#sometimes the biggest comfort is knowing that other people have made the same mistakes as you

[save-the-villainous-cat]

Hello dearest kitty, I'm here begging on my knees for some fluff

Okay okay I'll stop, but it was a funny start especially after your least post, but I really love your writing and I would love to see you write some sub villain X dom hero fluff, about self care and maybe a little bit on self harm cuz I have exams and this is my comfort trope.

But regardless if you write it or not I want you to know that I really appreciate all your work and I it makes such a huge difference in my life, you're one of the people I can look at and be happy 😁💖

tw mention of self-harm

“This is…nice.” The villain frowned and hugged their own legs, almost as if they had never been in a bathtub before. Still tired, they leaned against the tiles of the bathroom wall. All the hero could focus on were their lashes when they closed their eyes.

Admittedly, the hero hadn’t considered this to be the result. They hadn’t expected to end up in bed with their nemesis. It would have been easier if this was part of a mission, they reckoned. But fate was much crueler.

Now feelings were involved. Complicated, difficult feelings. Sometimes they didn’t know if they should blame themselves or the villain. After all, the villain was devoted and passionate. They were tactical and brilliant.

And they were also pretty. Ridiculously pretty.

The hero swallowed.

Why was this happening to them out of all people?

“I don’t think anyone has ever made that kind of effort for me,” the villain said. They smiled and the hero’s heart dropped.

“You mean letting in some water?”

“Well, yeah…and the breakfast. The soft kisses. The massages, you know?” The villain looked at the hero again. “No one has ever done that for me.”

For the hero’s taste, they were too far away from each other. Even though the bathtub wasn’t the biggest, the hero didn’t want to sit on opposite ends. They worried their bottom lip between their teeth.

“Can you come closer?” they asked and the villain nodded, obeying quickly.

The hero let out a shaky breath they didn’t even know they were holding once the villain sat down on their hips. At this point, it was like a drug. The hero craved this affection and these hands on their skin.

It wasn’t just pleasure, it was something more vile. Something that could bleed and die, something that could destroy the hero within seconds.

A few hours ago, they hadn’t realised it. Not really. But now that they knew they weren’t just attracted to the villain, they needed to control themselves.

“You know you deserve it, right?” they asked. The villain didn’t meet their eyes, though. “You deserve nice things.”

“Is this a separating-work-and-personal-life-thing? Because we both know I’ve done despicable things in the past.” The villain looked ashamed. They let their thumb run along the hero’s biceps, almost as if they could distract themselves that way.

“No. I like you the way you are. Even the parts you deem ugly.” The hero touched the scars the villain had tried to hide yesterday gently. They couldn’t stop looking at their nemesis. At their perfect face, their perfect body. The hero wasn’t sure why their melancholy was taking over the now.

Yesterday, they’d been laughing and kissing. They’d never had that much fun in quite a while. But now, responsibility weighed heavy on their shoulders again and they couldn’t bear the feeling of saying goodbye in a few hours.

“You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”

“Have I ever been dishonest with you?” the hero asked. Brilliance wasn’t a gift. It was the result of hard work and the hero could appreciate and respect that the villain had been working just as much as they had. Both were the same in that aspect, destroying themselves because that seemed to be logical: working until you had results. No failing, no mistakes. 100%. All the time.

The villain smiled softly. Maybe even sadly.

“When you told me you love me yesterday?” they asked quietly but the hero already shook their head.

“No, that wasn’t a lie.” Their finger traced one of the villain’s scars. Somehow, the bathwater was getting hotter and hotter. The hero closed their eyes as they tried to calm down. “You’re lovely.”

It was only natural, wasn’t it? To be attracted to someone who challenged, yet matched them in so many ways? God, the hero was really at the end of their rope.

“Hm. You know, under all these layers—” the villain touched their chest “—of calculated and raw reason—” they drew a heart with their finger into the hero’s skin “—there’s a very gentle soul inside you.”

“Is that criticism or a compliment?” the hero asked. Again, looking at the villain made their stomach turn. In a good way. Kind of.

Their nemesis smiled.

“Just an observation,” the villain said. They leaned forward and kissed the hero’s cheek. “Thank you for taking care of me. I kinda suck at it.”

The hero’s hand was still on the villain’s scars.

“You just need a little bit of help, that’s all. Everyone does.” The villain was still so close. If the hero moved their head a little, they’d be kissing.

Hell, why was their heart beating so fast?

“Do you think I could be better?” the villain asked. “Do you think I could change?”

“Change is inevitable,” the hero explained. “But I…I got you.”

They held onto the villain a little tighter this time and honestly, they knew why their heart ached when they brought them home.

[honestlyspookytyphoon]

Then why are you here?

Summary: Y/N attends the national premiere of a sports documentary and Charles cannot help but fall for her. But does Y/N feel the same?

Word count: +/- 1.2k

Author’s note: I gave the story a little twist, but I hope you like it! English is not my first language so sorry for any bad writing and spelling mistakes. It took longer than expected, but work was a pain…

Warning: None, I guess?  

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

It was a rainy and cold evening in November. The street were covered in darkness, although it was just over 5 p.m. The thermometer outside the pharmacy a little further down the street indicated 9°C, which was a normal temperature this time of year in other parts of Europe but it was highly uncommon in the small Mediterranean princedom.

Charles sighed. After a long and exhausting day, he wanted nothing more than to stay home and enjoy the comfortable warmth and quietness of his own apartment. But he could not because, tonight, the Ferrari documentary premiered in Monaco. It was a beautiful documentary about the history of Ferrari in F1, starting with the introduction of the legendary Italian brand to racing and over the numerous WDC’s and successes to the rather saddening truth of today.

Charles usually did not mind attending official events, especially when they were this close to his home. He was proud to be a Ferrari driver and held font memories of his time as member of the Ferrari Driver Academy. He never had to worry about what he should wear, practically having an Armani suit for every day of the year. He never had to worry about not knowing anyone or feeling out of place, since it were mostly him and Carlos people were waiting for.

Of course, the 2023 was not going great at all, but Charles knew how to put things into perspective. It sucked, sure, but every F1 team has had one or more seasons in which things did not go well and Charles had been through worse in his life. Also, the PR team of Ferrari had made clear to the press that tonight should be about the rich history of the brand and that questions about the ongoing season could be asked at other times.

Then why was Charles not so keen on getting ready?

He could blame it on the fact that his mom and brothers would not be there. He could blame it on the weather or the rigorous training Mattia had put him through today. He could blame it on the lack of rest he has had recently, that the constant travelling got to him. Deep down, however, Charles knew the real reason and he almost felt pathetic about it. Tonight would just be another event he attends alone, without a plus one. Charles normally did not mind being single that much – he had a great circle of family and friends – but at nights like this, he did.

It was during moments like this that he wanted to be more like Pierre. His best friend, but also the biggest Casanova he knew. Ever since childhood, Charles and Pierre both have had a more than fair share of female attention but both coped with it differently.

Charles has always been the serious one, the one being in long-term relationships. Charles met beautiful women every day, but he did not go any further unless he knew it could be more. Pierre, however, was the complete opposite. He was the textbook definition of a player and never hesitated to use his fame and money to get the girl he wanted. Like yesterday, when he texted Charles that he fixed a date for tonight. He met her in a club and sealed the deal less than one hour in. “It could be a fling, it could be more, but whatever it is, we at least had a fun time together”, Pierre said. And sometimes, Charles wished he could look at it the same way.

The alarm beeped. 6 p.m. Time to get ready.

.....

The red carpet went better than expected and the documentary was beautiful. Now that the press and fans were gone, Charles felt like he could finally relax. He went to the bar to get a drink for him and Sebastian when he spotted her.

She caught his eye already earlier that night, when he saw her searching for her seat. Charles thought she was stunning. She was wearing a black silk blouse, dark green wide leg trousers and a pair of solid black heels, adding a good 7 cm to her height if Charles had to guess. He liked that she did not wear any red, as almost all of the other guests did. She had finished off her look with some subtle jewellery and her hair was styled in a messy bun, which accentuated her gorgeous facial features. He got himself wondering who she was, as the after-party was F1-exclusive and he was sure that he would have remembered meeting her at the track.

During his conversation with Sebastian, he could not focus; she was all he could think of. When Charles once again nodded at the wrong time, Sebastian had enough. “Oh god, Charles, just go”, he snickered, “instead of standing here, pretending to be interested in my stories. Ask for her name. She is here alone it seems, and I am sure she would like to talk to you. So…”  Charles even did not wait for Sebastian to finish his sentence.

“Hi”, Charles said.

“Oh, hi”, she answered.

A solid 30 seconds past without Charles saying anything. Y/N started to think that he had mistaken her for somebody else.

“I am sorry. Are you looking for someone else?”, she asked.

“No”, Charles replied, “I…I wanted to meet you, actually.”

“Really? Okay.”

“Yeah, it’s just…this after-party is exclusively for people linked to F1 and I haven’t seen you before, that’s all”, he rambled. He felt the heat rising to his cheeks. Dammit

“You’re right”, she admitted, “I have nothing to do with F1 actually…or not for now, at least.”

Charles was visibly confused. “Then why are you here?” A pause. “I am sorry, that came out wrong”.

“It’s fine. I am an acoustical engineer and Mr. Vaseur invited me to see if I have any interest in joining the team in Maranello. Instead of telling me why to choose for Ferrari, he suggested that I came to watch the documentary”, she said, “and I’ll admit that I am impressed.”

“My name is Y/N by the way. Very nice to meet you, Charles”, she reached out her hand, “I am a fan.”

“Nice to meet you to, Y/N, and I am glad to hear that!”  He could feel his mojo coming back.

“Can I buy you a drink?”

“The drinks are free here, Charles”, she laughed, “but I would love to have a drink with you.”

Charles and Y/N continued to talk for the rest of night.

.....

“And that, Y/D/N, is how I met your mother”, Charles said, tickling the belly of his newborn daughter who was lying in his arms.

 “Oh god, Charles”, Y/N chuckled, “She is just 2 months old. She doesn’t get it.”

“I don’t care, Y/N, I like the story and she does too. Look how calm she is!” he said.

“It seems to me that you are the only one not enjoying it”, he hinted, “and I am offended, Y/N!”

Charles brought his hand to his chest, faking to be heartbroken.

“You know I love it, Charles. And you know I love you, too, so much”, Y/N said, draping her arms around his shoulders.

“What will you do when Y/D/N is all grown up and doesn’t want to hear the story anymore, like never?”, Y/N teased.

“She won’t. But if she would…”, Charles said, turning his head to face his beautiful wife, “I guess we’ll have to make another mini-us to pass the story onto.”

[geonwooz]

♡ DATING HEADCANONS — KIM GUNWOO

bf!gunwoo x reader | wc : 0.7k words | content : possible grammar and spelling mistakes, lowercase intended, domestic fluff, established relationship, swearing | request — hello👋 if it's not a bother for you can i pls request dating and jealousy headcanons for geonwoo and woojin? it's alright if you don't. thank you anyways

gunwoo is such a soft boy like he’s so taylor swift song coded

not even a specific song, like if all her pretty love songs were made into a person; it’d be kim gunwoo

even though gunwoo is literally an almost six-foot muscle man built like mike tyson, when you first met him, the urge to protect him was saur bad

like you two would be the epitome of that hyper gf x calm bf meme pic

even if you are the biggest introvert ever, being with gunwoo makes you tap into that 1% extrovert in you which makes him so happy because it means you comfortable with him and that makes him so 🥺😭🥺😭

when you first starting dating, he was so pleasantly surprised by everything because this was a new territory for him

his lifestyle before you was just eat, train, sleep, and repeat — so this man had the shock of his life when dating you

the “good morning” and “good night” texts and the texts informing him what you were doing throughout the day + texts asking him what he was doing

he loved the way you’d always text him, even if it was like just a shower thought off the top of your head

literally everyone around him knew he was dating because bro kept using every free second of his to use his phone and the nonstop smiling at his phone like an idiot was a big giveaway

gunwoo is a selfless guy, meaning he’s always putting his loved ones before himself — and while you loved that for him, you always made sure to let him know when he needed to take care of himself

or you’d just take care of him yourself because you loved doing that

if he gave you flowers, you’d do the same after a couple of days, just wordlessly letting him know you loved him just as much as he loved you

even when you did something for him, he’d return the gesture, acknowledging your love for him and showing his love for you

as i said earlier, you are the hyper gf to his calm bf so one agenda i would like to touch on is how at one point you’d definitely be his curse dispenser of sorts

we know how gunwoo is a respectable gentleman who treats people with respect even in circumstances he doesn’t necessarily need to

so that’s where you come in, adding swear words between his sentences to make his words sound fiercer even tho manz probably has his polite smile on his face the entire time

“listen here-” “-you fucking asshole.” “just tell us what kim myeonggil is upto or-” “-we’ll shove your head so far up your ass, you’ll be able to eat your own shit.”

ok so maybe sometimes you have a little too much fun, which results in both your boyfriend and his woojin-hyung just staring at you, completely concerned

but they both love you, so a win is a win

honestly, gunwoo’s mama absolutely adores you and woojin feels the same, both of them just glad that gunwoo now has someone to take care of him and love him just like he takes care of others and loves them

you are always spending whatever free time you have with gunwoo’s mum and it warms his heart to see you two getting along together because honestly that’s all he needs in his life

if his loved ones adored you as much as you adored him, then that was it; he was indeed the happiest person in the world

it doesn’t take you long into the relationship for you to be comfortable with gunwoo, and he absolutely feels like he’s on cloud nine every time you mention how comfortable you are with him

like you can behave like an absolute madman, and he’d just love you harder — i don’t make the rules, it is what it is

so you best bet you sometimes leave your manz so bamboozlingly confuzzled by the most out of pocket questions you ask him because you have a curious mind

“why are buildings called buildings if they are already built?” “jagiya, please, it’s two in the morning.”

you two are a force to be reckoned with, i swear i feel bad for woojin already

sorrows sorrows prayers

TAGLIST :: @missscarlettangel (TO BE ADDED, PLEASE COMMENT, SEND AN ASK OR DM!)

[cannellee]

how did you get so good at writing? i'm so deprived of Tokyo Rev content (not that there isn't alot but I read so much that I basically refresh AO3 and tumblrs tags every day to see if anything new has been posted), that i'm almost to the breaking point of a Thanos "fine i'll do it myself" and starting up writing again Is it just practice? Is it better to post cringey writing that isn't that good ;-; I think I fall into the trap of making any OC or y/n Mary Sue and some authors write with such prose and emotion that i'm like dang how can I write like that love your work!!!! always re-reading <3

first of all thank you so much for all of your kind messages!!! you're literally so sweet😭

(I really tried to be useful and concise, I hope it's not too messy/long : i'm definitely not a real author so my tips might be really bad and specific too😭)

I actually started writing tokyorev abo content precisely because of that reason, I felt like I read everything about it and I couldn't find anything more, especially one with scenarios I actually like. this is why I started my blog!

I honestly wasn't so sure about opening my own blog on tumblr. of course you're bound to compare your work to other authors out there who are definitely wayyy better at writing than you, which is why I hesitated a lot.

but! I already had an account on wattpad where I posted fics, so I felt like my cringey era was behind me (it was easier for me to start here because i knew what my mistakes were when writing and what i struggled with. whereas, when i just started on wattpad, i really felt unsure if i was doing correctly + i was younger, so less sure of myself). but wattpad really helped me see what made my work cringey, what parts were unnecessary and stuff like that.

but what is so frustrating is how bad my writing is in english compared to how I'm able to write in my maternal language. like, when I read other posts and everything with better vocabulary, grammar, who know how to articulate sentences and words, you can tell it's something you can only achieve by being reallyyy comfortable with english. I'm not saying I struggle with english or anything, but the language barrier was one of my biggest doubts when I thought about starting posting fics here on tumblr.

also! when I write something and think it's cringey, I let it marinate for a few days and read it again. it's easier to judge my writing when I put some distance with it, then I correct my mistakes and stuff like that. but really, writing and writing is the only way you'll be able to improve, so it should really not stop you!

but in the end, I don't think anybody ever started writing fics and was automatically good at it. you really have to try and see what works and what doesn't. youre able to see what post gets more attention than the other and try and understand why : is it because of a character or the scenario was better or is it your writing ? feedbacks on your work really help actually, so don't be afraid to try even if youre not fully convinced and confident! I posted cringey stuff too and I still do sometimes😭 I know people do a wayy better job than me, but I really like to write so I don't let it stop me from posting.

and for the y/n character, I try to make her and her reactions as neutral as possible and make her do stuff anyone would do in those situations. but I honestly can't deny that I sometimes fall into those stereotypical y/n writing, which I actually enjoy☠️. but I really try to have her say normal stuff, not describe her too much and basically just think of her as the most basic girl you could meet (generic ahh traits : kind, sweet, bubbly, soft spoken...). some people hate that and some don't, I just write what I'm most comfortable with.

same, if you to start writing you should start by doing stuff and scenarios which you really like and inspire you. don't go and try to write something you know people will like, but rather something you're confident in writing because that's a character you like and know how to describe, and because you have so much ideas which would really fit him etc.

and what helped me are the headcanons with the lists. maybe you noticed, maybe you didn't, but I used to list stuff when I started posting. it's just easier to structure my ideas, to see them more clearly. writing huge paragraphs are actually more of a hardwork I think, because everything has to follow the precedent idea and it has to be comprehensible, linked to what you're gonna say next etc. if you list what you wanna say, you can talk about how a character's personality is like and then change the subject radically without having to think and care about the transitions and overall plan (of course if it's too out of pocket it looks weird, but I hope you understand what I mean)

and if you want to write stories and not do little headcanons, what I do when I'm stuck and don't know what to write is that I also sometimes only write a part I really like and leave the beginning (or any other part) for another time when I'll be more inspired. I really don't have any hierarchy when I'm trying to find ideas, I wait for them to come naturally. I don't know what else I could say, it's really messy lmao😭

I hope you found it useful! you definitely will find people who write way better than me and who can help and guide you better than that, with better tips... that was more like my experience on tumblr than anything else, but I hope it could help you!!

[muchymozzarella]

Here's more Miguel O'Hara thots for the Miguel girlies:

The Escalation Of Rage: or why Miguel O'Hara doesn't hate Miles Morales but you feel like he does

I see a lot of people saying that Miguel hates Miles but that's not the case at all. It's more that Miguel has years of misplaced resentment, stress, terror, anxiety, and uncontrollable rage (made worse by trauma, possibly his serum, definitely all the stress he puts himself under) that he ends up putting on Miles when Miles becomes a threat to his perceived multiverse stability.

It's most likely Miguel didn't give much thought to Miles Morales after branding him The Original Anomaly and telling others to avoid him. Probably he looked in on him sometimes to see if he grew unstable but otherwise didn't have a strong opinion on him.

When they first meet you might think Miguel is mad at Miles because he throws a whole garbage can at him, but he's probably used to Spider people and their Spider sense and he's literally just having a tantrum, because he doesn't direct his anger at Miles, but at Gwen. Mostly he's probably mad at Miles for disrupting the canon event but in the same moment he acknowledges Miles couldn't have known but Gwen knew better.

Then he explains his world view to Miles. There's even a bit of banter:

"The Spider-verse"

"That's.... Stupid. It's the Arachnoid Humanoid Polymultiverse. Which is. Also. Stupid."

Gets Miles to smile. They get along for a moment.

Then Miguel reveals the Spider-person trauma that they share. Then his biggest mistake. Surely Miles will understand the stakes. Miguel is gentle, and calm, and even tries to comfort Miles.

But the moment Miles wants to go against his worldview, his fear of losing a whole universe makes him decide that capturing Miles is the best solution.

He hates what he has to do, but he has to do it.

We know that Miguel has a temper. He's so quickly frustrated and annoyed, and it's played for comedy, but it's been there since the first scene he's in. So the moment Miles is able to escape, that temper flares.

He's frustrated, annoyed, but he's not yet enraged. He moves like a predator and that makes you think he's already enraged, already hateful, already prepared to hurt Miles, but that's just a visual trick. He ALWAYS moves like that. He's scary. But he doesn't stick to things. He uses claws. He's enormous.

The movie has tricked you into thinking he's dangerous before he's dangerous. They don't tell you he doesn't stick to things, they don't tell you why he's so huge. So every move he makes feels like a predator or monster chasing down prey.

But the truth is, it's just your average Spider-Man chase.

Until it isn't.

He's not dangerous. Until he is.

Because the tone of the chase changes. Miguel doesn't use his claws on Miles despite every opportunity to, so he doesn't hurt him, not really. But then Miles asks if Miguel is really Spider-Man. It's not clear if this affects Miguel personally, but he follows that thread anyway.

Maybe he's enraged by Miles' words. Or maybe he simply wants Miles to give up. So he reveals something he kept back in the compound. He didn't tell Miles, maybe because he didn't want to hurt him, but now...

Miles fought back. Kicked him in the face, almost got him to fall off the train. No holds barred, they're now trading blows. Miles is hitting him, so he hits back, physically and verbally, hurts Miles because he's no longer dealing with a kid in that moment. He's dealing with a threat.

Miguel is at the end of his rope. All his resentment, stress, terror, trauma, all of it poured into Miles Morales.

What he says is that Miles should have never been Spider-Man.

What he doesn't say is that Miguel never would have been THIS, never been this broken, angry, terrifying version of himself if the Peter from Miles' Universe stopped the Collider.

He blames everything that's gone wrong in his life since he first took on the multiverse on the original anomaly that started from Miles' Universe, but not Miles himself. Yet Miles is here, Miles is fighting him, Miles is the one to take that blame.

And finally, Miles ends the fight by almost killing him. Not on purpose, obviously, but Miguel almost falls off that train and Miles does nothing to save him both because the point is escape but also because he trusts Miguel to catch himself.

But now Miguel is at his limit. He's enraged. He's monstrous. And when Miles is successfully able to escape in the Go-Home Machine, all Miguel can think about is everything falling apart in front of his eyes.

Again.

Because (in his mind) one person was being "selfish" (Miles. Himself) and wouldn't see the bigger picture.

Why Didn't He Listen?

Miguel O'Hara's escalation is honestly masterful. The crescendo of his anger, the way he becomes a full antagonist, and how terrifying that looks. Everyone was so convinced Miguel was a friend and ally, and he was.

Until he wasn't.

[sillystringsimpsons]

THE D'AMICO CRIME FAMILY RELATIONSHIP MAP.

Content warnings: brief mention of sexual abuse, cartoon imagery of blood, cigars, cigarettes, discussion of struggling to transition, discussion of physical trauma. This AU is centred around a criminal organisation and by default involves mature themes.

Over hours, through a painstaking design process, I created an illustrated map detailing the relationships between frontal characters in my Simpsons alternate universe, The Good Ones. A lot of love and effort has been put into this, so I hope you guys like it! If there are any characters you'd like to see drawn, just let me know.

More info and close ups of icons beneath cut!

I know I always say this, but interactions, especially questions would mean SOSOSOSOSOSOSO much to me, as I've put so much thought into this and would LOVE to yap to interested people about it. I know art is done for oneself, but it feels really good to share my creations and hyperfixations with the Simpsons community :)

For every character, I drew a little icon and wrote a line of dialogue, in order to give some inside into their personality and traits in a concise way. A few further explanations and elaborations are given below!

Valentina 'Tits' Albertini Her icon is a visual pun, featuring two Great Tits drawn in the colours of the transgender flag.

Aside from Memphis, Valentina is the only other explicitly genderqueer character in the AU's focus (Lucy-Mae is heavily implied to fall under the nonbinary umbrella, but she never personally feels the need to explore it further, and is happy with identifying as female). Her former nickname was a play on how ballsy of a person she is within the mafia - though Cora is a wildcard, she makes very rash decisions: Valentina is both calculated and bold, and her current nickname is a crude (fittingly), but well-spirited adaptation introduced by Memphis. After coming out, she experiences backlash from Tony, who is concerned her late transition will impact the image of the mob. Memphis, being a trans man, asks him why Valentina is any different from himself, and in the heat of the moment, Tony exclaims that half the people in their own family have no idea that he's transgender, which leads to some tension between the two. Tits' main character arc revolves around her exploration of gender and gender expression, and the character that plays the biggest role in it is Tony's son, Michele (purposefully drawing parallels between Tony and Memphis' own relationship, and showing social change between generations).

Michele 'Softfoot Mikey' D'Amico His icon is a nod to his (in this AU) love of ballet, and how he uses it to his advantage in his role as an underboss.

Michele is a simple evolution on Tony's canon son, Michael D'Amico. In this AU, he's been aged up to 23, and instead of having an unconventional love for cooking, has an unconventional love for ballet dance. Most all of his other traits have been kept the same, however, aside from the obvious fact that he's more rational and mature than his in-canon counterpart. He's straight, but is portrayed as very effeminate - and comfortably so. Mikey really just is a girlboss who never fails to (sometimes literally) slay.

Cora 'Connie the Howler' Mezzasalma Her icon plays on her nickname, portraying a dog with some of her key characteristics, such as a matching necklace given to her by her adoptive brother, as well as a splatter of blood - presumably from one of her usual 'errors'. Her nickname refers to the colloquial term howler, meaning a laughable mistake.

Frankie's awkward adoptive sister of Greek origin, Cora was initially made with the sole purpose of providing a dynamic for Frankie, outside of his relationship with Johnny (which is still the primary relationship explored), but she really grew as a character. Initially I made the name 'Connie the Howler' on the fly as a sort of female version of 'Frankie the Squealer', but I ended up actually putting the effort in to rationalise it and bring it into her character. The result was an awesome little dynamic between two characters who were equally stupid, but in very different ways. She may be responsible for a number of incorrect hits, as well as a good few accidental deaths and injuries, but at the end of the day, she's a silly girl at heart who really synergises with her brother's anxious energy.

Maximus 'Legs' Legman & Luis 'Louie' Walters Both of their icons refer to an car accident the both of them got into, wherein Legs, ironically, suffered severe damage to his legs (resulting in the amputation of his left one), and Louie underwent significant cranial trauma.

The two do admittedly have a closer relationship because of the shared experience, though they both experience significant impacts. Notably, Louie develops Broca's aphasia (yes, I know the injury is on the wrong side, that's my bad), a form of non-fluent aphasia where one's quality of speech and grammatical structure is significantly diminished - even though the words are in your head, you cannot get them out, usually due to damage to the area of the brain responsible for the production of speech. Louie really struggles in the aftermath, and has a difficult time adapting to his disability. Thankfully, he's got his friend there to help him through it.

[rosekisspeach]

TAROT READING//Jjong's view on mingkey relationship

Date: 23/Jan/2024 Marker: Jjong's songs Deck of Cards: The Wandering Spirit (spirit, empathy, comfort, consolation)

Notes Upfront:

I don't ask my cards questions that I already have answers;

I don't prey on information I should not know;

I respect their personal lives and;

This is for FUN ONLY.

✦ I want to share with you these little "reading-come-true" moments: Bummie mentioned his grandma on hyeri's talk show, how much he misses her, and described his biggest fear is having no one to love. However I also said that he is facing "setbacks!!" in work, I think you know what I am referring to and I will talk about it more later ✦

In this special reading, please be open-minded about spirits, after-lives, and other non-traditional concepts!!

The deck I am using to chat with Jjong is The Wandering Spirit Tarot. Since I started talking to him, all the cards I got from him are REVERSED (in total of 20 cards!!), but when I ask about other members -> jjong, the cards are normal presenting both upright and reversed. That said, I take reversed cards from jjong only as a proof of connection, and interpreting them the same as the upright meaning.

Time to dance

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Base Card: 10 of Cups & Consulation Bummie: 4 of Coins; Suggestion: Ace of Swords Ming: Hierophant; Suggestion: 3 of Swords Mingkey Relationship: Knight of Swords; Suggestion: Death Mingkey Work: The Hanged Man; Suggestion: Justice

To my surprise, Jjong finds the overall dynamic between ming and bummie healthy and even to some extend, fulfilling. I assumed he'd be more censorious, hehe, but he is in peace and happy about the bond mingkey has built these years. "They got better with each other", is what he is trying to say, and especially at communicating their emotions (10 of Cups) that they can hold and pull each other up when sorrow consumes their tender hearts. It is very beautiful, and I told Laura (twi) that Jjong knew he left a legacy for everyone in this world: the lesson of care, love, empathy. Minho and kibum learnt to round their edges so they can have long conversations in supportive tone to console. Jjong is always watching over them. Even sometimes bummie does not want to approach him, as he complains. Because it is more often bummie comforting ming in warm hugs and soothing words, instead of allowing himself to accept the love from other people.

What Jjong wants to say to Bummie:

"Decide wisely. Take sometime to think through what is more important in your life...because it is not the materials. You know that. It is tough times, and to unlearn a habit that roots in your hard-working moral is not easy. I am always here to help. You should talk to me instead of repressing it to yourself..I am proud of you. And it is also okay to cry, my love."

Besides Jjong's words, I also want to add that bummie should be careful with his physical health: chest pain, joint pain, and headaches caused by insomnia. One of the problems come out of his over-working is insufficient rests. And despite the vitamins and health products bummie is having, he has eating problems (esp Keyland is happening soon and he always limits his appetite before events like such). Grab a good dinner and let out the exhaustion throughout tears after Keyland seem a good option to relax. Both jjong and I believe bummie is able to take good care of himself, but we want him to feel supported all the time. Looking at the ace of swords, I do see that bummie needs to be resilient in balancing his work and personal life. Trying new things while patiently reflecting will be good for him.

And do not blame yourself when mistakes are made, bummie. We cannot be omniscient, nor do we have the power to control everything. Staying silent must feel like suffocating. Embrace them. Embrace and grow.

What Jjong wants to tell Ming:

"Minho ah...listen to heart, but also listen to your brain. I know you find yourself lost in the middle of the sea, and you desperately hold on to stability. We are all on the path of life, what a huge waste if we reach the destination too early? And don't you quibble that you are not addicted to the pain of grieving me. Trust your decision."

!! I am going to share my honest thoughts here, because the same theme appears and appears when I read about ming. The painful memories are thorns that wrapped around ming's ankles, but it isn't because he can not break free, it is because Minho does not want to break free. At this point, there is no good of indulging the pain. The three of swords is commonly showed in the pattern of three swords stabbing into a red heart in Rider system, while it manifests heartbreaking sadness, it also stresses a harmony that comes out the experience. Ming probably does not realize that he builds his stability upon the loss of jjong, and despite how comfortable it must feel to connect with loved ones throughout the shared pain, he needs learn to be at the present (++why bummie wants ming to see him as himself not as a grieving co-dependency partner). I always find it mind-assuring that ming is close with many elder figures, hyungs such as Changmin, because he does indeed need mentors to guide and support him in finding the keys to re-open his heart. Also, I think ming should try/is trying meditation, which is good because he spends so much energy bodily, it must feels unbalanced if the brain is not up to same level use.

Minkey Relationship + Work

let's listen to sweet misery while reading, hehe, I think jjong will also enjoy the song.

나를 이끌어 네게로 Baby please never let go I'm in sweet misery

Okay, in a sum that from Jjong's perspective he does encourage mingkey to try new dynamic so to ease any tension that still remains between them. As I said earlier, I expected jjong to be a little more critical, and here we are, the hyung is expecting MORE. He does have something to say about the status quo bummie is keeping, because he knows that hurts ming (looking the gestures between the girl and the skeleton in knights of swords) and ming is just being polite not showing how hurt he is. Do notice that sometimes ming jokes about bummie being the meanest person in the world, and he tries to retort helplessly in venerable tone.

Be gentle with ming, bummie. You gotta know that Minho sometimes feel small in front of you, even with that 5.9 and bodybuilding champion figure. Gives him a chance to make decisions in your relationship so you can let out the breathe you have been holding. Give him some trust. And be proactive with bummie, ming. Bummie needs space, respect, and most importantly, trust. Making bummie to understand how much you trust his decision, and how much he could trust you. I mean...you overcome so many difficulties, try apply this mindset when you are with bummie more because a little part of bummie just waits for you to take the lead. Take his hands and walk out of the sweet misery.

If we compare the patterns between now (base card: ten of cups) and what jjong expects (the death card). We can see that the girl who is hugging the skeleton is now hugged by the skeleton. It indeed shows that why jjong wants they to break the status quo because ming is then able to better show his support, that their dynamic changes and "bummie retrieving from support" would switch to them "mutual supporting". It is better because they do not need to knee, as to compromise in bonding, but finding the right angle to cuddle comfortably.

As forJjong's suggestion about mingkey's works...before I delve into the reading, both Laura and I pulled out the hanged man card (mine before the M@donald promotion and hers afterwards) . I am deeply concern about bummie. I understand the situation must have brought frustration and anger to many, and I hope to comfort you in peaceful words. As I typed here the textbook reading of the hanged man here:

"Face the current situation with calm and serenity. Acknowledge reality is not what was expected and quietly reflect, Doing this brings a calm mind, the removal of anxiety and fear, and clear grasping of the situation. "

I hope to comfort you a little, despite it is so hard to sleep in knowing the pain, loss, and evilness. I guess it is what jjong will also suggest. Be compassionated, empathize, and always search for love.

From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

Both mingkey needs to balanced out their personal and working lives, especially in making correct decisions regarding what type of jobs they should be working on. Ming in praticular, has to be careful with jobs that 1) forbids him from seeing and expressing who he really is, 2) holds back him from exploring his potentials, and 3) physically too dangerous or challenging. In bummie's case, jjong has said enough about deciding between materials and spiritual, taking more rests and reflection are also important. However, I have to stress again that over-working also blinds bummie from deep connection, and the possibility to better bond with ming. I truly hope they will have some conversations after Keyland that ming can support bummie since jinki is resting and bummie cannot ask taem, a dongsaeng, to tell him everything is going to be ok.

and I miss you so much, it is so nice to chat, jjong.

-over-

find me on twitter @rosekisspeach

[hedicate]

Honestly I'm just going to leave this here because I know I'll literally never touch this app again after I delete it

I'm just going to drop the biggest rant I've ever dropped in my entire life right here right now cuz I'm not about to go out of my way to rant to someone I know doesn't care about me anymore and has already seemingly moved on with his life

You were not ready for a relationship and your behavior proved that to me, and so did deep thought and realization. Between the comparing my behavior to your exes all the way to hurting me to my core because of your outlashes on me. It was all too much for me and I hope to god you can heal from the things people have put you through before you put someone through the same thing you put me through. Does that make sense? I don't know.

I felt like after everything I did, all of the sacrifices I made it wasn't ever good enough for you. I felt like an animal in a cage being poked at by you and your friends, that no matter what I did to show you how much I love you and how much you could trust me, I will always be seen as the dirt under your shoe.

And when you were comfortable, this is when our 70%/30% effort problem began to happen. That's not being "comfortable", that's an unhealthy way of saying "alright guys! I don't want to participate anymore because I know he's just going to stay with me in the long run!"

If that's just "the way you are", I'm sorry but that's not a valid excuse for the way you treated me.

Things began to click for me after you told me, after five whole months, you haven't told me anything about yourself other than your trauma, I felt like I was talking to a complete and total stranger. Like I just told you everything about me, and you gave me a part of you that isn't even happening at this moment and you left it with me. Is that all you wanted? You wanted a place to dump your past off and leave it there?

The real cherry on top was you letting your ex REALLY affect the way you thought about me, letting him tell me off and disrespect me when you KNOW your own morals. I felt like I was in stocks, I felt like people were throwing tomatoes at me and laughing.

It's ALWAYS been me getting the backlash from you, and Mya, and Evan and everyone. You preach and preach on how it's both sides but I know you'll continue to validate your behavior and talk about me like I'm some sort of lesson to your friends, and not even the good kind. I know you enough to make something negative out of me because that's all you do, that's all you'll ever see me as.

That's not you piecing anything together in your head, that's not your automatic reaction. You'd repeat things over and over again because you ACTUALLY believed it, you were just too afraid to admit it to me because let me guess.. You were scared of me?

I sometimes wonder if we would've still been together if you hadn't let Evan come back, and the answer is no. That may be the only thing I'm thankful for, is for him making me realize that I could never be good enough for you no matter how much blood, sweat and tears I put into you. The fact that you could talk about him the way you spoke about me is heartbreaking and it says absolutely everything to me that needed to be said.

I hope you end up happy with Evan because we all know that you never even stopped loving him, you talk about him in ways that I've never seen you talk about anyone before including me. You act like I never loved you for you even though you never gave me the opportunity to, and you idolize him after I leave. You say you could never find the words to express your "love for me" but you seemed to find them perfectly for him and that makes everything crystal clear to me. YOU ARE IN LOVE WITH HIM, stop being in denial.

The COUNTLESS nights I've sobbed in my mother's arms, in my best friends arms over you because of the way you treated me. You made me feel worse about myself for even simply existing.

I admit I made mistakes in our relationship, plenty to count, but I always tried to fix my wrongdoing, even when I knew nothing would've changed the way you saw me.

I don't wish any ill will towards you or your friends, but you're dead to me. We are and never will be friends or acquaintances ever again and I won't ever reach out to you.

@notverytexanytexan

[kittycak3s]

This is gonna get long lol don't feel like u gotta read all this, just venting about my wheelchair + disability stuff for a bit (both good and bad)

I know there's a level of advantage that I have by being ambulatory that many wheelchair users don't but the fact that it's not safe for me to use my wheelchair in this hell house literally makes me want to cry

I miss my wheelchair so much. Even with my last living situation like I was treated terribly but I miss the comfort and freedom that came with having my wheelchair 24/7. Not having to constantly be afraid of being injured. About how I'm gonna be able to bathe, go downstairs to eat, just little basic things that I didn't have to think about to the same extreme prior to becoming physically disabled.

My wheelchair made me feel so safe, like I remember the first time I sat in it and it started to click how badly I needed it and how this would completely change my life I immediately cried lol

What's fucked up though is the way I'm literally treated *so much worse* in public because of my chair. People are more openly hostile. WAY more comfortable putting their hands on you without bothering to ask for consent. Will straight up tell you you cant enter their building / business or refuse to let you on buses

Yet almost every single time without fail when I say this around someone who doesn't use mobility aids (because I've unfortunately heard this from many other disabled people as well, as sad as that is to say) the response is to report them or sue them.

If I followed that advice there would never be a day that goes by where I wouldn't be in some kind of lawsuit. It would be a full time job. Like you don't understand just how *common* this is. When we say that ableism is unavoidable, we mean it.

I know a lot of wheelchair users would disagree but personally I really really wish more people would actually stand up for us.

I've felt so much safer when someone would intervene and tell someone to shut the fuck up or get away from me. When they accompanied me just to get where I needed to go (exiting / entering buildings etc) because I was being harassed. Reporting the ableism they'd witnessed. Even just staying near me to chat with me and keep me company was so comforting. The bar is literally in hell but like even when people just treat me like a *person* and don't constantly bring attention to my disabilities it means everything to me.

I hate job corps with every fiber of my being, but I miss the friends I had there so much. The people who'd ask to push my chair just because they had fun doing it instead of thinking I'm incapable of doing so myself. The people who would always be respectful with how they spoke to me and actually acknowledged *me* as a person. I hope they're in a better place now. Most of the staff were truly evil people but a few of them, and some of the students I'd bonded with are people I still think about all the time.

I don't expect you to be perfect, all I ask is that you treat me like a person and don't make it all about you if you make a mistake. It's okay to fuck up. The smallest gestures make the biggest difference sometimes.

I absolutely adore the people who care enough just to make sure we're physically + mentally okay, and who actually acknowledge the ableism we deal with on a regular basis. Thank you. I wish more people like that existed. The bystander effect thing is definitely a huge issue and god it really crushes your sense of hope

[elminx]

Energy Update: Weekend of 9/10/22

Well Mercury stationed retrograde and then our full moon in Pisces peaked 6 hours later - expect life to get fuckidy this weekend and hope for the best.

Because that's where we are at.

This weekend is a great weekend to go on a vision quest, talk to some spirits, do some dreamwork, or anything else liminal.

This weekend is poorly aspected for concrete work or deadlines.

Go with the flow. Don't fight the currents - don't jump in after somebody else if you haven't put your own gas mask on first. Double-check any and all correspondences. Save often. Perform a backup or routine check-up/check-in.

With Mercury retrograding in Libra (for the moment), all eyes are on the relationships in our lives that aren't working for us anymore. The ones that are built on an imbalance of power. The ones that we've stayed in because we were comfortable but chafe a bit around the edges.

If something is ending in your life right now, know that it is right on time.

This is part of a greater cycle that we've been in for the last year and a half as Saturn, our planet of constriction, squares off with Uranus, our planet of radical expansion. Sometimes things need to break so that you can see all of the pieces in their original forms.

Some things won't be able to be put back together. This is your cosmic sign that if it hasn't worked yet, it might be time to move the fuck on.

It can be hard to find compassion when we have so many planets in retrograde (right now it's Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto if you're counting). To top things off, Mars is in its pre-retrograde shadow in the sign of Gemini which is known for seeing all sides (to a fault) of an issue but having very little sticktoitness or kindness.

It might feel easier (in the moment) to stick your head in the sand and lie about what isn't working in your life. Gemini is one of the proverbial liar signs, for sure - one of the twins always tells the truth and one of them always lies, good luck figuring out which one is which. The biggest kindness that you can show yourself right now is to not turn away. To actively look - with a clear lens - at what is coming up in your life during these tense transits.

What isn't working? Our Sun in Virgo is a fixer so the energy is there to make things right but you need honesty and a healthy dose of discernment to see the solutions. Plus, Mercury in Libra needs everybody to be involved in the solution but through co-dependency, enmeshment, or the opposite radical independence (Aries is of course the opposite sign to Libra), a lot of people can't see what's theirs and what is other right now.

Everything will be murky at least through the rest of the weekend. This Pisces moon may want to lie about how good it all is and hope that it all goes away. Gemini Mars is on board with the misinformation train but our Virgo sun is going to sense the ruse. This is likely to show up domestically during this time.

Sometimes the lies families tell are the worst lies of all. The skeletons in the closets are talking this weekend - listen to them. Make the changes that need changing. Don't repeat that same old same old mistake that you've made 1,000x before. Don't wade into that murky water if you can't/don't want to swim.

Cut somebody a break this week. I really hope that somebody is you.

[neo-neos]

Can I give my unfiltered opinion on Till The World Ends?

Yes, because who the fuck is going to tell me I can't (Spoilers)

WARNING: I kinda popped off a little here and there, I do not mean harm... I promise. I just really enjoy putting my thoughts on paper sometimes. <3

I would like to start off with a bit of a disclaimer, I am skipping through like 70% of this show because after watching ep 1 I kinda already lost it but I would like to share my opinion anyway. I in no way am trying to make fun of the show or the actors or anything like that. I am just stating my findings that are based on legit nothing other than my opinion on like the few scenes I have fully watched.

In general

The concept/storyline is actually really cool, I think it's a very interesting idea, and was excited to see how this was going to go.

The biggest issue I have with this show is the acting and I ain't here to shit on actors at all but... Can I just say what I want to say? Golf (Best)... Honey... This ain't it... (Idk if he has roles in other shows that do work better for him..) But to be very honest... Art is carrying this show atm.

I legit would get on my knees and bow down in a worshipping manner to translators. Their work is legit so, so important and they are all literal angels. BUT the translation of this show is so insanely distracting, the mistakes are hard to overlook and often cause some massive confusion for me personally. Again, translators deserve some hella praise but... I tried to ignore it, I really did.

My boy Art cannot catch a break with the crying

What the FUCK is up with the insane amount of awkward/unnecessary dialogue?

And now for something yall DEFINITELY DID NOT ASK FOR, an analysis of the eps that also hold my very unfiltered opinion

Ep 1

The prison scene...

They then talk about food for like 1 minute straight AND THEN HE LITERALLY GOES

AGAIN? -

The rest of ep 1 was fine but my lord that scene took forever and mostly repeated the same thing 3 times.

Ep 2

Not bad, not great.

Ep 3

That opening scene was ehm... a bit ?????

You aight miss thang? - She continued to lay there until like the end of the ep as well... I'm: Concerned.

The comfort talk... Sir mr Golf needs a little lesson on how to comfort people because basically Art is saying: Listen mate, I woke up in your house, you basically kidnapped me, let's forget about the fact that you were the one that knocked me the fuck out in the first place for a minute... But okay. Can you please look at this entire ordeal from my perspective for a HOT SECOND? I just wanna go home mate, I wanna go find my family..

Golf: omg no don't cry bby boy, I'm just worried about u.

??

AND then the scene in the bed was so insanely long and the topics jumped from one thing to another and ??

Ep 4

The breakfast scene felt oddly out of character for the character of Golf, idk how to explain this one to yall sorry.

I am glad AIDS is being talked about.

Ep 5

Gus is cute

2 entire seconds later:

Is this like their thing as brothers? They talk to each other but neither of them listens and then they just... repeat the same question? pls do tell me if that is the actual clue here because, I'm lost.

THEY MADE HIM SING? Bro pls no.

Ep 6

Are you... ???? ARE YOU TWO FOR FUCKING REAL? (sorry this just really got to me..)

Just this, no further comments HAHAHHA

That marriage thing was cute af

Ep 7

THEY DID NOT HAVE TO DO THE DOG LIKE THAT.

Ep 8

This ep holds my favorite meme from this show EVER

BRO SAME HAHAHAHAH - that is a MOOD I have absolutely no idea what was happening throughout the conversation. I know it might be a very interesting, deep and heavy topic I'm pea brain.

NC scene was good

[alma-amentet]

Skyrim Asks

I forgot that I was tagged by @sheirukitriesfandom gods know when... This was just staying in my drafts way too long but I had fun doing it. Perhaps I need more OC ask games...

Not tagging anyone, but you can just take it if you want. And tag me, I’ll gladly read about yours ;)

1. Favourite Tavern

Bannered Mare. That’s where she met Uthgerd, good memories.

The Winking Skeever because beds with blankets and sheets, not just hides!!!

2. Favourite Drink

Wine. Simply like myself because, honestly, I didn’t give it much thought... But Laere would certainly prefer good wine to mead, and is not a fan of something stronger.

3. Travel Companion

Uthgerd, for sure. Wife and companion (also a bodyguard, sometimes the voice of reason, lol). But also Mjoll (she’s really nice and talkative) and Brelyna (same, they’ve become friends).  

(Uthgerd retired and started running the house after Laere reached level 30... probably weary of all her fighting and adventuring, wanting a calm life... Laere would probably stick with Lydia for awhile, but needs someone else) 

4. Wealthy or not?

She can make some good money... and spend it gods know on what, because... she has expences, you know ;) Then feel broke as hell... 

5. Worships the Aedra or the Daedra?

Azura. It’s a family tradition: long time ago, back in Morrowind, Laere’s ancestors secretly have sympathised with dissidents and worshipped Azura. She’s not very faithful, though.

6. Biggest Fear

As of now - failing somehow. All this mess has gone too far, but what if it’s all a mistake, she’s not a real Dragonborn, there’s someone stronger than her?

(facing some people from the past... returning to her family failed, having to do what her parets say and assume they were right, they won).

7. Pet Peeves

Those filthy nords (and other men and mer, dunmer too) who are fond of Barenzia stories too much, thinking all dunmer girls are like this. Laere’s not. 

8. Do they like being dragonborn?

She didn’t like training at Hrothgar because too much discipline, waking up early etc - not her thing. But assunming it didn’t last long, others (like Ulfric) spent way more time on this - OK. Shouting out flames is fun, for sure!  And she’s curious, at the same time. Not the type to give up and leave (all my OCs have concience and feel responsibility for their missions). She has people to support her, so she finally sticks to it... 

Also she doesn’t want to go back to Cyrodiil and her family.

9. Favourite faction

Not any I can think of. 

She’s only with Winterhold so far. Blades want Partuurnax dead, which is not a chance an option. Companions want her to become a werewolf, the author steps in saying “no werewolves or vampirism ‘cause I’m through with all this goth stuff”.

10. An object of sentimental value

Her leather armor. She made it herself and valued it.

It’s not even in the game, just my headcanon: Laere had it on since the very beginning. And that captain lady from Helgen was imagining trying it on... it would be small for her anyway.

11. Hobbies

Crafting some stuff (selling it later would bring some cash). And... erm, just sleeping =) resting from all those adventures wnenever she can ‘cause that;s important.

12. Favourite city

Solitude because it’s rather Imperial. Pretty much familiar, relatively warm and comfortable.

[harpywritesfic]

Look at me, a wants-to-write-but-blocks-themselves-because-the-first-letter-I-type-down-has-to-be-perfect-fanfic writer.

I've been hoarding various prompt lists like whumptober and fluffbruary. I even snatched myself one of those ironstrange bingo cards in hopes I could fill one of prompts in a year. But now half of the year is over and my card still empty.

I feel like a failure 😞

ah, you've come to the right place. abandon your perfectionism, all ye who enter here. this is a land of unedited drafts, fics written in a haze of hyperfixation, caffeine highs and/or mental breakdowns. i've mastered the art of "good enough".

remember- writing is messy! the process is messy, and the product can be messy too. in a sense nothing people write is ever truly 'finished'- there's always room for improvement. that's how art works, in my humble opinion. try to find enjoyment in the process, not the product. as the artist, your own work will always seem imperfect. but that doesn't make it any less valuable.

it might help to know how i write most of my fics. maybe my method isn't your style, but i'll walk you through it anyway since it might help.

sit down to write. or write standing up. where isn't important. what matters most is you've got an idea or a prompt or an anything that makes you want to write.

word barf. this is the very rough draft phase. throw out everything you know you want to have happen into the doc. try not to read over what you're putting down (the messiness of it all can be daunting). mine often are made up of unfinished sentences, half-baked scene ideas, 'they do x and then y", mixed with some finished portions. if you get stuck, you can always come back, and you'll already have a little something on the page :)

splice and dice. this is where i put my scenes in their order (if they weren't already, it rly depends on what you're writing. sometimes it's linear, sometimes it's not). biggest thing i use this phase for is working out where i need transitions between scenes, where i need to expand my "x then y" bits into writing, and and where i can just put a empty line with a "-" in the center to indicate a new scene.

flesh it out. i get stuck here a lot. this is the step where you weave your scenes together, write your dialogue, fill in your placeholders. it's okay to just skip parts and come back to them. some parts, if they're really giving you trouble, can just be removed entirely. you're the writer- it's up to you. choose your battles.

(optional) editing. sometimes i just don't even bother, especially if i know i'll hate reading what i've written (if this happens to you, it's best to skip the editing! a few mistakes are no big deal. i find it easier to just throw it to the wolves (readers), who are usually very nice and rarely point out mistakes. they're not picky). sometimes editing is just a quick pass for typos. but you can also get into it a little more, really go elbow-deep, and edit to improve things like flow, pacing, tone, and other boring stuff. totally unnecessary, though. if you hate this step? skip it.

it took me maybe a year to feel comfortable enough to post something i'd written. and it's okay, too, if you don't feel comfortable posting anything. you can never post it. or you can do it anyway. sometimes i say to myself, "i want to read more of this specific ship/trope/situation/dynamic/whatever" and i make it myself. they say to write what you want to read, and that's even more true for fanfic. there are people out there who want to read the same things as you. sometimes you gotta look your fear in the eyes, quote Freddie Mercury and say, "I'll fucking do it, darling."

having said that, this might be most important- it's okay if you never post anything you write. fanfic is something we do for fun- there is no failure. the most important thing is to enjoy yourself. there doesn't have to be any finished product- just enjoy the process.

i hope this wasn't too ramble-y or anything. my brain works in strange ways, so this might be totally unhelpful. who knows! but i'll post it anyway, in case it is.

[violet-amet]

Some thoughts ideas and the likes.

I’m thinking more about my original story, The Story of Theia stories I made, and how I struggle with exploring that vast world by myself mentally. But here are some important bits and pieces about it.

In a world of daemons and humans and magic, people do have wonderful access to medication. It varies but when it comes to certain methods, people can use glamor or get an op to change their physical form. Osiris for example had been through medical surgeries to get too surgery, while Seth can form his body however he likes, despite being male almost all the time. They both just prefer their bodies like that. Other characters don’t need it though if they don’t want it.

The usage of talent, such as creative talent, can definitely affect people, from controlling them or uplift their mood. Sometimes some use their music to bring pain, but some do find comfort in that, even though not many would understand. Ara wants to bring more color to the world with her words, but others want to find the answers their own way, such as Qiu, one of the biggest figures in the story. Also Qiu goes by a few names because I’m struggling to remember his actual name. I’ll figure that out if I ever get around to it. Sometimes I call him Guo though. But pardon btw that I’m misusing another language for names, I’m very ignorant about it, but I want to bring a wide diverse cast into the story.

With that said, there are different regions with different culture beliefs in them. Mostly fantasy based, but I want to show respect to them, despite my ignorance. In a way, I feel like I made a mistake giving Osiris his name, but in universe it’s a name he has chose for himself.

The world itself is kinda self contained in its own stories, but to an extent, it share a similar universe to my other stories, just different planets. Haha! I imagine the Theia cast is physically bigger than the others.

Technology and magic do coexist, much like how daemons and humans do, but like them, there tends to bring conflict. There are risks when it comes to magic but same could be said for technology. Some continents though embrace it, and try to balance both.

The Drifting City was always a thing, that was inspired by a dream I had, and serves a core of Ara’s reason to keep traveling, even though she has been banned from the place. It was hard to smuggle into the city that often drifts across the oceans of Theia, but she sometimes finds a way, despite the risk of being lost in the ocean. (Getting doused in water makes it impossible to use her writing talents.) still, she learned something valuable from the place, and has an unforgettable and traumatic experience. She still likes that place.

Ugh there are so many ideas I want to get into but I can’t. My brain can’t handle writing such a big story by myself. But I do love it, it’s a story that has been with me for a long time, and I don’t want to let it go.

And despite the risks of sharing it online where people can steal it, it’s my passion project and my comfort story. No doubt I’ll see something similar in the media, but it can’t be helped. I just want to create it in my own way, if I can. I’m more focused on the world building and characters than the focused story of Ara and Osiris.

They are good foils to the couple that exists in universe, Seth and Simone. But Os and Ara aren’t that romantically inclined. I tend to juggle it around in my head but who knows what the final result could be like. Heh. But I’m having fun and that’s all that matters,

[elementalladymallorie]

Small Moments and Small Gestures that Make a Home-Chapter 6

Coming Home to a Warm Meal

We're up to Sanji now on this little adventure!

Word Count: 1K

AO3 Link

There's nothing quite like a homecooked meal to get your spirits up, and to refresh you after a long day. There's just something about it that you can't find anywhere else.

Sanji, while maybe not the most open about showing it, loves his crewmates. He really does.   

However, sometimes they drive him to smoke almost a full pack in one day. Never Robin or Nami of course! They could never cause the amount of stress the rest of their friends do, and never intentionally.  

If he’s being entirely honest, Chopper and Jinbei are close in that regard and most of the stress they cause him is the same unintentional kind that everyone causes. But, regardless of who causes him the most stress all of the crew were causing him a level of it.  

Somehow, they’d been convinced that he needed a break. Chopper’s last diagnosis of a sprained wrist was the biggest factor in that decision, and it caused Sanji to kick himself even further for that mistake. His crew decided to help with that by taking care of at least dinner that night. Because Sanji was too damn stubborn and got to his kitchen well before any of the others were awake, and because Chopper hadn’t been able to make a scene about it the wrist until after lunch.   

The gesture was sweet, and he’d be lying if he said he didn’t appreciate it on some level. He also logically knows that until they got him, they’d managed to survive, but that was still such a short time for those that joined before him, and none at all for the ones after. Their two-year separation didn’t entirely count because it seemed that everyone landed somewhere with people that would help them.   

He doesn’t want to think about the other time the crew was without him.  

Regardless, all those points do nothing to ease the anxiety he has about the matter, or the small creeping sense of trepidation related to it.  

He’d been effectively kicked out of his own kitchen, wrist tied up in a way to ease the strain, and under Franky’s watchful eyes as he got a barbeque started.  

The only comfort he had is that he knew Nami and Robin wouldn’t let anyone actually wreck his kitchen. There’d probably be a bigger mess than usual, and he’ll have to triple check his stock after the end of this.  

Another comfort was watching Luffy getting kicked out after whatever attempt he made. He was apparently assigned the task of catching fish for someone’s meal instead. Something he took to after only a few moments of pouting.  

The only thing that meant to Sanji over all though was that he knew that Franky was making barbeque and someone else was making fish. Which was not making for a pretty picture of what the menu may look like for this dinner.  

It soon became apparent that multiple people were making fish related dishes given the amount Luffy was catching and taking back to the kitchen.  

Sanji was probably on his fifth cigarette by the time someone else came out of the kitchen, finished their own meal as well.  

Of course, it was the shitty moss head who took to his usual spot on the railing and settled in for a nap.  

Chopper was next, zeroing in on Sanji and taking the time to check his bandages and the state of the sprain before seeing if anyone else would need help.  

Not long afterwards everyone else started to trickle out until everything was done and the table was set.  

It did not ease Sanji in the least, even as everyone was called in for the meal to finally start. Taking a look at the assorted dishes, he realizes why so much fish was needed.  

Zoro apparently made sashimi, Usopp had made fish and chips, and Jinbei had made Bonito Tataki.  

On the other side of things Frank had finished his barbeque and Brook had made Churrasco. It could almost be called a take on surf and turf, but then Nami had made a chicken roast with orange sauce, and Robin had made Paella which did take away from that idea just slightly. Rounding the meal out was a mixed juice made by Chopper.  

And not a single thing made by Sanji’s own hands.  

None by Luffy’s either, but apparently his specialty was raw meat on a plate. Though, that wasn’t exactly far off from what Zoro had done either. Those two really were on the same wavelength.  

Still, they put forth all this effort and Sanji never was one to waste food, so he bit his tongue and squashed down his own gnawing anxiety on the matter and made sure to at least get a piece of everyone’s dishes.  

Nothing was inedible or ill-prepared, but after so many years working in a kitchen it wasn’t hard to notice small things in a dish that would’ve been done differently elsewhere.  

Zoro’s knife cuts were consistent but a bit thick, Usopp’s batter was a little thin for the fish, and Chopper’s juice was more citrus forward and tangy than probably intended. Small things that could be corrected easily enough when caught early enough.  

Brook’s Churrasco was little over charred, and Franky must have used a new source to cook over for his barbeque because the flavor was a bit more intense than usual. Jinbei’s Bonito Tataki doesn’t have an even sear across all the pieces despite looking similar in appearance. Harder to catch without constant supervision, something harder to do when in a kitchen of eight people who are also trying to cook when you’re not used to working in a unit.  

And as loathe as he is to admit it, the orange sauce for Nami’s chicken is a little over sweetened, and the rice in Robin’s paella is just on the under cooked side.  

Regardless of all of that, it’s still one of the best meals he’s ever had. The others don’t appear to have any complaints as well and there is just enough food for everyone, even with Luffy’s voracious appetite. So, he can take comfort in the fact no one will go hungry for the night.  

There’s something about food made by people who love you, and who are trying to show it through their food that just can’t be replicated by even the greatest chefs in the world. Sanji can really only hope that he’s as good at showing that through his cooking as his friends have.  

[literary-jams]

Enchantment:

Hello Swifties and non swifties, this is my personal take on Taylor Swift, so lets get to know her through each other's perspectives. Her birthday is on 13th December 1989, which makes her a sagittarius baby. My introduction to Taylor Swift was actually through the songs "Blank Space" and "Look What You Made Me Do" a classic 2017 introduction. I was on the phase of my life when everyone around my age had just recently started using social media and hence the ultra popular figures like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, etc. kept popping up a lot on our feed.

Bangalore weather is beautiful, it is a perfect blend of warm of sunshine, wet streets and windy evenings. Being somebody from the Eastern coastal region of Bengal, I find myself in my room often bundled up with blankets, coffee and Netflix.

Chilly weather has always been very dear to me and just the other day I came across the song " Back to December" by Taylor Swift. I sat there on my bed and memories came flooding back to me. I guess Taylor Swift has a certain hold on me like that, hence I thought who could be a better person to write about other than her.

Her birthday is on 13th December 1989, which makes her a sagittarius baby. My introduction to Taylor Swift was actually through the songs "Blank Space" and "Look What You Made Me Do" a classic 2017 introduction. I was on the phase of my life when everyone around my age had just recently started using social media and hence the ultra popular figures like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, etc. kept popping up a lot on our feed.

Her first song ever Tim McGraw is about a boy she was dating who was going away to college. The first classic heartbreak and the sheer helplessness of the situation has been so beautifully brought out in the song. One of the main reasons I enjoy Taylor Swift songs so much is because they bring me comfort, I am obviously into other genres as well, and there was a certain time around the age when I was fifteen I used to swear by Eminem and NF. But I think I realized eventually with time that most people do not have a tragic life story. Sometimes maybe the biggest heartache in our life has been going through a break up but it is not a pain that is deniable. When we fall in love that is the most vulnerable we can be, because we willingly choose to trust a person with our emotions and when they break it could be excruciating and to come out and lyrically expressing yourself through it is quite courageous.

Album: Taylor Swift

Since her first Album we see quite a lot of rage and sadness in her lyrics and in her voice, for example "Picture to Burn" is a teenager's feelings about a person who might have been their first love but they borderline intentionally ruined their childhood fictional love story. In our young minds we secretly hope for the love at first sight and a happily ever after, more often than not we also tend to project the same onto our first relationship, but when the dream comes to a crashing halt its disheartening and we feel like a fool. We feel enraged and curse ourselves for being so naïve and hence the urge to burn the said person's picture.

Teardrops on my guitar is a song about being in love with your best friend. The longing for the person but unfortunately they are in love with someone else and you're probably deep in the friendzone. Being unreasonably envious of the other person and constantly comparing yourself to them is a classic human nature that not a lot of people might agree to, but it is an unconscious mistake we all make.

"Our Song" is a song about the thrill of a new relationship, the honeymoon phase where everything is perfect and both the parties are just unbelievably happy and obsessed with each other.

My best friend Ash just like me is a die hard Swiftie thus I thought it would an advisable idea to interview her about the exquisite love she feels for Taylor.

My first question to her was initially how did she start being invested in american music because as indian kids our main focus is always bollywood exposure in our life is quite prevalent and then gradually through some cousin or a friend we venture into hollywood. However her answer to this question was the introduction of spotify in our lives. She also added that she did not think she'd ever be interested in Taylor much as she had heard bad floating rumours about her but in spite of that in her young mind the song blank space has left such an impression that she continued to play the song in repeat which used to anger her mother a lot. A part of me believes she partially did so to annoy aunty but hey who am I to judge! This lead me to my third question "when did you start to actually hear the lyrics and enjoy the songs for the content and not just a catchy beat. Her answer to this question was the pandemic, which makes much sense as during that time of crisis everyone was just constantly in a search of a new hobby all the time. She had also mentioned that her favorite albums are the folklore and lover which is definitely two of the many things we have in common and hence I would like to venture in detail, later on in the blog. I also asked Ash about why she thinks Taylor Swift gets intertwined in so many controversies and her answer to that was blatant " because she doesn't care what people think of her" which is quite true as we have seen time and time again that in spite of many threats and hateful behavior she continues to talk about her love life without a care in the world. When asked about her favourite lyric of a Taylor song there was a long pause before she finally answered, its

"And I cut off my nose just to spite my face

Then hate my reflection, for years and years

I wake in the night, I pace like a ghost

The room is on fire, invisible smoke

And all of my heroes die all alone

Help me hold onto you"

Her reason was since our childhood we face alot of criticism which we convince ourselves that that it does not affect us while in reality it is like a stabbing knife slowing making its way through towards the other side of our body. We change ourselves or at least try to according to societal norms and in the process lose our individuality.

Through the albums over the years we see Taylor grow from a teenage angst to a mature woman.

Album: Lover

The theme varues from light comforts to grave songs about losing the people you love. For example "Soon you'll get better" is about a song when you find out that your loved one might pass aay because of a terminal illness. You try to comfort them and and yourself by saying "soon you'll get better" but unfortunately you know you're just living in a delusion. My favorite lines from the song is

" And I hate to make this all about me

But who am I supposed to talk to?

What am I supposed to do

If there's no you?" its a human dilemma that someone losing the person they love, find themselves in. We know that the person going through the illness has no control over their circumstances yet we cant stop thinking about ourselves the life we will end up having without them. We despise them for falling sick and we despise them for making us love them. We feel selcish for thinking that way yet we cant help but do so.

Taylor Swift also addresses alot of her controversies through her songs for example the song "The Man" she points out the hypocrisy of society. If a man lived her life he wod be appreciated. He'd be someone desirable and unattainable. People would not shake their heads in disapproval or question the integrity of her success. So, "if I was man, then I'd be the man".

Album: Folklore

This is the most appreciated album because first off it was a surprise album but apart from that it has beautiful tracks like Cardigan, August and Betty. The entire album is a fictional love triangle between Betty, James and an unned woman. The line "I knew you'd miss me once the thrill was over" it is a beautiful line depicting the fleetingness of human feelings. Once the honeymoon phase is over, more often than not people tend to get bored and tired of the affair. August is a song from the perspective of the unnamed woman, she speaks about how her month long affair with James fleeted away in a moment. She honestly fell in love with a man who was never really hers to begin with. My most favourite line of the song August is "I'd cancel my plans just in case you'd call". It sums up the entire relationship, she is so enthralled by the man that just a mere possibility of meeting him makes her cancel all the plans she has.

Taylor Swift has a song for every occassion when it comes to feelings, whether it is about loving someone else or loving ourselves. Her albums are like stories that help us predict our mind frame better and makes us feel better and unapologetic about just being human.