#sad again!! about all the vanished archives!!

[mylittleredgirl]

Hello friend! A friend of mine is doing a Stargate SG-1 rewatch and lamenting the slim pickings of fic on AO3. Do you know where she can find fic that perhaps is still on some old archive of yore? Or have any recs? She's mostly interested in Jack/Daniel and Jack/Sam. Ty!!

oh my. with all the love in the world to your friend visiting us from a very different fandom tax bracket than i have ever had the fortune to participate in (those two pairings have well over 6k fics each on ao3), i'll see what i can do!

[several hours of looking around later] bad news!! not much!

most of vintage sg-1 fandom was wiped out by expired domains, struck-through livejournals, ff.net's porn ban, yahoo lists, etc. some pages are still preserved in the wayback machine for heliopolis, the massive het-and-gen archive, and area52, the slash counterpart, but with the search and directory functions pretty much toast, they're almost impossible to navigate.

fanlore has an old list of archives (including plenty of jack/daniel ones). some smaller archives might yield wayback paydirt, especially if they were hand-coded. samandjack.net is still alive!

and, hate to say it, this was peak era for ff.net and they have like 30k fics over there... but all the explicit fic is gone.

i recently learned some people are still doing het-reccers (user-submitted fanfic recommendations, LJ archive is here). i don't know if any slash equivalents are still around (and i haven't looked at this site for genuinely fifteen years, so i can't speak to the quality of recs).

some sam/jack recs of mine; some of these authors multi-ship:

nanda: her resolution series especially should not be missed and i can't stress that enough. smut and action. fics great fics across the board.

it's kind of difficult to express how popular Salr323's fics were (under a different name) back in the day. i'm told that archive servers would crash when she posted something new. low on smut, high on PINING. rec: it was admittedly 1 am but as i recall this one made me feel like i'd just seen the fanfiction mona lisa

there are quite a few multifandom wonders who cut their teeth in this fandom, including missparker (rec: a small crime)

this cassandra fraiser fic dealt me some damage: nobody dies tonight by isawet

someone who's still in touch with her please harass splash_the_cat for writing 99 sg-1 fics and then walking away without cracking 100. lots of fun little snacks in there including this one

everything anr touches is gold <3

starting to get stressed out about who i'm missing!!!!

if your friend likes D/s this one is fun by tremontaine

lol read my stuff (i never wrote smut for sg-1 though)

hey everyone, please add recs in the notes/reblogs, especially jack/daniel recs because that's out of my wheelhouse but we aim to serve

[mousydentist]

KPTS fics under 10k that changed my brain chemistry

PART 1: KimChay

Inspired by @the-cookie-of-doom making a fic rec list, cause i was like hey! i like fics too! so here's a bunch of <10k word fics that altered the course of my life. i'm gonna do a few parts, so this first one is just kimchay. i tried to tag all the authors on tumblr but there was a couple i was unsure of so please lmk if they have an account for me to tag! (or if i fucked up any of the links cause you know tumblr was fighting me) <3 without further ado, and in no particular order:

Your last lie by saturnscoded @saturnscode (8182 words)

Not Rated. Creator chose not to use archive warnings. Summary:

In which Porchay's boyfriend cheats on him with Kimhan and he decides to take revenge. Or Things get out of control and Chay doesn't know how to stop.

fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu- this fic oh my god i love this fic. GO READ THIS FIC RIGHT NOW. yknow when people are like "would you rather have a fic with amazing plot or amazing writing" GUESS WHAT BESTIE THIS ONES BOTH. GO READ IT.

Ringing Endorsements by bisexualbard @bisexualbard-writes (2556 words)

Rated G. No Archive Warnings. Summary:

Kim is not impulsive. Kim is a planner, a plotter, a researcher, and generally considers all angles of an action before he makes a move. Chay has always been the exception to his rules though, which is why he’s not even surprised at himself when he walks out of the jewelry shop with an engagement ring barely a month after they’ve reconciled. The only problem is, he doesn't stop at just one.

i have shed so many tears to this fic. it hits the sappy romantic in me right in the fkn feels GOD it just hurts so good ITS NOT EVEN SAD it's just so good it makes me cry 😭😭😭

podfic available by AirgiPodSLV (AirgiodSLV) @airgiodslv!!! welcome to tumblr fdjsjd

heaven is a place (here, on your floor) by booksnchocolate @booksnchocolate (7020 words)

Rated E. No Archive Warnings. Summary:

They're going to have sex. Eventually. They're going to take their clothes off and Chay is going to explore all of Kim's glorious, glorious body with his hands and mouth and – whew, he's going to need a cold shower. There's just one problem. It’s not a big deal, at first.

oh boy. what do i even say about this fic. i think about this fic a lot. like a LOT. it's so incredibly moving and emotional and ugh. just. perfect. no notes. i've cried at this and if i read it again right now i would cry again

Kim's Magic Pussy by imdeadlily @imdeadlily (8096 words)

Rated E. No Archive Warnings. Summary:

Kim wakes up and finds his dick is gone. MIA. Vanished. Displaced. Chay has no issues with this.

i'm a die-hard imdeadlily fan. i highly highly recommend everything they've written and this fic, THIS FIC. ITS SOOOO. just. go read it. you have to experience it yourself.

rainbow hanging over your head by IsleofSolitude @emberfaye (4174 words)

Rated T. No Archive Warnings. Summary:

Chay is crushing hard on Kim. That's the only reason it takes him awhile to realize kim's brothers are being weird.

this fic is the warm and fuzzy feeling you get when it's winter and you take a big blanket that like 10 times your size and you cuddle with your dog. that's this fic. i love this fic more than at least 90% of all things.

Pillow Talk by Atlas (xx_atlas_xx) @xxatlasxx (1427 words)

Rated E. No Archive Warnings. Summary:

Kim finds some time to himself while on tour as Wik, but gets interrupted by a phone call.

FOLLOWING THE TRANS KIM THEME WITH THIS MASTERPIECE. ive screamed all up in atlas' dms ab this fic and there is a REASON it was my most re-read fic of last year. sweet little trans!kim smut that i adore

drape myself with floral light by fern_tdvuh @fern-tdvuh (2080 words)

Rated T. No Archive Warnings. Summary:

"Kim feels like a sunflower – he can't resist basking in Chay's light." How Kim and Chay recognize their love for each other via tattoos, and then share it with the world.

this fiiiIIIIIIIIIIIC GODDDDDDDD. i swoon. i SWOOOOOON over this fic. i simply do not even have the words. this fic hurts my bones, hurts down to my soul. so fucking good. 10/10

Do You Believe in Magic? by disast3rtransp0rt @disast3rtransp0rt (3407 words)

Rated T. No Archive Warnings. Summary:

Deadpool continues to breeze past the entire situation, as he usually does when he’s in ‘trouble’. In fact, ‘Pool starts flirting even earlier into their banter than usual. “Did you hear the part where we’re soulmates, Spidey?” “I actively ignored that bit, actually,” Chay outright lies. Like a lying liar whose spandex is on fire. One hand is still on his hip, and he uses the other to gesture between the two of them. “What if we’re platonic soulmates?” “That’s not how the spell works,” Sabrina the Pain in Chay’s Ass speaks up. “We were hoping to summon Death, but–”

THIS FIC EEEEEEEE oh my god this was just so cute my heart simply could not take it. i read this after like, just, such an awful terrible day and it made me smile and god i love it. very special place in my heart for this fic.

i see rain but maybe they're all tears for you by OdeToFics @thestrangeillusion (5459 words)

Rated E. Creator chose not to use archive warnings. Summary:

Chay slumps back down onto the couch, picking up his controller where he'd abandoned it when there was a knock at his door. "Take your clothes off and then come here," he commands with a steady voice without even looking in Kim's direction. When his words are only greeted with silence from where Kim is still standing next to the door he'd just locked, Chay turns around to look at him and raises a challenging eyebrow at him. "W-what?" Kim stutters out and Chay feels a rush of satisfaction in making the always cool and collected Kim Theerapanyakun finally lose his resolve for once. "You said 'anything', did you not?" Chay asks coldly. ~~ Or: Chay wants Kim to be as vulnerable with him as he had always made himself for Kim. He wants to have some control over Kim. He realises too late that he's in way over his head.

OOF this fic hurts so good. post canon kim having emotions, goodness gracious it HITS DIFFERENT. SAD ANGST PORN MY BELOVED. SMANGST IF YOU WILL

The Art of Persuasion by Zoiseaunoir (9226 words)

Rated E. No Archive Warnings. Summary:

Porchay really wants to top. Kim needs a little persuasion. ... or does he?

!!!!!! some top tier kimchay communication porn. i read this fic like seven times in the week i first discovered it AND YOU SHOULD TOO

Take Your Time (I Promise Not to Run) by WildelyDawn @wildelydawn (3637 words)

Rated E. Rape/Non-con. Summary:

“Somnophilia,” Kim reads out loud. “A sexual interest in engaging in sexual activity with a sleeping person.” Chay hadn’t said no to any of his desires so far. But this is different. This is taking without asking. It’s wrong. (Or: Kim discovers somnophilia and struggles to keep his desires to himself. Chay's there to guide him through it.)

fOOkin hell this fic, this whole series actually, actually actually everything by dawn but i digress. just like, jaw-dropping plot, beautifully written, and smutty on top of it?? just 10/10 fic overall, absolutely outstanding

podfic available by Princess_Moonlight!!!

paying the price by IsleofSolitude @emberfaye (4133 words, ongoing)

Rated M. Creator chose not to use archive warnings. Summary:

Secure with the knowledge that Kim won’t leave him again, Chay unblocked Kim and pressed the call button. (Alternatively, Chay fucks around and finds out. All magic comes with a price.)

:*) bro. this fic took my emotions and put them in a blender. the first chapter was jaw dropping and had me hooked, and the second chapter picked my jaw off the ground and stapled it back on with no novocain. my heart huuuuurts thinking about this fic /pos

I'd Rather Feel Pain Than Nothing At All by Sweet_William @sweet-william-writes (3108 words)

Rated E. Graphic Violence, Rape/Non-con. Summary:

Chay starts having graphic dreams where Kim attacks him. When he is faced with a real-life volatile Kim killing men in Hum Bar to protect him, he realises they were never nightmares. They were wet dreams. And now he's going to make those dreams a reality, whether Kim wants it or not.

yOWza bonowza this fic is a doozy /pos. author's note says "Because we need more awful kimchay fics <3" and sir you delivered!!!!!! spectacular and gasp-worthy, i couldn't stop thinking about it for like four days after reading it

Technicality by TheCookieOfDoom @the-cookie-of-doom (9136 words, ongoing)

Rated E. No Archive Warnings. Summary:

Kim is an OnlyFans model. Despite taking (literal) monster dildos up his ass on the regular, he is still, technically, a virgin.

now this one is just technically (ha) less than 10k, its 9k and ongoing but goddamnit im counting it because loooOORDD. this has almost all of my favorite tropes wrapped up in 9k of excellent writing and GOD it makes me feral like actually fr feral

K's Puppy Boy by Maenecoon @maenecoon (9944 words, ongoing)

Rated E. No Archive Warnings. Summary:

To be in K’s position, to garner the attention of people who'd pay to see him do more and go further into the depths of depravity. To feel wanted and needed and pleasured all while earning a bit of pocket money. It sounds like a dream. And so Chay's here now, attempting a stream of his own. ー Or, Chay stumbles upon the prettiest camboy. Things go downhill from there.

OK THIS ONES ALSO JUST BARELY 10K BUT LISTEN. holy F LISTEN TO ME. go read this right now. this shit has me blushing and kicking my feet and chewing my arm off and SCREAMING OUT LOUD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT god GOD ITS SO. ok yeah go read it.

[greenandsorrow]

the fox (2): Found something real that's out of touch.

Alastor x fem!reader (sfw, platonic)

stay tuned for the finale chapter

"To you I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world."

~Le petit prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupery

The girl woke up with a start. Her mother was by her side. The monotone sound of the machines attached to her body could be heard. She had died but they had brought her back.

In the few minutes it had taken to revive her, her soul had wandered all the way to Hell- due to how there hadn't been any guidance from Heaven. Her death hadn't been meant to happen. Not yet.

Time flew differently in the afterlife, since she had spent a good fifteen days at the hotel, but as mentioned, only a couple of minutes at the hospital.

The girl lived. She left the hospital, but she kept her promise to Alastor. She never forgot about him. While he was in Hell, thinking she was in Heaven, she was alive, roaming Earth.

She searched a plethora of archives at Louisiana's library and she tried to gather as much information as possible from her grandma about Alastor the radio host.

A serial killer that would hide his victims' bodies on deer haunting ground. He had been killed while mistaken for one. Hence his appearance in the afterlife. He was also found to be linked to voodoo practices- for hurtful purposes.

He had been a bad man in all his life. He had caused pain to others, but she couldn't just ignore the way he had been there for her during her short stay in the hotel.

Alastor was the one cooking her Jambalaya when she was sad and entertaining her with his charm and wit. That's how she'd always remember him. The smiling, gentledeer with the black cane.

She went as far as visiting Louisiana's old cemetery. Why would she leave flowers on the grave of a killer? Why would she sit and reminisce about one of Hell's most devious sinners? She wasn't the one to give him forgiveness. She didn't even try to justify his vile actions. The flowers were simply her way of saying "thank you, because even though you've done so many wrongs, you did at least one good deed and that was helping me".

The photograph on the grave -placed behind a now broken frame- was fading slowly but surely. The young man that looked back at her had a smooth, tan complexion and bespectacled, smart eyes. The shade of his eyes and hair reminded her of hot coffee in the morning. The quality wasn't great, but then again, coloured pictures weren't as advanced back then.

Alastor's visits to Rosie grew more frequent after his little, fluffy friend vanished. He'd sit for hours with his hellborn bestie, telling her about every single detail of his experience with the young girl.

"I'm surprised you didn't just devour her Hun! I'm sure she'd taste so delicious!"

"Dear Rosie... I have to be honest with you... If there's one person except from my mother that I would never hurt... It is her, the fox."

Both of whom were gone for the foreseeable eternity.

With Rosie refilling his tea cup frequently and asking him additional questions, Alastor couldn't help but think about the fox.

It hadn't been all good times, but now that she was gone, even the not so pleasant memories carried a bittersweet quality to them.

For example, there had been many arguments between them and the girl hadn't been scared to show him her teeth, quite literally.

He found himself thinking of her again as he made his way back to the hotel, after his visit at Cannibal town.

Alastor's memory...

She was being nosy again. Asking too many questions.

"Well yes, I did die in the woods like you... It's peculiar. This is the first time I ever meet someone who died under the same circumstances... not the exact same, but you get my drill?"

The girl had shrugged, but she hadn't been able to suppress her smile at being given attention. Alastor had continued talking, simultaneously warming up his voice for his radio show.

"What if this is too much of a coincidence? What if this is part of some bigger plot..."

"A bigger plot? How so Alastor?"

He liked the way she pronounced his name. She'd say it with caution, like it was something important that should be respected.

Sometimes people get sent in our lives for a reason. Sometimes they teach us a lesson. Sometimes we are the lesson. Sometimes they are reminders. Reminders of things we had forgotten that existed.

"Do you have a tail?"

"What do you you expect?"

"Oh please show me!"

As much as he wanted to be intimidating and taken seriously, even if he was an overlord, the fact that his body got changed into a deer was somewhat humiliating. He. Is. Not. Prey.

"Not happening."

He should have shown her, just to see that sparkle in her eyes. Regret.

Charlie was singing. It wasn't like him zoning out, but a few weeks ago the fox had been in that very same room, walking away... frustrated.

Alastor's memory...

"Oh dear..." he had muttered, following after her before swiftly stepping in front of her and slightly raising his arm, blocking her way.

"Now it would be quite rude to simply walk away, would it not?"

"Manners are the last thing occupying my mind after I was thrown in purgatory."

He had let out a chuckle of agreement at her point.

"Sometimes a bit of charm can take you a long way in life... and besides the company of your sweet self would be delightful!"

"Can it take me to Heaven?"

"What about a story sweetheart? It was so brutal when I first spawned here... just thinking about that time makes my tongue tingle with the sweet taste of blood."

"I hate this place."

She had been unhappy all the time he knew her.

In a mockingly sympathetic tone Alastor had tried to distract her.

"Awww... are you really not enjoying your stay here in our beautiful hotel? I'm sure you have met some really interesting individuals."

"I prefer my well deserved place in HEAVEN thank you very much."

All their conversations had always circled back to that exact point.

While she was beginning to grow on him, to her Alastor was still no one. She would chat with him, but he wasn't someone special in her heart. The radio demon hated himself for allowing that bond to bloom, but he hated himself even more because it was one sided. Him being on the losing end.

And there had been another fight that very same day.

"LET ME DOWN"

"Ask nicely."

"I hate you."

Alastor's playful attitude had vanished.

"Hate is a strong feeling. What is there to hate? My looks? My voice? My past?"

"You're a demon. You're... I hate you as much as I hate this place."

Sometimes it was truly infuriating how stubborn she would be.

"Um... I... I don't know. Everything."

"Everything?"

Despite himself, Alastor's tone had gotten slightly bitter.

"Well... this just ruins the mood now. Don't you think it's rather unreasonable to hate someone you've known only for three days? I can tell you're quite childish... but you're not that childish, right young one?"

She had placed a palm on his chest to push him away. She was practically glowing from purity while he was emitting pure darkness.

The radio demon had looked a little surprised when the girl had pushed him away without showing fear. Leaning in, he'd spoken in a whisper while his hot breath had hit her cheek.

"My dear, you shouldn't resist what's happening... Just allow yourself to stay with us at the hotel... As a sinner."

Alastor had decided to corrupt the new resident of the hotel. His taunting words and unsettling change of size hadn't fazed her... The girl had been scared, but still, she had managed to give him a few really sharp scratches. Yet, he hadn't responded to pain at all.

...he would always carry the little scars she left on him. A reminder that she had been there.

The real reason he had wanted her to stay was selfish. It would have done her more harm than good. He didn't like how he had acted like the bigger person.

But when it had happened -the ridiculous scratches- with a threatening voice he had told her...

"You think you're so strong Fox, huh? Because if I wanted to, I could crush you with just a single motion of one of my fingers."

"Then, you'd... you'd have Heaven against you!"

He had bursted into a laugh.

"Oh dear... I can't believe how naive you are! Heaven is not going to do anything to defend an insignificant person such as yourself. They're more worried about themselves and their perfect little world. The ones you look up to are always the first to disappoint you mon petit renard."

He never understood why he had said that to her. He had practically tried to save her from a heartbreaking realization. A realization that had always pained Alastor in his childhood. To know you have to fend for yourself. While he had perfected the art, he wished she didn't have to.

He had forgotten they were fighting.

She was dreaming of him, again. Red hair. Razor blades for teeth. The sound of static filling the air and making her hair fuzz up.

The girl liked that memory, it was one of her favourites to relive in her sleep.

The fox's memory...

"No, my dear fox, you're not a good soul. In reality you're really just a little hypocrite and have a high opinion of yourself- haha!"

She had been curled up in a ball in her bed. Luscious hair flowing and a light dress covering her small body.

Alastor had walked into the room she was occupying and had sat down next to her. He had spoken in a soft and caring voice.

"You don't have to try and stay holy while you're here in hell... This is a safe place where you can act out your hedonistic desires and not worry about being judged by anyone!"

"Jeez Alastor! I don't have such desires... My only desire right now is a fluffy blanket and some hot chocolate."

Alastor had snapped his fingers... He then had turned into a shadow, slipping away like sand and returning like a chilly breeze... With hot chocolate and a very fluffy blanket he had most definitely stolen from Charlie's bedroom.

Her eyes had widened and she had smiled.

"Oh my gosh..."

He had grinned in response. It wasn't like him acting on impulse, without deeper motives.

"I told you mon renard! This is the best place you could possibly be to try and relax! Here we are free from all the restrictions set on us in Heaven!"

"Thank you Alastor!"

She had never bought a thing he had told her and he knew it. But this act had somehow been calming this... this weird apprehension. The demon had somehow known that his time with her would be limited. She hadn't belonged.

In comparison to him, she was a saint, an angel even.

While she had been drinking her hot chocolate, he had taken the opportunity to really look at her, imprinting her features in his memory, engraving the shine of her fangs and the blush on her cheeks in his brain.

"Now just look at that cute little face of yours!"

"Oh, look as much as you want. I'll be gone soon anyway."

She had said that with such a confidence. He wouldn't have shown her, but she could sense it. He was sad.

Alastor had simply chuckled and then sighed.

"Yes I guess so. But for now just rest... Maybe tomorrow will be your lucky day!"

He gently stroked her hair, until her eyes had closed.

"Sleep well darling~"

That night she had decided he was someone to her and not just anyone.

She never knew, but that same night he had noticed how small she actually was compared to him and had genuinely smiled.

She smiled in her sleep, mimicking the motion he had made... months ago.

...time flies.

The car accident was years ago in a blink of an eye.

All the parts-> here!

🧡Please do not repost or directly copy my work.

🧡This fic's title is a lyric from 'Not about angels' by Birdy. It's not proof read, so forgive any spelling or grammar errors.

🧡The human Alastor fanart isn't mine. All credits go to the artist.

🧡I am aware this isn't everyone's cup of tea -writing wise or plot wise- but it was a spontaneous idea of mine I wanted to try and make work.

🧡dividers-> @saradika-graphics & @cafekitsune

🧡my masterlist

your tips keep me motivated to write! THANK YOU for supporting my blog!!! 🤍 CLICK HERE(PayPal link)

lil tag list; @mariaclarade-la-cruz1

[yellowcry]

Tell me something I'll forget (and you might have to tell me again)

Mirabel's ceremony! Such a big day!

Isabela looked up, staring as her sister slowly reached her doorknob

Pedro and Alma swap au

Okay.... It definitely went wrong. Isabela backed away in shock, leaning on her Tía. Mirabel's door vanished right in front of their eyes. Leaving a shining unsertanity in the air. Can the door even disappear? How? In Isabela's long eleven years long life she hadn't seen anything quite like that. The Madrigals stared in confusion, the world was frozen. Mirabel stared at Abuelo with such sad eyes. Several petals fell off the flower crown that Isabela had made for her. Mama and Papa held each other tightly, with wide open mouths. The wind blew in the patio, a right sign of how worried Tía Pepa was.

"Shh..." Felíx patted her spine, trying to make her calm down. "Mi vida, it's okay." Of course, he was the one to stay optimistic despite the situation. Always looking on the bright side.

"Dolly, do you know what's going on?" Isabela leaned closer to her twin-cousin. She was smart, maybe she had already figured out what happened (on simply heard it)

Dolores slowly tilted her head. "No idea. I didn't hear anyone talking about that ever before." Yeah, everyone before got their gifts? Why wouldn't Mirabel have one too? Isabela's grip on her cousin's palm tightened.

Camilo's eyes looked between his parents, sister, and cousins, trying to understand what was going on. He shapeshifted from nerves, gripping Tía's hand.

Pedro shook his head, turning to the guests, mainly Agústin's relatives and family friends. "Today's celebration's dismissed. Please, everyone, go home." The Madrigal Candle in his hands flickered, fading for just a bare second. Flashes of yellow light fell on the floor

With it, the small amount of people who were invited went out of the dark patio, grumbling.

Things spun around really fast. Isabela found herself bored in her room. Don't get her wrong, she was worried. And upset too. But sitting in her room wouldn't do anything.

She suspected that her parents were with Mirabel. Of course, Isabela couldn't imagine how she felt. So young, helpless. Even more than Isabela herself. Tía Pepa and Tío Felix probably were comforting their kids. And heavens knew what was Luisa doing. This left her alone in this predicament. When everyone was busy and she didn't have anyone to ask all the hard questions in her mind.

Isabela walked out on her toes. She knew she had to be quiet if she didn't want to get caught by Abuelo. She hated it, she wasn't Dolores who could move like a ghost. But Isabela would prefer to suffer for a bit than to be found.

Casita creaked its tile, asking Isabela to stay away. The young girl just shook her head, patting one of the pillars. "C'mon, I want to help," She demanded, pushing herself to a weak light, coming from one of the rooms.

Abuelo paced around the kitchen nervously, as Luisa (of course, it's always her) followed him like a duckling. In a candlelight, Isabela could see how pale her sister was. Not like she could blame her. Tío Bruno knocked on the table in this heavy predicament. It was quiet. Isabela peaked through the doorway, but the trio was a bit distracted. It was dark, candles glimmered, dripping with wax. The table was filled with food that wasn't going to be used in the way they planned.

Finally, Abuelo turned to Tío Bruno. "Okay, here's what we'll do. You go take a vision." His fists clenched from bursting nerves. "If there's anything wrong, if it means any danger we must know."

Danger? For what? Pfff... Isabela bet she could help with it herself! And she doesn't even need that stupid shimmering fashionable sword. (tho she had to admit, it looks extremely cool) She can help with plants!

Bruno winced. "Papa, are you sure? I mean..."

"Bruno." Pedro had cut him off. "It's for the family. You have to ensure Mirabel's safe."

It was something they heard every day. They needed to be in safety. No matter how boring it was. It was strange, Dolores had said that other girls didn't live like them. They were going to school, and playing outdoors. Isabela really couldn't understand why they were locked in.

The younger man nodded, nervous. Isabela could see him shrink under Abuelo's gaze. Again, it wasn't something unexpected. Abuelo didn't like it when anyone disobeyed him.

Lost in her thoughts, Isabela didn't notice how Tío Bruno almost bumped into her. She jumped back, startled. Damn, she didn't plan to be caught.

Bruno winced looking down at her. "Kid? What are you doing in here?"

"Don't tell Abuelo I was here!" Isabela begged. She feared to think what Abuelo would do. (He probably won't actually do anything bad, just scold her and close her in her room. She wasn't sure why she was so worried about his reaction)

Bruno's eyes widened, he gestured stop. ", Okay, okay..."

She bit her lip, looking up. With how dark it was, she barely could make out her Tío's outlines. "Do you know anything?"

Bruno shrugged his shoulders. "Gotta see the future for that?" He patted her spine, nervous as always. "Are you worried for your sister?"

Isabela didn't reply. Her mind still was too wild to proceed with everything that had happened. Maybe she was? Or maybe she was upset or mad? Or confused? She didn't quite realize her own feelings yet. "Have a good vision."

It would be better not only for Bruno but for Mirabel too. And, well, Isabela wouldn't leave him alone tomorrow until he confessed of what he saw.

—

Bruno froze, staring at the tablet in front of his eyes. An older Mirabel stood in front of Casita. A series of deep cracks ran all over the building. But, when Bruno tilted the vision plate, it would be changed differently.

For the cheese's sake, what does it mean? His visions were never like this. It was supposed to be one certain future that was set in stone. Not.... Whatever it was.

Papa would be so disappointed. Probably say that Bruno wasn't strong enough and failed to protect her. Part of him was afraid. Of the disappointment. Of facing his dad. Bruno didn't want to get in trouble for this vision.

And what would happen to Mirabel if Pedro knows? Knowing his papa, Bruno couldn't imagine a good reaction. In the best case she would probably be protected so much she wouldn't be able to breathe. But, honestly, Bruno could imagine Pedro just sending Mirabel out of Casita from fear that the building would fall on her.

He didn't want this to happen. It would break Mirabel's heart. It would break everyone. Bruno knew he couldn't tell about it to anyone. Was he a coward? Maybe. But he wasn't ready to show it. He didn't think he ever would.

The green plate shattered against the rock in his vision cave. Shrads of the green glass were scattered around the sand, slowly falling under it.

The hard metallic door creaked behind Bruno.

[sxugaryx]

Reunited (Fanfic)

A new chapter of my Lies of p Fanfic series (´ ω `♡)

Geppetto, Gemini, and Pinocchio were all stunned.

“Sophia, is that really you?” Gemini chirped, there was a chance it could just be a normal blue butterfly.

But Pinocchio knew it, it was her.

“Pinocchio, I’ve come to speak with you” Her voice was calm, composed, like when she first found him, yet more lively.

Geppetto was quiet he wasn’t sure what to say.

“In private, please”

Pinocchio looked at his father.

“It’s okay, I understand, you two should go to your room to talk privately”

And so, Pinocchio took Sophia to his room with him, gracefully flapping her wings, shining with a blue glow, with sparkly white particles falling from her, and vanishing into the air.

He closed the door behind him, leaving his Father and Gemini behind.

A part of Geppetto wanted to ears drop but, he knew better than to do that, Pinocchio deserved his own privacy.

“Sophia, you’re are back! I’ve been thinking about you” Pinocchio was happy to see her again.

“Yes.. but not for long, I’m sorry but Krat brings back… painful memories, I wish I could be by your side right now, but I… I…”

Pinocchio held his hands so she could land on them.

“It's okay, I get it, you don’t have to do anything that would make you feel sad”

“Thank you, you’ve always been so good, so understanding” Sophia then continued, “I have come here to speak to you about the changes in your body”.

“You know about that?”

“Pinocchio, you and I are forever connected, when you took my ergo, and when you helped me transfer my soul into the body of a puppet, we were both linked, I believe your white hair should be proof enough for that”

Pinocchio remembered, when she took her ergo, took her life, and then, how he brought her back, as a puppet.

“As of now, your body is in a state of between, I sense that you don’t fully know if you wish to be completely human or to remain a puppet”

Pinocchio felt conflicted about that, he didn’t need to become human to be happy, he was okay with who he was, but he had all the emotions of a human, and he wanted to learn more about them and live with them. Sometimes he felt he should be a human, sometimes he felt he should remain a puppet.

Sophia was certainly more happy now that she was a puppet.

“You are unique Pinocchio, you don’t have to decide, even in this state you currently are, you can live a normal life, rest assured, I’ve come to tell you that you do not need medical assistance when it comes to fixing your own body, for now, if you don't feel well, Geppetto should be able to fix the problem”

“I don’t have to decide…” Pinocchio thought to himself, yes, he doesn’t have to decide! He is his own being, he is who he wants to be even if others don’t understand.

“If something ever were to put you in harm's way, I will always stand by your side, no matter the distance, I will always come to your aid”

Pinocchio smiled, he wasn’t just happy, he felt warmth.

“You should inform Geppetto and the others about this, I know they must be worried about you as well”

“Don’t worry, I will and, if you ever need help too, just tell me! Just like before, I’ll help you no matter what!”

Pinocchio could sense Sophia’s happiness, wherever she was, she was smiling at him.

“Now it’s time for me to go, I shouldn’t overuse my powers for too long”

Pinocchio opened the door, both went back to the living room, Gemini and Geppetto looking at them expectantly, but Sophia did not say a word to them.

She got closer to the window, Pinocchio was next to her, she was ready to leave.

“Goodbye… for now”

Sophia flapped her wings, but before leaving she went up and landed on Pinocchio’s cheek, then, he felt warmth again, but also fuzzy his face turned red, his heart was pounding.

Did she.. did she kiss him??!!

That was his first kiss, even if it was just on the cheek, he felt so, just, he didn’t know exactly how to feel but he felt really happy.

Sophia giggled and then, took flight to leave, and as soon as she was outside for a few moments, she vanished into thin air.

Geppetto could tell that his son was flustered, he wondered if he shared the feelings Sophia had for him.

“Sophia… she is such a good friend! I didn’t know friends could kiss each other like that” he exclaimed, completely and utterly obvious as to why she actually kissed him.

Geppetto couldn’t help but put his palm on his head.

“Pinocchio” Gemini spoke to him.

“Huh?, yes Gemini?”

“You are an idiot”

[taegularities]

2 years anniversary and the future of this blog 🤍

it feels like just a few months ago when i had this random idea to create this blog and post my silly writing here. in all honesty, i almost thought this is my first anniversary on here, but then i remembered that taegularities has been here for two !!! damn years. a wild ride, truly.

from making and losing friends, watching people join the community or become inactive, having incredibly happy and fun versus genuinely sad and horrible moments on here... i think i’ve experienced it all in just those two years. i never, never thought my blog could be such a source of comfort for me (and hopefully, for you guys) or grow like that (and we're somewhat close to another milestone!), but... all y’all’s kindness is so much more than i deserve.

so thank you for making those two years memorable. 🤍

as for the future of this blog – ngl, i often think that might be my last year on tumblr, or that i might archive taegularities once cmi is over. but tbh, i can’t say anything for sure yet – this place is filled with surprises, and so is my mind lol bc i keep getting new ideas. for now, i just wanna thank you from the bottom of my heart. oh, and also! i want to update you guys on 2023’s wips!

A familiar voice. A familiar feeling. Taehyung’s presence and smile evoke nostalgia in you profoundly enough to forget that he’s a stranger to you. He is... isn’t he?

➳ pairing: Taehyung x reader ➳ genre: strangers to lovers; angst, fluff, smut ➳ est. wc: 15k ➳ status: 80% done

He wasn’t supposed to be yours. His foolery wasn’t supposed to target you. This wasn’t supposed to happen.

➳ pairing: Jungkook x reader ➳ genre: royalty!au, enemies to lovers; angst, fluff, smut, crack ➳ est. wc: 40-50k (two/three-parter) ➳ status: finished outlining ch1

“And when I was shipwrecked, I thought of you. In the cracks of light, I dreamed of you.”

Tales of love as emotions fall apart and grow; vanish and reappear; laced with pain and unadulterated devotion. Friendships, affairs and realisations always linger – now and forevermore.

➳ pairing: member x reader ➳ genre: slice of life, different, individual tropes; angst, fluff, smut ➳ est. wc: 15-20k per fic ➳ status: outlining

Your intentions and ulterior motives fade bit by bit when you learn how captivating Howl’s – Taehyung’s – silent spells truly are.

➳ pairing: Taehyung x reader ➳ genre: strangers to lovers, fantasy!au, howl’s moving castle!au; angst, fluff, smut ➳ est. wc: 20k ➳ status: 75-80% done

next: colour me in – silhouettes (ch6)

Spending your days between the comfort of Jungkook’s four walls should feel new, even strange to you – but in reality, you’ve never felt this much at home.

➳ pairing: Jungkook x reader ➳ genre: fwb, friends to lovers, fake dating; angst, fluff, smut ➳ est. wc: 18-20k ➳ status: 100% done; editing

–

once again. thank you all. if you’d like to talk to me about any wip, or honestly, anything at all, come and spam me. conversing with y’all is one of the most comforting things around here 🤍 here’s to more joy on taegularities !! <3

[tearscore]

ㅤ ㅤ « Remember. »

ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤFirst part of “Memories of a lost body”.

ㅤ ㅤ Sweet Home 2 • Short One-shot.

Pairing: Pyeon Sangwook/Jung Jaeheon (really implicit).

Rating: Teen and Up audiences.

Characters: Pyeon Sangwook, Jung Jaeheon, Cha Hyunsu, Jung UiMyeong.

Tags: Angst, Amnesia, Past relationship.

Summary: A small talk between Hyunsu, who has lost his memory, and Ui-myeong in Sangwook's body who cannot escape from his emotions and memories.

“I know you can't remember anything, but doesn't the name "Jaeheon" sound familiar?”

Both Sangwook and Hyunsu were in the same car, the younger one had no idea where they were going, he had been a manipulable piece since his memory vanished and followed this stranger. Sangwook, who was no longer himself, but an amalgam of a dead body and the soul of a monster, was the one leading Hyunsu down the path of survival.

The only thing that interested him was his power, at least that is what he had in mind, because he knew that this young man would manage to perfect it and become a weapon against the greedy humanity. That was becoming extinct.

But there was something in his head that would not leave him alone.

“Hyunsu... ” he called his attention while keeping his eyes straight ahead.

The boy looked at him with that emotionless expression on his face.

“Yes?”

“I know you can't remember anything, but doesn't the name "Jaeheon" sound familiar?”

A silence formed between them, as the boy thought, his mind had been blank for a while and no matter how hard he tried, there were no memories there.

But there were emotions, in fact, Hyunsu could only feel something with that name.

Sadness.

“No, I can't remember," said the young man, "But for some reason.... I feel he was someone important.”

“Is there a special reason?”

“I feel like I could cry just thinking his name.”

Sangwook is silent, also thinking, not that he shares the feeling of sadness. He has no attachment to the memories of this body, he doesn't care about them either, but Jaeheon's name is in his mind without.

He believes it is the same man he sees in his dreams or disconnections with the body, where the memories of the host attack and unsettle him. That bespectacled man, not so tall, with a kind smile and gentle eyes.

He has memories where he talks to him about God, that they spent something together, but it is blurry and frustrating to chase the thought. He has hit his head more than once to forget it.

“Why do you ask?”

Sangwook is silent for a bit as he thinks of a suitable answer.

“The owner of this body had a connection to him, but he wasn't among the survivors when I arrived in the building, so.... I don't know who he is.”

“And how do you know his name?”

“He repeats it too much in his head, in pain and sadness, he does it to take away my control.”

Hyunsu looks at him.

“Jaeheon must be really special, he seems to be getting you off your rocker.”

Silence again.

“It doesn't matter if you can't remember.”

This is my first post on Tumblr! Although I've been on the platform for three years, I'm just starting to get the hang of it and since I want to interact more with an audience that's interested in kdramas fanfics, I'm going to use it more often. I'll post the second part of this One-shot shortly! I'm very excited to see how it was received.

Anyway, this fanfic is posted on Ao3 months ago, here's the link for you to support if you like:

All support is highly appreciated!

Questions and suggestions are always welcome.

—Fer, 21/04/2024.

[nyotasaimiri]

Arc Two 104

“So, that’s the gist of it,” Arjun finished, sitting back and tucking his hands in his pockets again. It felt a little odd, like he was giving a report to a professor, which he had never actually done now that he thought about it. But sharing their finds with Esther would be pretty darn close, he guessed. And the little lady, Nyota’s friend. Far as he could tell, Esther was keeping the young lady up to date.

“It must have been incredibly exciting. Is the door still open? Will you be able to go back there? Oh, but I am getting ahead of myself.” Esther Bright took off her glasses and polished the lenses. “First things first, I should congratulate your captain. It sounds like she endured quite the ordeal once again. Where is she?”

“Taking a good long nap,” Arjun said with a flick of the thumb back toward the Outpost. “The others took her home and put her right to bed. Doctor’s strictest orders. She got beat to hell and back by that vault guardian thing. …pardon my language, ma’am.”

“Oh, it’s no bother.” Esther looked over her frames at him, eyes twinkling. “I was a teacher once, you know. Nothing I haven’t heard before. Or said myself, when we get down to it.” The humor vanished under concern as his full statement registered properly. “But she will be alright, I hope?”

“Yeah, she’s a tough nut to crack,” Arjun told her. “Not that it wasn’t trying. Nasty bruises she got out of it, but she was able to walk on her own and everything, and Lumen was still talkative enough. He gets quiet when things are bad.”

“He does.” Esther slid her glasses back on. There was a quiet sadness to her now.

Arjun knew that sadness. He’d felt it too. He reached out, hesitated, offered her his hand. “She’s still here, ma’am. You aren’t the last Protector.”

Esther smiled at him and took his hand. “You can call me Esther, dear.”

*

Mihre sat up as the door creaked open and immediately reached up to hug Marcy as she hurried in, wide-eyed with questions she was afraid to ask.

“Geez, roughest shift I’ve ever had.” She accepted the hug briefly, then pulled loose to take off her uniform jacket. The archives were such a wonderful place, but the stiff, formal clothes were not. She flopped down beside the floran and pulled them into another anxious hug. “Mihre, what happened while I was gone? Are they still in there? Is she—?”

Mihre patted her head until she remembered to breathe. “Is okay,” they all but purred. “The Captain is ssafe.” They passed her the laptop, with the important messages open for her. “Bruises and some cold, but that medic says she will be fine.”

“Cold, huh?” Marcy leaned against Mihre with a soft smile, all the tension melting right out of her. “That reminds me… Did I ever tell you how she came to live with us on Earth?”

Mihre chuckled softly and ruffled Marcy’s curls. “I assumed by spaceship.”

“Hey.” Marcy whacked their leaves. “Literal idiot. You know what I mean. How she came to live with me and my family.”

“Ahh, no.” Mihre settled in more comfortably on the sofa. “You know I like a good story.”

“There isn’t too much to tell,” Marcy said. “She had started working for us a few months before, during the summer. Dad felt sorry for her always having to hide in our air conditioning. Apex and heat, you know.”

Mihre nodded in solemn sympathy. “Thick pelt, not good for sun.”

“Right. She was a good worker. Always showed up on time, figured out the sorting system really fast, even though she wasn’t very good with English or Galactic Common yet. But then she didn’t show up at all one day, mid-December. That’s right before winter on Earth, when the weather started getting really cold.” Marcy stopped and shook her head. “…I don’t know why I’m spilling all this now. It’s been years, and…”

Mihre patted her shoulder. “It interests me.”

Marcy smiled. “Okay.” She took a deep breath. “It’s just… Thinking of her stuck in the cold, it reminds me… It was Isobu who found her.” She managed to keep her voice steady.

Mihre’s hand found hers. She squeezed it, once.

“I hadn’t met him before. He told us he knew her, caught the same transport to Earth with her, back in springtime. He found her curled up in an alley, a few miles from the library. She’d been living there, all that time. Never told us. I think—”

Mihre waited a moment as Marcy stopped mid-thought, then asked, “She was hiding from the Miniknog, wasn’t she.”

“Yes.” Marcy let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. The answer sounded more like a sigh than a word. “I think she was so scared that they would find her. Then she got sick when the weather got bad, and if Isobu hadn’t found her, if we hadn’t looked…”

Her voice trailed off. She started again, much quieter. “I hope she was warmer, this time, and safe, that’s all.” Marcy looked up at the ceiling with odd little smile and another sigh, shaking her head. “I… know what she’s doing is important, and… this is selfish. I finally found her again, and she’s out there somewhere dangerous, where I can’t reach her. I just… I want her to come home safe.”

Mihre nudged her side and she folded into their shoulder like it was a soft pillow. “She will,” they said. “Has a good crew, yess? And my little brother. And she’s strong, you can tell by looking.”

Marcy looked up. “You can? I mean, I know she is. She taught me…”

The floran chuckled again. “She is. I can tell, good floran sskill. So trust your friend. She’s in good hands.”

[amariss-613]

재등장, bts | scene 04: interlude, four am

{resurfaced, bts}

summary: the biggest group in the world has their scandal resurface as the former female member the world thought was done become the best new artist of the year at the grammys.

face claim: yeri of red velvet

original is on archive of our own: amariss_0613, and wattpad: amariss_amaryllis, just decided to publish it on here~

this story mentions non-consensual things and includes some mentions of drugs, depression, and sasaengs.

. . .

scene 04: interlude, four am

chapter summary: the night that had eradicated me.

playing: one way lover | eric nam

there and back again | 2022

|no ones pov|

four am would be the time that taehyung would go to bed for a month straight after y/n had broken up with them. it was hard for all of the members, but for taehyung, it was like losing his other half, the person who understood him the most.

most of his time in that first month was spent thinking about y/n, listening to their old songs, looking at interviews, and trying to find any updates on y/n. he could easily be mistaken for a sasaeng as he watched or listened to anything that included y/n during the first month of their three-month-long break from touring.

his family, members, and the company attempted their best to get in contact with y/n but it was no use in the end. after moving to america, her email, phone number, and social media accounts were deactivated, as if she had just vanished from planet earth altogether.

this was all taehyung could believe after seeing her at the grammy rehearsals, after years of disappearing, y/n was back. maybe not back into bts' arms at this moment, but at least back in the music industry. They were all cuddled up on the bed with taehyung in the middle, inside his hotel room.

"how do you feel now?" seokjin asked, cradling taehyung in his arms while jimin did the same on the opposite side of him as the others surrounded the three. "i guess i feel a little better, but..." taehyung hesitated, he didn't know how he felt. he had just seen his first love, his first everything before getting together with the rest of the boys. taehyung felt empty as if everything was repeating itself.

there was a time when taehyung could see y/n and the rest of them carrying the same rings on their ring fingers. now, y/n looked to be slowly fading out from this vision with a bare ring finger.

"it's ok, you don't have to say anything. we all understand how you feel tae." hoseok said, reaching over seokjin to grasp taehyung's hand in his own. "Listen, we didn't come here for the grammys, hell, we don't even have to show up-" "no! it's fine hyung, i don't want to disappoint the army who show up." taehyung was quick to interrupt namjoon, he didn't want to not show up to the grammys because of y/n, he had to get over her, even if it would be a painful process.

"Do you want anyone to stay with you tonight?" yoongi asked, rising from his spot next to hoseok. slowly each of the boys rose from their places on the bed to look at taehyung, "i'll be okay, hyung. if not, then i'll just go to either gukk or joon's room." he responded, getting off the bed with the rest of the boys and ushering them to get to bed for tomorrow. knowing that his, namjoon's, and jungkook's rooms were connected, taehyung felt more comfortable sleeping alone rather than kicking off one of the members from the bed in the middle of the night with his strange sleeping habits.

taehyung made his way to the bathroom to get ready for bed as it was already gonna be 11 pm and the grammys were tomorrow.

|jungkook pov|

it was 2 am by the time i heard taehyung go to bed, which meant that i was probably the only one awake. i was in bed by 12, but my thoughts were plagued by memories of y/n. did she notice us or taehyung? was she currently in the same boat as him?

if she was, all i wanted right now was to have her in my arms and pressed up against me as she was those years ago. telling her that there was nothing to worry about, and that army would be sad if she kept thinking about the worst. as the hate got more threatening when our relationship was revealed, she slowly distanced herself from the idol spotlight.

if we had told her everything, would she still be here with us?

"i finally get to hold you after so longgg. i wish we had gotten back sooner." jungkook mumbled, pushing his face into the space of her neck that taehyung hadn't had his own in yet. "now we don't have to worry about being separated." taehyung sighed, slowly slipping his hands inside y/n's hoodie to cradle the warmth of her body. "yah, tae! your hands are cold." y/n whined pushing herself closer to jungkook's body to get away from the culprit's cold hands. she couldn't get that far, taehyung had his arms wrapped around the small of her back. jungkook could only admire his two lovers and the way they had gotten so comfortable with bringing himself and the other five members into their relationship. as if they were in it since the beginning.

"we were literally filming for bon voyage together, what do you mean?" y/n mumbled, getting used to the taehyung's hold on her. "yeah, but were filming 24/7, the only time we get to be with each other is at night." taehyung continued for jungkook. "i don't think there will be much footage of me, i just stayed inside most of the time." y/n said, thinking about how the fans would react when bon voyage would air. "it's fine, we've already explained the situation, they'll understand." jungkook sighed, hoping that y/n could fall asleep sooner. "I hope so. oh, i forgot to ask, jungkook, did you actually walk through a sprinkler?" y/n asked, suddenly staring at jungkook. "you better not-"

"i gotta ask the editors to send it to me."

|y/n pov|

who knew listening to old songs could make you cry? it was the first time since 2017 that I listened to one of our old songs. crying was definitely one of the last things i should be doing before performing at the grammys tomorrow. yet, it wouldn't be any better, i was gonna be sitting next to the boys.

although i had practiced my conversation with them if we had some sort of interaction during the show, i was still anxious as hell, maybe because i am also nominated for the best new artist category.

taehyung was the one i was really worried about seeing, after glancing at his face during rehearsals today, i knew that it was going to be a very stressful and emotional day tomorrow.

feeling the now cold water from the bathtub was the only thing that knocked me out of my thoughts, allowing me to wipe the residue of tears staining my cheeks, drain the water, and get ready for bed. As i wiped my tears, my gaze flew to the infinity tattoo. it was slightly covered up by the waterproof concealer that I had put on it this morning before grammy rehearsals.

after 4 years had passed since I broke up with them, i hadn't ever thought of getting it removed. was it weird to still have a couple's tattoo with your exes? yes, more than likely, but at the same time, was it bad to hope that there was a possibility of something happening again between us?

when i glimpsed at myself in the mirror, all my thoughts went back to that night.

the night that had eradicated me.

what would they think of me after almost 4 years had passed after that night? would i look pathetic? unhealthy? vulnerable? completely different from the optimistic and extroverted me that was killed that night?

if that was how they would see me, then so be it. if that's how the world viewed me, i would just have to grow, even more than I did in the past 4 years. i had to prove that despite this resurfaced scandal, i was back and ready to dominate the music industry as i once did.

But now, without those seven men, i once called home. 

. . .

I swear y/n deserves so much love from these boys after everything she went through 🥺  maybe they'll have a mini interaction soon... it might be with an unexpected situation, but it will surely help rekindle their relationship with each other!

Hope you enjoyed the new chapter of this story <3

{Updates are (at least) once a month if get lucky}

[shinydixon]

actually shocked she set some real boundaries and politely refused to talk about ships. of course the vqs are gonna blame everyone but themselves. that said, oh boy, they must be going crazy right now. what are they going to do if their precious ship captain doesn't wanna to talk about hellcheer anymore?? :o she seems sad though. something's been off since nola. maybe she is breaking up or going through something else. the frustrating part is that her own fans ruined things for, literally chased her bf away and she still refuses to /properly/ address that. and of course she's not obliged but i've been thinking about it and sort of putting myself in ash's shoes...if my partner saw me getting harassed to the point i'm archiving my pics and basically vanishing from social media and not say anything, i'd be pretty upset. i really would. i know she tried before but that post was just so vague. anyway, i don't like her at all but i also don't want her to be this sad, so i hope things get better. i hope her crazy fans find a new obsession soon because they're wrecking havoc in this girl's brain.

Well VQ are using this as a reason to attack steddies and quinnies again so believe me,it's not over 💀

And yes, she seems a little off since Nola, I just hope it's nothing serious that makes her feel that way.

[snugglebeans3000]

Still can’t think of a title for this yet, but I’ll have one soon when I finally get my Archive your Own account set up. AnywaYs, enjoy the first chapter. Triggering warning though, it does talk about heavy subjects as death, grieve, and the foreboding feeling of death. So if you’re not comfortable with that sort of stuff proceed with caution!!

Kenta was hunched over on the edge of a hill. He had been sitting there for he didn’t know how long, and honestly, he didn’t care to recall. The sun started to set, blood orange light making the water below him dance an eerie shade of crimson. This used to be the place where he and his friends would train and hang out. The good old days. Everything seemed so simple back then. There was a gaping hole inside his chest like a festering infection, slowly eating him away until he was nothing but a pile of dust and hollowed bone. He still couldn’t believe it. He put his head in his hands. His best friend was gone. It had been nearly three months since Ryuga Kishatu’s disappearance, and nobody seemed to have hope for his survival. Gingka and the others were already starting to plan his funeral. Kenta bit his lip, choking back tears. He felt so betrayed by all of them. Was it really that hopeless and he just couldn’t see it? Ryuga couldn’t be dead, he just couldn’t. Kenta saw it with his very eyes… he vanished into starlight—but that didn’t mean he was done forever! Shaking his head, fighting back tears, he kicked the ground with his heel in frustration. He wasn’t gone—he wasn’t—Ryuga would never just—

“Kenta, pal,” A voice called out from behind him.

He turned. It was Yu, his usual attire gone and replaced with a tee-shirt and jeans. His face wore a mask of pity and empathy as he stepped to Kenta’s side, sitting down next to him in the soggy grass. There was a long, sad silence between them like the mourning at a funeral.

“How are you holding up?” He asked, his voice unusually quiet and tender.

Kenta held back a choke. “Fine I guess.” He lied.

There was another pause.

“How come you weren’t with Gingka and the others? I thought you would be happy to see them again.” He queried, glancing at the green haired boy.

Kenta looked deep into the crimson water, trying to distract himself from the on slot of tears beginning to well in his eyes.

“I just needed some time to get my head on straight. I’ll catch up with them later.”

Yu didn’t seem convinced. He frowned, staring at the grass.

“We miss him too,” He said. “We all miss him.”

Kenta stayed silent.

“Gingka wanted me to ask you if you’d say something at his funeral… Since you’re the one who knew him the best.”

“Why should I?” Kenta suddenly countered, fire in his voice. “He’s not dead. He’s just missing. We all saw it—he just vanished. There isn’t a body to bury.”

Yu nearly staggered back, but he put a gentle hand on Kenta’s shoulder supportively. “Kenta—”

His sentence was cut short by the green haired boy rounding on him, his voice bristling. “He’s not gone! You’re all acting like he’s dead but he’s not gone! You hear me!”

Finally, the hurt was too much to bear. His eyes poured with tears, his whole body shaking in anguish as his voice strained to babble out heartbroken words.

“He’s not—he’s not gone… He can’t be dead, Yu, he just can’t…” He blubbered.

The ginger haired boy pulled his friend into his arms, letting his tears soak into his shirt as he held him. Kenta’s chest pounded as he gasped for breath as he sobbed, broken and defeated. He wailed, his whole heart feeling like it had been stabbed out and tore to shreds by some nasty fiend. As he cried, the realization had suddenly hit him. His best friend was dead. He was never going to hear his voice or walk in his footsteps or ever battle him again. He was gone. And Kenta was all alone.

Yu hugged his friend tight, nearly on the brink of crying himself. He wanted to say something, like a joke to make him laugh, like they had always done when they were together. But he knew that even laughter wouldn’t help his friend now. All he could do was grieve, and Yu would loyally stay beside him for as long as he needed to cry. Yu held him for what seemed like forever, but by the time he was done sobbing the sun had fallen, leaving them in the cover of moonlight. Kenta pulled away, sniffling back lumps of hot snot. He had cried so much that it had looked like Kenta had spilled a water bottle on his shirt. He was slightly embarrassed.

“I’m sorry…” He mumbled, wiping his eyes.

Yu smiled comfortingly, giving Kenta a pat on the back. “No problem, buddy. I’m happy to help a friend.”

Kenta managed a smile, but it felt strange on his lips. Yu gladly accepted though, standing up and helping Kenta pick himself up too.

“Thanks,” He said.

“No biggie. Now C’mon,” Yu said, hand on his shoulder. “Let's go home.”

Kenta nodded. “Yeah.”

In silence, the two headed off down the cold road back to Madoka’s house. Madoka waited anxiously at the door, her jaded eyes scanning the surrounding area for any sign of them. Finally, her eyes locked on to their approaching figures, and she ran up to them with a sigh of relief.

“I’m glad to see you boys got back safe.” She said, giving them a smile. It faded to a pitying frown when she looked at Kenta. “Is everything alright?”

Kenta nodded, though he still felt sad. “Yeah. I’m fine now. Just got a little sidetracked is all.”

Madoka nodded, looking down at her feet in shame. “I’m sorry if it was too much when we started talking about the funeral… I know this is still sensitive for you and we should’ve considered your feelings. I’m sorry Kenta…” her voice was soft and sincere

Kenta did his best to give a comforting smile. “… It’s alright. I’m okay now… I understand you want Ryuga to be at peace.”

The three of them looked at the ground in miserable silence as they mentioned his name. The wound seemed so raw to all of them. But Madoka gave a little shake of her head, trying to bat away the gloomy feeling. She gave a warm smile to Kenta.

“There’s pizza in the fridge if you’re hungry. You’re favorite.” She said, her voice trying to be cheery.

“No thanks.” He declined. He didn’t feel like he could even eat ever again. “I’m going to head off to bed.”

Kenta started to walk forward, but was held back.

Yu put a hand on his shoulder. “You sure you’ll be alright?” He checked.

Kenta tried to put on a reassuring smile, but his pain showed through. “I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me guys.”

“But, Kenta…” Madoka stopped short. “alright. You can sleep in the guest bedroom tonight.”

“Thanks.” Kenta said quietly.

“Text me if you need to talk okay?” Yu offered.

Kenta nodded. “Okay. Thank you.”

Yu gave him a nod and a smile, starting to head back down the road. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Rest easy for me, got it?” Yu laughed.

Kenta chuckled. “Sure thing. Be safe, Yu.”

“Pfft—I’m always safe. That’s my middle name.” He winked as he walked away, waving to him. “Goodbye!”

“Bye Yu!” Madoka called, waving back.

Kenta did the same. “Bye Yu, see you tomorrow.”

He watched his friend walk away into the distance, and his smile faded. He couldn’t help but wonder how long it would be until Yu left him too… or maybe how long any of them had left in this world. The thought of it made him want to break down again. Madoka must’ve noticed his sad expression, because she leaned down and hugged him.

“Don’t worry Kenta, things will get better. I promise they will…” she softly spoke.

Kenta accepted the embrace, wrapping his arms around her. “I know… It just is tough right now…” he admitted with a sigh.

Madoka pulled back and gave him a motherly smile, a mist of pain within her eyes. She stood up right and started walking back to the bey shop, holding hands with Kenta. He didn’t understand the large amount of coddling everyone was giving him. It was odd. No one ever treated him this way. It was like he was a glue together piece of glass that they were desperately trying to keep together, like he would break at any second if they took their eyes off of him. Especially Madoka. She was behaving like more of a mother than ever to him. He wondered if she was lying about feeling okay too.

The bey mechanic pushed open the door and led him inside, the whole shop smelling like lemons from a cleaning they had done a few days ago. Kenta looked back at the door as it closed and noticed that the sign was flipped over to read CLOSED.

“You closed the store?” Kenta asked as Madoka led him up the stairs.

Madoka frowned. “Yeah… My dad said that we should take some time off because… because of the death. He says he doesn’t want my mental health to become too overwhelmed.”

Kenta nodded in understanding. “Your dad sounds like he really cares about you.” He remarked.

Madoka gave a fond smile, stepping onto the platform of the hallway and off of the stairs. “Yeah… He really does. He’s so cool like that.”

Madoka waited at the top of the stairs as Kenta hoisted himself up onto the platform, smiling up to Madoka. She gave him a supportive back rub as he looked up to her.

“You’ve really grown since I last saw you.” She mentioned softly.

“Yeah…” Kenta looked down at himself. His legs seemed longer; his clothes were different too. He gazed down at his hands. They were callused with time and training, reflecting the ghosts of his former life. He still had scars on his hands from foraging for food and surviving off the land as he and Ryuga traveled together. It all seemed so distant from him, like a star that he couldn’t quite touch. He knew he had been with Ryuga, but now he found himself thinking the idea as surreal. Maybe this was all a horrible dream, and he would wake up to find out none of it happened at all. At least then he wouldn’t feel so miserable. Hugging himself, he turned to Madoka.

“You ready for bed?” She gently asked.

Kenta nodded.

She led him to the spare bedroom, the door like a giant white shoebox resting against the wall. She grabbed the nob and turned it, unlocking the habitat for Kenta before he went inside.

“Call me if you need anything.” She said as Kenta stepped into the room.

“Okay.”

With that, Madoka gave him a slight nod, and softly closed the door. Kenta was all alone in the room. Moonlight streamed into the space and pooled onto the bed that laid against the wall. The room was small and empty, but it was spacious enough for him to pace around if he needed to. He walked over to the window and gazed out into the stars. It was the middle of summer, and the stars were nearly blot out by the buzzing streetlights and alite buildings in the distance. Still, he stared, trying to make out some constellations in the peaceful silence. From where he gazed, he could make out just a couple, but he stopped as he identified a third one and then gawked at it for a moment. High above him was the constellation Draco, swirling around itself as it shimmered in the sky. It was almost too painful for him to look at it. Everywhere he turned he was reminded of his best friend’s absence. It was like a shadow, tailing him, clinging to his soul like a parasite and making him feel so sick he wanted to die. He buried his head in his hands, his fingers tangled in his green hair. His friend was gone… It didn’t matter how much he repeated it to himself, it felt like it still wasn’t so. He wanted to believe that Ryuga was alive, and maybe he was just out there training in the middle of nowhere like he always did. But… Kenta had to accept it. Ryuga was gone… He wasn’t coming back… The boy stifled a whimper in his throat, tears dripping from his chin onto the ledge of the window. Throbbing pain engulfed his heart, stuffing its tubes with heavy led that weighed his soul down so much he didn’t want to move. He felt so helpless and lost in all the misery he bore that he wasn’t sure if he could really make it an hour without breaking down again. It all seemed too nihilistic now. And all he could do was cry. That night, he fell to the sounds of his sobs, praying to the universe for this death to be taken back, bargaining with invisible figures that he would do anything to just see his dear friend again and tell him goodbye.

[dealgemeneverwarring]

De Algemene Verwarring #107 - 19 February 2024

Episode one hundred and seven of De Algemene Verwarring was broadcast on Monday, February 19, 2024, and you can listen to it by clicking on the link below that will take you directly to the Mixcloud page:

Pictured below is, well, you know who is pictured below don't you? Yes, it's The Birthday Party. Last week I saw Mutiny In Heaven, the documentary about the band made by Ian White, and it was fantastic, for several reasons. First of all, it was a pleasant re-acquaintance with the angry, dangerous, aggressive Nick Cave, who I like a lot more than the quiet and sad Nick Cave we have seen the last few years, and I'm saying this with all the respect I have for the man's tragic losses, I mean, I admire the way he copes with all of that, but musically he has lost me a bit. Of course I was too young to have consciously known The Birthday Party, and I don't really remember 100 % when Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds came on my radar, I think I picked up the Kicking Against The Pricks and Your Funeral My Trial lp's up from the Kortrijk library (again, endless thanks to the Kortrijk library with their fantastic collection), but I don't know if that was before or after I bought the 1988 Tender Prey album, but anyway. The Birthday Party, the aggression, the feedback, the unique guitar sound of Rowland S. Howard, bass god and naughty boy Tracy Pew, the always quiet and sober (except that one time) Mick Harvey and the primitive drum sound of Phil Calvert, they were truly a force. The drinks, the drugs, the pills, and the hunger. The loathing of London, but not exactly a rebirth in Berlin. The making of the Nick The Stripper video. Just go see it. Also fantastic was the entry into the cinema of an elderly couple, they were too late so they had to sit on the front row but then looked around and noticed some more empty seats in the fourth row, so they went there, asked some people to move, and then sat there for ten minutes, after which they left the cinema again. Wrong movie? Wrong Nick Cave? Too loud? Who will tell? Anyway, I'm playing Deep In The Woods in the show, a song that I have always liked a lot because it showed the way Cave would slowly move towards what would become The Bad Seeds but still has that distinctive Rowland S. Howard feedbacking guitar.

There is also a lot of other music in the show, from Dead Nittels, Dat En Wat, The Velvet Underground, Boduf Songs, People Skills, Collate, The Vanishing, Violent Change, The Triffids, Drifting, Z'EV, Organ Of Corti and more! And beneath the photo you can find the playlist for th show. Enjoy!

Playlist:

Dead Nittels: Justizirrtum (7” “Anti New Wave Liga”, reissue on Bachelor Archives, 2020, originally released in 1983, not on label)

The Primate Five: I Need Your Luh (7” “The Primate Five vs The Traditional Fools” on Goodbye Boozy, 2021)

Dat En Wat: Dead Man Blues (LP “Diggin’ For Gold Vol 2, reissue on Rubble Records, 2018, originally released on Smorgasbord Records, 1994 and in 1966 on & 7” on Soho Records)

The Velvet Underground: Foggy Notion (LP “VU” on Verve Records, 1984)

Violent Change: Fabio’s Playhaus (LP “Starcastle” on Sloth Mate Productions, 2023)

The Stroppies: Cellophane Car (LP “Whoosh” on Tough Love Records, 2018)

The Triffids: Raining Pleasure (12” “Raining Pleasure” on Hot Records, 1984)

Boduf Songs: Decapitation Blues (Redux) (7” “Split” Jessica Bailiff/Boduf Songs on Morc Records, 2013)

People Skills: Flag For Gravity (LP “Hum Of The Non-Engine” on Digital Regress, 2023)

The Birthday Party: Deep In The Woods (CD “Hits” on 4AD, 1992, originally released on the 12” “The Bad Seed”, 4AD, 1982)

The Psychedelic Furs: It Goes On (LP “Talk Talk Talk” on CBS, 1981)

The Vanishing: White Walls (LP “Songs For Psychotic Children” on Gold Standard Laboratories, 2003)

Collate: Obliterated By Flowers (LP “Generative Systems” on Domestic Departure, 2023)

Al Karpenter & CIA Débutante: Put On Your Mask (LP “Al Karpenter & CIA Débutante” on Ever/Never Records, 2023)

Z’EV  For Manfred (LP V/A “Dossiers” on Dossier Records, 1986)

Drifting: Finding New Age In An Abandoned House (LP “Dream Autopsy” on Förlag För Fri Music, 2023)

Organ Of Corti: Halucinatio (CD “Fanaticus” on New Forces, 2024)

[yellowcry]

Deeper through

chapter 3 past chapter

Isabela drummed her fingers on the table, her heart racing as she waited for her parents to return. The sun had set long ago, and Luisa had been gone for two whole days now. It was much longer than Mirabel's absence, and Isabela couldn't shake off the worry in her heart. There was still no sign of Luisa, and the darkness outside only added to her anxiety. For Abuelo's sake, what was with the members of this family and sudden disappearance? It was their Tío Bruno for ten years, then Mirabel, luckily for just one night. And now Luisa. There was an awful, heavy feeling in her chest. Isabela was afraid. She usually never worried about her sisters. Sure, Mirabel liked to get into trouble, but she was smart and dodgy. And Luisa was... Luisa. The idea of her being in danger looked like some sick dream. 

But now... without magic, Luisa was... a human. Realizing this was so strange. Luisa wasn't this strong rock on which everyone could lean anymore. It was awful.

Isabela's anger boiled inside her. She was frustrated with Luisa for getting lost, with Mirabel for vanishing after Casita's collapse, with Abuela for bringing them here, and with herself. Isabela took on the burden of being the perfect child so everyone else could enjoy their lives and be free. Just to learn that Luisa wasn't strong enough. Never enough.

And it made Isabela's guts twitch. Because she was the oldest. And she thought that maybe everything was great. She was the only one locked in the golden cage. Just so everyone else would be happy.

But Mirabel wasn't happy. Luisa wasn't happy. If you think about this for another minute, was anyone in this family happy? Maybe Antonio, but he just turned five, so it barely counted. 

"It's late." Camilo examined the window apathetically when the streets started to get darker.

Mirabel mumbled. "Luisa... will come." She kept staring out of the window like a princess waiting for a prince.

Isabela's hands clenched tightly into fists, her worry growing more intense with each passing moment.. How dare Luisa leave them! Right after Mirabel disappeared... What was she even thinking? "I hate her!" Isabela screamed, throwing her hand up. Luisa is just... so shameless!

"Isa, what the hell?" Mirabel grumbled, stepping closer to her. . Isabela could see how watery Mirabel's eyes were. "LUISA MIGHT BE IN DANGER!"

Isabela's body started to shake like a leaf. "What was she thinking?" She hissed through her teeth, clutching her fists in rage.

Dolores sighed, grabbing both of them by their shoulders. "Isa, Mira, you have to calm down." She sounded calm yet strict. Between of all of the grandkids, Dolores was the sane one, as much as the word 'sane' applied to this family. Luisa might be on the same level as Dolores, but she couldn't sit straight for three minutes, which lowered her score a bit. But this seemed to be a middle-child thing since both Tía Pepa and Camilo shared the same level of activity.

"H-hey, kids, how about we do something else?" Bruno smiled awkwardly; he was the only adult who wasn't allowed to be part of the search for Luisa. Isabela guessed that it was because of how he disappeared for ten years. 

"Easy to say; you weren't the one who lost his sibling." Isabela barked, crossing her arms. Bruno recoiled, staring at her with a really hurt face. Deep inside, she knew that her actions weren't right. But she couldn't help her anger. Isabela wasn't sure how she felt. She was mad at everyone, upset because her second sister was gone, tired, and sad. It was just too overwhelming.

Isabela wished she could hate Luisa; she really wanted to. She desired to stop sitting here almost at midnight, unable to go to sleep. She didn't even rest normally yesterday because the blowing wind outside sounded like someone's snoring breath.

Mirabel looked like she wanted to scream again, but before she could say anything, the door creaked open. All the kids winced and jumped off their seats to run to Pepa and Felix.

"Is there anything yet?!" The cold sisters screamed almost at the same time. Please say that Luisa was with them. Isabela couldn't stand another night with this awful expectation. But... As she could see, her hermanita wasn't with their tios. Isabela's face drooped in disappointment.

Mirabel sighed, looking down. She adjusted her cloudy glasses and reminded herself unsurely. "W-well... Mama and Papa could still come back with her."

Yes... Maybe their parents will. Because Isabela really needed to shout at one certain hermana that made her even more tense than Mirabel.  Pepa and Felix gave Mirabel a surprised look, as Dolores explained. "They would go deeper into the woods if they didn't find Luisa."  Isabela rolled her eyes in annoyance. "And why would you know what they are going to do?"

"They were talking about this in the morning while packing their backpacks," Dolores explained, and Isabela growled quietly in anger. How come she didn't hear it? Why was Dolores the one who knew what was going on in her family? Because Mirabel seemed to be as shocked as Isa. Of course! Isabela buried her willingness to hit her own forehead. Dolores wasn't the one who spent the last two, or three in Isabela's case, nights unable to stop worrying for her sister. Dolores didn't lose her brothers; Camilo and Antonio were here, completely safe and sound. Part of her wanted to yell at Dolores and blame her for how unfair it all was. Instead, Isabela shouted for another reason. "Are they serious?" Her voice was so loud that the lamp shook. "At first we lost Mirabel, then Luisa! Do they want to disappear too?" Her entire body was shaking in rage. What were her mom and dad thinking? How... How could they leave them too?

Felix put his hand on Isabela's shoulder supportively. "Gus and Juli want to make sure Luisa is safe."

Isabela put his palm away. "They left us!" Her breathing was getting heavy. Was it bad that Isabela wanted her mom to assure her that everything would be alright?! "And what if Luisa would return by herself?" Everyone winced; it seemed like they realized a mature problem in this plan. "Will they be searching for her forever?"

"Isa..." Tía Pepa began, trying to explain everything, but Isabela immediately cut her off.

"You know what? I don't care!" She snapped, rushing up the stairs at an insane speed, muttering. "I'll be in our room." 

Isabela angrily slammed the door shut. Maybe it wasn't right; it wasn't her house, but she couldn't care. This small room was nothing compared to Casita. Somehow, in this tiny space that was even smaller than the nursery back home, there were crammed six beds. Isabela wanted to shout in despair from this stuffy, small chamber where they were supposed to stay. She sat down, leaning against the door. Antonio snorted in his dream, hugging a plush jaguar. Another reminded her that Isabela was the one who lost her hermanas. She growled quietly, hugging her knees. Isabela wanted to scream at the top of her lungs, throwing things around to destroy this tiny bedroom. She wanted to hug both of her sisters just like Dolores hugged her brothers, knowing that Luisa was safe. Isa wanted to revert the time and change something, not letting Luisa scour for Mirabel. Maybe if Isabela had watched over her, then Luisa wouldn't have disappeared. If Isabela just considered that Luisa could make a mistake, be hurt, and be all alone.. 

She threw her bedsheets on the floor in rage. "Can't everything just be okay?" Her cracking voice was shaking.

"Isa?" She winced at the quiet voice and looked around. Antonio got up slightly and stared at her with big brown eyes.

Isabela groaned, trying to hold her feelings in check. "Go back to sleep." She muttered, getting her pillow up and squeezing it tightly. 

Antonio pursed his lips and looked at the little plush in his hand. "Do you want a parce-youngest for tonight? He's good for nerves." If it weren't for her emotions and inability to hold herself together, she would melt away with delight. But instead, Isabela shook her head. "I am fine," Her voice was still growling. She extremely wanted to be alone, but right now it was something impossible.

The door opened gently. "Isa?" Mirabel asked quietly, looking from the doorway. "How are you doing?"

Isabela rolled her eyes, stomping her foot. "I am fine!" She sat on her bed with a harsh sigh, folding her arms tightly across her chest.

"You don't seem to be fine." Mirabel came closer to her and put her hand on Isabela's shoulder. "I know you are worried..."

"Mi hermanas are idiots." She mumbled through her teeth. 

Mirabel chuckled awkwardly, not trying to disprove this statement. "I am sorry... I..." She never thought that her own running away would drive to something like this.

"I shouldn't have let her look for you alone" Isabela's voice pierced the silence of the night. She took a deep breath, looking at her arms. "You know, at the night when you disappeared, I had to drag Luisa home by force." Isabela knew that Luisa would never stop looking for Mirabel, even if it would cost her safety. And yet, she allowed her to go alone in the next day. Isabela couldn't even describe all the guilt she felt. Luisa was too stubborn for her own safety. Isabela knew how much her sister adored to help everyone; it felt like Luisa lived just to make everyone satisfied.

Mirabel looked down, biting her lip. "I'm sorry... I didn't consider anyone would go after me..." Isabela sighed, holding back the desire to slap her youngest hermana. She didn't think her family would be worried. Hell, how could she even think of something like that?

"You are brainless. Thinking that we'll just allow you to vanish? Really?" Isabela raised an eyebrow.

Antonio interrupted them with all his childhood love. "I didn't want to disappear! It was so sad!" He sniffled, wiping his nose with a sleeve. Mirabel pursed her lips unsurely. "I'm sorry, Tonito. I love you." She sat on her knees next to the young boy's bed. "But I'm home. And I'm sure Luisa will be too in no time!" God, Isabela really hoped so.

[brucewayneargento-moved]

His Heart - ReneTheStan

Rating: Mature

Archive Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Rape/Non-Con

Category: Gen

Fandoms: Batman (Comics), Batman and Robin (Comics), Robin: Son of Batman (Comics), Robin (Comics)

Relationship: Bruce Wayne & Damian Wayne

Characters: Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne, Slade Wilson

Additional Tags: Childhood Sexual Abuse, Implied Childhood Sexual Abuse, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Heavy Angst, Angst, Drabble, Rape/Non-con Elements, Rape Aftermath, Rape Recovery, Past Rape/Non-con  Underage Rape/Non-con  Batman (2016) Issue 077: City of Bane Part 3, Slade Wilson is a pedophile, Proshippers dni

Summary: Damian Wayne is found by his father; bleeding out, drugged and alone in Slade's appartment.

Notes: If you enjoyed this drabble, leave a comment explaining why. Free content thrives on interaction and feedback.

“Damian–”

 

He feels as light as a feather, as if he is resting on a cloud. He can barely hear the voice that’s desperately calling his name.

 

Several images flash through his mind and are gone as fast as they’ve appeared. The smell of blood makes him almost drunk and the whole room is spinning around him, not showing signs that they would ever stop.

 

“Damian…” the voice says again, pleading with him to wake up fully, probably to run away from that tacky apartment and into a hospital.

 

The boy can feel he’s being cradled like a small child by two kevlar-covered hands. He briefly transports to better days like a memento. He allows himself to enjoy it for once in his life.  Maybe this is the end, maybe this is the culmination of all of his existence. Bleeding out of his insides while being held by the Caped Crusader himself…

 

Suddenly there’s a swift change in the atmosphere, as if he is a god being feeling the flutter of a butterfly on a distant planet: Damian can practically hear Batman's heart skipping a beat, not that he needed to. The change in his breathing is even noticeable for the hard of hearing.

 

“No…no! no,no,no, no–”

 

He finally realized.

 

And Damian, for a moment, feels all of the emotions he's been bottling up these last few months at once: Anger, sadness, shame…but he also gets a smidge of perverse glee from it. 

 

Batman didn’t protect him from this, from being used as a puppet by a pederast for the better half of a year. And of course, that wasn’t worth it just to see the man that should have protected him, suffer. But he’ll be a liar for saying that the thought of his father suffering a fraction of what he was put through isn’t comforting.

 

Does his father love him? Hard to say, and painful to think about. Because thinking about it requires him to ponder about two things: his past at the League and to question what is normal for a father that genuinely loves his son.

 

He is obviously not going to do either of those…

 

There’s another sudden shift in the atmosphere.

 

“I am going to kill him…” Damian snaps his eyes open so fast he gets dizzy. Bruce is no longer looking at him. 

 

Damian wants to scream at him until his heart and lungs stop working, which wouldn’t take too long, but all he can manage to do is to say one word above a whisper

 

“Don`t…” Damian manages to spew in a delicate tone that vanishes into the air. Batman mesh- covered eyes pierce into his soul in shock.

 

“Don’t?” he asks.

 

Damian licks his dry lips, finally gaining a semi-awareness of his surroundings, he feels weird, the drugs Slade gave to him must be affecting him harder than the other times, his assassin senses are…off for lack of a better world. He can swear he hears two presence in the room besides him.

 

“Don’t,” Damian continues weakly. “Don’t let him…take away… your heart.” And he doesn’t know why he even cares…

 

 Isn’t he on the same bed where he let Slade seduce him? Where he laid naked complaining about this very man that is now right now cradling him, the man who abandoned him in a police state managed by his nemesis? Who let his own father die? Who slept next to a woman on a beach resort while his son became flesh and bone tied to a chair?

 

“I won’t son,” His father swore. “ I promise…”

[mscoyditch]

In ‘Extinct and Endangered,’ Photographer Levon Biss Magnifies the Potential Loss of Insects Around the Globe

June 28, 2022

ThisIsColossal.com

Grace Ebert

All images © Levon Biss, courtesy of the American Museum of Natural History, shared with permission

Madeira Brimstone

Despite existing on separate continents thousands of miles apart, the Madeira brimstone and giant Patagonian bumblebee are experiencing similar hardships. The former, which inhabits the islands it inherits its name from, is dealing with an invasive species decimating the trees its caterpillars require pre-metamorphosis, while the latter has been struggling to survive in its native Chile after farmers introduced domesticated European bees to aid in crop pollination. Both species are in danger and are part of an ongoing exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History conveying what’s at stake if their species are lost entirely.

Extinct and Endangered is comprised of massive, macro shots by Levon Biss, a British photographer who’s amassed a stunningly diverse collection of images with a variety of natural subject matter from dried seeds to iridescent insects. Biss often collaborates with institutions like the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the Oxford Museum of Natural History, gaining access to their archives and selecting specimens. He then takes about 10,000 individual images using various lenses that are then stitched together to create extraordinarily detailed shots of beetles, moths, and butterflies.

Raspa Silkmoth

From the American Museum of Natural History’s collection of more than 20 million, Biss chose just 40 creatures, some of which have already vanished. “To know an insect will never exist on this planet again, primarily because of human influence, is upsetting and emotional. And it’s humbling,” he told The New York Times. “As an artist, it’s the thing that drives me on to make that picture as good as it can be.”

Spanning up to eight feet, the photos are immense in scale and focused on each specimen’s striking forms, whether the undulating wings of the 17-year cicada or the intimidating tusk-like appendages of the lesser wasp moth. Biss hopes that Extinct and Endangered, which is on view through September 4, will raise awareness about the rapid decline in insect populations around the world. “I want people to be in awe of their beauty but to also be damn sad about why they’re being put in front of them,” he says.

Prints of the collection are available on Biss’s site, and you can explore an extensive archive of his works on Instagram.

Nine Spotted Lady Beetle

Giant Patagonia Bumblebee

Sabretooth Longhorn Beetle

17 year Cicada

Blue Calamintha Bee

Lesser Wasp Moth

[the-last-kenobi]

Hi, how are you? Hope all is well) Can you please write "Where have you been" with Anakin and a very very depressed and sad Obi?

Of course!

From this various prompts list.

I admit I wasn’t sure exactly which angle you were hoping for, but this is the one my brain liked, so here we are.

_

Anakin’s hand shook slightly as he ran the cloth over the glass mug, turning it in his hands. Water beaded up in the wake of his first attempt, so he went back again a little slower, making sure he left no smudges behind. Then he carefully placed it in the cabinet where it belonged, each shelf lined with different mugs, most of them glass, a few of them seemingly random — porcelain, wood, something that looked like clay, a deep red crystalline substance.

Anakin knew that the ones that weren’t glass had all, once, belonged to Qui-Gon.

They were used rarely. Carefully. Cherished like treasures.

The rest, the glass, those were Obi-Wan’s.

He liked the perfection of glass, its transparency, the way he could watch the teas he brewed and steeped changing, colors swirling and fading beneath his fingers.

Anakin found them difficult to maintain and hard to clean.

His hand shook again, and he quickly put down the towel and set aside the next mug, turning away from the still untidy kitchen.

His gloved metal hand raked through his hair.

It was late.

It was very late.

He walked to the window and brushed aside the curtain with one hand, confronted first with his own ghostly reflection, and then focusing on the view outside. It was pouring down rain. A rare enough occurrence here on Coruscant, and tonight, of all nights, when Obi-Wan could be out there.

He could be anywhere.

Anakin didn’t know.

Obi-Wan had been missing for twenty-nine hours.

He had walked out of their shared quarters while Anakin was visiting Padmé, sometime in the early evening yesterday, leaving his cloak behind, leaving his lightsaber behind.

And then he was gone.

Anakin had searched all the usual places. He’d reached out to Dex, and alerted Mace Windu and Healer Che, and sent Ahsoka to check with the crèche and Initiates dorm in case he was there playing with and teaching the little ones. He’d contacted Bail and Padmé, and gained permission after the twelve hour mark to examine the security holos.

There was nothing.

It was as if Obi-Wan Kenobi had stepped over the threshold of their door and just fallen out of existence.

Anakin watched rain lash against the window, scattering his pale reflection into twisted fragments, and tried to remind himself that he had already been searching for twenty-five hours straight. That he hadn’t slept or eaten. That Master Koon had forbidden him from going out into the storm to search, when they already had rested and armored troopers doing a steady sweep of the Temple perimeter, even when they didn’t know if Obi-Wan had actually left the grounds.

The Temple was massive.

He could be hiding in an unused wing, or in the depths of the dustiest levels, or in the back of the Archives, or the towers.

No, not the Archives. Master Nu had already searched there and that woman would never miss so much as a hair out of place in her domain, much less a High Councilor.

Anakin had heard Master Mundi making noises about a possible trap or an abduction.

And while that was bad — nightmarish — to contemplate, Anakin had his own fears, and they felt much more realistic, much too close for comfort.

Anakin flung himself down on the sofa with his head in his hands and tried not to admit that he was frightened.

He had seen Obi-Wan like this before. Back when they were a new partnership and Qui-Gon was dead but there was still so much of him living in the Temple, like the mugs, one still the on the countertop with a faint imprint of his lips staining the rim, or his spare cloaks and boots, and the trinkets and potted plants that filled every available space. And Obi-Wan had...

Well. Whenever he thought Anakin wasn’t paying attention, he was so quiet. He barely slept for days and then slept too much. He hardly ate and then ate random things at random times. He hardly smiled.

He wandered off.

Alone.

The worst time had been when Anakin was six months in to his apprenticeship. He had woken up with a terribly bad feeling to find his Master missing from his bed, and with the unerring instinct of a worried child, he had shot off in search of Master Yoda, who had quietly raised the alarm amongst the older Masters. It was Master Windu who had found Obi-Wan, quiet and shrunken and apathetic, concealed in one of the many gardens, letting the life of the garden conceal his dimming force signature from view.

Anakin had clung to him like he was about to disappear, and Obi-Wan hadn’t seemed to really process that he was there...

Eventually he had pulled out of it. Anakin didn’t know how.

But this...

Anakin had been worried since Geonosis that he would lose his Master to death on the battlefield. Then there had been Ventress and Jabiim and Grievous and Dooku and Maul — Maul — and suddenly it felt like Obi-Wan was never safe. The war and his enemies chased him everywhere.

But Obi-Wan had lost friends and peers and younglings he had once taught or cradled in his arms when they were so very small, and his Master’s murderer had come back like a resurrected demon to plague him, to threaten his life and sanity and everyone he loved — and Satine had already paid with her life.

Others might.

And when Anakin had come racing back home from 500 Republica when he’d heard the news, it was already too late, and Obi-Wan had gone off all alone stars knew where.

That was enough.

Anakin leapt to his feet, his body trembling with fear and nausea, determined to ignore orders.

Damn their kindness and responsibility, damn the fact that he’d probably only get soaked and miserable, he was going out searching again.

Anakin strode towards the door on shaking legs.

It swung open before he neared it, and there was Obi-Wan.

Anakin gaped at him.

Obi-Wan stared blankly back. “...Anakin?”

“Obi-Wan,” Anakin breathed, staring at him, taking him in. He was without his cloak and lightsaber, as he had known he would be, and was soaking wet — completely sopping, as if he had swum in a lake rather than wandered about in a rainstorm.

“Obi-Wan,” he said again, his voice strained. “Where have you been?”

His Master continued to look blank. “I went out.”

“You went out? You’ve been gone for well over a day!” Anakin cried out. “Where have you been?”

Obi-Wan shrank away from the shouting. His blue eyes flickered around the room as if looking for an answer, or perhaps an escape, and still his expression was utterly detached. “I... I don’t know, really. Here and there.”

A pause.

“Was I really gone for so long?” he asked. He sounded distantly, disinterestedly bewildered, and Anakin broke.

“Yes!” he shouted, his face screwed up in anger, in an attempt to hold back childish tears. “Yes you have! You disappeared! There are people looking for you, and the Council was worried you’d been taken, and I was so— I was — so — I— you can’t do that to me, Obi-Wan, please, I was losing my mind!”

Obi-Wan’s blank expression finally shifted.

A look of confusion and worry built behind the vague blue eyes, and Anakin launched himself at his friend like he had all those years ago, locking his limbs around him in a fierce hug.

For a long moment it was like hugging a statue. A very cold, very wet statue that shivered ever so slightly.

But Anakin held on, determined to keep Obi-Wan right here, to keep him safe and warm, to make him understand that he was needed, that he could also rest, that it would all be okay if he just stayed. Stayed like he had before. His tunics began to absorb some of the icy moisture coming off his Master but he kept holding on, his face buried in Obi-Wan’s shoulder.

And slowly, Obi-Wan came to life.

His hands inched upwards to rest against his Padawan’s back, and he tilted his head so that he was leaning against Anakin’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice muffled. “I had no idea you’d be so concerned.”

“I wasn’t concerned, you absolute idiot, I was scared,” Anakin hissed, the confession both bitter and relieving on his lips. “How would you feel if I vanished with no word? For thirty hours?”

A long silence.

“Well,” Obi-Wan said thoughtfully, “I would be impressed with Padmé for not getting bored of you long before that.”

There was a dead silence.

Then a spluttered, incredulous laugh, and it took Anakin a moment to realize it was he who was laughing. His shoulders shook with it, with shock at the revelation of what Obi-Wan knew, that he wasn’t angry about it, that he was cracking stupid, mean, dumb jokes about it when Anakin was trying to be mad at him.

Obi-Wan chuckled quietly, and Anakin laughed harder, delighted that his friend was smiling, if only a little.

“You’re not off the hook you know,” he mumbled, guiding Obi-Wan to his rooms, planning on forcing him to take a hot shower and drink warm tea and maybe pull out one of Qui-Gon’s old cloaks, because that always helped.

“Neither are you,” Obi-Wan mumbled back, and squeezed his hand every so briefly.

~

When Plo Koon dropped by to check on Anakin, very early the next morning, he found him sleeping soundly on a chair, snoring quietly, his feet propped on the arm of the sofa, where Obi-Wan was fast asleep with an old cloak that was far too large for him draped over his body.

It was easy to forgive them to forgetting to inform the Guard to call off the search.

Mace could pretend to yell at them during their next Council meeting, during which, he was sure, the two friends would stand side by side, mischief in their eyes.

~