#needed to be shorter and focus more on the horror

[littleredhatter]

fnaf movie sucked lmao

[bunnliix]

When Eight Becomes Nine - Chapter Fourteen

This was a bit of a rollercoaster of a chapter, with angst, fluff, maybe a bit of romance too, but overall ends on a sweet note. This is also my longest chapter in a bit oops

Pairing: Ateez x 9th member!reader  Summary: Yunho's fight and getting called back to the company, plus more angry Hongjoong because we love an angry captain. wc: 4.8k AU: a/b/o  Genre: Fluff/Angst  warnings: fighting, non-graphic descriptions of injuries, angry alphas, slight panicking by y/n, Hongjoong being angry aover many things, talks about supressing heats for not good reasons, clingyness, mxm interactions, growling masterlist

She would come to find out later that the bystanders were almost smothered in the scent of her distress. But in the moment, y/n could only watch in horror as Yunho fought the other alpha, fists flying and too much movement to keep track of, until you noticed something fly out of Yunho’s pocket.

Watching as it flew towards her, she found it was Yunho’s phone. Y/n wasn’t able to catch it, but she picked it up from the ground. However, it was locked, and there was no way for her to guess his password. Though, just with her luck, she was able to open up the emergency call, and found that there was a number ready to be called. Calling that number, she hoped it was someone who would be able to help.

“Yunho?” She heard the person answer, and it took her a few moments to reply, prompting the other person to repeat Yunho’s name once again.

“This isn’t Yunho, but who are you?” Y/n asked the person on the other line, not recognizing the voice.

“Y/n? Why do you have Yunho’s phone? It’s me, Hongjoong.” He said, and y/n just breathed in a sigh of relief to hear the captain’s voice.

“There’s a bit of a situation here, can you come find us?” You asked him, whining at the end as you watched Yunho take a particularly brutal punch.

“What’s around you? Tell Alpha Hongjoong so he can find you,” Hongjoong said, finding that you couldn’t help but tell him after hearing his last words to you. Hongjoong had added a bit of his alpha voice into his last sentence, needing y/n to focus on what was around her so they could find her and Yunho quickly.

“Umm, there’s a convenience store to the left of me? It looks like a 7/11 I think? And there’s a bunch of food stalls around here too?” She said, looking around quickly.

She heard one of the other’s voices in the back, “I know where they are, let’s go!” She couldn’t tell who that was, but she knew they were on their way.

“Keep yourself safe, sweetheart, okay? We’ll be there as quickly as we can be, I promise.” Hongjoong told her before hanging up on her. 

She watched as Yunho took control of the fight, pinning the other alpha to the ground. It seemed she had missed a bit while talking to Hongjoong. She held her breath as she watched him, eyes flicking up every few seconds as she hoped the others would get there already.

It wasn’t until Yunho had beaten the other alpha half to unconsciousness, that the other seven arrived. Jongho, Wooyoung, and Seonghwa rushed over to your side as you watched the alphas pull Yunho off of the other alpha, who laid there for a moment before stumbling up and running away, not looking back.

“Yunho, what were you thinking?” Hongjoong asked him, his voice stern.

“He insulted y/n. He was being an asshole.” Yunho said, anger still clear in his voice and scent as the smell of oranges was taken over by the spicy smell of ginger, causing y/n to step back.

“This isn’t the time or place to do this. We’re going to head back to the company now. I’ve been requested to bring you all back with me.” Hongjoong informed him, placing a hand on the taller alpha’s shoulder and pulling him along, the smell of bitter coffee that stung her nose emanating from the shorter man as he passed by the three omegas and beta.

The four joined the group as the nine of them walked back to where their security would pick them up. When they arrived, there were two vans waiting for them, as well as one of the group’s managers, who ushered the group into two separate ones as they climbed into the black vans. Y/n chose to stick with Jongho, Wooyoung, Mingi and Yeosang as the other four climbed into the van behind theirs. They quickly took off towards the company, and for the first little while the car was silent. 

Yeosang was the first one to break the silence, “What do you think the company wants us for?”

“I don’t know. We’ll find out soon.” Mingi answered his fellow alpha, and the car once again fell silent, and that continued until they arrived at KQ.

The four exited the van, only waiting a couple minutes more for the other half to arrive, and the full group entered the company building and followed Hongjoong as he took the lead and guided them to the same conference room they had been in earlier that day.

It was almost a mirror image of that morning’s meeting, except it was just her, Ateez and their management team.

“We want to get y/n’s contract signed quickly, so that we can get to work on adding her into the group.” One of the staff members stated.

“Hand over the contract then, please.” Hongjoong took charge, as he had pulled y/n to sit next to him for this meeting, having had a clue what was going on. 

Knowing that Hongjoong wouldn’t relent, they handed over the contract to him, who placed it in between himself and y/n, and Hongjoong helped y/n look over the major parts of the contract. While they did that, Hongjoong looked up at Seonghwa, who was already messaging the group’s independent lawyer, so that they could look over the contract before their newest member signed it.

“It’s a standard contract that all of our artists sign,” Another staff member said, “The clauses in there are all industry standard.”

“No it’s not,” Hongjoong said, having found a couple clauses that he very much disagreed with, “I know neither of these clauses are industry standard. I negotiated them out of our renewed contracts, so why are they in hers?” He said, looking up at the staff with a raised eyebrow and a grin that no one wanted to be on the receiving end of.

“This is the standard contract. Why should she be given any other contract?” The same staff member asked.

“Because she’s part of my group now. She’ll get the same contract we have. She will not be forced to suppress her heats, nor will she have a separate dorm unless she explicitly requests that.” Hongjoong said, his voice teetering on the edge of anger.

“Well, we’d have to have a valid reason why she can’t follow what we’ve put in the contract.”

“The valid reason is the omegas in my group do not and will not risk their health for your ability to make us work.” Hongjoong states with a tone of finality, not willing to budge.

“Our lawyer is on their way, Hongjoong-ah,” Seonghwa leaned over to tell him.

“Your lawyer?” Y/n finally spoke up, looking over at the two eldest.

“Yes, he’ll make sure that your contract matches ours, and will make sure that there’s nothing shady in it.” Hongjoong reassured y/n.

She was surprised that they would go this far for her, but in reality she shouldn’t be too surprised. As a group, they’ve done a lot to make her feel like a part of the group and this is just another way they’re doing that, but ensuring she would have a fair contract.

Mingi leaned behind Jongho, whispering, “Hyungs will make sure your contract is like ours, they won’t stand for anything being unfair to you. It’ll be okay. But bring it over between Jongho and I so we can tell you what else is in it.”

She managed to slide the contract between the three of them, and the two explained exactly what was in the contract to her, sometimes using a translator when things didn’t transfer between languages. She found the parts that Hongjoong pointed out to be the most egregious, with the exception of the one other part of the idol contract, that she felt was potentially malicious in its wording. She was intending to bring up that clause as well, as she wouldn’t abide by it.

It wasn’t long before the Ateez’s lawyer arrived, and Hongjoong, having realized that the contract was no longer in his possession, looked to find that y/n and the two men had nabbed it. He coughed to alert them to his presence, the three looking over and seeing that the captain had his hand out for the contract. 

Y/n handed it over, looking a little sheepish that she had taken it, despite the fact that it was her contract, so she was allowed to look at it. Hongjoong handed it over to the lawyer, who immediately took the seat offered to him by Seonghwa, who moved to stand behind the chairs of Jongho and y/n, his hands resting on the backs of the chairs.

“Hi baby omega, Joong-ah will get this sorted for you.” Seonghwa said to her as he leaned down closer to her, as she nodded.

“There’s another part of the contract I don’t like. It’s the one beneath the accommodations.” She looked up at the older omega as she spoke.

Though neither of them had to say that to Hongjoong, the man somehow heard her words despite his focus, and immediately pointed that out to the group’s lawyer, to the protest of one staff member. The same one who continued to insist that y/n’s contract was fine as is.

“It is not fine as it is,” Hongjoong fired back, before turning to y/n, “Y/n, what do you want to do for your accommodations? Do you want a separate apartment? Or would you like to stay with us in our dorm?” He asked her.

Y/n took a minute to think. It would be nice to have her own space, it would allow her the downtime she sorely needed sometime, and the space to be by herself. But on the other hand, she’d grow closer with the others if she moved in with them.

“I’m okay moving into your dorm, Hongjoong-oppa,” She answered, looking at him.

Hongjoong didn’t have to say a word as the lawyer amended that part of the contract. This was how the rest of the amendments went, Hongjoong asking her what she wanted, and once she answered him, that change was implemented in the contract. Hongjoong also changed the contract to allow for her to have as many heats during the year as her body required, though usually she only had two or three a year.

“Here’s the amended contract. We won’t accept any less than this.” The lawyer, whose name she never caught, said as they handed over the changed contract.

“You can’t go changing her contract for her,” That same staff member sputtered out.

“I can and I have. If you want to get fired, by all means keep protesting. I can and will walk away from KQ if you or other staff continue to cause trouble,” Hongjoong said.

“You’re going to this trouble for an omega. If you had gone with the nice beta, we wouldn’t have to deal with all of this nonsense.”

And that was where they stepped over the line. And where specific staff’s involvement that resulted in the chaos this morning was revealed. Hongjoong growled in anger at this information, and the younger four took to letting their frustration out on the poor (and not so poor) staff members. Hongjoong, who really seemed to work on instinct, pulled y/n close to him and led the omega out of the room to his studio, wanting to get away from the stress that their staff kept causing.

Y/n didn’t really have any choice but to let Hongjoong lead her away, watching as the alpha’s shoulders started to slowly relax, though his body was still tense. The captain of the group pushed open his studio door, pulling her inside before locking it and dragging both of them to the couch. Y/n was not expecting for the alpha to pull her down almost on top of him as Hongjoong pulled off the scent patch that he must have put on earlier while in the other van. The smell of bitter coffee and burnt vanilla permeated the room while y/n almost choked on the bitter scents.

“I’m sorry,” Hongjoong said, pulling her close and making her squeak in surprise.

“Sorry about what?” Y/n managed to get out, pushing away her surprise for the moment.

“For pulling you into this mess. I know I didn’t want anyone else joining at the beginning, and I surely didn’t want KQ to meddle with my group, but I’m grateful that you’re the one that we chose.” Hongjoong said, pulling her down at the end, burying his head in her neck to get better access to her scent, shocking y/n. 

She wasn’t expecting this today, even after what had happened the night prior. Where did this clingy Hongjoong come from? She couldn’t deny loving it, who wouldn’t want to be this close with Kim Hongjoong? But at the same time, this feels like something that should be reserved for packmates, not her, a random omega.

Her train of thoughts was broken by Hongjoong mumbling into her neck, “Why do you smell sad?”

“Sad?” She asked, confused.

“Yes, sad.” Hongjoong said.

“I’m not sad, Hongjoong-oppa.” Y/n told him.

“You smell sad, there must be something wrong. It’s okay, alpha is here.” Hongjoong said to her, his alpha feeling the need to try and make her happier.

Thankfully, for y/n’s poor heart, Seonghwa unlocked the door and let himself in to find the two on the couch.

“Hi y/n dear. Are you okay?” Seonghwa asked, to which she nodded.

“She’s sad.” Hongjoong told the omega, his face still buried in y/n’s neck.

Before Seonghwa could reply, two more members stumbled into the now unlocked studio. It turned out to be Yeosang and San, who looked sheepish at the stares being leveled their way.

“Hi hyungs, hi y/n,” San greeted the trio, “Hongjoong-hyung, looks like you’re getting comfy with y/nnie.”

Hongjoong didn’t grace San’s teasing with a reply, instead opting to reach out for Seonghwa, pulling the omega down next to himself and y/n.

“We’re here to fetch y/n. They’ve redone the contract with the new terms, and they want her to sign it.” Yeosang informed the duo.

Y/n nodded and tried to remove herself from Hongjoong, but was unable to. “Hongjoong love, you have to let go.” Seonghwa tried to coax the alpha into releasing the youngest omega.

“Don’t want to.” He grumbled, pouting.

“If you let go of y/n, and let her sign the documents, we can go grab her stuff from the trainee dorms later.” Seonghwa said, trying to entice the pack alpha into letting go. Honestly, Hongjoong’s behavior was not the norm for the alpha, he wasn���t very clingy to people he didn’t know well, and y/n counted as one of those people currently.

Thankfully, Seonghwa’s reminder worked and Hongjoong pulled his arms away from where they were wrapped around y/n’s waist. This allowed y/n to get off of the captain’s lap, unable to look at him while she felt her face heat up. She walked over to Yeosang and San, who promised the two eldest that they’d bring her back afterwards.

While y/n went off to go sign the contract, Seonghwa turned to Hongjoong, an eyebrow raised at his leader and pack alpha.

“What was that behavior about, hmm?” Seonghwa asked.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Hongjoong tried to deflect, but it wouldn’t work with his mate and he knew it.

“Yes you do, but if you want to deny your actions, then go right ahead.” Was all the omega said in reply, falling silent afterwards.

The two sat in silence until y/n and the other six members returned from her contract signing. The door opened slowly and Yunho was the first to step inside, followed by y/n and then San and the others were right behind her.

“Did it go well?” Seonghwa asked, to which y/n hummed and nodded.

“Her contract was altered the way that we wanted, and we all double checked before we let her sign it, but now y/n’s an official member of Ateez!” Yunho said, washing away any worries that the staff had sneakily changed the contract, and to which everyone celebrated her officially joining them.

However, the cheering was cut short by an interruption by one of the members.

“Can we go home now?” Wooyoung whined from behind the group in the doorway.

“Well that depends on what y/n wants to do,” San said, looking to the omega in front of him for her answer.

“I can go back to the dorms I’m staying in if you all want to return to yours,” Y/n offered.

“We were maybe planning to offer for you to grab your things from the dorm you were staying in, and bring them to our dorm, since you’ll be moving in soon anyways.” Seonghwa said.

Y/n looked around, seeing that there wasn’t anyone opposed to that idea, and she nodded, saying, “Okay, we can do that.”

This started another round of cheers and San wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her back to him. 

“You’ll get to experience the craziness that is Ateez now. I hope you’re prepared for it. I’ll have your back if anyone gets too much, okay?” He told her, as they watched the others cheer and plan out the rest of their day.

“Who’s ever prepared for the craziness and chaos that is Ateez?” Y/n said in response, making San chuckle, feeling his chest rumble and making her slightly flustered at how  close she was to him, and to have this privilege of becoming one of them.

“Look at you two getting cozy here,” They heard from behind them, y/n pulling away slightly.

“Are you jealous, Mingi-yah?” San teased back.

“No, but hyung might get jealous.” Mingi said, nodding over to where Hongjoong was staring right at them.

Y/n looked over and saw the very intense stare from Ateez’s pack alpha, quickly looking away again. The stare was too much for her right now, she couldn’t keep eye contact with him. 

Mingi and San chuckled at her reaction, and y/n pouted in response, “Don’t laugh at me.” She slightly whined, annoyed.

“You’re adorable though sweetheart,” Mingi drawled, “You’re gonna have to learn to keep eye contact with hyung when he stares like that, y’know.”

“Well maybe one day I will, not today.” She mumbled, looking down at her shoes and the ground.

Suddenly everyone started moving, and San pulled her along, y/n stumbling as she wasn’t ready for the sudden movement. San stopped her from falling over, apologizing and instead moving to grab her hand instead. He guided her through the halls as they followed the other seven out of the company building and down to the same two vans that they had arrived here in. This time it seemed to be split between the maknae and hyung lines, and with San holding her hand, she joined the younger four in their van.

“The hyungs will meet us at our dorm, and the four of us will go with you to collect your things.” Jongho said to her as the van took off in the direction of the auditionee dorms.

“Okay. I’ll make sure to be quick so that you all don’t have to wait too long.” She said in reply.

“Mingi and I were going to come up with you, so you don’t have to carry everything yourself.” San said to her, smiling.

“You don’t have to do that,” She protested, “I can do it myself.”

“Let them help,” Jongho said, “They’ll whine about it if you don’t.”

Sighing, she nodded in agreement to letting them help. The two smiled brightly at her, and it was only a few minutes later that they arrived at the apartment building that housed the dorm she had stayed in.

After the trio exited the van, San motioned for her to lead them to the dorm. She took them up to the sixth floor, and down to the end of the hall. Typing in the keycode, the door unlocked and let them in, where they found the others packing up.

“Oh, you’re here.” One of them said, “And you’re special enough to have Ateez members with you too.”

“I’m here to collect my things. It was nice to stay with you for these few days, and I hope you have a safe trip back home.” Y/n said to them, not wanting to get into it with any of the auditionees who were now heading back to their homes.

She led the two men to her room, unlocking it with her key and letting them into the room. Because she hadn’t really had much time to do anything here, or go out and explore, most of her clothes and other necessities were still in her suitcase. 

She directed the two to put away the clothing that was strewn about the room as she reluctantly dismantled her nest, or an attempt at one anyways. Once she finished that, she moved to leave the room so she could collect what was left of her stuff in the bathroom. She found and grabbed everything, packing it in her toiletries bag and bringing it back to her room, where she found her suitcases packed, and her backpack waiting for whatever else she had to put in it.

“We packed everything else we could into your backpack, if that’s okay?” Mingi said, a bit unsure.

“That’s okay, I think you actually packed everything where I usually put them, so it’s less work for me,” She told him.

“Then let’s go, the others at our dorm are getting a bit antsy.” San said, grabbing one suitcase and pulling it along while Mingi grabbed the remaining ones, as y/n took her backpack.

The three navigated their way out of the apartment and down to the van, the two men packing her bags into the back of the van while she hopped in with her backpack. Once they were all back in the van, they headed to their final destination, Ateez’s dorm. Thankfully, they weren’t actually far from it, which is slightly concerning, but their building did have good security, so she shouldn't have to worry.

Arriving at their building, they found that Hongjoong was waiting outside. He greeted them as they climbed out of the car, and followed San and Mingi and the three grabbed her suitcases while y/n slung her backpack onto her back. Seeing as Wooyoung and Jongho had very little to nothing to carry, they lead the way into the building, stopping to get another keycard for y/n, before heading up to their dorms, y/n paying attention to the details this time.

Jongho unlocked their door, leading everyone inside, and while y/n was taking off her shoes, Hongjoong led San and Mingi away further into the dorm so that y/n’s bags could be left in her room for now. 

Seonghwa showed up in the hallway, greeting the three at the entrance of their home, “Hello you three, and welcome to your new home, y/n.”

“Thank you Seonghwa-oppa,” Y/n said, bowing to the older omega in thanks. 

Seonghwa waved off her thanks, insisting that it was nothing, and that they were happy to have her here with them. The two omegas and one beta lead her to the living room for now, promising that they’ll give her a proper tour later.

The trio found the other two ‘99 liners that hadn’t been in her van in the living room, Yeosang had taken to laying on the floor, while Yunho had situated himself in the only chair in the room.

“Welcome to your new home!” Yunho said, smiling at her and waving her over to sit on the nearby loveseat. 

“Thank you, Yunho-oppa,” she said, moving to take the seat he was pointing at, and Wooyoung moved to sit next to her, taking the remaining spot.

“Yah, stop hogging her, let someone else sit next to her if they want to.” Seonghwa scolded Wooyoung, making the other omega get up.

The moment the spot was free, both Jongho and Yeosang moved to sit next to her before freezing when they noticed the other. Jongho won that silent debate, and Yeosang took the spot in between y/n’s legs, after asking her for permission.

Wooyoung pouted at this, before Seonghwa pulled the omega down onto the couch with him, the younger omega sitting on Seonghwa’s lap and his head being pushed into the older omega’s neck. Wooyoung’s body relaxed so quickly once his nose was buried in Seonghwa’s scent gland, it was almost like watching a puppet with its strings cut.

Y/n quietly giggled at the sight, it was cute but amusing to see how quickly Wooyoung went quiet. The trio that had been putting away her bags in her new room emerged from one of the hallways, their leader smiling at the sight they came back to.

“It looks like everyone’s settling in well.” Hongjoong commented as the two behind him moved to find their own spots, Mingi gravitating towards Yunho while San moved to sit in the spot next to where Seonghwa and Wooyoung were, as Hongjoong took the final open spot, on the other side of the two omegas.

The nine of them stayed quiet for a while, just taking in the silence after a long day, and while they had promised y/n a proper tour, it wasn’t to be as one by one, they fell asleep. Y/n watched as Seonghwa and Wooyoung fell asleep, wrapped up in each other, and it wasn’t long before San joined them, his head resting on Seonghwa’s other shoulder. 

Mingi and Yunho almost fell asleep, however Mingi stood up, stumbling as he was fairly sleepy, and pulled Yunho out of his chair and down one of the hallways, to one of their bedrooms. 

Yeosang was next, and y/n felt his head lean more on her thigh as he lost the battle to sleep. Jongho chuckled next to her, the sound so quiet she almost didn’t hear it.

“He tends to do this, it’s always adorable.” He explained, whispering to her. 

Hongjoong, still awake, moved over to the two still awake, sitting down in between Jongho’s legs.

“This doesn’t usually happen, well not like this. This is usually how it happens in the pack nest, but it seems everyone is really tired today.” Hongjoong said to y/n, explaining further about days like this.

The combination of all of the scents in the room, all happy and content, made y/n feel sleepy. She had already had a very active day that was full of surprises, so this quiet downtime made her become very sleepy very quickly. She felt her head lolling to the side, and despite her attempts to stay awake, the comforting smell of a fireplace, as that was all she could think of it as, burning wood in a fireplace, a hand moved to pull her head onto their shoulder.

“It’s okay to sleep, y/n,” Hongjoong whispered, looking up at her from his place on the floor, some emotion in his eyes that she couldn’t place at the moment.

She felt her eyes get heavy, and the calming scents from those around her, lulled her into sleep. Hongjoong and Jongho watched as her breathing became slower and evened out, before the captain looked around at the others, smiling at how content everyone seemed right now. He looked back at Jongho to find the maknae looking down at him.

“You should sleep too, hyung,” Jongho whispered, just loud enough for the older alpha to hear.

“I’m not that tired,” Hongjoong started, before his body betrayed him, a yawn coming out of his mouth.

“You can come here and sleep, if you want?” Jongho offered, his voice unsure.

Hongjoong took him up on his offer, climbing into the younger man’s lap and resting his head on Jongho’s unoccupied shoulder, and like y/n, started relaxing as Jongho’s scent comforted him and made him grow sleepier.

“It’s okay hyung, I can take on your burdens for a little while, you can rest.” Jongho whispered into Hongjoong’s ear, and it was those words that convinced Hongjoong it was okay to rest for a while.

Prev | Next

Taglist: @bethelighthalazia @scarfac3 @smally97 @potatomountain @iyeeeverydee 

@lxsunshine @ismelllikechlorine247 @fr34k4c1dr41n @ateez-atiny380 @sapphirewaves

@davinashifts333 @cookiesandcreammy @not-straight-kait @hoeforalbedo @calisnewworld

@smilefordongil @fantasy2wonderland @forever-atiny @khjcoo 

@hhoneylix @ayoo-bangtan @11glitch11 @lynnsqueendom @fireseo 

@cara-rey @therealcuppicake @lyracarvahall @anxiousskylar @dinossaurz 

@madilinetheb3st @h3arteyes4mingi @sweetmoonlight9 @strayteezsimp @yukichan67 

@insanityxofxfanfiction @genderfluidthatwannabealone @mallielovssyou @queen-thiccness @xiosmemoryoflife 

@silverstarburst @dimeb29 @quailbagutte @londonbridges01 @ravensfeatheruniverse 

@haven-cove @seventeenthingsblr @vic0921 @bakedpotatoman @peachyy-jooniee 

@uhhheather @yoonjikim @vampiregirl215 @kawaiikels @lovelyglares

@kaleigh-2002 @arabelleum @kibs-and-bits @0325tiny @miracle-sol 

@discombobulatedrat @witchbxtch0701 @bee-the-loser @hwallazia @dawn-iscozy 

@ldysmfrst @ahhhhhhhhhghh @neivivenaj @comicnerd557 @binniesbabe

@freeandrealme @princelingperfect @sofkloster @lilaclichh

Taglist is: open!

if your name is in pink, I can't tag you!

[otherbug]

okay. here's the brief, rewritten version of The Yagami Record. spoilers for House Of Leaves, specifically The Navidson Record (you don't really need to have read it for context, but I recommend reading it cause it's good).

this was gonna be a lot longer and more detailed but I just Don't think I'm built for that. so now it's a lot more shorter for the sake of just telling the story/trying to see the psychological effects of the house on L and Light. it's only about 1.2k words. yay

warning for uhhhh liminal horror and (near) death? (as in close to death, not the character)

(Everything is canon up to this point except shinigami don't exist, just the notebook and the house)

L places cameras throughout the Yagami's house. He watches Light come home. At the top of the stairs, next to Light's bedroom door, is an anomaly. A closet that can't exist. Light is a little freaked out, but he just quickly takes a look inside and tries to move on. Maybe it's just the Death Note messing with his head, he has been experiencing more nightmares and nausea since he picked it up anyways. Being a god takes a lot out of a man.

L is confused and disturbed on a new level. It makes no sense. It's so bizarre and he can't get it out of his head. That wasn't there when they went to put up the cameras. Did Light do this to throw him off? No, they've been watching him the whole time. He tries to stay focused on Kira but the issue persists at the forefront of his mind. He insists on going back to the house with Soichiro to further investigate. There should be a quick, simple solution. He'll just figure this out, set up a few more cameras, and continue on with Kira.

He starts obsessing over the house's layout and blueprints, measuring the walls again and again, inside and out. And it still doesn't make any sense. He has to reel his mind back to the Kira case. People are dying and Light is still a suspect, Soichiro reminds him. Okay. Back to just observing the cameras. It's just a small thing. Don't worry about it.

Later that night they watch the Yagamis have dinner. Sayu asks their mom if she can stay over at a friend's place tonight. Obviously not, it's a school night. Maybe over the weekend, but not today, she answers. Sayu complains about the creepy hallway making it hard to sleep at night. Light and L both think to themselves: What do you mean hallway.

L returns once again to the house. He opens the door to find a dark hallway the same width as the closet. He enters, determined to see what lies at the end. Five and a half minutes later he exits, somehow more pale than he already is and noticeably cold. Soichiro asks what he saw. L only responds saying that they need to further investigate.

Light has been sleeping less. He feels the haunting yet absent presence on the other side of his wall. He can't bring himself to even look down that supposed hallway. His faith in his self-appointed godhood waivers, but he pushes the feeling down and continues to act as Kira regardless. Even if there are cameras, even if there is a doorway, a hallway, that disregards the laws of physics and reality itself, he needs to focus on creating his new world. He needs to feel powerful.

Light returns from school one day to find his father and multiple Task Force members set up radios. After slipping away and briefly panicking in the bathroom, convinced that he's been caught and will be executed in front of his whole family, he returns to find out why they're here. His father just says that it's for his work, and they didn't expect it to take this long. He gets interrupted by a sound on one of the radios, a distorted voice that Light recognized from the Lind L. Tailor stunt. A slamming door is heard, and L stumbles downstairs, distraught and disoriented. He quickly regains composure upon seeing Light and the Task Force. L introduces himself to Light, and Soichiro confirms his identity.

Light gets invited to help investigate. He's hesitant, but thinks about it as being a convenient distraction for L, away from Kira. He seems laser-focused on this. Maybe he'll get lost in there, and Light will be able to act freely as Kira and fully reign over his new world.

The two enter the hallway. Light realizes he might be just a bit claustrophobic. L takes some samples of the wall for further examination and tests his geology skills by tasting a piece (certain minerals can be identified by taste). It tastes like nothing. It has the taste of nothing. Light questions him but realizes Yeah this isn't the weirdest thing he's done. Anyways.

After some twists, turns, and backtracking, they find a great hall with a large spiral staircase that seems to infinitely descend. If Light was anxious before, he's terrified now. Of course, he doesn't outwardly express it, instead adopting a more uncaring and skeptical attitude. Light suggests they go back, but L persists. They get into a fight. Someone gets pushed down the stairs. The other instantly feels the weight of being alone in a place like that and immediately regrets it, running down into the darkness.

They are now split up. L and Light independently navigate through a maze of rooms and hallways, their location completely unknown to each other and themselves. L feels like a small child wandering the streets late at night, cold and alone. The (no longer) repressed memories of his life before Watari, Wammy's house, and the title of L itself haunt him. But part of him feels strangely free. Here, he has no title. He has no power. He has no knowledge or team or money to help him. He never really felt like a full person, just a collection of information and cases. But here, all he has is what he is. He finds a room with no door. He accepts that he will never understand this house. He accepts that he is not obligated to understand everything, no matter how much he or anyone else expects him to. He accepts that he will most likely die in here of either starvation or hypothermia. He sits and meditates.

Light runs through the halls. He panics. He cannot catch his breath but he cannot stop running. Where the hell is L. Where the hell is anything. He was a god on the surface. He is nothing here. He is neither Kira nor Light Yagami. All he has is what he is. His power means nothing here. The Death Note means nothing here. If anything is a god here, it is this house. He feels like a small, wild animal thrashing about in it's cage. He claws at the walls and digs at the floor. He cannot be overpowered by this thing. He cannot be eaten alive by it. Eventually, his legs give out. He crawls as far as he can before sitting up against a wall. He takes out the Death Note and pulls the pin on his watch four times. He feels something snap within himself. After a moment of sitting there motionless, he puts the watch back in place and pulls out a match. He burns pages of the Death Note one at a time, trying to keep himself warm as long as he can. He is not a god. He cannot lie his way out of this hell. He thinks back on his life and every moment that lead up to him picking up that notebook. He thinks about every time he was unable to be genuine, no matter how hard he tried. He cannot hide from himself here, no matter how hard he tries. He sits and waits.

ANDDD IDK !!! Maybe they end up outside maybe with frostbite or a few broken bones but they're still alive. Maybe they just die and the case goes cold as Light's family either accepts that their son was probably Kira or continues believing he's innocent and the deaths have just coincidentally stopped around the same time. Maybe they still cling on to the hope they either of them are still alive in there. idk thats as far as I got/wanted to get.

[writers-potion]

Different Genres, Different Fight Scenes.

Romance

No real gore; write entertaining fight scenes with an illusion of reality

Avoid excessive arobatics or feats of unbelievable strength. Stay realistic - describe the weather, how the ground feels.

Add a layer of erotic tension.

Use injuries as opportunities to test the hero and heroine's relationship, for displaying touching and tender care.

Fight scenes in romance tend to be short (<700w)

Where there are several fight scenes: (1) he comes to her rescue - (2) she comes to his rescue (3) together they fight in the final showdown.

Fantasy

Fantasy fight scenes will primarily be enertaining, but have considerable grit.

Since readers needs to retain their suspense of disbelief in dragons, fairies, unicorns, etc. it helps to keep fights realistic.

Heroes will be skilled in using the weapon of their choice, and he climax of the fight will be prolonged, detailed and technically precise.

Science Fiction

Invent a special weapon for your book. To make it plausible, take a real-life weapon and extrapolate.

To make it interesting, the weapon will have a critical flaw or have consequences to the user which will make the plot more interesting.

Thriller

Fight scene in thrillera are very gritty, with real violence and gore. There will be several injuries and death.

However, the hero will also show off his skill in prolonged fight scenes, making it entertaining.

The suspense section is typically long

The hero will often have advanced level fighting skills.

Horror

As long as the blood is plot relevant, readers will want to see gore and grit.

The suspense and aftermath sections will be long, with unexpected twists that gets the hero behind his back.

Cozy Mystery

Cozy mystery won't have too much fighting involved, but if it does it will be be short.

Focus on how the hero struggles towards the next clue as a result of the fight rather than on the fight itself.

Historical

Fight in historical novels can be anything between entertaining and gritty.

Consider the periodic background, tech level, and relative wealth of your fighters before you give them weapons and armour.

In period where life expectancy was shorter and violence was more commonplace, your heros will be less bothered about seeing death, gory gutting, or having children in battle. Less qualms about killing.

In most periods and societies women didn't fight, and you must come up with a plausible backstory for her.

Literary

Either the fight takes place off stage or it is shown in all its realistic brutality.

Literary fight scenes are gritty and short.

You will choose to focus on the aftermath - play up the tragic, sinful, meaninglessness, etc. of violence for the reader and how it affects your hero's psyche.

Young Adult

YA fight scenes are entertaining, but it can escalate to be very scary.

he plot often revolves around he protagnoist performing implausible feats of fighting, often with exceptional martial arts skills.

Choose whatever martial arts teenagers find "cool" and build up your knowledge about it.

If you like my blog, buy me a coffee☕ and find me on instagram! 📸

[dcafanzine]

We’ve been getting a lot of asks about what the application process will look like and what to do, so here are a few tips that should help you out! (This is not required reading if you’re looking to apply, but it might help!)

When you’re applying for a spot on the DCA fanzine, we will be asking to see examples of your existing work. You might be wondering what would be considered a good fit, and which of your existing pieces to choose to show off in your contributor application.

NOTE: PLEASE do NOT create pieces you are intending to submit to be included in the zine itself as part of your application! Zine pieces are to be created by contributors in the three month period following their being selected to be on the zine. We cannot guarantee you a spot, so please don’t burn yourself out trying! There will be other chances!

(Oh, and please ensure viewing permissions are on when you’re sharing any links in your application, so we can see your work!)

Now on to the fine details …

For all applicants:

This zine is a celebration of our beloved celestial jester(s), the daycare attendant(s) - you will need to submit at least one example piece in your application (preferably more) that features these characters, with depictions of them in a canon-adjacent* form being a huge bonus.

Pieces submitted in your application should ideally be safe for work, as this will be a safe for work zine. This zine isn’t playing to a specific mood or genre, so feel free to go wild with depictions of fluff, angst, horror, etc. so long as these fit broadly under the PG-13 rating. Shipping ideally shouldn’t be the focus of every example provided either as this zine will not be specifically focused around romantic ships but more on the character(s) of the daycare attendant(s) themselves.

A limited number of AU spots will be available but in order to accept AU works as final pieces in this zine we request that you must either be the creator of the AU, or have express permission from the AU’s creator.

*Canon-adjacent here doesn’t mean the depiction has to be biblically accurate, just that the design should not differ so substantially from what would typically be recognised as the DCA to essentially be a separate character. This fandom is intensely creative and we love and applaud the originality of the many different variants of the DCA, but this zine aims to focus primarily on canon-adjacent depictions, with a limited number of slots for AU content as well. Having canon-adjacent depictions of the DCA will massively help round out your application for this zine!

For some positions, you will be asked to give 1-3 idea pitches, with at least one idea pitch being required. Pitches should summarise what you might be thinking of creating for the zine, showcasing your creativity and helping you brainstorm ideas for what to make if selected. Your pitch will be especially useful if you are hoping to write or illustrate any AU content, to give us an idea of what sort of thing you expect to contribute. Your pitch may be on the longer or shorter side depending on what you prefer, just as long as it illustrates the idea(s) you are aiming for. If you are selected, you will not be required to create the idea(s) you mentioned in your pitch, and will be able to change your mind on what you wish to create for the zine at a later point.

For writers:

We are looking for around 5 writers to join this zine. Upon being selected to be contributors, writers will write a short self-contained story (around 1.5-2k words) which will be illustrated by the spot artist they pair up with.

What we’ll be looking for in a writer application is readability (how well the example writing submitted for the application flows and how easy to follow it is), pacing, vividness of characters (characterisation of Sun and Moon in this fandom tends to vary a lot, so we’ll be looking more at consistency and imaginativeness here!), and how engaging the example writing is, as well as the ability to wrap up a short story. For this reason, while excerpts reaching around the 2k mark will be happily accepted, at least one of the examples should be a self-contained story or scene that fits within (or close to!) the word limit listed on the application form!

For page artists:

We are looking for around 23 page artists to contribute to this zine. Once selected as contributors, page artists will create a full page illustration featuring the daycare attendant(s) for the zine. A page illustration should fill the space on the page nicely and play to your strengths. This could be a coloured illustration depicting one or multiple characters with a background, a neat photograph of a sculpture or traditional piece you’ve made, or even a nice neat one-page comic! So long as it fits nicely on the page without compromising its quality, it will likely make a great fit for the zine!

What we will be looking for in a page artist application is composition (how elements in the example pictures submitted for the application like the background, props, characters, etc. work together), atmosphere (how the example pictures build a mood), creativity (unique and quirky representations and ideas!), and the level of polish the example pieces have (so overall how neat and nicely finished they look). At least one example provided will need to have a full background (so something containing complex background elements or designs or scenery, like a room or a scene).

For spot artists:

We are aiming to have around 5 spot artists for this zine. Spot artists will be paired up with writers, illustrating smaller scenes written for the zine. The mood of these pieces might vary greatly, but should match the tone and content of the writing.

What we’ll be looking for in a spot artist application is how well their example pieces convey a particular mood and/or feeling, as well as how well they present a scene in a smaller space. The example pieces submitted might not need to be as detailed or polished as those required by full page artists, but should be just as expressive!

For merch artists:

We will be looking for around 2-3 merch artists for this zine. Merch artists will design merch to go with the zine when it potentially hits certain sales targets. Prior experience making merch is greatly preferred for applicants applying for this role.

What we’ll be looking for in a merch artist application is the ability to make neat, simple designs that translate well as physical and digital merchandise.

Hopefully that clears a few things up - and please don’t be too daunted by all the details or feel you have to play perfectly to all of the ideas given above, every single one of us is different and the most unconventional of application pieces might be just the thing we need! This is just to make the application process a little clearer for anyone who’s nervous about what to submit. If anything is still a little unclear, please feel free to send us an ask on our Tumblr or CuriousCat!

[a-chaotically-small-lunta]

what is G/t

G/t is, in its simplest form, the size difference trope. Think of those episodes in shows where the characters shrink or grow. It’s one of those tropes that can be slapped onto literally any media. It’s one of the most common tropes tv shows would use, alongside things like time travel, alternate dimensions, gender swap, just space, and more! G/t stands for Giant / tiny, which is usually the main focus for most people. There are many different things you can find in g/t from soft and cute scenarios to more angst and horror-like scenarios. It just depends on the person. G/t is usually very safe for work with some getting close to the edge of nsfw but never fully crossing it. On tumblr there is a very clear difference from the sfw and nsfw stuff (With g/t being the safe stuff and micro/macro being nsfw, usually)

Now the main thing about g/t is the size difference. With characters interacting with differently sized items or people. The G is the giant which is typically used for whoever the bigger (literally) person is. So it’s not always gonna be a giant and will sometimes be a human. The t on the other hand is the tiny person, which just like the G, can include a human sized person. As long as the size difference is great enough (each person has their own thoughts on when size difference becomes g/t or is simply tall person with slightly shorter person) then it is consider g/t. Now a tiny or giant doesn’t necessarily need to interact with their counter part, it could be something simple like a tiny fairy exploring an abandoned house, or a giant roaming the country side. If the person doesn’t “fit” in the environment it can count. (Which is probably why a lot of us use it as a coping mechanism. Cause like you don’t fit in and it’s easier to imagine literally not fitting in)

There are many kinds of character in g/t too! Tinies and giants can range from “That’s a human who is big/small” to “that’s a person who is big/small, but they have some extra features (like wings or horns, etc) to “that’s a creature/alien…a big/small one…oooohhhh” Most people in the community usually vibe with one of the sides. Most people are tinies, some a giants, and then there’s people like me who couldn’t decided and liked both sizes for different reasons and said “SCREW IT! Sizeshifter time”

There’s a lot to g/t and it’s kinda hard to describe and yet so simple to describe too. Each person into it, loves it for so many different reasons. It’s basically the trope that me and many others really love to many unique degrees. It’s literally about new perspectives and seeing our world from them, in a very literal sense sometimes. When you know about g/t you start seeing it everywhere, commercials, movies, tv shows, games, etc. The stories may have the same trope but each delivers it in such a unique way that, it always feels brand new and like an amazing adventure!

If you have any more question, or if anyone else has questions about other g/t things I can try my best to answer them (I’m very bad at answering asks, sorry about that) I may not be the best at explaining things, but I can sure try my best to!

Also, if you want to check it g/t out more but are a little scared to explore websites, I made a YouTube playlist (that I randomly update whoops) that has a bunch of g/t stuff in it. If you want to get a vibe of what it is. It’s organized (kinda) so you can check out the movies, games, animations, etc. I suggest watching the movies first because they tend to just be fun to watch even if you aren’t into g/t. And no worries, it’s a pretty clean content wise.

[jeankirsteinsgrlfrnd]

Can you do AoT characters reactions when watching a scary movie with their SO?

ꕤ the aot characters & scary movies with you ꕤ

eren jaeger was the one who came up with the idea of watching a horror movie. he’s a simple man. as much as he enjoys horror movies, he enjoys the way you cuddle up to him even more.

armin arlert isn’t particularly fond of scary movies. his preference is psychological thrillers compared to classic horror. he’s not scared, he just finds the themes repetitive. he’ll watch them for you and only for you.

jean kirstein had every intention of putting on a scary movie just so you would cozy up to him. the entire time he’s side-eyeing you, waiting for you to get scared, to need him. eventually you catch his drift and scooch closer to him, not because you’re scared, but because you just want to feel him.

reiner braun isn’t a big fan of scary stuff. contrary to popular belief, he’s kind of a big scaredy cat imo. he dreaded watching the movie when you asked him, but you’re his partner so he said yes. he often closes his eyes, looks away. he absolutely hates blood and guts. he’s happy when it ends.

bertholdt hoover is another man who hates gore. he agrees to watch a horror film with you as long as it doesn’t show anything too extreme. whatever movie you pick, he surprisingly ends up enjoying it and you rope him into watching another.

connie springer doesn’t shut his trap the entire movie but somehow winds up scared. by the end of the night he’s practically in your lap. he then proceeds to talk about how the movie sucked and he wasn’t even scared. he definitely has nightmares after.

porco galliard is somebody who says they love films like these but ends up with sweaty palms half way through. he’s all “the scarier the better” until it’s time for bed and he leaves a light on. he’s glad you’re with him because if you weren’t, he’d be scared shitless.

levi ackerman doesn’t care for scary movies at all which is weird because he really really enjoys halloween and decorating for the holiday. he’s kind of a film bro, very opinionated on all sorts of movies. he prefers the classic scary movies like nightmare on elm street and friday the 13th. he’s kind of silent the entire time it’s playing but he’s happy to be with you. he cherishes these moments even if you pick a shitty movie and he will definitely let you know that you did.

erwin smith is the same as levi in the way that he enjoys the classics BUT he’ll only watch them around halloween time. so come late september and october, you and him will be plopped in front of that tv. he loves laughing at all the terrible acting and bad effects.

zeke jaeger is reluctant when you suggest the idea but he’s easily convinced. surprisingly, he ends up really interested in the plot. but he also asks you one hundred questions which is annoying because you are so scared you can’t even focus on his questions. he knows he’s annoying you so he shuts up and holds you in his big, strong arms.

hange zoe LOVES horror films. loves loves loves. they’re their favorite type of movie. they’ll always suggest putting one on. they live for the blood, the guts, the glory. they love a good monster. and honestly, you love watching them have so much fun. they’ll turn to you like, “oh (y/n)! did you see the way that person spewed blood?? it was so awesome!” they also talk the entire time but because you’re their significant other, you find it endearing.

historia reiss is a little too into the movie. she gets this gleam in her eyes like she’s having the time of her life. she’s always on the edge of her seat, literally. she’ll grab your hands during the really really scary parts. but for the most part, she’s fearless. you and her will split the biggest bowl of popcorn ever.

ymir doesn’t really care for movies, no matter the type. she prefers tv shows because they’re shorter. but if you beg her, she’ll say yes and she’ll buy all the snacks. she ends up laughing for most of the film and it annoys the crap out of you. she’s all “sorry baby you know i love you but this movie is terrible!”

mikasa ackerman knows her movie etiquette. phone on silent and she is silent, too. she flinches here and there but only at the jump scares. she falls asleep right before the end with her head in your lap or on your shoulder.

sasha braus likes watching movies especially with you. i wouldn’t say horror films are her favorite but she definitely enjoys them. she enjoys whipping up some snacks with you and then snacking on them with you during the movie. she’s definitely the type to jump and throw the popcorn in the air. overall, she’s an excellent person to watch a movie with but like mikasa, she ends up falling asleep if you watch them late at night which results in you carrying her to bed.

annie leonhardt picks the movie out. she picks the scariest movie ever but is nearly unphased the entire time. she keeps a kind of neutral expression on her face but she enjoys the shit out of being there with you. she holds you and makes you feel safe. she encourages you to get as close as you need to her.

pieck finger is such a couch potato so of course she says yes when you ask her to watch a scary movie with her. she gets all the blankets, all the snacks and turns out all the lights. she’s so excited to spend time alone with you. she lays down on the couch and you lay sort of on top of her. you both end up falling asleep before it’s over.

blehh i think that’s everyone hey check out my jean fanfiction right here right now tysm for the request!

[bizbat]

I Know a Place ~ 1

~ Spiderverse x Fem!Spider!Reader

~ Reader is shorter than Miles, Pav, and Hobie, but appearance is otherwise not mentioned

~ Possible love interest include: Miles Morales, Hobie Brown, Gwen Stacy, Pavitr Prabhakar, Earth 42 Miles, and Margo Kess.

~ Reader is a newer spider, who, after losing a fight against an anomaly that found its way into her universe, is consoled by her friends.

~ Wc: 1.9k

~ You can find more of my works here

~ Contents include: Fluff, Romance, Mostly platonic as of now, Slight angst, Comfort, Horror, Mentions of blood, Intimate non sexual touch, Slight Yearning.

Somewhere, in New York . . .

A group of teenagers clad in brightly colored spandex suits, sit in a booth at a small cafe. The cafe itself is a cozy, little hole-in-the-wall, known only to those lucky enough to live nearby. The teenagers rest their tired bodies, allowing their muscles to melt into the soft leather seats, as they're embraced by the warm aroma of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and cocoa.

The calming scents swirled in the air, providing the teenagers a much needed sense of comfort and relief. They chatted amongst themselves, some excited from the battle they had just won, some wearily listening and occasionally providing their own input. All engaging in the conversation one way or another. All except for one.

One of the teenagers sat silently staring into her drink. Her mind, like her peers, was still on the fight the had just walked away from, though unlike them, she wasn't exactly satisfied with the outcome. She tried to focus her gaze on the hot beverage clasped between her hands, and not on the dirt and blood splattered on her gloved fingers.

Everytime she closed her eyes she could still see it.

Horror starts here -

Previously . . .

He was an anomaly, a horrifying variant of the criminal Rhino. He was a massive man with stocky , tree trunk-like stubs for legs. He had huge, muscular arms, his fingers were thick nubs, a solid plate of keratin from his first knuckle to the tip of his fingers. Despite his giant stature, his bodybuilder physique, and his inhuman limbs which were covered in tough, dark grey skin, the characteristic that most caught the teenager's attention was his face. Two massive tusks sprouted from his skull, piercing his flesh, and causing dark blood to leak over his head, face and shoulders.

He was clearly in pain, screaming as he flung any and everything he could lift over his head. Cars, fire hydrants, chunks of sidewalk. Nothing was safe from him in his rampage. He spared no mercy as he threw objects towards innocent civilians. Thankfully, by the time Y/n had gotten there, most of the bystanders had already fled the scene, and the few that remained were quickly moved to safety. The teenager turned her attention back to the rhino-man as soon as the last citizen was safe and secure.

"You really do live up to the n-"

Y/n could barely get a word out before she was flung into the side of a building. She slowly rose to her elbows, her head spinning as broken glass clattered onto the ground around her. She felt something warm and wet run down on cool on her face beneath her mask. She hobbled to her feet the minute the loud, incessant pounding in her head stopped, another quip already on her lips, only to be interrupted once again by a whack to the face. She felt like she'd been hit with a wrecking ball as she flew through the air.

Horror ends here -

She crashed into the pavement, her head smacking the ground that cracked around her, before slowly rolling to a halt. She tried to push herself back up, with what felt like boneless arms. Her arms weakly trembled before collapsing beneath her weight. Fear rushed through her veins as the sound of thunderous footsteps approached her weakened body.

Y/n squeezed her eyes shut, her fists clenched and her breathing quickened as she braced herself, preparing her body to take more abuse. She felt dread embalm her entirely, her sweat cold on her skin, as the Rhino rose his arms above his head.

But before the Rhino could bring his clubbed fists down upon Y/n's crumpled body, the loud riff of an electric guitar rang through the air.

Her eyes remained closed, as bright yellows, purples, and blues flashed across the sky in blinding geometric shapes. Y/n's stiff body ironically relaxed at the sound of fighting and music, her body and mind fully exhausted. She only began to open her eyes when she heard a familiar voice softly calling her name, gently coaxing her to rise to her feet.

Currently . . .

Y/n sat near the window, strictly gazing into the mug between her hands. She had been so focused on her own moping she hadn't noticed the conversation around her had begun to lull.

"Y/n, you alright there, bruv?"

Her head snapped up, her attention suddenly placed on the british man seated across from her.

"Huh!?" Y/n's gaze drifted to the other teenagers sitting with her, unintentionally now the center of their attention. "What do you mean? I'm fine. I'm okay."

The teenagers around her exchanged glances before turning back to her. "Y'know, it's okay if you aren't okay, though," Gwen, the blonde sitting beside her replied, her voice had been the one to pull Y/n from her pained stupor. Gwen gently placed her cup of hot cocoa onto the table in front of her, before lightly stroking Y/n's forearm with her thumb.

"I know, I'm okay. Really. . . I am." Y/n dropped her gaze back to the hot, sweet smelling beverage in her hands. The cafe the teenagers took refuge in had some of the best food and drinks any of the spider's had ever had. It was a family business, run by an older couple and tended to by their granddaughter. It had been a place of comfort for Y/n since she had come across it while chasing a pickpocket down an alley.

Unconvinced, the rest of the teens sat quietly. "Is it about the fight cause if it is you got nothing to worry about" said miles, a chocolatey ring on his top lip. "When I was 'bout a month into being Spider-man, I had to fight Scorpion." Miles shook his head. "Lost so bad, it was on the news. My mom heard about it."

"Really?" Hobie questioned, taking a bite of his pastry, "That bad, huh", he followed earning a glare from Miles.

"Oh please, that's nothing! When I first became Spider-Woman, I got absolutely wrecked by Doc Oc! I got publically laughed at for two weeks!" Countered Gwen, her hands moving as she spoke. "I couldn't go out without hearing someone laugh about it."

Hobie chuckled, causing Gwen to toss a large marshmallow in his direction, "And what of you, Pav?"

"First of all, what about you, Hobie? You've never lost a fight?" Said Pavitr, flustered at the sudden attention. "Oi we'll get there when we get there, yeah? Your turn."

Pavitr sat back in the booth, his hand raised to his chin as he thought of his most embarrassing loss. "One time I . . . got . . . a got a bloody nose through my mask?"

"Yeah, but did you lose?" Asked Miles.

". . .no. But it was on TV!" Pavitr raised both hands in defence after earning a playful groan from the whole table, "Of course not", and "No surprise there" flying from his friend's mouths. "I'm sure mine will happen sooner or later!" Pav turned to face Hobie once again. "Okay, okay, your turn, Hobie. Tell us your most embarrassing story." Hobie sniffed, leaning back and putting his arms behind his head. "What's there to talk about, mate? I never lose."

"Right." It was the first thing Y/n had said with a smile on her face. Hobie glanced over at her, a soft smile replacing the frown she wore earlier. Hobie straightened in his seat, "Well-I mean- I-This one time right," Y/n laughed at his sudden disposition, "I was just off holiday, y'know, so of course I'm gonna be a bit rusty, a little out of it, y'know," the table began to giggle at his frantic excuses.

"But yeah, I'd just come off holiday, I start to swing around, warm up, got my blood flowing again, out of nowhere, this-this airship comes flying my way, absolutely massive, comes outta nowhere," "Oh it came at you, did it?" Pavitr asked between laughs. "Yeah," Hobie claimed, a faux irritation coating his words "It came at me, Pav man, you even listening? So it comes at me," he continued.

"I'm looking down, hundreds of adoring fans below, all lookin' back up at me, my senses kick in, little too late, yeah, but they do," Miles wheezes at Hobie's erratic retelling, his fist lightly pounding the table, as gwen writhes in her seat with her head thrown back. Y/n and Pavitr exchange glances with tears in their eyes whenever Hobie stumbles over his words or repeats himself.

"I look up at just the right time for the universe to take it out on me, i guess, and then WHAM! I smack into the aircraft, face first, all my fans still watching me as I plumet to certain death, just laughing, like I don't protect them everyday from the cold, greedy hands of a power-abusing, capitalistic, autocratic, and bigoted nightmare!"

By now every teen at the table is in hysterics, laughing so loud the table shakes with all their food and drink. Hobie and Miles have taken the slapping each others arms, as they cackle at Hobie, as Gwen has visible tears pouring down her face.

After being yelled at for being to loud and calming down, the group sits in a pleasant silence. Y/n sighed, yeah, today could've gone better for her, but in the end, she was thankful she had the kind of friends willing to embarass themselves to make her feel better. "Thank you, guys," Y/n mumbled out, a happy yet somber expression on her face, as they began to meander out of the cafe. "For tonight, and for . . . earlier."

"Aye, no problem, Y/n," Miles said, slipping an arm over her shoulder and looking into her eyes, a warm grin spread across his dimpled cheeks. "Any time." Pavitr gently stroked her knuckles with his thumb as he held her hand. The teens took off in the direction of Y/n's home, joking all the way. They saw her safely to her door.

Noticing the time, Gwen turned to Y/n and wrapped her arms tightly around her shoulders. "I'm sorry, I gotta get going," she saldy muttered as she squeezed Y/n. She pulled slightly from their embrace. "But I'll see you tomorrow?" Gwen stared into her face for confirmation, a playful smirk rising to her face as her cheeks heated up. "Bye Gwen, I'll see you tomorrow." Y/n felt her own cheeks grow warm, a little dismayed when Gwen fully pulled her arms from her.

Pavitr swallowed her form in his own muscular arms from behind, resting his cheek on her head. "I have to leave too," He groaned. Y/n giggled as he complained, a playfully sad look on his face. "I'll see you tomorrow too, Pav." Y/n laughed again as Hobie had to physically pull Pavitr away from her, before squeezing her shoulder himself and winking as he stepped through the portal.

Miles was the last to leave, he always was. He wanted to make sure Y/n was okay, having been no stranger to messing up himself. "You good?" Y/n sighed again, but this time it was filled with much less sorrow. She looked up at Miles and felt a warm smile rise to her lips. "I'm good Miles . . . Thank you. Really." Miles shrugged his shoulders as he beamed at Y/n before hugging her goodbye like the others. He lingered, just a bit, before letting his arms slip from her shoulders.

Miles stepped towards the portal, turning to grin at Y/n for the last time that night.

[zenkindoflove]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Spread the self-love ❤

Awww thank you for sending me this ask @ejkreader! This was really hard to pick. I really love all of the fics I've written - from the rare pair one shots to the OTP multichapter fics. I think some of this represents recency bias but these fics are definitely ones I'd love people to read when they check out my stuff.

Carrion Flowers - Elucien AU (loosely inspired by Sleepy Hollow) where Lucien is a detective that has come to Elain's town to solve a series of grisly murders. Elain and her sisters have been accused of witchcraft and there is tension boiling amongst the villagers as more and more people die. I think this is my most underrated fic, which I understand. Detective mystery and horror is not everyone's cup of tea. But I think I did some amazing writing in this fic and I had so much fun adapting the characters to this AU. I am probably putting it at the top because I wish more people would read it lol.

Pull Me In Deeper - Eris x Alexius (male OC). This fic is so dear to me. While not the first fic that Eris x Alexius are featured in, it is the first multichapter fic of them where they are the solo couple and take all of the focus. The premise is that Eris wants an alliance with Helion to help take down Beron, but Helion won't agree unless he does a mission for him on The Continent. Helion sends Alexius to accompany Eris, making sure he does the mission and doesn't try to cheat his way out of the arrangement. Romance, action, adventure, and lots of smut commence. I also developed a lot more OCs in this fic as well who are heavily featured. So this fic really has so much of my soul in it.

Dear Lucien, Dear Elain: An Epistolary Fic - I love this fic so much. I wrote it with my best friend and co-writer @crazy-ache. We really poured our hearts into this one as well as so many shared headcanons we've always had a bout Elucien. I think it's a really unique piece and I couldn't have taken on the challenge of writing an entire epistolary without her. The experience also really stands out to me. We bonded so much writing this fic and really formed a intimacy as writing partners through the process. For anyone that hasn't read it - this fic is canon compliant and takes place during the end of Silver Flames after the Winter Solstice. Elain writes to Lucien, and the story is all of their letters as they get to know each other and fall in love through their words.

Let the Light Linger - This is a shorter, Eris x Alexius (male OC) multichapter fic that I wrote in December. I wanted to write something a little more down to earth for them. It takes place after Eris becomes High Lord and he is visiting his mother in the Day Court by attending the Winter Solstice celebration. Many characters like Elain, Lucien, Nesta, Cassian, and others in the Night Court are also in attendance - and most importantly, Alexius is there. The general vibe is a little, hot story that revolves around meeting someone at a party that you have intense chemistry with. Smutty but also with a lot of heart - I really liked this because it was a different sort of take on their story - figuring out how they would be in a world where Beron is dead and Eris has more control over his life. Of course, Eris has a lot of baggage still which comes out in his interactions and developing feelings. This was a fic where scenes from it haunted my head for months and I needed to get it out.

Summer Heat - This was the second big Elucien multichapter fic I wrote. It's also the fic I first developed Eris x Alexius in, where they became a very significant romantic B subplot. The premise is that the Summer Court is holding a summit and emissaries from all the courts are in attendance. It's Elain's first foray outside of the Night Court, and Lucien is there to guide her way. It was essentially my take on Elucien being given a task and exploring their relationship outside of the physical bounds of the Night Court (though many other characters like Nesta, Cassian, and Mor are with them). Eris also is attending for his own purposes, as well as Alexius who is representing the Day Court. I wanted it to slightly have beach vacation vibes but also with some political intrigue and a lot of exploration of Elain's developing magic alongside her warming up to Lucien and starting to grow more comfortable with him. I intended to write a sequel for it, and that might still be in the cards one day, but I think as a whole, this is a really good example of my overall writing style and how I blend romance, fantasy, as well as multiple relationship dynamics. You can also see in the story how much Eris and Alexius kept trying to steal the spotlight from Elucien with their very gay, dramatic, forbidden romance.

[flameofthescorpion]

Sinking Deeper....Deeper...

Next part for the Herald of Chaos Sentinel AU! I'm sorry it took so long, my motivation for Writing and Drawing are NOT the same. This ones shorter than the first one but i hope it suffices anyway. CW: Manipulation, Rotting/Decay, some graphic descriptions of violence and i would say a pretty hefty doses of Psychological Horror. OF COURSE, TRANSFORMERS ONE SPOILERS

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

It had been a while since everything. The mech could not even tell how much time had passed, only that it had been some time, enough so that the fallen (false) Prime could see from a distance that Iacon had recovered mostly from his death and long had focused on trying to rebuilt itself once Megatron had gone ballistic and attempted to destroy the glorious underground City. He saw it all. Despite his obvious loss of energon clouding his vision and his senses numbening out, he could still recognize that a fight had ensued and that Orion, the fool, had been chosen by Primus to become the next Prime. He. Out of ALL bots. him. Sentinel clenched his servos which were slowly eroding and reshaping into claws with the passage of time, anger bubbling deep within his long rotten core, long replaced with a darkness not even Primus himself could cleanse out of the shell he had become of himself. ”We are past this topic. stop.” A voice rang out in the back of Sentinel’s processor, and he wasn't completely sure if it even was his own any longer. The demon was still watching him, the same demon that he once thought was his “angel”, a simple admirer who had courtesy to save his life, nothing but a false image, he lured Sentinel into something he could not back out of now. Despite him not physically being present, he still managed to watch Sentinels everymove. Yet the false ex-Prime wasn't sure whether or not the demon could read his thoughts. He might just be paranoid at this point. 

Sentinel knew one thing for certain, he had been messing with the mech’s processor. Making sure his memories were hazy, “for focus’ sake.” was his excuse. Yet the hatred he had for Megatron and Optimus Prime kept his memory of those 2 Cybertronians very clear. Everything else just seemed like a blurred cloud of fog, could he recall any other names? affiliations? relations? not really. But he supposed that was not important anymore. His past life was no more. All that counted was his focus on the current goal. Current? total. Total goal. Sentinel didn't know why he just thought of current goal. Getting the matrix of leadership and getting back in power after getting his well earned revenge was his total goal. Getting the Matrix. He NEEDED to get the Matrix. He NEEDED to- “Get the Matrix, Sentinel.” The mech shook his helm. What was THAT? He decided to debate that later and decided to rather focus on what to do now. Iacon was still busy trying to rebuild itself, he needed to strike now, well not the centrepoint of course, he needed to weaken their defense systems first. The false Prime still had to do it while they did not have the strength to completely overwhelm him in mere seconds.

With his wings flared, he attempted to take flight only to fall onto his facial plates promptly after. Sentinel’s golden optics shifted over to his wings to see what's the matter, eroding. they were ERODING. Just like everything else on his body. Eroding and reforming, making him more useful. Stronger.-

It looks like he was walking. Mayhaps that was even better, with his frame having exponentially darkened he could blend easier into darkness than the openness of the caverns. His first target was away from most of the city anyway, plenty of hiding spots to use to his advantage.

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

Yet that seemed not to work as he had imagined, it really was not long until they had spotted him. HOW they had spotted him was a mystery to the Mech. Sentinel was well hidden, there was nothing to see him, absolutely nothing! He didn't understand! What kind of surveillance system had they installed? “Fool.”

hat is strange, he had expected the smoke but not that irony note. The false prime shook his helm again. Focus! Focus!

If he couldn't disable it in secret, then he would destroy it and give himself more time to strike. 

Rushing out of his hiding spot with his wings raised and claws bared, he rushed at almost unnatural speeds at his opponents. The air rushed through past his body and claws, giving slight resistance as he swung the deadly talons at one of the guards, piercing their helm and processor. Sentinel froze for a second in pure horror. Since when had he become this strong? However his frozen state was interrupted as he felt a hot, searing pain at the back of his wings. Turning slowly with his rotting optics focused, their pupils pinprick small as they saw the other cybertronian trying to disable him, putting him offline. They are trying to put you offline. Sentinel.

Dentas long reshaped into sharp fangs bared in a fit of rage he launched himself at the guard, spark soon torn out in a blinded state. This wasn't like him. Their facial plates were blurry sure, but this wasn't like him, he didn't fight this savage. He had honor. Had. YOU HAD honor. You traded it for your life. His optics reset as he got up rushing to the control room, less because he was in danger and more to just get away from what he had done. Sentinel never was a stranger to causing death, but not like THAT. Slowing down as he reached the control room his optics focused on a blaster pointed at him before it was lowered by shackled servos.

“Sentinel?”

A feminine voice called out in shock and confusion. A familiar voice, Sentinel could no longer pinpoint it. He looked up, black lanky frame, yet facial plates blurred. You don't need to remember her. She's irrelevant. You serve Chaos, Sentinel. Yet something within his blackened spark clenched. This wasn't just SOME bot he once knew. No recollections. If she was important then why couldn't he remember. Why is his hatred of Megatron and Orion enough to retain his knowledge of him. How is his own arrogance and ego enough to remember that he was once the ruler of Lacon enough. What about her wasn't enough to remember who she was yet still have a feeling of familiarity. “Sentinel say something.” She called out again. Sentinel didn't know what to do, frozen in confusion and conflict. Something in his rotting guts told him they used to be allies, that she can be trusted. Well she seemed to know him, that was for sure. “What have they done to you? Who has done this?”

Her voice was muffled almost yet at that question he sprung back to life. If Sentinel truly knew her ENOUGH that he could recognize the cybertronian in front of him partially, perhaps, just perhaps she could join him. He may not fully recognize her but perhaps they can get to know each other again. It was getting lonely anyway.- Wait, why does he want this? His life is a living hell now! Why would he want to drag others into this?- Its boring to do everything alone. Underlings would be nice.

“Why of course the great Unmaker who else? He gave me all I have ever wanted! Power, Strength" That isn't what he wanted to say! ….Well okay he did. But not like that! Sentinel blinked, Composing himself. “What I meant was that he had saved me from certain Death. I want to retake Lacon, what we had.”

He had tried to conceal the fact that he still didn't know who the cybertronian was on a personal level. Yet instead with acceptance, or even contemplation, she violently backed off, disgust written on her facial plates from what Sentinel could make out. “What…are you.” She sounded afraid. Was he some kind of Monster to her? Well yes he was a monster personality wise, afterall he wasn't oblivious to the fact he made everyone slave away for HIS benefit but physically wise he was always able to conceal that fact. Something changed.

Monster.

That is what he was now. Inside as well as out. a monster.

He tried to shake his helm again trying to get the thoughts off his processor. That DEFINITELY wasn't his thought. He KNEW what he was but why is this affecting him and sending him in a fit of anger? That's just a fact of what he is! that shouldnt bother him! A Monster is what you are Sentinel. Choose a twisted life over death, casted aside your pride and honor to become a mere Herald of Chaos.

And with that he launched himself at the other cybertronian in the room with full intent to tear her frame to shreds, blind from a pure rage he had no idea until now was building up to become unbearable. You are here to follow orders, my orders only.

[morkaischosen]

Hello I would love to hear more about (all of your OCs but especially) the sad haunted elf who is bad at talking to people, looks like something out of a horror movie and does all their own stunts

OK SO

As with many of these, I started off with an "oh hey that could be fun to play with" - in this case, realising that what "this unarmed strike can Disarm" means is "this lets you disarm people without a free hand." I went down the list of basically every way to get an unusual unarmed strike in the game because I needed something to do on the bus, and noticed that the Witch option to have prehensile hair was particularly good for that.

So, OK, I want to see if I can staple that onto a melee fighter type who could really get a lot of use out of it, and three sensible mechanical decisions later, we end up with an elven Swashbuckler with spooky prehensile hair because they're also slightly a Witch (think D&D warlock). Relatively unusually for a Swashbuckler, they're probably quite low Charisma (as Witch runs off Int and they need Strength for stealing people's swords with their hair) - instead of quips and clever wordplay, this one shakes out to fit the class's focus on dramatic feats by backflipping around the place and tripping enemies up, without being nearly so impressive at "actually talking to people"

So I stare at that for a minute, and the characterisation starts to accrete on, particularly once the option of the witch patron being "some sort of divine or spiritual being that cares about community" slots in:

We end up with an elf who's lived with a community of shorter-lived people, humans and the like, being their weird slightly fey neighbour who helps out with Community Things but is content to fade into the background when the party starts - someone who enjoys dancing for the feel of it but doesn't care to be watched. But, alas, Adventurer-Typical Backstory Events strike, and this community is destroyed by a plot hook†, and our elf is Extremely Sad aftermath - they'd lost people before, that's the cost of being a century old around people who don't live that long, but for the first time they've lost all the people who knew those people, and that hurts.

But in the ashes of the community they loved, they find they're still here - some of the ghosts of the people they loved have lingered to keep them company. As they resolve to master the sword, so that perhaps they can save some other little village from the same fate, those spirits follow them on that journey, too, and lend what aid they can; and so some group of adventurers encounter a quiet old elf with a deep sadness in their eyes, hair blowing in a phantom breeze, who doesn't seem all that impressive until battle is drawn and they dance through the carnage like it can't touch them.

† this is the bit where it's most obvious I'm holding some space open to plug the character into the specific premise of a game 😅

[imabeautifulbutterfly]

The Gym Membership - Part 56 (Crosshair)

Summary: Layla has an incident

A/N: Hello Lovelies,

Can't believe this is the second last chapter, at least for Crosshair's section. There will be more in the Omega section, but I'm going to take a brief hiatus on this story to focus on Sins of the Father. So I will be revamping the story layout. Making it shorter chapters, editing previous chapters. So that will be my main focus for a little bit.

The season finale for Gym Membership will be uploaded Friday or Saturday, depending on which day I have more free time.

I want to thank everyone who loved this story and followed it along. There will be a one-off I'll be doing for Crosshair's section, a what-if Avery survived. It's not written yet, so not sure when I'll have that ready.

Anyway this is all just to say I love oo.

Warnings: Awkwardness, embarrassment, flatulence, nervousness, feelings of being uncomfortable, discussions of gastrointestinal distress. If I miss any warnings, please let me know.

AO3 Link   |   Words: 1,524   |   PREVIOUS - -> NEXT

Gym Membership Master List  |   Main Master List

I couldn’t look at Crosshair’s face, and just when I thought the horror that was my life was over …

Phhhhffffrrrrrrttttttt-phhhhhrrreeeeee-phut 

Phut phut

Plllfttt Pfffftttttt

Dear, God make it stop! Please for the love of all that is good and holy, just open the ground and swallow me whole. 

Crosshair sat there shocked at the noises that came out of Layla, he didn’t know what to do. His mouth was open, as it was waiting to receive the pasta he had just curled around his fork, but now it was fighting to let out a laugh. 

He cleared his throat, hoping the smell wouldn’t linger in his mouth and nose. He wanted to laugh, but it was clear as day she was beyond embarrassed. He tried to open his mouth to say something but the laughter was just there waiting to escape. 

“Ahem! I guess I need to oil my chairs, didn’t realize they’d make such … ahem! Such a loud, thunderous noise.”

He bit his cheeks to fight the laughter. His face turned red; the more he suppressed his chuckle the more he couldn’t hold it in.

My head dropped against my chest, I could not believe that happened. I couldn’t look at Crosshair, I couldn’t speak, I just wanted to crawl into a hole and die. I needed to get out of this apartment. I needed ….

Pllllllffffffftttttt

I closed my eyes begging for it to stop. 

PFFFFFFRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRFFFFFFTTTTTT

Oh god not … wait … I froze, that wasn’t me. Crosshair’s laughter filled the apartment, I glanced up to see him dying with laughter, he wiped a tear from his eye as his eyes locked on me, his hand reached over and patted mine, “Relax it’s natural, and I can make mine a lot louder, smellier and longer than yours.”

I’m not sure if it was because of the fart he released or because of the tenderness he expressed, but tears began welling up. I nodded, offering a tiny smirk. He just laughed, easing my nerves and tension, I couldn’t help but laugh along with him. 

Phhhutt

I wiped the tears that were slowly inching down my face, “I still need the bathroom, excuse me.”

He simply nodded, watching as she headed towards the bathroom, letting out tiny toots along the way. There was no doubt in his mind she was feeling more embarrassed with each passing second. Rather than make her feel worse when she returned, he opened the windows, allowing the cool spring breeze to fill the apartment, replacing the tainted air with the fresh. Moving the plates to the kitchen, cleaning up the dining room. And finally, he went to his room, grabbing a pair of sweats and sweatshirt. 

He knocked lightly on the bathroom door, he didn’t want to make things worse for her, “Layla, you alright in there?”

“Mmhmm” was the only sound he could hear.

“I’m leaving you some comfortable clothes in front of the door, put them on, okay?”

“Thanks” her voice sounded strained. 

He shook his head, chuckling to himself, this was definitely a first for him. He changed his clothes into something more comfortable as well, putting on a pair of sweats. He didn’t know why he’d tried to give her this image of something he wasn’t; this was more him. Yes, he was rigid, but he was also comfortable and relaxed when he was in his own home. He went to the kitchen, after he did a quick internet search to see what would soothe an upset stomach; getting some chamomile tea and combining it with ginger, he placed it on the coffee table in front of the TV, along with a comfy blanket.

He was nearly ready, when he heard her footsteps coming up behind him. 

“How are you feeling?” He turned to look at her.

“Better. Embarrassed as hell, but better.”

“I’m glad you’re feeling better, but there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s my fault, my food didn’t sit well with you.”

“Oh god no; it wasn’t your food. I … I had a protein smoothie before my workout today. I picked it up on the way to the gym. I know” I held up my hands “I know, I should’ve just bought from Hunter” I rubbed my tummy, soothing it as best I could.

Crosshair simply chuckled, smiling as he nodded.

As I looked at him, I noticed there was something different. It took me a second to realized he changed, “You changed?”

“What? You thought you’re the only one who got to be comfortable? I don’t think so. Have a seat” he motioned with his head to the couch, watching as she gently sat down. He draped the blanket over her knees, handing her the tea he made. “Drink this, it’s supposed to help an upset stomach. Here’s the remote” he passed her the clicker, “find something you wanna watch, I’ll just be in the kitchen getting us some snacks that will help your stomach.”

I simply nodded as I took a sip of my tea, it wasn’t exactly how I thought this evening would turn out, but it did show me a side of him I wasn’t expecting. He took a seat beside me, as he left the plate on the table, his own cup of coffee beside it. 

“Did you decide what you want to watch?”

I shook my head, my embarrassment was still too high. 

Crosshair glanced over, the expression on her face was one of unease. He fidgeted his fingers against his pant leg, he kept wondering if the uneasiness had to do with him or with how she was feeling. Her silence and avoidance was only making it more difficult for him to figure out what he should do to help her. 

He shifted leaning over and grabbing the clicker from her, putting on something slightly mind numbing. He picked one of Tech’s docu-series he’d been watching about technology or something, he really couldn’t care less, he just wanted some white noise to help distract her. 

“Is the tea okay?” He waited till she took a sip to ask; as a sniper patience and waiting came very easy to him, yet right now it felt like one of the most difficult things to muster. 

“Mmhmm”

He let out a sigh, leaning back against the couch, shifting further away, giving her the space she so clearly wanted. The last thing he wanted to do was make her feel even more uncomfortable seeing as she shifted further from him. 

“If you don’t want to stay you don’t have to.” He mumbled, after all the date literally went down the crapper, what was the point of forcing her to stay. He wanted to make her feel better before she went home, but if she wasn’t comfortable then what was the point.

My eyes focused on the tea in my hands, as much as I appreciated his efforts in trying to put me at ease, I still felt embarrassed. There was no doubt in my mind that Avery would’ve never acted like this, she probably would’ve laughed it off and acted like nothing happened. Maybe it was better to go home, better to wallow in my own misery in the comfort of my own place. 

He could feel the humiliation radiating off Layla. He wanted to do more to help her in some way, but what more could he do. He gave her tea that would help her stomach, put out stomach friendly snacks, opened the windows to air out the rooms, even gave her comfy clothes to wear, and told her it wasn’t a big deal. What more could he do? There was one thing he hadn’t tried yet.

“Ahem!” He cleared his throat, “Did Avery ever tell you about the night of a thousand flushes?”

I turned to look at him, his eyes locked with mine, I shook my head ‘no’.

He smirked as he leaned back further, “Someone … not mentioning names, but you can probably guess who. Name rhymes with livery. Anyway, she wanted to do something special for our unit. She’d received a care package from you and decided to cook us the pork chops you’d sent her along with some spices. Let me tell you, by the time we finished eating, the pain, the pressure, the noises, the smell and the unbelievable agony overwhelmed us. 

Commander Mayday, one of the guys on base, decided to stay in the latrine all night instead of running back and forth every five minutes, pretty sure he even fell asleep sitting up. 

Someone else cried all night from the never ending farts and pain he experienced. 

I couldn’t take it after I soiled my own underwear and voluntarily went to the medic tent begging for any kind of pain killers they had, it felt like someone was ripping my intestines apart.” He focused his eyes on Layla, “I’m sure you’re probably feeling embarrassed, but it’s natural, and if your body is in pain and trying to deal with what didn’t settle well in your stomach, then all the more reason for you not to feel embarrassed.”

AO3 Link   |   Words: 1,524   |   PREVIOUS - -> NEXT

Gym Membership Master List  |   Main Master List

@justanothersadperson93

​ @liadamerondjarin​ 

 @spicymcnuggies​

 @lady-ren​

 @firstofficerwiggles​ 

@darkangel4121​ 

@discofern​ 

@kavecika​ 

@monako-jinn-stories​ 

@ladykatakuri​ 

@avathebestx​

 @theroguesully​ 

@furyhellfire66

​ @carodealmeida​ 

@ciramaris

​ @sprout-fics​ 

 @dindjarin-mandalorian​ 

@clonethirstingisreal

@crosshair-is-the-superior-clone

@totallyunidentified

@griffedeloup

@leotawrites

@helenaslost

@badbatch-simp24​

@dragonrider9905reads

[wazzappp]

FINALLY. FUCKING FINALLY FINISHED JESUS CHRIST.

Ok so. Heres the general breakdown for attack types:

Basic attacks: These attacks just use the weapons that manifest during their magical girl transformation. Theres no limit to using these. They don't utilize all that much magic but are still effective because the weapons are technically MADE of magic.

Ult attacks: Utilize more magic and have a recharge time of about 5 to 10 minutes (which is a pretty long time in a fight). They can only be used after quite a bit of practice, as they require the ability to channel a lot of magic in a short amount of time. A familiar and their person must be able to work together in order for it to be effective. The familiar has to be capable of funneling the magic to the caster, and the caster has to have experience CASTING it.

Specialized spells: Each one of these attacks is different from person to person. These don't necessarily have to be attacks, they can also be defenses or evasions. These are usually the most difficult for a caster to master and take even more magic than the Ult attacks. A magical girl typically uses it the first time on accident, during the heat of the moment where they are desperately drawing on more magic to defend themselves. After that it is a concentrated effort to cast these spells. It's usually a signifier that the magic is starting to settle in them and that they're ready to cast more. The recharge time for these spells is 10 to 15 minuites.

The recharge time for casting spells will decrease the more a caster is composed of magic... which is a post for later lmao. As much as I would love to get into the fun ship of Theseus glitter body horror in this post it would just take to long lmao but its COMIN EVENTUALLY I PROMISE.

Johnny is an excellent fighter because of his POWER and his RANGE. He's best suited to fighting merged ghosts because it's one big target to aim a lot of power at. His Ult spirals out from around him and can help prevent him from getting caught if a bunch of separate ghosts try to swarm him. The downside is that its harder to direct, and he's in danger of hitting teammates if they're in his range (which I said earlier is pretty large). His specialized spell conjures essentially a cannon of fire, which he can aim wherever he pleases. His magical recharge time is slightly shorter than he norm, and he strikes me as the type of person who would use them IMMIDIETLY after he recharges.

Johnny has trouble if he doesen't have enough room to move his Scythe around. He works best in big open spaces. Hallways and elevators and the like are a BIG nope.

Robbie is unique among the other ghost fighters because 1. He's the least experienced and 2. He probably has the MOST trouble getting along with his familiar (I cant see him and Eli getting along in any fuckin universe tbh). Because of this he's not as adept at channeling large amounts of magic. When he does try at an Ult attack it usually has a much smaller effect than the others (see top right with him swinging his hammer). This means he focuses mostly on non magical attacks; having two modes to use his hammers (regular and on the end of chains to give him range). He's not as powerful so he has to be more CREATIVE. His magical recharge time is about what I described at the top.

He fights best at close range and can use his chained hammers to drag enemies that are usually too far away closer to him (GET OVER HEREEEE fuck yeah mortal kombat). His big weakness is that his smaller weapons dont allow him to block as easily, so he needs to focus on dodging or using his specialized spell, teleporting, to get out for the way (mostly dodging though. he's not great at teleporting). He HAS to stay aware of his surroundings or he could get surprised very easily.

Im gonna need. A whole nother post to try and figure out how the charger fits into all this lmao.

Dannyyyy!!! His funky moon staff was so fun for me to think about. One idea that I thought of after getting everything drawn is him sticking it around a ghosts neck and using it to guide them around and use that ghost as a shield. He has similar weakness to Johnny in that he needs space to move and cast spells. His arm guards make him just the littlest bit more able to block attacks but he still primarily uses his staff to stop attacks from going through (most of the others do. Yayyyyyy spinny capabilities).

@moosemonstrous made the WONDERFUL suggestion of his specialized spell being THROWS ACID ON YOU THROWS SO MUCH FUCKING ACID ON YOU REDUCED YOU TO YOUR BASE ELEMENTS GET FUCKED NERD GET ACIDED cause of his green era lmfao. He really REALLY does not enjoy this and uses it as little as possible. His magic recharge time is also just a little shorter.

@rokhal YOUUUUU. You mentioned Frank having time manipulation like Homura from Madoka Magica and it spawned this whole class of spell I blame you for this.

Frank has the most experience with magical girling by FAR and its very apparent in his fighting style. He sometimes uses the magic manifested by preparing his Ult without actually COMPLETING the spell which is like. Fighting with RPG backblast in magical girl world.

Franks staff is more infused with magic than the other fighters weapons, which allows him to manipulate its length (Robbie does something to a similar effect with his chains at the cost of his magical attacks not being as strong. Frank has no such limits lol).

His specialized spell stops time for about 5 minutes. If he extends himself he can sometimes push this time longer but it is VERY tiring. He also has to be REALLY careful of his team mates movements. Positioning some metal shards for a ghost to fall onto is all well and good, unless Robbie manages to teleport directly onto it. His recharge time is much MUCH shorter than the others, it usually only takes him 2 minutes to recharge an Ult and 7 minutes to recharge his specialized spell (though that time does increase the more he uses it, so there are still consequences for expending that much magic)

ALSO CREDIT TO MOOSE AGAIN for starting the idea to have all of them be. Sort of afraid? of their specialized spells. Johnny is terrified that he will somehow manage to literally burn the, surprisingly sort of happy, life he's built to the ground. Robbie is scared one day he'll just pop out of existence entirely. That he'll just go to teleport and get stuck in the weird inbetween space of being composed of magic and thought without real form forever. Danny is almost too afraid to go near people while his spell is active because Please Jesus Christ don't get dissolved please please. Fuck this acid ability fuck it fuck this. Frank's is a nightmare and a dream in one. What if he finds a time so nice, so happy, that he just freezes it and gives everything he has to stay there forever? It's been so long since he's had a family. What if he cant bear to let this one go?

[evlynmoreau-blog]

TROUBLES in the BASE

I am still thinking about this part but I want a mix of troubles that run alongside each other so that players can focus on the troubles that interest them or are more related to their replika functions. But I need to playtest to see how it goes, if it create and interesting pressure or if it just distracting from the main themes. Depending how it goes I may have to simplify or cut those moves, which would mean reworking some other moves as everything is interlaced in a PbtA design. I may also use another word than « trouble » as I am uncertain if it is the best fit.

End of Cycle Move

At the end of each cycle the highest ranking character make a +0 roll (some playbooks moves may apply)

On 10+: morale is good and the base marks progress in one trouble, push the base personnel to mark another progress (if so, everyone takes 1 stress).

On 7-9: morale is getting low and one trouble get worse, take 1 blame. Or the base personnel can be pushed to advert this (if so, everyone take 1 stress)

On a miss: Achtung! Emergency! A new trouble arises or one trouble must be solved now!

Solving a trouble

When the group tries to solve a base trouble, they appoint a lead character who will roll + the number of progress accumulated - the trouble rating (usually around 6).

But first allow the group to discuss together out of character to suggest a solution to the trouble. If they have found clues about the trouble and include them in their solution, count them as progress marks.

On 10+ the trouble is solved, the group clears all stress or marks progress into another trouble. The acting character awards a recommendation to the MVP.

On 7-9: trouble can be solved but a complication arise and may require to act up or tempt fate. If the group solve the trouble everyone remove 1 stress.

On a miss: the trouble solves through a catastrophe, adds 1 to all other troubles and a blame must be assigned. The GM has a golden opportunity to react with a hard move.

Different kinds of troubles

The main trouble that the characters have to care about is the reclamation of the base (from a previous incident) to make it operational again.

I am separating this objective into the levels of the base so that the group start with a smaller playground.

Reclaiming Level 1 (trouble rating 4)

Reclaiming Level 2 (trouble rating 5)

Reclaiming Level 3 (trouble rating 6)

And so on, up to level 6 (the GM can also craft a smaller base for a shorter campaign)

The other function of that main trouble is to provide a very broad goal that every replika can contribute to.

Some more specific troubles that the GM can pick from :

Generator failure (6)

Red eye meme (8)

Computer glitches (6)

Stranded units (5)

Food poisoning (4)

Flooded level (6)

Rust anomaly (6)

Murder of an officer (5)

Damaged antenna (8)

Ghost radio (6)

Gestalt tension (6)

So you can have a situation where the base personnel are busy reclaiming and fixing the second level of the base while a case of food poisoning and strange ghost radio emissions are complicating things. Is the food poisoning sabotage? Are the ghost emissions a strange bioresonance feedback?

If you have no idea how your actions can help with a specific trouble you can always interact with the base reclamation main issue.

I will maybe write a trouble sheet for each of them, something that feature rooms, involved NPCs and a list of clues to quickly pick from. Kind of how the murder cases are presented in Brindlewood.

Next: the survival horror...

[envihellbender]

“What is a knight but a chained dog?”

Rating: Mature/18+ (horror)

Fandom: Dead by Daylight

Characters: Vittorio Toscano, Tarhos Kovacs (The Knight)

Content: Canon compliant, hints of pre-canon/backstory, angst, horror, gore, confrontation, abuse reference

—

Vittorio found the fight leaving him when he heard Nea’s screams. He took a deep breath, no matter what armour Tarhos wore it was still him underneath it. He knew Tarhos. Or he did once anyway. Vittorio stepped out from behind the generator and stood up to his full height. He walked towards the Knight with hands held up in defeat, occasionally throwing a glance towards the strange phantom that seemed to he controlled by the Knight. Vittorio had seen the apparition’s fellows chase and torment the other survivors, often in unnecessary displays of cruelty such as hanging Dwight on his final hook by his Adam’s apple. Somehow seeing the hook pierce their neck and chin was far more brutal. When Renato had been taken his face was almost unrecognisable, he’d not stopped screaming until Tarhos crushed his weakened skull. Vittorio kept this image in mind as he folded his arms and did not allow the presence of a man who’d somehow grown a foot in height and his ghostly entourage pierce his determination.

“Your theatrics do not impress me, Tarhos,” Vittorio said simply, his eyes narrowed and his shoulders tensed. He forced himself to look up towards the Knight’s face despite his fear. Tarhos had not only grown in height but also in width, he looked more like the rumours told of him back in Hungary. Vittorio knew him as just shorter than average height with thin limbs and a soft gut. The stomach had grown a little as his strength did, but he was never an imposing figure in appearance but in actions. It seemed the Entity had given him just what his dreams wanted.

“How did a spoiled Lord end up here I wonder?” The Knight hummed, his helmet covering his giddy, almost child-like in its cruelty, grin. Vittorio could hear the delight in his voice however, he knew Tarhos far too well. He focused on the tangled, filthy hair his helmet couldn’t keep in place, a crack of imperfection. That gave him strength.

“I’ve been asking myself the same question,” Vittorio answered, he took a deep breath and began mentally trying to connect to his surroundings and the Entity, wondering if he could manipulate the situation. Whatever he did he needed to keep the Knight talking. “Do you still harbour resentment to me, Tarhos? Despite your successful military career? Despite how cruel you have been and how much blood you have shed? Do you still despise me for the advantages my birth has given me?”

“I do not care for you. I do not think of you at all,” the Knight snapped, his grip on his sword tightening. Vittorio noted his voice was quieter. He also felt the Entity’s resistance, it wanted to watch - it wanted a fight, it wanted blood.

“Is that why you came to me for validation so often?”

“You were my employer. But you treated me like a slave. A concubine. And you will pay.”

“I am sorry for that, my views on- it matched the time. But times have changed now. The others have helped me see that,” Vittorio admitted, his focus dropped and he felt himself lose his grip on the Entity. Perhaps I do deserve to die at his hand, a voice inside him whispered, his eyes becoming glassy and unfocused for a second. “You already imprisoned me, is that not enough of a punishment?”

“You still fought me. You never showed me the respect I am due.” There was a heaviness to the Knight’s words, as if there was an unspoken meaning and context to them. Vittorio didn’t bite, he knew precisely what the Knight wanted, and he wasn’t ready to admit it.

“Why are you due such a thing?” Vittorio knew the question would hit a nerve, but he didn’t anticipate for how Tarhos would let out a roaring growl and yellow into the sky before he replied.

“I am the Knight. The predator. The wolf. The lion. You are my prey. A mouse. A weakling. Something to chase and kill. To be killed by me.”

“You are simply a pet as you always were, an underling. Now your owner is a nameless, God of death and you have a title, but all a knight truly is is a chained dog.”

“You gave me the same speech when I rose from your toy to being apart of Guardia Compagnia,” the Knight said quietly as he hung his head and wrapped both hands around the handle of his sword. “All these years and that is still how you view me.” Before Vittorio could reply the Knight looked back up at him, a green light emanating from his helmet and several phantom like figures appeared around him. They were cackling and leering, Vittorio attempted to see what they were, to connect back to the Entity when he felt the first dagger in his back. He thought he knew death by now, but each member of the company killed him again, and again, and again. Until the Knight’s terrifying, gigantic blade cleanly cut through Vittorio from his crown to pubic bone, leaving him to split into two halves on the ground ready for the Entity to sew back together.

[bloody-wonder]

do u have any book recs for morally bad characters? not grey or ambiguous or whatever. i think id use ianthe as an example of what i mean

far be it from me to decide which character is "morally bad" or merely grey so for the purposes of this rec list i focus on characters who do bad things for selfish reasons. however, ianthe, beyond just being a villain-esque character, has that iconic persona(lity) which alas only few of the characters mentioned here share. so keep that in mind in case you wanted a list of ianthes😅

okay so when i think ianthe i think unhinged girl books, specifically boy parts by eliza clark. ik ik i keep mentioning it in every rec list but truly there's no other character who reminds me of ianthe more than irina sturges, minus the sword. boy parts is sometimes described as american psycho for girls and while i haven't read that book yet i can confirm that characters in bret easton ellis' other works (less than zero and the rules of attraction) are quite morally bankrupt and entirely unlikable, especially compared to the cast in the secret history by his fellow bennington graduate donna tartt who are themselves toeing the line between grey and irredeemable. that is, if such finer distinctions matter to you🤷‍♀️

dark academia typically features protagonists who are more or less evil which is true for joanne harris' gentlemen and players as well as its sequel different class. cracks by sheila kohler is another example - it's a short and weird book about girls in a boarding school commiting shocking atrocities. aside from we have always lived in this castle by shirley jackson, which i have already mentioned, books like tender is the flesh by agustina bazterrica and we need to talk about kevin by lionel shriver are bridging the gap between litfic and horror and focus on people who range from morally ambiguous to utterly despicable and frightening (yet fascinating). if you want to go all in with this latter vibe you could try killing stalking which is an extreme horror/dark romance bl manhwa. needless to say: always check the trigger warnings.

if hannibal lecter is someone who fits your understanding of "morally bad" you should try the og book series by thomas harris. fair warning tho: they are not queercoded like the show😅 two more series following the crimes of a nasty but compelling guy are the joe goldberg books by caroline kepnes and the tom ripley books by patricia highsmith. in the latter series i will admit i only like book one which stands on its own pretty well and after it i'd rec trying highsmith's other books instead - for example, strangers on a train. another thriller author to check out is christopher rice whose melodramatic and somewhat depraved early works feature deliciously problematic side characters. start with the snow garden and see if you like his style. my last thriller rec is for your own good by samantha downing which is about a bad teacher abusing his power to punish students he doesn't like.

switching the gears to historical fiction and classics. perfume: the story of a murderer by patrick süskind is the life story of a man who by all accounts is bad but if so why does his perfume smell so good? what does he put in there?? another perfect example of a character blurring the line between morally grey and black is the protagonist of thomas savage's the power of the dog. both books have very good film adaptations which i recommend as well.

if you want to try and tackle a dusty tome foregrounding wicked antiheroes consider reading vanity fair by william thackeray or dangerous liaisons by pierre choderlos de laclos. if you'd rather start with something shorter look no further than the picture of dorian gray, who i personally think is "darker" than just grey (ha), but if you already read it consider revisiting the classic via the uncensored edition. still shorter? then you might like another work by oscar wilde - lord arthur savile's crime. it's much more humorous and satirical, as is lieutenant gustl by arthur schnitzler - a hilarious stream of consciousness novella following an odious imperial army officer as he contemplates how to restore his damaged manly honor in the wake of another man touching his sword - not a euphemism but definitely a metaphor😅

i really struggled to choose sff recs☹️ the thing is, in your typical fantasy characters like this will either be pretty one dimensional villains or side characters with not a lot of screen time, whereas those on the main cast are rather what you would probably describe as morally grey. nevertheless, here are three recs i'm not very satisfied with: first of all, empire of the vampire's jean françois gives me ianthe vibes. so far he's a character in the frame narrative only but i expect he'll play a bigger role in the final book of the trilogy. secondly, there is a secondary villain character in the winnowing flame trilogy by jen williams who is honestly my favorite part of it and they do bad things etc by virtue of being a villain but,, maybe they're just misguided? maybe their friends and family didn't love them enough but the main villain did? i mean, who's to say🤷‍♀️ finally, the main character of lynn flewelling's nightrunner books has an evil ex who has a fun poor little meow meow arc in books 4 and 5 - you decide if it's worth reading the entire series bc of it. i mean it's pretty good old queer fantasy so it's worth it for other reasons too but yeah. you see what i mean when i say it's difficult😭