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tenebrous-if · 2 months

Text

LINKS:

🜲 Play the Game

Estimated Release: N/A

🜲 FAQ

🜲 Pinterest

🜲 Character Descriptions

🜲 Family Descriptions

🜲 Map of Arvandor

🜲 Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Hurt/Comfort, and Action/Adventure.

🜲 Rating: Tenebrous is an 18+ Fantasy IF set within the mythical world of Arvandor.

The Kingdom of Aetheria, within the world of Arvandor, is a nation ripe with history. King Lysander du Aetheria rose up and led the fledgling Aetherian Army against The Forsaken One— Herald of the Abyssal Uprising— and came out victorious when everyone else had failed. With his victory, Lysander placed Aetheria as one of the key pillars of keeping Arvandor safe; allowing for peace to reign over the continent for centuries.

Peace, however, was never meant to last.

The Order of Netheron, Followers of The Forsaken One, had captured you at the tender age of fifteen, holding you captive for a decade within a tower only labeled as “The Spire”. All due to their wish of resurrecting their fallen deity— something that they believe could only be accomplished by using the blood of King Lysander’s descendants; it was a ritual that didn’t go as planned— one that did bring back their deity, but only for your eyes and ears only; the both of you attached to the other in a way that probably wasn’t intended.

And that’s how you spent the last decade of your life… Growing used to the presence that now appears whenever the time calls for it. It isn’t until your twenty-fifth year that you’re finally found and taken back to Aetheria, to everything you had long thought you’d lost.

Your time in the sun, however, was short-lived as the tidings of an even darker uprising was beginning to grow— one that threatens to demolish everything and everyone.

Can you figure out how to save your home?

🜲 Create your Aetherian Royal:

Name/Nickname

Gender [Male, Female, or Non-Binary]

Appearance

Hobbies

Personality [Mainly involving unique reactions to certain situations— the MC is semi-set in some ways]

🜲 Romance 1 of 4 potential love interests— each offering their own unique experience within the story and how the world at large will react to the burgeoning relationship.

🜲 Bond with your family after being apart for so long. They have missed you a great deal. [The MC is a middle child.]

🜲 Harness the magic that flows through your veins due to the gift of your blood.

🜲 Choose from a variety of skill sets that your MC may be able to acquire. [Note: This means you can choose something to specialize in, instead of having to constantly choose between being a diplomat or warrior. You can instead choose to be a swordsman while also focusing on the art of diplomacy.]

🜲 Build a codex from the various interactions that you can have throughout your story— from places, to people, to old legends that have tested the passage of time within Arvandor.

Astorian/Astoria du Aerilon: The Heir to Aerilon, and the person that was your betrothed from the time you were seven until your disappearance. Astorian/Astoria spent every winter with you, and you every summer with them, in hopes that a union between the both of you would bring your countries together. You remember many things from that time of your life: their warm laugh, brazen attitude, arrogant smirk, and their inability to stay still for long. Meeting them again? It simply proves how much can change in a decade. [Can choose to have been in an almost relationship with them or still rivals.]

William/Wilhelmina du Arvandor: A recent addition to the Holy Order, who has an iron-clad need to help and be of assistance to anyone that may require it. Being a Paladin has been something they’ve strived towards for the last eight years of their life; training being second to nothing. It’s simply a mere coincidence, or the Divine’s Will, that their first major mission was to rid Arvandor of the last dregs of Netheron… A mission that brought them to The Spire, with a small band of warriors, to carry out that very task— wherein they find the Lost Heir of Aetheria. You.

Gabriel/Gabrielle Adair: Being renowned within the arcane arts, having achieved the rank of High Mage within the Aetherian Institute of Magic, it’s of little surprise that the royal family of Aetheria would call on someone with their skill set— if it weren’t for the scandal that still plagues them. You’re not sure what could have been so bad that would force them to retreat within themself like they have, especially if your parents had seen them fit enough to tutor you, but it’s obviously something that weighs heavily upon them. Will it be possible to wrangle out the secrets of their past when you’re still trying to figure out your own gift?

Ilyran/Ilyria Caelestis: The Forsaken One, an individual that’s visible only to your eyes from a ritual gone wrong. There isn’t much you can glean from them, after all you can only take what they say with a grain of salt, but the shadows that lurk within their eyes has nothing to do with the darkness that now lives within them. It’s hard sometimes to look at what they’ve become when you’ve seen what they were in Old Texts, when they weren’t the Forsaken One, weren’t the Divine’s Disgrace… When they were simply Ilyran/Ilyria Caelestis, High Priest/Priestess of the Holy Order.

#tenebrous if #choice of games #hosted games #interactive novel #interactive fiction #wip #work in progress #high fantasy #romance #royalty

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prokopetz · 10 months

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Hey why DO all those old tabletop RPGS and adventure games have such weird obtuse "act in this one scene or softlock forever" moments? Like, these weren't designed like arcade games that munch quarters... Why was this sort of thing so commonplace?

(With reference to this post here.)

Funnily enough, for tabletop RPGs there's actually a good answer.

If you're familiar with the popular history of tabletop roleplaying games, you've probably heard the idea that they developed out of fantasy wargaming. That's not actually terribly accurate; tabletop RPGs and fantasy wargames are more like two parallel branches that split off from the recreating-historical-battles kind of wargaming at about the same time, and for the first couple of decades there wasn't a bright line drawn between them like there is today. Many are genuinely hard to classify by contemporary standards – there are a lot of early fantasy wargames that look more like modern tabletop RPGs, and vice versa.

One of the consequences of that lack of sharp distinctions between tabletop RPGs and fantasy wargames is that early tabletop RPGs were often played in a sort of "competitive co-op" format at wargaming tournaments. Multiple groups would run their parties through the same adventure in parallel, and be ranked on their performance; sometimes this would involve scoring points for completing specific objectives, or speedrunning the adventure and aiming for the fastest time, but the most popular tournament format was the survival module: adventures which were deliberately designed to be unreasonably difficult, with whichever group's last surviving character's corpse hit the ground furthest from the dungeon entrance being judged the winner.

The upshot of that popularity is that many published adventures early on – and certainly the greater part of the more infamous ones! – were originally written as survival modules, created to be run competitively at a particular tournament, and later repackaged and sold as commercial products. Of course, practically none of them actually explained that; like nearly all tabletop RPG material of their day, they were written under the assumption that all tabletop roleplayers had come up through organised play at university gaming clubs, and thus already had all the context I've just outlined. This ended up causing no end of confusion when the hobby's mainstream visibility exploded in the early 1980s, and suddenly there were folks who'd picked up the rulebooks at their local bookstores trying to teach themselves how to play from first principles with no prior contact with gaming club culture.

As for why adventure games were also like that... well, this is going to sound bizarre by contemporary standards, and I don't blame you if you don't believe me, but once upon a time, point-and-click adventure games were considered the gold standard for Serious Gaming. Unforgiving routing, bizarre moon-logic puzzles, and a bewildering variety of unique ways to get yourself killed off were held up as the mark of the serious gamer in much the same way that janky soulslike combat systems are today, and a large chunk of the genre was made to cater to that ethos. Gamer culture is a hell of a drug!

(If you're about to ask the obvious follow-up question, "what changed?", the point-and-click adventure game's fall from grace and subsequent dismissal as casual fluff tracks more or less directly with a large demographic shift in the late 1990s that saw the genre's player base skewing predominantly female – and, well, you can probably connect the dots from there.)

#gaming #tabletop roleplaying #tabletop rpgs #video games #game design #adventure games #violence mention #death mention #sexism mention #swearing

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mayolive-writes · 10 months

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The Love Plaza | Jungkook

Pairing: Jungkook x AFAB Reader

Summary: Needing to take a break from the long trip to college, you and Jungkook are forced to stay at the only lodging available within 70 miles, a love motel. And much to Jungkook’s dismay, there’s only one bed.

Wordcount: 4102

Genre: Fluff, Comedy, Smut, Best Friends to lovers, Oneshot(?)

Warnings: Dry humping, mild awkwardness (these poor virgins), no penetration (this time), They’re so cute and down bad

Minors DNI

A/N: thought this would be a fun writing prompt to exercise my humor muscle. I often feel that my writing lacks comedic relief, so this was good practice! I wanted this to be goofy as shit, because friends to lovers is just that much sweeter when it’s goofy. I do have a couple other WIPs with this couple though!! One that’s fluffy and another that is significantly spicier.

Enjoy!!

The Love Plaza | Moonlight Trampoline Adventure | Labret

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

You must be shitting me.

Unbelievable. Un-fucking-believable. Jungkook reads the sign in disbelief. The only lodging in 70 miles was a damned love motel. The bright red neon “18+” sign mocks him.

Unbelievable.

"Hell no, I can keep driving," Jungkook turns to you, there's no way you'd be okay with this.

"Jeon Jungkook, we've been driving on and off for 14 hours in a cramped truck with enough leg room for a toddler. We're both exhausted." You flash him a stern look, "we were honked at five times because we were going off the road!" With a light smack of his chest, you giggle, "besides, maybe they have a room with separate beds!" Your voice drips with sarcasm, calm about the entire situation.

Except you weren't. Inside, you were screaming. A fucking love hotel in the middle of nowhere? This is a sick joke. But despite your inner turmoil, you keep a humored face.

"You're sure?" Jungkook asks again, just to make sure.

Cocking your eyebrow, you give him an incredulous look, "the other option is getting into a crash. I don’t think coffee and 5-hour-energy can't help us now, bun."

He sighs. With every passing second, he can feel his heart losing years of life. This definitely isn’t healthy.

A bell sounds as you and Jungkook enter, catching the eye of a desk clerk. The shabby motel is surprisingly chic inside, with modern hardwood tile, and wallpaper patterned with soft wisteria, giving the space a fresh feeling.

"Hey there! Do you have a reservation?" The smile on the clerk's face is practiced, but falters when he sees the both of you in sweatpants and t-shirts.

He concludes on his own, no, you don't have a reservation.

As you both walk awkwardly up to the desk, the clerk continues, "just the two of you?"

Jungkook answers, "uh--yeah." You spot a basket on the counter and tap Jungkook on the shoulder, pointing.

It's full of different sized condoms in every bright color imaginable. Pink, blue, orange, yellow, purple, green.

You both hold back silly smiles, doing your utmost to keep cool.

"And do you perhaps--" you pick up a condom out of the basket and Jungkook chokes. He takes a moment before looking at the smiley clerk again, "have a room with separate beds?"

The clerk simply stares at Jungkook. Separate beds? In a love motel?

There's been very few moments in Jungkook's life when he was truly Flustered.

1. Confessing to Sandy Morrison in second grade.

2. His first kiss in 11th grade.

3. Figuring out that maybe he wasn’t totally straight.

4. Seeing you, his best friend and crush of at least 6 years, pick up a large condom, neatly packed in bright neon orange wrapping, and pocketing it for some ungodly reason.

Shit.

What are you doing?

You yourself don't know what the hell you're doing. There’s zero intention in your mind of using the condom, of course--not that you wouldn't like to. But you're just trying to have fun. What else do you do in a love hotel? With this thought, you promptly lose your shit when you sight a shelf near the clerk desk that displays a variety of items.

Lube, lace garters (neatly packed in plastic packaging, fancy!), satin blindfolds, fuzzy handcuffs (red, pink, blue, black, and orange!), and the cherry on top--a brochure of "The Best Positions For A Night of Passion!"

The cackle you hold in makes you shake. You hop over to the shelf and ask the clerk, "how much for these?" Pointing to the handcuffs.

The clerk is now thoroughly confused at the contrasting interests in both you and Jungkook, who is flushed in the face--both from embarrassment and holding his laughter in. "Um... They're all a dollar, the pamphlet is free."

The clerk looks back to Jungkook, "and, sir, I'm sorry, but we don't have rooms with separate beds," leaning forward to whisper, he continues, "if you guys are fighting, take the couch."

Well, it was worth a shot.

Once you're both checked in, Jungkook is about to walk away. That is, before he sees you go up to the desk clerk with one of each item that was displayed on the shelf.

Oh.

My.

God.

The clerk looks at Jungkook, his expression screaming, "dude, I can't believe you wanted separate beds!"

You happily stride beside Jungkook through the motel hallway, kinky bag in hand while he carries the luggage. You must be insane. Having finally reached room 40, you both realize that Jungkook’s hands are full of your bags. Awkwardly, you dig into his front pocket, feeling for the card.

"Um..." you look up when he speaks up, "it's in the other pocket.”

Oh. Oops.

You dig through his other pocket.

why are these damn things so dee--

What. Was. That.

Jungkook gasps.

You gasp.

Realizing what you’ve just done, you flinch away, “Oh my god! I’m so fucking sorry--" Jungkook is utterly speechless. This night just keeps getting more and more inconceivable. He says nothing as you dig more cautiously and finally yank out the godforsaken key.

One minute later you're finally in the room, with yours and Jungkook’s cheeks throbbing red.

Nice one, y/n.

As you both walk further in, you gasp. All other thoughts vanish at the sight.

Jesus Christ, what a night.

"Oh my god, Koo!" You drag him in faster and he sees you fall into a burst of laughter, and once he sees it too, promptly loses his composure at the ridiculous sight.

The bed is obviously heart-shaped, the sheets are red satin, and the blankets are pink velvet. The mattress is adorned with frilly heart pillows and lacy detailing, with a black headboard screwed into the wall (which is probably for the best).

You both share gazes of utter astonishment, only to fall over yourselves once more. The sheer ridiculousness of it all hitting you full force. Jungkook’s laughter only falters when he notices that there isn't a couch.

This leaves him with two options. Share the bed with you and sacrifice a sleepless night resulting in another 10 hours of hell tomorrow, or sleep on the plush black carpeted floor and spend the next week with achy muscles and a crick in the neck.

He's gonna have to sleep on the fucking floor.

Quietly, Jungkook goes into the bathroom, leaving you to your own devices.

One bed. God, what a cliché. Jeon Jungkook will not be brought down by some fanfic writer’s wet dream.

Despite the inconvenience of the motel, Jungkook is relieved as the hot water spews from the showerhead. He’s needed this all day. Each muscle becomes looser, and Jungkook finds himself relaxing as the sound of water hitting the floor puddles in his mind.

6 long years.

Jungkook was twelve when he realized he had a big, fat, disgusting crush on you. But he knew it wasn’t a big deal. Crushes pass and fade. It’s impossible not to have a crush at that age.

Jungkook was 16 when he realized it wasn’t just a crush anymore. The poor bastard was head over heels. Down for the count. Your smile made his heart burn—he’d do anything to see it. He’d pull up pictures of you on his phone on the rare occasion he couldn’t see you, just to make sure he could at least see your smile every day. He recalls feeling stupid for feeling so fuzzy about you all the time, but what’s shameful about wanting to see someone you love happy and smiling? Nothing.

At some point, it turned physical. Absolute hell. He felt complete and utter shame the first time he touched himself while thinking about you. It was deplorable how badly and how often he yearned for your lips on his body.

Throughout high school, Jungkook could barely look at anyone else other than you. Others could tell, most didn’t even try making a move on him. Except for his first kiss, taking place after prom in the parking lot. He remembers apologizing profusely to his date the next day, admitting that he just didn’t feel that way about them.

During graduation, he almost slipped. Almost confessed that he wanted to give it a shot. The longing was becoming too much. But no matter how close he came to finally spitting it out he’d always chicken out. You meant too much. And it felt… wrong to spring it on you.

But this? He might break in two. He’s insane, he knows, but that millisecond where you accidentally touched him through his pants almost made him hydroplane, losing all traction on reality.

A knock on the door yanks Jungkook out of his murky thoughts. “If you use up all the hot water, I’ll personally annihilate you, Kookie.”

He can’t hold back a smirk, “yeah, yeah, I’m almost done.”

If hot showers were personified, you’d marry them. Specifically, the ones taken after your best friend, with his scent still lingering. This night has been one hell of a rollercoaster, and you take your time washing away the 14 hours of uncomfortable driving and cleanse your airways. Jungkook has always smelled like home to you. Years of friendship will do that to a person. Not even your own family can make you feel at ease like he does, with the way he shines. Bright enough to feel warm, but not so bright as to scare anyone away.

7 long years.

You were 11 when you realized you had a big, fat, disgusting crush on Jungkook. But you’d had countless meaningless crushes at that age, he was just a crush out of convenience, right?

Wrong.

You were 16 when you realized it wasn’t just a crush anymore. Something about Jungkook’s demeanor with you changed. He was always nice to you, but as Jungkook matured, his rough-and-tumble attitude crumbled away into something softer, cushier, and sweeter. It was unbearable. Whenever he put a secure arm around your shoulder, your heart would squeeze, and then release. First yearning, then comfort.

You wanted him. In more than one way. Never in a million years would you live down the shame from the first time you let him invade your thoughts alone at night. It wasn’t that long ago, really. Jungkook had turned 18, and He wasted little to no time in getting a lip piercing. You nonchalantly said it looked cool, but it kept you up that night.

It was becoming too much, but with graduation fast approaching you thought you’d finally have your out. You’d go off to college, and as much as you’d miss your best friend, you knew you needed to get away, and hopefully the love would fade with time.

Well, that was before you found out that Jungkook was going to the same college as you.

It was pure coincidence.

So here you are. Desperately trying to wash away your increasing desire on both fronts, romantically and sexually.

Regretfully, you step out of the shower into the cold bathroom air. In an instant you’re pulling Jungkook’s stolen hoodie over your head.

The room is dead silent when you leave the bathroom, and you spot Jungkook resting peacefully on the heart-shaped bed. His eyes are closed. It’s moments like these that make you want to give in and just tell him. So what if he doesn’t feel the same way? So what if he doesn’t fight back the urge to kiss you every day? So. Fucking. What.

He’s your best friend. That’s fucking what.

Losing him is not an option.

“Gook?” Jungkook is lightly startled, and you almost feel bad for waking him. “Hey, can you move over?”

“Huh?” He groggily looks around, then realizes, “Oh—yeah, yeah, just a sec.”

With sloth-like movements, Jungkook grabs a pillow and a blanket from the bed and lays them on the floor, but before he can slip down onto the carpet you stop him, “woah, woah, woah. What’re you doing?”

“Uhhh, going to sleep?”

“On the floor? We’ve shared a bed before, doofus.”

“yeah, when we were like, nine.” Jungkook retorts. Please, God. Don’t do this to him.

You know it’ll be hell sharing a bed with him, but you’d feel like shit making him sleep on the floor. “What’re you afraid of, catching cooties? Come on, bun, it’s not a big deal.” It is a big deal. It is such a stupidly big deal.

Jungkook takes a moment to read your eyes, only a feeling a twinge of awkwardness. With reluctance, he moves the blanket and pillow back onto the bed and climbs in first. He can do this.

You climb in behind him, settling in quickly. His back is to you, thank God, but warmth is radiating from his body. You can’t do this.

Deep breaths, deep breaths. Focus.

Focus on the patter of the rain outside. Focus on the whirring of the ceiling fan above. Focus on the softness of the sheets. Focus on the warmth of the blankets. Focus on the smell of the detergent. Focus on the smell of Jungkook’s shampoo.

Wait, no. Don’t focus on that.

Hell freezes over in the time it takes for you to get comfortable.

It feels like infinity has passed by as Jungkook lays deathly still. One movement and he’ll shatter. The bed feels smaller than it looks. The proximity is too much. He can hear your deep breaths, can feel them in how your back lightly hits his with every intake of air. His body feels like it’ll start vibrating. His chest feels like it might implode. His thoughts are spiraling. He just wants you.

Eyes. Closed. Mouth. Closed. Mind. A work in progress. Sheep, count sheep.

1…

2…

3…

Just fall asleep. Please. You tell yourself.

Closing your eyes, you count the seconds as they pass by into minutes. You’re on minute 28 when a haze finally begins to ease you. But some prick outside of your room drops something heavy and you hear them giggling and walking away. You hope they have a terrible night’s sleep. Even if they weren’t planning on sleeping anyway.

Being conscious again, it’s impossible to ignore it. You can’t take it. You can’t. His warmth, his smell. His smile, his laugh.

Him.

Something possesses you. Chest aching painfully, heart beating mercilessly.

You whisper.

“Jungkook,”

“Yeah?” He curses the waver in his voice as your body shifts around to face his back. It takes him a moment before he has enough courage to turn around.

Your eyes.

Your eyes are big and wide, you look scared and excited all at once. “Jungkook, I…”

What are you doing?

You must be insane.

Just forget it.

But there’s no going back.

Do it.

Just say it.

Say it.

Fucking say it.

You like—

No.

He gently reaches for your hand beneath the blanket. The mingling of your fingers calms your mind, eases your breathing. “Thanks,” a whisper is sent across the small distance that separates the two of you. “How do you feel about me?”

Jungkook stares. Huh? That’s all? He chuckles, “We’ve been friends since we were like, four. It’s a good bet that I like you.”

You blink. What an absolute dunce. “No, you stupid asshat, how do you feel about me?” All this courage makes your mouth keep moving, “I mean… I feel something, and sometimes it seems like you feel something too. Can you like, tell me if it’s just me?”

Jungkook’s eyes go wide, his warm hand slipping away.

Oh. You’ve made a huge mistake.

Or so you think before he’s crawling to hover over you, hands beside your head. “You like me?”

It’s your turn for your eyes to bulge, your face burning at the position, one that you’ve imagined at least a million times. Head turning away, you reiterate, “Unfortunately.”

His head falls to your shoulder, “Oh my god. Holy shit, oh my God. I can’t believe this. I can’t believe this shit, holy fucking shit.” You patiently wait for his rambling to stop, but you’re confused now. He’s on top of you. This man is on top of you but hasn’t said anything about how he feels yet.

The only natural response is to flick his forehead, of course.

“Hey, ouch!”

You exaggerate the clearing of your throat, “’holy shit, I can’t believe this shit.’ Isn’t a super direct answer, Jeon Jungkook.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re mean?”

“Aww did I hurt you fee—” His lips touch yours softly, but it doesn’t last long enough before he falls back to his side of the bed.

“It’s not just you,” Your hands find each other again.

A thick silence rests over you, despite your staggering heart. You want him to kiss you again, desperately. You push yourself to ask, “kiss me again? Maybe longer this time?”

Jungkook obliges wordlessly, leaning over to press his lips against yours once more. It’s slow, cautious, unsure. Your body feels tense, making it difficult to feel excited. Not sure what to do, you pull him closer by his sweatshirt, forcing your bodies to touch.

It feels like he’s melting into you. His lips are still shaky, but he pushes forward, placing his hand on your hip as you wrap a leg over his body. Creating even less distance between you. There’s a heavy breath.

“Um… okay, pause.” Your eyes meet. He nods and his fingers brush through your hair, playing with it casually and awaiting your next request. In this wide expanse of time, the tingle of him playing with your hair lulls your mind and heart.

“Again?”

Third time’s the charm, right?

With less hesitance than before, Jungkook finds your lips again, keeping his hand buried in your hair. This time, it’s more comfortable, and your lips tingle. Unsure of what to do with yourself, your hands grip his sweatshirt even tighter, and you find it in yourself to lean in closer, breath quickening less from nerves and more from pleasure.

How many times had you thought of this? Each scenario being different, passionate and fiery. And yet of the hundreds of daydreams, none of them were accurate. Despite the underlying awkwardness, you wouldn’t want it any other way.

All thoughts drift away when Jungkook’s lips leave your own, and before you can protest, they fall upon your neck. Far more astonishing is when he drags you on top of him, changing your positions.

A quiet gasp escapes. Woah, woah woah, buddy.

But your surprise doesn’t stop him from dragging his lips to the other side of your neck. You feel your legs go numb. With his stupid lips on your neck still, he asks, “Is this okay?”

There’s a lot of fumbling in your brain before you can answer, “mhm… I’ve thought about this a lot.”

“Oh really? How much of it?” This stupid bitch.

“Shut up before you ruin it, just keep going.” You have no clue, but to Jungkook, the breathlessness in your voice feels like kryptonite.

Slipping a hand beneath your hoodie, you jolt at his touch. “How far do you want me to go?”

You squirm, “Um… I don’t know yet, is that okay?”

“Good, cuz’ I don’t know either. We can stop at any point.” Becoming impatient, you only give him a nod before you guide his hand to slip further into your hoodie. The trail of his touch his tingly, unpredictable, exciting. The gentle nature in the way he feels you causes your body to take on a mind of its own as your hips sink into Jungkook, forcing a groan from his lips. “Fuck, do that again.” You follow his instruction, and he lets out another noise of pleasure. It sends a spark coursing through you, leaning in to kiss him again. It’s messier this time, the caress of his hand on your skin making the simple task of breathing complicated. Your hips push down again, and the bulge you feel beneath you makes you gasp. In quick succession, Jungkook’s fingers brush over the tip of your breast, and to your utter shock a whine flows out of your lips. Your legs lose more strength, and you follow instinct. One hand slips beneath Jungkook’s shirt, and the jerk has the audacity to cup your breast in retaliation, dragging another whine out of you. Your head falls to his neck, partially because you feel like jelly, and partially because you want to leave a string of kisses to match what he so generously left on you prior.

With each kiss your hands keep exploring his torso and chest. If he can play dirty, so can you.

Or so you thought.

He pulls the neckline of your hoodie down to gain access to your collarbone before leaning up and licking a bold stripe from your clavicle up to your neck, dragging your body closer all the while. And when he latches on to the crook of your neck, sucking hard and meeting your hips as they subconsciously grind into him, you release a moan.

“There you go.”

You see through hazy vision the smirk on his face. Different from any that you’ve seen in your countless years of friendship.

He does it again, latching onto a spot along your collarbone and sucking, harsh but loving. Easing the sting with another swipe of his tongue.

The room is soon a quiet orchestra of heavy breaths and stifled groans, whines, and moans.

Time feels nonexistent.

“I think I want you to touch me, koo--”

“You think?”

You whine, “God, I don’t know—I just need more.”

He groans, “Fuck, babe.”

His hands securely grip your hips, and guide them to grind down onto him, hard. His sweatpants barely getting in the way.

You gasp at first, but as he keeps guiding your hips you let out a moan, louder than the one before. You cover your lips, not wanting to be heard by anyone outside.

“shit babe, please don’t be quiet, please—”

As the rhythm of your hips continue, you lean down, resting your head beside Jungkook’s ear, hoping that the muffle of the pillows will prevent anyone other than Jungkook hearing you. You let go, letting your moans flow, as his hips meet yours. Each sound you let out into his ear brings Jungkook closer to his breaking point.

“Keep going Koo, I’m close.” You whisper, and the sounds Jungkook lets out sound almost painful.

“Fuck, I love you.” He whines. And with barley another thrust of his hips, he comes undone beneath you. He keeps his grip on your hips, continuing to bring your hips down onto him.

You can barely manage “I love you too, Koo” before you find release.

The butterflies haven’t subsided yet. You’re clean and warm in bed again with Jungkook, hands and hearts intertwined. This time sleep feels more possible, but you can’t help but want to talk.

“Can I be honest?”

“Of course.”

“some of that felt awkward, right?”

“Well, I don’t think anything is more awkward than when we were forced to take a bath together when we were toddlers just cuz’ we got all muddy in the rain.”

You giggle as Jungkook pulls you in closer against his chest. “Yeah, sex ain’t shit compared to that.”

The warmth lulled you into a comfortable silence. You can’t remember the last time you felt this content, and you never want it to end. Every night this is what you want. Hands fit together loosely, blanket tangled between your bodies.

Jungkook will process with time that this is his new reality. His new reality in which you fall asleep in his arms, in which he can pull you closer, hold you tighter, and play with your fingers as he drifts off into a dreamland that couldn’t possibly match what he has with you. No one knows what the future holds, but Jungkook sure as hell hopes that you’re a part of it.

This shaggy love motel did more good than he thought it would.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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kyloherrera · 3 months

Text

✦ ۫ 𑄼ల۫ ۪ FEB 8 — ROSES

featuring: dot, , abel, rayne, odler, mash, lance. finn x gn! reader

note: I opened a patreon if you want to support me, and also there will be extra , spicier and special content that I will post there <3.

summary: will mashle boys gift or receive roses?

genre: fluff || event || patreon

✦ 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐇

-Because mash is someone who values honesty, kindness, and simplicity, and he would likely see roses as a traditional and romantic gesture to express his affection he would more likely gift roses rather than receiving.

-He would approch the situation with genuine sincerity, wanting to express his affection in a clear and uncomplicated way.

-Mash would take the time to carefully select the roses, choosing the freshest and most beautiful ones he can find.

-Since he is a new one to buying roses he might seek advice from others or do some research to ensure he picks the right color and variety that symbolizes his feelings.

-He would probally add a personal touch to the gift, such as adding a little handwritten note expressing his feelings in his own earnest way.

-When delivering the rose, Mash would likely do so directly and without any grand gestures. He might approach his partner with a genuine smile and hand them the bouquet, simply saying something heartfelt like, "I got these for you because... well, because I like you a lot."

✦ 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄

-Lance would want to make a memorable and grand gesture to express his affection. He might plan an elaborate surprise to ensure that the moment is both romantic and unforgettable.

-When choosing the rose Lance would opt for a large bouquet of roses, maybe in a vibrant and eye-catching color like red or pink to convey passion and romance.

-He might even go the extra mile to find rare or exotic varieties to impress his partner.

-He would choose a picturesque location or create a romantic ambiance for the occasion

-Lance would likely accompany the gift of roses with a heartfelt declaration of affection. He might express his love in a bold and poetic manner, leaving his partner in no doubt about the depth of his feelings.

✦𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐍

-Given Finn's reserved and serious demeanor he might be more likely to receive roses from his significant other rather than gifting them.

-He is not be as comfortable with openly expressing affection in grand gestures like gifting roses.

-So when he received the roses, he expressed a quiet surprise and a slight blush.

-Finn would thank you, and he will convey his appreciation with a genuine smile and a soft-spoken "Thank you," showing that he values the sentiment behind the gift.

-He takes his time to observe the rose appreciating their beauty and symbolism.He might reflect silently on the significance of the gesture and what it means for his relationship with his partner.

-While Finn may not be one to openly express his emotions, receiving the roses would likely touch him deeply, so he expressed his feelings

-He would probally put the roses in fresh water to keep them around him allowing them to brighten his surroundings and serve as a reminder of your love and thoughtfulness.

✦𝐃𝐎𝐓

-Being a perceptive and observant person, Dot , would first notice that their significant other admires roses or finds them meaningful.Dot might pick up on subtle cues or expressions of interest from their partner.

-He would do a meticolous planning, in which he ensures that every detail is gone through.

-He would research every type of roses and their meaning to select the most appropriate variety for their partner.

-He would choose a quiet moment to present the roses, perhaps during a private and intimate setting where they can express their feelings without drawing too much attention.

-He would accompany the deliver of the roses with a sincere heartfelt expression of their feelings choosing their words carefully to ensure they resonate with their partner.

✦𝐀𝐁𝐄𝐋

-He is more likely to gift roses than to receive them, because he considerate it a gesture of affection and aprecciation.

-Abel would take the time to carefully consider the gesture, wanting to ensure that it's meaningful and well-received. He might pay attention to your preferences and interests to choose the perfect moment for the gift.

-He would choose the bouquet with care opting for a bouquet that reflects his partner's personality and style. He might select a mix of your favorite colors or varieties, or he might choose a single type of rose that holds special significance to you.

-He most likely add a personal touch to the gift, perhaps by hand-picking the roses himself or arranging them into a beautiful bouquet.

-He would also include a handwritten note expressing his feelings and appreciation for his partner.

-He doesn't often smile but for you, he will. He would present the bouquet with a genuine smile, conveying his affection through his actions and words.

-He would also say a few words to express gratitude for your presence in his life and the happiness you bring him.

✦𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐍𝐄

-He has a thoughtful and considerate personality, this makes him likely to express his affection through meaningful gestures like giving roses to someone he cares about.

-Rayne would pay close attention to your preferences and interests, including any hints you may have dropped about liking roses or flowers in general.

-He would carefully plan the gesture considering the timing and presentation to ensure it is meaningful and well-received.

-He would take the time to select the perfect bouquet of roses, choosing a variety that holds significance or symbolism for your relationship.

-He would also add a personal touch, by making a little love letter to you. Expressing his feelings and appreciation for you.

-He would choose a quiet and intimate moment to present to you the gift allowing you and him to to share the moment togheter.

-Along with the roses he would express his love and gratitude for you verbally , emphasizing the depth of his feelings and the importance of your relationship to him.

✦𝐎𝐃𝐋𝐄𝐑

-He would most likely be direct about his feelings and his love gestures.

-First he would approach the situation with confidence and decisiveness. He wouldn't hesitate to express his feelings and intentions clearly.

-He would select a single rose, likely in a bold and vibrant color like red to convey passion and intensity.

-He would also choose a high-quality rose to reflect his own standards of excellence.

-Odler would deliver the rose with a boldness and determination making his intentions clear since the begging.

-He would approch you with a direct gaze and a confident stride, holding out the rose as a symbol of his affection.

-He would also accompany the gift with a sincere expression of his feelings. He would speak from the heart, conveying his admiration and appreciation for you in his own assertive way.

-He would also be likely to fill your bed with roses in a valentine day and make love right there with you.

✦𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐈𝐎

-He would plan an extravagant and elaborate setup for presenting the rose to you

-He will choose a picturesque location or create a romantic ambiance with decorations, candles, and music.

-He would also carefully select the perfect rose, opting for a luxurious and visually striking bloom.

-He would choose a rare or exotic variety to impress his partner and make the gesture even more memorable. Like blue roses.

-He would also accompany the gift of the rose with a poetic and romantic declaration of his feelings

-He might recite a heartfelt love poem or deliver a passionate speech expressing his adoration for his partner.

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

@stvrlightt123 @Mysticalpersonpoetry @mailkyeom03

#mashle x reader #mashle x you #mashle fluff #mash x reader #lance x reader #dot barrett x reader #abel walker x reader #carpaccio x reader #finn ames x reader #rayne ames x reader #odler x reader #dot barrett x you #rayne ames x you #mash x you #lance x you #abel walker x you #odler x you #carpaccio x you

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lovelettersforthedamned · 6 months

Note

sex pollen with tasm?

Interlinked

--genre + trope: sex pollen, SMUT, fluff, nsfw.

--pairing: tasm!peter parker x afab!reader

--word count: 1.5k

--warnings: SMUT, unprotected PinV (don't even think about it), multiple orgasms, creampie, kissing, mentions of being sore, fluff at the end.

--gif credits: @tvandfilm

If you could live in this moment, you would. You’re sitting on Peter’s bed, faint rhythms of his music playing in the background. Having your laptop open, you were able to look through the work you needed to finish before the day was done. Having Peter next to you puts you in a state of ease. You knew he was right next to you, you knew he was safe.

Peter’s spent the last hour or so working on new varieties of web fluid, mixing together different chemicals to see if anything would change. He already had a few things in a large beaker, swirling it around occasionally, when he mixed in a powder of some sort. The reaction caused a small ignition, causing you to look up from your spot on the mattress. “What was that,” you ask, looking for his reaction to gauge how severe this was.

He rises from his chair, “I’m not sure, but let’s open the windows.”

You climb towards the windows of his room, pulling them open to let fresh air in, and whatever was in the air, out. You weren’t aware of this yet, but your skin was absorbing the particles in the air, and every breath you took allowed the unknown reaction to enter your system. And, of course, Peter was in the direct line of the reaction, causing the particles to make their way directly onto his face, the fragments fluttering onto his cheeks.

Peter’s heightened senses caused him to feel the effects of the reaction much quicker than you. His pupils dilated, the hairs on his arms stand, and he starts to feel warm. Stepping away from the window, he looks over at you, and suddenly, he is hyperfocused on you. The smell of the perfume you applied hours ago is now flooding his nose, your heart rate has elevated, and much to your dismay, he also took note of the growing wetness in between your thighs.

You’re the first to speak up, “Pete,” your voice is shaky with concern, “What’s going on? Why do I feel weird?”

He rubs his hands along his face, trying to come up with an answer, but the growing ache in his cock cuts him short, “Bug, I–I don’t know, but I need to go.” He doesn’t know what’s happening, but his now primal urge to get to you scares him. He needed to get away from you.

His answer only made you more nervous, “Wait! Baby, don’t leave.” You reach out, grabbing his hand. The touch between you two felt like waves of pure energy, you pulled your hand back quickly, rubbing the area that just touched him, “Please, don’t leave, I’m scared and I don’t know what to do, especially not alone.”

“I’m sorry…I just–I’m so confused, I–,” he’s cut off by a kiss.

You were hungry for him, your lips devouring his. Peter didn’t seem to care, he needed this as much as you did. Craving more of his touch, your hands reach down towards the bottom of his torso. You slide your palms along the sides of his shirt, running them along the front of him, quickly undressing him in the process. As soon as you reached the top of his chest, you slipped the shirt over his head, tossing the garment over your shoulder.

He unlatches from your lips, takes a breath, and mutters the last coherent sentence said for the rest of the night, “Will you let me have you tonight?” A smirk displays itself on your lips, and an eager nod gives him all he needs at that moment.

Walking towards the bed, you stumble back blindly before the back of your knees are met with the bed, causing you to fall back onto the plush mattress. Peter stands above you, licking his lips as he places himself above you, caging you in his arms. Attacking your lips, Peter moves one of his hands to palm at the flesh of your hip, reaching underneath your underwear to make direct contact with your bare skin.

You moan into his mouth, the skin-to-skin contact igniting a wave of pleasure to flow to your core. He takes note of your increased desperation for more of his touch, moving his hand from your hip to your aching clit, making small circles on the slick skin. Arching your back into his chest, you reach your hands up to grasp at his shoulders, the sudden pleasure shocking you. Peter unlatches from your lips to look at you below him, the sight making his cock ache with need. It only takes a few more circles on your clit to make you cum, but still, you needed more.

You waste no time, pulling off every piece of clothing on your body, before you reach down towards Peter’s jeans, pushing them down as far as possible before Peter has to kick the rest of them off. There’s a silent exchange of glances before he lines up with your entrance. A quick nod signals to Peter that you’re ready.

Lifting both of your ankles to rest on his shoulders, he finally pushes inside of you. The world around you stops. For a few seconds, there is a sigh of relief, the ache you’ve been meaning to satisfy has dissipated. You thought you found the cure, but the clench of your walls snapped you out of your relief. Peter seemed to realize this too as a moan left his lips, his head dipping forward. The desperation returned, and you needed Peter to move. “Baby…pl–please. Move,” you manage to mumble.

He starts to sink into you further, stretching you out in the process. Every movement causes you to squeeze him a little tighter, and he doesn’t know how he’s going to last, especially with those whimpers leaving your mouth. He can’t stand to keep moving at this pace, every second spent not pounding you into the mattress is a second wasted. He needs you, desperately. Peter pulls almost all the way out, exerting a pathetic whine from you before he slams back into your entrance. The pressure of his cock dragging along your walls made you claw at his neck, the angle of your legs pressed against your chest making you see stars.

You’re not sure how long he’s been fucking you, but your hips have started to become sore, and the number of times you’ve come is blurring between four or five times. The effects of whatever hit you earlier are slowly wearing off, but Peter hasn’t let up. If you had to guess, you would assume that his senses and increased stamina have allowed him to feel everything you felt, but increased tenfold.

It’s gotten to the point where you know that Peter’s not even trying to make you cum again, he’s using you for his own pleasure, and that in itself is enough for you to cum again and again and again. His hips stutter and his brows furrow, you know he’s right there, he’s just about to cum, and it’s killing him. Bringing your hand up to hold his cheek, he snaps his eyes open, tears are lining his waterline. You pull his face down, connecting your lips together. The extra touch of your lips pushes him over the edge. As he finishes inside of you, he lets out a grunt into your mouth, this action alone making you moan back, the thought of him cumming inside of you lights a fire inside of you.

Your lips detach from his, taking a deep breath before you feel Peter’s fingers reach up toward your calves, slowly bringing them down onto the bed. He guides them down, knowing that the position has led to soreness in their hips. When you feel the plush blanket touch your thighs, you finally are able to come to your senses.

Peter comes down to lay next to you on his stomach, looking at your side profile. Closing your eyes, you feel the weight of exhaustion finally hit you. There’s no way you’re leaving this bed any time soon, and Peter knows that too. You don’t feel Peter’s warmth next to you anymore. Opening your eyes, you look over to where he should’ve been, then to the doorway. There he was, holding a glass of water, walking to your side, and placing it on the table next to you.

Then, falling into the bed, he remains next to you. “Whatever you did for that web fluid,” your voice cutting through the silent air, “write it down, and make sure to put it somewhere safe.”

You’re still looking up at the ceiling as Peter grabs your hand, raising it to his lips and giving you a kiss, “I will, I will. I’ll lock it up…only until you ask me to use it again.” Looking towards him, a stupid smile is firmly locked onto his lips, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

You shake your head in disbelief, “Oh, like you won’t want to use it again next week.”

“We’ll see about that, bug.”

--author's note: this is my favorite smut trope, and i'm still awful at writing it LMAOOO. also what happened to these remaining blurbs??? my incapability to write smut blurbs is insane, but anyways i hope you liked it!!! also the gif??? i'm foaming at the mouth and ripping at these iron bars...don't forget to support your writers by liking, commenting, and reblogging!! KEEP SENDING IN ASKS!!! my inbox is open my loves! ok, bye ily<3

#andrew garfield peter parker #peter parker #peter parker x reader #marvel #fluff #spiderman #tasm!peter x reader #tasm!peter parker #peter parker smut #tasm! peter x reader #tasm!peter x you #tasm spiderman #tasm peter parker #the amazing spiderman

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boba-beom · 8 months

Text

Clay candy | c.yj

✧ pairing: yeonjun x gn!reader

✧ genre: fluff, tiniest humour? | drabble

✧ warning: established relationship, vague description of making out, mentions of food, spitting out food (the weird flavour), weird flavoured candy, not proofread, lmk if I've missed anything

✧ wc: 865

✧ a/n: happy yeonjun day!! I hope you guys show him so much love and support today by watching the vmas <3 I'm so excited for Back For More ^^ have fun reading, it's inspired by horimiya (s1 ep6) hehe

Yeonjun's phone rings, feeling it vibrate from his pocket while you're both sitting on a secluded park bench by his workplace.

"Hello? Oh Huening!" He answers with a certain amount of enthusiasm towards the younger male. "Right now? Yeah, sure. Me and Yn will make our way there."

You watch as he ends the call, shoving his phone back into his pocket. Dumbfounded, you stare at him with confusion in your eyes, not knowing what Kai must've said through the phone despite your closeness of proximity. Your boyfriend reaches out his hand and takes ahold of yours, giving it a light squeeze before showing his signature grin.

"Huening asked us to come over. He came back from the amusement park with the boys and they won a lot of different flavoured candy for us to try. You in?"

"'Course! Let's get going then." You get up onto your feet, hands still joined with his while you softly pull him off the bench, hearing his warm laugh fill your ears.

As soon as you arrive at the boys' shared apartment you and Yeonjun patiently wait outside until you were both met with a male of a slim build with pale, blue hair.

"About time you arrived, we almost finished the bag."

"Taehyun, we both know you guys wouldn't have been able to do that anyway." Yeonjun shook his head at the other young male, patting his back as he greets him and you enter the living area with him.

The boys were sat by the round centre table, watching them pour a paper bag upside down to reveal the pile of candy landing on the surface of the table.

You and Yeonjun decided to sit on the other side of the table, once again, sitting at your close proximity, thighs grazing and your arm instinctively linking with his.

"So how'd you manage to win so much?" Your mouth agape at the large quantity of plastic-wrapped confectionary sprawled out on the table, examining the range of flavours.

"I played this watermelon game at the amusement park, and I currently hold the highest score so I won... this bag of jelly beans." Hueningkai lost his excitement towards the end of his sentence, trailing off in uncertainty. "Thing is, some of these are really digusting flavours. But let's get bean boozled!"

Your face mirrors your boyfriend's and the rest of the boys', a confused expression mainly because you have no idea what watermelon game Kai was talking about, but also the fact that there would be a possibility of eating a really disgusting flavour.

"Here's this one for you Hyuka." Yeonjun passes Kai a cheese flavoured candy and the younger's face scrunches from the thought of sweet cheese. However, it may not be as bad as he thinks.

The other three guys, on the other hand, argue about giving each other decent enough flavours while their eyes are closed to make it fair.

"Yn, try this one." Kai passes you a flavour that you think is quite impossibly edible.

"Clay? That's a thing?" Your voice pitches higher that usual, quite in shock that there's such a thing.

"I mean, it is meant to be a mix of bad and good flavours, give it a try and let us know how it tastes!" Beomgyu chimes in before bickering with both Taehyun and Soobin on the other side of the room.

"I guess... here goes nothing." You say to no one in particular, but Yeonjun watches you pop the spherical candy in your mouth while Kai goes through the pile of confectionary on the table, too engrossed by the variety of flavours.

Your tongue swirls around the strange candy, making your eyes shut with no emotion on your face.

"Uhm... it's bitter." You turn to your beloved boyfriend with worried eyes, almost pleading for help.

This moment, you expected Yeonjun to pass you a tissue for you to spit it out, but instead he leans forward and lays his lips over yours. Your eyes widen from the sudden gesture, grateful that everyone was too occupied with their own little things to notice.

Your lips slightly part and so does his, deepening the sweet kiss a little more with the bitter taste interfering in your mouths. His tongue momentarily glides against yours and then he pulls away when you least expected it.

"Mmh— Yeonjun." You whisper only for him to hear, mouth slightly agape from whatever happened a couple of seconds again.

"Hyung, can you get us water please, these candies are gross. Thanks Kai, never get these again." Taehyun stated, pulling a sour face towards the youngest male in the room.

You're still sitting in the same spot by the table, watching the back of Yeonjun's grown out, black hair. A blank stare at nothing in particular.

"Huh? Yn? What's the matter?" Kai sees your frozen state, not having moved a single muscle since.

"Yeonjun— he.. he took my candy." Your voice quiet and you trail back to your thoughts.

Your boyfriend on the other hand, enters the kitchen, slowly leaning against the refrigerator and thinking while chewing on the bitter sweet.

"Hmm, it is bitter." He quietly says to himself.

taglist: @choiwrld @yjusei @feyregels @ahnneyong @prodsh00ky @wccycc @lizdevorak @fairybin @laylasbunbunny @acaiasahi @ttyunz @cha0thicpisces @fairybinie @vatterie @ja4hyvn @yunkiwii @aprilisque @bb-eilish @iggynor4 @amethysts-1620 @gorechoi-backup @ericyjun @luvsoobs @yeonyeonyeonjun @junniieesbby @kyrkitten @day6andetcetera @hyuntaena @dainsleif-when-playable @txt-yaomi @soobinsman @kookthief

#k-labels #kflixnet #yeonjun fluff #yeonjun x reader #yeonjun scenarios #yeonjun imagines #yeonjun drabbles #txt fluff #txt x reader #txt scenarios #txt imagines #txt drabbles #happy yeonjun day!

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deja-yu · 7 months

Text

Autumn nights 3/? Blinding lights - Choi San

Genre: fluff

1.6K

Request: Ateez idol!San x idol!reader where they like each other but don’t know how to confess and are kinda scared bc of their career, but everything works out in the end?

Notes: reader's profession isn't mentioned, and it's lovers at first sight trope, and! I didn't spend too long on the repercussions of rumours/ a dating 'scandal'.

You could never really get used to the bright lights during the press moments. Repressing the unhinged fear in your mind that you were in fact not in the pretty outfit your stylist helped you into earlier and instead a towel. When a smile makes it onto your face at the thought the lights seem to increase to a strobe like level. It wasn’t often you got to attend events with such a wide variety of people, there were fashion editors, singers, actors, whoever managed to impress the hosts enough to be invited. On your way from the red-carpet photo-opt for the press to the entrance of the event, you smile at your fans. When scanning the crowd your eyes land on a picket of Hongjoong, was he also attending? Your heart skips a beat, alone or with the others? With San? Ever since you got invited alongside San to a gameshow you were crushing on him like crazy.

Your mind goes back to how you got paired together as the guest team, playing games together to try and beat the other teams. After shooting the introduction and first couple games you had a break, not being sure how to socialize with everyone you sat alone in your changing room. San had knocked on the open door and came to your side with a sweet smile when you invited him inside, “You want to go have lunch with me?”. Your heart fluttered as you took the hand that he was holding out for him. You had so much fun with him over lunch, being able to connect with him when you didn’t have to worry about your words or actions. The last games had been even more fun, being able to interact with San a lot more comfortable after getting to know him a little. During the games the hosts kept teasing the two of you looked like a couple with how San kept taking care of you. When going through a haunted maze section, he was visibly scared but never let go of your hand or made you go first. After the show both your fans teased that it seemed like love at first sight, but of course there were also negative comments. You had to post to your socials how fun filming was and thanking San for looking out for you throughout the games but add don’t worry guys he is still all yours. You later saw a snippet from a live he did, “oh the show was really fun, me and y/n got along really well! I wish we could meet again without people getting upset” you chuckled at the deadpanned look he sent towards the camera.

Inside the venue was large and you felt your heart sink, you usually had your stylist or assistant with you. But you couldn’t find them between the horde of other staff waiting. After texting back and forth you would just find them later. Taking a breath, you raise your head and square your shoulders, making your way through the event and giving everyone you locked eyes with a friendly smile and wave. There was a party in one hall, and a calmer socializing hall, but you quickly found yourself in the art exhibition. It was a lot calmer and the people you ran into were either there for the same reasons (to recharge a little) or have a scandal worthy make-out session in the adjacent empty rooms. Not that you saw anything, TMZ doesn’t pay you enough to live with the guilt of ruining someone’s life.

“Y/N?” you take your eyes of the art piece in front of you to turn around. Meeting the eyes of a beautifully dressed San. His hair was slicked up and away from his face but one strand was either stubborn or perfectly styled to stick out just right. Butterflies burst in your stomach and you smile while muttering a Hi. He grins at you and strides across the room to meet you. “Thought I saw you! Look at you” he takes a step back and gives you a look over, you jokingly do a little twirl and he lets out ohh and wahh’s to fuel your ego. You grin at him shoving him lightly to shut him up. “How are you?” you question, “I loved your album by the way!” his eyebrows raise but you miss the way his ears turn pink. He stammers for a second before clearing his throat “Did you see the music video?” laughing you say of course! “What did you think of my part?” puppy eyes on you as you fake ponder for a moment. “I’d say it was pretty hot. But I prefer you not all beat up” taking your turn to give him a good look over, “This is more my style” your heart was beating at a ridiculous pace but the few drinks you downed on your way here gave you that little extra confidence. “Yeah?” raising an eyebrow while he smirks.

You both turn to look at the entrance of the room, a group of people slowly coming into the previous empty room. Your heart drops a little and you automatically take a step away from San. When you look up at him, his eyes are already on you but you can’t read his expression. You gasp when he leans in close, whispering in your ear “Tipton hotel, room 325. Let’s have dinner together this time”. He pulls away with a smile “I’ll go find my members now, have a lovely evening Y/N”, giving you a small nod before walking out of the room. As if he didn’t leave goosebumps all over your neck and leave you stunned in silence. Composing yourself you eventually leave and find your way to the party, socializing some more but you don’t see San anywhere or any of the other ATEEZ members.

You check yourself in the elevator mirror once more, you had changed since you left the party opting for something a little bit more comfortable. You didn’t have the chance to tell San you were staying in the same hotel. Which made it a lot easier because you wondered how he thought you would get into his hotel without the security assuming you were just another crazy fan. You had ordered some fast food and you hoped it was enough, making sure to order for his members too. Not one to make bad first impressions. The hallway was similar to your floor and you felt your hands get sweaty as you made your way to room 325. Standing before the door in silent contemplation before finally knocking on the door. Which proved more difficult with your hands full so you just kicked your foot against the frame. Cringing at the loud thuds. The door opened wordlessly and you were greeting with San already walking back into the room, his words ring clear though “I swear Wooyoung , they might still show up!”, his figure disappears as he turns into the bedroom. And you stand frozen to your spot, glancing down either side of the hallway before taking a step inside. “Why are you not saying anything? Have you run out of jokes?” you jump slightly when San reappears in the small hallway. His eyebrows shoot up in surprise and his mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water “Y/N?”.

“I brought dinner” you hold up the bags, trying to sound casual but the shakiness in your voice is hard to hide. “Oh yes, come in!” It always surprises you how fast he is, taking the bags from your hands and kicking the door shut. Your shaky hands take off your coat and shoes before you follow him into the room. “You got a lot” a small snort comes from him “Oh, yes, because of your members I wanted to make sure it was enough” he hums before turning to you with a sly look “But you came for me right?” rolling your eyes you suck your teeth, “Actually I haven’t told you but Hongjoong is my bias”. He laughs as your words, “You can’t lie to me” sending him a challenging look you decide to tease him so more, “After spending 20 hours in total with me, you can tell when I lie?”. You take a step back when he comes closer, you bump into the bed but manage to catch yourself from falling. Trying to keep your though act up but it was crumbling fast under his eyes.

“I can’t tell. But…” He hesitates for a moment before his hand cups your face. “I am taking my chances” his eyes flicker from your lips to your eyes. “We’ll get in trouble” you whisper and he nods “Yes, but I don’t think I can stay out of trouble when it comes to you. But if you want… I’ll stop” his breath mingles with yours in the small space between you. You want to run away but something about San roots you to your spot. Because ever since you first met, it was like a rope was tied between you, constantly tugging you to him. So you blame that same rope when you find yourself slowly leaning in, lips meeting shortly before you both pull away. And then, with newfound hunger your hands are tugging him closer, his hands finding your waist. Even as you stumble and fall on the bed, his touch never leaves you. Lips finding your neck, your breath heavy as he grunts softly. When he moves back to your face you tangle your hands in his hair, tugging to stop him before kissing you again. “Are you sure?” he nods with a laugh “It can be our secret for now” smiling at his words you nod, releasing your grip so his lips can meet yours again.

#ateez san #ateez fanfic #ateez fluff #ateez x reader #choi san x reader #san x reader #san x y/n #requests

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literary-illuminati · 2 months

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2024 Book Review #12 – What Moves The Dead by T. Kingfisher

I initially meant to read this back last year when it was up for a Hugo nomination, but well – honestly I forgot my copy in an airport waiting room and it’s presumably now living a good life somewhere in a New Jersey compose heap. But a friend had a copy and said they enjoyed it, so! Stole it for a few days, and very glad I did. It’s a quick, fun shot fungal gothic, great for stormy nights.

The basic plot is, well, it’s very explicitly Fall of the House of Usher with a slight admixture of Ruritanian Romance. The Ushers are a genteely impoverished family of minor aristocracy in Ruravia, a less than impressive principality in Eastern Europe. Alex Easton, Roderick Usher’s former commanding officer in some recent war (the Gallacian Army they served in having a habit of getting into these quite habitually) receives a letter from Roderick’s sister Madeline begging company and help, as she is deathly ill. Of course by the time Easton arrives the pair of them look like they’re one stiff wind away from dying, and the estate and the lands around it are both decaying and full of unnerving strangeness. The only person who seems happy to be there is Eugenia Potter, an Englishwoman and amateur mycologist studying the great variety of mushrooms and fungus to be found in the area.

So yes this is very much aiming to be Gothic Classic, at least in aesthetics and trappings. An overgrown and decaying estate several times too large for the last remnants of the family who now occupy it. Genteel madness and disease, hidden behind polite euphemisms and high walls. A deep, atavistic horror at parasitism and the desecration of the human (especially the well-bred, young and female) body by an alien presence. There’s even a cowboy for some reason. It definitely all works for me, but then my exposure to the genre is all a bit second hand.

Speaking of parasitism – mushrooms! The book expresses decay and desecration basically entirely through the idiom of fungal infections, both in terms of metaphor and imagery in descriptions and just in the actual source of the horror here. The lights in the tarn are fungal blooms, Madeline’s disease and her reanimation are both the result of almost drowning and inhaling that fungus into her lungs, and so on. There are two really effective horror beats in the book for me – the image of an infected hare which had just had its head shot off slowly jerking back to its feet as a dozen others placidly stood there and watched it be shot, and the moment of realization that Madeline’s oddly long and wispy body hair is in fact mycelia growing out of her skin – and both play off of this pretty directly.

I very awkwardly didn’t use any pronouns for Easton when giving the plot synopsis because the book actually plays around a bit with gender and pronouns in a way I’ve always loved and wish I saw more of. Easton is Gallacian (unrelated to the actually existing Galicia, I think), and the Gallacian language has a variety of pronoun sets beyond just he and she – one for children, one for God, and one (ka/kan) particularly for soldiers. Which, due to the exigencies of early modern warefare’s manpower requirements, eventually led to both men and women being perfectly eligible to become ‘sworn soldiers’. So y’know, Enlist today! Service guarantees citizen-transition!

(But actually I enjoy the thought and at least superficial sociological plausibility/consideration of what gender means in Gallacian society a lot more than how a lot of modern spec fic just kind of assues that every culture in the world has the perspective on gender of a well-educated 21st century progressive, material conditions be damned).

Anyway yeah, overall very entertaining read. Though Goodreads tells me it’s now the first in the series, which given how cleanly this one ended is not something that fills me with an abundance of faith.

#book review #what moves the dead #t. kingfisher #horror #sff

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somberjoon · 3 months

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METANOIA [1]

✩ pairing: hybrid nj x hybrid reader (f) - eventual ot7 x reader

✩ genre: soul-searching , romance🔞 , found-family , healing , angst , happy ending

✩ word count: 4.4k

✩ chapter warnings: mention of murder , uncertainty in behavior and emotions , 'pups' used as an overall label - children and breeds will be specified when important. (none of the mcs are parents)

✩ summary: She doesn't know. There is so much about her and her cheetah that she hasn't had the privilege to understand. Unknown backgrounds and unknown emotions clash with feelings of want- hopes of being herself unapologetically. Namjoon seems to be someone that can help her- but can the rest of his pack truly be what she has wanted and needed?

✩ cover: me

ch.1 , ch.2 , ...

✩ disclaimer: this is an opening chapter to the story. backgrounds and personality for the fmc are vague on purpose. You will go on this journey with her. The importance of events and scenarios will be later brought back up. Not everything is as it seems.

Y/N - Unknown Time

Nobody really prepares you to kill someone. Not everyone will have a mentor that teaches you where to stab, where to shoot, where and how tight you need to push to crush a windpipe. But, sometimes you do get taught- unknowingly at least. You know skin is thin under a sharp knife, putting you much closer to vital organs than you would think. You know, at least, that you need air and blood to live- but, you also know you can take it. You can rid the body of its most vital necessities.

As Y/N stands over the lifeless body of her once guardian- her now very dead guardian- she realizes that nothing could’ve prepared her for how easy it was.

Kim Namjoon - Present Day

“There was a new case over the weekend Namjoon, we think you’d be great to be the first volunteer if you’d like.”

Zade hands Namjoon a manilla envelope over the lifted counter that looms over the ‘Resource’ front desk.

“I’ll take a look over it while I change. Would I need to do multiple stops today with the other kids on the list?” Namjoon tucks the envelope under his arm as he jots down his info into the volunteer sheet laid out for the day. A surprisingly long list of volunteer’s names gives him a little pep.

“We actually have more volunteers than necessary, so the foster homes are double stacked today. You just have this one as a priority if you’re up for it- oh and this one is a little…special. I mean- they all are, but this one isn’t as young as you’re used to, so the boss told me to tell you to really read it over and consider it.”

“Alright, thank you for letting me know. I’ll let you know in a bit.”

The locker room is just slightly warmer than usual, evidence that multiple bodies have been in and out of the small space far more frequently than normal.

He has no issue with it, if anything he’s excited to think of everyone getting the attention they need today, especially the younger kids that always look forward to young adults spending time with them. The foster homes have other kids, but the age range isn’t as large as one would hope in an adjusting environment. The young pups always need a variety of species and ages when they’re growing, especially when they don’t have a specified pack to normally grow with.

Namjoon feels extremely lucky to have as large of a pack as he does, love circulating within a seven member pack is truly limitless- growing his need to give back to others with care and time. Especially the little pups that are sadly without a pack. He’s never done any volunteer work with anyone older than 18, and even then, the ones over 15 were too busy working when they wanted to or going to school during the day- so the time spent together was minimal. The younger pups always get the most attention, especially because those are the cards the organization is dealt. When pups become of age, they can choose to further their education, with funding help, or they can work until they figure out what they want to do, also being provided resources to find hybrid-friendly employers. If this case is older than usual, he’s curious to see just what could be the reason.

Namjoon changes from his personal clothes into scent-less volunteer clothes. The simple t-shirt, jacket, and jeans allow for the homes to not be crowded with scents from a pack, but to allow the volunteer’s scent to be memorized and clear. He changes before he even decides on the case, knowing in his heart that if the case is in the organization’s hands they must need this adjustment and type of therapy in some type of way- making him the person that can help. He’ll always help when he has the chance.

The manilla envelope is sealed with the customary buttons and string wrapped around to keep the paper in and harder to access than a normal folder. The direction of the string confuses Namjoon only a couple of times before he finally gets the papers out.

Name: Y/N L/N Sex: Female Age: 25 Birth Date: N/A

Blood Type: N/A Breed: Cheetah

Immediate Reason for Admittance: Found resting under ‘Hope Bridge’ by a volunteer off-duty.

Known Background: Parents unknown - Family unknown - Home unknown - Reason for lack of living needs unknown.

Assigned Residence: Caddel Household - Maria Caddel, Richard Caddel - Under file for 4 months - 1450 Madison Lane, Tree County.

Notes: Made by Dr. Selena Castillo

‘Patient admitted without any resistance but shows signs of skittish behaviors. Patient seems to be unused to hybrid counterparts and interactions. Expedited tests still under review for any diagnosis / allergies, but immediate tests show no illness or disease. Slight chill and stuffy nose were only signs of sickness, specific medication given with no sign of allergy. No known vaccinations since birth, first round given to patient - 07/15/23 - day of admittance. Vaccinations may cause patience uncomfort and slight sickness as the adjustment period for vaccines is unknown for their body. Next vaccines needed after - 12/15/23. To be updated accordingly.’

Volunteers must be aware of body language of patient and person at all times - slow adjustment needed - report all incidents to the organization the day of.

Namjoon reads the paper over four or five times to get a really good grasp of who Y/N is, but nothing can prepare him thoroughly for this one- not even the notes know anything, no one has gotten any answers. He thinks of the work that he’s done previously, the pups he’s met and the difference in all of them but the basic underlyings that come with being a young hybrid. If Y/N is unused to hybrid counterparts, there is a chance that he can approach this with the same speed and attentive micro-expressions.

He thinks and thinks, but nothing in him points to ‘no’, so he stuffs the papers back into the envelope and locks his stuff away in his personal locker before heading to the front desk. Zade and his adorable bunny ears perk up as Namjoon walks back towards the desk- reminding Namjoon of his little bunny at home that he misses so much.

“So?” Zade asks, hopeful look in his eyes that also reminds him of his Jungkookie- it must be a bunny thing, because truly it is insane how similar they are in mannerisms.

“Of course I’ll go.” Namjoon gives with a smile, “Can I get some extra note papers? I’ll make sure to take a lot even if we don’t get to anything drastic today. There aren't too many behavior specifics so I’d like to add to them.”

Zade fishes some papers in the top drawer of a file cabinet without a question.

“Mila also wanted me to remind you to keep your phone on vibrate- they seem to have no knowledge of devices either, so sudden loud noises might be a trigger.”

“Of course boss, don’t worry. I’ll message you when I get to the residence.”

He loves this county. It was the main reason he decided to search and wait for a large enough home for his pack here. The name is spot on. A variety of large trees allow their branches and leaves to billow over home yards by fours and fives, allowing sun to peek through while still providing shade for cool leisure in the hot seasons. It smells perfectly no matter where you are. The lawns are plush and soft despite the variety of species growing. It’s perfect really. And he finds it quite nice that Y/N has a place like this to enjoy nature in times of need.

He passes his own street to get to the street where the residence is, a medium, dark blue house that has two trees in the front yard alone- the type has flaccid branches that seem to have dew drop leaves that rain down the branches and block the front of the house beautifully.

He wastes no time organizing his papers into the jockey box and changing both his personal phone and work phone to vibrate after sending a quick message to Zade. He grabs the paper bag of goodies he picked up before he made it to his destination then hurries out of his car.

The path to the front door is paved with an array of colorful rocks that also take Namjoon’s attention, admiring the details of the land. The off-white door had a glass pane design at the top, a bloomed flower.

He gives a few light knocks to let the owners know that the company outside their door isn’t just a rushed mail man or delivery driver. It doesn’t take long for a kind looking woman to open the door with a smile.

“Hello?”

“Hi, my name is Namjoon, I’m a volunteer with the hybrid re-homing organization. I’m here for the ‘recommended time with hybrid’ adjustment.” Namjoon gives his signature smile with dimples, his second ears twitching to make out the sounds coming from inside the home out of habit.

“Oh! Of course, I apologize, I wasn’t paying attention to the time. Come in, come in. There’s slippers for you right here.” Namjoon slips out of his simple dunks, noting the clean array of shoes and the clean foyer of the house. “Y/N’s just out back, she has been out there almost all times of the day since she got here.”

“It’s a beautiful neighborhood, I can see why. By the way, do you know what type of tree you have out front? They’re gorgeous.”

“Willows. Richard wants to cut them down because he hates cleaning up the leaves in Autumn, but I love them too much- plus it gets too hot and even he finds himself using their shade in the Summer.”

“I think keeping them would be lovely-” Namjoon finds the homeowner already heading towards sliding glass doors, “Mrs.Caddel-”

“Just Maria is fine, sweety.”

“Maria, I think it’s best that I start the meeting with those she’s familiar with, but once we get things going I’ll suggest verbally and obviously what my plans are, just so everything is clear for her and you guys. Is there anything I should be aware of before we head out? Like changes in behavior since she arrived, or triggers that you guys have noticed?”

“Oh, um not really, actually. She isn’t too talkative, she doesn’t initiate conversation easily at all and she’s not been reactive to anything specifically. She doesn’t like loud noises though, and doesn’t care to answer all questions. But, she’s friendly and considerate even if she doesn’t know it or acknowledge it for what it is. I think praise is great in those times.”

Namjoon is glad Y/N has someone so attentive to her unknown personality and needs.

“That’s perfect, thank you. We should be good to go then. If you can introduce me yourself that would be great.” Namjoon’s smile lights up at her assured nod and continuance to the sliding doors.

The backyard is a mirrored image of the front lawn but with more trees and a pretty, small garden that looks well-tended to. Even a large, above ground pool sits in the unshaded area of the yard, practically perfectly in the middle of the yard.

“Y/N?” Maria asks loud enough for the whole yard to hear, but not loud enough to startle her. “We have a guest if you’re up to meet them, sweety.”

Namjoon’s hearing can pinpoint in the yard where she’s at but he pays attention to the rest of the yard as not to look expectant for anything.

He looks at the specific shade of stain on the fence as he sees little golden ears and the top of a head of dark brown hair that peeks around one of the larger trees. The dark, long, curly hair cascades off her shoulder. Namjoon only lets the bare details reach his conscience from the corner of his eyes as she still seems to be assessing him.

“Ah, there she is.” Maria says with a smile as Y/N makes her way towards them at a leisurely pace. Namjoon still keeps his eyes on the horizon even if she’s at the perfect distance to assess. The only detail that he can point out at the moment is her gold and black tail, not waving or wrapped around herself in comfort, but dragging along the ground behind her as if she’s forgotten it. His heart clenches at the realization. She stops at a distance that seems cautious, but shows comfort with her guardian.

“Y/N, this is Namjoon, he’s with the re-homing organization.” Namjoon finally meets her eyes to find her gaze locked on his ears, then moves to roam his features without hesitance. “He’s a��I’m sorry dear, I didn’t get your species or breed.”

“Wolf, Alexander Archipelago, to be exact.”

“How precious, Namjoon meet Y/N.”

Her eyes finally meet his, but they don’t tell Namjoon anything about how she feels or what she thinks of him and his wolf. His smile grows at her curiosity, though.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Y/N. I’m sorry I didn’t know specifics- and I’m sorry to assume- but I brought some treats if you guys would prefer to sit down and talk?” Namjoon holds up the bag, giving it a little wave and his precious dimples for convincing.

Y/N meets Maria’s soft, asking gaze and nods once before heading for the picnic table on her own to plop down. Maria gives him a discreet smile before waving him on to join. Before he sits opposite to the two, he pulls out a 6-pack of individual lemonades, pre-cut watermelon, pineapple, and cucumbers.

“I tried for stuff that suits the weather and wouldn’t be too hard on the stomach. And- like I said- I didn’t want to assume, but one of the cheetahs I know loves watermelon, so I thought I’d try that at least.”

Namjoon looks at them as he speaks, noting the pick up Y/N seems to slightly show at the mention of the watermelon and then again at the mention of another cheetah. This is the best way he could think of introducing himself. He always acts as himself, open and chipper, but gifts are even better. They’re memorable, even if it’s just a breed’s favorite food, a soft blanket or slippers, or a toy for the pups.

Respectful comfort is also very important when in another person’s space. Showing that you open the things you got them to hand out and to talk in times of silence shows your want to be there and the excitement you have of being in their presence. Namjoon opens the bowls of finger food and even breaks the seals on the lemonades for convenience before setting them in front of them on the table.

“Thank you, Namjoon.” Maria points out after he finally sits and grabs a piece of pineapple to pop into his mouth.

“Of course, have as much as you’d like, it’s yours to keep if we don’t finish anything.”

Y/N - Present Day

He’s too kind. Too smiley. Too…perfect.

“Of course, have as much as you’d like…” She’s never seen anyone like him. Pretty and nice. It’s never both, but- here is the first wolf she’s ever seen with the most perfect smile and manners. To be fair, she can’t compare him to all hybrids- she’s never been around them before- at least, she doesn’t remember.

The opened watermelon takes her attention over the quiet talking between Maria and Namjoon. She truly doesn’t care about the conversation when it’s tempting her so badly. She’s extremely obvious, she knows it- but when Namjoon pushes the bowl discreetly towards her she can’t help but feel a bit embarrassed.

She takes a piece, nonetheless, sniffing the sweet aroma from the juice before popping the whole thing in her mouth at once. The taste is perfect, the piece is sweet, yet cold and crunchy. The juice explodes as she bites.

“Mmph-” The sound leaves her with no warning. She looks up from under her eyelashes at the new stranger, ears twitching to hear any change in his attitude upon bringing more attention to the sound. But- he doesn’t bring attention to it, only gives her another pretty smile and goes to take a drink of his lemonade. She’s never tried lemonade. She puts her attention on that, opening the bottle instead of daring to look at Namjoon’s exposed neck. She takes a small tentative sip, worried about how strong the citrusy smell is to her nose.

“Oh my god.”

“Good, right?” Namjoon asks suddenly. She looks up at him, her own expression in awe. She can only nod as she takes a greedy gulp. “These are my favorite, I keep a ton of packs in stock at home.” Home. She can’t help but suppress a shudder at the word despite the mood being good. She pushes through though- determined to give something back since he’s been so nice.

“I’ve never had lemonade before.” She gives just above a whisper, “I don’t like lemons, I didn’t know they could taste like this.” It wasn’t supposed to be funny, but she shocks a little when Namjoon giggles- actually giggles- at what she said.

“Yeah, I had that problem starting highschool, that was when I finally had a school lunch for the first time. Sadly, that was not as pleasant as this.” Maria laughs, but Y/N can only give a small smile because she doesn’t know if the food would be bad. She’s not that picky but she didn’t even get to go to school or have their lunches, so she can only imagine the type of food that Maria teaches her to make.

“Do you have more favorite foods?” Y/N asks quietly, curious, having to shove some curls out of her face to beat the sweat building on her forehead despite the love of the warmth. She shoves down the need to wipe the sweat just out of self-conscious habits. Everyone sweats, it’s hot- but, Namjoon looks perfect, and she somehow can’t get past that part.

“Mmm-” His face contorts to show another expression she has never seen, a thinking face that scrunches up cutely. She looks away again and pops some more watermelon pieces into her mouth just so she doesn’t have to think too much about it. “I’m more of a beverage person, but I’ll eat literally anything my hyung makes- he’s great at cooking. Do you have any preferences?”

Y/N barely has to think, the first word pulls itself out without warning.

“Watermelon.”

The prettiest smile she’s ever seen blooms on his face, one that hasn’t shown up yet. It’s the best one.

“Fair enough.”

The snacks go by quickly with small answers and more distraction-aimed looks that stray away from Namjoon and lock onto the table under her crossed arms. It isn’t like the other days when she just feels like an empty-promised burden- this silence is formed out of uncomfortable, new feelings.

Being this close to another hybrid- another prey hybrid that drives, has a job, and an education- is daunting. She feels like a foreigner to him in a way that can’t be described. Part of her wants to ask question after question while the other just wants to never see someone so perfect and put-together again to gain a semblance of pride.

Her name from Namoon’s lips pulls her out of the thoughts.

“Y/N, this yard is lovely, has great sun and shade- do you have a favorite spot?”

He’d like to see her spot? That thought makes her ears perk up, an exciting nod giving Namjoon the answer. She’d love to show him her spot- she doesn’t know what that tells about herself- but she knows Namjoon would understand to some extent why her spot means so much to her. Having Namjoon in her spot sounds nice as well.

“Could I see it? I’d love to see more of the yard.” It’s a hopeful smile, that much Y/N can tell. Nods are the only answer she can muster at this point, looking over at Maria to gauge her reaction.

“Go ahead sweety, I’ll clean up and get dinner started for Rich’.”

“Okay.”

That seemed to be the only queue everyone needed to disperse. Namjoon stands to let her lead the way with a small wave.

Her favorite spot isn’t special, now that she thinks about it. It’s not a cozy spot to everyone, but to her it’s perfect. That should be all that matters, but why is she questioning it so much?

The specific tree closes in on them faster than she was prepared, going around it to stand on the side that faces the wooden fence. She turns to look at the tree and smiles- everytime she’s near it there is the slightest fuzzy feeling that she just can’t place. It’s larger than the width of their bodies together, wide enough for a whole other person of Namjoon’s muscly size to get close to the width of the tree. Its leaves create the perfect shade, but the best part is how climb-able it is. She usually climbs and perches perfectly into an indent that seems like it was made for her.

“It’s massive- you like to sit at the trunk?”

“No, uh-” She points up to the indent, a visible thing only to her mind.

“Ooh, yeah, despite me being a predator I am actually a horrid climber.”

The laugh rips from her before she can stop it. She slaps a hand over her mouth just over the fact that she really didn’t mean to laugh at him at what could be an insecurity. She looks over to him- nothing but an open-mouthed smile of disbelief.

“Look at you! Not all of us could be as nimble as the felines. There’s been more times than I can count that I had no problem going up, and even less problems coming down- at a very fast rate.” He laughs at himself, drawing even more giggles from Y/N.

“We can sit at the trunk if you’d like.” She offers, then backtracks, “Well- if you’d like to er- if you’re staying longer?” Namjoon sits halfway through her rambling, patting the grass next to him as he leans his back against the trunk to look up at the sun filtering through the leaves.

“I can stay as long as you’d like me to- or at latest until 6PM, that’s the limit for the volunteers.” Y/N sits as he answers, pulling her knees up to her chest to lay her cheek on when she asks another question.

“Do you volunteer often?”

“I try to do it five times a week, on the weekdays usually.” Namjoon closes his eyes to feel the breeze pick up.

“That’s- a lot.”

“I love it. A lot of the time it’s little pups that just need someone to really take the time to learn about them and be their friends. Every hybrid deserves a chance to have someone like that. I like to be there for them.”

She can only observe him in awe- his serene expression, the lightness in his aura that seems to want to push and push his calmness onto her. She doesn’t feel the way she felt when she first met Maria and Richard. She’s never met anyone and felt this- this instant connection of sorts that links them. Whether it’s because he’s the first hybrid she’s met, or he’s just that attractive, she can’t help feeling okay with him.

“Do you- do you know about me? About- about why I’m here?” He opens his eyes to look over at her, gauging her expression.

“Not exactly, not-” He positions himself to sit up straighter and keep his head level as he looks at her. “I don’t know your story, I don’t know what you struggle with or what exactly you would like to talk about or seek out. But, we’re transparent at the organization. We get notes from the doctors and suggestions for how to approach someone we’re meeting for the first time. But- honestly- you haven’t told your story yet, so- No, I don’t know you.”

His words sink in, letting Y/N think about what to do or say. She’s never had this before- but- she’s not ready to reveal everything, not now.

“Will you come back? Here. Even if you don’t know me.”

“I’d like to, If you want me to. That’s why I do this- to give every hybrid I can the chance to have someone that cares. Even in times of unknown.” Namjoon says, his open gaze not leaving hers.

“I have never met someone like us before- or, I don’t remember if I have.” She shifts uncomfortably under his gaze, looking up at the trees instead. “I want to learn about me, about us. I don’t know why I do certain things or have certain feelings. I don’t even know how to take care of myself properly and- and Maria, she tries, but she barely knows anything-” She stops. She can’t just ask him these things, she can’t beg for information if he doesn’t want to give it, especially if it’s personal. What if this is all too personal?

“You can ask me anything, Y/N.”

Namjoon answers her without getting any final question. He understands. Everything about him feels sincere. Everything feels as simple as the breeze with him. Why is it this easy with him?

“Then I’d like you to.”

Namjoon’s ears twitch to show he’s questioning what she means despite his expression not changing.

“I’d like you to come back.”

Namjoon’s thick, black tail thumps a few times into the soft, plush-feeling grass. For the first time she actually notices it, the black hair that is well groomed unlike her own. It moves with him, it’s a part of him, through and through. She doesn’t know the first part of being anything like him, a hybrid. All she knows is her human half- she wants to know more. She wants to be both, she doesn’t want to ache for the other part of her any longer.

#bts au #bts fic #bts hybrid au #bts hybrid x reader #bts hybrid fic #namjoon x reader #namjoon au #bts x reader #bts x you #bts x y/n #bts x fem!reader

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anghraine · 4 months

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I hate, hate, hate the posts about how it's so important to read real books and not just fanfic.

I personally do read non-fanfic books, and I think it's a good idea to read things that are not fanfic, much as it's a good idea to read things other than genre romance or litfic or horror. Reading a variety of things is a good idea, in general, depending on what that variety consists of. But lots of people only read in one or two genres they like (true crime, procedurals, sports biographies, whatever), and there's far less lecturing about that for some mysterious reason.

And once you dig around, there's a lot of ?????? in the arguments for why the only-fanfic diet is uniquely objectionable and desperately needs to involve Real Books (of any kind, I guess).

Q: If someone binds a fanfic into a book, is it a "real book" for these purposes?

The usual answer: no, it's about the content, not the format. You need to encounter original characters and settings and plots.

Q: Okay, so a traditionally published book that uses pre-existing characters (e.g. a re-imagining of the Iliad or a Shakespeare play or so forth) is not truly a book for these purposes?

The usual answer: no, those are real books. They're fine.

Q: What about the over 200,000 fics in the "Original Work" category on AO3? Does reading a book-length one of those count as reading a real book?

The usual answer: no, those aren't real books. It's not actually about originality per se, it's about quality control from the professional publishing process.

(Wow, I knew people were harsh on self-published books, but I didn't know they weren't even books! You learn something new every day. I guess the legitimacy of real books is completely determined by a handful of increasingly consolidated publishers who often expect authors to also be influencers. Cool, this could go wrong in no way.)

Q: Oh, and if a work was originally a fanfic and then gets the serial numbers filed off (or doesn't even go that far, if the canon is out of copyright), but is largely the same text, and gets traditionally published—is that a book?

The usual answer: yes (sometimes with caveats).

(Okay, so the same text with a few minor changes between versions can be fanfic [inferior, getting you stuck in a rut] and a real book [intrinsically superior, important change of pace]. Schrodinger's book, I guess!)

Q: Ooh, let's get into texts that predate modern publishing practices! Are those books?

Usual answer: yes.

Q: Even if they were published by the author or his(almost always his) personal friends?

Usual answer: yes.

Q: Even if they don't have any original characters or settings?

Usual answer: yes.

Q: Even if they're deeply flawed?

Usual answer: yes.

It's like ... is there any consistent concept of what a book even is here, or is it all just grandstanding about the evils of fanfic?

#anghraine rants #general fanwank #fanfiction #anghraine babbles #long post

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olderthannetfic · 1 month

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Re: ‘most big fandoms are dominated by male characters so there’s less f/f’ - I think the conclusion that there’s so much more m/m and m/f out there because media with big fandoms include fewer women as characters and we are ‘just writing about the characters [we] connect with in the media [we] enjoy’ removes some of the agency involved in how we choose the media that we potentially end up fannishly enjoying. Yes, if there were more characters who are women in media with huge existing fandoms, we might see more f/f, but I think that many of us gravitate toward new media (and if we click with that new media, then new fandoms) based on our established interests from prior media/fandoms. I’ve been in online fandom in various capacities for over 20 years and in the first decade of my fannish ‘career’ I largely shipped m/m and wrote m/m. I was therefore, unsurprisingly, often drawn toward new media with m/m potential.

About a decade ago my personal interests began to shift and I found myself more drawn toward women characters and f/f. If I’m interested in women and f/f, I’m not going to keep focusing on new-to-me media with a whole slew of men and a couple women who barely interact. I’m keeping an eye out for media with several prominent female characters, media with lots of women, media with f/f potential. Luckily, that isn’t as hard to find across a variety of genres and formats as it used to be. It doesn’t always click — I enjoyed watching She-Ra and Ahsoka, for instance, and saw the f/f potential, but neither were id matches that sparked fannish creativity for me personally — but if I’m not checking out media with women and am instead continuing to watch/read/play media where the characters are largely men, then yeah, I’m going to get frustrated by the lack of f/f i those fandoms pretty quickly. That’s on me though, not on the fandom at large. If I’m not looking at what’s out there, trying to find the media that hits those iddy places and sparks the fannishness I crave, then am I really that interested in f/f in the first place? I don’t think fandom ‘hates women’, but I do think a lot of fandom just isn’t that fannishly interested in women for a plethora of reasons, and that’s fine! I do wish we could just admit that though.

There’s also…look, there are assholes in every corner of fandom. There are plenty of people out there who write posts that criticize unrealistic m/m smut, but that doesn’t seem to drive away the m/m fans from writing that super unrealistic m/m smut they want to read. Why then do a few jerks criticizing what they believe to be unrealistic f/f smut get blamed for driving people away from f/f? Did you really want to write that f/f smut to begin with? It’s okay if you didn’t really want to write it! But also, there is fantastically unrealistic f/f smut out there on ao3 with an appreciative audience. Unrealistic smut always has its place.

Yuuup.

I do think the few loud jerks on whatever topic have a disproportionate effect on things that people are already insecure about or that there's already less content about. Criticism from inside the house also seems to hit harder than from outside, for various definitions thereof. But I agree that there are bullies or just loud assholes everywhere, and it doesn't stop the juggernaut ships and fandoms. I think "the meanies made me not write f/f" is not a good analysis of the overall trend even if some specific people really did get bullied quite badly.

I do see people acting surprised that they don't like any f/f, yet not checking out media with multiple female leads. This is silly and we should move away from this along with ditching "There are no interesting female characters".

But another pattern I see is that, for the most part, really big fic fandoms come from things a ton of people consumed in the world overall. (The reverse isn't necessarily true: something can have mass mainstream popularity and no fic.) So even aside from willful blindness on the part of individual fans or personal reactions to gender, the overall lopsidedness of media does still matter for the big meta discussions that look at the ratio of stuff on AO3. If someone isn't really into small fandoms, they're going to have to go where the crowd is already going.

The top fandoms, according to tag search, are these (counts are different from current AO3 works if you click through, but they seem inflated by roughly similar amounts):

Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling ‎(664365)

Marvel Cinematic Universe ‎(389476)

방탄소년단 | Bangtan Boys | BTS ‎(289493)

Original Work ‎(273412)

Marvel ‎(233004)

Teen Wolf (TV) ‎(219504)

Haikyuu!! ‎(215127)

The Avengers (Marvel Movies) ‎(208509)

原神 | Genshin Impact (Video Game) ‎(207259)

Star Wars - All Media Types ‎(188548)

Sherlock (TV) ‎(169092)

Batman - All Media Types ‎(137281)

Captain America (Movies) ‎(118954)

Minecraft (Video Game) ‎(117892)

Stranger Things (TV 2016) ‎(117489)

Video Blogging RPF ‎(110169)

Voltron: Legendary Defender ‎(105117)

Miraculous Ladybug ‎(104003)

Shingeki no Kyojin | Attack on Titan ‎(103914)

魔道祖师 - 墨香铜臭 | Módào Zǔshī - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù ‎(101819)

文豪ストレイドッグス | Bungou Stray Dogs ‎(95606)

Merlin (TV) ‎(88893)

僕のヒーローアカデミア | Boku no Hero Academia | My Hero Academia (Anime & Manga) ‎(86484)

NCT (Band) ‎(85868)

Dream SMP ‎(83222)

Stray Kids (Band) ‎(82711)

One Direction (Band) ‎(79490)

呪術廻戦 | Jujutsu Kaisen (Manga) ‎(78975)

Homestuck ‎(77676)

Game of Thrones (TV) ‎(77361)

Good Omens (TV) ‎(76805)

陈情令 | The Untamed (TV) ‎(73444)

DCU ‎(71054)

ジョジョの奇妙な冒険 | JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken | JoJo's Bizarre Adventure ‎(70648)

Undertale (Video Game) ‎(68959)

A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. Martin ‎(67854)

Star Trek ‎(67221)

Doctor Who ‎(65172)

Doctor Who (2005) ‎(65166)

呪術廻戦 | Jujutsu Kaisen (Anime) ‎(65109)

Good Omens - Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett ‎(63727)

Once Upon a Time (TV) ‎(62211)

Avatar: The Last Airbender ‎(61743)

Hetalia: Axis Powers ‎(61343)

Star Wars Sequel Trilogy ‎(59581)

Iron Man (Movies) ‎(59158)

EXO (Band) ‎(58948)

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) - All Media Types ‎(58055)

Hannibal (TV) ‎(56796)

Thor (Movies) ‎(56604)

I'm seeing some truly gargantuan franchises and their network of metatags, top Weekly Shounen Jump manga that are mega bestsellers far, far beyond how much any shojo manga sells in Japan, some of the biggest musical groups and most popular youtubers in the world, etc.

Some of these do seem a lot more popular with the AO3 crowd than the world in general, of course. It's not an exact 1:1 causal relationship between media's audience/impact and how much fic writers care or how much fic writers on AO3 care. It's certainly possible for fandom to make fetch happen with a relatively less popular canon; it's just not the default and not driving the big overall numbers.

I look at The Untamed and (often mistagged) MDZS) being on this list and I think of all those hot fanvids for f/f Chinese dramas.

I keep seeing fans watch one, go "Okay, I have got to watch that next!" only to be disappointed that the canon is a handful of 5-minute episodes, not some epic 50-episode thing like the censored m/m ones and the bromance ones and the het ones get. They want The Untamed-but-with-ladies, not the reality of those canons. I suppose there are some nominally-straight series with two female leads and not a heavy focus on a het romance with just a single female lead, but the one I'm thinking of was reportedly godawful and the people who saw potential between the women had no interest in writing fic about it.

Do any of those f/f c-novels have good translations? That's not what brings the big fic crowds (it's the adaptations that do that), but maybe I should try reading a few. I just keep getting turned off of Chinese webnovels in general by dodgy translations.

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lieslab · 11 months

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Sweet Cheeks

Summary: You decide to make Felix a batch of brownies after he has a rough day, but things go wrong.

Word Count: 1,500

Genre: Sickly sweet fluff

Read the last post: 🍯

_ _ _

“Hi baby, I miss you. I’m sorry if I’m not texting you much. It’s been kind of a rough day today. Please don’t be too mad at me. I’ll make it up to you when I get home, I promise. I’m leaving the studio right now and I’ll be home soon. I love you❣️”

You glanced down at the message that your boyfriend had sent you and paused for a moment. Biting down on your lip, you thought for a moment before sending your response.

“Don’t worry about it, babe. It’s okay. We all have bad days sometimes. I’ll be waiting for you when you get here with open arms. See you in a few minutes. I love you too!!”

You glanced at the clock on your phone and paused. You figured that something had been bothering Felix today. He had texted you here and there, but his tone was much different than it normally was. His responses came back in one or two words instead of a few sentences or double, even triple, text messages.

You ran through your brain trying to figure out what Felix did for you when you had a bad day. Most of the time, he made you brownies and insisted that the two of you needed to spend some quality time together. It could be as simple as watching a movie or playing board games.

Your eyes slowly looked up from your phone and across the living room towards a closet. The top of it was filled with a variety of board games that the two of you had collected over the years. Since he was close with the rest of the band and the two of you had your own place, a lot of the time, they all came over to hang out.

There were always, at least, two of them that would bicker about what everyone else wanted to watch on the living room TV. That’s when Felix and you had decided to start collecting board games. While everyone was watching TV, sometimes the members would wander out to the kitchen and get caught up in a board game.

Flinging yourself off of the couch, you hurried towards the kitchen. Unlocking your phone, you headed towards your notes app. After begging and begging for months, Felix finally caved while he was drunk. He gave you the exact measurements for his secret brownie recipe while giggling. Obviously, he wasn’t going to give you it for free. Between every ingredient, he pucker his lips, and waited for you with his eyes closed.

You’d kiss him and then he’d reveal an ingredient. The whole thing took less than five minutes and when he woke up the next morning, with a killer headache, he had no idea what he had done the previous night. Perhaps, this was finally your chance to wow him.

You quickly washed your hands and began gathering everything you needed. Not wanting to waste a single second, you measured out your ingredients perfectly and placed them into a large mixing bowl. Excitement swirled in your stomach. You couldn’t help, but smile to yourself.

You couldn’t wait for him to get home and reveal your plans. Of course, the brownies wouldn’t be done cooking by the time he arrived. If you were lucky, perhaps, the house would greet him with the warm scent of chocolate. You knew how much he loved his brownies and physical affection. It was the perfect way to make him feel better.

You grabbed a whisk out of a drawer and began whisking everything together. Everything was still out because you didn’t have time to put it away. You’d finish mixing the ingredients together, place them in the pan, toss them in the oven, and then you could clean up your mess.

So there was a bit of flour you spilled and some egg that you hadn’t cracked over the bowl properly with. Liquid egg white had formed a small puddle on the table. You had plenty of time to get everything set up before Felix came home, or so you thought.

After removing the whisk, you picked up the large mixing bowl full of batter, and began heading towards the stove. You already had a pan waiting for you. You had coated it with a cooking spray, so the brownies didn’t stick to it. Right as you were walking towards it, you forgot that you had spilled vegetable oil on the floor.

The moment your bare foot touched it, you slid. Caught off balance, you let out a yelp as your body fell back. Time seemed to freeze as you flew through the air. Your body was weightless until your back smacked into the tile floor. The bowl full of thick batter tilted. Due to the remaining oil in the batter, it slid forward.

Splat!

Sticky batter instantly covered your face. To make matters worse, the front door opened a few seconds afterwards. While you were still in shock and trying to claw the mixture out of your eyes and off your mouth, so you could breathe, Felix’s voice filled the air.

“Honey, I’m home!”

The batter was everywhere. Clumped together in your eyebrows, coating your eyelashes, your fingers were caked in it. You frantically wiped it away from your face, but it only made the mess bigger. It got in your hair, it went beneath your nails, you were almost near tears.

All you had wanted to do was cheer up your boyfriend and instead, you had made a bigger mess. You’d have to make more batter for more brownies and you weren’t even sure you had enough ingredients.

“Baby?” Felix’s voice called out again. “Where are you? Are you here?”

You froze as his footsteps headed towards the kitchen. “I’m in the kitchen. Don’t come out here! I’m working on…on a surprise?”

Felix chuckled, “you don’t sound so sure about that.”

You let out a sigh as his footsteps came closer. Soon he’d see you as a complete mess. You quickly forced yourself to sit up. Batter dripped down onto the front of your shirt. You let out a sting of curse words upset with yourself.

Loud laughter caused you to snap your head up. You shot Felix a glare, but all he could do was laugh harder. His eyes scrunched up into crescent moons. The sides of his lips upturned as his chest heaved with laughs. “W-what happened?” He finally got out after trying to compose himself.

“I was trying to make you brownies and then I fell. I’m going to clean it up, I swear.” You scooped up some of the batter that had fallen onto the floor and placed it back into the mixing bowl.

A bright white smile never left his face. He stared at you with endearing amusement. “You were going to make me brownies?”

“You said you were having a rough day. I wanted to make you feel better.” You scooped up more batter into the bowl. “I’m sorry I caused a bigger mess. Your brownies are going to be delayed because I need to clean up.”

He reached out a hand towards you.

“What are you doing?” You raised an eyebrow. Your hands were still covered in batter. You had gotten most of it off your face, but some was still smeared behind.

“Helping you up.”

“But I-”

He cut you off by bending down and grabbing your hand without complaint. He helped you get up and another smile appeared on his face. Without a sound, he reached out a finger towards your face and scooped up some of the remaining batter into his mouth. “Mmh, delicious.”

“Stop it! There’s raw egg in that.”

“And?”

“You could get salmonella.”

“Calm down sweet cheeks. It’s not the first time I’ve consumed raw brownie batter and it won’t be the last time.” He leaned forward and quickly pecked your lips with his own. Eyes full of mischief, his tongue appeared a few seconds later as he licked his lips. “You taste delicious. I’m sure they would have been wonderful brownies.”

You bit down on your lip. You weren’t going to tell him that you had his brownie recipe. You would keep that a secret for now.

“How about you go clean up in the bathroom? I’ll fix up your mess out here and when you get back, we can make a batch together?”

You nodded your head and let out a sigh. “I’m really sorry for this. I was hoping you’d be able to come home to the smell of warm brownies.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Without missing a beat, he scooped another fingerful of batter off your cheek, and shoved it into his mouth.

“Salmonella!” You cried out again worried that he’d get sick from the raw eggs.

All he could do was let out another laugh as you shook your head and walked away.

Read the next drabble: 🥢

#stray kids #stray kids fanfic #stray kids fluff #fanfic writing #fanficwriter #skz imagines #skz fanfic #lee felix #felix x reader #stray kids felix #kpop #kpop fanfic #stay

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chrollohearttags · 1 year

Text

because I’m in bed sick af and bored..the musician au (reverb series) characters and who I kin/model them after:

no warnings, just a fun lil list and drabble. (Feel free to headcanon them after whoever you feel, these are just MY personal muses) this is a lil something until the next chapter is done.

eren aka ej the don: I feel like I’ve already stated this but I hc him after Bones. From the music, the looks..everything. He favors him so much. I feel like his music videos have this dark, mysterious aesthetic just like his. In the same turn, he also sings and makes these R&B esque, love songs (just take a listen to Bones’ 2 Million Blunts album, it’s what inspired this whole AU). His musical style also ranges a lot. He may play a guitar on stage and sing for one and then start a mosh pit with the next song. Bones calls himself the ‘Underground God and The Reaper’ and if Eren wouldn’t do some shit like that, idk who would. Just like him, EJ produces and makes his own instrumentals. Like the Grammys or these awards shows don’t have to give him his flowers but he’s adored by the underground and independent scene. Super talented all the way around. Gives me heavy $uicideboys vibes too.

connie aka prince cee: I know a lot of ppl say Central Cee (who I personally don’t care for but I can see it way more for him than eren) but I actually modeled him after Yeat. I feel like Connie can rap his ass off but he never takes himself too seriously either. He’s a meme rapper but every last one of his songs is a hit. His soundbytes go viral alllll the time on Tiktok. His music is super fun and hype. But put him in a freestyle, he’s devouring every time.

onyakopon aka ony the god: now he reminds me so much of a mixture between Bryson Tiller and MO3 (🙏🏾). He definitely has bars but he has an INCREDIBLE singing voice so he combines the two and does it sound godly (no pun intended). I also think he’s a very talented piano player. He’s probably the 2nd most multi-faceted behind EJ. His style is so unique and so many try to mimic him. But they can never out do the doer. Him and EJ be having a ball in the studio; just bouncing verses off each other and singing they asses off! 😭 I also think all 3 have a few joints EP’s together.

jean aka j. kirschtein: my boy is the only non rapper in the mix. But he is the epitome of a rockstar. I mirror him making music heavily akin to Coldplay or James Arthur..alternative but still with a touch of soul in it..simply put, he’s amazing. Skilled on bass, electric and drums. Also writes for a LOT of people as well. He was Mikasa’s bassist when she performed but she took one listen and knew it wasted potential to not have him at the forefront. The first time she heard him sang, she actually cried! He has such a strong register and can do a variety of genres. He might be the most popular behind EJ signed to AMG.

mikasa aka mika ASH: even though her music career was short lived because she preferred being behind the scenes, she was cold as hell as a performer. I personally have a few I mused her after and that was Saphir, AshNikko and Thuy. Some of her music was soft and melodic but she was the epitome of a goth girl or rather, the label played on that whole aesthetic and branded her as such! She was so good though. Mixing heavy metal type music with light vocals. She had a large fanbase and of course, the alt girls LOVED her but she just couldn’t handle the pressure of fame and stepped back to be a talent scout/manager. She’s much happier with that.

armin aka arminhammer: now armin is more of a producer than artist himself. He sticks to making the beats and directing the music videos. I think of him as like a Cole Bennett or Kenny Beats. When he’s not chasing half the hoes in Miami, he’s behind the mixing board and contrary to belief, he’s the best to do it and the man you want working on your projects. He’s HIM for sure. When he DOES make music, he sounds like Chase Atlantic or The Neighborhood. (He just looks like a Chase Atlantic song, I can’t explain it!)

christa reiss aka HISTORIA: we haven’t talked about her much outside of being Eren’s ex but she’s one of the biggest pop stars in the entire verse. She’s very similar to Zara Larsson, Dua Lipa and Maggie Lindemann. Very much Top 40, bubble gum pop. She had this whole good girl gone bad vibe going on for a while and EJ still heavily influences her music and even helps her music but she gives basic white girl (but in a cute bubbly way! ☠️)

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therealrainbowmadness · 1 year

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The downfall of media representation: a look at the massive cancelation tide of queer-woman-led shows of 2022

A little more than a year ago, I published a piece on what I called “the queer renaissance” where I reminisced on Lexa’s legacy (The 100) and showed optimism on the representation scenario given the variety of shows airing or to be aired with queer woman among their characters, and the grand amount of WLW couples in committed relationships that had on-screen marriages between 2020 and 2021. But even then, when things were still looking up representation-wise, I pointed that a cloud of worry was coming due to the end of many beloved shows that featured queer characters. There, I mentioned Black Lightning (Grace and Thunder), The Bold Type (Kat and Adena), Supergirl (Alex and Kelly), Brooklyn99 (Rosa), Atypical (Casey and Izzie), Genera+ion (Riley and Greta), Dickinson (Emily and Sue), Motherland Fort Salem (Raelle and Scylla) and Killing Eve (Eve and Villanelle). Little did I know that my optimism was foolish and that the worry brought by the end of the above-mentioned shows would only grow stronger after a very disturbing 2022.

The first cancelation tide came in April. When rumors started regarding the selling of The CW, queer fans immediately started worrying for their beloved shows, specifically for DC Legends of Tomorrow and Batwoman. Turns out they had a reason to worry because even before the network was sold by Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to Nextstar, The CW axed a long list of names from their portfolio. The shock was evident since The CW traditionally renewed their shows and allowed departing series to have a final “goodbye” season, as they did with Supergirl. But what called everyone’s attention was the fact that Legends of Tomorrow last-airing season (the seventh of their run) had done great regarding to critics and ratings. It also had more views than shows that would get renewed, like Riverdale. Media outlets later revealed that the apparent cause for cancelation was that the uncertain future of the network at that point led Warner Bros. to not want to commit to another long-term lease on the sound stages in Vancouver. The fact that they also did not renew their deal with Netflix for distributing content largely affected their revenues as well. Not to say that any of these issues did not play major parts on the future of our beloved shows, the fact remains that series that were in similar conditions, that is, also shot in Vancouver, also distributed by Netflix, and with similar or lower ratings and approval from critics, were renewed. In contrast, Legends of Tomorrow and Batwoman were not. The difference between then and the ones that got renewed: both were led by woman who loved other woman. And one of then was led by a black woman.

It was not easy moving on from such losses and being left without a proper ending to beloved characters and couples. But the cancelation wave did not slow down. Gentleman Jack was canceled in July by HBO. Despite BBC’s desire to move forward with the show, they still needed HBO as a co-producer and global distributor. It was hypothesized that the gap between the first and second seasons, caused by the pandemic, led to lower ratings and, thus, cancelation. But the untold reality was that HBO somewhat sabotaged the show by changing its time slot to air in the US and not pushing as much publicity for season 2. This kind of approach reminded me of the way Nickelodeon treated The Legend of Korra, constantly changing its time slot and ultimately moving it to streaming for the fourth and final season. Korra was a pioneer in queer representation for animated series.

The Wilds was canceled after a second season mostly focused on new male characters instead of the group of girls that led the first season, including the couple Shelby and Tony. Some shows had briefer runs, like Prime Video’s Paper Girls and Netflix’s First Kill. So short indeed that it makes me believe that genre TV for sapphics is the ultimate streaming queerbaiting. It is worth mentioning that many people, including LGBTQIAP+, stated that these shows were better off being canceled since they were poorly scripted and had terrible CGI. Addressing these issues, I have to say that poor visual effects never stopped series from getting renewed (just see Supernatural) and shows with really horrible scripts are constantly made and renewed by streaming platforms (Netflix’s Elite is a perfect example). However, I do not agree that they are badly scripted at all. Despite heavy criticism, First Kill had an expressive number of views and ranked well in Netflix’s Top 10 in many countries, also showing great numbers on socials which were at least comparable to Heartstopper (already renewed by Netflix).

But it was not enough for Netflix to cancel First Kill, and the news about the cancelation of Warrior Nun hit colder than ice. Warrior Nun was already a beloved show that grew its audience during the pandemic. Although some had reservations for the first season because of a possible queerbaiting, this possibility was erased by season 2 and the beautiful slow-burn romance between Ava and Beatrice. The momentum the show gained by the launch of its second season was impressive and it was impossible to go through the Twitter timeline without seeing some post or photo related to the show or Avatrice. The impact was so big that made people go back and watch the first season as well. Rotten Tomatos season 2 critic ratings were 100% and audience score was 99% with 7925 reviews. In fact, season 2 had the highest Netflix audience rating ever. The audience, already aware of Netflix MO, grew the engagement of the series on social media, despite Netflix showing zero effort for advertising the new season whatsoever. And again, despite the great ratings, views and engagement, the show got axed without much explanation, leaving a passionate audience with multiple unsolved cliffhangers.

Netflix, having one of the largest portfolios among networks and streaming platforms, is naturally the home of many shows with LGBTQIA+ characters. It does not feel like a coincidence that these shows, especially the ones featuring lesbian and bisexual woman, are the main targets for cancelation. The cycle continues: platforms pick up shows with a queer character for producing to fill the diversity box; they offer little to no support for the people involved on the actual making of the show, offering lower budgets compared to other equivalent series; besides the low production value, they also put little effort on advertising these series, making very hard for the show to do well outside the queer bubble; still, some audience, specially queer woman, sign to that platform to watch the series, grow attached to the characters, ship the couples, engage on social media, and do what they can for it to get to as many people as possible, since the network or streaming is doing virtually nothing in this regard; ultimately, the show either performs poorly as far as visualizations, mostly due to the sabotage of their own producing platform that offered a low production and advertising value, or performs well, but never well enough to them. In the latter case, it feels like woman-led shows are always held to a much higher standard than the male-led ones, having to do so much better to get same recognition. Misogyny and lesbophobia are the two words that come to mind describing this heartbreaking cycle.

At the end of the day, what we are left with? Series that give terrible endings to their sapphic characters, like Killing Eve. Series that are giving us kind of a bad type of representation, like The L Word Gen. Q season 3 (destroying character evolution and pushing outdated plots). Series with great representation which we are so afraid to get attached to just so we’d be disappointed again (like A League of Their Own and Sex Live of College Girls). And series that we will never even know the ending (choose any of the above-mentioned series). It is worth pointing out that all the fandoms are fiercely fighting for their shows to get pick up by other platforms and find new homes, as they should. A great example that the fight is worth fighting is Wynonna Earp. The show was canceled after its third season, leaving the audience with many cliffhangers. The fans fought hard and SyFy pick up the series for two more seasons. Ultimately, season 5 never happened, and its only owned to the creator Emily Andras, who did not want to make the same mistakes as season 3 and leave multiple loose ends, that we got a satisfying beautiful ending at season 4. But even with only one extra season, it was so worth it. And one final season could be all we needed to feel a sense of closure for all these falling series.

It is worth highlighting that LGBTQIAP+ representation is so important for so many people to recognize themselves in the characters and feeling less alone in this world, for helping people accept themselves, come out to their families, and just to normalize in general the existence of LGBTQIAP+ people in all sorts of environments and genres. We are currently seeing undoubtedly a major regression on how media approaches representation in general. We started back then being either sexualized or straight up killed, evolved into great characters with diverse well-thought-out plots, only to now have our shows canceled. And, although we are all exhausted, we cannot go down without a fight. A unified fight with all fandoms from canceled shows. As we did in 2016 after Lexa’s death, we need to make our points to major media outlets, go after the sponsors of the platforms, make a fuss in social media, look for alternatives. I still hope that, together, we have the power to make a difference if not for the series that were already canceled, to at least avoid that the shows that are still running or just starting to have a similar fate.

#lgbt #lgbt community #queer #representation #lexa #clexa #avatrice #warriornun #firstkill #calliete #gentlemenjack #batwoman #legends of tommorow #papergirls #wynonna earp #sex lives of college girls #a league of their own #the l world generation q #killing eve

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lou-struck · 11 months

Text

Sugar and Secrets

Tamaki Amajiki x reader

Prompt:💌 + bakery!

Genre: Fluff

WC: 1.7k

A/n: I wrote 1.2k of this and hated it so I had to scrap it and go another direction.

~This is one of the requested prompts for My Emoticon Expression’s Event; check out the masterlist On my welcome page.

When you own a bakery, there is nothing more satisfying than having to restock a tray of sold-out goods. The tray of strawberry shortcake rolls only got sent out an hour but now, not even crumbs remain on the doily-lined platter. Carefully remove the old sheet and replace it with a new one. The sweet scent of sliced strawberries and sugar fills your nose as you take a deep breath, wondering how quickly these will sell out.

The bell on the inside of the bakeries door chimes merrily, and a voice calls to you from the entrance. “It looks like you’ve got mail,”

The cheery tone brings a smile to your face as you see Anne, one of your bakery’s part-time employees, coming toward you; in her hand is a pink and red striped envelope that makes your heart flutter.

“They sent another one?” you say softly, feeling your cheeks heat up. Over the past few months, you have received dozens of little notes and letters from what people around you call a secret admirer.

These little notes are filled with lovely written compliments and praises that have filled you with confidence and have brought a new kind of light into your life.

“they did! You should open it and see what they said today. I think it is so cute that you have a secret admirer like that.” She says, handing the letter to you. “Don’t you wonder what they look like?”

“I’m curious for sure, but so many people come in here all the time it’s hard to narrow it down to one suspect.” You say, toying with the seal on the envelope

The truth is that who they are doesn’t matter much to you, not when you already have feelings for someone else. Someone you are sure would never have to resort to sending anonymous love letters.

“Or are you just not interested because of a certain Pro Hero customer that comes in here all the time.” she giggles, dodging out of the way of your playful swat with ease.

“Tamaki Amajiki is just a customer,” you mutter. “He’s one of the Top Pro Heroes; he can have anyone he wants; I don’t stand a chance.”

She frowns at your self-deprecation slightly before bumping your shoulder. “You can be so blind sometimes. I’m gonna go clock in; tell me what the letter says once you read it.”

“Maybe,” you tease gently, opening the envelope and opening the crisp parchment. The carefully penned handwriting stares back at you as you read.

Y/n,

Your smile is just as sweet as your baking. They both radiate warmth and are made with love.

My day gets a bit brighter every time I walk into your bakery.

Maybe one day I may feel bold enough to tell you all these things in person, but for now, I hope these notes suffice.

~Your Secret Admirer

You reread the letter a few times, letting the sincere compliments fill you with joy. If you ever find out who your secret admirer is, you will be sure to slip them freebies whenever you can. Even if you can’t return their feelings.

The entry bell rings again, and you jump a bit, sliding the envelope under the countertop before the customer comes in. A figure wearing a long white cape with gold accents on the hood walks carefully across your clean floors.

Your day just got one hundred times better. “Hey there, Suneater.” you beam, giving the pro hero your best smile.

“H-hey y/n, it’s good to see you,” he says, his eyes already eagerly scanning the display case for what catches his eye today. Unlike your other regulars who stick to buying the same couple of pastries every time they visit, he likes to order a variety, wanting to try something different every time. It keeps you on your toes and inspires you to bring in new desserts as often as you can.

“What are we thinking today?” you ask, making an awkward little gesture with your hands at the large variety of sweets in front of you.

He smiles softly, chuckling a bit at your actions. “Could I get one of these, one of those, and one of each of the cream puff flavors?” he asks. “Is there anything else you recommend?”

“The new shortcake rolls have been doing well.” you smile, pointing to the pristine tray you just restocked. “I know how much you like strawberries.”

He looks a bit surprised that you remembered that about him, but he thanks you anyways, walking over to the coffee station to fill his cup.

Your eyes scan your large display case, searching for the best-looking pastries to give to the shy hero. Although it takes longer, you grab ones from the middle that look the best to place carefully into his pink and brown spotted pastry box.

Throwing in several extra pasties and meat buns for good measure

Sure, it may be irresponsible to give away so many products for free, but sneaking him food is the only way you can express your feelings for him.

“Here you go,” you smile, placing the box in front of him as he taps his credit card against your card reader.

“Excuse me, uh y/n.” he says, looking into his box of pastries, “I think you may have miscounted; I only asked for one of each.”

“No, I didn’t miscount.” you smile, “I just wanted to pack you a little something extra today since you’ve been working so hard. You’re my best customer, after all.”

He gives you the most adorable smile as the tips of his pointy ears turn pink, “I think Fat is really your best customer, but-”

“Tamaki,” you sigh, using his first name without thinking and pushing the box closer to him, “Take the freebies; you deserve it.”

“R-really? Thank you then.” he smiles, his eyes never leaving your own. “I’ll see you later, y/n.”

“Thank you for coming in,” you mumble, watching as he takes your carefully packaged box and leaves you with your thoughts.

One week later, you are getting ready to close up for the night, sweeping the floor with frustrated concentration.

You didn’t receive a letter today,

And Tamaki hasn’t come into the bakery in a week.

Is it possible that your secret admirer has lost interest in you and your crush is avoiding you?

You are so wrapped up in your thoughts you don’t notice the uneven cart of ingredients in your path. You bump it slightly, sending a bag of powdered sugar tumbling to the ground. It immediately bursts at the seams, sending a thick cloud of white powder into the air.

“Shit,” you yelp, inhaling the cloud of sugar in the air. The sweetness overwhelms you and sends you into a fit of coughing. Sugar gets everywhere, your hair, your eyes, up your nose. You can’t see anything, and the sensation burns as you try to wipe it away blindly.

“Are you okay?” Voice calls from the entrance.

“No, I need help, “you cough. The voice sounds so familiar you feel that you can trust them in your time of need.

You hear rustling as your savior comes towards you. “I-it’s okay, I am here.” They say, gently taking your hand and wiping away the sugar from your face with a gentle touch. It takes a few seconds for you to blink away the last bit of the product, but then you see the handsome yet concerned face of Tamaki Amajiki.

“Suneater?” You say, coughing, wiping a tear from your cheek.

“What happened?” He asks, “Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine, just a bit clumsy. “You explain cleaning a bit more of the powdered sugar off of you. “I accidentally knocked over a bag of sugar, and it did not feel great to breathe in.”

“That sounds like something you would do,” he says, giving you a sweet wobbly smile, his violet eyes still looking over you carefully. If he notices the coating of sugar on your skin, he doesn’t mention it.

“Thank you for helping me, but what are you doing here? I thought you came in already today.”

He looks around nervously, his hand balled up in a fist. “Well, it’s just that I-I,” he starts to say, but then you notice some things sticking out of his pocket. A very familiar-looking red and white striped envelope.

In an instant, you reach for it, pulling it away from him before he can react. These are the envelopes your secret admirer uses. “Is it you? Have you been the one leaving these letters?”

He casts his eyes to the sugar-coated ground and nods.

Your heart feels as if it is going to burst out of your chest; not only has the customer you have been crushing on for a year been your secret admirer. But why does he look so sad?

“I’m so sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?” you ask.

“You were probably expecting someone else,” he sighs, giving you a look that makes your heart want to break. “Someone more confident and capable than me.”

‘Is he serious?’ you think to yourself, ‘Tamaki Amajiki is one of the most amazing people you have ever met. How is it possible that someone who builds your confidence so easily with his words struggles so deeply with his own?’

“Tamaki, I haven’t thought about anyone else. I liked you even before the letters,” you say, taking his hand and giving it a soft little squeeze.

His features light up with hope as he begins to realize that you like him too.

“Then would you maybe want to get dinner tonight?” he asks, his voice coming out steady and comfortable.

“Well, first, I need to go home and shower, but after that, I would love to.” you laugh, glancing at your reflection in the mirror.

“Maybe we should skip the dessert then; I think we have had a bit too much sugar today.” He quips boldly, sending the both of you into a fit of laughter.

#bnha #my hero academia #bnha x reader #mha x reader #tamaki amajiki #bnha x you #tamaki amajiki x reader #amajiki x reader #tamaki amakiji #amajiki tamaki #tamaki x reader #mha tamaki #bnha tamaki

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