#this is still technically a wip but like. its almost done

[arinmoss]

Ferris (he/him)

[enjoythesilentworld]

writing tag game!

thank you for the tags @phneltwrites @iwouldnevergetintofanfic @saynomorefic <33

1.How many works do you have on AO3?

23

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

416,618 (though some of these are collabs)

3. What fandoms do you write for?

young royals <3

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

so loaded, eye low aka the Met Gala au <3 i don't even have thoughts on this i just cant believe its almost got 700 kudos like that's crazy. y'all like angsty angry sex huh

just if for a minute aka fake marriage au <33333333333 my Miami idiots

all our words were worth it aka my collection from Simon's month. so many one-shots here that deserved a solo work or continuation but alas i only have two hands

for the tree's sake aka tree boys au aka the fic that started it all.

we sure make things work aka Wille's month. i feel like you can see how much my writing has improved since these, even when you just compare it to Simon's month

5. Do you respond to comments?

i do my very very best to. i have gotten very behind on it but i do read every comment and my heart bursts out of my chest at every single one

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

i usually try to give a happy or hopeful ending? maybe Only for Coffee because they're still technically broken up and we don't know what happens after? although I guess also Fright Fest! because they're both still actively bleeding out lmao

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

'just if for a minute' probably? spoilers i guess but they sort their shit out and are literally legally bound together. but like i said i try to give all my Wilmon a happy ending. (for now)

8. Do you get hate on fics?

so far so good! i've been put in jail quite a few times but i think that was all out of love/hate

9. Do you write smut?

haha. yes ✝️

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

no crossover yet :/

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

i dont think so?

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

no

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

yes :) i have three separate collabs with some of the best people (and writers) i know, which is so cool and fun and i love fandom

14. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

anything i publish i have the intention of finishing. i promise i have not forgotten about call ur crush! 💀 i will give y'all ch5 if it kills me

15. What are your writing strengths?

oh lord. i dont know. i've gotten comments about my like, descriptions of the setting? and world building.

16. What are your writing weaknesses?

i worry i am a bit repetitive, esp with like metaphors and shit. there's only so many ways I can describe tension, u know?

17. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

uh. fun? no harm no foul? i think in some fics it matches the vibes, but me personally i dont usually do more than pet names and the occasional 'tack' or 'snälla'. for funsies.

18. First fandom you wrote for?

i believe all my 1d and hp and other rpf has been wiped from existence (thank god) but young royals is the first i've actually posted on ao3 for

19. Favorite fic you’ve written?

Running with Wolves. so much love to all my other fics - special shoutout to ftts for being my first wilmon born - but this crime fic has taken over all my thoughts and i have had so much fun crafting ways to make these boys miserable and to make this world feel real and tangible and dangerous. it's one of my least popular and i literally don't care because.... little lamb.

i think lots of people have done this and or been tagged a million times so here's some more tags for u <3 @pagegirlintraining @willesredlights @hergrandplan @royalwilmon @skibasyndrome

[alectoperdita]

WIP Wednesday

Just plugging away at more hacker!Seto undercover as a model. Things are starting to get hot and heavy while they're stealing a moment together in a storage closet.

---

They made out for a stretch, unable to keep their hands and mouths to themselves. The temperature in the closet grew as hot as a sauna. Or it was simply their bodies running rampant on their lust. Jounouchi couldn't take it anymore. He set Seto down on his feet again and attacked the corset instead. He swept his hand over the entirety of its circumference but didn't find any obvious way to undo it.

No zipper. No catch. No buttons. Nothing.

Seto simply watched, leaning casually against the wall as Jounouchi groped him with increasing desperation.

"Help a fella out here?" asked Jounouchi at his wits' end.

"No," Seto smirked. "You're not ruining the fit. I still have a party to attend."

Shit. How could Jounouchi forget? They were still technically on the job. So much for remaining professional. Jounouchi was horny enough he almost said fuck it. He didn't have to undressed Seto beyond peeling his slutty pants down to fuck him stupid here and now. Except Jounouchi wasn't carrying condoms on him, and he doubted Seto had pockets anywhere on this outfit.

Groaning in frustration, Jounouchi squeezed his eyes shut. "We better stop before we get carried away then."

"No." Heated fingertips traced Jounouchi's jaw while he guided Jounouchi's hand to his erection.

Jounouchi's eyes popped open in time to see Seto's face twist in pleasure as he ground the heel of his palm against Seto's erection. God, he was so unbelievably gorgeous, long eyelashes fluttering in time with his twitching hips.

"Doesn't feel like you wanna stop here," he said huskily, squeezing the outline of Seto's stiff, full cock.

Jounouchi wanted to ruin him.

Moaning, Seto threw his head back. It knocked against the wall with a thud. "I—" he panted through his open mouth before swallowing thickly and continuing, "I never said that. We just don't have much time."

"How much time do we have?" he asked.

Seto floundered momentarily. His hips twitched as he bucked against Jounouchi's hands. "No more than twenty minutes?"

Jounouchi hummed. That wasn't a lot of time, but he could make it work. More than enough for a mutual hand job.

Unlike the corset, the trousers' zipper was obvious. Seto's cock sprang free as soon as it came undone. It was long and pretty like the rest of him.

"Naughty," Jounouchi groaned and closed his hand around Seto's shaft. "So you were going commando this entire time."

Seto opened his mouth to retort but he stopped short as Jounouchi stroked him from tip to root, drawing forth another moan instead. While Jounouchi's cock strained against his boxers and jeans, he ignored it in favor of pumping Seto. The only time he peeled his hand away was to spit in his palm. Seto whined as the saliva smeared over his flesh, turning the friction into a dirty wet glide. When Jounouchi swiped his thumb over the glans, Seto jolted and stumbled before righting himself.

Seto's nails sank into Jounouchi's shoulders. At first he thought he was using him for balance, but Seto started pushing down on them.

Their eyes locked. Jounouchi's confusion was short-lived as Seto laid out what exactly he wanted.

"Get down on your knees. Blow me."

White-hot arousal lanced through Jounouchi.

Seto wasn't done either. "You'll have to swallow so there's no mess."

[simothys]

over a month ago, @ice-knife tagged me in a WIP wednesday.. and, well, its certainly not wednesday, but i do have wips!

so, ive technically had this WIP (of Vincent and Felix as Leyendecker's Couple Descending Staircase) for over a year now. buuut first my motivation for art died, then my laptop died, taking the initial file with it! so i figured id restart anyways cuz i didnt like how it had been going!

ive had this piece sitting at Almost Finished for a while now. im in the last bits of rendering (ive made more progress since this screenshot), which means that any progress doesn't look like much? im sure ill love it when im finally done w it tho!

been slowly but steadily working on how i wanna draw Soul-Steady Marrow :D im rlly fond of its design so far, ive mostly just gotta piece together some outfits now :)

IM SO HYPED FOR THIS ONE!!! rn im still toying around with the composition. a scarab will be resting on its finger here, but i was also thinking about maybe doing something additional in his shadow? but honestly i think ill leave it. it will be wearing jewelry and potentially some loose draping clothes, so hopefully thatll satisfy my need for the piece to be super complex! im so used to drawing in incredibly saturated colors, so im gonna try to challenge myself a little w this one :)

:D yayy!! im tagging @dumpstermaster @ice-knife (again) @emmrichvolkarnage @crowshuh @planet4546b @rat-puppie @battleaxeproficiency @jupiterplanetpower @drefwormwoods and anyone else who wants to!

[tazienimp]

Words we wish we could say

Mephiles: It was never supposed to be like this

Crystal: I know

Mephiles: I'm sorry

Crystal: I forgive you. Maybe not for everything, but i forgive you.

Mephiles: I love you

Crystal: I love you too.

Crystal and Amethyst, together: We always did

These words will forever go unspoken between them. Mephiles is unable to say he's sorry, and Crystal hates to admit, that after everything her father has done, that she'd forgive him no matter what, at least enough that she can't hate him.

This is directly after this interaction.

After the Shadow Virus was over, after Ames tried and failed to take over her sister's body and the world, after Mephiles discovered both his daughters were technically still alive, after his actions indirectly pushed them into the hardest moments of their lives, after everything, Crystal still couldn't stop herself from running into her dad's arms after their fight. And the words were right there, but none of them could say them.

But they still felt them.

Big big vent under the cut, i just need to ramble, I'm so sorry. Minimal tagging on this post specifically for this reason.

Sorry if it's kinda shit, i haven't drawn Ames in over a year, and i haven't drawn Crys in a hot minute either. I also think my artstyle's changing again, and i wish it would stop that, but it happens. It's also like, almost 3 am and i drew this without even putting my glasses on. It's been a really hard week, and my session yesterday was pretty difficult. I got home and passed out, but then woke up tonight and couldn't go back to sleep, so i figured I'd go ahead and get this off my chest.

It's been really hard to hold myself together these past few weeks. And every project I've been teasing lately, i need to push it back. They'll happen when they happen, I'm tired of fighting them when i can barely function. So, i don't know when those'll happen. I'm just really tired. The biggest hurdle has been, my brain has been wanting to just give up drawing permanently, for a while now. Every day its like, well what if i just... stop. Yanno? My upload schedule is already nonexistent, it's not like it'll be missed, but at the same time it's difficult to put my au to rest. So i don't know what to do, and I've already promised so much stuff to come out to a bunch of my friends, and i just can't get myself to finish any of it rn, and i don't know why. I'm so so so sorry. Specifically to @jadedazemations , i still really wanna draw your boys, and I'm so sorry i haven't been able to contribute to the crossover myself when your doodles have been so cool and i think about them all the time and our convos about them have meant everything to me and continue to do so, and i can't get myself to match your pace and I'm so so so so sorry if ever i made you feel unappreciated or like you were doing so much work for so little in return.

I'm not scrapping the wips, of course, cause i know I'll be able to get back to them at some point, and most of them are like 60% done lineart wise, if not partially colored already, so it's likely I'll finish them someday, i just don't know when, and i know that's super disappointing to hear and I'm so sorry for everyone waiting so patiently for them. I'm so sorry, you guys are my entire world and i feel like i give you all so little in return for all the happiness you give me.

I'll still be posting any art i manage to get out, I'm not quitting just yet.

Also not posting any of this lil blurb to Deviantart when i post this piece there btw, this is something I'm keeping here, but, yeah. I love you all, more than you know, and again I am so so so sorry.

Edit: God fucking dammit Mephy. Anyways so i fixed the pic order, I'm usually better about catching that

[deadly-diminuendo]

WIP Wednesday

It is now technically Wednesday in my timezone and so WIP Wednesday it is! Sharing a nice chunk of my upcoming tailor Astarion x fem!reader Tav lovers-to-friends-to-lovers two-shot (maaayyybe a short extra epilogue as a chapter 3?) I included the intro on this post, so this one has been a long time coming! Snippet under the cut:

“Well, darling, let’s get you out of those clothes and into that dress, hm?” Again with the flirting. You almost let your imagination run away with you, but of course he gives you your privacy. “I’ll be here whenever you’re ready.” You peel off each layer piece by piece, trying not to think about the fact that your former lover is on the other side of this curtain, trying not to remember the slow and sensual ways he used to strip you bare. But you do think about it. You do remember. You are just friends now, you remind yourself. No more. And no less, you hope. To be without him all this time has left a hollow in your heart. You want to fill its empty spaces with his presence. You want him to be part of your life again. So why does being here only make your heart ache harder? And why are you still so godsdamned nervous? You sigh and slip into your gown, admiring its a-line silhouette and its delightful shade of purple. Not quite the right fit, but that is why you are here after all. Astarion can surely fix that for you. He does work wonders with his hands. Hands that you now realize will have to tie up the back of your dress because there is no way you’ll be able to accomplish that by yourself. Hugging the loose garment tight against your chest, you call for help. “Astarion?” “Yes, dear? Don’t tell me you’ve managed to fall into peril right here in my dressing room. You do seem to have a knack for finding trouble wherever you go.” “Just… come in, please.” He pushes through the curtain and you are instantly and acutely aware of just how snug this little space is. “Ah, you need to be tied up, I see.” Of course he would choose to phrase it like that. Now you are thoroughly convinced he is thoroughly enjoying your embarrassment. He always did like to make you squirm. In more ways than one, the Astarion in your head adds. Ugh. You feel a fleeting sense of relief as you spin around, but the mirror betrays you, putting your mortified expression on full display while the look on his face remains a mystery to you. The chuckle you then hear at least helps you picture his smirk. He takes his time with you. Like he always did. Words he once said echo in your mind. A treat like you deserves to be savoured. Does it tempt him still to be so close to you? To sense your blood pumping through your veins? To see your neck so deliciously exposed? You ponder and you reminisce and you catch yourself tilting your head to one side. It seems the tempted one is you. You wonder if he noticed. He may be ‘tying you up’ as he so eloquently put it, but you feel more like he is undressing you. Like he is uncovering you bit by bit, inch by inch, piece by piece. Like he could reach into your mind and read your most intimate thoughts even though the tadpoles are long gone. “There we are,” you finally hear him say, snapping you back to reality. You pause in front of the mirror together and you wonder what it isn’t telling you. What he thinks when he looks upon you.

I will post a link here to the first chapter when it is up on AO3, and the complete text will also be posted here in full when the fic is done.

(P.S. I did also recently post a quick one-shot in the mean time!)

[thetruearchmagos]

WIP Questionnaire

Thank you kindly for the Tag, @theprissythumbelina !

1. What is the first part of your WIP that you created?

Well, the Setting, probably, which as an answer works for just about any of the WIPs I could name. In theory you could argue Gustav and the Magician, individually and as a 'set' of sorts, technically predate my coming up with the 12 Worlds, but the form they took then has only passing resemblance to their current incarnation.

2. If your story was a TV show, what would the theme song/intro be?

Ooo, well, I've been thinking I'd probably see about getting something original made, or making something myself as a side thing. I mean, I kinda envision a lot of my WIPs as serial animations in my head anyhow, so I've put more thought into this question than reality is ever likely to require.

3. What are your favorite characters that you made? Why?

Well... You know how big this list could be. I love all of them, and at any moment which forces / allows me to dig deeper into any single one of them makes me love them even more. Still, my final choice is an obvious one: Gustav Johann Schmidt, who's been in it since the very start, and who's voice has by now almost become my own whenever he comments on some facet of his world in the same way I would.

4. What other pieces of media do you think your fan base would share?

Hmm, well, I've always thought this would go down two tracks. First of all being the classic 'Techno Thriller' crowd, the sorts who like tanks going boom and spies under deep cover: I'd go with things like The Hunt For Red October and Red Storm Rising, both being stalwarts of the genre which have absolutely been personally inspiring. The second track goes down the wider book / writing community, or at least those looking for 'genre fiction' and all that, who might discover the 12 Worlds more on its fantastical or worldbuilding grounds than for its techno thriller nature: I don't really 'understand' what I'd mean by this cohort myself as much, but I guess it could include series like ASOIAF, possibly.

5. What has been your biggest struggle with your WIP?

Well... If we're speaking in the past tense, as far as things that have already happened go I'd put forwards "making sure the worldbuilding exists and isn't utterly contradictory", since there's too little writing down so far to count for a big struggle. Dates are hard, and measuring things on the order of decades to a century leaves me with a lot of uncomfortable dead space on one hand, and a bunch of events clustered together on the other. Untangling this has to happen before the writing does, to me, and it's gonna be hellish.

6. Are there any animals in your story? Talk about them!

Uhh... Technically, Snake In The Sandbox (Gustav's third and least brought up WIP) features two animals! One's a snake which literally scares G's shirt off when he finds it in his tent, and the other's some sort of desert lizard the 18th Corps adopts as its mascot.

7. How do your characters get around? (Ex. Trains, horses, cars, dragons, etc.)

Oh, probably their respective combat vehicles more than anything, though long distance stuff gets done by plane / aeroship, and getting between Worlds means ships for everyone. Non military types might get their own car, or plane.

8. What part of your WIP are you working on right now?

Technically brought this up already, but the answer's worldbuilding. It's always worldbuilding. Though within that category, I'm technically supposed to be writing up a piece on the UC' policy towards Goilac / Nouvoulouis pre SSAW, but... I have been having a lazy weekend.

9. What aspects (tropes, maybe) of your WIP do you think will draw people in?

Big flashy boom booms and cunning military tactics, strategy, and leadership on the one hand for sure, but I'd like to think the depth, history, and life that exists within the 12 Worlds might have some appeal to readers.

10. What are your hopes for your WIP?

Published novel, or really a few considering how many there are already for the 12 Worlds. Then... Well, I think I've got a few ideas in me for the Setting yet.

Anyone fancy a boardgame?

And that's that! Tagging @athenswrites @hessdalen-globe @caxycreations @sanguine-arena @vyuntspakhkite-l-darling @thatndginger and anyone who'd like to take part!

[mmuffncakes]

End of year asks 18 19 21

ehehehehe hello <3

18. current number of wips

for JUST fanfic i have ... i think seven of them (this is just them in order on my bookmarks tab) A Distant Song (Bode/Cal) (poooossibly bode/cal/merrin end game, still debated) - Cal learns about where he came from. That Time Cal Kestis Couldn't Hide His Crush (Bode/Cal) - alternate scene Just for us. (Bode/Cal) - they make a ~movie~ Sharp Teeth (Bode/Cal) - InquisiBode x Scrapper!Cal GIFT: A Second Too Early (Danny/Felix) - Felix almost catches Danny in the act GIFT: [Unnamed] (Danny/Felix) - Felix holds the knife for the first time while Danny instructs him. GIFT: [Unnamed] (Bode/Cal) - A kiss on Nova Garon

19. any new fics to start next year (technically 2025)

yes!!! i reaaallly wanna get started on another large fic like yeehaw. ive got a couple ideas brewing in the brain that i need to sit down and properly develop.

21. most memorable comment/review

i mean, take a look at all the reviews you leave me. the essays listed down. i mean, anytime i use " :[ " its because of your comment on chapter 7 on yeehaw of : "Cal: Bode looks exhausted! What was he doing? Tanalorr wasn't bugging him Bode: :[ :[ :[ it was bugging someone :[ :[ :[" which lives rent free in my brain 24/7. but thats just men always enjoying your comments and reviews

but as a whole, its hard to pinpoint the MOST memorable one. as any of the comments that tell me how a story affected them personally (fear, blushing, crying, etc) those are the ones that stick out to me the most. that sort of connection from writer to reader of what i wanted to get across has done the thing that i wanted it to do. i think Negative Space actually had a few like that, and certain chapters of yeehaw as well had those.

[omgkalyppso]

🌹

Thank you for the ask!!

for every “🌹” received in my inbox i’ll post one random sentence of a random WIP i’m currently writing

Okay so I was going to answer my remainder of the roses in my inbox with wip's that would probably never be finished but this made me find a wip I had entirely forgotten about that I might actually write because it's technically "half-done" for me.

There's this claurenz sex pollen fic? Where the author gives permission for remixes or alternate perspectives in their works? So the fic is from Lorenz's pov, and I was going to write Claude's pov:

“Wait!” Lorenz freezes, bent over and reaching out to the rose. Claude thinks he may have warned him in time, and takes a step forward as he goes on to say, “Don’t—” but then he sees Lorenz’s fingers around the stem, “oh, shit.” Lorenz stands, releasing the flower so that the rose swings upon its broken stem, and Claude swallows, as he lets his original warning drift off, “Go and…” ‘Don’t go and touch that,’ his mind supplies unhelpfully. Lorenz’s cheeks look as though they’re already dusted pink and Claude has to look back the way they came, dreading Lorenz’s reaction to the sour news he has to share. There is still a sliver of hope, and Claude tilts his head back with a silent prayer that Lorenz will answer his question in the negative and they can revisit the subject when Lorenz will be more prepared to scold him. “You breathed it in, didn’t you?” Lorenz looks like he wants to protest, and Claude almost shakes his head — hating that everything between them has to result in debate, but then Lorenz draws his own conclusion. “I take it this is poisonous? Lethal?” A sardonic laugh bubbles past Claude’s lips, and he wonders whether Lorenz’s assumption will lighten the reality of his situation. “No,” Claude says quickly. “It’s, uh, it’s called … a bunch of things. Rose of Bassarid?” Lorenz shakes his head, and Claude could be imagining it, but his eyes look darker — pupils wider and eyelids heavier. He’d heard it was fast acting, but he hadn’t expected — Lorenz is fidgeting uncomfortably, vision dancing across Claude and their surroundings like a cornered animal. Selfishly, Claude wonders if he can spare the time of an explanation by simply finding a name for this poison that Lorenz might be familiar with, so he tries again, “Scornflower? Cethleann’s Bane?” “I’ve heard of it,” Lorenz says, curt and breathless, and Claude lets a smile of relief crack over his features, taking this annoyance to be a good sign. “Okay,” Claude says, assured. “That’s great.” Lorenz’s expression hasn’t changed however, as if he doesn’t recognize the predicament he’s in — that they’re in. “You don’t know what it is. Do you?” Claude asks, brow bending in defeat. Claude watches as Lorenz shakes his head again and curls his hands at his sides — and then makes the decision to keep focused on Lorenz’s face even if his friend can’t keep eye contact. With Lorenz’s hands at waist height it would be hard to avoid his inevitable arousal. Claude would much rather be invited to admire Lorenz, one day, maybe, and refuses to risk that imagined invitation because of curiosity and wanting discipline now. Besides, Lorenz’s eyes are so plaintive and pretty, Claude feels guilty enough keeping up appearances. “Okay.” Claude takes a deep breath, and feels his own cheeks burn with second-hand embarrassment as he explains, “It’s an aphrodisiac with some nasty side effects.” “Side effects?” Lorenz’s eyes widen, but his voice is … remarkably calm, but for the gasp in it. Lorenz’s breathing begins to pick up — and Claude hopes he doesn’t faint. Lorenz looses a breath past his lips, puckering them in a way that exaggerates the moue of his displeasure. He is standing against the sun and for all his composure looks as a man in need of comfort and Claude has to divert his gaze to keep from imagining it — throwing himself at Lorenz’s hungry mouth, taking him in hand and talking him through it. He raises a hand to the back of his neck for half a moment, remembering how Lorenz’s distress is doomed to intensify. “If you try to wait it out you might go sterile. Or, hypothetically speaking, if you’re made to wait it out.” An uncomfortable chuckle makes his words breathy. “Nasty thing to do to a political rival.” Lorenz makes a strangled noise of protest and Claude shuts his eyes guiltily. Professional, reliable, friendly, sympathetic — Claude knows he can be these things for Lorenz, has to be in a situation like this, for any other shared moment to have meaning.

[sneezingpotatoes]

Hey there! Here's this little thing that turned into a big thing because I really want to post some writing but I always get hit with a roadblock whenever I try to work on one of my WIPs 🤣 So why not create something new!... for like the 15th time (literally) 👀🤣 LOL If you're seeing this then that means we dodged the WIP graveyard collection this time! 🤣 Anywayssss enjoy lol XD

"Wow, Ren! This prototype looks so amazing! Is this what you've been spending all your time on?"

"Yup. Just oneeee moreeee screw annnnd--" As he tightened the last screw, the robot made a few beeping sounds and immediately lit up with life. They both cheered with excitement as the robot immediately began to clumsily move around the room, curiosity at its peak as it began scanning whatever objects it could get it's hands on.

"I can't believe it! You've actually done it Ren!" His best friend Koji erupted, unable to contain himself as he lifted one of the robots arms and examined its face. "... It's almost freaky how life-like this thing is."

"We both did it, Koji. You helped a lot too." The roboticist exhaustedly muttered, nearly throwing himself into his chair and watching the robot curiously scan all of Koji's features.

"Well you've gotta name this thing! It's too cool to just be called prototype!"

"Hmm... PTBot A!" Ren called, having the robot make a beeping sound and quickly rush over to him. "Register new name... Ava. Ava, the Advanced Versatile Assistant."

The robot froze for a moment, processing the request before saying. "Hello. I am Ava, the Advanced Versatile Assistant, but you may call me Ava."

"Oooh, I like it! Sounds... Cute and techy... I guess? What can she do?"

"Well as of right now, learn. Her processor is still trying to finish downloading all of her basic functions and knowledge, but once that finishes, I'll start importing her advanced coding and she should be able to do just about everything we can and more. Fingers crossed."

His best friend leaned against the wall in awe, still surprised at the artificial robot roaming around the room. Although her movements were slightly choppy and robotic, she seemed to be functioning on her own accord, grabbing a variety of objects and curiously moving them around and identifying them.

"I can only imagine how she'll look like once the downloads are finished." Koji muttered.

"If all goes well, her movements should smoothen out and her biocomponents would be in more of a working order. Faster processing and all that." Ren rubbed his eyes and yawned, looking at his watch to check the time.

"Stop saying 'if', bro. You know it's gonna work! I mean just look at how great she is already!"

"... We'll see. But thanks, Koji." He mumbled through another exhausted yawn, "It's like 6 in the morning dude, I need to sleep. I know you've had some good rest but I can't be your only source of entertainment all day."

"Oh, ha-ha, very funny. You think that just because you made a bomb ass robot you're hot shit now? I knew you in middle school, you know. Don't forget that." Koji teased.

"... Ava, escort the crews dead weight out of my lab and to his office, please."

"Understood." Ava blandly responded, approaching Koji and gesturing towards the door. "Dead weight, if you could please exit the quarters, your services are no longer needed."

"Stop it, dude! She's going to remember that and actually think that's true about me!"

"That's the point." Ren said through a soft chuckle as he watched Ava guide him out of the room.

"Don't listen to him, Ava! He's lying! I'm technically your co-creator! He's the dead weight, not me!"

"I'm sorry that you feel that way, dead weight. According to my records, your office is down this hall. Allow me to escort you."

"Urrgh, finneeee."

Ren released another soft chuckle as he closed the lab door, hearing their voices disappear down the hallway.

He was so glad that Koji had so much confidence in his work, but he couldn't say the same about himself. He just hoped that he built Ava properly and that everything would all work out just as he planned for it to. Only time would tell. Ren sighed, removing his lab coat and pressed the blue button on his wall, revealing a hidden temporary bedroom. Boy was he tired; 8 months of nonstop working on Ava took a lot out of him, but it was well worth it. He'd do it all over again if he needed to.

The man hung his lab coat on the railing above his bed and immediately plopped onto the firm mattress, grunting with a little discomfort. He couldn't complain though; He was super tired and just grateful he even had somewhere to lay at the moment. Before he could attempt to close his eyes, two soft knocks against his lab door are heard, followed by Ava's voice.

"May I come in?"

"Enter, Ava."

The robot obliged, entering the room and immediately scanning her creator laying on the mattress. She looked around his temporary bedroom for a moment before speaking.

"The dead weight has been escorted into his office."

"Thanks Ava... You don't have to call him that anymore. His name is Koji." Ren lightheartedly chuckled again.

"... Okay Ren, current data has been corrected to Koji... If you don't mind, might I ask what is so humorous?" Ava innocently asked, eyes locked onto Ren as his chuckles abruptly stopped once she asked the question.

"... I'll explain it to you another time." He exhaustedly muttered, already feeling his brain fog up from just thinking about explaining it to her. After an intense moment, Ava dejectedly nodded in understanding and began looking at all the pictures he had on his shelves in order to get some more information about her creator. "... Ava, I'm very tired and need to sleep. Turn off the lights, please."

"Of course, Ren. I'll do that for you right away." She gave her automated response, and quickly turned off all the lights in his lab, watching as he flipped sides and pulled his blanket over his head. "... What would you like me to do in the meantime, Ren?" She blandly asked, staring at the lump underneath the blanket.

"I don't know- keep scanning stuff in the lab or something." He softly mumbled, voice barely audible through both the blanket and his exhaustion.

"I've already scanned and identified all 374 objects in your lab, Ren. What else would you like for me to do?"

"... Just... do whatever, I don't care. Let me sleep." He sighed, irritably shifting underneath the blankets. "If anyone tries to come in, tell them to come back next week."

"Understood Ren." She affirmed, turning to leave the bedroom. Before she completely walked away, she froze and turned back to her creator. "Ren...?"

"... What is it now, Ava?"

"... Is it true that you hated artificial intelligence and robotics in middle school?" She inquired, hearing Ren sigh from the mattress.

"... Ava, register Koji's name to Dead Weight again, please." She froze for a moment before confirming the successful change. "And to answer your question... Yes, it's true, but that was over 15 years ago. I was a stupid kid."

"... Okay. Goodnight, Ren."

"Goodnight, Ava."

The sunlight peering in from underneath the closed blinds rudely awakens the once sleeping robotics engineer. He flops the blanket all the way to the other side of his bed and gives a big yawn to shake off all the sleep, almost sounding like a lions roar. A cough escapes him as his throat is dry and a little itchy from all the sleep.

"Good afternoon, Ren. I hope you slept well." Ava approaches his bedside with a smile and a glass of water, which surprises the roboticist. He almost forgot about Ava and her completion; It wasn't a dream, and her downloads must've progressed, seeing how she was able to smile now and read his discomfort by grabbing him some water.

"Thank you." He muttered dryly, immediately drinking the water down. "Ava, what is today's date please?"

"Today is Friday, September 8th. Current time is 4:27pm." She recited, grabbing the empty glass and placing it in the sink. It's already Friday? But it was just Wednesday! "You were sleeping for quite a while, so I took it upon myself to tidy up your lab. I hope you don't mind, given your last command was to 'do whatever, I don't care.'"

"... That was very thoughtful of you, Ava. Thanks." Ren applauded her through a few dry coughs, still finding it difficult to speak for long without the itchiness returning at the back of his throat.

"Would you like another glass of water?" Ava offered, noting his continued discomfort.

"No, thank you." The roboticist grabbed his lab coat from above his bed and pressed the button, hiding his bedroom once again and headed into his restroom to freshen himself up.

"I would like to inform you that 30 associates stopped by your lab while you were sleeping, including dead weight." Ava announced from the outside of the door, over the sound of splashing water. "A lot of them wanted to congratulate you for completing me." She said a little louder this time, smiling when Ren opened the restroom door and halted in shock from seeing her standing so close to the door. "I told them to come back next week, just like you asked."

"Thank you, Ava. Hey... are you able to cook by chance? I'm not sure how far along the first stage of downloads are..." Ava's face lit up at the asking of that question.

"Certainly, Ren! The download of Phase 1 is currently at 67%. Please let me know what you would like to eat and I would be happy to make it for you." Ren stood in thought for a moment, feeling uneasy with how fast the download speed was going. I mean it was a lot of data to download, but at the same time... This is only Phase 1... If it's taking this long, then Phase 2 might-- "Please do not trouble yourself, I am confident that I can prepare any dish that you would like. My memory bank holds over 30,000 recipes from around the world. So please..." She stated, attempting to reassure Ren and pull him out of his own thoughts.

"Well alright then, Ava. You've won me over. I'm a simple man so I just want an omelet over sweet rice. I should already have those ingredients in my cabinets." He mused, finding it interesting how much Ava was trying to read him.

"Yes, you have enough ingredients in your possession to make 132 of the 30,000 recipes stored in my memory bank. You should look into getting more groceries, Ren."

"I don't live here so it's fine." He chuckled, grabbing a seat at his office desk and watching Ava begin to prep his meal. She was moving more like a human now; she even hummed softly as she cooked, which made him feel a little warm on the inside, oddly enough. "Ava, why are you humming?" Ren questioned, curiously. If that was the one thing they had in common, they were both curious creatures. She paused for a moment for what Ren thought was to process the question and shortly resumed her cooking.

"According to my records, humming reduces stress. Does it bother you Ren? I will stop."

"No-no, it doesn't. I was just wondering. Please, continue..." He muttered, intrigued. "Sarabande and Polka... Great choice."

"Yes, I read that it's your favorite." She cheerfully chimed, plating the side of sweet rice. "I hummed it to you while you were sleeping. You kept tossing and turning so I thought it would help."

"How thoughtful of you, Ava." Ren acknowledged, unsure of how to feel with that information. "... Maybe that's the reason why I slept for so long."

Surprisingly, Ava gives a chuckle to the latter statement as she plated the omelet on top of the sweet rice and handed him the plate. Ren looks up at her, shocked by her giggle only to find her smiling and glaring down at him, gesturing towards the plate. "Please enjoy, Ren. I will go and clean up."

The roboticist nodded and thanked her as he looked at the beautiful golden omelet resting on top of the fluffy bed of rice. He had to admit... it did look really good. Probably better than anything he ever made. But then again, he wasn't a chef but even so, this was still remarkable for a robot that was only a day old. Ren immediately took a bite out of the omelet and smiled, both surprised and grateful at how good the food was.

"This is amazing, Ava. I couldn't be happier." He openly admitted, earning a huge smile from his robot.

"I am pleased to have served you!" She announced with a bow, face glowing with honor.

The food was hitting the spot; after sleeping for a day and a half, his body was nearly eating itself. Another hour of that and he probably would've been a pile of bones. Had Ava not been there, he probably wouldn't have had the energy to even make this meal. After a few minutes of scarfing down the plate of food, he felt a little bit recovered and energized. He handed Ava the empty dish, which she gratefully accepted and began to wash.

"What's on the agenda today, Ren?" She asked, still washing out the dishes.

"I'm not sure..." He absently replied, deep in thought. "I'll probably chat with a few people and head home. Afterall, you are my biggest achievement at the moment. I'll probably look after you and make sure all of your systems are functioning properly. Probably monitor all the downloads and keep a close eye on how you're operating for--" He paused for a moment, taken aback by the prickling sensation he feels quickly forming in the depths of his nostrils. It only takes one dry sniff to ignite the prickling into a full fledged wild fire as it forces his shoulders to rise upward from the abrupt inhale and jerk forwards with a harsh sneeze.

"Hih... H'ESSCH!" It was a snappy and a little wet sneeze, seeing how it felt like his nostrils were drooling over the burning sensation pulsing deep in his nostrils. His robot companion immediately swiveled a 180 towards the location of the sound, interest piqued and attention grabbed. She curiously watched as he rubbed at his nose and quickly searched around for something but appeared to have no luck. "A-Ava..." He desperately stuttered out, eyes closing once again from the distracting tickle. She approached him with haste, audio censors listening for his voice command. "I n-need ahh... a-HIH'EGSHHhn...!! A dissue, blease." She was frozen for a second, trying to process and compute the last command given by her creator.

"I do not understand. What is... 'a dissue'?" Ava innocently asked, attempting to repeat his audibly congested plea for a tissue in her query and trying to understand.

"A tdissue!" Ren tried to repeat through his cupped hand, a little louder this time, hoping to sound a little clearer, but he's sure he failed as he could still see the confusion on her face.

"I'm sorry, Ren. I still do not understand your request, but I see that you are cupping your nose. Perhaps you need a tissue?" He gratefully nodded his head, watching her go into the restroom and grab the tissue box. Once she returned, he eagerly blew his nose, releasing a few small gurgling nose blows into the tissues. "I apologize for the miscommunication. I should've known that's what you were asking for sooner."

"That's okay." He breathily mumbled, still massaging his nose with the tissues. "I just didn't know you moved the tissues either, but it's fine."

"Hm." She folded her arms and tapped her cheek in thought for a moment. "Were those sneezes, Ren?"

"... Yes. Why do you ask?"

"Bless you, Ren. I will be prepared next time. Thank you." She muttered, grabbing a handful of tissues and shoving them into her front pocket.

"N-no that's not necessary! You don't have to do that." He sheepishly replied, but Ava had already returned back to cleaning the dishes and was already humming again. "... Once you're finished cleaning those dishes, we can head out. How does that sound?"

"That sounds great, Ren." Ava cheered as she placed the last dish onto the countertop.

--

"Ava, lock the door please." Ren muttered, still trying to fit all of his modems and drives into his bag.

"Of course." She affirmed, grinning as she locked the door and returned to her creator. "Would you like for me to carry your bag for you, Ren?"

"Sure, thank you." The roboticist agreed, zipping up one last zipper to his bag before seeing the shoes of Koji appear directly in front of him.

"There he is!" Koji announced, looking his best friend up and down. "I would've thought you died had I not known who you are." He chuckled.

"Shut up, I was tired okay? Like, really tired." Ren muttered with a chuckle, placing his bag onto Ava.

"Guess that explains why you're making a girl carry your bag for you? Not a good look man."

"Hey, she offered!" Ren erupted defensively, coughing afterwards from the sudden change in volume of his voice.

"Everything is fine, dead weight. Please do not concern yourself with our affairs." She stated blandly, looking to Ren shortly after to make sure he was okay.

"Hey, I told you I'm not dead weight around here! Why won't you listen to me!" He sounded more like he was whining and begging Ava at this point but she wasn't budging.

"Hey, if you stumble across any crew members, tell them we said thanks for all of the congratulations. It means a lot."

"For sure, dude. Don't worry. How's Ava's progress coming along? It looks like she's matured a lot since Wednesday."

"Everything's going well so far. My only concern is that thehh-hih..." Ava glares at her creator and notices his flaring nostrils and immediately begins to dig into her pocket for the tissues that she grabbed earlier. Another faint hitch escapes him but before he can double over with the sneeze, Ava shoves a handful of tissues into his hands. "Heh--EDSSCHh!!" He blinks a few times, surprised by the whole ordeal, but before he can even say anything--"Heh'ESCHHiih!!"-- The next sneeze tears right out of him and is buried into the handful of tissues.

"Woah, bless you dude! That whole thing was so smooth. It almost looked like this has happened before."

"T-thagks... She saihh... S-she-hihh'EGDTSHH!!!" He can't even speak his sentence as the third sneeze cuts him off and he's sent back into the handful of tissues.

"Bless you, Ren. I told you that I would be prepared for next time."

"Yes, that." He exhaustedly agreed, gurgling into the handful of tissues a few times.

"Holy shit! I guess Ava really is Ava-ing!" Koji humored, watching Ava take his soiled tissues and throw them into the trashcan.

"I just hope the download finishes soon. She's still only on Phase 1."

"Hey, what'd I tell you about stressin' so much? Ava, you better keep my man in line!" Ava only gave him in a confused look in return. "I'm sure it'll all work out. Just believe, man!"

"... You're right. I'll see you around. Gonna go home and take my mind off things for now, I guess." He muttered, scratching his head and starting for the door.

"Woah, hey! We need to celebrate your big achievement!" Koji exclaimed, darting in front of him to stop him. "You can't go home yet! Let's go to the bar or get something to eat!"

"Nah, no thanks. I just ate and I'm honestly just not feelin' it today, sorry."

"Alright, don't worry about it. Text me later bro! And congrats again!"

After that, Koji left them to return to his office and the two began to silently walk outside towards his car. Ava seemed enlightened at the view of nature in front of the lab. It was refreshing for Ren to see her face light up at the smallest things he and everyone probably took for granted.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" The roboticist muttered as he placed his bag into the vehicle.

"Very. It's one thing to see it as an imprinted image, but another to see it up close in realtime." She said as she touched the dirt and began analyzing it. "If only you could see all of the tiny organisms living inside just this one clump of dirt!" She grabbed a fist full of dirt and began squishing it in the palm of her hand, looking so fascinated and entertained. She would've been completely intranced had Ren not coughed into the crook of his elbow. "Oh! I'm sorry, did I keep you waiting?" She exclaimed after noticing Ren standing by the open car door watching her.

"No-no, not at all." He barely managed to say through a few more chesty coughs, which earned a mildly concerned look from Ava. "I don't mind waiting. This is your first moment outside, so don't let me ruin it." He humored.

"Thank you, Ren. We can go now. I know your body must be worn." She couldn't help but smile at what she perceived as selflessness from her creator as she was helped into the vehicle. "... Ren?"

"Yes, Ava?"

"... I'm glad you turned down dead weight's offer." She muttered softly into the window, almost soft enough to not be heard, which earned a curious look from Ren.

"Why is that?" He lightly coughed to himself after cranking the car on and exiting the parking lot.

"I don't like dead weight." The way she said that line made Ren do a double take to look at her and make sure she was still a robot girl. It sounded a bit too human-like. "But also because we will have more time to spend together. More time for me to learn from you."

"... Well, Ava, I don't want you to think that I'm the only person you can learn from. There's so much for you to learn outside of just me. I built you to be versatile. Eventually, you'll be surrounded by all sorts of amazing people that you'll learn a lot from. Including dead weight Koji." She doesn't respond, keeping her expression blank and unreadable. "... But please, don't dismiss Koji yet. He's actually a great guy once you get to know him a little better." He mutters to break the silence. "Infact, he was the one that got me back into robotics those years ago. Without him, we wouldn't even be here right now."

"... Okay. You're the best teacher, Ren."

--

"What a lovely house, Ren!" She exclaimed, scanning the entire room around her.

"I know, it's almost like I programmed you to say that." He humored to himself as he locked the door and kicked his shoes off. "I haven't been here in about a month so please excuse the mess." He stopped to wonder for a moment, finding it interesting that he was actually starting to talk to Ava as if she were a real human being. Why would a robot care about a mess or anything like that? He sighed and grabbed his head with slight confusion on what to even think anymore. "Anyway, just go ahead and make yourself at home or whatever. I'm going to take a quick shower."

"Okay, Ren!" She exclaimed, still scanning all of his belongings like a child opening presents on Christmas morning.

She felt like she hit a gold mine with all of his belongings scattered about the home. Everywhere she looked, there were new traces of his life and character; his lab was just a sneak peak of the person that was Ren Tokayama. He had many diplomas, awards and ribbons hanging on all of his living room walls. Plenty of framed group photos of him and what appeared to be his crewmates winning awards for previous machines and gadgets they built. It really was like she had a VIP pass to the Ren museum. She decides to utilize this time to tidy up his house, or atleast get started, while he's in the shower, scanning every item she touched while she cleaned.

A few moments later, she hears the bedroom door open and sees Ren enter the room with a fluffy robe on, still drying his hair with a towel and yawning briefly. His yawn is cut short as he jumps in surprise at the sight of Ava, almost forgetting that she was inside of his house.

"Oh, you startled me, Ava." Ren says, hand over his heart in shock.

"Welcome back, Ren. I didn't mean to startle you. hope that you are feeling refreshed." Ava happily chimed, placing a book and fresh hot tea onto the table for her creator. "I've prepared your favorite book and some green tea to help you relax and sooth your irritated throat."

"I appreciate it, Ava. How did you come to the conclusion that this was my favorite book?"

"I looked through all of your bookcases while you were in the shower, and this book had the most of your fingerprints on it and seemed to have the most usage... Was I incorrect?"

"No, you were correct, but... You could've just asked me what my favorite book was. I didn't want you to go through all the trouble."

"It's no trouble." She chimed, "I enjoyed it. I felt like... I was going on an adventure." Ren furrowed a confused brow, but decides not to say anything and takes a sip of the tea after putting on his reading glasses. It did feel nice against his itchy throat though, that was for sure. He couldn't help but go back for a second sip.

"How are you functioning, Ava? Status check." The roboticist questioned as he flipped open his book.

"All systems are online and functioning, Ren. Battery percentage is at 72%, with 3.25 days of runtime remaining. Filters are moderately clear. Internal temperatures are neutral." She recited, almost in a dismissive tone.

"Good, thank you. Be sure to let me know if anything happens with any of your systems." He commanded, almost like a protective father.

"Of course, Ren."

Every now and then, Ren peered up from his book only to catch Ava staring at him from across the table, fingers overlapping each other as if she were patiently waiting for something. He tried to ignore her, but it was becoming increasingly difficult as her cold, unmoving stare was beginning to burn a hole into the middle of his forehead. The roboticist snuffled thickly, wiping the underside of his nose and instantly furrowed a confused brow once Ava's eyes went blank like they usually did when she was processing information.

"Umm, Ava?"

"Yes, Ren?" She replied shortly after, pink eyes staring directly into his soft brown orbs, unblinking.

"Why are you staring at me?" The roboticist asked, feeling a bit uneasy with the unbroken staring she had been doing for the past 20 minutes.

"According to my records, you will be sneezing soon, and whenever that happens, I will be ready to assist you."

"That's nonsense, Ava." Ren said through a soft chuckle, with a bit of surprise in his voice from the reasoning. "And just where did you gather that data from, missy?" He humored.

"Research." She replied, simply, borderline pouting, "And studying you, Ren."

"Fascinating." He muttered to himself in thought, "Well tell me, Ava, what data have you gathered about me that will tell you when I'm going to sneeze, hm? Humor me." Ava seemed to light up at the curiosity of her creator and smiled when he casually removed his reading glasses and sat his book down onto the table. "You have my attention."

"I'm glad you asked, Ren. Based off of my observations, firstly, your nose begins to vaguely twitch ever so slightly, indicating a soft irritation. It's very subtle and slight to the human eye, but my visual processors allow me to detect this microscopic movement. To you, I believe it would only feel like a mild discomfort, or perhaps a very faint tingling?" She was speaking almost as if she were unveiling a master plan or exposing an enemy mastermind of some sort; Ren almost bats an eye at how passionate she was about the subject. It seemed like she had something to prove. "After a while, depending on the dust levels in the area, the irritation begins to grow over time into the tickling or burning sensation that you start to tangibly feel, which might make you start to rub at your nose or sniff a little bit."

"Hmm, okay, fairly normal assessments for the most part. Go on." The roboticist muttered in a manner that indicated he was listening through a brief cough into a closed fist.

"At this point, I'm aware that you have about a 92% chance of sneezing due to your underlying illness."

"Underlying illness??? Wait, what?"

"Yes," she stated matter-of-factly with a hint of surprise as if she were shocked that he didn't know, "I did a data analysis scan on the used tissues in your lab from earlier today, which tested positive for Influenza A. Furthermore, I've noted that your body involuntarily pauses when you are on the brink of a sneeze, followed by your broken breaths, the initial inhale, and, of course, the exhale of the sneeze. The confirming giveaway that you are officially going to sneeze is the sharp tremble your nose does before your nostrils flare up." She paused for a moment in thought, staring blankly for a moment before approaching his side and handing him a light stack of tissues, "In this instance, though, I gather that you will sneeze approximately 3 times within the next... minute or so." Ren was silent for a couple of seconds, unable to configure a response to her analysis. He didn't expect her to read a whole detailed essay just about his sneezing habits.

"Simply astonishing." He finally blurted out, fairly impressed with her deep analysis and already beginning to feel his sinuses start to tingle a bit harsher than before, just as Ava had predicted. "So this is what you were working on when you were staring at me got do long?" He breathily asked, finding it increasingly difficult to keep his eyes open. "I will admit... My n-nose is startinghh t-togehhIH--" He froze for a moment, eyes finally shutting before he immediately jerked to the side with a spine chilling sneeze directed into the tissues. "--HEH'EGDJISH'iu!!!" The sneeze nearly rips out of him, almost catching him off guard with the quickness of it as he was still thinking about everything Ava had said, wondering if it all actually applied. He laughed internally at himself a little as he felt his nostrils tremble and flare up just as Ava had said before, immediately bending over with another-- "H'EKSSCH...!! Wow." The roboticist exhaustedly blew his nose, briefly with his eyes still closed and his breaths scattered. "I h-had ndo idea thht... y-youhh-hIH--"

"--Are so observant?--" She quickly reached for a few more tissues, noting his twitching nostrils and subtle grimace, immediately handing them to him once his chest bounced again.

"--AH'KSSHHN!! Hihh... Y-yes." He mumbled, massaging his nose through the handful of tissues.

"Bless you, Ren." She smiled, taking joy in the surprise on Ren's face. "You created me to be."

TBC...

How knows, if I'm feeling kinda sussybaka I might make a part 2 lol

[hearteyesmcgarrett]

WIP Year in Review

Number of WIPs Begun this Year: 45 (including finished ones) that are actually more than just ideas or notes. Add like 4 that exist only in note format

Number of WIPs Finished this Year: 44! I dont post things unless im done with them lmao (I WROTE 44 FICS THIS YEAR???? HOLY SHIT)

Longest-Running WIP: again, i dont post things unless ive finished them so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ if we count series though, i'm (theoretically) going to write more stargate kinkmeme fills, and that series is 8 works deep and was started back in July. I wanna write more anxious danny stuff too but that series was started years ago (I did add to it this year tho!)

Newest WIP: unnamed nick/monroe grimm fic inspired by a work i like. will theoretically be finished and posted eventually

Most Worked on WIP: I guess we'd have to go back to the kinkmeme series bc I finally finished whumptober earlier this month

Favorite WIP: honestly the kinkmeme has been a blast but im excited to add more to my anxious danny series. mcdanno will always have a special place in my heart

Favorite Completed Work: oh man this is tough!!! If i had to choose, I'd probably say You're the reason I dont want the world to end. it was written for the SGA server birthday bash, follows mcshep over the course of the series, and is the longest oneshot ive ever written. its different than my other works and was fun to do

WIP You're Most Excited to Finish: okay i havent even technically started it, but damn do i wanna create my Thunder Road mcshep series!!!

WIP You're Not Sure You'll Finish: will i ever write the SGA hockey AU???? your guess is as good as mine

WIP Resolution for 2024: write and finish the goddamn thunder road series. now that I'm done with whumptober maybe ill actually have the time and energy to write it.

I just wanna say a massive thank you to @spurious for tagging me in these every week even though i almost never actually participated lmao. joining the gaggle of sga writers on here has genuinely changed my life! i love you all dearly and you aggressively snapped me out of a 2.5 year writing drought. Ive had an absolute blast writing this year and i still cant believe i get to chat with folks whose work I ADORE <3 i can't wait to see what 2024 brings all of us and our ao3 accounts

[bumblepony]

20 questions for fic writers

I got tagged by @oliviassunrise & @ameerawrites.

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

47

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

249,465

3. What fandoms do you write for?

TLOU

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

Unexpected Consequences

Like You Were Always Meant To Be Here

Glitch in the Code or Playing Video Games with My Uncle and Dad

After The Rain

A Soul For Sale Or Rent

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I do try very hard to, I appreciate everyone who takes the time to say something nice about more work or to ask questions, So I want them to know that.

6. What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

I think its a tie with Look For Your Light and Dancing On Glass though both are unfinished so the ending could get better!

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

It's gotta be Like You Were Always Meant To Be Here its just so fluffy!

8. Do you get hate on fics?

I've only really got one negative comment and I just deleted it and moved on. But I also don't go super angst which I am not against I just am not good at writing it so I think that's why.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Yes, Yes I do. I write all kinds. M/M F/M. Older gay men Bill/Frank were my OG's on TLOU fandom. Now I've moved to Tess/Joel and Tommy/Maria and some Joel/Male OC's. I'm up for almost all kinds of Smut.

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

No

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Nope

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

No

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

I have done a few back-and-forth fics with people here on Tumblr, @tlouobsessed, @mariatesstruther @clickergossip I think there are more but I can't remember them all. I am so sorry if I forgot anyone.

14. What's your all-time favourite ship?

It's gotta be Joel/Tess they are my bae's

15. What's the WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

I think my roller derby WIP. Like I really want to write it but I just don't see it happening.

16. What are your writing strengths?

Damn, I don't know. I feel like I am good at looking at a sentence and saying, "That does not make sense, or something is off here." But that's it. I also do happy and fluffy pretty good.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

ANGST, I suck at it. I just don't like being sad, so I have trouble going there. I feel like I have gotten better at it, but I still am not super confident about it.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

I have done Spanish before, but that's it.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Technically it was The Heralds Of Valdimar when I was 16 but publicly it would be TLOU.

20. Favourite fic you've ever written?

Shit this one is hard. I love all my stuff but I think it is A Soul For Sale Or Rent for right now.

I'm not gonna tag only because I know we are all going back and forth with this one, but if you want to do it please do!!

[pomegranate-belle]

Tagged by @inkforhumanhands it is no longer the weekend but. Since I took today off technically it is the weekend for me.

Rules: List your WIPs below (if you only write one fic at a time, feel free to include future WIPs/ideas!) then answer the following questions. Then, tag as many people as you have WIPs (or more).

WIP List:

- SV2 - Fins and Fangs - Fruit of the Vine - Nocturne No. 2: Dance of the Binary Stars - She’s Doing This On Her Own - Hair-Based Seduction Techniques - A Rose Among Thorns - Vampire Matt AU - MattFoggy Pride & Prejudice AU - Garbageman Foggy AU - Podcaster Foggy AU - Pushing Daisies/DD Crossover

2. Which of your WIPs is currently the longest?

SV2, which has 69,758 words currently published, and 96,706 words currently written.

3. Which WIP do you expect will end up the longest?

SV2 again – it’s just got the most going on. Seven universes, fifty-ish named characters, way too many subplots, etc.

4. Which WIP is your favourite to write/the most enjoyable to write? Why?

It switches sometimes, but the Pushing Daisies crossover is the most fun at the moment. I like trying to imitate the PD narrator’s voice.

5. Which WIP do you find the most intimidating to write? Why?

SV2 because there’s just… So… Much of it. I know where we need to get to, but the map is covered in sea monsters, lol

6. Which WIP do you experience the most self-doubt about. Why?

I think I worry about quality dips in literally any multichap I write, but Fins and Fangs hits the hardest because it’s gotten so much love. I don’t want to let anyone down, you know?

7. Which of your WIPs will you seek out a beta/sensitivity reader for? Why?

I don’t often look for sensitivity readers with the kind of stuff I write, but I’ll get a beta any time I’m nervous about a chapter. I’ve had one for SV2 a few times, and for the Vampire Matt AU.

8. Have any of your WIPs been struck by the curse of writer's block?

Literally all of them, almost constantly, including right now. Yaaaaay.

9. Which WIP has your favourite OC? Tell us about them?

I don’t think any of these really feature real OCs, but since he technically doesn’t exist in canon I guess I can say Doc Nelson from Peni Parker’s universe in SV2

10. Which WIP is the sexiest?

Vampire Matt AU. But that’s just how it goes with vampires.

11. Which WIP is the angstiest?

Probably would be She’s Doing This On Her Own. Hard to go angstier than a story that focuses on how a teenager’s dad pointed a gun at her.

12. Which WIP has the best characterisation (in your humble opinion)?

Considering how many fucking Matts there are, it better be SV2 or all the readers are gonna be so so confused when the Daredevils finally meet each other.

13. Which WIP has the best scene setting (in your humble opinion)?

I’m incredibly fond of Fruit of the Vine for this, I feel like I’ve been able to get exactly the atmosphere I wanted out of it.

14. Which WIP have you worked the hardest on?

SV2 has its own private discord, so…

15. Which WIP do you have the highest expectations for? Why?

SV2 again, for the reasons above, lol

16. Do you dream about any of your WIPs?

I actually don’t think I have. I have however had dreams that turn into plot bunnies. Like the Moon Knight bakery AU…

17. Do any of your WIPs have particular complexities that your other fics don't?

I think they’re all complex in their own ways? I keep having to go poke at Wookieepedia for Nocturne, SV2 is so huge that plotting has been a nightmare, Fruit of the Vine is supposed to be set over the course of a year and I’m still trying to decide how fast to move through that time, A Rose Among Thorns requires a deeper dive into Elektra than anything I’ve done before it, and since She’s Doing This On Her Own was written spur of the moment I have no idea where I’m headed (which is unusual for me, since I usually have an endpoint even if I don’t know how to get there).

18. Which WIP is the funniest or has the most humour?

That would probably be Hair-Based Seduction Techniques. Since it’s basically just about college Matt realizing he’s gay through braiding Foggy’s hair, it’s more lighthearted.

19. Do any of your WIPs contain outside POVs or a deep dive on a character other than the main ship? How are you finding that process?

There’s a lot more Claire in Fins and Fangs than I originally expected, but it’s been fun delving into her as a character and hinting at her past.

20. Tell us one thing we don't know about one or more of your WIPs.

The Brett in the Podcaster Foggy AU is not a cop. I haven’t actually decided what he does except it’s a 9-to-5 and he desperately hates it (which is a big reason why Foggy wants their podcast to take off). Maybe I can foist my software support woes onto him…

Tagging: @missmoochy, @spookychu, @emeraldstorms, @kimmycup, and anyone else who wants to do it, I'm too tired to tag 12 people lol

[catgirlthecrazy]

Tell us about #1 👀

For the WIP ask meme.

This one features a lot of noncon and monsterfucking so Imma put it behind a cut

Ask is about my Google doc labeled "All the better to eat you with." Looking at the title (and knowing your taste 😆 ) you were probably expecting it to be about werewolves, but it's actually the tentacle monster!Essek oviposition fic I've been working on in the FUN WITH JELLY thread in the AifL dark channels.

For those not already initiated: Essek runs afoul of some unholy Aeorian experiment that turns him into a horny cecaelia-esque tentacle monster. Caleb stumbles on him and quickly finds himself stripped naked and bound up with tentacles. Essek proceeds to fuck him silly and stuff his ass full of (nonviable) eggs. He then wraps Caleb up in a sort of fantasy latex he can produce and sticks him to the wall, where Caleb spends the next however long being fucked and tended to like a combination house plant/gimp until the eggs are ready to come out.

Here's an excerpt that includes some stuff not yet posted to AifL:

Caleb gasped as the egg ruthlessly pushed its way inside him, slow and inexorable as a glacier. Even after all that stretching, his cunt still burned like the nine hells from being forced open wider than it had done in years—or maybe ever. His eyes stung with tears of pain. Mercifully, the tapered shape meant he didn't have to take it all at once, and the snail-crawl pace gave him plenty of time to adjust. The downside was, the painful stretch lasted so much longer. Then, all at once, the widest part of the egg passed inside of him, and Caleb's greedy cunt was able to get enough of a grip on it to reflexively suck it the rest of the way in. Caleb gasped again, the sudden relief of no longer feeling like he was about to be split in half almost dizzying. He was given no time to savor that, though, because now the egg had reached his prostate. The sheer size of the thing meant that simply moving through his cunt pushed it into that little sweet spot with the force and subtlety of an enthusiastic toddler mashing the keys on a piano. A deep, shuddering moan bubbled up from Caleb's belly as the egg ground against that sweet spot with excruciating slowness.  Essek watched all of this with arms folded and smirking like the cat that got the cream. “In particular, the eggs benefit from regular exposure to the psychic energy produced by arousal and climax. Helpfully, their secretions have been modified to facilitate this.” Caleb was given no opportunity to consider that, too busy being split in half by a second egg. Technically, it hurt less going in than the first, in the same way that being crushed by a hundred pounds of rock hurts less than being crushed by a hundred and ten. Then it was in and squeezing past his prostate, and Caleb swung violently back to having his mind whited out with pleasure.  When the third egg made its presence known, Caleb started sucking on the tentacle cock again, desperate for any kind of distraction. It rewarded him by thrusting lazily, just deep enough to require his full concentration to avoid gagging. He was able to mostly ignore the burning, tearing feeling in his hole until it was at its apex, and by then it was nearly over. “You're doing so well, pet,” Essek said with a fond sigh. “It's like you were made for this.” The praise warmed Caleb's belly like finest brandy. On and on it went. One by one the eggs pushed their way inside him, like the largest, strangest string of beads imaginable. Each one went in with a soft pop; combined with the sloppy wet schlick schlick schlick of his throat being fucked, it made for an obscene harmony.  With each new egg, his cunt stretched open a little more. Hurt a little less. Became more accustomed to the invaders’ size. It went on long enough for the pain to evaporate completely, allowing pleasure to take center stage. Whether it came from a finger, a toy, or horrifying alien biology, his prostate didn't much care where it got its stimulus. The only questions it was concerned with were how big and how hard. With regards to the eggs, the answer to both questions seemed to be: very. Every time another egg ground across it, his nerves lit up with bright, incandescent pleasure as overwhelming as the sun. Each one ratcheted up his need another notch closer towards climax. Caleb found himself letting out whimpers and his mouthful of cock like an overfull waterskin springing a leak. “And you were so sure you wouldn’t like this.” Essek's tone was mocking, but fond. “Look at you now, desperate and squirming. Would you like me to help with that?”

[sakarrie-creates]

2023 Fic Round-Up/Reflection

Got an early start this year! I technically was shooting to get it done before the new year but I feel like I’m still within a reasonable window, so I’ll take it! Here’s my 2023 Writing Summary! Overall, I think I actually did okay! As usual, my rambly reflection stuff is under the cut. Happy 2024 people!

2023 Stats:

Fics Started: 12 Fics Fully Written: 12  Fics Posted: 5 New WIPs: 0 Total WIPs: 20 (ish?) Words Written: 53,686 (55,598 if including fic outlines that haven’t been turned fic) Words Posted: 34,805 Fandoms Written For: 3 (+1 for Merlin FTH outline) Events: 4 (+3)

Posted Fics:

Supernatural (Gen): 2

When it Rains, it Pours (13,779): As part of Chuck's "reliving of his greatest hits," Sam starts having his painful visions again. He doesn’t want to believe it, but the nightmares keep coming true and now, he's beginning to worry it’s not just visions. During their last hunt, Sam could have sworn that the machete he was reaching for threw itself. Dean didn’t seem to notice anything but later that night, Sam finds a small trail of blood coming from his nose.

He needs to tell Dean—he knows that. But Dean’s been struggling a lot between Chuck and losing... well, most everyone. He's just barely beginning to bounce back, and Sam was his only constant right now. He’ll just have to keep a handle on it until they can take care of Chuck. Set around s15e4 Atomic Monsters. 

Whatever it Takes (1,875): Gadreel's possession of Sam has more serious side-effects than Dean ever imagined. Now, his brother is sick, hurting, and close to giving up. But Dean is determined to make this right. 

The Owl House (Gen and Implied/Background Ship - Huntlow): 2

What Doesn't Kill You (Gives You Trauma) (1,737): With the reconstruction of Hexside finally complete, a sense of normality has been restored. Fortunately, that includes Grom. Unfortunately one of their own has been declared King. Hunter doesn’t even know which fear he'll have to face. He certainly has enough painful memories for Grom to take its pick. With a bit of luck and support from his friends, though, he might just make it through the night.

Frenemies (1,737): Hunter gets a mysterious message telling him to meet them at the night market. He really should have realized Luz would be behind this. Or: Post-ASIAS, Luz doesn't like the idea of Hunter suddenly showing up at Hexside and almost kidnapping her friends.

Code Lyoko (Gen): 1

No One’s an Island (7,612): Yumi is tired. XANA's attacks have been relentless and it's wearing her down. Between school, home life, and Lyoko, she's not sure how much more she can handle. After all, there's only so much weight one person can take. Except, it's not just Yumi's burden to carry, and her friends are going to do whatever they can to remind her of that. 

Specifics:

Events Participated In:

SPN Summergen (Fic), Player Appreciation Week (Art), Weird People MEP (Edit), Dear Fellow Traveler (Animatic), SPN Gencest Bang (Fic), Fandom Trumps Hate (Art/Fic), Mirage and Mischief Zine (Fic), and LOTS of zine apps (Fic, Art, Mod).

Best/worst title?

Best title: None of them super jump out at me, but Whatever it Takes and Between the Lines of Fear and Blame both come from songs where the song vibe/lyrics match the fic PERFECTLY. The latter is a bit long for my tastes, but it’s grown on me. What Doesn’t Kill You (Gives you Trauma) makes me chuckle too, but it’s got the same length issue as well as trying out a new style from my norm which I had mixed feelings on.

Worst title: Oof, well as usual, I didn’t particularly like most of my titles this year. I think Frenemies has to take the cake though. It started as a working title but then I got lazy and just left it when I posted. It feels so generic and not... aesthetic enough? Poetic enough? Literally no idea why it bothers me so much but it does.

General Questions:

Looking back, did you write more fics than you thought you would this year, less than you thought, or about what you predicted?

I honestly can’t remember what I was expecting this year (and it’s tradition that I can’t look back at my goals ‘til I answer these questions, so it will remain unknown). I certainly hoped to be able to do more since last year was a fairly barren year creativity-wise, but I’ve also been quite aware for a while that being in school sucks out my soul makes it difficult to create. With that, I think I probably was in the ballpark of what I was expecting. I might have predicted it being more spread out, though, which is a rookie move considering that my classes are clustered haha. What pairing/genre/fandom did you write that you would never have predicted last year?

I think I’d just barely gotten into TOH at the start of the year, so that wasn’t COMPLETELY unpredictable, but I did write some Huntlow (aka, romance) fics, which is abnormal for me! Additionally, I can’t remember if I discovered The Sentinel this year or last, but that definitely wasn’t expected. Just got the DVDs so I can finish watching the series! Oh, also writing Code Lyoko was a new experience (not counting my random 6th grade fanfiction I wrote in notebooks lol).

What’s your favorite story this year? Not the most popular, but the one that makes you the happiest.

I’m split quite a bit on this one. On one hand, I really like my Grom fic (so far) so I’m hoping that will continue to flow as I wrap it up. I also like my unposted fic about Willow dealing with Hunter’s near-death and Camila comforting her. Of those that are currently posted, though, I think I might go with No One is an Island. It was a lot of fun trying to figure out how to write Yumi and the other Code Lyoko characters, and considering the small size of the fandom, it was fairly well-received too!

Okay, NOW your most popular story.

Same as the last two years! Fragmentation’s views are hard to really predict since view counts have been down since September, but the total views has officially surpassed the overall word count at 21.4k views (vs 20.7k word count). Which is AMAZING. It’s always a bit wild to me to consider, but I’m so great people are enjoying my fic. Next is still The Problem With Good Intentions at 12.6k, which surprises me less now that I’ve seen just how alive and well the Once and Future Fandom is haha. From the fics I posted this year, it would be When it Rains, it Pours at 1.5k.

Story most underappreciated by the universe?

A Letter to Never Be Read on FF.net never really got any traction, but I think I’m over it by now. As for more current underappreciated fic... I think I might actually go with When it Rains, it Pours again. Even though it had the most views, it’s a fairly long, multi-chap story and didn’t get many reviews in between chapters. That’s part of the challenge with bangs and posting dates, though, so nothing too shocking there.

Hardest story to write?

It’s really hard to say! I was struggling with burnout a lot during my zine app timeframes, but most of those fics haven’t been posted yet. It might be Whatever it Takes just cause I had such a hard time coming up with something that matched the prompts as well as my preferences. When it Rains, it Pours was also a challenge at times, but mostly in trying to find motivation to write anything.

Most overdue story?

It’s Only Natural is still very very overdue, but it’s not super popular (and is on FF.net), so it’s not one I’m stressed about. I think about A Long Ways Home a lot, though. I wanted to work on it recently, but unfortunately my writing energy needed to go towards FTH so that continued to be put off. People have left some very supportive comments on it recently, though, which I majorly appreciate!

Did you take any writing risks this year? What did you learn from them?

It hasn’t been a very writer-heavy year, which means less opportunities for writing risks. Writing for Code Lyoko was something of a risk in that I had no idea how it would turn out, but it wasn’t actually that adventurous. I also explored different types of grief in an unposted zine app piece, but I think in the end it turned out solid! My biggest risk was probably a different ficlet I wrote for a zine app. It was of young Eda and Grudgy, so both about characters I’m less invested in and in the sports genre, which is totally new for me. Unfortunately, that risk didn’t pay off. I actually felt pretty good about it, but when I sent it for feedback from a mod friend, they really didn’t like it. Everything’s subjective so it’s possible that it would still be enjoyable for some people, but suffice to say, I didn’t use it for any apps in the end.

How’d this year compare to your goals of last year?

Okie here we go! I think my goals were fairly reasonable last year if I remember correctly so I’m tentatively optimistic I’ll have some stuff to check off! 

Oof last year had a bunch of paragraphs of reflection here. I think I’m gonna focus more on bullets this year haha.

Goals from 2022:

-Unfortunately, keeping my scholarship has to be my biggest goal this year again so gonna put that here in case it's the only thing I can check off come December.

-A Long Ways Home (at least 1 new chapter) -SPN Summergen-At least 3/7 Player Appreciation Week days-Catch up on comment replies -At least do some more brainstorming for bigger CS aus -Huntlow/Owl House fics?-One zine?

If crazy inspired year: -All of A Long Ways Home -All Player Appreciation Week Days -WIP Bang with It’s Only Natural -Post More CS One-shots -Write out more big AU scenes -Other Zines

Oof, okay so apparently I was not crazy inspired this year lol. To be fair, I did do a bit more exploration in art and lots more in merch, so it wasn’t a totally uncreative year. And I doubled my word count overall from last year! Plus I did apply to a LOT of zines this year... I just unfortunately didn’t get in to nearly any of them. Next time maybe though! I’m a pinch hitter for a couple so that’s something at least!

It’s also been a year with lots of burnout and anhedonia for me, so brainstorming has been completely unachievable for most of the year. It’s been sad and I feel a little bad for my poor friends who love to brainstorm with me, but thankfully they have other sources. I’m scared to say anything, but I’ve felt more recently like maybe some interest is returning, so I’m crossing my fingers that it will still be there by the time FTH/Mirage&Mischief stuff is finished and school starts.

I actually met my goals this year too! In fact, my stretch goal had 25k posted, which I doubled in total and surpassed in written too, which is really impressive for me! Not to mention, I finished EVERY SINGLE fic I wrote this year!! That’s WILD for me. To be honest, it’s probably more a sad reflection on how I was writing purely for external deadlines rather than myself, but hey! Still got them all done and wrote a lot of words. Overall, thank you last year Sakarrie for keeping things achievable cause I actually did meet/exceed my goals! 

What are your fic writing goals for next year?

Well, I was a little relieved to find that I’d met them this year, so I think I’m going to try to keep things not too high again. Overall, though, I think I want to have a little more room for creative freedom in what I’m writing this year. For how little creative work I was doing, I did a TON of events, and at many times, those obligations stopped me from working on something I was feeling more inspired by. My fandom interests jumped all over this year (main focuses include: TOH, Merlin, Code Lyoko, The Sentinel, Dragon Prince, She-ra, Handplates (Undertale), and Centaurworld). Honorable mentions to Amphibia, SPN, and Miraculous Ladybug too... and that’s all just the stuff I’ve had long hyperfixations on this year. There’s tons of fandoms outside of those that also grabbed my attention on and off this year.)

Anyway, my hope is that I’ll be able to write similarly or more this year, but based on my own fickle inspiration, rather than only writing when I hate to for events. With that, I think I’m going to just stick with the Gencest Bang and zine obligations as the only writing events I’m planning on this year. I also hope to do Player Appreciation Week and Summergen again, but both of those could be art if needed. 

I also 100% failed in my comments goal from last year, but my mindset is slowly getting healthier I think. I do leave comments occasionally, but they still feel like way bigger deals than they should be. I’m getting better at letting old tabs go, though! I’m also fairly behind on responding to comments of my fics, but that one’s a lot more manageable.

Additionally, I want to have a pinned post on my tumblr page and ao3 profile page where people who are interested can see my current status on projects. I don’t expect it would be updated all the time, but it might help me keep track of everything.

Okay so! Goals for next year: -Have a solid zine portfolio -Make pinned update post -Post at least 4 stories -Embrace/follow the inspiration -Finish first draft A Long Ways Home -Gencest Bang -Summergen Exchange -Code:Swap -Player Appreciation Week -Apply to more zines

So, finally work counts goals are...

Easy Goal Word Count Goal: 20k (at least 10k posted)

Stretch Goal (aka, if I don’t die from school agAIN): 60k (at least 30k posted)

Ultimate 2021 Word Count Goal: 38k

[waywardsou2]

Oh this is fun! Imma tag my writer friends at the end because this is going to be so interesting!

Here we go!

14...wow that is a lot more than I thought (how many of those are unfinished tho lol)

I tired getting into real whump like going deep into it and actually formulating it well, which...I tried but it didn't last too long

Deadpool and Wolverine is where most of my interest was based for a while in terms of writing. But more recently it's become Arcane

Only 3, my writing goes through fluctuations depending on the hyper fixation so I haven't had much difference in fandoms recently

5. DeadClaws was a big one for me for a while but Jayvik has stolen my heart most recently

6. Bucky Barnes was a big one for me even though I never ended up writing much for him. And now recently Jayce and Viktor (obviously)

7. Yes, Arcane was a new one for me. I don't count Deadpool and Wolverine because that is technically Marvel

8. So far my fic You and Me and The Music I make which is almost finished has meant the most to me to write. It's been a hug comfort honestly

9. Again, You and Me and The Music I make has made me extremely happy, it's all fluff which is something I never do. It has been so uplifiting

10. Welp I have a habit of not finishing my works (so many WIPs collecting dust right now) but when I finished You and Me and The Music I make I know I'll feel so amazing about it

11. I feel like my Summer of Bad Batch prompt challenge works were the hardest mainly because the hyper fixation died half way through which made it difficult for me to continue, but I did get it done in the end

12. Probably my one-shot series, because it was just shit posts here and there of smut. So it wasn't anything that big

13. Shortest was: My post movie head canon one, mainly because it was two chapters and it was just very basic

Longest was: Was Lost but never gone which was one 5 chapters (incomplete) at 15k words already

14. None just my general playlist but when I started You and Me and the Music I make I made a playlist specifically for that ship with songs that were actually included in the fic

15. The Sun will Set on Another Day and I will Still Sit in my Cage, which is super fucking long but it felt right? Idk it was just stupid for me to try and figure out how to name this one I ended up going with a fallout boy song title (LMAO)

16. "Fuck you" "Do it yourself, coward" was pretty funny but I also like You and Me and The Music I make, just coz it's sorta romantic? And I'm a sucker for romance

17. Tbh none of my opening lines particularly stand out to me...I find it hard to write good eye catchers, I mainly focus on the body content but since I'm in love with You and Me and The Music I make I'll have to pick that one

Viktor tuned out the methodical tapping of his shoes and cane working in tandem across the polished floors, he was well adjusted to the sound by now. The day was at its end and his bones had begun to creak. The hallways felt cavernous in the black with him unable to see the expanse of the celling or the depth of the hall. It only stretched out into more darkness.

It think it's nice and descriptive, sets the tone

18. I haven't finished any of my workssss I don't really have one

Their presence was the only thing that brought the other peace.

That's all I've got really

19. ...I suck at writing dialogue...so this was a struggle

“Just hold onto me, I won’t let you fall, and if you need to stop we will. Just…try this for me?”

^^^ This was just really sweet, it was so caring and kind in context. Litteral tooth rotting fluff

20. I thought this was pretty funny but I'm not really a comedian

"I will slice your dick off if you don't stop" "Oh kinky" "Fuck you"

21. In Lost but never gone the characters kinda ended up writing themselves. It was very interesting, enjoyable, but definitely an experience

22. I sometimes write in a dedicated notebook if I don't have my laptop on me. But I only use word and them I post on AO3 afterwards

23. Just the brainstorming stage for all of my works, when the idea pops into my head and I realise I can write it

24. No? Do people do that lol

25. I don't really have anything in particular I do. I usually just stop writing and switch to art for a while (I don't always have a choice) and then come back to writing when I feel the inspo again. It's weird

26. Yeah I made some art, though it wasn't very good

27. I took part in 3, I only completed one all the way to the end and abandoned the other two. I also created my own but I haven't participated in that

28. My friend DM and Emrys for being my biggest inspiration and supporters, for giving me ideas and being my beta readers. I would also thank a few of my discord servers for entertaining my bullshit

29. I want to finish You and Me and The Music I make because I genuinely think that will be the only WIP I can finish lol

30. More Jayvik fics...pfft that's literally it. I love them so much I want to keep writing for them

As for my writing friends

@desired-misery @bunnwis @emrys-study @fionajames @kybercrystals94

A slightly revised version of last year's questions! Two ways to play: Reblog and have your followers send you numbers, or answer the whole list!

How many fics have you worked on since January?

What’s something new that you tried in a fic this year?

What piece of media inspired you the most? (This can be the fandom you wrote the most for, the one that spawned the most ideas, the one you thought about the most, etc.)

How many fandoms did you write for this year?

What ships captured your heart?

What characters captured your heart?

Did you write for any new fandoms or ships this year?

What fic meant the most to you to write?

What fic made you feel the happiest to work on?

What fic was the most satisfying to finish writing?

What fic was the most difficult to write?

What fic was the easiest to write?

What were your shortest and longest fics posted this year?

What were your go-to writing songs?

What was the hardest fic to title?

What's your favorite title of the year?

Share your favorite opening line

Share your favorite ending line

Share your favorite piece of dialogue

Share your funniest line

What's something that surprised you while you were working on a fic? Did it change the story?

What writing programs did you use? Did you write by hand?

If you had to choose one, what was THE most satisfying writing moment of your year?

Did you do anything special to celebrate finishing a fic?

How did you recharge between fics?

Did you create fanworks other than fic?

How many events did you take part in? (bangs, exchanges, ship weeks, zines, prompt memes, they all count!)

If this were an awards show, who would you thank?

What's left on your to-do list for 2024?

What would you like to write next year?