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90sloverwithinsomnia · 9 hours

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Fan Fic Master List:

Repost Old Kpop Fanfics:

Discussion about Some Old K-pop Fanfics - (06/08/2024)

These are some of many archived fanfics featuring 1st and 2nd Gen K-pop acts that I've come across recently. It's all in good fun, and maybe a bit cringeworthy!

The words in red are my thoughts on the fanfic when I have finished reading it and I'll be ranking them out of 10 just for fun.

SM Town Out To Lunch (15/15) - (hgiel) Anrui, Kyorei, and Jacqui:

Separate from the saga, but a prelude none the less. DBSG has just made their debut, but their pretty boy singer is eating everyone in SM Town! Not even Junta's love can stop cannibalism.

I would recommend that 18+ read this fanfic. Some parts i enjoyed then others.(4/10)

Part 1 - (06/08/2024)

Part 2 - (06/08/2024)

Part 3 - (13/08/2024)

Part 4 - (13/08/2024)

Part 5 - (20/08/2024)

Part 6 - (21/08/2024)

Part 7 - (21/08/2024)

Part 8 - (21/08/2024)

Part 9 - (22/08/2024)

Part 10 - (22/08/2024)

Part 11 - (22/08/2024)

Part 12 - (22/08/2024)

Part 13 - (22/08/2024)

Part 14 - (22/08/2024)

Part 15 Final - (22/08/2024)

Vol 1 - Battle of the Boy Bands (23/23)

K-Pop and DBSG just put out albums and have are on a reality show, hosted by Se7en, to promote it. It isn't fun though, because Junta is their baby sitters, and the romantic drama is as thick and annoying as 90210.

This work is suitable for teen and up audiences.

Chapter 1 - (31/08/2024)

Chapter 2 - (31/08/2024)

Chapter 3 - (31/08/2024)

Chapter 4 - (31/08/2024)

Chapter 5 - (31/08/2024)

Chapter 6 - (07/09/2024)

Chapter 7 - (10/09/2024)

Chapter 8 - Coming Soon!

Vol 2 - Sarang Hae Nippon

The TV show is over, now its time to vacation in Japan! Who knew it was impossible to avoid join street gangs in the Godzilla's home country? TaeBin seems to steer clear of them, but he's busy, seeing as he's in a "family way".

Coming Soon!

Vol 3 - Battle of the Boy Bands Season 2

Its time for the second season, luckily, Se7en isn't the host, TaeBin is. The drama isn't any less this time, the only thing that's changed is the increased trips to the hospital.

Coming Soon!

Full Moon Entertainment (26/26) - hgiel

Moon Hee Jun has just left SM Town and is going to create his OWN boy band, one better then H.O.T ever was. Unfortunately, all he has is the already formed band K-Pop and the North Korean they hit with their car.

Inspired by Vol - Battle of the Boy Bands Season 2 that also by hgiel.

Coming Soon!

Ouija Bored (1/1) - hgiel

The guys celebrate Halloween by playing with occult tools.

This work is suitable for teen and up audiences. I don't know about his one, it was fun to read but wish it was a bit longer.(6/10)

Chapter 1 - In the Works!

Oh, You're In The Army Now (3/3) - hgiel

EVERY gasso seems to be in the army now, and the rest have gone to the dogs, or streets. North Korea takes this opening to attack, and Moon Hee Jun, UBin, Chang Ryul, Yoo Min, and Desuk have to save The Republic of Korea by themselves.

Coming Soon!

12 Steps of Christmas (12/12) - hgiel

The 12 hours of an H.O.T Christmas.

This work is suitable for all audiences. These will be scheduled to be posted in December.

Coming Soon!

Last Goodbye (1/1) - hgiel

Woo Hyun is about to enter the army, so he and Young One meet one last time before he goes.

Coming Soon!

Armageddon The Hell Out Of Here (1/1) - hgiel

H.O.T face the end of the world...

This work is suitable for teens and up audiences. Again, I'm not shore about this one, but it was okay it reminds me of 'War on the world's'.(4/10)

Chapter 1 - (05/09/2024)

A secret that is kept to us (5/?) - 90s_love:

Angel White and Crystal Light are two mysterious vigilantes who is after to destroy the illegal terrorist organization, Dark Archive. With their friend spirits, they protect the world. Meanwhile, their alter-egos are famous Kpop idols who have a rivalry within their groups. Can they keep their secret identities a secret from them?

This work is suitable for all audiences. I'm not really shore about his one, probably because its not finished, but it was okay.(5/10)

Chapter 1 - (22/08/2024)

Chapter 2 - (23/08/2024)

Chapter 3 - (23/08/2024)

Chapter 4 - (23/08/2024)

Chapter 5 - (23/08/2024)

Switch Rivals (21/21) - 90s_love:

Modern version of the 90's kpop idol scene. H.O.T and Sechskies are forever rivals. But what will happen when one member from each team switch bodies?

This work is suitable for all audiences. By chapter 5, i was hooked, i really enjoyed this one. I might even read it again because of how good it was.(9/10)

Chapter 1 - (26/08/2024)

Chapter 2 - (26/08/2024)

Chapter 3 - (26/08/2024)

Chapter 4 - (26/08/2024)

Chapter 5 - (26/08/2024)

Chapter 6 - (28/08/2024)

Chapter 7 - (28/08/2024)

Chapter 8 - (28/08/2024)

Chapter 9 - (28/08/2024)

Chapter 10 - (28/08/2024)

Chapter 11 - (29/08/2024)

Chapter 12 - (29/08/2024)

Chapter 13 - (29/08/2024)

Chapter 14 - (29/08/2024)

Chapter 15 - (29/08/2024)

Chapter 16 - (29/08/2024)

Chapter 17 - (29/08/2024)

Chapter 18 - (29/08/2024)

Chapter 19 - (29/08/2024)

Chapter 20 - (29/08/2024)

Chapter 21 Finale - (29/08/2024)

Project Kwangya - Alternatives Talles (10/?) - Cally_Kop:

Several tales using SM Idols as characters. Since the company decided to bring all the Idols together in the shared universe idea, where all the MV's, lyrics and all the promotional material of the company's Idols would tell a story, like Marvel and its shared universe.

Here, small stories will be posted using this same idea, that each Idol has a role and story to tell, being able to interfere in the stories of other characters. From Kangta to Aespa, to EXO, SHINee, Red Velvet, Girls Generation, NCT, all SM idols appeared.

Coming Soon!

Warrior's Descendants (6/6) - AuspiciousAutumn:

H.O.T are so close to becoming an active group again, but not everyone is keen with them doing it on their own terms.

I would recommend that 18+ read this fanfic.

Coming Soon!

12 days of Super Junior, a Christmas fic (12/12) - plincess_cho:

As Super Junior contemplate what they want for Christmas, they realize that above all, they want to be together.

This work is suitable for all audiences.

Coming Soon!

Red Velvet and the haunted dorms [Ft. Super Junior] (1) -plincess_cho:

Red Velvet move into Super Junior's old dorms. But are their dorms really haunted like everyone says?

This work is suitable for all audiences.

Chapter 1 - (15/09/2024)

2014 → 2000 (2/?) - Inodot:

Mir was and still is a big g.o.d fan. One day, after saving a child from getting hit by a car, he somehow ended up in 2000 when g.o.d were still active. He tries not to mess with time but couldn't help but to think that he can prevent their hiatus from happening.

This work is suitable for all audiences.

Chapter 1 - (21/09/2024)

Chapter 2 - (21/09/2024)

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werewolvesandaccordions · 2 years

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Schoenberg – Gurre-Lieder (1910) The audiences at the premiere were clenching their teeth. A new work by Schoenberg. The madman, writing “music” without keys. His second string quartet had a soprano, his song cycle Pierrot Lunaire was “absurd”. Many brought noise makers to this premiere, ready to jeer and cat call. But, everyone was taken aback when the music started. A traditional piece, not just that but also a masterpiece. With one concert, Schoenberg managed to turn the hostile audiences of Vienna a full 180 degrees. They even chanted his name during the standing ovation. But when he came onto the stage, he turned his back to the cheering crowd, instead bowing to the musicians and thanking them, then walking off. A bizarre gesture, done out of spiteful annoyance for the public who loved music that he had moved on from and had grown tired of. Schoenberg’s early stile followed the trail of post-Wagnerian German Romanticism. He had started writing the Gurre-Lieder in 1900, first as a song cycle of 9 songs for two singers and piano, which he had intended to submit to a contest held by the Vienna Composers Association. Unfortunately he didn’t finish it by the deadline. He decided to keep working on it, and what was a song cycle grew into the skeleton of a gargantuan symphonic cantata. Daunted by the idea of orchestrating it, he set the score aside. And so, part one is written in a lush, Post-Romantic style. In the next few years, he became acquainted with Mahler, and the chamber-like sonorities of his late symphonies. He also started working on early atonal works, the ones radical enough for him to lose public favor. Then by 1910 he decided to come back to the project and finish its orchestration. And so, part 3 is written with more “Modern” orchestration. The cantata is huge, and a bit exhausting to listen to, but it is rich with melodies and is a great musical portrait of the artist in transition. It could also help listeners catch the same expressivity that he writes in his later works that are thought of as inaccessible to the average person. The cantata is scored for five soloists, a narrator, a choir, and orchestra. The songs are poems by Jens Peter Jacobsen about the legend of King Waldemar and his mistress, Tove, along with the supernatural aftermath. Two historic kings of Denmark bear the name Valdemar. One is said to roam the castle grounds with ghostly horsemen on moonlit nights, as punishment for defying an oath against God. The other king had a mistress named Tove, who was murdered by the jealous queen. Over time, the two stories got mixed up, and both Valdemars became one figure with their stories becoming the Gurre legend. Gurre is a lake in North Zealand. There is an island in the middle holding a medieval castle where Danish kings of yore lived. Today, the lake is nearly dried up, and the castle is in ruins. It opens with an orchestral prelude, snippets of motifs come and go here, plenty of bird-song in the flutes. It is so serene and soul-lifting, I cannot listen to it without thinking of how the sunlight glows between tree leaves, or how the wind plays with the grass. Part one consists of the nine songs, Waldemar and Tove taking turns singing about love, but also dread, fate, and a sense of impending doom. The songs here are full of orchestral build ups and climaxes and powerful singing. A dramatic orchestral interlude takes us to the last song of the first part; the wood dove’s song, the trauma of Tove’s death. A constant drum beat with long pauses is almost like her dying heart. The bleakness of the music emphasizes finality. The second part is brief, like an intermezzo, but the orchestral drama here is as operatic as it gets. It opens with the same motif of the Wood Dove’s song, and Waldemar cries out in pain over a heartbreaking melody. Then, the story gets weird. The “other” side of the Gurre legend enters, where in rage, Waldemar summons ghosts to ride through the castle grounds at night, and a choir of men sing out the hunting song over heavy and epich orchestral storms. Then we get two contrasting soloists; first a peasant singing about his fear of the spectral wilde jagd, and second the ghost of a court jester singing a lighthearded macabre song about how annoyed he is to be summoned to ride when he’d rather stay resting in his grave. The end of the cantata shows Schoenberg thinking away from literal interpretation, to more abstract and expressive writing. Instead of “ending” the story “stops”, and the last portion [The Summer Wind’s Wild Hunt] acts as a coda, focusing on the theme of redemption, love, and how life moves on after tragedy. First we get another orchestral interlude, this time with chamber sonorities. Then, a melodrama starts, a narrator speaking in rhythm over the music, a “sprechgesang” technique that Schoenberg uses in full with Pierrot Lunaire. Here, the poem is about the morning wind. That eventually leads into the final chorus, the sun rises, the darkness of envy, death, revenge, and rage are forgotten. It relishes in the glory of sunlight and the passage of time. Part I Orchestral Prelude Nun dämpft die Dämm’rung (tenor = Waldemar) O, wenn des Mondes Strahlen (soprano = Tove) Ross! Mein Ross! (Waldemar) Sterne jubeln (Tove) So tanzen die Engel vor Gottes Thron nicht (Waldemar) Nun sag ich dir zum ersten Mal (Tove) Es ist Mitternachtszeit (Waldemar) Du sendest mir einen Liebesblick (Tove) Du wunderliche Tove! (Waldemar) Orchestral Interlude Tauben von Gurre! (mezzo-soprano = Wood Dove) Part II Herrgott, weißt du, was du tatest (Waldemar) Part III Erwacht, König Waldemars Mannen wert! (Waldemar) Deckel des Sarges klappert (bass-baritone = Peasant, men’s chorus) Gegrüsst, o König (men’s chorus = Waldemar’s men) Mit Toves Stimme flüstert der Wald (Waldemar) Ein seltsamer Vogel ist so’n Aal (Klaus the Jester) Du strenger Richter droben (Waldemar) Der Hahn erhebt den Kopf zur Kraht (men’s chorus) Des Sommerwindes wilde Jagd / The Summer Wind’s Wild Hunt Orchestral Prelude Herr Gänsefuss, Frau Gänsekraut (speaker) Seht die Sonne! (mixed chorus)

mikrokosmos: Schoenberg – Gurre-Lieder (1910) The audiences at the premiere were clenching their teeth. A new work by Schoenberg. The madman, writing “music” without keys. His second string quartet had a soprano, his song cycle Pierrot Lunaire was “absurd”. Many brought noise makers to this premiere, ready to jeer and cat call. But, everyone was taken aback…

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tinas-art · 2 years

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hushilda · 2 years

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dariaandjanelanefanboy · 2 years

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yukinojou · 2 years

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The Sandman on Netflix - first impressions

Okay, not so much first impressions as "I mainlined the lot in 26 hours and it only took so long because I was stuck at work for the first 7 watching on my breaks and then had to actually break for sleep". Spoiler-free above the cut, spoilery below it, criticisms at the end.

Caveat: I've been a Sandman fan for 22 years. I first read the books in a big bookshop, doing the surreptitious reading at the bookshelf for two weeks in snatches, because I was in London with very little money and graphic novels were very expensive. It took me five years to buy the lot, and it was only then that I found out how the story ended because I didn't manage to get that far in those two weeks. The Sandman was absolutely foundational for my philosophy, aesthetic, and dear gods Desire was a revelation - "You mean you can be both???" I never liked Preludes & Nocturnes' horror bend, so it's my least-reread volume, but Doll's House is my second favourite after Season of Mists. I've read all the Gaiman-penned addenda and most of the first run of The Dreaming. BIG Sandman fan.

And the show blew me out of the water:

Perfect cast is perfect. I had a lot of reservations because of the announced ones, only Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Mason Alexander Park and Gwendoline Christie immediately seemed right for their parts. But somehow they've dug up Exactly The Right People and let them play it with a richness of nuance that is so rarely allowed in American drama.

The pacing. The show breathes! There are quiet moments, there are very few action sequences, and the big plot moments are people talking. Let the words tell the story, let the actors act, let the scenery breathe and shine.

The filmography is quietly lovely. It starts "typical BBC Period Drama" but veers so soon into the just-off, just-bizarre. All the taxidermy at Fawney Rigg, the richness of every set (messy rooms!), the texture of everything. And even when it's not recreating the panels one by one (which, closest adaptation of a comic I've ever seen), it's shot in such a graphical way, drawing the eyes to the action with the composition, especially in the first episode. Much appreciation for clear vivid lighting in such a dark show too, I didn't have a single moment when I didn't know what was going on. And the colours in the second half are so bright, a very glam lighting that disappears for mists and shadows as the spell breaks.

I saw someone on Tumblr mention this is a bit like Sandman fanfic, that sensibility of fleshing out motivations and behind the scenes actions. And it is, and it works, plus it tightens plotlines in a way that hopefully makes sense to people watching for the first time. Which I'm very much not, as someone who can quote whole pages.

The rewrites are - the first word that comes to mind is Kind. Neil's a more mature writer now, not a shock jock in his twenties, there's no template of gritty 80s comics he has to adhere to in order to get the show to our screens. In the comic, the kindness only really arrived with Death in issue 6. Here, the tweaks let it be present from the beginning. And all the nuance and richness - you can see where he took characters that were flat stereotypes and then jiggled them until layers spread out. More about that below, in the spoilers...

Spoilery plot bits:

I actually love Ethel the most of the changes? She's such a pistol and a conwoman and legend in her own right, using Roderick and probably so many others to learn and forge a life on her own terms. I love the fact she let John use the ruby as a child, that we saw her arrival at Fawney Rigg and all the research she must have done to recognise Alex offhand, and that she showed up the Corinthian in five minutes flat, only letting him get close because she knew that's how she makes people go splat. I already liked her in the book, especially the way she calmly let her co-conspirator go splat there, but letting her shine was very much the right choice. I adore complicated women, and the way her sacrifice was echoed in Unity at the end, though honestly I would have had John grab the amulet from her rather than refuse.

The Corinthian's plotline - more about HIM later because oh my favourite eye munching nightmare was perfect, but that's the fanfic bit. He doesn't exactly change anything in Preludes & Nocturnes, but it makes perfect sense that he'd be doing it, because he's a smart cookie who doesn't want to go home and play nice. And in the Doll's House he actually pulls the plot together a lot. All a logical extrapolation, and building on both his popularity in the Kindly Ones and The Dreaming, and the fact they managed to cast Exactly The Right Guy.

The rewrites in 24/7 - damn, I'm going to have to rewatch this one, aren't I? Ugh. But I've seen Lourdes' character called a tiger woman and she's very much not, she's just trying to forge her happy ending and her equal partner, trying not to poke at the insecurities he has while still supporting him and not diminishing herself. And Bette, so desperate, so fragile there with all the things she won't let herself feel in order to be safe in her small town as a vulnerable single mother, and that's death as a writer, that's why she can't write her book. The scene where she burns her manuscript just made my heart hurt. The whole sequence is so much quieter and less graphic and yet more heartwrenching. You're so ready for Dee to go down with a bang.

(Rosemary! I had an inkling she'd survive when she was Black - because optics of her getting shot in that situation - and when the dog appeared because Neil knows if he killed a dog just after Gregory's sacrifice we'd riot, but oh the layers in the way she did survive, giving up on everything, just pleading for the dog, the way it showed how much a hurt simple kid Dee is too... Rosemary is so much love.)

Doll's House revisions give people more agency, and Gault is adorable as a sort of light mirror of the Corinthian, but I was a little sad about losing Lyta's confinement in the Dreaming, a pregnancy that lasted years. Some of that languidness was there in the series, but the hair brushing and lack of agency in the comics made the explosion of anger after Hector disappeared into a more wrenching shock.

I read about the Cereal Convention years before I attended my first WorldCon, and mwahahaha. Still a loving sendup of literary cons, with their panels and awkwardness and small talk and the flash of recognising a fellow obsessive. Gilbert ducking in and out of panels was brilliant.

Lucifer doing the Oldest Game was absolutely logical (honestly, Choronzon almost besting Dream always felt like a stretch), but oh the ending. As above, Season of Mists is my absolute favourite Sandman volume, and Gwendoline's Lucifer stepping down and shutting out all that racket of demons who dared command them will be the very best. How soon can we have season two?

Casting, broken out separately because the squee is strong:

Tom! Okay, I liked the Sandman Audible thing, and James McAvoy is a favourite actor, but it let me down with the kind of Morpheus voice so much I was resigned to not having the voice-in-my-brain in the series as well. But it is, and it's the grave white-on-black baritone in my dreams. He also acts so subtly with the eyes and makes the best faces, so much I'm willing to forgive the fact he often forgets to close his mouth completely. (He does have lovely lips, doesn't he?) The moments where the stubble comes through were jarring at first, but also very true to the comics. And oh, his 17th century wig was the best, shadows of Michael Wincott in The Crow. Plus the way he shows Morpheus thawing and cogitating desperately each time a woman yells at him (which is roughly twice per episode) is so clear and almost adorable. Oh, the ending is going to hurt so much.

Boyd! I was honestly worried about him because I hadn't seen him in anything before and in his usual offstage look he's - a bit awkward, like completely not what I imagined the Corinthian as, and also not the right voice (again, offstage). But oh, I should have trusted him. Because this is perfect, this is MY Corinthian, the eye-munching gay nightmare I've loved for two decades. True to himself, so much joy of life (ice cream scene!), crafty and in love with adulation, so flawed and bright in ways that completely don't address the serial killer part. I love that even more than Morpheus, he has chemistry with everyone. Like, people see him and want to make out immediately, and you buy it because he's charm on a stick. And he does it all in sunglasses, dammit. And he's so funny! I can't wait until The Kindly Ones, because Boyd and Patton Oswald are going to be a HOOT.

Vivienne! I literally had a phone named Lucien, that's how much I love the character, and she's perfect and open-hearted and frustrated. I really hope they'll bring up her raven past at some point, because that's the core of her devotion and the clear-headed way she sees Morpheus.

Kirby! Oh, she's just THERE, she's Death, that's her and her kindess and cheer and frustration with her boneheaded brother. That bit with her taking off her shoes was just *chef's kiss*. She's there and she's Death and she looks perfect in a 14th century headdress while daring her brother to strike a friendship that'll last centuries.

Come to that, Ferdinand Kingsley was adorable and also very confusing because at some angles he looks very much like my cousin. But his chemistry with Dream was perfect and I can't wait to see him again.

Gwendoline, of course, was dreamy and poisonous and oh, that smile at the very end killed me dead. I didn't know she had so much malice she could drag up to the screen like that, and even that slightly dodgy Rose of Versailles wig couldn't get in the way. Her clothes, on the other hand, mmm.

Mason! I was sold on them as Desire as soon as I looked up them doing Frank'n'Furter and Cabaret MC, but oh, you can see they love Desire the way I do, the way Desire as Dream's sister-brother was a revelation and a breaking of gender chains, and Mason's having so much fun with it. Plus they totally sold me in both sibling scenes, the very tactile and adoring way they were with Despair, the way they kept pushing Dream's buttons to the very end.

(I adore Despair's upgrade to comfy clothes and crocs. Despair's such an everyday thing, so insidious and hiding in plain sight, it fits so well.)

*flails* Everyone else was great too, with honourable mention to Emma Duncan, who gave away so much with her eyes, and Ernest Kingsley (Kai'ckul) who managed to copy Tom's performance to the letter while doing very heavy eye-emoting in just moments.

Criticisms:

I wish Cain and Abel had more time, because I love them. They bring out the Dreaming's creepiness nicely, but it wasn't even mentioned that Secrets are always true and Mysteries are stories. (And yes I mourn Gregory, but it was a well-written sacrifice and Goldie tied the knot nicely.)

I really don't think the budget was as high as rumoured, because the CGI is - sparse? I mean, it's beautiful, but at some points it's C-drama streaming budget, not millions per episode. Really visible outside Hector and Lyta's house, where all people are Very Pastede In, and outside the physical sets like the throne room and the library, the Dreaming suffers from lack of texture at times. The Threshold too, the outside was well done but the inside is just red. I'd love more organic textures there.

Relatedly, the dreams of the house dreamers in Doll's House aren't weird enough, especially when they start to merge by just dropping people into the same meadow. The vortex effect was pretty cool, but before that, no blurring, no overlapping, and the dreams themselves - I loved Zelda breaking Chantal's recurrence, but the dreams weren't different enough. They could have done so much with different lighting, CGI and whatnot, the way they did Dee's attack on the throne room, but I suspect budget was running out and they were relying on the actors to sell it (which they did, but I love that sequence so much in the comic).

And okay, some of my favourite quotes didn't make it in. "Beware the march of ideas!" "I give you a name and the name is lost!" And of course I imagined the summoning incantation differently, more frantic, more building up, but then they surprised themselves that it worked...

And that's everything out of my brain in the first hours. Maybe now I can actually sleep? And someone stop me from writing fanfic with Ethel and the Corinthian because whoa, that chemistry sizzled.

#the sandman #the sandman netflix #the corinthian #sandman #sandman netflix #ethel cripps

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blackmissfrizzle · 4 years

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Worth It- Pt 4

The Prelude- Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Summary: The reader bumps into Marcel after their big argument

Characters: Marcel x black!reader, Sean (OMC) x black!reader

Warnings: Language but what’s new?

A/N: I’m back with our love Marcel! Finally!!!! I hope y’all enjoy.

“Man, you fucked up.” Vincent told a pissed off Marcel.

“Big time.” Haley emphasized.

Marcel looked from his glass of whiskey to glare at Vincent and Haley. They weren’t helping him feel any better. It’s been days since he saw or talk to you since the incident with Rebekah and your mom.

“Drowning our sorrows, are we?” Klaus came up from behind and clapped Marcel’s shoulder.

“The only sorrows that are drowning are Marcel’s. We’re just reminding him of how bad he messed up.” Haley said.

“What are you even doing here?” Marcel asked her.

“Waiting on some friends,” and on cue, Cami showed up and she left the three men.

“The little wolf is right, you know?”

Marcel eyed Klaus curiously. “So, you’re ok that my girlfriend almost killed your sister?”

Klaus shrugged his shoulders and took a seat. “She’s still your girlfriend? And dear Marcellus, Rebekah knew the risks. It was fitting for her to learn that lesson. Y/N is a precious gem. If I were you, I would’ve given her the world.” Klaus paused and then leaned towards Marcel. “Maybe I’ll have the chance now.”

Right when Marcel was about to throttle Klaus, you walked in. It had been days since Marcel seen you, heard you, or smell you; your presence was a sensory overload. Especially with the outfit you had on. He guessed Rousseau’s is your first stop for a night out, because you wore a black and tan corset crop top, black ripped shorts, and thigh high boots.

You were there with your sister and friends, and y’all met up with Cami and Haley. Once you got settled, Marcel got up and was about to walk to you, but Vincent stopped him. “Bad idea, Marcel.”

Marcel snatched his hand back. “That’s my girlfriend and I’m gonna talk to her.”

All talking ceased at your table when they saw Marcel approach you. His hand touch your exposed shoulder and you were pissed at how he affected you.

“Can I speak to you alone?”

Bianca ruined any chance of you answering. “Hell no! You think she gon talk to you after how you did our momma? Over my dead body!” Bianca was standing up and you had to push her down to her seat.

“Chill, B.” Turning back to Marcel, you said, “Yeah, we can talk for a bit.”

Marcel motioned you to walk in front him and he followed you to the back patio. “You look beautiful tonight.” Marcel said trying to fill up the awkward silence.

“What do you want, Marcel?” You didn’t have time to play nice with him nor did you want to.

“I’m sorry. I should’ve never stood up for Rebekah like that. I think I let my feelings about how your parents disapprove of us cloud my judgement, but that’s not an excuse.”

Two sides of your brain were fighting. The rational side said, “That’s reasonable. You even have beef with your parents, because of how they talked about Marcel.” The petty side was saying, “Nah, fuck that nigga and the bitch he let put hands on your momma.”

“Which side is winning?” Marcel joked, knowing you always had to fight your pettiness.

“I don’t know. It seems like Petty Y/N really wants to come out. She thinks she’s hearing a lot of apologies from you lately but seeing no action behind them.”

“Y/N, I-”

“Sorry to interrupt, but Y/N you better get inside because you-know-who is here.” Haley interrupted, her eyes pointing towards Sean.

Although, Rousseau’s was open to all supernatural beings, it was known to be Marcel’s spot for him and his vampires with only a few witches allowed to come, and Sean and his witches weren’t on that list.

“Stay here. I’ll get him to leave.” You had to put your hands against his firm chest to stop Marcel from going in and causing a scene.

Lust filled Sean’s eyes as you approached him. All you felt was his gaze roaming your body and you felt a tinge of guilt for the lust running through you.

Soon as you were in arm’s reach, Sean grabbed the back of your neck and descended his lips onto yours. His kiss was different from Marcel’s, but it was enjoyable, more possessive, rougher, and nastier. His hands snaked down your bottom and he gripped your ass. “You goin’ to stop playing games and let me eat that fat pussy?” He whispered into your ear.

“Damn, I think I’m wet,” Bianca mumbled off to the side, voicing your exact thoughts.

You felt a tug on your wrist, and it was Diego. He probably thought he was helping his friend, but that only was going to cause the scene you were trying to avoid.

One of Sean’s friends pushed Diego off you and then suddenly Marcel and Sean were in a face-off. This had to end before it got ugly. “Boys let’s not do this here,” you say, getting in between the two.

Neither one paid any attention to you, so you pulled Sean out while Haley, a true godsend distracted Marcel.

“What the hell was that, Sean?” You slapped him for starting all that drama.

He gripped your wrist and pointed a finger in your face. “I ain’t Marcel, so that’s the last time you’ll put your hands on me.”

You snatched your wrist back and paced back and forth the sidewalk. If you didn’t figure out something soon, those two niggas will kill each other.

“Damn, cher. I got a way for you to get rid of all that nervous energy,” Sean gripped your hips and pulled you back towards him.

Sean kissed the side of your neck and chanted a simple spell to help you calm down. The only thing is that you weren’t sure you wanted to calm down.

It took all of your energy to pull away from him, but you did. “Sean, you can’t be kissing me. Especially in front of Marcel and in his fucking hangout spot!”

Sean couldn’t understand why you were so stuck on Marcel. He definitely didn’t treat you right. Getting pissed off at your devotion to Marcel, Sean backed you into the wall and leaned dangerously close to your face to the point you could smell his minty gum. “Really? Ain’t you single now?”

Shit, he had you there. But you couldn’t answer the question. You and Marcel never verbally said it was over, you just walked out on him.

Chewing on your bottom lip, you contemplated your answer. You couldn’t come up with an answer, so dipped into Rousseau’s to ask a waiting Marcel a quick question.

“No,” was the only word Marcel said when he saw you.

“You don’t even know what I was about to ask.” You whispered yelled at him.

“You were gonna ask if you’re single and the answer is no. We’re just going through a rough patch.” Marcel stared you down, daring you to challenge him.

Turning on your heels you walked away from him angrily. Damn vampire hearing, you thought.

Patiently waiting for you, Sean scrolled through his phone. “Well?”

“It’s complicated.” You answered.

Sean rolled his eyes at you and asked, “What’s so complicated about ending a relationship with someone who makes you a second option?”

“Who the fuck do you think you are, Sean? You’re just some random ass nigga that my parents think I should marry! Do me a favor and leave me the fuck alone!” You stomped away from him. Sean really pissed you off and if you were honest to yourself, which you didn’t want to be, Sean was telling you the truth. In the back of your mind, you were asking yourself the same question.

Catching up to you, Sean twisted your hips so you could face him. “Cher, you know I’m telling the truth. Lemme ask you something: can he give you you a family?”

Unbeknownst to you or Sean, Marcel slipped out the bar and was eavesdropping on your conversation. The talk about kids never came up, so Marcel never knew how you felt about becoming a parent.

“You know he can’t.”

“Do you want them? Because I can give you some.”

“So can a turkey baster.”

Sean chuckled to himself. “You know what I mean.”

“No, I don’t want any.” Sean’s smile dropped at your admission. When he asked you that, he just knew you were gonna say yes. What woman doesn’t want kids? “So, besides your dick, what else do you have to offer?”

The switch up was almost immediate. “That vamp got you turned out like that? Pathetic. What if you change your mind?” Sean scoffed.

Another nigga who can’t handle rejection, what a shame, you thought. “What’s pathetic is you not being able to take no for answer. And if and that’s a big if, I change my mind. There’s this thing call adoption. Now do me a favor and run along before I melt your brain.” You smiled up at him, but it was anything but genuine.

Usually that did the trick and had men running along, but Sean stood there smiling to himself. The only other person who didn’t run in fear from you was Marcel. How did you end up being the source of attraction for two stubborn niggas?

“My bad. I let my anger get the best of me. Just know that I just don’t want you because our families want us together. I like you, Y/N. I like what you do for our community, I like that you’re not afraid to break the rules, I like that pretty ass smile of yours, and so much more. Before you make a decision, I want you to know that you’ll never doubt your place in my life. You’ll always be number one, cher.”

Sean tried to give you a kiss, but you turned your head and he kissed your temple. Knowing his presence was no longer wanted Sean walked away hoping you would make the smart decision.

Coming out from his hiding spot, Marcel got into your line of vision. The two of you just stared at each other for awhile without saying anything.

Marcel’s first step towards you made you speak up. “Me turning him down has nothing to do with us. Marcellus, I love you with all my heart, but you got some shit to fix. And until that’s done, I don’t know where we stand.”

Marcel said nothing. He just took it all in. Arguing with you would get him nowhere. So, he gave you a kiss and whispered, “I’ll be better.” Then he disappeared, leaving you alone, determined to get you back before Sean could carve a spot in your heart.

Tags: @twistedcharismaaa @l-auteuse @nightgirl250 @cocooned-butterfly @thickemadame @artsninspo @titty-teetee @crystalgoddess00 @pananegra @princessshanae14 @rbhp @brownsugerhippy

#black!reader #marcel gerard #marcel gerard x reader #marcel gerard x black!reader #marcel x reader #marcel x black!reader #marcel gerard fanfiction #the originals #the originals fanfic #the originals fanfiction #the originals fandom #frizzle writes #frizzlewrites

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juleswolverton-hyde · 4 years

Text

Not by the Moon | 01

Genre: Smut, Romance, Strangers to Lovers, Drama, Tragedy, Werewolf AU, Supernatural AU, Bookshop AU

Pairing: Bookshop keeper!/Werewolf!JB x Reader

Warnings: Mild swearing, allusion to anxiety

Summary: Every story has a purpose or goal it is dedicated to, their authors at times going to great lengths to see the project they once started to completion. Nevertheless, the things the writers swore on to see their latest art piece to completion are static.

Unchanging.

None of them swore by the Moon nor Love because they can solely genuinely swear on all that changes like themselves.

And yet, a wolf in love foolishly swore by the moon.

That is when Time truly started ticking.

Next chapter

Masterlist

There is nothing quite like visiting a bookshop on a rainy autumn day, walking the pavements that will soon deepen in their shade of grey as the scarlet and burnt orange leaves will be decorated with tiny watery crystals. The fierce wind preludes to the sorrow of the gloomy clouds overhead, the chill creeping beneath the navy trenchcoat cooling the little skin bared by a simple ink black V-neck shirt. Caffeinated bordeaux sneakers hasten their step when leaving the district ruled by busy city life and entering the artisans district on the east side of town, where the boroughs are ruled by artists, individual shops, cafés and independent bookstores that each have their own vibe.

For a while now, a specific one has yet to be visited, intending to drop by ever since that long walk that lead through many a cobblestone street lined with brownstone houses and not a single business anywhere in sight. Except for Paper Souls, a hidden gem tucked away at the edge of the area where homes and commerce just meet and have resulted in a small store disguised as a proper worker’s house. As can be judged from the window display, the shop sells both well-known titles alongside more obscure ones, bound in editions fresh from the press and those having lived a ready life on someone’s shelves.

A second before the first tears of the heavens fall and make their presence known by ticking against the window, the bookstore is entered with a low sigh of delight. Nothing comes remotely close to the distinct scent of books, this specific combination of mustiness and ink laced with the fragrance of the weather outside and perfumes of customers. Or, in this case, solely the owner’s.

Here and there, a rumour about the man ruling the paper kingdom has been picked up and it is safe to say not all have been positive. A subject that has been frequently touched upon, oft causing more of a stir than the overall intimidating attitude, are the differently coloured eyes. One brown like hazelnuts at the end of the year and the other as blue as the ocean far outside the harbour.

The ones belonging to long blonde locks with dark roots looking up from the current read behind the counter and which are briefly met with a polite nod and casual greeting. At least one aspect of the groundless gossip is true because the disgruntled stoicism on the handsome face acknowledging the professional meaningless acquaintance silently makes the heart race and constricts the throat. It awakens the need to run and hide somewhere among the chestnut shelves, become a character in a tale so as to vanish and thus avoid upsetting the clerk by merely being present. Which might be the biggest problem, considering today’s goal of staying inside and spend it as is habitually done.

Don’t be silly. Just find a book and settle down somewhere to read a few pages. As long as you’re quiet, nothing’s gonna happen.

Thus, mayhaps repeating the self-chastisement once or twice, the creaking worn floorboards are walked upon as ghostlike as possible though every step makes the Body cringe due to the loudness disturbing the silence.

And him.

The young man whose gaze is momentarily met before fleeing to the vintage couch in an incline with a gorgeous Penguin hardcover copy of William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and Experience, which has been found in the poetry section across from the counter. Breath was held while standing on the tips of the toes while reaching for the thin volume on one of the highest shelves, hoping to not attract attention and refusing to use one of the nearby dark-wooden stools to climb atop because such acrobatics would likely not sit well with the person causing the hairs at the back of the neck to stand on edge.

A sigh of relief cannot be helped when loosening the buttons of the trenchcoat and tossing it over the arm rest before snuggling up in the corner of the sofa. Finally a moment devoid of stress, a chance to be carried off by the works of a beloved poet and artist embodying the truth of childhood and adulthood.

But being brought back all too soon from criticism on the corrupt Catholic Church by the oppressive presence of loose ripped jeans which are perceived just above the edge of the mustard cover. Despite being barely able to gather the courage to look away from the page, lashes nevertheless look up to hands tucked into denim pockets and non-matching irises peering down. Curiously, though it is also alarming, the gaze from above is awkward as if unsettled by the mere presence of a well-meaning bookworm which confirms the assumption about being a nuisance.

Although, the paradoxically misplaced inquiry spoken in a husky voice undermines the deduction. The lowering of broad shoulders does too, allowing personal defenses to waver a bit in the pursuit of kindness. ‘’How do you like your coffee?’’

Bewildered yet finding no clear reason for the kind question in the stoicism of two-toned locks, the simple reflex of asking for a repeat is acted upon with a sheepish tongue that does not know what to make of the situation. ‘’Sorry, what?’’

‘’Coffee. How do you drink yours?’’ A gruff slightly chubby thumb points toward the door, the glass decorated with autumnal tears. ‘’It might be raining, but I still need caffeine. Figured I might as well buy you something too. So, what should I get?’’

What do I do? Do I accept the offer? I mean, he offered it, but declining would still be polite. Then again, it’s free coffee.

‘’Oh, uhm, that’s very sweet of you.’’ The bundle is put down in the lap, flabbergasted shy hands tucked between the thighs while trying to stay as small as possible. It is a silly instinct, but the closeness of the intimidating bookshop clerk calls for it. Moreover, the deep slightly hoarse tone that sounds both as if still recovering from something and being exhausted with the world does not make matters better.

However, albeit for a split second that is not credible enough, little will-o-the-wisps illuminate the entrancing wildness of an ocean and hazelnut forest as a quicksilver smile flashes over roseate lips. A beautiful fleeting sight which might never have arisen from the solemnity resting like a mask on the youth’s face.

A daydream.

Indeed, surely that is what it must have been. What other reason could there be to show a sign of being pleased with someone who does not feel particularly welcome and at ease in this paper kingdom?

Led astray by the unfocused train of thought, distracted by what may or may not have been witnessed, the actual answer comes out on a mumble. All the while boldly looking back, wondering. ‘’An iced vanilla latte... would be nice.’’

Acknowledging the order with a mere low rumble similar to a wolf’s, the clerk sets off on a caffeinated journey and leaves an affected soul behind.

While still being highly uncomfortable with the lad’s presence, the thought of what just happened and the offer of a drink that was not in the slightest reluctant imprints a warm impression on a racing heart. Yet, before any ungrounded fantasies arise, the poetry bundle is quickly picked up again and later exchanged for a thick volume of Keats’s poetry that has been picked up in a rush to seemingly have never moved from the leather couch. To not leave a single trace of chaos which might trigger the wrath of the bookshop keeper and perhaps end up in being drenched by cold coffee.

All the fear is evidently in vain because, when being once again engrossed by poetry, the ghost of a touch over the cheekbone breaks the spell. As if awakening from a dream, the suggestion of the outstretched cold drink passes unnoticed. Instead, it is replaced by a look at ripped jeans beneath a loose tartan blazer, resulting in the novel discovery of a little gem embedded in the right nostril.

The rattle of ice entrapped in plastic fully awakens the senses as well as the sharp rustle of a paper bag bearing the logo shaped like an apple out of which a bite has been taken. ‘’Here. It’s on me. Don’t think anything of it, I just don’t want you to get dehydrated or hungry.’’

‘’Right.’’ With trembling hands expecting to have the food carelessly thrown into the lap and drink pushed into the palm, the surprising meal is accepted. Without the slightest sign of pushing. ‘’Still, thanks.’’

Once again, a beastly grunt is all that is received in return before checkered trainers retreat to the front of the establishment. Strangely, they soon return with the current read which was enjoyed behind the counter alongside the cold brew that was picked up to battle the fatigue that noticeably laces demeanour. Because, when sinking back into the sofa after having been gestured at to scoot over and haphazardly making room, lashes flutter shut for longer than a mere blink. Notwithstanding, they are awake enough to notice the shift in reading. ‘’Keats?’’

‘’Uh, yes. He’s one of my favorites alongside Blake, Donne and, on occasion, Wordsworth.’’ Personal enthusiasm takes over when mentioning the last poet with whom there is a love-hate relationship, erasing any anguish at being close to the keeper of the kingdom and thus making it possible to ignore the few centimeters of space between bodies. ‘’Even though he’s basically a fraud by turning his sister’s experiences into poetry. It makes one wonder whether he had any talent to come up with something himself. Now, I do believe some of his works are genuinely his, but not all. Sorry, I’ll- I’ll shut up.’’

Questioning chestnut and water reintroduce the silence disturbed by autumnal rain accompanied by howling winds, stretching out over the empty streets. Nobody likes a blathering fool, least of all the stoic who surprisingly has decided to join one’s company.

Or, so was the original thought that is now nullified by a sliver of a smile and something inaudible smokily mumbled beneath breath. There is no courage to inquire about what was said nor ask for a reason for being evidently entertained, simply rapidly picking up the volume again to resume reading with an overheated, ashamed mind.

Here and there, however, sneaky peeks are thrown in the direction of bleached locks thoroughly enjoying Dante’s Inferno, a work that has been on the to-be-read list for the longest time and somehow has never been crossed off.

Come on, you can do it. Ask him how it is, whether he likes Dante. Don’t be a marshmallow. Okay, one, two... fuck.

‘’How’s Keats?’’ Beating the barely daring tongue to it, the young man interrupts the hardly focused enjoyment of poetry that maybe lasted about fifteen minutes.

‘’Good.’’ More wants to be added to the opinion, but cannot be shaped nor voiced due to the bafflement at seeing sincere interest pierce through an unwavering expression. On the other hand, another unnameable sentiment underlines attitude too, floating ever so slightly beneath the surface.

‘’You haven’t touched your food.’’ Lips slightly pout when glancing at the paper bag that rests on the trenchcoat that had hastily been draped over the other arm rest when bleached locks sat down, colourful irises dimming.

Worry.

Why does it affect him? What does it matter if I eat or not?

To hopefully grant a bit of reassurance, an absent-minded promise is made before diving back into the misery of a nightingale. ‘’I’ll eat in a bit. Just one more poem.’’

As fast as lightning, the volume flies from hapless palms and the scent of books mingled with musky mint suddenly leans over to grab the purchased treat, fingertips pressing against the side of the thigh. Every muscle tenses up at the new form of intimacy, inwardly praying for the tartan blazer to return to his place as soon as possible. ‘’No, it’s already two o’clock and I’m sure you had breakfast early. You should eat. Where’s your coffee?’’

A trembling finger points to the untouched iced vanilla latte on the floor, put just in front of the sofa. Hands rise even higher when the bookshop keeper’s heartbeat and heated broad chest can be temporarily felt when slightly chubby digits lean over to grab the plastic cup. ‘’I’m not…’’

‘’What?’’ Clearly not understanding the need to keep looking away, unsteadily focusing on the sides of the nearest bookshelf, the question comes out agitated as the retrieved items are pushed forward, unmistakably intended to be taken. The shift in behaviour is as little comprehensible as the likely appearance of warm rosy cheeks going paired with a fist pressing on the lips, tongue-tied.

Mentally chastising oneself for the awkward display, courage is forcibly gathered to face the puzzled grumpy young man and answer with a whisper. ‘’I’m not comfortable eating in public.’’

‘’We’re not in public.’’

‘’Or with people I don’t know.’’

This revelation is clearly unexpected, eyes widening when reluctantly elaborating on an irrational fear with folded hands tucked between the thighs. For a second, there is nothing but an uncomfortable hush in which the worst outcome is vividly painted in the mind. Fortunately and oddly, it is broken as the stoic’s attitude shifts to something that has not been witnessed before and which goes against any rumour floating around town.

A gentle smile plays around the corners of the mouth as the tense grip on the food and drink loosens, gently putting the rustling bag in the lap and a warm palm grabbing one hand to place the lukewarm cup in it. ‘’There. I’m Jaebeom, JB for short. Now, can you please eat something? And I promise I won’t judge you.’’

‘’Shouldn’t- Shouldn’t you eat something too? You look like you could use some energy.’’ Up close, the fatigue has become visibly noticeable outside the moment of sitting down and closing eyes for a little bit longer than would suffice for a blink. Affected by the niceness of the gentle acquaintance and thoughtfulness, the croissant in the bag is torn in half to offer a part to the current company. ‘’How about we share this?’’

‘’You don’t have to.’’ A low breathy chuckle rolls forth at the gesture, strangely elating the heart and stirring up a storm of butterflies in the stomach. Again, the same unintelligible phrase that was muttered under breath earlier seems to be repeated.

A penny for your thoughts. What did you say?

Putting aside curiosity to not prematurely cross any boundaries of politeness, what wants to be asked is suppressed and reformed into a request for sharing. After all, the lack of energy outlined by vague dark circles beneath non-matching irises is truly a cause for concern. ‘’Please? I don’t have that big of an appetite.’’

With a resigning sigh, the offer is accepted. Much to the strange delight of the soul who still is not entirely trusting of the bookshop keeper yet already has the mental defenses down a little bit more than before. ‘’Alright, if you insist.’’

What follows is an absolutely adorable though also surprising scenario as the pastry is enjoyed in one bite, the food disappearing without any trouble. Nibbling on the other half, staring cannot be helped as a sip of coldbrew is enjoyed to wash the treat down. However, the unintended impolite mannerism, of course, cannot pass under the radar. Hence is why dark brows furrow in puzzlement when remarking upon being a point of attention. ‘’What?’’

‘’Nothing. You just…’’ a moment is taken to try and find the right word yet failing to think of one which accurately describes the eating manner, ‘’you just wolfed that down.’’

‘’Sorry if it makes you uncomfortable. I can be a bit, well, unmannered at times.’’ The gaze focusing on the iced black coffee adds to the sorrowful side profile, unwillingly nostalgic, but unapproachable for comfort. ‘’I try not to be. I’m trying to, no, never mind.’’ Another sip. ‘’Forget it. Just eat and stay as long as you like.’’

‘’Jaebeom?’’ In a reflex, after swiftly wiping fatty fingertips on the coarse paper napkin, the bookshop keeper is grabbed by the sleeve as he tries to move away. Alarmed by the sudden bold move, non-matching irises briefly flare with an odd mixture of fear and annoyance before seemingly realizing something and thus calming down. All this goes hidden behind a badly enacted tolerating low hum. ‘’Can you, I mean, only if you don’t mind, could you... could you stay here? For a little while? At least sit down for a few more minutes. I promise I won’t stare as I did and actually read.’’

‘’You want me to... stay?’’ Dark brows furrow in a strange confusion, uncomprehending of the normal request. Although, perhaps it is not so casual seeing as it needs to be thought about. ‘’Stay? Here?’’

‘’If you don’t mind? I’m sorry if I freaked you out, I really didn’t mean to.’’

‘’You didn’t. I should be the one apologizing for being so distant.’’

‘’I don’t blame you. You barely know me.’’

‘’I don’t know you.’’ The observation hits hard, the sternness of the reply crucifying the heart and constricting the throat. How odd a fact should have this result. Withal, the misplaced hurt is a little soothed by the promise that follows. ‘’I’ll stay. But I’ll be closing in about two hours.’’

And thus, for one hour and a half, the paper kingdom falls quiet. Solely the tinkering tears of heaven decorating the glass of the windows, howling winds stirring the richly warm leaves into dance and occasional wandering lonely umbrella break the silence. Inside, the only noise to disrupt the hush is the turn of a page or sniffle that may or may not prelude to a cold.

However, all tranquil beauty knows an end for Time always runs out. Henceforth, it is at half past four that a light tap goes paired with the barely audible comment “you have to go”. Likely due to the aftermath of being pulled from a world of poetic Nature into gloomy Reality, there is a wrong perception of Jaebeom’s voice. Surely, the sorrowful reluctance is imagined.

As you said, you don’t know me.

The mere thought pains Body and Soul when grabbing the navy trenchcoat off of the faux leather arm rest, stepping towards the bookshelf where Keats was found and the exit afterwards. No chance of wandering a little longer between the books is given, the clerk following closely behind and unconsciously guiding feet towards the entrance.

‘’Y/N? Will you, uh…’’ Restless trembling palms hover in the air like two bent paws failing to illustrate something, a rosy flush spread over the cheeks, ‘’Can I put your jacket on? I mean, let me help you put your jacket on. That’s how you say it, right?’’

With an affirming hum, big palms with slightly chubby digits are allowed to help dress into the piece of clothing.

Glide over the side of the neck when collecting hair to make it flow over the collar instead of being tucked beneath it, leaving a trail of goosebumps and sharpening breath.

All the while maintaining eye contact, both our faces distorting with timidity. It is then that glances are haphazardly thrown around the empty store to avoid each other for a second wherein composure is hopefully found.

And it would appear that the buff tall blonde youth is the first to do so, speech matter-of-factly when voicing an unspoken suggestion while holding on to the upper arms. ‘’I haven’t even asked your name.’’

Bashfully, the answer is uttered in a proper vis-á-vis with entrancing two-toned irises though the urge to bolt out the door remains. Nevertheless, the rapid loss of contact is disliked, JB realizing how the intimacy might come across when glancing at the fingertips digging into fabric, almost begging to stay. ‘’It’s Y/N.’’

The instinct to flee is lessened by the step forward thoughtfully repeating the name, carefully feeling out the syllables as if comprehending a siren’s song. ‘’I had a good time, Y/N.’’

‘’Me too.’’ It is true because, despite the distance that was endeavoured to be closed with food, reading and shallow conversation, the time spent together was actually quite enjoyable. Notwithstanding, too much of the clerk remains unknown to say whether all has been out of politeness or if any sincere trust has been shown.

‘’Even though you’re still scared of me?’’

‘’I’m not!’’ A sigh rolls off the tongue at the sight of a smug grin on roseate lips knowing better than to lie about genuine sentiments. ‘You’re just... just kinda intimidating.’

‘’Kinda? To me it seems like a whole lot more than ‘just kinda’. You almost seem eager to go even though you were hesitating earlier.’’ Bright hazelnut and the summer sea are overcast by lonely grief putting on the airs of suppressed rage, painfully re-establishing and enhancing the distance that was briefly shortened with a step backwards. ‘’To get away from me. Make up your mind.’’

‘’Yes, I’m intimidated by you. A lot.’’ The renewed cold emptiness is warily bridged, planning out the words to say to not make matters worse. ‘’And, to be honest, I don’t want to go. Still, it’s because you intimidate me I might seem uneasy and glad to go, but I can assure you I’m not. I really had a good time. We might not have talked a lot, but I still had a splendid afternoon. With you. And for that, I’m grateful. I’m sorry I confuse you, make you feel awkward because of my behaviour.’’

The waterfall of a confession catches the bookshop keeper off guard, but also manages to make tense broad shoulders lower their defenses as colourful eyes calm down. Digits rise from the pockets of loose ripped jeans to envelop the upper arms once more, this time rubbing them reassuringly and let the personal walls crumble too. ‘You don’t have to be afraid of me nor apologize. Look, we’ll talk about this another time. For now, you have to go and I have to close the shop. Get home safely and don’t catch a cold.’

‘’You too.’’

‘’Don’t worry. I won’t.’’

With a last nod and gentle smile relieved at the prospect of good health, warm palms are stepped away from.

The watery autumn chill cools the heat from being seen off by blonde locks.

I couldn’t get sick even if I wanted to.

When the enchanting scent of summer citrus, autumnal blackberries and juicy peaches has faded, the two volumes that were touched by it are picked from the shelves without a clear understanding of why. Neither is there a sense of comprehension when it comes to the sheer curiosity about what it is that the adorable shy doe so likes about these specific poets. Notwithstanding, both books are picked up and put on the counter alongside the current read to take upstairs after sweeping and properly closing the shop.

Which does not take long, soon after already stumbling up the metal stairs to the apartment above the establishment with a famished stomach and tense muscles, watching the oppressive concrete clouds slightly give way to the lilac dusk before heading inside. Fortunately, dinner has been prepared in advance so the various side dishes solely need to be warmed up in the microwave just like the rice in the cooker. The hair dye job, however, will have to wait until tomorrow. That is, if it is remembered like the face of the local historian who seems awfully fascinated by the affliction distorting identity.

Shedding off the weight of the day, clothes are removed and tossed on the couch to be replaced by the bathrobe that was put there in the morning after yet another long night filled with amnesia. Afterwards, bare feet trod to the kitchen to retrieve the cold dishes from the refrigerator and put them in the microwave to heat up.

It’s getting late, but at least there’s still some time to read. Funny how my last thought is of you.

Just as the melancholic thought arises over a big bowl of bibimbap accompanied by William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and Experience, the screen of the phone on the counter lights up after a brief buzz. When getting up to check, the message appears to be from the supernatural scholar.

“Good luck tonight. I’ll be at your place around 7. Hopefully, you’ll be yourself again. If not, I’ll wait outside. Jinyoung.”

As always, the text is signed with the young man’s name to help ease the recovery of ever-fading memory. Even after living around three years among humans again, the ability to recall actual names alongside how to enact civilized behaviour remains hard.

And becomes more difficult with every passing day.

For now, I want to try. I want to speak to you at least one more time and explain myself. Part ways on good terms, let you know what I am.

A smile cannot be helped at the sight of the bowl next to the mustard poetry bundle, vividly re-imagining how it was held by small hands on the faux leather sofa this afternoon.

How those same tiny digits tore off half of the croissant without hesitation and offered it to an animal, nibbling adorably on theirs while endeavouring to put on a human act and failing due to the hunger always preceding hell.

But a fantasy never lasts.

Time never stops.

It solely ticks.

Runs out.

Hopefully, I’ll remember you.

And the moon cannot be sworn by for She cannot stay away nor remain the same.

That night, the name of the bookish fawn is the last powerful word to recall before losing a grip on the world in the cold dark illuminated by artificial light.

Naked and shackled beneath the concrete ground.

Hoping for a memory.

Y/N.

#ksmutclub #GOT7 #GOT7 smut #GOT7 x Reader #Jaebeom #Jaebum #Im Jaebeom #Im Jaebum #GOT7 Werewolf AU #Werewolf!Jaebeom #Werewolf!Jaebum #Not by the Moon

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secretsfromwholecloth · 4 years

Text

Dragon Age: Origins, day 5.

OK, you know what, let’s head for Haven and start working on getting to the Urn. Bringing Alistair, Zevran, and Morrigan with me, because I apparently hate myself and/or love drama. (And the sooner I can get Zev some experience, the sooner I can polish up his lock-picking skills.)

...besides, I did promise that this Warden would like Morrigan more than the last two, didn’t I.

For now, though, I’m condemning myself to a lot of “Insufficient skill” messages. *sigh*

Ah, Alistair and Morrigan bickering about the merits of the Circle like there isn’t a Circle-trained mage standing two feet away.

Creepy village is creepy, yes.

Why is my spirit healer girl reduced to asking Morrigan if she can do anything for Genitivi’s injuries?

OK, this was a good party for dialogue purposes, but if Zev doesn’t learn to pick these locks sometime soon I’m going to have to come back and do a sweep of the place with Leliana.

You know that thing in DAO where you click on a companion by accident when trying to loot something, and it turns out it was time for a priority conversation so you can’t just go “whoops, not now”? Well, here’s Zev begging Isaura to be friends with him and let him stay after they’re done with the Blight. Proper begging, the poor love, since she likes him OK but doesn’t quite understand that he’s at the point of actually wanting to stay with her. And her past MO of flirting/pretending to take things as innuendo is out of the question with Alistair, who she’s apparently actually dating now (Maker help her, how does she get into these situations), standing right there.

Oh, hi, dragon. With a level 11-13 party, I don’t think it’s quite dragon-slaying time yet.

Isaura will maintain to her dying breath that she did the best she could for Jowan. Even if only about 90% of her is convinced.

She’ll go on a weepy tirade if she wants, Zev, you don’t get to tell her shit.

Alistair, don’t. Nope. None of this “should’ve been me who died” business in front of your girlfriend, she’ll give you what for just as publicly as you said it in the first place. And do you really want Morrigan and Zevran watching that?

Heh, this is the David Gaider Talking To Himself party, isn’t it?

Being deemed ~*~worthy~*~ is very nice, yes, now can Isaura put her clothes back on? This is really not how she wanted to be getting naked with Alistair for the first time. Maybe back when it all started she could’ve broken the tension with some jokes about orgies, but...

Actually, it apparently is dragon-slaying time. Though that got really hairy—Isaura and Zevran both went down, and Morrigan was lucky the dragon stayed occupied with dear old indestructible Alistair and didn’t come after her.

I’m sorry, “Pure Bitch Braid” will never not be funny.

Sten, please, get it through your skull that Qunari gender roles aren’t universal before this becomes an issue.

You know, the kind of awkward thing about this game is that all the VAs seriously brought their A-game and did all this wonderful, nuanced, moving work—and then the character animations are just too limited to keep up. I spend a lot of time averting my eyes from the screen and imagining the acting just the way I want it as I listen to the dialogue.

Right, speaking of averting my eyes, the kid’s been devirginized. And the conversation afterwards got him to +100 approval, first out of all the party, bless. I look forward to the others’ smart-ass comments.

So, back to Redcliffe to drop off those ashes.

“This is a non-combat mission, I don’t need a second melee character. Let me give Wynne and Leliana some attention.” *cue darkspawn ambush*

The great thing about two healers in the party is that if someone is in need of healing, they won’t stay that way for long.

And Wynne just had her little fainting episode. Hey, Wynne, is this a prelude to you actually giving me your quest at some point?

Between Alistair’s paternity going from mildly interesting bit of trivia to overshadowing their entire future and then seeing Jowan all but offer himself up for execution, Isaura is having A Day.

I miss when party banter used to be a thing that happened.

OK, when I paid off Wade to make that drake scale armor faster, I didn’t realize it’d be “just about enough time to go for a jog around the market district” fast.

How about a DLC break before we go after the Dalish? I’m in a Return to Ostagar kind of mood.

...I could probably have planned this better. Alistair/Wynne/Zevran is a party I’ve brought here before, and I don’t know what kind of time Zev will have with any locks we encounter. We’ll see.

And a certain baby boy can now get out of his Templar armor. Kind of awkward to have him wearing that for so long, all considered.

Oh yeah, second specialization time. Arcane Warrior, here I come.

Wynne, I realize needling Alistair is delightful fun, but carrying on like that about taking him to bed is a little much with his girlfriend standing right there.

Oh, hey, there’s Wynne’s quest. Excellent.

Ah, that conversation. Alistair, dearie, you and Isaura aren’t going to get very far if it’s just the two of you, Wynne, and the dog. For one, you need a rogue in the party, so pick which of Leliana and Zevran you distrust slightly less.

Since we’ve already managed to take out a high dragon, let’s try going after Flemeth. Bringing Alistair, Sten and Leliana with me, and hoping I don’t regret my life choices.

That went nicely. Good job taking her down, Sten.

Back to Denerim, then, now that we know where Marjolaine is.

She’s creepy and all but promised she’d come back to hurt Leliana if left alive, so we’re going to not do that. Bye-bye, creepy lady.

And I think this is a good place to pack it in for the night. Probably more DLCs tomorrow, I don’t feel like heading for the Brecilian Forest quite yet.

#dragon age #dragon age: origins #isaura amell

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razberryyum · 5 years

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The Untamed/陈情令 Rewatch, Episode 12

(spoilers for everything MDZS/Untamed)

[covers MDZS chapters 51 and 52]

WangXian meter: 🐰+🐰+🐰🐰+ 🐰🐰🐰🐰+ 🐰🐰+🐰🐰+🐰+🐰🐰🐰

There is so much to love about this scene, least of which is Wei Ying being in peak cuteness mode as he physically prepared himself to recite the Wen sect rules, only to immediately switch to troll mode by reciting the Gusu Lan sect rules instead. No matter how many times I’ve watched this scene, I laugh out loud and love it every time. Even though Lan Zhan was as stoic as ever, he had to be just a little proud of Wei Ying for the stunt he pulled. All that time spent at Cloud Recesses copying the rules obviously paid off in more ways than one. I also thought it was adorable how Nie Huaisang was the first person to recognize the Gusu Lan rules: if Big Bro Nie Mingjue was around, I’m sure he would’ve been a teeny bit proud of the fact that his little brother was able to retain all that arguably useful information he learned at Cloud Recesses. I say arguably because, let’s be honest, those visiting sect students probably broke like 90% of those rules as soon as they left the grounds of Cloud Recesses since they really don’t apply to their own sect’s way of living, so really, how useful ARE those 3000+ rules in ones’ life? I’m not even entirely convinced they actually help strengthen one’s moral fortitude since if someone was an immoral person to begin with, vacationing at Cloud Recesses for a few months and being forced to memorize a bunch of stuffy rules probably won’t change anything and might in fact have the opposite effect due to annoyance. That’s an aspect of the whole learning experience at Cloud Recesses that I always found a little odd: every sect has their own sect of house rules, why force visiting students to memorize theirs until they can recite it forwards and backwards. In the novel, Wei Ying’s initial indignation at having to copy them was pretty valid; good thing he ended up marrying into the Lan family anyway otherwise that really would’ve been a lot of effort pointlessly exerted.

When I first watched this episode, I was kind of impressed by how upstanding the Wen sect’s rules seemed to be: since they were set up to be the big bad sect in the show, I wasn’t expecting much in terms of moral standards. Too bad most of Wen Mao’s descendants strayed away from following them, or even remembering them, as Wen Chao would soon show. I did find it curious that he would even know the Gusu Lan sect rules enough to recognize them; it’s rather strange that he didn’t automatically assume Wei Ying was reciting his own Yunmeng Jiang sect rules since that would have been a pretty logical guess. Which begs the question, when did he even learn the Gusu Lan rules? I know that’s a question that no answer was ever provided for, and I’m sure Team CQL didn’t even think anyone would ever care enough to ask since the more important take-away point of that scene was Wei Ying adorably using the Gusu Lan sect rules as a means to slap Wen Chao in the face. And it was a pretty effective slap, even the usually disdainful Jin Zixuan was amused by his tactic. I’m sure both Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan were impressed as well but were simply too worried about the repercussions to enjoy the moment.

I actually rejoiced a little when Wen Chao generously doled out his punishment to both JZX and Lan Zhan as well, instead of only singling out Wei Ying, since that of course instantly translated to me as more Wei Ying and Lan Zhan bonding time. Sure, JZX had to be the third wheel this time, but the upside to that was that yet another person got to witness Wei Ying’s preoccupation with Lan Zhan.

JZX’s reaction to Wei Ying’s insistence on chatting up a very unresponsive Lan Zhan was hilarious. He must’ve been wondering, what the heck is up with this guy and his obsession with Lan Wangji? I think even if JZX had asked Wei Ying that question directly, Wei Ying wouldn’t have even been able to explain himself. At that point in time, I don’t believe he even understood why he couldn’t leave Lan Zhan alone, only that he couldn’t and didn’t want to.

And of course likewise, neither could Lan Zhan leave Wei Ying alone, especially when he’s in danger, even though he really did all he could to resist responding to Wei Ying’s numerous attempts at interacting with him. It really was a great risk; I can only imagine the stress and turmoil Lan Zhan was feeling. Having just seen his home partially destroyed by the Wens (although in the novel/donghua it was worse since it wasn’t just partial), he must’ve been deathly afraid of getting Wei Ying involved lest harm befell him as well, and yet as soon as he was threatened, Lan Zhan immediately forgot all his concerns and defended Wei Ying.

I love that all his carefully maintained stoicism dissipated completely because of Wei Ying: not only did he valiantly defy and threaten Wen Chao, but then he also blatantly showed his concern on his face…

…and through his gestures since he couldn’t stop holding on to Wei Ying.

Wen Chao’s monologue took a good minute or two and yet the entire time, Lan Zhan never let go. In front of so many people he continued to unabashedly support Wei Ying. Like he just completely forgot everything other than protecting Wei Ying. It was beautiful.

I really wish Wen Chao had thrown Lan Zhan in the dungeon with Wei Ying as well, especially since he even threatened to. Not sure why Team CQL held back from that; the whole dung field scene was created just for the drama anyway, would’ve been lovely if they had gone the extra distance and WangXianed up the dungeon scene as well since that was also just a figment of their imagination. Not to mention, considering Lan Zhan did also fight back against Wen Chao, it would’ve made sense for him to also face the same punishment as Wei Ying. Wei Ying could’ve still been thrown into the doggy cell while Lan Zhan into the cell next to him, and then he would’ve had to spend the entire time listening to Wei Ying getting tortured by the puppy and just be worried sick until Wen Qing finally showed up with her needles. Darn it. Such a shame Team CQL passed up such a good Lan Zhan angsting opportunity.

Although I probably shouldn’t even complain since there was already a good amount of WangXian moments already, Wei Ying’s piggyback offer alone made up for the lack of a dungeon bonding scene.

Even though Lan Zhan declined his offer, just thinking about how he proceeded to hold on dearly to this memory because it was precious to him, and then to bring it up again a decade and a half later in order to return the favor, just makes me want to cry all over again for this sweet romantic man.

Wei Wuxian is Cool AF

I mean, that’s usually a given, but still, I always get a happy chill down my spine when I see him being all threatening like that. It’s like seeing the prelude to the Yiling Patriarch. Seeing Wei Ying boldly come to his rescue like that probably helped spur Lan Zhan into action to defend him.

Wen Ning is a Sweetheart

I believe that even if Wei Ying hadn’t saved his life, if their only encounter was that moment on Cloud Recesses when Wei Ying taught him to properly pull back on his bow and aim, Wen Ning would have still done everything he did for Wei Ying because that’s just the type of angel he is. For that one minor act of kindness, Wen Ning would have no doubt done all he can to help Wei Ying whenever he could; so far saving his life, Wen Ning would’ve died for him. I’m just so happy that he got a second chance at life, and at least in the drama his condition was a step up from zombie. The fact that he’s been there all along during the course of Wei Ying and Lan Zhan’s relationship and witnessed most of their major events together, especially during Wei Ying’s second lifetime, makes him even more endearing to me because he was always so supportive. I’m so glad that he is beloved by the juniors later on because he really deserves all the love he can get.

Poor Jiang Cheng

I felt bad for Jiang Cheng in this episode: here he is pining after his crush, looking forward to seeing her again while wrestling with his feelings as he tried to decided if he should give her the gift he’s been holding onto all this time, and yet when they finally have a one-on-one moment, all Wen Qing is concerned about is Wei Ying. I know that’s understandable under the circumstances since she did see Wen Chao drag Wei Ying away, but when I first watched this episode and thought Team CQL was aiming for the love triangle angle, I really thought this moment would be later utilized to plague Jiang Cheng to stir up his jealousy even more. I really cannot say enough how glad I am they never went in that direction.

Full Moon Rising

I guess it’s not unreasonable that werewolves exist in that world, since demons and otherworldly beasts do too—I mean, that’s what they were hunting at Phoenix Mountain after all—but man do I wish they would’ve just stuck with a normal puppy for this whole dungeon scenario cuz Mr. Wolfman just looked so damn fake and awful. Sometimes, Team CQL makes such bad technical choices that I actually have to rub my temples to stave off the headaches I get from them. I don’t understand why they didn’t just bring in a Doberman or mastiff or some other ferocious-looking black dog for that scene. I know it probably would have cost a little more to have a trained dog that can fake attack on command, but they could have easily gotten away with using camera tricks to feign an attack on Wei Ying. Every time I see that fake-ass stuffed dog I can’t help groaning a little. No amount of drool could make that thing look remotely real. Really, bless Xiao Zhan for selling the crap out of that scene and also the make-up department for doing a pretty stellar job with his blood and injuries, I would’ve felt nothing but embarrassment otherwise. But Wei Ying looked distressed and hurt enough that my heart always ends up aching a little at the sight of his horrible condition. I wanted to personally hurt Wen Chao for putting him through that ordeal.

Despite my criticism of the dungeon scene, I still liked it in general because in addition giving us the Wen’s siblings separate acts of aid to Wei Ying, it also provided us with this moment where Wei Ying selflessly saves the medicine for Lan Zhan despite his own serious injuries. That really is just so completely sweet…my only lament is that Lan Zhan never even really finds out what he did. He would’ve been so touched.

Questions I Still Have

Honestly I question the practicality and effectiveness of the whole hostage situation with each sect’s heirs and prized pupils, but I’m going to hold off on delving into that until probably the next episode since the choice Wen Chao makes at the Xuanwu cave really sets off my logic alarm.

Overall Episode Rating: 8 Lil Apples out of 10

Disclaimer: The Untamed would not be possible without Mo Dao Zu Shi and Mo Xiang Tong Xiu-laozi. I mean no disrespect whatsoever with my humble comparisons between the novel and the live action, even when I sometimes favor the changes in the show. All hail MDZS and MXTX-laozi always and forever!

#The Untamed #陈情令 #spoilers #WangXian #Untamed Rewatch #Mo Dao Zu Shi #CQL #MDZS #魔道祖师 #Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation #Wei Ying Wei Wuxian #Lan Zhan Lan Wangji #Wen Ning #Jiang Cheng #Wen Qing #ChengQing #Jin Zixuan #Wen Chao #Gusu Lan Sect

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divafm · 4 years

Text

* 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 ! i am beyond excited to be a part of this group & to write with all of u legends . i am 𝐤𝐨𝐝𝐲 , currently residing in hell angeles aka the pst timezone . i go by feminine pronouns , but u can also refer to me as garbage . under the cut , i will be introducing u to my broadway baby . if any of ya’ll are interested in getting a lifetime of affection from me , & possibly a plot , please give this post a 🖤 & i’ll be on my way .

❛ ✶ ( ariana grande , cisfemale , she/her ) spotted ! chantel demonté was spotted singing along to moon river by audrey hepburn in hilton grove . you’ve heard of them right ? they are a twenty - three year old broadway actress & musician who has already amassed a net worth of $120m . you should really follow them on insta @chantel , they’re about to hit 60m followers . the tabloids have been calling them the prima donna because they are known for being + perfervid but also a bit - sycopantic . though most people recognize them by bambi eyes twinkling with ambition , the saccharine scent of chanel n°5 , glossy lips curled coquettishly , cherubic features radiating naiveté , & breakfast at tiffany’s .

* ◞ 𝐢 . ⤻ 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 .

𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞. chantel satine demonté . 𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞(𝐬). chanti , princess , baby , etc . 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞. august second , a leo . 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡. milan , italy . 𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 & 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. undetermined . 𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. an esteemed broadway actress , having the productions of wicked , funny girl , west side story , hairspray , etc . under her belt . her talents extend further as a musician , with an ariana grande voiceclaim , having only sweetener , yours truly , & certain singles ( ex . adore , quit , etc . ) in her discography at the moment . lastly , a part - time model . with her rise to fame , & she’s been plastered on a variety of pages in a magazine , including cover shoots . 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲. american . 𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲. italian , french . 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧. catholicism , not practiced . 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬. english , italian & french . 𝐡𝐨𝐠𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞. slytherin . 𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐬. ballet , piano , acting , makeup , cheerleading , song writing . 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨. rachel berry glee , betty cooper riverdale , cassie howard euphoria , monica geller & rachel green hybrid friends , amy march little women , nancy wheeler stranger things , kelly kapoor the office .

* ◞ 𝐢𝐢 . ⤻ 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬 .

a baby girl , blessed of cherubic features , was born during the summer season in milan , italy , which is very much known to be the global capital of fashion & design . her mother , donatella demonté , is a prominent fashion designer whose name is not only regarded in the streets of europe , but across the globe . her designs & level of popularity is akin to versace , in which we are all incredibly familiar with . the girl’s father , stefan demonté , is an intuitive & magnetic man , who is notable in the medical field for being one of the most dependable surgeons in the world . his patients whom undergo his procedures experience soaring success rates & is described as a modern asclepius . two of the most eminent beings among the planet intended on extending their prosperity & influence onto their successor , chantel satine demonté .

at the age of six years old , it was decided that the family would relocate from europe & into the united states . specifically , settle on the island treading the east coast , in sun - drenched hilton grove . it was baffling to the young brunette at the time , considering she was foreign to american ideology & its citizens . she fret on being acquainted with her peers , as well as wondering if she will begin to feel homesick for her native country . as means of introducing her to her potential talents & aiding her in establishing a social presence , donatella inserted the girl in a variety of extracurricular activities , while also enrolling her in the best private school in the area . it was apparent from the moment she melodically verbalized in her infancy that she was destined to be a vocalist . whenever music was in the atmosphere , her features would brighten & a coo of delight would emit from her . this passion for music led to her involvement in ballet , as a means of expressing herself not only vocally but physically . it taught her great diligence , & was the prelude to the many pursuits she would acquire .

by the time she was in her senior year of high school , the damsel had blossomed into the prodigy in which her parents aspired her to be . during her four years , she had been part of a majority of the clubs organized on campus , including drama , speech & debate , french , etc . she received the highest scores in her class alone , maintaining a 4.0 gpa while also dedicating herself to cheerleading , exuding not only school pride , but pride within herself . by this length of life , she had been so immersed with musical theatre , that it was apparent that her dream entailed performing upon the broadway stage & becoming the contemporary barbra streisand . every morning to every evening , she envisioned belting her heart out upon that stage , utterly absorbent to the applause & standing ovations to the crowds , all enchanted to see her . once chantel had a goal , it was nearly impossible to keep her from reaching it , whether it is landing the lead in some school production or landing the part of fantine in the broadway production of les misérables . once she had graduated , she did not mourn over the conclusion of what would be her adolescence . in fact , she embraced what would be the commencement of the first act to reaching her fantasy .

* ◞ 𝐢𝐢𝐢 . ⤻ 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭 .

tw ﹕ eating disorder , depression .

upon her arrival to broadway , she accumulated a huge amount of success & recognition from it over the years . however , around last year , the innate perfectionist had unknowingly begun to decline , both in her health & mentality . gradually , she had adopted certain habits , that involved a decrease in her food intake & lack of rest . every minute of every hour she was rehearsing , pirouetting , or tending to other obligations . already being so petite in nature , the reducing pounds had a dramatic impact upon her figure , in which she would conceal with oversized garments as means of keeping others from noticing . though , inevitably , those in her life began to express their concerns for the girl , who could not have appeared more exhausted & had been avoiding being around others as means of preventing them from noticing her apparent starvation .

it wasn’t until a rehearsal on one afternoon that the brunette had an abrupt collapse on stage due to complete malnourishment & exhaustion . the auditorium almost instantly echoed of gasps , as her fellow cast members & the crew a sea of utter revelation . the instrumentals had ceased , & there were several of her crew members sprinting towards the platform to get the girl immediate medical attention . in a matter of several minutes , she was carried off stage & immediately ushered to the hospital . an understudy swiftly covered the role for the show scheduled of that evening , as well as the consecutive shows that followed .

it had taken only two hours for the dismaying news to be phoned to her parents , who had frantically dropped everything in that moment to go & visit their only daughter , whom had been laid upon a hospital bed with her frail , gaunt frame covered with a patterned gown . the following morning , she had woken up , & was absolutely devastated . not due to the state of her health , but the fact that she didn’t get to perform that evening , & that an understudy would now be in her place . she frantically sputtered to her guardians that she has to return to continue the following shows , attempting to pull herself off from the mattress though was immediately pressed to settle onto it once more . she persisted , insisting with heavy strain in her voice that she was okay before succumbing , fragile sobs emitting from her as tears stream endlessly upon her features . it was a rarity for the girl to feel a sense of defeat , though when she had , it was not dealt with ease .

that summer , her parents had no other choice than to situate her to the most discreet rehab facility , one that was remote to prevent the chances of her being seen or followed by the press . she spent four months , completely abstained from communication with the outside world . to give the impression that things had been proceeding normally , her publicist would run the girl’s socials while she was away , equipped with a variety of photos to post & blurbs that resonated to her persona .

since her return to hilton grove , she has returned with a nourished composition , a glowing complexion , & a clearer conscience with intent on focusing to write & produce music during her break period from broadway . she is still the same , driven & overbearing primma donna who has goals that are intended to be achieved . she absolutely refrains from speaking of the incident , as no one but her parents truly knew the situation & the severity of it . the way in which things were covered up remains suspicious to many , baffled by the actresses sudden hiatus from the broadway stage . those who ask how her summer was spent , she described it as a very much needed retreat to the tropics , & how the vacation went pleasantly . she is utterly ashamed with what had happened , & would be entirely devastated if the truth were to come out . it would indefinitely tarnish her name , regardless if she were to receive pity or consolation . the last thing she would want is to come across as weak willed , or appear as some sort of failure . in spite her body returning to its healthy condition , her mind still seems to be riddled of melancholy . she feigns it with a winsome smile , or preoccupies herself as a means of distraction , & is content from time to time though it is all fleeting . however , being the superb performer that she is , no one is able to suspect a thing .

* ◞ 𝐢𝐯 . ⤻ 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚 .

chantel , for the most part , is a benevolent being . she is wise beyond her years , extremely ambitious , & exudes passion into every aspect of her life , whether it’s performing on stage or in her day to day happenings . in spite being born into a family of prosperity , she maintains a humble conscience & rarely takes much in her life for granted , knowing there are others who are not fortunate . she is an enthusiast of material goods , though you will not likely hear her brag about them . she tends to boast about her accomplishments , if anything . in a high society where betrayal & deceit play a constant role , i assure you that chantel is one of the most loyal people you could meet . surely , she will have her slip ups , but will always make up for it in the end & do what’s right , given her moral code . if you are a friend , family member , or even a lover ; she will go to the ends of the earth to see you smile , as she cares so deeply for those important to her . ��more often than not , she puts another person’s well being before her own , & even if she is being mistreated , she will make excuses or give the benefit of the doubt as she tries to see the best in others .

while she does exhibit favorable traits , i will have to mention a few detrimental ones . although she , on numerous occasions , comes off extremely narcissistic , deep down she too can be incredibly insecure . as marina & the diamonds once said , ‘ i feel like i'm the worst , so i always act like i'm the best . ’ being the perfectionist that she is , it’s very rare for her to genuinely feel satisfied with much of anything . no matter how many flattery remarks she is given , she always believes she could be better . she overexerts herself so much , & not many take notice of this . she sometimes wishes someone would tell her that she is good enough , that she doesn’t always have to prove something to herself or to others . she also can be quite naive , in the sense of taking chances on certain things or certain people that may not be in for her best interest . there is also a sense of delicacy to her , where she will put on a secure facade , though behind closed doors will often shed tears . that being said , she can be a sensitive , though she doesn’t like to show it since the last impression she would want to give is that she is weak .

an utter hopeless romantic ; disney films , specifically cinderella & sleeping beauty , were her shit when she was a little girl & still to this day . she would sit before that screen & marvel at the idea of finding her very own prince charming . this soon transitioned to being an absolute romance film / rom - com junkie , these films being her lifeline aside from musicals . however , she was struck with a heavy dose of reality after her first heartbreak in junior high , & all the heartbreaks that followed . despite her heart being crushed at every corner , this still hasn’t deterred her from the concept of love . it makes excellent inspiration for her music , & there’s no feeling that can come close to being in love , or being heartbroken . she is absolutely the type to be greeted with a set of eyes from across the room , from a handsome suitor whom could possibly be a stranger , & she would declare to her own ears : ‘ i am going to marry him . ’

* ◞ 𝐯 . ⤻ 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 .

while i would eventually like to do a separate post for wcs , if time permits it , for now i’m just going to list a few i have in mind . ya’ll can totally pick from this list , make up a plot of our own , or just totally go the chemistry route ! i am so down for any & everything . 🖤

𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩. the more , the merrier . there’s no such thing as having too many friends . quite honestly , she needs them . any type of friend falls under this category ﹕ ride or die , childhood friends , family friends , good or bad influence , unlikely friends , etc .

𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬. don’t necessarily get along , but don’t hate each other either . maybe they find one another annoying 99% of the time , yet still are in each other’s company ?? nothing too complicated .

𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬. cannot fucking stand each other , that it genuinely makes me laughofjfgovfgjb . chantel feels compelled to choke them the moment they walk into the room . she can have plenty of these .

𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬. chantel is an only child , so she never had a sister or brother figure to turn to . can be super endearing , & i would just love it .

𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬. this girl has probably had the tiniest crush on anyone at some point . could be former , present , future ?? could be mutual , could absolutely not be mutual ; i’ve imagined it’s happened plenty of times .

𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐬. rarely ever do her unrequited crushes become an actual relationship . but , when they did , maybe they didn’t exactly end well or maybe they did ! totally up for discussion as to how & why it just didn’t end up working out .

𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. one , two , three , four , five , six , seven , eight , nine , ten , eleven , twelve , thirteen , fourteen , fifteen , sixteen , seventeen , eighteen , nineteen , twenty .

literally anything else .

#this is longer than ur man's d*ck but we out here !#if it's hard to read on my blog then u can add /mobile to the end of the url !#but ily all & can't wait to write with u 🖤#tw: eating disorder #tw: depression #hilton:intro

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intyalote · 4 years

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Nirvana in Fire Fic Recs

While I don’t think I could ever make a finite list of my favorite fics, these are the ones that I recommend the most. I’ve included a variety of ships/gen, limited myself to ten fics with no repeating authors, and tried to include fics of different styles, though naturally the list still reflects my own preferences a bit.

In order of increasing word count, because why not:

silk scroll, twelve inches by 孢子梨 (4k, mcs/jingyan), translated by presume/justjoy - Or, the new emperor receives an old friend, and one last letter.

This is honestly one of the best fics I’ve ever read. Both the original and the translation are beautifully written and very atmospheric. The poem interspersed throughout is so emotionally powerful and fitting for Jingyan and Xiao Shu. Perfectly crafted in every way, a masterclass in short-form writing.

Ripples by jusrecht (5k, mcs/lin shu) - Mei Changsu was a pale, delicate-looking scholar with a gentle smile and a smooth, mellow voice, the kind that stirred the worst of Lin Shu’s scorn. (time travel AU)

A wonderful character study of Mei Changsu - selfcest serves to illustrate how he is both the same and different from Lin Shu, and in what ways he has improved (or not). The relationship between these two is wonderful - Changsu’s initial scorn turning to literal yearning for his past, and Lin Shu being enamored by the person his prodigal intelligence cannot outmatch (of course not, it’s himself but more developed).

apples in the trees by lastwingedthing (6k, gong yu/nihuang) - After Mei Changsu's death, Gong Yu stays in the south with General Mu.

Women supporting each other! The scene in the drama where Nihuang is briefly jealous of Gong Yu is one of my least favorite, and I’m very glad we now have this fic to patch over it - MCS is not omniscient, especially when it comes to love.

winter (if you must leave) by winchilsea (6k, mcs/lin chen) - Lin Chen and Mei Changsu talk about love without ever using the word. A series of scenes at Meiling.

So very sad. Includes description of just how much Lin Chen gave up to help Changsu for all those years, the pointlessness of war, love and lack of it. Perfectly encapsulates the awful destructiveness of Lin Chen and MCS’s relationship.

Amidst the Rain by Eswet (10k, pre-mcs/prince yu), translated by HanguangMoon - The advisor, to whom, it could be said, a bleeding heart was handed with a plea for help, could give no assistance.

The prelude to an incredible redemption arc for Jinghuan. Goes with great detail into how much Prince Yu is affected by his Hua heritage being revealed, but instead of rebelling he goes to Sir Su one last time for advice. I’ve always had a soft spot for Prince Yu - he’s such a fascinating villain, power-hungry yet also deeply loyal to those he cares for, and this fic explores both the good and bad sides of him. For those who read Russian I highly recommend the second part of this series as well.

Still Here (With All I Hold Dear) by marvelist/Ardent (11k, past mcs/jingyan) - Jingyan misses Xiao Shu in all the ways that matter but he cannot fall apart. Surprisingly enough, Lin Chen can relate to that.

Jingyan and Lin Chen becoming friends and healing together post-canon is everything I live for. They’re so different from each other - the duty-bound emperor and the carefree young master who roams the jianghu - but they also have so much in common! This one truly shines in characterization (Lin Chen needing Jingyan to prove himself, then immediately conning him into relaxing; Tingsheng being a perfect son; Gao-gonggong subtly caring for Jingyan; and of course Fei Liu, his snacks, and his love for Su-gege).

A Measure of Forgiveness by aboxthecolourofheartache (23k, gen) - Two post-canon fics loosely linked, focused on grief and mourning and catharsis. Largely a character study for Lin Chen, because the author is hopeless.

Catharsis for Lin Chen and Fei Liu. Featuring crying at Consort Jing, Lin Chen reluctantly liking Jingyan, Fei Liu and flower analogies, and general grief and mourning all around. The first fic also has some wonderful moments that confront Changsu’s sacrificial mindset.

The Bodhisattva of Jinling by kimboo_york (33k, mcs/lin chen) - "This is not what he expected out of the wheel of reincarnation, and he’s very miffed at all the very many spiritual texts he has read that suggested something better. Or, at least, different."...or, the one where Mei Changsu ends up in his very own Groundhog's Day Year.

MCS gets broken and then remade. Builds up to the big reveal so, so well. The development of his relationship with Lin Chen is also amazing - it absolutely would take him multiple lifetimes to let go of his focus on the Chiyan case and allow himself to fall in love. For all his brains, MCS is very blind during canon, but this gives him an opportunity to look further.

Borne on the Winds of Heaven by Ione (65k, gen) - The dying King of Southern Chu has one wish, to meet the son he has never seen. He and Princess Nian want Xiao Jingrui to turn his back on dangerous Da Liang, and make his home there. Sore in spirit, Jingrui isn't thinking about the future. All he lives for are his letters from Yan Yujin. Until shocking news arrives, and everything changes . . .

Fix-it with a focus on the younger generation. Jingrui is wonderful as always, and provides some nice commentary to end-of-canon events from someone who isn’t completely enamored of MCS and sees past his masks. The ending is also wonderful and has one of my favorite lines in Jingyan’s narration, and it challenges the military mindset that most of our canon characters have (I mean really, out of the five countries could none of them have been stopped by any method other than KILL THEM ALL TO ASSERT DOMINANCE??).

the mist that cloaks the river, the clouds that hide the stars by Sovin (177k, gen) - Yan Yujin has mostly evaded the worst consequences of the Chiyan case, despite her standing betrothal to Lin Shu. So warned, she precariously balances freedom and evading attention, and stays quite far away from politics for a number of reasons. Politics don't seem quite so keen to stay away from her.

If I had to pick one “must-read” from this list, it would be this one. It’s 177k, literally the longest English NIF fic on ao3, but I’m still not sure how the author managed to fit so much in there. Reading along as Yujin comes into her own while getting to see her refreshing take on events felt like a privilege, and I am so very glad this fic exists. And I haven’t even mentioned its wonderful take on a sort-of-fix-it, Yujin’s mature and deep friendship with Mei Changsu, or how Yujin’s gender changes the relationships she has with her father, her mentors, and Prince Yu in fascinating ways. There are too many fantastic elements to go into here, just read it!

#nifweek #nirvana in fire #nif #lang ya bang #琅琊榜 #nif fic #nirvana in fire fic #ficrec #lyb

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