#strangefable writes

[strangefable]

thank you for the many, many tags over the past... let's not count the time. but thank you to everyone who's continued to tag me for wips <3 most recently @inafieldofdaisies, @direwombat, @adelaidedrubman, @cassietrn, @socially-awkward-skeleton, @trench-rot, and many many more, thanks so much to everyone who thinks of me <3

today, i have a little bit of the opening chapter of the atlanta prequel to share:

Micah slowed her bike. Wouldn't do to get pulled over for speeding. Not with what sat strapped to the bike behind her. She felt the hard, sharp edges even through the leather of her jacket. She could almost hear ticking in the back of her mind; that thing may as well have been a bomb.

Hell, a bomb would’ve been less unnerving.

She followed the monotone, mechanical voice in her ear as it directed her to the appointed address. She felt a twinge in her neck as she tried to look up to the top of the building. Dark, ominous, sharp. It was a vague shape in the dark night sky, but it still felt foreboding as she gazed upward.

She pulled her helmet off and shook her head, releasing her hair as well as the chill along her spine. She was just a mechanic, but she was not going to get intimidated by some slick, rich asshole too impatient for his coke to wait for a regular mule.

As she entered the lobby, she saw the sleek marble floors, the stark modern architecture. There were heavy plaques on the wall with mysterious names. An office. A swanky, high tower one. Ballsy place to take in a delivery like the one she carried.

A man behind the security desk eyed her suspiciously. She offered him her sweetest, doe-eyed smile. “Hi, I have a delivery for…” she glanced down at her phone, “Mr. Duncan.” She looked back up at the security guard, still smiling warmly.

He grunted, waved his hand toward the metal detector. “Of course he’s still here,” he muttered to himself, before meeting her gaze.” 38, top floor.”

She hesitated as she stared at the metal detector’s arch. She took a few slow steps toward it, wondering how sensitive it was. At least she didn’t have to explain a gun, since hers was locked safely at home.

The detector went off as soon as she stepped through. She winced and stepped back.

The guard gave her a knowing look. “What’re you carrying?”

She attempted another smile. “Just a knife. It—”

He smirked and waved a hand. “Yeah, you’re not the first. Most of the couriers have some kind of protection these days. Can’t be too careful.” He nodded her through, ignoring the alarm as it went off again.

She nodded and smiled. “Yeah. Thanks.” His casual attitude about the whole thing surprised her, but she wasn’t about to argue. She wanted to get this over with and get the fuck out of here.

The whole place reeked of wealth and prestige and it made her skin crawl. So much metal and isolation from a single natural thing. So cold and uniform. She hated shit like this. Not that she’d admit it aloud, but it made her ache for home.

The elevator stopped at the top floor, and Micah ducked out swiftly, grateful to escape the grating music that jangled her nerves even more. Why did the wealthy always have such bland taste in everything?

She entered another lobby, but straight ahead was a formidable wall with a list of large, brass-lettered names behind a block of marble that must’ve been a reception desk. The woman seated there had a strained look on her features as she glanced over at Micah. Instead of a greeting, she only offered a stony, questioning stare.

Micah made a small sound in her throat. “Uhm. I…I have a delivery for Mr. Duncan. Urgent, I was told.”

The woman’s eyes went glassy at the name, and her expression seemed to grow even tighter. “Of course. Down the hall, Fourth door on your left.” She pointed to a hallway to her right.

Micah nodded and followed the directions. The lighting was low everywhere, probably dimmed to save cost outside of normal business hours. She wondered what kind of business it was they did here, then she stopped herself. She didn’t want any details at all. “I’m just a mechanic, that’s all.” She mumbled softly as she came to a stop outside the large, solid wood door.

It was floor to ceiling and she felt a sudden urge to run anywhere else. Instead, she lifted her hand and rapped her knuckles against the wood.

“Yes?” The voice was smooth and sure, the barest edge of a threat beneath the word. Why did the image of a shark swerving beneath the water flash into her mind? She shook her head and pushed open the door.

“Delivery for Mr. Duncan.” It felt so stupid to say, but what the fuck else could she say? This was not her job. She would not let this become her job. She didn’t want the heat of being a mule; she’d made that abundantly fucking clear.

Yet here she stood.

“Come in.” The voice was clipped and cool, all business, but with an attempt at warmth. A small measure to pretend at civility, she supposed. She opened the door.

To her surprise, this room was not all sharp, sleek steel and concrete. It was lined everywhere with deep, rich wood. The scent of it filled her lungs, soothing, familiar. She blinked as her eyes took in the shelves lined with thick, heavy looking tomes. There was a wet bar taking up a whole wall, and it was where most of the room’s light came from.

That and the Tiffany lamp sitting on the gargantuan desk in the middle of the room.

A large, sleek, black, leather chairback greeted her. “You’re late.” The chair swiveled suddenly but soundlessly. A man with piercing blue eyes and a firm mouth stared at her. He peeked his fingers together in front of his face. One eyebrow lifted slightly as he took in the sight of her. “And you’re new.” A glint flashed in his eyes.

She narrowed her own. “No, I’m not. I’m doing a one time favor. Because, I’m told, you were very… insistent.”

His lips curved into a mirthless half smile. “Oh, is that how they phrased it?”

She snorted. “I could read between the lines. Not exactly anyone’s first choice to send a mechanic, but no one else was aw—available.” Her eyes darted away from his. “Mierda.” The whisper escaped her lips before she could stop herself. Shit. SHIT. She was saying too much.

She felt his eyes as he trailed them down her body. She felt them lingering around her curves, so easily displayed by her tight leathers. She shifted her weight and clutched her helmet closer to her body, as though it were a shield. A poor one, but what else did she have?

When she looked up again, she found his eyes staring directly into hers. His expression was unreadable as he forced his gaze on hers. She resisted the urge to clear her throat or look away. Something in his eyes reminded her of the predators she’d faced in the backcountry. You don’t look away from a predator when it’s sizing you up, so she steeled her nerves and met his gaze, her lips pressed thin and straight.

He smiled. Tight. Sharp. Too feline to be real, despite the straight, glaring whiteness of his teeth. It was a smile meant to disarm, but she knew better. “They have been rather… less than satisfactory of late. I’ve been considering exploring other avenues.” His eyes looked her up and down once more. “However, I might be amenable to changing my opinion.” As his eyes met hers again, the weight of his meaning settled heavy on her shoulders.

She shrugged slightly. “That’s above my pay grade. I’m just here to give you what you ordered.”

He ignored the package she held out to him. “You’re not curious?” He took a step toward her. His hand lifted, but instead of the package, he slipped his fingers around her wrist.

She shook her head. “They don’t pay me for that.”

“What do they pay you for?” Another step closer. His fingers tightened. His other hand rose to rest lightly against her waist.

tagging onwards (no pressure at all ever <3) @ivymarquis, @v0idbuggy, @derelictheretic, @henbased, @redreart, @wrathfulrook, @confidentandgood, @damejudyhench, @florbelles, @jillvalentinesday, @marivenah, @harmonyowl, @unholymilf, @shallow-gravy, @g0dspeeed, @strafethesesinners, @fourlittleseedlings, @voidika, @foibles-fables, @chazz-anova, @josephseedismyfather, @turbo-virgins, @roofgeese, @i-am-the-balancing-point, @poisonedtruth, @simplegenius042, @incognito-insomniac, @dumbassdep, @theelderhazelnut, @legally-a-bastard, @aceghosts and anyone i still have managed to miss in this list. (also if you don't want me tagging you, drop me an ask or a dm and no questions will be asked <3) edit: trying to fix tags.

[kittiofdoom]

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

wip sentence game

A small snippet from Midnight Sins, Ava on her way to Fall's End in her truck.

She tuned through the channels, passing a few blank stations and resistance radio until she finally stopped at the cult choir music. Boomer whined at her in complaint. No. They're catchy but no. They'd get stuck in her head and she'd be whistling one of them and getting strange looks—again.

[socially-awkward-skeleton]

tagged by @thesingularityseries @cloudofbutterflies92 @kyber-infinitygems @jackiesarch @adflictionem @ivymarquis @g0dspeeed over the last few weeks, thank you all <3

tagging: @adelaidedrubman @roofgeese @wrathfulrook @quantum-lover @henbased @galaxyfish @cloudofbutterflies92 @nowandthane @chloekistune @aceghosts @amalkavian @fourlittleseedlings @harmonyowl @finding-comfort-in-rain @carlosoliveiraa @mccarthycormac @chazz-anova @galaxycunt @skoll-sun-eater @shellibisshe @cassieuncaged @nightbloodbix @voidika @josephseedismyfather @josephslittledeputy @inafieldofdaisies @clicheantagonist @strafethesesinners @afarcry5fromstraight @statichvm @derelictheretic @marivenah @simplegenius042 @theelderhazelnut @v0idbuggy @direwombat @florbelles @shallow-gravy @cassietrn @strangefable @stacispratt

(tumblr please let my tags work challenge 2024)

I have been struck by a mighty need to draw an au idea out that I may or may not ever write, but it sure exists in my head now. Ladyhawke AU for Price and Rory (bear man and his lamb wife) and it's making me gnaw at my hands. Medieval fantasy au for them, yes please (i am very normal and not insane)

[ivymarquis]

WIP Wednesday

A bit of a character study/me skipping ahead/dynamic fun stuff etc?

This is so far down the line for the price x single!mom verse it's not even funny, but I wanted to write it out and see how I feel about it when we actually get to this point in the fic. John goes a wee bit off the fucking deep end :)

Y'all know the drill! No pressure, feel free to post a snippet of something you're working on.

“You won’t always be around, you know.” Michael has apparently decided he’s not partial to being above ground anymore.

The smoke from John’s cigar coils in him before he exhales slowly. Realistically he knows that Love is a sore spot for him and he’s willing to do anything for her, and yet he’s still caught off guard by the depth of the rage that washes over him in an all consuming fire.

“Would you like to clarify that for me?” Wouldn’t want to go flying off the handle after all if this is simply a misunderstanding.

“You talk a lot of shit for a guy who fucks off the second your phone rings. That clarify things for you? I don’t know what you or the blonde did to fuck with those results, but I know Sam is my fucking kid and I’ll be damned if you twats are going to get in my way.”

As Michael throws down his inane gauntlet, John exhales his now-final drag on the cigar, eyes flicking across his surroundings to gauge who is looking.

The man sure has a knack for picking the worst fucking spot to threaten the family of a man whose job is to work outside the constraints of red tape. They’re just secluded enough that Kate can see them if she looks but no one else can. And Kate certainly won’t give a fuck about what John’s about to do.

Without doubt, John knows that Michael expects to buffalo his way through this conversation and stalk off feeling he’s done something. Because the average citizen cannot do what John is about to- wouldn’t even consider it.

It’s the sheer confidence that John won’t put his hands on Michael that lets him snatch the other man up by his collar and shove him further out of sight from any prying eyes.

He opens his mouth to protest John’s grip on him, the perfect opportunity for him to shove the smoldering end of his cigar into the man’s mouth.

John has just enough impulse control to not extinguish the damn thing on the back of his throat, settling for the knowledge that the flurry of movement has knocked the ash loose into the other man’s throat.

“I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page before we have this little talk,” John snarls. “I can be on the other side of the world and it doesn’t fucking matter, am I clear? If I catch wind of you sniffing around when you think I’m distracted, you’re going to find out exactly what I am capable of for a guy who fucks off the second his phone rings.”

John pulls out the cigar and shoves the other man away from him. “If we have to have this conversation again, I’ll be shoving the barrel of my service weapon in your mouth next and painting the fucking walls, understood? There will be a point where I decide you’re more hassle alive than dead.”

He’s not mollified in the slightest by the way Michael’s legs shake and he suddenly can’t look John in the eye- all the bravado sucked out of him with the realization that John is not beholden to the same rules he is.

“You’re fucking insane,” he sputters, hunching over and trying to cough up the ash.

“If you’ve got any sense to you, you’ll stay off my shit list.” John advises before tossing the remains of the cigar in the bin.

“Now if you’ll excuse me- I’m taking the missus and the rugrat out for lunch.”

@direwombat @gaqalesqua @strangefable @glossysoap @kneelingshadowsalome @deadbranch @bunnyreaper @mortuarywriting @391780 @divine--serenity @la-grosse-patate @g0dspeeed @luminousbeings-crudematter @ceilidho

[theelderhazelnut]

15 lines

Tagged by dear @bihanspookies @voidika @nightbloodbix @aceghosts @inafieldofdaisies <3

Rules: Share 15 or fewer lines of dialogue from an OC, ideally lines that capture the character/personality/vibe of the OC. Bonus points for just using the dialogue without other details about the scene, but you're free to include those as well!

“That night, I abandoned the human in me.”

“Do you always talk this much?”

“You will kill me, but I won’t be dead. There are thousands of me out there ready to turn your world upside down.” Leaning closer, her empty stare intensified. “I infected their minds like a deadly disease. For which you will never be able to make a vaccine because it’s always evolving.”

“You will do just as I say!” She slapped him before aggressively cupping his chin. “No ifs and buts. Do you understand?!”

“Fool.”

“Oh,” Her gaze dropped down. “You remembered.”

“I will burn them in the same fire they burnt my dreams.”

“An intelligent demon who knows exactly how to put together his words. Displays symptoms of depression. Hides his true self well behind that…smirk. He is considerably difficult to read.” “Do you like him?” “No. I like his brain.”

“Boring. Next.”

“Every one of them will bow to me.”

“Good boy.”

“I could buy your whole life, so know your place.”

“I am Ombra the fucking Ironhead.”

She buried her face in his chest. “Hold me, please.”

“A very white candy. You’ll be my dessert tonight.”

Writing Taglist (to be added/removed): @vivilovespink @scentedcandleibex @darialovesstuff @confidentandgood @spacestephh @takiisieju-moved @carlosoliveiraa @gearvmac @bloody-arty-myths @zoetheneko @hi-thisiszira @admin-pipes @mitsuko-saito @malewifefirestar @elderglocks @krysta-cross @cassietrn @breakfwest @middlechildwhoescapedthebasement @ninibear3000 @sinclxirx @gavincruikshanksexhusband @orbitinytheworld @strangefable @cloudofbutterflies92 @valyrra @simonxriley @thedeadthree and you!

[cloudofbutterflies92]

Wip Wednesday

Tagged by the lovely @kyber-infinitygems and @simonxriley . I'm still writing the chapter but I wanted to leave a little WIP for you all. I hope you like it.

An air of misunderstanding meandered among the four, Eden was ready to tell her boss to go to hell if it were not for the fact that she had promised her grandmother Helen to behave herself after the latter' s recent retirement. She missed seeing her grandmother roaming the halls of the spy agency. Since she had retired that place had become oppressive, annoying in fact.

"Mrs. C if you please I do not think it is wise to take Eden off the case."

"Mr. Riley I understand that Spectra is your fiancée however" the woman got up from the chair "these investigations should be done mostly by MI5, Eden did what she had to do."

"Hmm, strangely you decide to take the investigation away from her? It seems a little strange to me Mrs. C"

A vice of Soap(but something Eden admired) was to always tell it like it was, indeed after her boss had told her to investigate it seemed strange to her that she had changed her mind. Eden already had an inkling as to who might have persuaded the woman to turn the investigation over to internal affairs, and she had confirmation of this when she saw from the doorway, in his fancy suit, David enter.

"Now it's all explained" the masked man did not hide his indignation at seeing the lawyer enter, with the investigation in the hands of David and his team certainly there would be problems in the investigation.

Tag:@chloekistune @graveyard-party666 @alypink @corvosattano @onehornedbeast @themotherofhorses @alexxmason @carlosoliveiraa @cassietrn @socially-awkward-skeleton @thewanderer-000 @thedeadthree @pvnkesttt @sinclxirx @marivenah @strangefable @captastra @aceghosts @kikiharinezumi @katsigian @theelderhazelnut @dickytwister @voidika

[simplegenius042]

Music Monday

Tagging @socially-awkward-skeleton @direwombat @adelaidedrubman @strangefable @strafethesesinners @josephslittledeputy @josephseedismyfather @cassietrn @g0dspeeed @aceghosts @turbo-virgins @starsandskies @shellibisshe @wrathfulrook @carlosoliveiraa @rhettsabbott @onehornedbeast @voidika @imogenkol @yokobai @derelictheretic @minilev @shallow-gravy @titiagls @afarcryfrommymain @megraen @softtidesworld @inafieldofdaisies @purplehairsecretlair @florbelles @ladyoriza @la-grosse-patate @skoll-sun-eater @cloudofbutterflies92 @red-nightskies @sleepyconfusedpotato and @thewanderer-000 + anyone else who wants to join in.

Three songs for one OC (or rather one group), one WIP and on companionships. Respectively for Wings And Horns, A Radioactive Calamity Of Love, Bombs & Gore and The UnTitledverse. Listen and read below:

Wings And Horns is an Original Work I'm planning to write, which involves a pair of angels chasing after a pair of extremist demons who are trying to destroy the "Soulmate System"; a divine system designed to romantically pair souls together throughout lifetimes and reincarnation. Archangel Metatron and his companion, an Angel of Death named Azriel, are tasked with preserving the system, while a Demon from the Sloth Ring known as Xiang Ba'al and his adopted daughter, a Sinner soul by the name of Jezebel, start a campaign to abolish the Soulmate System due to the flaws that had personally affected Jezebel. "Carousel" encapsulates everyone's place in the system, how while it is well-meaning and capable of bringing joy to some, it does leave others at a disadvantage and gives a lack of choice in their destinies.

"'Round and 'round like a horse on a carousel, we go Will I catch up to love? I could never tell, I know Chasing after you is like a fairytale, but I Feel like I'm glued on tight to this carousel

Come, come one, come all You must be this tall To ride this ride at the carnival

Oh, come, take my hand And run through playland So high, too high at the carnival

And it's all fun and games 'Til somebody falls in love But you've already bought a ticket And there's no turning back now

'Round and 'round like a horse on a carousel, we go Will I catch up to love? I could never tell, I know Chasing after you is like a fairytale, but I Feel like I'm glued on tight to this carousel

This horse is too slow We're always this close Almost, almost, we're a freakshow

Right, right when I'm near It's like you disappear Where'd you go? Mr. Houdini, you're a freakshow

And it's all fun and games 'Til somebody falls in love But you've already bought a ticket And there's no turning back now

'Round and 'round like a horse on a carousel, we go Will I catch up to love? I could never tell, I know Chasing after you is like a fairytale, but I Feel like I'm glued on tight to this carousel

Why did you steal my cotton candy heart? You threw it in this damn coin slot And now I'm stuck, I'm stuck Riding, riding, riding

'Round and 'round like a horse on a carousel, we go Will I catch up to love? I could never tell, I know Chasing after you is like a fairytale, but I Feel like I'm glued on tight to this carousel."

Next song I'd say is less for the OC in The UnTitledverse I chose this for, by the name of Madame Callaghan, who is the director of C.Y.P.R.U.S, a multiverse organization that kidnaps children and trains them to be assassins and hitmen (amongst other unfavorable things), but more so for both Madame Callaghan and her expectation and relationship with her "children" as well; Mordecai (The Huntsman), Urijah (The Nihilist), Theodore or rather Theo (The Copycat) and lastly Candace (The Combatant). I tried to encompass the main figureheads of C.Y.P.R.U.S with this one.

"Time of the essence Do not let me down (Down) So many people in one place It's time for us to make a presence

Time is of the essence I won't let you down (Down) So many people in one place Oblivious, just like you say

So just trust me this one time I know you won't regret it I know you are sick, but so am I

And I will be there for you Through time as it tick, tick, ticks

And I will be there for you Through time as it tick, tick, ticks

And I will be there for you

My darling, I know there's certain things that you should know I know this comes with a price that I'm willing to pay Be ready Something terrible is coming (something terrible is coming) (Tick, tick, tick, tick)

Everything I've worked for, and everything I do You know that there's a reason that I do these things for you I do it for the thrill, I do it for the fun You've taught me there's a twisted usefulness in everyone Let me prove my point, it will not disappoint Just give me the word, I am ready, I am poised Isn't this what a true friend would do? I promised I would be there for you."

This song relates to Marissa "Ress" Bishop and Ortega "Ore" Brantley's bond with their Fallout companions in A Radioactive Calamity Of Love, Bombs & Gore. Ore has been around long enough to make companions during the events (though slightly altered) of Fallout (1997), 2, 3 and New Vegas, while Ress has been around to bond with her companions in Fallout 3, New Vegas and 4. After Fallout (1997) and Fallout 2, Ore takes an "keep at arms length" approach with human companions in 3 and New Vegas, because he's outlived the likes of Elrand Brant (The Vault Dweller), Ian, Tycho, Katja and likely John Cassidy and Vic as well (either to age or circumstances) including Elrand's granddaughter Finidy Mona (The Chosen One), whom had been killed by Ore's father, Arcane Urias. Ore mostly connects with non-human companions as they are either a Ghoul or a Super Mutant and have a longer lifespan, until he makes a connection with Ryder (Courier Six). Meanwhile, Ress has the luck of gaining companions and keeping in contact with them in less than a decade, and due to her upbringing with the Bishop Crime Family, has a need to socialize and keep her companions close. She understands that due to her father, Urias', biology she'll likely outlive most others just like Ore, so she takes it upon herself to make as much meaningful relationships as possible to remember fondly over. The reason Ore and Ress gravitate towards these companions is either due to a sentimental reason or even because nearly all companions are as odd and outcasted as the brother and sister are.

"Hey, everybody loses it Everybody wants to throw it all away sometimes And hey, yeah, I know what you're goin' through Don't let it get the best of you You'll make it out alive

Oh, people like us, we've got to stick together Keep your head up, nothin' lasts forever Here's to the damned, to the lost and forgotten It's hard to keep high when you're living on the bottom

Oh, whoa, oh, whoa We're all misfits living in a world on fire Oh, whoa, oh, whoa Sing it for the people like us, the people like us

Hey, this is not a funeral It's a revolution after all your tears have turned to rage Just wait, everything will be okay Even when you're feelin' like it's goin' down in flames, oh."

[galaxycunt]

Writing Pattern Tag Game

Rules: list the first line(s) of your last 10 posted fics and see if there’s a pattern!

saw this looked like fun! Tagging: @the-lastcall @the-laridian @captastra @socially-awkward-skeleton @adelaidedrubman @gayafsatan @ahummingbirdwitch @rorywritesjunk @sporadicthingcollection @hey-august @gingernut1314 @lavalampskyy @strangefable

(wow that’s a lot lol sorry)

1. Only Tomorrow

“I’m so, so glad Dammon could fix me soon, because gods damn it. I’m drunk enough to try!”

2. Take Me For A Little While

Predictably, it started in a bar.

3. Something Good

The night ended up shittier than you wanted it to be, lonely and now without a crew or any sort of job, you got drunk.

4. Don’t Change The Way You Are

The recovery was the hardest part.

5. Time Moves Slow

He really didn’t need this right now.

6. Safe In Your Skin

Ysari was a hard person to read.

7. Say Yes

Your best friend was going away, finally leaving your tiny village to join the merchant marines.

8. The Sweetest Thing

Your crew settled into the ways of the Grand Line easily, a little entertaining watching the other new faces showboating around the tiny bar you occupied.

9. Dream In The Moonlight

Buggy was sleeping soundly against your chest, mumbling warm nothings into your skin.

10. I Can Be Anything

A loud heckle cut through his story, “bull fucking shit, man!”

Patterns found: I think I try to go with a very punchy first line. I’m unsure if it grabs a reader like I try to make it lol when I first started writing fics I used long ass sentenced so they’re way shorter now.

[direwombat]

tagged variously by @corvosattano, @inafieldofdaisies, @carlosoliveiraa, and @socially-awkward-skeleton to do these picrews (picrew 1 | picrew 2 | picrew 3) and some uquizzes (linked below)

deputy sybille la roux (fc5) | paola orsini (uncharted) | saoirse monaghan (c*d)

How Fandom Would See You If You Were A Fictional Character

tragic. You're the sympathetic villain who does not-quite-bad-enough-stuff-to-be-hated for a very good reason. And you're redeemed by dying. Everyone's angry about it, you could have had an amazing redemption arc if you lived.

well, fortunately for syb's fictional fanbase, i know how dissatisfying the "redemption via death" is and it's exactly why she lives (despite her best efforts) and reaches that healing arc where she starts facing her sins and making amends rather than wallowing in misery.

which philosophical view are you? 

cynicism (ca. 4th century bc). you feel alone; a sickening loneliness that is stuck in your bones. you are proud to be alone, to be the dog. they don't understand you, they never have, you are one of a kind. you yearn to be touched and to be loved, but you do not let yourself have it; if you love, you risk losing it. and you are tired of losing.

How Fandom Would See You If You Were A Fictional Character

mentor. You might not be the main character, but you're still very important. You're the older, or at least wiser one, who guides all those little youngins to victory. They may not always listen to you, but at least they respect you. The fandom looks on you as either a MILF/DILF, the lovable cooky old guy, or the one who really, really needs a break. Maybe all three. Probably all three.

i mean. she was literally a university professor and teacher (altho she was also the kind of instructor who has made students cry, but it usually came from a place of "i know you can do better.")

which philosophical view are you? 

mazdakism (late 5th century CE). you are too kind, my friend. too loving, too giving towards people who don't deserve it. at some point you will run out of things to give, and you will start giving pieces of yourself. you wish they would give too; you wish for your selflessness to be repaid, to be acknowledged. but if you never write your name on the card, how will they know the gift came from you?

How Fandom Would See You If You Were A Fictional Character

mom friend. You're the character who carries snacks, who takes care of the rest of the cast. You make sure they eat, stop them from dying, and keep them out of trouble as best you can. and when they do get into trouble, you try your best to get them out of it. Good on you, dude.

*f;lkasjfda;lsdfjkd ok this is a funny result because while saoirse is just as reckless and willing to throw herself into danger as the boys are, she would get mischaracterized by fandom as the mom friend because 1) she is prepared, 2) she's compassionate, and 3) she's a woman. so.

which philosophical view are you? 

british empiricism (17th - 18th century BCE). you feel too much and sense too little. no one is ever around when you break, you keep it to yourself. you think they don't notice, but the pain sticks to you like tar and the smell fills every room you enter. but you would never let them hold you, you're afraid it might be contagious.

tagging back for any picrews/uquizes you haven't done yet, and also tagging: @marivenah, @cassietrn, @trench-rot, @harmonyowl, @fourlittleseedlings, @purplehairsecretlair, @aceghosts, @adelaidedrubman, @finding-comfort-in-rain, @voidika, @locustandwildhoney, @testyfestyenthusiast, @strangefable, @alexxmason, @deputyash, @josephslittledeputy, and anyone else wanting to do any of these! (taglist opt in/out)

[strangefable]

And the last fic for @detectivelokis's Far Cry 5 Anniversary Exchange, for @sinnerburrito. This one features Sharky Boshaw.

Title: Ponder on the Dock Rating: Gen/light Teen Word Count: 924 3 of 3

The water lapped gently against the shore and the dock. The sky above was littered with stars twinkling merrily. Some distance away, the flicker of the bonfire crackled and danced to its own music. The sounds of laughter and pleasant voices carried across the breeze.

Sharky sank to the wooden slats below his feet and hung his legs out over the edge. He swatted at a stray bug, then set his beer can down beside him. He stared out at the lake, so big and open, but familiar. Too familiar, maybe.

He heaved a sigh. He picked up the beer and took a long pull. He didn't feel nearly drunk enough to go back to the others. To watch her with the new guy. It was embarrassing. He thought this time it had been different, but she hadn't agreed.

He wondered what signs he must have missed. She'd been so harsh when she dumped him, like he should've seen it coming.

Of course he hadn't. Good old oblivious Charlemagne, as always. He grumbled and kicked his leg out, but it met only air above the water.

He grunted. He wanted to throw something. All he had was the beer can. He looked at it. He looked out at the water.

He shook his head at himself. Better not. He took another pull instead. There was hardly any left. He coughed as the air nearly choked him, then crushed the can against the dock.

"This county can feel awful small sometimes."

Sharky jumped at the soft voice behind him. "Wade?"

Wade Fowler smiled and gave him a nod. Then he bent down and sat beside him on the dock. He held out another beer. This one was still dripping from the cooler.

Sharky shrugged and took the offered beer. "Yeah, maybe you're right. But where else is a guy like me gonna go?"

Wade took a sip of his own beer. He lifted one shoulder. "Who knows? Life can be unexpected. You shouldn't worry too much about…" He paused and waved a hand back toward the party. "Well… shit happens, you know?"

Sharky let out a low laugh. "Yeah, I know. Usually it's my fault."

Wade clapped a hand on his back. "Well now, I don't know if I'd go that far."

Sharky gave him a sidelong glance. "You'd be the only one."

Wade grinned. "You're not so bad, Boshaw." He took a drink from his own beer. "Sure, you start a lot of fires, but your heart's in the right place. Mostly. Even Cheeseburger doesn't mind you too much." Wade gave him a wink.

Sharky couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Maybe he just has me confused with a salmon."

Wade let out a long, loud laugh. "See, and you can crack a good joke, too. Like I said, not so bad."

Sharky sighed. He gave a sidelong glance over his shoulder, back toward the party. "She would not agree."

Wade shrugged. "Eh, so what? There's more fish in the lake. Hope County's small, but it's not that small. There's other women. You'll find someone else."

Sharky stared into the water. He didn't speak for several minutes. "I'm not so sure. My luck's pretty shit."

"Being alone isn't the worst, either. Romance isn't all there is to life."

Sharky sighed. Wade was only trying to help. Sharky appreciated it, but he felt hopeless and ashamed. Her words were still rattling around in his head, stinging at him. So many criticisms. Left a man feeling awful unsure.

"Listen, it takes time, I get that. But there's no need to believe when someone shouts their worst opinions of you."

Sharky winced. "So people heard?"

Wade gave a soft laugh. "Yeah, but people would've even if she hadn't shouted loud enough for all the gossips in the trailer park. You know how it is around here."

Sharky nodded. "Yeah, everybody knows everybody. Ugh."

"Again, man, you're not that bad. She's pissed off, don't take it like she's the only one with opinions that matter." He patted Sharky's shoulder. "Let her be mad, but let her go. You're not a bad guy. You're just not her kind of guy."

They sat quietly for a moment longer. Then Wade heaved himself to his feet with a grunt. "Come on back soon, man."

Sharky gave a nod, and tipped his beer can to the other man. Wade smiled and turned and walked away, leaving Sharky to stare out across the water a while longer.

The wind blew softly. The stars kept on twinkling above. The bonfire crackled in the distance. The water lapped against the shoreline and the dock beneath him. Crickets chirped. An owl hooted somewhere in the trees, the sound carrying across the water. The night air was crisp and cool, soothing against his skin.

He had to admit, the view was still beautiful when you stopped and remembered to look. That was one thing to hold onto. He'd try to take Wade's words to heart, but it wasn't like she'd been the first to tell him all his faults.

Still, if Wade Fowler didn't think he was a bad guy, that had to count for something. Maybe other people even thought the same. A guy could hope, at least.

Yeah, he'd go back in a minute. She couldn't scare him away. A man has to have some pride, even if he's only pretending. He gave a nod. He took another drink and smiled to himself as he looked out at the water. Just a couple more minutes.

[marivenah]

WIP Wednesday (+ Music Monday)

hello everyone, I was tagged by @socially-awkward-skeleton, @direwombat and @cloudofbutterflies92 to post a wip + some tunes, also by @inafieldofdaisies for music monday, thank you all 🧡

sending no pressure tags to: @risingsh0t @bbrocklesnar @carlosoliveiraa @captmactavish @alexxmason @onehornedbeast @nightbloodbix @finding-comfort-in-rain @confidentandgood @josephslittledeputy @aceghosts @voidika @thedeadthree @shadowglens @corvosattano @jackiesarch @fourlittleseedlings @strangefable @kyber-infinitygems @leviiackrman @captastra @macs-babies @gwynbleidd @dickytwister

it's the first wip post of 2024 (AND on the first wednesday of 2024 too! wow!) and it has been going well so far! everything I'm sharing now was also written in 2024 I know yall keep saying I shouldn't apologize for sharing too much writing but I do feel bad when the snippets are really long. with that being said, apologies for these snippets.. they are really long :')

The first one is a song only. I'm writing for Zoiya again! After I reworked her playlist a little, inspiration came back. Now I want to finally write out all of the notes I have for her. And this song is just peak her:

The second one is for Bonnie, my new Coral Island girl. Just a silly little idea I had + the song that served as my biggest inspiration for her character in general:

Everything hurts. There are muscles hurting — aching — Bonnie didn’t even know could hurt like that. What an utmost wonderful time it was to live without pain. How she took it for granted. Now it’s just a memory. A blurry memory.

The heat of the sun burning on her skin was never a pleasant feeling to begin with but now with the extreme brightness on top? Torture. She was hoping her giant white summer hat could be of help. Turns out it’s a traitor. Just like her pink, heart-shaped, way too big for her face, sunglasses; the sunlight finds its way through them and stings in her eyes.

At this point she wonders why she left her house in the first place. If the farmer ever gets to have a free day, it should be today, when she’s on the brink of falling apart.

At least the morning was rather quiet. Only the soft back and forth of the ocean can be heard. Bonnie inhales the salty scent of the water. Maybe this can soothe the pain, as long as it stays quiet.

“Hungover all by yourself, gorgeous?”

Bonnie flinches slightly — as much as possible in her state — at the sudden noise.

The greeting is followed by a chaste kiss on her cheek, but she pays the man no attention and simply answers with a grumble.

“Did you sleep well?”, he asks. As if he doesn’t know.

She’s so unbelievably offended by the question, she clenches her jaw, ignores the pain and her view follows him as he sits down next to her.

The anger doesn’t last for long though. And it’s not just because he’s pretty — damn him, this would be a lot easier if he wasn’t — but because he’s actually present to check on her. One would think this is the bare minimum when you’re dating but she can’t help but appreciate it. He never leaves his home at such an early time.

And speaking of which, Bonnie has no clue how she got home safely last night. The memory of the last few hours before she found sleep are gone but she might have an idea. Another reason why she can’t be mad at him. She wants to be but can’t.

By now her glare has turned into a frown, accompanied by a barely-there pout.

It delights him.

This hurts just as much as the headache. The day is getting worse by the minute. Or maybe it’s just the hangover and Bonnie is overreacting. She hasn’t been drinking this much ever since her college days.

With a groan her head drops flat onto the coffee table. Either it didn’t hurt, or she simply can’t determine it from her already aching head.

“Do you want me to get you some coffee?”, he asks.

Bonnie answers him without lifting her head off the table. All he can hear are muffled noises.

He leans in closer to her, trying to somehow make out what she’s saying. Without much success.

“So, no coffee?”

A pause. Followed by a singular dragged out muffled noise. This one was an obvious ‘no’.

---

The last snippet is for my original story, Snowfall. I imagine everything written in italics plays as a little montage, accompanied by this song: (strangely enough, despite its setting and plot, this is the main song for the whole story)

When does one feel content? Does it come with comfort? It always did but they don't come as a package deal. Or so she heard.

Thinking about one’s feelings is strange. … But the mind travels to strange places when left unsupervised. Exploring new ones, revisiting old ones. Never does it ask, it just does at it pleases. Even when the heart begs for the trip to end as it can’t take the ache anymore. And sometimes, the mind gives in when the lamentation becomes too much to bear. Then, it tries to help — to soothe — to make up for the uncontrolled yearning and drags one’s attention elsewhere.

The only way Sól’s mind can ease the pain is to make sure she’s content. And that’s when it has to ask; when does she feel content?

When the emptiness is filled? When the loneliness vanished? To have someone with you who doesn’t just make you feel safe but who also gives you the feeling of being needed — that you make them feel safe, too. At the darkest of nights, when the room is being illuminated by the city’s neon lights. Those which, through the eyes of a child, seem fun and colourful, though as you grow, they become bleak and unbearable. But, when they’re the only source of light for you to see in that darkness, to see a face — one you have never witnessed before in a state like this; calm and relaxed — then you grow fond of them again. You thank them, silently — with a smile on your lips because it’s a rather silly thought — and hope they will stay for the countless nights to come. You would never want to miss it again. And to make sure it won’t fade you form it into a memory, by tracing your fingertips over every spot that is so dear to you. Soft skin to skin contact that fills you with warmth. You smile. You’re content.

A note written with blood.

When you’re reminded of that frightening past in the middle of the night? Though you soon realize that it’s not getting dug out to taunt you but to alleviate that sorrow. To discover that you’re not the only one, that you’re not so different and although listening almost feels like revisiting, you remain. As much as you expect it to hurt, in the end it mitigates the pain. Two halves became one and the memory doesn’t weigh as heavy when conjoint souls carry this burden together. The spark ignites into a flame. You’re content.

The glass cracked.

When you thought your whole world fell apart? You crashed and burned. But after horror faded and the screams died out, you realize your whole world is here, with you, in your arms. It all lead to this. And the bliss you thought had vanished; you’re in the middle of it. You’ll never let it go again. You’d rather tore this place asunder. This time you will make sure to keep what is dear to you safe, make sure it will always find sleep in your arms. You’re content.

The silence chokes you out.

When you’re at a place you once called home? A place you swore never to return to because it stole your joy, your peace, your childhood. But now you see that it prepared you. For the hell that never sleeps, a hell that never gave you the chance to breathe. Because it takes. It takes everything that you love and still hungers for more. Never satisfied. In here, though, you can’t hear the growling. You’re shielded, the noise gets drowned out. And only two remain beside you. A love of the past, of the present, and the future. And remnants of a love almost forgotten. Piece them together and it becomes all that you have, all that is dear to you, all that is you. You’re content.

And your mind forms these memories, engrains them into your soul, so you never lose them again. A double-edged sword. They bring bliss as much as they bring misery. But she endures it. She has to.

Her view lowers to the little boy in her arms. Sound asleep. The steady rhythm of his breathing lifting her arm ever so slightly. It’s good to see that at least one can find sleep in these times. Sól keeps watch and makes sure it stays this way. You’re content.

[socially-awkward-skeleton]

Domestic Bliss in the Bunker Years

Sometimes my brain just likes to focus on random moments that I will never write and I draw them instead

I like to imagine Jacob keeps up the stupid haircut for a year or two and then once Haven's born he just gives up on the whole soldier look since Kit's hands are full with the baby and then we get shaggy Jacob and thus the beginning of his silver fox years :)

Art tag list: @cassietrn @solstheimart @strangefable @stacispratt @shallow-gravy @florbelles @direwombat @v0idbuggy @josephseedismyfather @theelderhazelnut @marivenah @simplegenius042 @poetikat @kirjanikv6ilill @peppertheferalraccoon @derelictheretic @statichvm @afarcry5fromstraight @strafethesesinners @adelaidedrubman @neverthesameneveranother @clicheantagonist @testyfestyenthusiast @voidika @roofgeese @nightbloodbix

art tag list here if you want to be added/removed

[g0dspeeed]

WIP WITH MUSIC TIME

I'm always drawing and writing, but I hardly post WIPs these days. But! I was tagged by @imogenkol and @simplegenius042 recently, and more over the last few weeks, so here's another WIP of my Far Cry New Dawn OC River Palmer 💕

And maybe this is a bit Basic™️ , but this song reminds me of River. He's a bitter bastard and sweet too underneath it all and too busy for romance, but as he'd probably say, "Don't need a storybook romance, Cap'n, for a night of fantasy..."

Tagging @coetiroedd , @noodlecupcakes , @strangefable , @voidbuggg , @voidika , @cassietrn , @la-grosse-patate , @shallow-gravy , @josephseedismyfather , @strafethesesinners , @socially-awkward-skeleton , @simonxriley , @inafieldofdaisies , @scorpiosleeps and whoever else wants to show off something neat

[theelderhazelnut]

Warnings: none

Pairing: Ombra x Alex

Characters: Ombra, Alex Demir ( @chadillacboseman )

Words Count: 711

Summary: Ombra has a lil migraine attack and Alex takes care of her.

Author’s Note: This is just a very cute scene that I won’t forgive Tara for putting it in my head.

Writing Taglist (to be added/removed): @vivilovespink @scentedcandleibex @darialovesstuff @confidentandgood @spacestephh @takiisieju-moved @inafieldofdaisies @carlosoliveiraa @gearvmac @bloody-arty-myths @zoetheneko @hi-thisiszira @admin-pipes @mitsuko-saito @malewifefirestar @krysta-cross @elderglocks @cassietrn @breakfwest @nightbloodbix @middlechildwhoescapedthebasement @ninibear3000 @aceghosts @sinclxirx @gavincruikshanksexhusband @voidika @orbitinytheworld @strangefable @cloudofbutterflies92 @bihanspookies @valyrra @simonxriley

“Where does it hurt exactly?” Alex asked as he walked up to the bed after he turned off the big light. I drew an imaginary rectangle on my eyebrows where most of my headaches attacked.

He reclined on the bed, leaning against the headboard. Then he hooked his arm beneath my knees, and with a swift motion I was curled up on top of him. He pressed my head to his chest, and kissed the space between my eyebrows. His lips touched my skin so gently as if I was a fragile blossom.

He was so warm. I closed my eyes and inhaled his sweet scent. Like the rain to a dying forest, it added a few more days to my lifespan.

A weak smile stretched my dry lips. “That was better than any of those meds.”

A toothy grin wrinkled his eyes. God knew for how long I could be lost in those tiny little lines.

I put my hand on his, and brought his thumb to my lips, kissing it with such delicacy.

“I guess I’ll have to follow you around all day to make sure you’re taking good care of my gölge.” Alex mumbled.

I chuckled a silent laugh. “That’s okay. I’ve had worse.”

His smile dropped as he looked at me dead in the eyes.

“No seriously this is okay!” I chuckled a bit louder as I squirmed in his arms. Suddenly, another pulse of pain rushed to my forehead.

His smile returned as he leaned in to give a peck on my lips. All of a sudden, the doomed images of him abandoning me struck my mind like a ruthless thunder. It had become a part of my daily routine to fight with this daymare, and that night wasn’t an exception. He would eventually see the stains of blood on my hands. He would see what I truly was. And he would run away, disgusted and terrified. But I would beg him on my knees to stay.

“Would you…” I paused for a moment, not sure if it was the right moment. “Would you please never leave me, no matter what?” I whispered, tides of worry washing over my eyes. This sudden outburst of emotions surprised even myself.

Alex leaned in, his lips just a few millimeters away from my ear. “Canım, I’ll follow you wherever you go. To the ends of the Earth and back. I’ll die for you. I’ll kill for you. I’ll turn the world upside down if you ask me to.”

As each word danced out of his mouth, I felt my heart melting down my rib cage, its warmth igniting my insides. The tornado of thoughts perished in an instant. I wanted to rip my chest apart so he could see it himself, so he could see what he did to me. A lump in my throat blocked my throat, and my lips began to slowly tremble. For the first time in forever, I didn’t care if someone would see me crying. I didn’t care if I seemed vulnerable because that was exactly what I wanted. I wanted him to see my love pouring out of my eyes for him. Crying would worsen my headache, but I could tolerate any pain as long as he was by my side.

I covered my mouth and nose with my hands. Painfully, my eyebrows arched backwards, and streams of tears poured down from the sides of my face. All the definitions of heaven were summarized in him. What else could I ask for?

Through my blurred vision, I saw that Alex’s eyes widened in disbelief. Surely, he wasn’t expecting such a strong reaction from me.

“Wha-O-Ombra are you okay? Did I-“ He stuttered.

His gaze softened as I shook my head. “Then what is this for, Canım?”

I stared up at him with watery eyes and shaky lips. For the first time, I didn’t have to wipe those tears away.

Because I was safe.

“I-,” The lump obstructed my throat, and only three words could escape. “I love you.”

My chest trembled as I let out a silent sob.

“Güzelim,” He kissed my checkbone. “Seni daha fazla seviyorum. Now, don’t cry. Your headache will get worse.”

“It just did.”

Alex scoffed. “You know what? I hate you.”

[cloudofbutterflies92]

URL song game

Tagged by my twin @chloekistune and @alexxmason 🩷🩷

rules: write one song for every letter in your url, and then tag as many people as there are letters in your url.

C ➡️ Chizuru by The GazettE

L ➡️ Like a Tattoo by Sade

O ➡️ Ohms by Deftones

U ➡️ Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey

D ➡️Down by The Water by PJ Harvey

O ➡️ Outro by M83

F ➡️ Feral Love by Chelsea Wolfe

B ➡️ Beware by Deftones

U ➡️ Uroko by Dir En Grey

T ➡️ Thoroughfare by Ethel Cain

T ➡️ The Lighthouse by Halsey

E ➡️ Exist for Love by Aurora

R ➡️ Rid of Me by PJ Harvey

F ➡️ Flowers in December by Mazzy Star

L ➡️ Lilith by Halsey

I ➡️ I Know by Fiona Apple

E ➡️ Evergreen by Richy Ritch & The Coat Muners

S ➡️ Sextape by Deftones

Tag: @graveyard-party666 @alypink @kaitaiga @corvosattano @onehornedbeast @themotherofhorses @carlosoliveiraa @cassietrn @socially-awkward-skeleton @thewanderer-000 @thedeadthree @priceseyes @sinclxirx @simonxriley @marivenah @alicedarkmair @strangefable @captastra @aceghosts @kikiharinezumi @katsigian @justasmolbard @dickytwister @theelderhazelnut @elderofavonlea @voidika @artbygem

[adelaidedrubman]

sorry. i guess i have to do this a second time

wip. whatever. i just woke up

been tagged by dears @henbased @socially-awkward-skeleton to share a wip! sadly haven’t gotten much new writing done following a stressful weekend, so here’s a short little piece from one of the comfort prompts that got way too long. warnings for discussions of stalking and graphic violence, you know how they get.

“How did —” she runs a frustrated hand through her hair, pushing it back towards the opossum still clinging there. “How did you even find my spot?! You stalkin’ me now?” A sharp grin carves itself into his face to push back the modest rounds of his cheeks and deepen the sag of his laugh lines, his eyes lighting up with an irritatingly proud twinkle.  He slides a hand beneath his vest, pulling out a sleek smartphone with a cross insignia on its case. “Scathing negative reviews of Snowshoe Lake suddenly popped up last night on Fishbrain, FishHub, ANGLR — even AllTrails and 27 Crags mentioned the nearby mountain pass being subpar.”  “You saw somewhere with shitty reviews and figured you belonged there?”

“I figured it was the work of my clever, reclusive little angler slyly marking her territory.” A slow bat-batting of his eyelashes punctuates the statement. “And lo and behold, here you are.” The hinge of her jaw; her nose twitches. “I like my privacy,” she drawls slowly, so that he may understand. “Now that we’ve gone over the how, maybe we can move on to why the fuck you’re here? And when you’ll be fucking leaving?” If it’s within the next ninety seconds, perhaps she can still salvage her perfect day.  “Why, you haven’t been keeping track?” His tongue clicks against his teeth with a furrow of his brow in a contrived display of woundedness. “We’re celebrating our one month anniversary today!” She snarls and bugs her eyes. “Great! Our fake relationship reached a fake milestone I wouldn’t even celebrate if it was real!” “Do you think that attitude could have been a contributing factor to the death of your real relationship?”  She thinks how beautiful her fishing knife would look lovingly buried to the hilt in his jugular, the sweet glug glug glug he would make choking on his own blood. She thinks about how pretty he would look with that sharp grin sliced to gape and droop like a catfish’s mouth.  “I think interrupting my fishin’ time is about to be a contributing factor in your death,” she settles on. “The only way you’re gonna be any good to me around here is if I chop you up into little bits and use you to bait my fucking hook.” 

no pressure tags out to @wrathfulrook @fourlittleseedlings @galaxycunt @cassietrn @florbelles @g0dspeeed @unholymilf @belorage @shallow-gravy @roofgeese @socially-awkward-skeleton @corvosattano @inafieldofdaisies @direwombat @afarcryfrommymain @poetikat @blissfulalchemist @deputyash @confidentandgood @captastra @voidika @just-another-wasteland-merc @strangefable @8bitpizzacoupons @stacispratt @orionlancasterr @v0idbuggy @jackiesarch @strafethesesinners @henbased @simplegenius042 @clicheantagonist @firstaidspray @quickhacked @miyabilicious @nightbloodbix @thedeadthree @shellibisshe + join/unjoin my wip day tag list by liking/unliking here!