#skybound2 writes

[persianflaw]

🙌💪💻

ty!! :DD

🙌 What’s a line or paragraph of yours that you’re proud of?

Boiling waterfalls gushing from the walls, air thick with fragrant fog, bright red and black and yellow lacquered tokens clinking together. Even fragmented, the dreams feel so real that she can smell the herbal salts, feel the damp hair sticking to the back of her neck and the slippery wooden floor beneath her bare feet, hear the constant chatter of the patrons and employees.

- may i always be dreaming, a spirited away fanfic i wrote for candy hearts exchange this year

💪 What motivates you to write?

unfortunately, my biggest practical motivator is deadlines, which is why i participate in so many exchanges. the reason this is unfortunate is that i end up writing my fics the night of the deadline itself, which is not actually the best work strategy, if you can believe it. -_-

💻 What do you write your stories on? Laptop, phone, paper, etc.

when i started writing again in 2021, i mostly wrote on my phone, because i'd write during naptime at my old job. (naptime for the kids, not for me. unfortunately.) i still do that sometimes, and i enjoy the location flexibility that allows, but i'm 99% on my laptop these days and i prefer it immensely.

#ask #skybound2 #fic emoji ask meme #i really am pleased with that paragraph :melt: i like sensory writing like that

[missroserose]

Fic self-rec meme thing!

Super huge thanks to @shiftylinguini for tagging me in this—I'm flattered! The rules:

Recommend us 3 of YOUR fics: 1 that is “most popular” and 2 that are “hidden gems.” Then tag some folks.

My "most popular" varies a bit depending on whether you sort by kudos or hits, though (unsurprisingly) they're two of my smuttiest. Sunflower, my Harringrove roommate AU, is perennially at the top and has the most kudos. In retrospect, this probably isn't surprising—it's an undemanding bit of porny romance-y fun, easy to read but (I suspect) ultimately forgettable. Quickly, look away, on the other hand, has fewer kudos but almost half again as many hits—it's a much darker take on their dynamic, and I suspect it sticks in people's minds (and thus lends itself to rereading) in a way the first one doesn't.

As for hidden gems...hm. Imperfect as it is (and, in the light of S4 of Stranger Things, as out of character as Robin is), I'm still very proud of Wake Me Up. I wrote it for an exchange where I'd been assigned @rhubarbdreams, after flaking on him in a different exchange when life came down on me—so when I looked at his prompts and immediately hit upon a concept, it felt like being given a second chance by Fate. And to date it remains the most ambitious story I've managed to finish—two weeks before the due date, I took a look at the half-finished manuscript I'd gotten stuck on, decided I wasn't disappointing him again, and buckled down. (I'm still incredibly grateful to my poly family for taking up the slack while I basically disappeared into that writing/editing hole.)

Moving into a different fandom entirely, another one I'm particularly proud of is Young At Heart. Inspired by a comparatively goofy conversation with @notwhatiam where she demanded to see Grandpa getting high with David, it turned into a rather elegaic meditation on aging, and loss, and what we lose when we trade our humanity for the (false) promise of a life without grief. (With an undercurrent of homoeroticism, because it wouldn't be David—or me—without it, but oddly, I think Aloysius Emerson is the straightest character I've ever written.) It's my least-read story—unsurprisingly, as it's for a tiny fandom for a 35-year-old movie, featuring no major pairings, set 30 years before the film, and different enough in tone that it's practically an original story—but it's one of the ones I'm happiest with, in part because I've gotten some of the most thoughtful and incisive comments from the people who have read it.

Now for the tags! Definitely grabbing the usual suspects: @redmyeyes, @ihni, @laveracevia, @introvertia, @skybound2, @callieb...and adding @alwaysthrowsscissors and @lord-kaira into the mix, too. What're you most proud of, that you've written?

#tag games #my writing

[skybound2]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Good Omens - Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett, Good Omens (TV) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Aziraphale/Crowley (Good Omens) Characters: Aziraphale (Good Omens), Crowley (Good Omens) Additional Tags: Episode Related, Romance, Humor, Fluff, Kissing, Footnotes, Footnotes within footnotes, No really - SO. MANY. FOOTNOTES., Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Episode 1x02: The Book, First Kiss Summary:

Crowley doesn’t mean to kiss him, really. It just sort of...happens. An...automatic response, if you will. An unintended automatic response. Unexpected, even.

It’s not planned, that’s what he’s trying to say.

~~~

Or the one where Crowley gives in and kisses Aziraphale while he has him pinned against a wall.

#good omens #ineffable husbands #aziraphale #aj crowley #crowley #anthony j crowley #skybound2 writes #fanfiction #look at me posting me very first fic for this fandom at five to midnight #on a SUNDAY #no way that this could end badly #BUT I DON'T CARE #I am in love with these two #AND I NEED YOU ALL TO KNOW IT #this fic contains kissing #and footnotes #and not much of anything else #I'm not sorry #hope you enjoy!

[hekate1308]

skybound2 hat auf deinen Eintrag geantwortet: Mirror Mirror On The Wall

This is too wonderful for words. I needed this today, thank you for sharing *huggles fic*

Omg, thank you so much! He's only gone if we let him go, right ;)

#skybound2 #writing is hard #btw #i read your wip drowley au almost every day #i need it like air

[darth-salem-emperor-of-earth]

'Snorts' for the fanfic ask box guessing game thing.

Off the top of my head, I don’t think I have that specific word used in my WIPs at the moment. However, I found a variation of it in my collab Magi fanfic that I’m doing with a friend. Thanks for the ask! :)

He began to pick his nose as if he was the only person in the room and they were mere gnats. Octavia resisted the urge to snort at the lie she could so easily smell.

#Replies #Octavia Alexius #Magi #Fanfiction #skybound2 #Writing #Words

[quillyfied]

Mega Good Omens Fic Rec Post 3

THE FINAL CHALLENGER APPROACHES.

This will hopefully be the last Mega Fic Rec Post I make for a long, long time; I have enjoyed it, but a lot of work goes into these and I’m tired. There are 73 titles on this list, organized by category: Jaunts through History/Canon, South Downs, Post-Apocalypse, Bus Ride/The Night Before/Heaven and Hell, AU/UA, Just Soft, Touch-Starved/Body Worship/Wings, Bonus, and H/C /Whump/BAMF. Please enjoy these treasures as I have.

Mentioned questionable material where appropriate; several authors have Tumblrs but I wasn’t able to tag them, for whatever reason. Oh well.

Mega GOmens Fic Rec Post MASTER

IF A LINK IS BROKEN OR I HAVE MISATTRIBUTED SOMETHING, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

JAUNTS THROUGH HISTORY/CANON

1. let me feel your heartbeat (grow faster, faster) – @thehoyden (T, the one where Aziraphale had a big ole crush on Crowley before the Fall and it doesn’t stop from happening. This one’s just cute; starts with a “senpai notice me” vibe that morphs into mutual pining very, very quickly. It hits the high notes of a lot of cute romance tropes and I’m into it.)

2. Pride and Prejudice and Angels – SanSanFanFan (G, the one where Miss Crowley and Mr. Fell clash wits. Kinda. Mainly it’s a lot of lovely pining and Aziraphale being sad about awful things happening in London, so he’s escaping to Hampshire for a while, where Crowley happens to be in the middle of a temptation she promptly abandons in favor of lifting Aziraphale’s spirits. Not finished, but already sparkling with Crowley being miffed about gender double standards and Aziraphale letting himself be cheered up by Crowley. It’s great.)

3. Kissing, Accidentally – @skybound2 (G, the one where Crowley can’t help kissing Aziraphale after pinning him against the wall.  Hilarious and sweet and featuring that best trope of all, Crowley going boneless and speechless at an unexpected show of affection and wanting from his angel.)

4. Visible world (or, you are responsible forever for what you have tamed) – @matchahedgehog (T, the one where Russian folklore plays a significant element and it’s weird and beautiful. I don’t think I can really convey what this is, exactly, but there are elements of building a new world and holding on tight to love even through the toughest times and it’s gorgeous.)

5. I’ve Been Drowning All These Years – @terrible-titles (T, the one where Crowley comforts Aziraphale five times and one time Aziraphale comforts Crowley. There are some discomfiting scenes Crowley is talking Aziraphale through in this one, but the comfort is sweet and the resolution is well-deserved.)

6. Moving Rocks – shiphitsthefan (T, the one where confessions are made in 1941 but they can’t act just yet, and waiting is agony. I really adore this one, especially what happens when they finally Smooch, because it happens in a spot I rarely see anyone putting it and it made me smile. The longing is so painful, poor Aziraphale. Poor Crowley.)

7.  On a Wing and a Prayer – @alphacygni-8 (T, the one where Crowley is a pining mess but he has a plan. This is another trip through history of Crowley trying to go about his business while his feels are crushing him, but I think it’s how Crowley tries to go about confessing that helps make this one a standout; there is a restaurant and there is a lot of food and there are, of course, miscommunications aplenty. The historical scenes are nothing to sneeze at, either, they’re all packed with longing and bittersweetness. Lovely.)

8. in the shapes of angels – @qwanderer (T, the one where navigating an intimate and loving relationship of any stripe is difficult when your true form is a bit noncorporeal. This one crescendos in a form of angel-demon soul bonding that really reverberates and sticks in the brain, the visuals are incredible. And the implications of switching bodies gets a lot more high-stakes, too. On top of it all this is a story about finding someone to share your life with, whatever the arrangement of the relationship might actually be, and friends it’s tender and scary and wonderful.)

9. Pilgrim – brasspetal (T, the one where Crowley is on a sabbatical to sort out his feelings and he writes love letters, of a sort. This one is one of those fics that feels like treading in deep water knowing there’s something more in the depths, but it’s more tranquil and less unsettling. There’s an overstory about Crowley traveling with a group of humans and an undercurrent about him working through how he feels about Aziraphale and the two work together to bring about something memorable and, I feel, truly impactful. It’s entirely possible that by the time the last chapter is up, the story will be something completely different from what I’ve described, and that’s cool.)

10. drowned in living waters – @mortuarybees (G, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale make out in a field and almost get caught. This one is short and sad and made me feel sad things, though the imagery is gorgeous and the argument leading up to the kissing is entertaining. Stupid Gabriel and his stupid face.)

11. Things They Need – LostSoftSpaceDyke (T, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale take lovers as stepping-stones to get to each other. This one is bittersweet and FRAUGHT, friends, it is absolutely a heart-masher. The ending rights it, of course, and beautifully, but welcome to Hopeless Longing Town, friendos, population One Angel and One Demon.)

12. Off the record – @paintedvanilla (T, the one where Crowley reports his personal sins and then neglects to report his virtues. Bookverse, a wonderful character study of Crowley and Hell’s bureaucracy and how certain things affect Crowley personally. Includes a lovely homage to Freddie Mercury, of course.)

13. By Any Other Name – ausgezeichnet (@thebeatlesaremyboyband) (T, the one where Nanny Ashtoreth and Brother Francis fake a wedding to get Thad Dowling off their backs. While it definitely has its funny moments, what stands out more to me in this one are the soft, quiet moments of pining sprinkled in between their adventures. There’s real strain between Crowley and Aziraphale with this turn of events, and I can’t wait to see it all boil over. Also Thaddeus Dowling is a dickbag in this one and is deffo getting his.)

14. God’s Gift – Katzedecimal (T, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale are undercover as a lady and her tire-woman while on a job. This one is based on one of the stories from The Akashic Records by PeniG (which y’all know I adore), specifically one where a potential 30K caper is laid out involving this exact scenario, and I love that someone actually tried to tackle some of it. The friendship is so good, and the little bit of excitement that happens in the plot is Terribly Exciting. Just ladies taking care of ladies, what could be better?)

15. All I Want (Is You) – amavyllis (G, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale don’t touch but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to. Oh, y’all, the longing. The LONGING. And the sheer ACHE of not being able to touch someone you would like to be physically close with. It is PAINFUL and it is GOOD and I am DYING.)

16. meantime i ask you to be my valentine (i’ll be your valentino) – hipsterchrist (T, the one that follows Saint Valentine’s Days through the ages. This one is really interesting, actually, and has one of the most eclectic collections of historical moments I’ve ever seen in one of these types of fics. That ending scene is on point, though; I spoil nothing but you guys TEARS. Of LAUGHTER. And also OVERWHELMED WITH EMOTION.)

SOUTH DOWNS

17. Let Me Live Here Ever – @moveslikebucky (T, the one where they’re soft and just talk about their feelings and smooch a lot. This one is part of a larger series but you don’t need to have read it to read this one. It is so very soft, y’all. So tender. I will never be over stories where they just lay in bed all day and revel in how they feel about each other and their life together.)

18. The Cottage, The Husbands – Dragonsquill (G, the series where Crowley and Aziraphale have a life in the South Downs and it is good. Featuring lots of cute little tableaus and some of the most fun OCs ever—Twelve in particular is a treat, she’s Crowley’s stylist and absolutely wonderful. The whole series is just FUN, it’s cute and casual and domestic and great.)

19. For All the Stars in Heaven – ausgezeichnet (@thebeatlesaremyboyband) (T, the one where Heaven and Hell need to shove off already. This one takes off almost without warning, and escalates rather quickly before a frankly genius solution to The Problem of Aziraphale and Crowley is found. I only deal in happy endings, so you KNOW it’s good for the husbands. Surprisingly good, in fact, I didn’t see it coming at all.)

20. Angel and Demon Teatime – @penig (T, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale entertain a few unwanted guests for a while. This one is really cool, with a lot of sensory details while Crowley and Aziraphale relive a lot of the sensations of Earth and bring them into the physical world for the spies Heaven and Hell sent after them to experience them, too. The spies are both precious, though in completely different ways, and the ways they go about changing through this visit are subtle but profound.)

21. The Tales of Eden Cottage – Jupiter_Ash (G, the series where Crowley and Aziraphale slowly settle into their new South Downs community. This one has a lot of fun OCs and some extremely touching stories (the one about Joshua in particular broke my heart in all the best ways). Their neighbors are a lot of fun and the fic in particular that has a facebook chat of their speculations on who the new guys moving into Eden Cottage are is fantastic.)

22. A Brand New Angle – @fallsouthwinter (T, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale pick a direction and gun it. Has first kisses, dancing, delightful neighbors, gardening—all the best ingredients for a heartwarming, satisfying South Downs romp. And this definitely is one—with some promising things to come, judging by the standalone in the same universe!)

23. A Safe Place for You – Vagabond (@waffleironbiddingwar) (M, the one where learning to receive love is a little bit harder lesson to take in than giving love. M for a humanly intimate scene that borders but does not cross into full smut, and an ethereally intimate scene that is weird and pretty. This whole thing is achingly poignant and heavy; every word drips with emotion and it’s both difficult and sweet, much like the subject matter, I suppose. A memorable and beautiful piece.)

24. Act of Service – @dietraumerei (T, the one where people think Aziraphale is Crowley’s sugar daddy. This one starts off hilarious and then slam-dunks itself right into the Feels Pile, with a side-helping of discussing dynamics and reaching acceptance. An instant classic and one I’ve definitely read more than a few times.)

POST-APOCALYPSE

25. Thou Knowest Us Happy – @mirrorleaf (T, the one where Gabriel gets the truth shoved directly into his face. This is a fic of a fic (the original I have not read bc it’s rated E and I can’t do that for personal reasons), and while this fic references its source quite a bit, it’s not confusing enough for the fic itself to be off-putting. In fact, it’s a gorgeous one-two punch to the throat: first, the Banishing of the Archangel Gabriel, which is INCREDIBLY satisfying; second, the Making Sense of It All, where Aziraphale and Crowley realize they’re truly free and start to explore the various contexts of their relationship, past and future, which is very sweet. A delectable little treat, all told.)

26. Courage – @mandysimo13 (G, the one that’s a good old-fashioned post-apocalypse love confession. There’s a cute little characterization of Courage woven throughout, because of course Crowley personifies the emotions he is or isn’t dealing with, but on the whole it’s adorable and intimate and cute.)

27. when the earth is trembling – @stammiviktor (T, the one where Crowley takes Aziraphale on an amazing date. Listen, I adore stories where Crowley falls to pieces under the weight of his love as much as the next dork, but Crowley delivering? Crowley being, if not confident, then at least secure in the choices he’s making? Crowley showing his angel a good time because he knows what his angel likes? SIGN ME UP, FAM. Especially if we still get Crowley coming a little undone at his attentions paying off in a hoped-for but still unexpected way (to him, anyway).)

28. Little Terrors – @runwiththisdinosaur (T, the one where Aziraphale is being more affectionate and Crowley is one hand-touch away from an aneurism. This one doesn’t pull away from Crowley’s all-consuming fear of Aziraphale Falling for loving him, and captures the messy feelings and hurt and heartbreak and healing these two getting their act together demands. Also Indian food.)

29. Forgiveness – @guanin (G, the one where Aziraphale has a well-deserved breakdown after Armageddon’t. This one is super-duper cathartic and has Aziraphale working through all of his hurt feelings and confusion over Heaven and how they treated him, and how he subsequently treated Crowley. Featuring a very patient Crowley and a very weepy Aziraphale and a lot of wondering about fate and choice.)

30. Of burnt books and courting Crowley – robynvite (T, the one where Aziraphale accidentally finds out Crowley’s in love with him and then sets out to properly woo him. I love fics where Aziraphale finally takes the initiative, and he does so with gusto. Anathema serves as a great sounding board and go-between for these lovestruck idiots, and Crowley not knowing how to handle Aziraphale being flirty is the best thing. Also, Aziraphale finds out they burned the second Agnes Nutter book and has an angelic come-apart.)

31. that I may hear my heart fall from your lips – song_of_fate (NR, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale get to be themselves at last. Y’all like awkward but shyly happy getting-together fics? Y’all like Greek vacations? Y’all like Anathema being a bro and Crowley being casual and Aziraphale being absolutely taken with him? You’ve found your fic, folks, and it’s not even finished yet. More softness to come!)

BUS RIDE/NIGHT BEFORE/HEAVEN AND HELL

32. please please please let me get what I want this time – @sarahbacou (NR, the one where Crowley is extremely tired and Aziraphale muses on their situation. The tone of this one is mournful and apprehensive, but ultimately tender as Aziraphale cares for an exhausted-to-the-point-of-delirium Crowley on the bus ride home. The scene after they get off the bus is just straight-up heartbreaking, there are no other words for it, but it ends hopeful, especially knowing what we know about canon.)

33. Ethereal Love – @mariannightroad (G, the one where trying to teach Aziraphale to sleep morphs into something a little bit more. The purest and sweetest of romances, the most sexless making love of all time (even for weird angel essence-touching, it’s pretty devoid of lust), and just really really Soft u guys.)

34. Long Night’s Journey Into Day – @whatawriterwields (T, the one where Aziraphale keeps watch through the night. This one is adorable and very tender, with a terrible nightmare and an amusing adventure involving remote tea-making and FEELINGS. Aziraphale loves Crowley so much.)

35. Maybe Tomorrow Will Be a Better Day (If You Let Me Look at Your Beautiful Eyes) – TheWinterSldier (T, the one where Aziraphale ponders about Crowley’s eyes while wearing his body. There’s some historical jumping but the majority of the story is focused on retelling Crowley’s trial from Aziraphale’s head, and the meal at the Ritz afterwards. There are a lot of emotions about Crowley’s eyes. Ironically, there were also a lot of emotions about my eyes. Or, rather, in my eyes. Just overflowing with feels.)

AU/UA

36. Hard Times – @northeasternwind (G, the one that’s the bandstand scene in the context of Speremint’s Reverse Omens AU. I love the characterizations of Anthony and Azirafell so much in this particular AU, and the building tension and sudden breaking of the dam at the end is exquisitely done.)

37. Rosemary and Sage – AJissoverytired (T, the one that’s based on the witch AU by masao-micchi and is PRECIOUS. Crowley is the Red Witch, a very famous and talented mage, who accidentally gets turned into a snake by a rival and winds up being found by Aziraphale, a mage-in-training who’s starstruck by the Red Witch. They strike up a familiar contract, with Crowley conveniently not letting Aziraphale know who he actually is, and enter the Completely Ridiculous Comedy of a pseudo-love square. The world is vibrant and fun, characterization is spot-on, and it’s so funny and sweet I’m dying. Worth the read 4000%.)

38. Only Love (Can Bring the Rain) – @soft-october-night (T, the fairy tale-ish AU featuring a sweet prince and his handsome gardener boy. Y’all. Y’ALL. Pining and childhood friends-to-lovers and class struggles and vegetable-growing contests and subterfuge, oH MY. The flavor of this one is Very Very Good, absolutely a gem.)

39. Running in the Shadows (Damn Your Love, Damn Your Lies) – @soft-october-night (M, the one that’s vaguely a Persuasion AU but is mostly a messy, emotional romance shoved into Regency decency. M for mentions of sexual activity that would most certainly overwhelm the sensibilities of a more delicate readership, but it’s not bad at all for a modern reader. I think soft_october might just own my soul, because HOT DANG, that is two AUs in a row that are scratching my itches in the best ways. The LONGING. The EMOTIONAL TURMOIL. The MASQUE BALL. The CLASS STRUGGLES. I have read it twice already and will definitely be coming back to it a lot, because there’s lots of meat on this here bone. Adam Young and Crowley’s relationship in particular is touching, and Crowley’s friendship with Anathema is top-notch.)

40. I have loved you (for a thousand years) – @asideofourown (T, the one where they’ve been dating the whole time but SOMEONE missed the memo. Classic miscommunication at its finest; Crowley’s chapter is painful enough with his pining and heartsick longing, but Aziraphale’s chapter knocks it out of the park with his perspective of actually being in a relationship with Crowley and the various misinterpretations that’s caused. They’re so stupid and I love them.)

41. Gravity – Emmbee_89 (T, the one where Crowley was Raphael and he and Aziraphale had (and have) a love so powerful Aziraphale created Time and they couldn’t be separated even after the Fall. Oh sweet Jebus and all his little elves, the tenderness and powerful heartbreak this one causes gave me actual physical pains. Bittersweet and lovely. I am so proud of them.)

42. The Love You Leave Behind – @gloriouscacophany (T, the one that’s a 1980s college AU where Aziraphale is studying abroad and Crowley is the singer of a rock band. This one is UNBELIEVABLY gorgeous. Listen, I don’t usually go in for human AUs, but this one caught me, hook, line, and sinker. The sensory details are lush (especially when Aziraphale is noticing Crowley, hoo boy) and the story has some built-in heartbreak that’s already paying off (hello, homophobia), but despite the incoming pain and torment, I have full faith and expectation of a great ride along the way. Truly spectacular.)

43. Pray For Us, Icarus – @seaskystone (G and T, the series where Crowley keeps reincarnating as a human and Aziraphale loves him. Listen, I know 90% of you already know this masterpiece, but for the 10% who don’t, this series will heck you up one side and down the other. It will drown you in sorrow so that the good moments are sweeter than air. It is so intense, so emotionally raw, so dadgum TENDER, I had no idea what to do with myself after I finished it. Like a cheese grater on a sunburn when it’s bad, like hot chocolate on a bitter cold day when it’s good. A fandom staple for sure, cathartic and satisfying as only successful recovery after a long, hard, difficult event can be.)

44. Magnesium and Oil – @quaidpoppinjack (T, the one that’s a monster hunter AU. The great thing about fandom is that sometimes people will make AUs you would never have thought of, but once you know of it, you need it desperately. In this one, instead of tempting and thwarting, Crowley and Aziraphale are tasked with gathering the escaped creatures of Eden and sending them either to Hell or Heaven to stock for the impending War. The worldbuilding is AMAZING, the little details are great (for those of you wanting Crowley in hunting leathers, welcome to the party), and the story itself is just good, okay. Great action, lovely plot.)

45. alpha centauri – @hyruling (T, the one where Aziraphale agrees to run away to Alpha Centauri during the Apocalypse. To my understanding, this work was previously deleted by the author, but I’m so glad it was brought back so I could read it, because two very scared, very piney idiots carving out a domestic life on a barren planet WITH A CAT is the jam I didn’t know I had. Watching them circle each other is great; watching it all come tumbling down when Plot happens is even better. It’s a happy ending, don’t get it twisted, but you always have to wade through the Bad before you get to the Good, after all. A lovely little piece, absolutely A+++.)

46. Truth Untold – GenericUsername01 (G and T, the series where Crowley was Raphael, Aziraphale was made to be his assistant, and holy crap on a STICK where to even start. The worldbuilding is INSANE, I love how the Archangels are described and go about their business (word to the wise, do NOT skip the prologue work, you miss all of the best context if you do). And if that’s not great enough, there’s a whole system of angel-devil nemesis pairs all over Earth, whom we get to meet when devils start wanting to repent. There’s baptism involved and it’s horrifying and heartbreaking. Not finished yet, but it’s ramping up. Also, Crowley is functionally blind, which is about to start causing some real humorous problems since no one else knows about it, certainly not Aziraphale.)

47. Take me to the room where the red’s all red (take me out of my head, that’s what I said) – @raiining (M, the one that’s a Dom/sub AU with gentle top Aziraphale and bottom Crowley. No real sexual elements in this one, but I can understand why the M is there, the subject matter might be a little Much for some people even if it is fairly chaste (if sensual). The dynamic between Crowley and Aziraphale is delicious af, especially when they’re snapping at each other and then later melting into each other. It’s just. So good.)

48. Take This Sinking Boat and Point it Home – sobakasu, sssnakelady (T, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale used to be the same being, and the combination of fundamental incompletion compounding with being in love is tearing Crowley apart at the seams. Darkly emotional and absolutely raw with feeling, quiet and powerful and subtle. Crowley is absolutely heartbreaking, but Aziraphale manages to bind it all up quite nicely—not perfectly, they’ll have to work at it, but sweetly and with perfect love.)

JUST SOFT

49. Three Unthwarted Wiles – @almaasi (G, the one where Aziraphale lets Crowley get away with a few things. Oh my heaven it’s so SOFT, I know that’s the point of this section but HRRGK. Crowley does so much for Aziraphale and Aziraphale returns the favor as often as he can and they just love each other so much I’m sobbing.)

50. The Original Bar Joke – @deathbycoldopen (T, the one where Crowley sees himself as the punch line in God’s big ineffable joke. Sad until finally it isn’t, but Crowley spilling the beans via joke-that-turns-into-scathing-self-reproach is a unique flavor I wasn’t expecting and it broke my heart. Absolutely wonderful.)

51. Love Stories – @just-quintessentially-me (G, the one where Aziraphale is the maudlin sad drunk. Guys, I’ll be real, the emotional payoff of this fic is sweet, but the real highlight for me is Aziraphale scolding a fire he accidentally sets, because nothing feels so Aziraphale as him being drunk off his wings and attempting to LECTURE a FIRE. Also Crowley’s reaction to Aziraphale setting a fire in the bookshop is…well, about how you’d expect. A fantastic little number I quite enjoy.)

52. no mind to lose – @saints-and-demons-preserve-us (T, the one where Aziraphale goes fast and Crowley is a mess. Starts with an ode to Crowley’s long hair, as it rightly should, and evolves into a rather adorable start-stop where Aziraphale engages in various touching activities and Crowley is doing his level best, bless him, to catch up and remember how limbs and lungs work. Precious.)

53. Alas, Poor Yorick! This Is Gonna Suck! – WhiteQueenWrites (T, the one where Crowley finds his perfect opportunity while teaching a theater class to the Them. Yes, it’s canon!verse, not an AU. Yes, Crowley and Aziraphale kiss while teaching Romeo and Juliet. Yes, it is exactly as adorable and tween-traumatizing as you would expect. It’s very fun!)

54. Divine Intervention (aka God Ships It) – @theladyzephyr (G, the one where God has had it up to HERE with two idiots stuck in denial. Oh, folks. This fic is a TEASE. This fic is TANTALIZING. This fic is INFURIATING. And it is so, so worth its weight in gold, because the moment of triumph is so unspeakably sweet. It’s so good, y’all. So good.)

55. Learning to Speak the Language of Flowers – @junkshop-disco (M, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale are orbiting closer. M for discussions of trauma, I think. I’m not sure if I have the words for this one but I’ll try anyway. It shifts between the night the world didn’t end and the events after, and the time Crowley and Aziraphale spent in the Dowling household, and the transitions between the two are so smooth sometimes it’s hard to catch which time period you’re in. The writing is emotive and beautiful, and the emotional impetus behind the fic is compelling. Highly, highly recommended.)

56. seasons, changes – @whatawriterwields (G, the one that cycles through four seasons of Crowley and Aziraphale’s new life in love. Gorgeous and descriptive and so sensory—it really captures a lot of the best parts of each season. And also it’s incredibly loving and I die.)

57. waking up to you – @whatawriterwields (G, the series that’s a collection of tender morning moments. Listen, this writer is the MASTER of tender fluff, and this series is overwhelming. I have had to physically clutch at my heart and wail at my ceiling because of how cute everything is. If you need a dose of fluff after reading something angsty, here’s your medicine.)

58. Nemo dat quod non habet – @liquidlyrium (T and M, the series that examines the aftermath of the trials in Heaven and Hell, and Crowley and Aziraphale have an actual conversation. M rating is just to be safe bc the makeouts can be intense, but it’s not bad. The stories are basically revolving around the same conversation from two different points; Aziraphale’s bit goes more into the kissy-kissy afterwards. Powerful and raw, but understated; there’s dignity in this series, and a good bit of playfulness. The writing carries itself exceptionally well.)

59. Where to Start – @freyjawriter24 (T, the one where Crowley’s almost kissed Aziraphale plenty of times through history. Oh, y’all. Crowley’s emotions are laid so bare. The longing is so good. The scenes are all pretty original and interesting, and you can get a good sense for what Aziraphale’s feeling in these moments, too. Top-notch.)

TOUCH-STARVED/BODY WORSHIP/WINGS

60. The Power of Touch – @wordsintimeandspace (T, the one where Crowley needs some tending to and Aziraphale is more than happy to do it. It’s lots of kissing and touching and it gets intense but not too sexual. Also some lovely communication and boundary negotiation and it’s great.)

61. show a little skin (baby I’m begging) – @summerofspock (T, the one where Crowley can barely handle seeing Aziraphale flash a little skin now and then. Oh, y’all, it’s so much fun. Crowley is in over his head, someone please help him. Ankles, collarbones, FOREARMS. Oh lawd.)

62. You’re the Only Prayer I Need – @kedreeva (G, the one where Crowley’s shedding and Aziraphale helps. Featuring an absurdly large bathtub, wing bathing, and finally the peeling of snakeskin, which sounds so intensely satisfying, tbh. Simple, companionable, and nice.)

63. Of Firsts and Foremosts – @kedreeva (T, the one where Crawly finds Aziraphale cornered by Ligur and steps in. This one has really interesting bits of lore stuffed into it and a sweetly cautious blooming camaraderie between Crawly and Aziraphale; on top of that, there’s cuddling and wing care and both are extremely good.)

64. At Least Eleven Second First Times – @enjambament (M, the one where Aziraphale has to get used to being on Earth in a body again. M for risqué elements that brush up against smut without crossing over. This one is all about feeling things, from emotional to physical sensations, and how Aziraphale is overwhelmed by it all, but there’s also bits of the inherent diversity of the world and the significance of being able to feel things and on top of being secondhand-overstimulated, it drops you directly into Feels Town and it’s delicious.)

BONUS

65. a snake by any other name – @asideofourown (G, the one where Crowley’s snake form is spotted by a herpetology student and an unlikely companionship is struck. This one is from the view of an OC and is really cute, involving Crowley growing fond of a human with proper appreciation for serpentine charms. Also the OC and her girlfriend have a fun argument about what Crowley actually is and it’s adorable.)

66. Always Trust a Dog’s Judge in Character – notebooksandlaptops (T, the one where Warlock moves back to his London home and starts building a life. This one is so good, y’all; adult (ish, he’s nineteen) Warlock is such a delight and you can see Nanny Ashtoreth’s influence all over him. It’s even better when he meets Adam and forms the biggest crush known to man (good thing it’s reciprocated, that would have been awkward), and befriends the rest of the Them (Pepper in particular is to be feared and respected). A fic about growing up and finding yourself, and I love where it’s going.)

H/C /WHUMP/BAMF

67. In Peace I Will Both Lie Down and Sleep – @fizzybiscuits (G, the one where Aziraphale is having nightmares. This fic feels so organic—like a logical continuation of the show, or at least one of many directions it could take. Aziraphale having vivid bad dreams and NOT TALKING ABOUT IT is so on-brand, and Crowley getting worried out of his gourd is also on-brand. Vulnerable and sweet and soft, once the nightmares are dealt with.)

68. A Touch Like Sunlight – @just-quintessentially-me (T, the one where Crowley acts the hero like an idiot. This is Crowley’s vengeance against the Archangels and it’s heart-pounding; of course stuff goes off the rails pretty quickly, but even the stuff that goes right has tension in it. A great adventure, with an appearance from BAMF!Aziraphale.)

69. Chokecherry – unsmilingchuck (T, the one where Crowley helps clean up Aziraphale’s hands after a frankly awful punishment from Heaven. This fic feels calm, maybe more so when it’s revealed what it’s in the aftermath of, and Crowley is very methodical and meticulous in his care. It’s clear how much they care about each other and that’s always the jam.)

70. Thus saith the Lord – @themanicmagician (T, the one where angels can be drafted into Her service like a hive mind. Oh, folks, you want historical pain? You want emotional torment? You want a thrilling chase and a tender aftercare and a triumphant victory? You want to be in your friend’s house and hear the Plagues song from Prince of Egypt and almost have a complete breakdown bc you’re reliving this fic? Then join me in singing this one’s praises, because it delivers. It does not let up even for a second, once it gets going. This is probably one of the darkest fics I’ve ever read, but the ending balances it out. It’s great.)

71. In Somnis Veritas – PinkPenguinParade (T, the one where Aziraphale volunteers to help Crowley with his nightmares. Oh, y’all. Y’all, this one is so good. Just two immortal beings, working through their various traumas together. There’s pain and healing and a beautiful, beautiful ending. This fic hits all the right notes, it’s splendid.)

72. Incongruous States of Being – @zehwulf (T, the one where Aziraphale is a BAMF and that was never truly up for debate. Featuring an argument meant mostly for fun, and then a fight meant mostly for not-fun. Protective Aziraphale through the roof, gang. Very, very good. The tension is exquisite, and the characterizations are perfection. A wonderful take on Aziraphale and his abilities.)

73. Aim Your Arrow At The Sky – @trellanyx (T, the one where Aziraphale is a warrior and don’t you forget it. Warnings for some pretty graphic violence. This fic is not epic-length but it is epic-scope; it’s downright cinematic. The details are so crisp and the action so well-described, and threaded through it all is fierce, tender, desperate love. A wonderful read, especially if you want to see two particular Archangels get theirs.)

#good omens #good omens fic recs #mega gomens fic rec list #and now i sleep for a week #found a lot of these during a week i was off of work #gosh i read SO MUCH that week #i am DONE reccing fic in this format for a while #fulfilling but exhausting u kno

[barbex]

Quarantine Q&A

Tagged by @skybound2, thank you!

Tagging: @lauraemoriarty, @aban-asaara, @gremlinquisitor, @alyssalenko and @cullenlovesmen

Are you staying home from work or school?

My work hasn’t changed much, I still go into the office three days a week. I work at an electrician company, we are deemed essential to keep everything going. I write invoices and program things, so I don’t have much contact with other people, it’s quite alright form an social distancing point.

If you’re staying home, who’s with you?

The kid is here. All the time. I love him. I need him to not be here sometimes.

Are you a homebody?

Honestly, the weirdest point of self awareness during this isolation time is, how badly I’m coping with that. I’m an introvert, I love nothing better than sitting at home on my couch, alone with my thoughts and laptop. Now that this is all I can do, it feels wrong and I’m getting restless.

An event that you were looking forward to that got canceled.

I don’t think our summer vacation in France is going to happen...

What movies have you watched recently? What shows are you watching?

Watched some forgettable movies... some shows... Dirk Gently, The Orville, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Sex Education... I don’t pay attention to the TV all that much.

What music are you listening to?

I don’t.

What are you reading?

I’m trying to tackle the pile of books, both physical and e-bookish. I’m failing at that and read and write a lot of fanfic instead,

What are you doing for self-care?

I’m doing the same things I always do, I keep my creativity flowing as best as I can. Most of my self-care goes into mindset. It’s hard to feel positive sometimes and I’m actively working on that. I celebrate small accomplishments, try new things, I practice drawing again, I joined a podfic community (they’re going to make me sing next!), I want to tackle the original fiction next to the fanfic again. I still struggle, I still sometimes feel that everything I do and make is pointless and ugly but I’m working on it.

#quarantine #coping #mindset #pandemic #tag game

[coppermarigolds]

Best Lines Meme

@theherocomplex tagged me to post the best lines in something I’m writing. Thank you, Bee! I don’t know about best, but here’s a passage I kinda like from the novel chapter I’m currently revising.

I’m supposed to take deep breaths when I get angry, according to my therapist. Inhale for five seconds, hold for three seconds, exhale for five seconds. Visualize happy, calming things. Plaster on a disarming smile, hold it until it feels real. Be quiet and complacent and demure. Sometimes it feels like all those hoops I jump through are more for my shrink’s benefit than for mine. I’ve sat in his office performing them cycle after cycle, and when I do them to his satisfaction, I get a “good girl,” a relieved smile, and a pat on the knee.

But right now, my mind is a haze of red. My teeth are showing, but not in a smile. My breaths are coming quick and choppy, and I don’t want to slow them down.

I seize onto the anger like it’s a solid thing, like I’m sinking my fingers into someone’s eyes, jabbing my thumbs into someone’s throat. I let it buoy me and anchor me all at once.

I’ll tag @skybound2, @servantofclio, and @thievinghippo--only if you want to, of course.

#meme #my writing #my original stuff

[thessalian]

Tagged by @skybound2 - whose attempts to clear their meme queue worked out well in the face of my insomnia.

Name: Janet (parentals and most co-workers), Jan (current co-workers and parentals when they remember I prefer it), Thess (anyone I actually like)

Height: 5′3″-ish

Zodiac: Astrology

Favourite colour: Purple

Last song I listened to: According to Spotify, Think of Tomorrow by Leitbur

Last Movie/Film I watched: IT - Chapter 1

Things I love: My friends, roleplaying, the glorious combination those two first things make, reading, writing, video games, music, crafting

What brings me peace: Knowing my friends are coping, a full refrigerator, hot baths

Meaning behind my URL: Neil Gaiman character - Thessaly / Larissa, last of the Thessalian witches, woman feared by all the gods. When I chose this username (gods, nearly 20 years ago now), there was a bit of a physical resemblance and I liked the character, and Thessaly was taken. 

Tagging: @lindira, @knitmeapony, @raceofhearts, @matovilka, @maybethings

[thehungrycity]

Tagged by @sarasa-cat

Rules: List 10 words/phrases that have something to do with your work(s) in progress and then tag 10 people to do the same.

Security | Risk | Chosen bonds | Freedom | Fear | Sanctions | Racism | Classism | Broken relationships | Hope

Tagging: @skybound2, @foxghost, @tanukiham, @barbex, @icescrabblerjerky, @hollyand-writes, @jadesabre301, @loquaciousquark, @sehnsuchttraum, @ocean-in-my-rebel-soul

#memes

[missroserose]

Fic Writer Question Meme!

Thanks for the tag, @venhedish—I love stuff like this! I'd apologize in advance for how long this is likely to be, but I suspect we share that tendency, haha.

How many works do you have on AO3?

20 total. I've been publishing there since late 2018, so about three years now. That sounds right for me—I'm way too perfectionist to ever be prolific.

What's your total AO3 word count?

125,744! Apparently it takes me three years to write a novel's worth of words I feel are worth publishing...which also sounds right.

How many fandoms have you written for and what are they?

Three, primarily: The Lost Boys, Stranger Things, and Supernatural. Mostly Stranger Things, since I was pretty enmeshed in the Harringrove community for about a year and a half, though these days I'm hanging out more with the SPN crowd. We'll see if that translates to more fics.

What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

1.) Sunflower (524) 2.) Quickly, look away (506) 3.) We'll Become Who We Meant To Be (383) 4.) Too Young To Fall In Love (333) 5.) When the Waters Start to Cross (283)

First, what's not surprising: all are Stranger Things/Harringrove works. I'm a little surprised to see that "Sunflower" had edged out "Quickly" as my most-kudosed story, for years it was the other way around—but maybe that's actually not that surprising—part of the reason I haven't been as active in the fandom is that I really love the darker and more complex renditions of Billy Hargrove's character (a la "Quickly") and since S3 aired it seems like the fashion has moved more towards more lighthearted fluff (a la "Sunflower"). Still, both are pretty undemanding smut, so it makes sense that they're on top; similarly, I'm not surprised to see "Too Young To Fall In Love" in the top five either.

I am a little surprised that "We'll Become Who We Meant To Be" is #3—it's honestly close to genfic, there's only the tiniest moment of hinted-at attraction in there. I'm not mad about it, I honestly feel like it's one of my better efforts; on the other hand, "Wake Me Up" was in a similar vein and it's close to the bottom. I guess there's just no telling what's going to catch on...in fairness, a 25K outsider POV novella is a much bigger ask than a 3K short story.

Honestly, I'm probably most surprised at "When the Waters Start to Cross" cracking the top five—it's a 52K+ WIP and a profoundly complex atmospheric existential horror/romance, which is, like, five strikes against it. I'm not mad about it, though—I love that fic, even if it is a huge time and energy suck, and it definitely contains some of my best writing.

Do you respond to comments, why or why not?

I do! Sometimes it takes me a while, but I genuinely appreciate people taking the time to leave feedback (even if it's just a string of emoji!). And every once in a while I'll get really thoughtful or incisive comments that spark whole conversations—that's one of the best reasons to write fic!

What's the fic you've written with the angstiest ending?

Hmm...to be honest, nothing immediately comes to mind; I love angst but tend to want it to serve a purpose, i.e. it gets a character closer to who they want to be. So most of my endings are at least hopeful. *checks list* It looks like probably my angstiest ending is also my first fic posted, "Blue Masquerade". Poor Michael.

Do you write crossovers? If so what is the craziest one you've written?

I don't currently write crossovers; I wouldn't rule it out, but frankly I haven't come across an idea that appeals to me. Waaaaaay back in the mists of time I had a Daria/Harry Potter crossover that I was actually pretty proud of, but I got about as far as getting them to Hogwarts and then kinda ran out of ideas, so I never posted it.

Have you ever received hate on a fic?

Not that I can think of? I'm not big-time enough to get hate, haha. Worst I ever got was some rando asking for top or bottom tags, which I just ignored, and one person on "We'll Become" who was like "I don't like this pairing but you did a good job", which kinda had me like ??? thanks, I guess? I did get one comment on "Quickly, look away" from someone who felt like it was in a different headspace from the fic I wrote it as a sequel to, but that didn't strike me as hate, it's a perfectly fair observation.

Do you write smut? If so what kind?

So first off, yes, and second...I recently came across this great Garth Greenwell quote that really gets at what I'm trying to do when I write smut:

In America in 2019 we are inundated with images of bodies to an absolutely unprecedented degree—images of eroticized bodies, images of sexual bodies; the Internet makes all our fantasies visible, and it trains us in new fantasies. And yet it also seems to me that our culture suffers from a dearth of representations of embodiedness, by which I mean of bodies imbued with consciousness. I’m not at all antiporn, but sometimes pornography (maybe especially Internet pornography, with its arms race of extremity) seems to want to evacuate bodies of personhood, to present them as objects. I think literature is the best technology we have for representing consciousness, and so I think there’s a kind of intervention that literature can perform in representing sex explicitly: it can reclaim the sexual body as a site of consciousness.

"Embodied porn" is probably the best description I can come up with—I love writing sex precisely because it's such a charged form of communication (Greenwell's words again), because there are things a character can do and say in that context that they never would normally. Like, sex acts are great and all, but what really does it for me is what's going on in their head, what's the history that brought the character to this point, how're they handling the inherent vulnerability and intimacy of this incredibly risky but potentially rewarding moment. Kink (whether through roleplaying, props, costumes, or whatever) is really just another way of adding to that personal meaning, since without the characters' reactions any trappings are meaningless.

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know of!

Have you ever had a fic translated?

No, although I'd love to work with a translator someday (whether with fic or another context)—I'm fascinated by the inherent puzzles in translating between languages, especially with informal speech and its many idioms and cultural references.

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Not yet! I'd be open to the idea, but it definitely has to be with the right person...

What's your all time favorite ship?

Isn't that basically like asking a mom to choose her favorite kid? Seriously, I like different things about all of them...which one's getting the most attention depends entirely on mood and headspace and other effectively random variables.

What's a WIP that you want to finish but don't think you ever will?

I don't have any I've given up on entirely, yet. Even Waters, as beastly complicated as it is, I've been ruminating on and adding to and arranging in my head lately...

What are your writing strengths?

Atmosphere, character, dialogue. I've said it before, I'm a capital-R Romantic at heart: I love writing settings that reflect and reinforce a character's headspace—while also implying what said character might be missing in their viewpoint.

Something I've noticed—my husband worked for years as a penetration tester, which meant he would regularly have to talk his way past people on a moment's notice. So, unsurprisingly, we both notice people, but he tends to observe their presentation (clothing, accessories, especially ones that're markers of social class and group belonging that allow him to tailor his approach), whereas I notice what they say and how they say it—and, often, what they don't say.

What are your writing weaknesses?

I suddenly feel like I'm in a job interview, haha. Perfectionism is a big one—I have a tendency to feel hopeless and quit if something's taking too long, rather than persisting until I get it sorted, even though some of my best work is stuff where I persisted. Also, I'm big on emotional intensity—which isn't a bad thing, necessarily, but I sometimes read back over my stuff and I'm like "geez, Ambrosia, ease up a bit"...I could definitely use some comic relief in my writing sometimes, but I think I'm often too insecure to try it.

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?

I don't have any in particular—I rarely do it myself, because I don't trust myself to do it properly. (Perfectionism again!)

What was the first fandom you wrote for?

Daria, way back in the day. My work is still up on FF.net...sometimes I wonder if anyone's ever going to dig it up and confront me with it, haha. (I doubt anyone will ever care that much...I guess I'm more just curious if my style from twenty years ago is recognizably me.)

What's your favorite fic you've written?

If we're talking about finished fics, probably either "Wake Me Up" or "Young At Heart"—they're both pretty oddball, but both required a fuckton of work and both came out pretty close to what I wanted. But "Waters" is my biggest baby...maybe I'll open up Act III to work on today...

Thanks again for the tag, Ven! I'm going to tag @ihni, @redmyeyes, @twobrokenwyngs, @skybound2, @sambrosia, @shewritesdirty, @introvertia, @coffeeandchemicals, and @anarchist-billy—if you're up for some rumination, I'd love to hear your thoughts on your writing!

#author stuff #my writing #fanfic culture #about me #tag games

[skybound2]

Interwoven Footsteps

It takes them a while to get there. 

Six thousand years, give or take.

They wade through decades, centuries, millennia together. Floating and coasting and tripping around and between and into one another. Leaving a trail of interwoven footsteps like a double helix through eternity. An ebbing pattern of miracles and temptations; leaving subtle and not so subtle markers of their existence everywhere they go.  

On a couple, scared and uncertain, left to wander a bright new world filled with endless dangers and possibilities, with nothing but a fiery sword and a little bit of knowledge to guide them on their way. 

On a collection of young souls stolen from the midst of a cataclysmic flood and deposited - for better or worse - dry and warm and safe on the lower deck of an ark of singular make. They won’t all grow to be good and they won’t all grow to be bad, but they will all grow. 

On artisans and musicians. Thespians and writers. Those they inspire, inspire in turn. Painting the world forever after with the fruits of their labors and their loves. Twisting and turning colors into shapes, notes into songs, words into story upon story upon story. 

They spin through time, history trailing in their wake. They witness the good, the bad, the ugly, and all the in between.  

There is awe and wonder. There is want and there is need. There is worry and concern. There is longing and there is hope. There is joy and fear. There is pain. And there is loss. And there is love. 

So. Much. Love. 

Together - because they are never far apart, no matter the years or the miles between them - they see and feel and learn and experience and grow. So much. 

Until a day comes, some six thousand years in (or maybe in the blink of an eternal eye, depending on your point of view) they trudge across a finish line they never knew was waiting for them. Up and over and past the moment that the world would have, could have, maybe even should have (depending on who you asked), ended - but when it ultimately did not.

They cross it, and on the other side the world keeps on spinning, and humanity keeps on existing. 

They cross it, and they ride a bus, fingers brushing but not quite interlocking. (Not yet.)

They cross it, and experience life within one another’s skin and find that it’s as familiar as it is new.

They cross it. And after (there is an eternity of after available to them now) there are lunches and walks. Dinners and drives. Picnics and nightcaps. 

There are exuberant discussions, and there is carefree laughter. There is wine and tea and the quiet moments in between. 

And with each rotation of the moon about the earth and the earth about the sun, they drift closer together. A pair of celestial bodies letting gravity do what it does best.  

They don’t so much cross the next line, as crash through it. Same for the next, and the next, and the next. Brushing fingers become clasped hands become shared breaths becomes the soft slide of mouths and the heated press of skin against skin. Whispers and sighs, gasps and moans. 

There are confessions and promises. Apologies and forgiveness. Remorse, but also joy.  

So. Much. Joy. 

And as time and gravity work their magic, city parks and restaurants become village pubs and a private garden. A minimalist flat in Mayfair becomes a lovingly cluttered cottage by the sea.

But for all that time changes, it also preserves. 

So there is a mint-condition Bentley, nestled comfortably in a garage, taken out for regular jaunts on curving country roads. And there is a bookshop in Soho, happily closed to the public while it takes a well-earned holiday. 

And in a shared cottage by the sea, there are books stacked to the ceiling in carefully curated haphazard piles, and there are trembling houseplants growing vibrant and lush and green. Wandering amongst them, there is a hedonistic angel and a virtuous demon. And there is love. 

Always, there is love.  

It takes them a while to get there. But they get there.  

~End.

#good omens #ineffable husbands #aziraphale #aj crowley #Crowley #anthony j crowley #skybound2 writes #fanfiction #hey there folks! #who wants a COMPLETELY RANDOM ~700 word flash fic #that I JUST WROTE OUT OF NO WHERE? #hopefully you all do #because I'm posting it regardless #rating: t #for vague references to intimate moments #but that's all #really this is just a quick after midnight thing I wrote about these two #because I am OBSESSED and it doesn't seem to be fading #like AT ALL #hope you enjoy!

[hekate1308]

The Noise Of The Night

So I have only ever watched the first season of Game of Thrones - it’s just not for me. One thing I am decidedly not here for, though, is one of my most cherished mutuals feeling frustrated because of canon, and I know they like my writing, so I thought I’d try my best. @skybound2, hope you like it, and sorry to anyone who thinks this is OOC - like stated, I am far from an expert. Oh well. 

The calm after the storm had never rung more loudly in his ears. All the possibilities, all the beliefs, all the hopes he had been nurturing in the past few days, seemed to have been swept away by the news, by the knowledge of what was about to happen.

Cersei.

Cersei was in danger.

He should have known that he would never be free. Nor would she, for that matter. They had been born together; they had lived together; their first memories were of them sharing a bed. They had been everything to each other; and for a part of Jaime, his sister still was just that. Always would be.

The night grew louder as he prepared to leave, a voice piercing through his head, her voice, her voice laughing, crying, whispering his name in the forbidden darkness.

Jaime.

And then another voice broke through, a voice he had grown to cherish just as much, a voice that was not part of his blood or his soul like Cersei’s, but rather complimenting it, making him believe for a few moments that he might be a good man after all every time he heard it…

He looked at her as she cradled his face. He knew then that another reason why he was going back was that if there was one thing he deserved, the one just punishment for all he had done, was to go and die with Cersei, for whom he would have destroyed the Iron throne itself and taking all of King’s Landing with him in the process if she had demanded it of him. He had never been good for Brienne – he would never be good for her; even now he only saw pain in her eyes, pain that he was responsible for.

He had brought pain on so many.

Again, her voice rang through the turmoil. “Stay with me.”

He couldn’t. He wouldn’t.

Her hands fell from his face as her expression grew even sadder. “You are a good man, Jaime Lannister. Do not go back to her. Stay with me.”

He shook his head. “You don’t – you don’t know the things I have done.”

“She is –“

“She is hateful, and so am I.”

“So what?” she challenged him. “So you don’t think you should stay? Why? As some form of punishment?”

His expression must have given him away, for she quietly added, “That’s part of it, then.” She drew herself up. “And you don’t think that it would be a more fitting punishment to stay?”

The night was still screaming at him. “I don’t understand.”

“What good is punishment if you cannot learn anything from it? Why would you die a bad man instead of doing your best to become a good one, if you don’t believe you have chosen the right path already?”

“But…” he trailed off. Cersei, Cersei, Cersei, something yelled in his veins; but he couldn’t look away from Brienne, and it was almost as if the voice dragging him back had grown quieter… “So you would sentence me to… live?”

She nodded, cradling his face once more. “What better punishment than to have to keep struggling?” Something like a smile tugged at her lips, the lips he had been kissing so recently… “And you know what they say. The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. I can’t see why I shouldn’t be the one to do the swinging – after all, if a woman can be a knight…”

“Then what would you do?” he asked, the voice growing ever more distant, the pounding in his blood receding. He was beginning to understand.

“I would have to make sure you do what you set out to do, wouldn’t I? For a lifetime, if it was necessary.”

A lifetime.

His arms circled her waist. A lifetime. A life lived trying to do better than he had, resisting temptation, the call of his blood. His knight, coming to save him. It would be a struggle; it would always be a struggle. Even if she were dead and gone, Cersei would still be beckoning from deep inside himself; but that was a battle for another moment, for many other moments.

For now, the night had grown quiet again.

#got #jaime lannister #brienne of tarth #braime #jaime x brienne #i had to google those names to make sure i spelled them right #def not putting this under the writing tag just wanted to make a friend happy

[darth-salem-emperor-of-earth]

Three Questions

Thank you for the tag, @briarfox13!

I tag: @chenria, @tessa1972, @julikidmxns, @commander-krios, @bewitched-elf, @skybound2, @celticaurora, @jeannedarcprice, @alyssalenko​, and anyone else who wants to do this! 

Pet Peeve: People who don’t listen to their voicemails or read the emails I send them carefully and call me, asking why I called or email them. I hate repeating myself necessarily, especially when I took the time to write a detailed email or a leave a clear voicemail for them regarding the nature of my call. 

Last Person You Heard Talking: If this means a physical person who is near me, then it’s my mom. Otherwise, then it’s Starset from their song “Echo”. 

Thing I’m Tempted To Do: Write, play video games, and create more OCs. XD And also eat some popcorn. 

#About me

[misscamthenorwegian]

21 Questions Meme

Rules: Answer 21 questions and then tag 21 people who you want to get to know better!

I was tagged by skybound2.

Nickname: Cam

Zodiac: Pieces

Height: 1,65m

Last movie I saw: The documentary about the Fyre Festival on Netflix.

Last thing googled: “teleportation circles pathfinder: kingmaker”

Favorite musician: Nick Cave

Song stuck in my head: Running to the Sea

Other blogs: Not really. Haven’t been active on LJ or DW for years. I post a little on Facebook and Twitter

Do I get asks: Occasionally, yes. Got more in the past when I was more active in fandom.

How many followers?: 2,500 or so.

Amount of sleep: 6-7 hours on a normal day. Bit more on weekends.

Lucky Number: 2

What I’m wearing: Fluffy, warm socks, comfy pants, a t-shirt, an old purple sweater, underwear.

Dream job: Hum. A well-paid writing job, perhaps.

Dream Trip: I’d love to see Machu Picchu.

Favorite food: Skrei (the Northeast Atlantic cod), especially the eggs. Cook ‘em, eat them with butter and potato. Delicious!

Play an instrument: I once knew how to play a recorder and the guitar, but not these days, no.

Languages: Norwegian, English and a bit of French.

Random Fact: I read really, really fast.

Describe yourself as aesthetic things: cats, sharks, fluffy socks, turkisk pepper, video games, hot showers, dragons, tea, books, romantic, teaching, nature, stuffed animals, sleeping in, Norway I tag (just randomly hit letters and saw who came up, so there you are): @avelera, @islndgurl777, @rebeccapearson, @jazzymbf, @leaiorganas, @lumadreamland, @maggieblueberry, @narniangriff23, @omgkatsudonplease, @phdelicious, @ramblingkitten, @rebeccabunchs, @saralnc, @selenay936, @seariderfalcon, @thefairylights, @tardislight, @universallongings, @vanessahudgens, @winterfelsdaughter, @zeppvixen

#meme #me

[theprairienerd]

Fanfiction Writers Appreciation Day: Dragon Age Edition

So yesterday was Fanfiction Writers Appreciation Day, a day where we as consumers of fan-made content show our appreciation for those that take the time to write stories that extend universes, fill in gaps, and leave us wanting more. And since I am always a slut for good fanfics and making lists, I have put together a collection of my all-time favorite works of fanfiction. I decided to split up the fandoms, because having them all together in one post made Tumblr mad. I also tried to get them all done by the 21st, but the universe conspired against me. So I’ll be posting different lists for different fandoms throughout the week.

Ah, Dragon Age.... Will I ever be able to climb out of the dumpster that is your fandom? Probably not. Quick disclaimer: most of the descriptions for these fics come from an older post of mine on my old blog. I’m just too damn lazy to rewrite everything from scratch. 

Now, onto the fics!!!

A Child Unexpected by @skybound2

A much-needed vacation to Seheron leads to several lifestyle changes. Then Zevran shows up… quickly followed by the Grey Wardens. One of the first Dragon Age fics I can remember reading and an excellent read at that. 

Eye of the Storm by @msbarrows

A recently unpossessed Anders throws himself at the mercy of the Prince of Starkhaven in hopes of a quick death. Sebastian has other plans in mind. Sebanders (Anderastion?) is a pairing I would have never even thought of until this incredible fic.

Fen’harel Enansal by SkilledWarriorKiwi

Lavellan’s daughter often gets into trouble but her wolf protector is always there to save her. One of the first Solavellan fics I read. The ending is bittersweet and gives me all the feels. 

Gentrification, or How Not To Be A Sow's Ear by StrangeGibbon

Hawke is invited to a fancy shindig and asks Fenris to help her with the finer points of high society. Which would work out, if only they didn’t want to kill each other.

Guide Me Home by Waiting4Morning

When Justice ups and leaves Anders, it leaves the mage with no memories of the past ten years. Now out of options, Hawke must drag the amnesiac mage back to the Wardens before the Templars catch him. This fic is beautiful you guys. If you love Hawke / Anders as much as I do, then this fic is for you!

Here, Here I Quake by @bluekrishna101

Former rock god turned sweater-vest wearing recluse Solas is drawn out of his shell by Ellana Lavellan and her band, the Inquisition. One of my favorite AUs. Like holy crapola it’s amazing.

Homecoming by @lavellanpls

Lilith honestly thought that over for a moment—maybe if she moved somewhere too far for them to travel? Kept a pet dragon? Rescheduled for after she died?—but caved in the end with a groan of defeat. “No, let them come. Better to get it over with now.”

Clan Lavellan visits Skyhold. Mayhem ensues. This fic is the greatest. Please read it guys. 

Joy and Humility by @lafaiette

You know meeting the future in-laws isn’t going to end well when your name is Pride and your future father-in-law's name is freakin’ Humility.

Lafaiette is amazing and so is this fic. Go read it, you guys!

Ma Uthlath by @geeky-jez 

It’s Future!Thedas and Solas sees a woman who looks an awful lot like his vhenan. I cried. It’s good.

Mistakes by Cadsuane

Maric attempts to rectify his worst-father-of-the-year status by recognizing Alistair as his son and actually raising him. Explores Alistair’s life from an unloved bastard to a royal one. 

No Labor Like Love by @loquaciousquark

Fenris gets Hawke preggers. Hawke and Co. cope as best as they can. Fenris stresses. Hilarity ensues. 

Savior of the Dammed by @littleblue-eyedbird

Set sometime after Trespasser, a non-Inquisitor Lavellan finds a near dead Solas in the woods. Against her better judgment, she takes him back to her clan to care for him. This fic is on-going and is one of my current fave Solavellan fics.

Tell Me What the Wolf Knows by Madame_Snarf

A stifled sob escaped his lips, as he covered his eyes with his palm trying to not to weep. How could this be? What kind of cruel, sick joke was this? She unknowingly called out to him, unwittingly was drawn to him by reason of his being an outcast and then sought comfort in his image, even as a betrayer and trickster.

After the events of Inquisition, Solas finds a nice spot to take a nap. He is surprised to find that the memories the place holds contain a very familiar face. 

The Final Conversation by David Gaider

David Gaider, the former lead writer for Bioware and the writer for Dorian Pavus, recently posted this fanfic (which is pretty much canon fight me) about Dorian having a heart to heart with his estranged and recently deceased father. It’s very moving and because it’s David Freaking Gaider it’s also beautifully written.

The Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation Center by @feynites

Ehem. “The one where Lavellan runs a wildlife rehabilitation place and Solas is a secret magical shape-shifter who gets injured and brought in and falls in love with his rescuer.” 

Sera runs Solas over with her car. Twice.

Unwanted by @randomcheeses

Lavellan is a sacrifice to the Dread Wolf who in turn takes responsibility for her. Mentions of past rape just a heads up. It sounds really gloomy but it’s actually not. Just read it.

#IF ANYONE ON THIS LIST HAD A TUMBLR AND WASN’T TAGGED PLEASE LET ME KNOW #Fanfiction Writers Appreciation Day #Dragon Age #fanfiction #The Prairie Nerd Posts #long post