#monthly writing prompts

[ilovecherries2]

Prompts for January 2023

Here is the prompt list for January. There are dialogue prompts, short prompts, and an emotion prompt that can be used together.

Dialogue prompts:

"I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner."

"Hello?" "BOO!" *Screaming* "That wasn't me, who was that?"

"Do you think it'll snow?"

"You should tell them the truth." "How?"

"It's always the liars."

"There will always be this. This is the one thing that doesn't change."

"It was your fault!" "We both know it isn't. They shouldn't have gone. If its anyone's fault its theirs. They shouldn't have gotten in my way."

"I'm so glad we didn't get snow on Christmas and instead we could sunbathe."

"Who is the real villain of the story? Huh?" "Shut up, Villain. I have been trained to ignore such venom."

"My new year's resolution is to eat as much chocolate as possible."

"The trees are talking." "Yeah, she's nuts."

"Don't I know you?" "No. No, you don't. I'm, uh, just passing through. Sorry to bother you."

"She was my great great grandmother."

"You're a liar."

"Who is the hero?"

"I should have known nothing stays buried."

"Aren't crows omens of bad luck?"

"My new year's resolution is to read."

Short Prompts:

Coffee Shop

Second Chance

Graveyard

Library

Soulmate

Youtube

Zombies

Demons

Dragon Tamers

Fire Works

Fake Dating

Investigation

Knitting

Werewolf

Lemonade

There will still be weekly prompts as usual as well as weekly prompts from this prompt list.

[goldenlaurelleaveswrites]

Back to September

3. Foggy Mornings

Based on this prompt list

AO3

_________________________________________

The beach was blanketed in fog so thick, it felt like he was alone in the world. All he could see in any direction was thick, hazy grey. The pre-dawn light—grey and pearly in its own right—filtered through the mist. The light barely managed to trickle through, but it was enough to reflect off of the droplets in the air and cast the world in a silvery grey haze. Even when the sun began to rise, its golden light wouldn’t be able to pierce the fog for some time. 

It muffled the sounds the way it did the sights. The whispering of the waves was faint and sounded far off, even though he was only a little way up the beach. Just far enough that the water wasn’t lapping at his heels. Every so often, a shorebird would call out. But their cries sounded distant. 

The early risers of the city would only just be waking now. But even if the city was awake, he doubted the hustle and bustle would be more than white noise through the fog. No. The only sound he could hear clearly was the song of the ocean and the beating of his heart, racing with anticipation. 

He drew in a slow, long breath, curling his toes into the soft sand as he tried to calm himself. But it was futile. How could his heart not race and bound like the dolphins riding cresting waves? 

His ears twitched at the sound of an approaching song. It was quiet. Muffled by the fog. But he would know that song anywhere. He scanned his surroundings until a solid mass appeared in the fog. As it drew closer, the shape cleared into the silhouette of an approaching figure. 

She stepped through the fog and into his sight. And the moment her eyes met his from beneath the hood of her grey cloak—a necessary precaution to help her blend in with the fog; they couldn’t risk her being followed—they began to shine. Her eyes put all the jewels in the royal treasury, even the crown jewels, to shame. 

“Luka!” Her voice was quiet but bright. And it was full of all the warmth the world could hold. She let the hood of her cloak fall back as she rushed to meet him. He swept her into his arms, holding her close and inhaling the scent of her perfume. Her fingers were tangling in his damp hair, and she was barely on her feet. Her arms tightened around him as she buried her head into his chest. 

He could have stayed there forever. But they couldn’t stay on the beach. Even with the fog, it was too risky. They could still be caught. 

He pressed a kiss to her hair and then reluctantly placed her back on her feet. “Come on, love,” he murmured as he threaded his fingers through hers. Together, they made their way to the boat that was waiting for them at the shore. She clambered into it, being careful not to trip over the voluminous skirts of the pink gown her cloak concealed. Once she was settled, he began pushing the boat into the water. When the water was just shy of kissing his toes, he gave the boat a final heave and pushed it out into the water before diving in after it. 

The transformation was almost instant.  The trousers Marinette had made for him disappeared—he didn’t worry about them; they would reappear the next time he was on land— as the familiar, exhilarating rush of magic washed over him. His legs melded together, merging into a strong and powerful tail as the magic of the ocean filled his lungs. 

With the smallest flick of his tail, he was by the boat in an instant. He placed his hands firmly on it and began pushing it out to sea.

Once they were somewhere vaguely at the centre of the bay, where the fog would remain thickest the longest, he surfaced and rested his arms on the side of the boat, being careful not to rock it. The boat dipped down towards the water, but then there was the sound of metal scraping against wood, and the boat righted itself. They had learned months ago that counterweights were necessary to keep the boat from capsizing and toppling her into the water.  

Her smiling face appeared over the side of the boat, and he reached up to cup her face even as she leaned down towards him. Her fingers tangled in his hair as he guided her face towards his. She gave him a sweet smile, and then their noses were almost touching. Her eyes slipped shut. So did his. Her soft lips brushed against his. And he kissed her. He kissed her like she was the air and water and magic he breathed. He didn’t stop kissing her until his lungs were screaming in protest. 

They broke apart, both gasping for breath. 

Her fingers were still tangled in his hair, and one of his had slipped into her silken strands. At some point, her necklace had slipped out from beneath the bodice of her dress. The silver chain and the iridescent scale at the end of it sparkled in the foggy light.

He leaned a little heavier on the side of the boat to rest his forehead against hers. The boat wobbled but remained upright. She brushed her lips against his, sighing in contentment as she leaned further down. Slowly, he lowered himself back into the water as she propped an arm against the side of the boat and rested her head on it. Lazily, she began trailing her hand through the water. He caught her hand as it passed him, and he tangled their fingers together before bringing her hand to his lips. She watched him with a soft and serene smile. 

 But then her smile faltered as her eyes drifted out into the fog. Back in the direction they had come. Back towards…

“Marinette?” 

She bit her lip as her gaze returned to meet his. “It's getting harder to sneak away. I wish-“

“I know, my love. I know.” 

“I wish we didn’t have to hide. If only…”  

He pressed another kiss to her hand. “Peace, love. We're here now. Let's enjoy what time we have together. We already have so little of it. I would hate to waste it thinking of other, less pleasant things.” 

She sighed. But then she smiled, and drew their joined hands towards her. Hey eyes seemed to glow as she pressed a kiss to his hand. “I suppose you’re right.” Mischief flashed in her eyes and tugged at the corners of her lips. “Your highness,” she giggled. He groaned and rolled his eyes. “Tell me, what royal duties must you attend to today-“ she squeaked as he gave a sharp tug on the edge of the boat. Not enough to capsize it, but enough to send her tumbling half out of the boat and into his waiting arms. 

“Luka!”

He smirked at her. “I thought you were calling me by my title now.” He cut off her unsaid words with another kiss. One she eagerly returned. 

[violet-flowers-fem]

Violet-Tinted Flowers: Feminine Love

─ a Genshin Impact Femslash Month

✧.* MASTERLIST *.✧

Welcome to Violet-Tinted Flowers: Feminine Love, a Genshin Impact Femslash Month held to create more cotent for the feminine identifying characters in the game! Here, you will be able to find all the information you need to participate in this event! If you have any questions, the inbox is open!

CARRD

2024 PROMPTS --- WORK IN PROGRESS

Ao3 COLLECTION

[thepromptfoundry]

The prompt theme for February 2024 is a Fannish Fest February!

Come, join in the party, celebrate your fandoms, fandom history, and community!

If you use this list, please tag me here @thepromptfoundry, I’d love to see your writing and art!

Feel free to combine different days' prompts with each other, or combine them with other seasonal events. Respond to as many prompts as you want or as interest you, don’t worry about missing or skipping any. Remember, this is supposed to be fun!

If you have any questions or musings, check our FAQ, and if you don't find your answer, shoot me an ask.

Plain text list below the cut:

1 Your First Fandom 2 Your Current Blorbo 3 A Character Who Deserves More Love 4 Your Favorite Bit Of Fannish History 5 Characters Swapping Clothes 6 A Fannish OC (yours or someone else's) 7 Patching A Plot Hole 8 A Fanfic Trope You Always Love 9 A headcanon with canon support 10 A headcanon with no canon support 11 Cosplay 12 A Character Who's Totally Not Dead 13 If The Characters Found The Fanworks 14 Your OTP (or OT3+) 15 A Crossover 16 A Fanfic Trope You're Very Picky About 17 A Ship You Don't Ship, But Do Respect 18 The Sequel We Deserve But Never Got 19 Different Versions Of The Same Character 20 A Friend's Blorbo 21 A Fandom You Didn't Expect To Get Into 22 A Non-Human Character Made Human 23 A Human Character Made Non-Human 24 A Rarepair 25 How You Would Do A Gritty Reboot 26 A Villain Who's So Good At Being Bad 27 Your Smallest/Least Active Fandom 28 A Bit Of Backstory 29 What The Future Holds (Post-Canon)

[landwriter]

Desperate Measures | Dream/Hob | 1.2K | G v silly and fluffy, literally 90% air, dream attempts a romantic gesture, hob is a sap and forgetful, human au, part text fic

for @domaystic drabbles, Day 6: Under the Same Umbrella

---

Dream woke up to 26 texts from Hob. He put on his glasses and began his morning read. It’d replaced Times for him. The editorial quality, he thought, was far superior.

Hob (7:19 am) heading out, gave you a wee forehead kiss and you didn’t even stir. sleeping bloody beauty. love you disgustingly much x

Hob (7:26 am) couldn’t find my umbrella anywhere can you take a look if it’s not too much of a bother? feel like i’ve gone mad

Hob (7:30 am) christ it’s bucketing down!! standing under the eaves just to tell you how much it’s bucketing down

plants will be happy at least so will my goth boyfriend ;) hope your writing goes well today love. extra atmosphere!!

Hob (8:42 am) nevermind don’t look for it remembered that i left it in my office told johanna she can use it since i’m at the archives all day anyway glad i’m not the only one who’d forget their own head if it wasn’t screwed on :) :) :)

Hob (10:11 am) you should’ve seen the look lisa gave me when i showed up had to dry myself off in the men’s w half a forest of paper towels there goes my carbon offset from walking i said christ you’re probably still in bed asleep warm dry!! lucky bastard

wish i could come back already and drip puddles all over you

Hob (10:37 am) if this keeps up i’m going to look like mr darcy in the rain on your doorstep tonight don’t worry i promise not to propose marriage while insulting you xx although i do love you most ardently

...elizabeth

Dream smiled, read them all again, contemplated, and then sent his reply.

Dream (11:01 am) Sir, I appreciate the struggle you have been through

Hob replied moments later.

?? you sound like a customer service agent wait you’re quoting the film you can’t reject me if i’ve not proposed to you!! yet!!!

Dream snorted. 'and I am very sorry I have caused you pain' went the line. They’d watched it last weekend. Hob had cried, and Dream had privately decided that if Hob proposed, he’d say yes. Even if it was poorly done. It wouldn’t be, though. Not if Hob was doing it. He sent a second text.

...and I am very sorry you were drenched by rain.

Then he got out of bed and shuffled into the kitchen. His phone buzzed anew as he made tea and toast. He smiled at the sound. On their first date, Hob had warned Dream that he had a bad habit of annoying boyfriends over text. Dream, on his first date in six years, had wondered what it might be like to be so effusively charming that you could have enough boyfriends to form habits around them at all. He hadn’t known what to say, and Hob had ducked his head, grimacing a little, and said, “Just tell me to piss off, please, if I do? I know I can be a bit much.”

Dream believed it, because the man was telling him about his habits with boyfriends after one date. Not that he minded. And three months in, Dream had yet to tell him to piss off.

Turns out, a bit much was exactly what he’d wanted. Needed, in truth. Someone to tether him to the real world. His phone had become a modern-day lodestone in his pocket, a comforting pull of Hob-ness that would always point him back to life whenever he’d emerge, blinking and disoriented, out of the mire of his work. Work that he loved - creating worlds out of nothing, writing stories that would change people - but, coming on the age of thirty with nothing to show for it but recurring wrist strain and an upmarket flat that never had any guests, work that had also made him spend so much time apart from the rest of humanity that he was sometimes unsure how to rejoin it.

The tipping point had been when his eldest sister had found out that he hadn’t spoken to anyone else in between two of their regular dinners. Which were monthly. It had been mortifying. She’d smiled sadly, which was excruciating enough, and then gotten the gleam of a plan in her eyes, which had been far worse. “I’m setting you up,” she’d said. “I know just the guy. We go way back. I think you’ll like him.”

He had. Now, when his phone buzzed, he found himself frowning if it wasn’t Hob. (An exceedingly rare occasion.) But this time it was, of course. Four short messages sent one after the other:

hahahaha ok fine that was v good enjoy your day x

Five hours later, not even the curtain of rain awaiting him outside could douse the anticipation in his belly. An idea, he knew, was a powerful thing. Dream didn’t have an umbrella - Hob always shared with him, and would’ve apologetically nicked his if he had - so he would make the first leg of the journey as Hob did. He intended to go and get something nice, but once in the cold downpour, his resolve failed him almost at once, and he ducked into the first shop that had umbrellas in the window.

“Hiya,” said the girl at the counter without looking up from her phone.

Dream ignored her, blinking the rain out of his eyes, belatedly registering all the merchandise had a unifying theme and that he’d made a terrible mistake, borne of sheer desperation.

“Would you happen to have any other umbrellas? In black?” he asked. Hidden behind the counter, perhaps. If only you knew to ask.

The girl looked at him with an air of disbelieving reproval only accessible to teenagers and the very elderly. “You could try Boots, you know. It’s just down the street.”

Dream looked out the window. Rain torrented down. Commuters hurried past with their sensibly coloured umbrellas. From places exactly like Boots.

“Or we’ve got rain ponchos,” she added. It sounded like a threat.

“Nevermind,” said Dream quickly. “I’ll take it.”

“Enjoy your visit in London, sir,” she called out as he left.

He stepped outside and flicked open the umbrella with slightly more force than necessary.

Dream waited a few paces outside the archives, wanting to surprise Hob properly. Two separate pairs of tourists had thought he was their London Ghost Tours guide, and he was beginning to regret not holding out for longer, drenching be damned. Then Hob emerged, striding out and immediately stopping to pull out his phone. He was smiling at it. Dream smiled too, in anticipation.

A moment later his own phone buzzed loudly in his coat pocket, and Hob looked up in surprise.

“Oh my god,” he said. Then he said it again.

“I heard you needed an umbrella,” said Dream. He’d had the line already, since he got the idea. It had been very dashing and romantic in his head. It was somewhat undermined by the dreadful costuming choice that had been forced upon him.

Hob looked between Dream and the umbrella, bafflement melting into a happy laugh. He ducked underneath, pecking Dream on the lips. “I’m not sure I needed one quite this badly. Did you rob some poor tourist?”

“Unhappily, I paid for this.”

“Oh no,” said Hob, pulling away and pretending to inspect him for injury. “My poor darling. Your dignity.”

Dream sniffed. “I will recover.”

“Here,” said Hob. “I’ll carry it for you. You’ll only be guilty by association, then.”

They began walking, a bobbing Union Jack in a sea of blacks and greys. After the chief sin of ugliness, it was also a little small for two grown men, but Dream found he didn’t resent that at all, as Hob tucked him tightly into his side to keep them both dry. People gave them a wide berth. Tourists could never be trusted with umbrellas.

“You’ve rescued me, you know,” said Hob, nuzzling into his cheek.

“It wouldn’t do to have you dripping puddles all over the floors,” said Dream.

“Even if I looked terribly handsome, all wet and ardent?”

Dream bit his lip and smiled a little. “Perhaps you can be wet and ardent in the shower. Instead.”

Hob laughed again. It was Dream’s favourite sound. “Much warmer than the rain anyway. Deal.” Rain drummed down on their private nylon ceiling. “I was thinking chicken tikka masala for dinner?”

And so they made their way home, and although the rain never let up, Dream was so content and warm that he might’ve sworn they were walking in the sun.

[psychologeek]

Lab Rat (pt. 3)

FEBUWHUMP 2024 PROMPTS: DAY 5: rope burns DAY 6: "you lied to me" ALT 2: "i love you"

“You lied to me,” Jazz sounds at the edge of tears. 

“What?” He can hear Danny argue. “I did not –”

“You lied to me,” she repeats. “I asked you if you'll be okay. I asked you if you are safe, and you said that you were. You said that I don't need to worry. That it's okay.”

“It was–” the kid sounds confused.

“Being tied to a bed and tortured is not okay!” she nearly screams. 

“That wasn't torture–”

“I saw the ropes, Danny.” Her voice is soft and fragile. “I saw how they tied you up to your bed. Just because you told them you were different.”

“They were scared, that's all. You know how they can be. It didn't hurt me.” He still tries to protect them.

“Danny, sweetheart,” she says quietly. “You still had rope burns when I found you. And even if you didn't – even if it was silk ribbons, and you could open it at any time– even if you never got a single scratch – it's still wrong. They shouldn't do it. They should have never hurt you, kiddo.”

There's a long quiet.

Jason takes the chance and takes a quick look across the corner. Dannys sitting there, on the couch, hugging his legs. Jazz is sitting by his side, not touching, a soft expression on her face.

“It wasn't a big deal,” the kid finally whispers. “It wasn't like- well, at the end. You saw. It wasn't that bad. They just did it because they cared, and they didn't want me hurt or–”

He's shaking now.

“I love you,” his sister says and hug him. “I love you, and I care about you, and I promise I'll do my best so one day, you'll learn that love isn't supposed to hurt.” 

“Sounds fake, but okay,” Danny says with a cheeck and hugs her back.

He still has healing wounds. His scars are massive and easily observed. His hands are shaking, and he's jumping at loud noises.

He's got a long way to go.

But Jason can see a faint smile on the kid's lips, and something inside is quiet.

(There's still hope.)

(Like it? I have more mini-fics in this au. And full size fics on ao3. please vote in my update poll! And the one for next week! Bc I try to work ahead LMAO)

[laidee-flegman]

April journaling prompts

What are three things you're grateful for as spring begins?

Describe your favourite springtime memory from childhood.

How do you feel as the days get longer and the weather warms up?

Write about a recent moment that made you smile or laugh out loud.

Reflect on a goal you've achieved so far this year and how it makes you feel.

List five things you want to accomplish before the end of the month.

Write a letter to your future self, discussing your hopes and dreams for the coming months.

Describe your ideal spring day from start to finish.

What new hobbies or activities are you interested in trying this season?

Write about a recent challenge you faced and how you overcame it.

Reflect on the changes you've noticed in nature around you this month.

Write a poem inspired by the sights, sounds, and smells of spring.

Describe a favourite outdoor spot where you love to spend time during this season.

How do you plan to prioritize self-care and relaxation this month?

Write about a book or movie that has inspired you lately and why.

Reflect on your relationships with friends and family. How can you nurture these connections?

What lessons have you learned recently that you'd like to remember moving forward?

Write about a moment when you felt proud of yourself and your accomplishments.

Describe your favourite springtime foods and why you enjoy them.

How do you plan to celebrate Earth Day this year? What does nature mean to you?

Write a list of things that make you feel energized and motivated.

Reflect on the importance of growth and renewal in your life.

Describe a recent adventure or spontaneous outing you enjoyed.

Write about a challenge you're currently facing and brainstorm possible solutions.

Reflect on the role of gratitude in your life and how you can cultivate more of it.

What are three things you love about yourself and why?

Write about a recent moment of kindness you experienced, either giving or receiving.

Reflect on the significance of April showers and how they relate to personal growth.

Describe a recent dream you had and what you think it might symbolize.

Write a love letter to yourself, celebrating your strengths, resilience, and uniqueness.

[salmonight]

Fentonic 2024 - A February Danny Phantom, Art/Writing Monthly Prompt

Heya fellas! As I seen February did not have a monthly prompt yet for DP so I created one just for the kick of it! I made on for MLB with a very specific theme last October and I enjoyed it a lot so i thought i'd create another one, this time for DP as am mainly drawing for this fandom these days.

This challenge/prompt can be taken as a pure DP or a DC x DP (Batpham) one. If u wanna spice it up? You can even mix in other fandoms too! Go wild!

This challenge/prompt can be taken as both an art or a writing one, whichever you'd prefer. I tried to make it so all days can be both drawn and written with the given prompts (at least one of the two). Hope i managed it well enough.

As February is mainly know for Valentine's it will contain a few romatic prompts but most can be taken as platonic. For those not comfortable with writing or drawing romance: feel free to leave out that half of the prompt or even skip that day, no pressure.

Also let's not forget about the other half of it: winter. So stuff associated with it like cold, hot drinks, winter sports and more-

Prompts:

Day 1: Hibernation / Curse

Day 2: Locked out / Childhood friends AU

Day 3: A deadly accident / Snowboard

Day 4: Morning routine / Claws

Day 5: Soulmates AU / Torn paper

Day 6: Smug / Cupid's bow

Day 7: Cooking together / Roses

Day 8: Flirting / Viral

Day 9: Cuddling / Cape

Day 10: Holding hands / Love letter

Day 11: Chaos / Plushy

Day 12: Enemies to lovers / Love song

Day 13: Magical girl transformation / Hair dryer

Day 14: Snow storm / Dry

Day 15: Fur & fluff / Fireplace

Day 16: Failed confession / Ink blots

Day 17: Melting / Shackles

Day 18: Injury / Hot chocolate

Day 19: Mourning / Hug

Day 20: Stardust / Candies

Day 21: Timeloop / Scalpel

Day 22: Symbiosis / Cabin in the woods

Day 23: Love at first sight / Scarves

Day 24: Sleepy / Pink ribbon

Day 25: Skiing / Snowflakes

Day 26: Solitude / Mask

Day 27: Clothing swap / Clone

Day 28: Unexpected / Snack

Day 29: Sunset / Ice sculpture

Ao3 page: https://archiveofourown.org/collections/fentonic_2024

Hope you guys will enjoy this little challenge I made! Cheers!

[zazuprompts]

Picture ID under the cut:

[ID: A list of prompts in three columns. The background is a desaturated photograph of purple grape hyacinth. The bottom corners have credits on them. The right corner is the credit for the background, which is to Lauri Poldre @ Pexels.com. The left corner is the credit/signature of the blog, Zazu Prompts. The title and prompts are as follows:

January 2024 Prompts List:

Confident

Growth

Erase

Protect

Teleport

Tradition

Mercy

Bubble

Muster

Companion

Walk

Keeper

Bless

Dragon

Quiet

Next

Hero

Steel

Find

Dark

Attack

Mark

Swap

Rough

Jagged

Stack

Sorcery

Black

Shell

Duck

Presence

End ID]

[hardly-an-escape]

I'm stuck on you (I'm mighty glad you stayed)

Square: D3 - "Why did you do it?" (June monthly prompt replacement) Rating: M Word Count: 8767 Ship(s): Dream of the Endless | Morpheus/Hob Gadling Warnings: No archive warnings apply Additional Tags: Dreamling Bingo fill, alternate universe - human, alternate universe - no powers, stuck in an elevator, claustrophobia, panic attacks, strangers to lovers, love at first sight, first kiss, post-break up sex, bog people, poetry recitation, bisexual Hob Gadling Summary: Hob is a secondary school teacher running late to meet his exacting girlfriend for lunch. Morpheus is a famous novelist just trying to fly under the radar on his way home. But when the elevator they’re in together experiences mechanical difficulties, Morpheus’s claustrophobia leads to a bonding experience that changes the lives of both men. Read on AO3 | fill for @dreamlingbingo | prompt from #dreamlingweek2023

The elevator has barely lurched into motion when it suddenly shudders to a stop. Hob is willing to bet it hasn’t even surfaced from the depths of the underground parking garage he is trying to exit. He rolls his eyes, checks his watch, and presses the door open button. Nothing happens. He presses it again, and a third time. Nothing. “Fuck,” he mutters under his breath. “I don’t need this, I’m already late.” He hits the emergency call button with perhaps a little more force than is necessary and glances over his shoulder at the other occupant of the elevator, a handsome, dark-haired man who nods tightly when Hob catches his eye. “Alright, mate?” he asks. But before the man can answer, a tinny voice crackles through the speaker.

Hour Zero, 12:08 PM

The elevator has barely lurched into motion when it suddenly shudders to a stop. Hob is willing to bet it hasn’t even surfaced from the depths of the underground parking garage he is trying to exit. He rolls his eyes, checks his watch, and presses the door open button.

Nothing happens.

He presses it again, and a third time. Nothing.

“Fuck,” he mutters under his breath. “I don’t need this, I’m already late.”

He hits the emergency call button with perhaps a little more force than is necessary and glances over his shoulder at the other occupant of the elevator, a handsome, dark-haired man who nods tightly when Hob catches his eye.

“Alright, mate?” he asks. But before the man can answer, a tinny voice crackles through the speaker.

“Templeton Elevator Company. Are you experiencing an emergency?”

“Yeah, we’re in the lift at the underground car park on Monteagle and it’s just stopped.”

The tinny voice asks a series of questions, which Hob answers with increasing impatience.

There are two people in the elevator. Yes, they’re both adults. No, they don’t have any food or water with them. No, they don’t have any pressing medical issues (after waiting for a headshake from the stranger). Yes, he’ll hold while they contact technical services.

The tinny voice is replaced with tinny hold music. Hob curses under his breath again.

After a moment the voice returns. The elevator they are currently occupying appears to be experiencing a mechanical failure. High demand on technical services at this time. Their safety is important to the Templeton Elevator Company. A repair technician should arrive within the hour.

Click. And then silence.

“Fuck,” says Hob again, feelingly. “Fucking fuck.”

He sighs. Sits down. Takes out his mobile. No signal, of course. Or wait – maybe one bar? He dashes off a quick text to Gwen and sets the phone down gingerly on the floor in front of the door, thinking vaguely that the signal might filter down through the elevator shaft. It’s probably daft.

Heh. Shaft, daft.

He is going to lose his mind.

Hour One, 12:08-1:08 PM

“My girlfriend’s going to kill me,” he says conversationally. “We’re supposed to be getting lunch with some old school friends of hers. I’m already on thin ice, she’s always getting on me about being late all the time. This’ll probably be the final nail in my coffin.”

“Surely,” says the stranger, “being trapped in an elevator is a reasonable excuse for tardiness.”

“Yeah… She’s a bit strict about some things. I don’t know. She just wants the best for us, she’s just a little intense about it sometimes.” Hob shakes himself. “Sorry, mate. I shouldn’t be whinging to a total stranger. My name’s Hob, by the way. Hob Gadling.”

They are both sitting, now, on opposite sides of the elevator. Hob’s legs are stretched out casually and the stranger has his knees up, his arms wrapped tightly around them, hands gripping his own elbows, knuckles white. He looks almost defensive, Hob thinks, extending his hand across the elevator to shake. After a moment, the stranger takes it, squeezing briefly.

“Hob. That’s an… atypical name,” he says.

“Suppose so,” Hob laughs. “It’s Robert, actually. Hob is an old-fashioned nickname, but I got saddled with it in uni and it just sort of stuck. I studied history,” he adds in explanation.

“I am – you can call me Murphy,” says the stranger. Murphy. It has the flavor of untruth about it, but if a stranger on an elevator doesn’t feel comfortable giving his real name, who is Hob to judge?

“Pleasure. Have we met before? Only there’s something about you that seems familiar.”

“I do not think so.”

Murphy curls, if anything, even tighter in on himself. Hob does not pursue the topic.

They sit in silence for a while as the air grows slowly stuffier.

Hob taps at his phone and tsks when he sees his text has failed to send.

“I don’t suppose you have any service?” he asks hopefully.

Murphy pulls out a slim, expensive-looking phone from the pocket of his slim, expensive-looking suit jacket and gives it a cursory glance.

“I am afraid not,” he says.

“Damn. Oh well. Nothing for it but to wait, I suppose.”

Murphy clears his throat.

“How long has it been now?”

“About… twenty minutes?” Hob looks at his watch. “Twenty-five?”

“Thank you.”

Murphy’s voice is taut, and his knuckles are white where he is gripping his knees. Looking more closely, Hob can see sweat beading on his forehead, and realizes his chest is moving a little too quickly.

“Are you alright?” he asks.

“I am fine.”

“No offense, but you don’t look fine, mate.”

“We are not mates,” snaps Murphy. “Nothing is wrong.”

“Okay, okay.” Hob holds up placating hands. “Whatever you say. No need to bite a bloke’s head off.”

Silence reigns for another minute.

“I. Apologize,” says Murphy finally. “That was uncalled for.”

“No worries.”

“The truth is that I am. Not fond. Of confined spaces. I am finding the prospect of being in this elevator for much longer. Distressing.”

“God, I’m sorry. You should have said. I ought to have told the elevator company, I’m sure claustrophobia counts as a medical issue,” says Hob. “Especially under the circumstances.”

But Murphy is already shaking his head.

“It does not rise to the level of a diagnosable condition,” he says.

“Even so,” objects Hob. “Do you want to call back? Tell them? Maybe it’ll get someone here more quickly.”

“It does not matter.”

“Isn’t there… is there anything I can do to help?”

Murphy looks puzzled.

“Why would you want to help? You do not know me.”

“Because I have a basic sense of empathy?” Hob says, slightly appalled. “Because you’re a human being who’s distressed? Jesus, what kind of people do you hang out with?”

“You will probably be shocked to hear,” says Murphy dryly. “That I have very few close associates and even fewer friends.” Hob snorts. “But I. Thank you. For your willingness to help. Unless you happen to have a Xanax somewhere on your person, I doubt there is anything you can do.”

“And here I am fresh out of benzodiazepines. I knew I’d forgotten something at the chemist’s this morning,” Hob says, and is rewarded with a tiny chuckle.

The rest of the hour passes slowly, but not too badly. They chat, stiffly at first, but more fluently after Murphy admits that the conversation is helping to distract him from the little metal box they find themselves in. Hob certainly talks more – but then, Hob generally talks more than everyone, something Gwen not infrequently rolls her eyes at.

He learns they both were graduated from Oxford, although their time there didn’t overlap. Murphy is cagey about what he does for a living, but shares that he studied literature and dabbled in student drama. He seems interested when Hob tells him about the secondary school where he currently works, teaching history.

“It’s funny, I used to picture myself as a professor at a university, you know, doing my own research on the side, publish or perish, all that,” he says. “Gwen – that’s my girlfriend – she thinks that would be better. Sounds better to be a professor, I guess; more money, too. But now that I’m working with teenagers, I can’t imagine doing anything else. They get a bad rap from everyone, you know, but they’re so interested in the world, and all they want is for someone to listen to them and take them seriously…”

Read on AO3 >>>

massive massive thanks to @tryan-a-bex and @karalynlovescake for beta reading. I can't thank you enough!

green = complete, orange = WIP

[fellow-travelers-fic-recs]

Fellow Travelers Fic Recs | April Recap

Some of the favorite fics read by FTFR and/or newly posted in April. This month we’ve got some stormy winter cuddles and lots of domestic bliss, old men in love, an awkward first date, plant POV, fics featuring Maggie and Estelle, Father Skippy, water sports and shower sex, office sex, fuck him on the floor sex, and threesome sex in this fandom’s first RPF fic!

Also, check out the latest fics in these collections:

🌼 Angstpril Prompt Challenge Masterpost

🌼 Promise You WILL Write Masterpost (Updated w/April fics) If you're feeling inspired, please visit the collection to leave a prompt for someone to write or take one for yourself... All are welcome!

Check out their page @promiseyouwillwrite for more info.

📣 April’s Features of the Month:

Fic of the Month: do these teeth still match the wound by @brokendrums | brokendrums

Author of the Month: @startagainbuttercup | startagainbuttercup

April Featured Collection: Old Men in Love Collection

April Featured WIPs

📚 More fic recs can be found at the fic register, here.

Not quite what you're looking for? Tell us what you had in mind, here! → 💌

✨ Show authors some love with your comments and kudos on the fics you enjoyed after reading! Likes are lovely, but please reblog this post to share this content with your mutuals! ✨

🌼 Within The Heart of Me by drabbleswabbles💠 [NR, 9K] Lucy goes to the hospital to talk to Tim. When she arrives, Hawk is already there.

Otherwise known as a prompt fill that wanders a bit off the mark, but is close enough in spirit to give credit where credit is due as far as inspiration goes.

🌼 Something Out Of Reach by @bluebellsinburbank | ConsumingLove (Bluebellstar) [T, 1K] Before the phone call, Hawk knows.

🌼 Shut Up and Drink Your Milk by @bre1995 | bre_thomas & @bluebellsinburbank | ConsumingLove (Bluebellstar) [E, 4K] It all started with Hawk's "shut up and drink your milk" and then whispering how he wanted Tim to "fuck him". With those words alone, Tim doesn't hesitate.

This is an extension on the Episode 8, '57 sex scene.

🌼 Catching A Breath Of Moonlight by @bluebellsinburbank | ConsumingLove (Bluebellstar) [G, 1K] One lazy evening, Tim tries to find the perfect endearment for Hawk.

🌼 After Hours by @bluebellsinburbank | ConsumingLove (Bluebellstar) [E, 2K] “That’s it,” Hawk praised, petting through the soft strands of Tim's hair. “Good boy.”

Tim moaned softly around him, swallowing him deeper into the blissful pressure of his throat.

Or, the office sex fic that no one asked for.

🌼 Forgive Me Father For I Have Sinned by @bre1995 | bre_thomas [E, 2K] Based around the episode 6 cabin conversation and scene, but with a little twist.

🌼 A Disaster, Beyond Measure by drabbleswabbles💠 [NR, 30K] Hawkins Fuller is a campaign manager with a PR disaster on his hands. The solution involves pretending to date none other than Timothy Laughlin.

Featuring: unrealistic portrayals of the life and job of a campaign manager for the sake of the fake dating trope.

🌼 the life of the world to come by @thewindyoubargainedfor | thewindyoubargainedfor [NR, 5K] Maggie flew to San Francisco to take care of her brother. She didn’t expect it to involve so many visitors.

🌼 Chances Are by @bluebellsinburbank | ConsumingLove (Bluebellstar) [G, 3K] After a family Thanksgiving, Estelle and Hawk talk. Then she meets Tim.

🌼 Control and desperation by @mailboxbutterflies | mailboxbutterflies [E, 3K] Now Tim was really confused. "H… Hawk I really need to pee—" "I said no. You want to be a good boy for me, don't you, Skippy?"

Tim nodded slowly as he started to put the pieces together. "Then hold it," Hawk repeated coolly.

Tim saw a familiar fire behind Hawk's eyes. The kind that suggested he would be rewarded if he obeyed. "Okay, fine." And then, "Or at least I'll try."

Or, Hawk makes Tim wet himself and then rewards him with shower sex.

🌼 Only Himself To Blame by @bluebellsinburbank | ConsumingLove (Bluebellstar) [E, 1K] An evening out leads to some fun on the floor.

🌼 this time imperfect by @startagainbuttercup | startagainbuttercup [M, 16K] 1986. Marcus arrives at Hawk's house and gives him a box. Marcus doesn't know that paperweight in the box is a time traveling device. Will Hawk change anything, given the chance? We'll see.

🌼 you lookin’ like a present by Saturn💠 [E, 5K, RPF] “You fly all this way just to fuck me?”

“Not just to fuck you,” Simon teased and pressed a kiss to Matt’s forehead. “And actually,” he added, tone suddenly a touch more serious, “If you want, I won’t be the one fucking you tonight.”

Matt’s eyes widened, and he scanned Simon’s face for any indication that Simon was joking. Finding none, he raised his eyebrows and said, “I’m listening.”

Simon visits Toronto for Matt’s birthday.

🌼 🪴His great consuming lovage*🪴 by @carnivalrow | nightfall_in_winter [T, 3K] Tim's potted plant has a story to tell...

🌼 Hold You In My Arms Again by @timothydavidlaughlin | mauralabingi [NR, 977] Old(er) Men Tim and Hawk (who are in love) at the gay club.

🌼 the coming of night by @alorchik | alorchik [E, 3K] March 1957. Hawk, exhausted from grappling with his own thoughts and emotions, seeks solace in alcohol at the Cozy Corner. What other thoughts might cross the mind of a desperate man?

🌼 Might Drive Me Crazy by @bluebellsinburbank | ConsumingLove (Bluebellstar) [NR, 1K] Hawk helps Tim get ready for a party. More or less.

🌼 So On We Go by TigerLilyBlue💠[G, 589] Maggie leaves for vacation, but it isn't easy.

🌼 forbidden joy by @redmyeyes | redmyeyes [NR, 440] Fellow Travelers drabbles.

🌼 Lost In A World Of Our Own by @bluebellsinburbank | ConsumingLove (Bluebellstar) [G, 1K] A stormy winter's night is the perfect excuse to stay home and cuddle.

🌼 Guide your light in by @cinnamoncountess | CinnamonCountess [M, 21K] A new patient, Hawkins Fuller, has been admitted to the neurological diagnostic clinic at San Francisco General Hospital. The circumstances of his hospitalization are harrowing and raise many questions. The patient's tragic story and the man himself quickly arouse the curiosity of young nurse Timothy Laughlin.

🌼 Friday Night I'm in Love by @doodlingawaits | DoodlingAwaits [M, 7K] Lucy Smith was a very busy girl.

She was meeting Danny, the cute bartender at her favourite watering hole, the Bell and Bird, on Monday.

It was going to be another date night with Jake on Tuesday after work, but she was thinking of ending this one.

On Wednesday, she had a “tutoring” session with Yannis at the café near the library.

Thursday was free, but she was sure her friend Katherine would confirm soon that her brother, Tim, was up for a date with her.

But Friday, her favourite day of the week and reserved only for the really lucky ones, was going to be the one night she had been waiting for since she was fifteen.

After a misunderstanding, Lucy accidentally double-books her date nights with Tim and Hawk. She tries to find a way around it, but it seems fate has other plans in store for these three.

🌼 Worship at Your Altar by @bluebellsinburbank | ConsumingLove (Bluebellstar) [E, 2K] Hawk visits Father Tim Laughlin.

💠 Authors: If your tumblr (or other socials) isn't linked, and you'd like it to be, let me know and I'll be happy to add it. Or, if you are linked, and you'd rather not be, please contact me to remove it.

[ilovecherries2]

July Writing Exercise Prompts 2022

Prompts for the rest of the month. Use any, change any:

Universes: modern-day coffeeshop, space scifi, Urban fantasy, High/epic fantasy

19)     Wrong Priority 

20)    Disliked Bear  

21)    Fake Roar

22)    Inspector For A Murder

23)    A Dozen Problems

24)    Comfort Zone

25)    Missed Match

26)    Lost Safety

27)    Wrong Error

28)  Lost Stranger

29)  Safety Net

30)  Hidden Royalty

31)  Haunted Library

Use any you want.

I added extra words to words I got from a word generator ( https://randomwordgenerator.com/ ). Hope this helps.

[goldenlaurelleaveswrites]

These Autumn Days are Drifting by Like Falling Leaves

Based on this prompt list from @creativepromptsforwriting

AO3

ruffled hair

apple scent

full of colors

walks in the forest

autumnal

falling leaves

chestnuts

umbrellas

ravens

Oktoberfest

pumpkin spice

cornfields

black cat

spooky

first wine

flying kites

whispers

picking apples

ghosts

sweater weather

acorns

pile of leaves

harvest

fog

Jack-o-lanterns

campfire

witches

samhain

stormy days

séance

trick-or-treat

[nocturna-iv]

August Challenge 2023

Week 1

“Technically, it’s not illegal.”

Observe.

Flowers in my hair and demons in my head.

Bullets.

“Is it possible to love too much?”

Magic Curse.

“I don’t need luck; I have ammunition.”

Bonus:

Library.

“I don’t regret anything.”

Meaningful glances.

Week 2

Share.

If you’re excited to think about it, imagine doing it.

Tea.

“I would like you to stay.”

Paralyzing Poison.

“There can’t be someone so good.”

Appropriate.

Bonus:

Coffee Shop.

“Bestow upon me a smile.”

Pretend to be Allies.

Week 3

It’s difficult to be unpleasant by accident.

Bottles.

“I can’t concentrate without you here.”

Mind Control.

“No matter what I want.”

Bite.

The sunset is the dawn of those who work in the shadows.

Bonus:

Boulevard.

“You possess innate talent.”

Infiltrate in Disguise.

Week 4

Appetizer.

“Would you reconsider your answer if I wasn’t drunk?”

Body Swap.

“Don’t touch what is not yours.”

Devour.

In feelings, the most difficult thing is to coincide.

Honey.

Bonus:

Casino.

“I adore you.”

Devil’s Advocate.

Week 5

“My thoughts... wander as we dance like this.”

Kiss or Death.

The truth.

Bonus:

Office.

“Are you using my cologne?”

The calm before the storm.

[thepromptfoundry]

The prompt theme for January 2024 is a January of Firsts!

If you use this list, please tag me here @thepromptfoundry, I’d love to see your writing and art!

Feel free to combine different days' prompts with each other, or combine them with other seasonal events! Use your OCs, your favorite characters from media, whatever tickles your fancy.

Respond to as many prompts as you want or as interest you, don’t worry about missing or skipping any. Remember, this is supposed to be fun!

Plain text list below the cut:

1) First impression 2) First step in a journey 3) First snow 4) First blood 5) First fitting 6) First gift 7) First take 8) First touch 9) First day at work or school 10) First chair 11) First love 12) First loss 13) First meeting 14) First star 15) First cut 16) First look into the unknown 17) First kiss 18) First point 19) First class 20) First time on their own 21) First choice 22) First in line 23) First word 24) First draft 25) First spark 26) First runner up 27) First base 28) First aid 29) First born 30) First taste 31) First night

[monthly-challenge]

Hello Everyone, welcome to the fourth Monthly Prompt Challenge, The Fashion Run“May” (May 11-May 31, 2024)

How To Participate:

Reblog this post to get the word out!

Create your own Gifset, Fanart, Fanfiction, etc!

Tag your post as #mayfashion2024

Tag us → @monthly-challenge

Rules and Guidelines:

There is one prompt for each day! The event starts on May 11 which will give you time to get a head start on your creations!

Make your own creations!

Absolutely No NSFW content!

Please keep romantic relationships as one male and one female. (I apologize if this rule causes offense. My intention isn't to exclude or spread hate, but due to the sensitivity of this topic for the creator of the monthly challenge, I kindly request participants to adhere to this rule to prevent any uncomfortable situations.)

Whump and angst are acceptable and encouraged but please no gore!

Tag me! I want to see what you have created! As long as I am comfortable with what you have created, I want to share it to this blog!

If you have questions, don't hesitate to reach out!!!

Other Things To Keep In Mind:

You do not have to do every prompt in order to participate

The choice of fandom is up to you!

If you are a few days late on a prompt, it's okay. As long as you tag me and the post appropriately, l'd still love to see it!

Thank you to everyone who has chosen to participate! I kindly request that those who do not agree with the rules refrain from interacting.