?"

"yes."

"you're doing this on purpose!"

"hmm? what?"

"oh my goodness, merlin you're stupid bro!" penny said exasperatedly.

"and you just realised. congrats, penny."

"anyway, what i'm saying is you and fred are rather like opposites. although he's extroverted and you're extroverted, you're a cute little nerd," y/n huffed at this 'i am n o t a nerd for the last time!' "and he's a class clown in the most charming way. you like reading and he likes pranking people and quidditch. you're a goody two shoes, an adorable one, but he's this foolish jock," penny looked proud with her argument so y/n laughed, "you're modest and he's very confident. and you're both hot."

y/n smiled, "i am not hot!" she giggled, "that's stupid."

"oi, ange!" penny called to angelina who looked over at her in amusement.

"yeah?"

"is y/n hot?"

"oh, totally!" angelina casually threw the quaffle into the hoop, "10/10."

"guyyys you flatTer me," y/n stretched out as the three of them laughed, "i'm bLushIng."

"you actually are," angie quipped.

"it's a command thing. if she wants to blush, she'll blush," replied penny.

they burst into giggles again.

fred watched y/n. a rosy pink, sure enough, had spread across her cheeks. that was enough to get her blushing?

"oi, l/n!"

y/n's head snapped his way, her eyes narrowed as if expecting an insult being thrown her way.

"your lips are pretty!"

her form relaxed, "thanks! yours are too!!"

penny giggled as angie rolled around laughing.

"what?" y/n looked around.

"the way you return flirting is hilarious."

"a compliment for a compliment, isn't that what they say?"

angelina snorted, "no one says that."

"oh well i say it, so deal with it."

"hey, i have an idea!" penny brightened up.

"let's hear it!"

"let's teach y/n pick up lines, ange!"

"oh you're a genius, penny!"

"okay, so-"

a bludger came whizzing at y/n as she screamed, trying frantically to dodge it. it hit her hand and a crack was heard.

luckily she immediately hopped off calmly, taking out her wand shakily and stunning the bludger, before penny and angie helped her over to the hospital ward, fred lagging guiltily behind.

she was ordered to stay in bed rest and with drowsy eyes she drifted off.

fred watched her feeling so terrible as he saw her heavily bandaged hand, imagining how he was going to tell her that he was in fact the one that had charmed it.

the next day, she was out and about, gently cradling her hand which was broken.

"um, hey, y/n," he nervously approached her.

"oh, hello!"

"i might have jinxed the bludger to go wild," he confessed abruptly, "i'm really sorry i didn't mean to-"

"no, it's fine, really." she gave him a reassuring smile and walked off.

he noticed that she couldn't write in class. usually she was scribbling away, but she just sat awkwardly at her desk, trying frantically to get anything legible down with her non-dominant hand. the fact she was so courteous and forgiving about everything just made it worse.

by now, y/n was dying inside. she couldn't write notes, and even though she wanted to ask any willing person for a duplicate of their notes, she'd have to explain the whole broken hand thing.

"ange?"

"yep?"

"do you have history of magic notes?" y/n did puppy eyes.

"nope, you forgot i dropped out."

"oh."

"do you want mine?" fred asked, smirking as he looked y/n up and down.

"you take notes?!!!" y/n was shook.

"only for you, 'cause i felt bad."

"you didn't need to!"

"i did. you want them?"

"yes please, thank you so much, you're a lifesaver!!"

"you're acting like you're not the one the bludger hit," angie quipped and y/n frowned, completely forgetting fred was still there, browsing the notes.

"c'mon, it was just an accident. and i've always wanted to be ambidextrous."

"lovely, you were struggling. i'll take all your notes. my handwriting isn't neat but i owe you."

y/n ducked to hide the light blush she could not control at all.

immediately she got a confused look from fred.

and instantly she thought of something that might make the blush go away. he didn't mean it, it slipped out, she thought and she felt her face cooling down, a slight frown appearing on her face.

"o-okay, thanks fred."

"no problems, darling," he flirted.

"that's good, darling," she flirted graciously back, bravely tilting her head up and looking him in the eye.

he took it well.

"where did you learn how to flirt so well, my little love??"

"why, freddie," she joked flirtatiously, "from you of course!"

he coughed and excused himself.

"he should really be careful with who he's flirting mindlessly with," y/n rolled her eyes.

angelina laughed, "flirting mindlessly? do you see the way he looks at you?"

"personality," y/n stated simply.

"or not."

true to his word, notes in fred's flurry of handwriting appeared neatly stacked every day. they were far too thorough and consisted of stupid flirty notes by the side. sometimes a little note, written in class, was jammed in there probably by accident:

hello freddie!

i have a crush on you 0-o, hogsmeade at 7pm on sunday?

-jamie <3, boy who sits in front of you in arithmancy

jamie,

i already have my eye on someone :) not you, sorry, y/n cringed at the bluntness of his words

you are very nice, perhaps try trera rivera if you swing that way? or illinois ann if you swing all ways?

oh i'm so sorry, i didn't know that! i'll talk to both. was the gracious answer

-jamie

and again! the lucky boy! this time from a girl.

weasley-

i know we hate each other but give me a chance to explain myself? broom closet at 9 tomorrow ? it trailed off to something that y/n didn't even want to think about.

k.o

fuck off. i don't fucking like you, i like someone else, ffs.

was the reply as y/n laughed and made sure to give the note back to fred.

it wasn't everyday someone confessed to you, right?

she underlined all the words that simply weren't legible to ask fred about.

and aNOTHER ONE?? how did this boy have so many admirers? y/n had received 0 love letters from any boy, let alone people of the same gender. you knew you were good with the ladies (and the gentlemen) when everyone sent you these letters.

dearest frederick-

it droned quite sweetly on about him and loving him and the writing was really magnificent.

margaret perrer

hi marg

i'm really really sorry. you seem like such a nice person, and it's not you, it's me. i, however, have a friend who really adores you: kenneth. he'll be an amazing friend and maybe more.

i also already am interested in another girl, so it really isn't you. thank you for your beautiful letter, hopefully we can be friends!

fred

oh he was very nice. feeling like she had overstepped the boundaries, she put them aside, discovering more and more but putting them all in a stack. she felt slightly insecure, especially when they all looked relatively neW?? the perfume on the flowers still smelled fresh?? who was this guy?

she sighed, finishing her read through and being thoroughly impressed with the sheer quality of the notes.

but there were around 100 words she had underlined. she skipped down into the great hall where she spotted two gingers. as soon as one (she couldn't see which one) saw her, he got up, whispered to the other something, and left.

when she approached the one that was left behind, she saw it was george.

"hi georgie!" she greeted him and thrust the papers into his hand, "where's fred?"

george shrugs, "left, for a date or something."

"oh, okay, could you translate these for me, the underlined words?" if y/n was disappointed, she didn't show it.

"oh yeah, sure, his handwriting's rubbish, isn't it."

"yes it is, i can barely read half of it."

george finished scribbling words next to the underlined ones.

"oh! and give these back to him? i'm pretty sure he dropped them in, probably got mixed up." she gave him the pile of letters, now neatly bundled in rope she had found.

"oh, yeah sure," george smirked, "of course."

"nice, well that's it, thanks for the help!"

"anything else?"

"tell fred good luck."

"right, right, mhm."

"yea."

once she'd left, george took out his walkie talkie.

"got that, freddie?"

"crystal clear."

"you're pining, pffft, hahahahah," george smirked as fred sighed.

"it didn't even work?"

"which plan?"

"the one to drop the letters in."

"i'm pretty sure she read like two, she didn't seem that disappointed?"

"exactly."

"you're an idiot. just tell her."

"but that's boringggg."

"well drop the hints then, merlin fred you're terrible at this."

"i haven't dated a billion girls like you!"

"then learn how to date my goodness."

"true."

"come fucking back."

"hickies or no?"

"eh go for it. i wanna see her reaction and then we can decide whether she likes you or not."

fred strided handsomely in, neck littered with little hickies and his top had two buttons open, freckles and pale broad shoulders showing.

george rolled his eyes, muttering, "drama queen," as he subtlely watched y/n. she managed not to look so surprised, her eyes widening then looking down quickly at her hands.

he would have thought she felt nothing for his twin if a light pink had not dusted over her face and if angie had not nudged her with a concerned look on her face.

y/n was wondering what the hell happened, disappointment rising slowly in her.

"okay, she's into you," george whispered as fred began removing the spell, leaving the unbuttoned shirt unbuttoned.

"cool beans."

"oh and she gives these back," george smirked.

"oh look at how she bundled it! so adorable georgie!"

"you're disgusting."

y/n hurried to the library at 6pm. she had heard the book she had waited for was finally available.

as she settled down with it, a paper aeroplane hit her.

"ahh!" she screamed as she caught it.

it read:

forbidden forest, 8pm.

huh? was this meant for her? it was in neat handwriting and on the smoothest parchment, with a single flower that smelt like fresh rain.

[l0v3lyr0ses]

Can you do comfort Hcs for Monty , Sun and Chica with gender neutral reader?

ofc!! this is a very cute request I like it <3

dnsmai wrote a draft then i rewrote it bc i didn't like ,it im not very proud of this one myself, but i like it better than the other drafts

i may have a Vanessa oneshot in my drafts even tho I don't do her-

also ik it's not rly anything big but! i wanna thank y'all for 50 followers! i never expected anyone to want to follow me bc i suck

I hope this is to your liking!

Montgomery, Sun, and Chica comforting HCs

Sun

it takes a while for Sun to realize that something is wrong!

he takes note that you're being quieter, usually, you would've spoken a bit more

Sun notices that your smiles aren't real, not your usual happy ones!

Sun is very worried he wants you to be as happy as possible,

at the same time Sun spends time thinking about ways to approach you about this, in case whatever it's about is personal

he considers every possibility and takes it as a precaution, he doesn't want to anger you at all!

when Sun saw you sobbing into your hands in the daycare, he just felt a necessity to comfort you the best that he could!

he simply pulls you towards him and gives you comforting snuggles

"Don't cry, Sun is by your side!"

he for one of the few times is quiet and just listens to you vent, about everything going on. he doesn't even speak, he sits there silent.

Sun will talk a little if you want him to, but most of all he wants to calm and hopefully bring a smile to your face again

"I see you smiling again! I'm so happy you're feeling somewhat better! just know I will listen to you no matter what!"

Montgomery Gator

Monty is a very protective alligator

and very good at reading people, he'd almost know immediately that something is not right.

but he didn't want to force you to open up bc it could be very personal and Monty will wait until you are ready to talk about it!

so he wasn't sure how to act around you, for weeks he proceeded to act like he usually does

but he really needed to be by your side when you were hugging your knees in the golf area, trembling so,so much.

Monty kinda overreacts though, he thinks someone made you feel sad on purpose, his solution is beating the shit out of whoever must've done this to you

"Babe? who hurt you?! i swear I'll fuckin' tear em' to bits! no one hurts my s/o n' gets away with it!"

when you explain that no one really did this to you, but that you've been stressed and struggling to maintain friendships, Monty gives you his support.

Monty gives you so many hugs and cuddles that you forget about the stress, everything negative going on!

"good to see your feelin' better, toots! i knew you'd get through this, no matter what's going on, promise me that we'll face it together."

Chica

Chica is like Monty, she knows quickly if something is wrong. she doesn't necessarily know what is going on but that something is not right.

Chica doesn't want to overstep your boundaries! she wants you to be ready whenever you tell her what's been troubling you!

but when she sees you walk in, you seem so different, you don't smile. you hardly react to Chica's presence when you usually hugged her before speaking.

instead you stood there, stiffly, unmoving,

it hurt Chica, she hated seeing you anything else than happy.

"What's wrong?"

she's so worried, it's so clear in her tone, and entire body-language

You tell her everything that has been going on in your life, you couldn't keep it a secret from her.

she offers to listen to you vent and give you cuddles

"I'll always be here, wether it's to make you smile, or to listen to you. I'm here for you!"

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Hi, love!! I need your opinion on something.

So, someone wrote a fic in back in 2017 that I really liked. It was rated T, though, and I had some thoughts about what… E-rated… things could happen after their story takes place.

Long story short, I blacked out after that and wrote 6k of fluffy smut within 3 hours LMAO oops

My question is: is it okay for me to post it on AO3?? Like, if I reference the first fic and include a link and say that my fic is a continuation of theirs? Do people do that???

I commented on their fic asking the writer if I could make a continuation, but who knows if they’ll see it, since they last commented something in 2021… also I’m *impatient* and wanna post it now LOL (impatience is my greatest flaw)

What do you think? Should I hold off and keep it to myself? I just don’t want to overstep or anything if people don’t do this normally… I mean, I’d argue that it’s completely original work, and if I cite the source I will be fine. But I’m unclear if that’s the standard.

Hi Lovely!

First of all, that's SUCH a kind thing for you to do for an author (or at least I'd be honoured, but of course everyone is different, so don't take my word for it, LOL). And I love when something gives you a burst of inspiration! All you want to do is yum it all up as much and as soon as possible because those moments are so few and far between, it seems, heh.

Secondly – and I welcome the opinion of other authors here because I may be erring on this – but I think it's fine to post it on AO3. Back in the day (and in a few fandoms these days I still see it), fics like you have written were called "Remix Fics", which is essentially a fanfic of a fanfic, written from maybe a different POV, or using the original fic as a launching point for your own set of fics, or you just love the AU that an author created, so you just wrote something for it. I think these days, they're technically "gift fics", but some Fandom Olds still append "(Remix)" to the end of a fic title.

So here's what I think, and how you should go about posting it:

Out of respect, I personally think you should make it VERY clear within the TOP notes that the fic is a remix or inspired by another fic: Under the "Notes" section, check "at the beginning" and just write your little blurb. Or you can add it to the summary. These aren't necessary since Ao3 has very easy ways to ensure your fic is known as a remix, but I just think it's a nice thing to do, all around.

Gift The Work to the Author: Under the "Associations" section, in the text box next to "Gift this work to" (should be second option), type or copy-paste the Author's Pseud into the text bar. I personally believe this is important and shows respect to the author.

Link the Fic as Inspired By Another: Under the "Associations" section, directly below the "Gift work" text box, click on the "This work is a remix, a translation, a podfic, or was inspired by another work" check box. This will open up a whole new option section where you can link your fic to the Author's. This is how those "Other Works Inspired by This Work" links at the bottom of other fics show up. Just fill out the 4 text bars and you should be good to go. I'm unsure if the author gets notified about these since no one's ever remixed my works, but I DO know they get notified for gift fics.

And then just submit your story as you regularly do!

Ensuring a remix fic is properly annotated takes a SMALL bit extra of things, but AO3 made it STUPIDLY easy to make sure that all fics are linked together if a reader chooses to remain in that AU or want to read the original fics.

I think it's beautiful, honestly. And don't let it get you down that they never replied to your comment... I can attest from first hand experience... I NEVER see my comments unless I choose to actually browse through my account outside of my MFLs and Bookmarks, LOL. And if it's a popular fic, the author just might not reply to every comment because there are so many. Any number of reasons. If you are that concerned about them not wanting your fic up, just put a liner in the top notes section like, "And if [AuthorNameHere] would like me to remove this, please just let me know!"

Most authors are tickled pink by anything gifted or remixed, so yeah, that's just my personal take on the thing, IF it were to happen to me.

If any authors would like to offer anything I missed or correct any errors / assumptions, PLEASE do. <3

And finally, let us know when you post it <3 Would love to promote both of your fics :)