#does baz have a tag?????

[goldfish-or-smthing]

this scene is actually really sad. baz's face at the end?!? also baz queer hints?!

#this is my first time making gifs with text so these might be really bad LMAO #if you have tips pls lmk #ted lasso #does baz have a tag????? #baz #mae #ted lasso spoilers

[otherworldsivelivedin]

Thank you for the tag @forabeatofadrum, and also a shout out to @aristocratic-otter, who still tags me 🥰

IN HONOUR OF ACTUALLY WRITING SNOWBAZ AGAIN… —cue scattered applause

AND COMPLETING NANOWRIMO… —cue above average standing ovation

Here is a snippet of my FINALLY FULLY WRITTEN Watford Wonderland:

(Any excuse for a messy drunk Baz.)

These last few chapters are for you @starwarned 🥰 (or they will be, once they’ve been beta’d, right now they’re no good for anyone)

Assuming everyone has been tagged, I don’t really know, so here’s to those I know are writing: @captain-aralias @martsonmars @scone-lover @cutestkilla @mostlymaudlin @ivelovedhimthroughworse @tea-brigade @mrskrementz @bookish-bogwitch

#wip wednesday #snowbaz #what tags are people even using these days? #hello I have returned from hell #baz pitch #Simon snow #why does this feel nerve wracking #it’s been a year that’s probably why #help #my tumblr is suggesting ronan and Adam I know babies mamas sorry #work in progress wednesday #my writing #Simon snow series #tyrannus basilton grimm pitch

[tyrannuspitch]

i know co is a romance novel so it's not THAT weird but it is still kind of weird to me that as far as i can tell, my silly little story about baz and mordelia is one of only ~3 (depending how generous we're being with categorisation) genuine gen fics about baz and his siblings on ao3. like..... three. THREE??? in SEVEN YEARS???

#i wrote that thing in like a single day! i didn't realise it was an ENDANGERED SPECIES! this is too much responsibility! #i know the romance is fun but truly does no-one simply want to write about a fucked up little family with me :(... #like you click on the baz & delia tag and you're like okay. 35 / 8500. respectable since she's such a minor character #but then you try to filter out the ones that are actually just snowbaz with delia present #and. um. hmm. okay times are harder than we thought #btw if you don't go here: none of the other siblings have relationship tags bc they didn't even get names until a/w/twb let alone lines #there isn't even a baz & siblings tag. just baz & delia #carry on

[you-remind-me-of-the-babe]

Happy Wednesday friends! I’ve got 15 teaching days left and boy am I ready for summer vacation! 😎

I’m currently writing the fourth chapter of my time travel AU, Back and Back and Back. @cutestkilla and @emeryhall are graciously beta reading for me and thanks to their help, the first two chapters are shape up nicely. 🙏🏻

Here’s a little something from chapter 2 (no, chapter 1 is not posted yet, but I’ve already shared a good amount from it.) An older Simon is visiting ten year old Baz while he’s taking a breather from Malcolm and Daphne’s wedding:

I think about some of the comments I heard the guests making tonight. Discussions about babies and starting a family. Which feels like such an odd thing to say, because Father’s already got a family. Or at least part of one. That isn’t really starting is it?

I tell him a little of what I overheard tonight and he listens intently again without interrupting. He doesn’t give me sad pity eyes like so many other grown ups when they talk to me about things like dead mums. I like that about him. He treats me more normally than just about anyone else.

“Well,” he starts, “I don’t have any siblings myself, so I can’t really speak from experience. But I always thought it would be cool to have a little brother or sister.”

“Really?” I tilt my head, looking up at him.

“Mmm. I think it’d be nice to have someone to look after. Someone you’d always have in your corner. And they’d have you.”

Baby Baz owns my heart. As does an older Simon being nice to him ♥️

Tags/thanks/hello to @cutestkilla @emeryhall @artsyunderstudy @facewithoutheart @whatevertheweather @thewholelemon @raenestee @aristocratic-otter @valeffelees @ivelovedhimthroughworse @ileadacharmedlife @bookish-bogwitch @shrekgogurt @orange-peony @letraspal @nightimedreamersworld @run-for-chamo-miles @roomwithanopenfire @rimeswithpurple @iamamythologicalcreature @prettygoododds @monbons @blackberrysummerblog @that-disabled-princess @best--dress @brendughh @drowninginships @lookinforavampire @mooncello @hushed-chorus

#back and back and back #my writing #carry on fanfiction #simon snow #baz pitch #snowbaz

[blackberrysummerblog]

So many more than six sentences and not quite Sunday

On the heels of my sad!post, here’s something hopefully more fun: a bit from my never-ending WIP, the married-bythe-crucible au I’ve had in drafts for over a year. This snippet isn’t newly written and I’m crossing my fingers that I haven’t posted it before. I’m actually just going to post a huge fat chunk so there will probably be at least something new. Aaaand if I’ve posted the whole snippet before, no I didn’t 😢 It’s under a cut for mild spice. Thanks for the Wednesday tags @youarenevertooold @aristocratic-otter @confused-bi-queer @artsyunderstudy and @valeffelees!

Snow runs into the bedroom ahead of me, turning at the last moment to hurl himself onto his back on the bed. He’s cackling wildly. “Their faces!” he wheezes, clutching his stomach and kicking his heels on the duvet. His wings stretch up and out, then curl in and fold themselves neatly.

I lock the door and cast a silencing spell around the room.

“Oh Merlin.” He pushes up on his elbows to look at me, his eyes shining with mirth. “When you came out with, “the pitter patter of little claws on the Italian marble’...” He drops back onto the bed and gasps for breath.

Smirking, I approach slowly, acutely aware that neither of us is wearing any more than short swim trunks and t-shirts, and the paltry quantity of fabric is suddenly seeming far less than adequate to keep us out of mischief. “It’s not that they believed any of it,” I tell him, reaching out to place a hand on his bare foot. He’s still cooler than usual, from the pool. I love him singularly.

Snow must have closed his eyes for a moment, because when he lifts his head again to regard me, he’s squinting at me with just one eye. “It’s that you sided with me. To make a joke at their expense. They’re gobsmacked.”

Crowley. Simon Snow is completely thick, but now this. He’s understood exactly. “It’s unforgivable,” I murmur, but I’m smiling, partly because he’s laughing again and it’s contagious, and partly because I’m stroking the top of his foot with my thumb, and it’s skin touch close Simon love and unbearable more ache die. I’m falling into myself while being inescapably yanked toward him, as surely as a Crucible joining.

I climb up onto the bed and Simon's feet slide apart readily, making room for me to crawl between his legs. I do, putting a hand on one bent knee while pressing a kiss to a mole on the other. Snow’s eyes are closed but he smiles in a way that almost seems smug; he wriggles back and forth for a moment as though preening under my attention. “You like that?” I murmur, deliberately keeping my eyes above the drawstring of his (my) exceedingly small swimming trunks. He whines when I push his shirt up as far as it will go and begin my ascent, one mole at a time: one on his hip, two like small round twins just beside his navel, and on and on. He hitches at each touch of my lips, but otherwise remains silent until I reach the one right at the edge of his left nipple.

“Baz,” he whines, reaching for me. And Crowley, I’m weak, because I lower myself onto his chest and nuzzle into his neck, kissing and mouthing at any available space I find. He’s everything. I can’t believe that this is a thing people feel, this all-consuming need for another person, and that he’s letting me be this near to him. One of my hands cups the back of his head while the other grips his waist, kneading him as he squirms beneath me. “Baz,” he says again.

I push myself up, hating myself for the wreck I must look. “What, Snow?”

His cheeks redden, and of course that only makes me want him more. Everything he does makes me want him more. “I just like saying your name,” he stammers, eyes shifting away from my face. “It makes me feel...closer to you.”

“Oh.” I hear the softening in my own voice.

“Baz?”

“Yes?”

“I like you a lot.” It’s a small statement, murmured quietly, yet it feels momentous. “Really, really a lot.” Simon reaches up, taking my face between his hands. They’re warm now, I notice dimly. “No one’s ever treated me the way you do. Like I’m...valuable. I know that sounds stupid,” he adds defensively, his fingers tensing along my cheekbones as he juts his chin up at me.

Valuable. Treasured. Cherished. Beloved. All true, and all so difficult to surmount the sincerity of; it may well kill me. But I lower my face to kiss the side of his eye; as it flutters closed I feel his lashes against my cheek. “You are valuable, Simon,” I choke out, despising every word and the vulnerability the confession inflicts upon me. “You’re the most precious thing I’ve ever known.”

His smile feels legendary, the way it lights me up from the inside. I’m so hopelessly, hopelessly lost. And then his legs wrap around the back of my knees, followed by his tail, pressing our hips close together. Oh.

Have a great week everyone! No pressure tagging: @rimeswithpurple @papierhaikuphoto @nightimedreamersworld @aristocratic-otter @valeffelees @c0nsumemy5oul @alexalexinii @prettygoododds @you-remind-me-of-the-babe @nausikaaa @thewholelemon @supercutedinosaurs @youarenevertooold @cows4247 @larkral @confused-bi-queer @asocialpessimist @aceumbrellaheroes @cutestkilla @hushed-chorus @stitchy-queerista @ic3-que3n @raenestee @bookish-bogwitch @forabeatofadrum @ivelovedhimthroughworse @orange-peony @thehoneyedhufflepuff @bazzybelle @theotherhufflepuff @iamamythologicalcreature @ionlydrinkhotwater @fatalfangirl @facewithoutheart @palimpsessed @letraspal @stardustasincocaine @whogaveyoupermission @onepintobean @wellbelesbian @j-nipper-95 @ileadacharmedlife @imagineacoolusername @sailorblossoms

#six sentence sunday #snowbaz #simon snow #baz pitch #carry on #simon snow series #married by the crucible #crucible au #au #wip

[monbons]

WIP Wednesday

Thanks for the tag @rimeswithpurple. Baby Baz and Dev are so cute I want to pinch their little cheeks! (And that little skating outfit is perfect!)

I have no real progress to report on the new WIP. I started a chapter. It is a mess, but first drafts are supposed to be terrible, yes?

Instead, let’s play a game. For those who've kept up with The Eternal Life of Baz Pitch, you can find a snippet of Chapter 7 past Baz under the cut. Can you fill in the blanks correctly?

“Call me by my name or call me nothing at all.” “Your name?” The dark’s eyes are wide and playful. “Why does one even need a name?” “Surely you have one,” Baz scoffs, narrowing his eyes at the dark. “What is it? Lucifer? Hades? Beelzebub?” “You wound me,” the dark feigns heartbreak. “I was certain you’d be more original than your predecessors when you finally addressed me formally.” Baz arches an eyebrow. He’d always suspected he was dealing with some kind of devil, but to have it confirmed? Then again, this might be another of the dark’s games. He is so fond of unsettling him.  “[Redacted],” Baz states plainly, arms crossed.  The dark tilts his head. He waits.  “Your name is [redacted].” Baz repeats.

(Games need prizes but I'm not sure what to offer, so feel free to also make suggestions with your guess...)

Hellos and high fives! @thewholelemon, @raenestee, @roomwithanopenfire, @bookish-bogwitch, @cutestkilla

@valeffelees, @drowninginships, @emeryhall, @iamamythologicalcreature, @hushed-chorus

@beastmonstertitan, @fiend-for-culture, @larkral, @you-remind-me-of-the-babe, @aristocratic-otter

@arthurkko, @best--dress, @brilla-brilla-estrellita, @shrekgogurt, @ic3-que3n

@rbkzz, @ivelovedhimthroughworse, @run-for-chamo-miles, @youarenevertooold, @noblecorgi

@skee3000, @comesitintheclover, @supercutedinosaurs, @thehoneyedhufflepuff, @artsyunderstudy

#the dark is back #baz is over it #if you aren't caught up you should probably avoid this post entirely... #i haven't been subtle with the foreshadowing #the eternal life of baz pitch #addie larue x snowbaz #baz pitch #simon snow #carry on fanfiction #wip wednesday

[mooncello]

Thanks for the tags @artsyunderstudy (queuing up some star trek snowbaz for tonight) and @you-remind-me-of-the-babe (simply cannot wait for this fic to premiere). And thanks to everyone who has tagged me recently. I've been quiet for a few weeks. Life and work and mental health shit, but also I got so very stuck with both my wips. I invested a lot of creative energy into lost boys and then got ... lost tbh. Burned out. All the joy got sucked out, which broke my heart. It's on a shelf right now. I'll return to it (that Baz is very precious to me) but I need a break. I can't bear to look at it atm.

And then! My COBB decided to set fire to my original outline and go off on an unanticipated hike through the woods without a map. No nav equipment. I'm not even confident it knows which star is north. It's just ... wandering around with zero fucks about due dates or timelines, which has sent me into a panic spiral. My one wip is an angsty teenager who has shut himself in his room and refuses to talk (and like same dude), and the other thinks they're Bear Grylls with the survival instincts of a spoiled house cat. EPIC TIMES.

So I started a new wip. (Obviously.)

I needed something fun. Joyful. Something that reminded me why I like writing in the first place. And my boys Dev and Niall fucking showed up, and I'm halfway done with a lil Watford-era, canon divergent wip from their perspectives. It's the most self-indulgent thing I have ever written, and I'm having a blast. Eternal love to my fellow Dev/Niall stan and comrade (and beta!) @valeffelees, and to @bookish-bogwitch and @thewholelemon for cheering this fic on. And thanks to @iamamythologicalcreature and @best--dress for chatting about craft and process and validating that sometimes projects need rest and restoration, and breaks are a natural part of creativity.

Short snip of untitled deniall fic below the cut:

Niall POV, Watford, year 7

“You’re the worst, Niall.” I grin. “So you always say.” I stretch my arms up and flex my fingers before interlacing them behind my head. “And yet you keep running to me for advice.” Dev’s nostrils flare, and there’s a very real moment I think he’s gonna punch me in the shoulder, but then his face splits into a sharp, crooked smile, and he shucks off his blazer. He tosses it toward his bed, but it only partially makes it and falls to the floor.   “You give the best advice,” Dev says, and I see the flash of his tongue piercing. “You’re so practical.”  He begins undressing. Casual, unhurried movements, until his entire school uniform is a wrinkled bundle on his bed, sans jacket which is still on the floor, and he’s rooting around his dresser in nothing but pants and socks. The light from the late afternoon sun cuts through our window of Mummers, casting him in muted orange and amber. He does this all the time. Mindlessly strips in front of me. We don’t have an ensuite like Baz does (the lucky bastard), and Dev has always been comfortable in his body. He’s open and confident in a way that makes my chest ache. I wish I were more like that, but I’m sinew and bone whereas Dev is polish and muscle. Half the time I feel like something the cat drags in, and Dev, well … Dev’s the cat.

tags and hellos 🩵 @drowninginships, @run-for-chamo-miles, @youarenevertooold, @blackberrysummerblog, @orange-peony

@hushed-chorus, @whatevertheweather, @shrekgogurt, @cutestkilla, @facewithoutheart

@you-remind-me-of-the-babe, @artsyunderstudy, @emeryhall, @rimeswithpurple, @shemakesmeforget

@raenestee, @skeedelvee, @rbkzz

#dev pitch my beloved #niall my geeky love #deniall #carry on #carry on fanfiction #my writing #wipsday

[sailorblossoms]

I keep finding new ways to say "Simon's romantic jealousy is always centered exclusively on Baz, he only cares about him in that way" (last few have been with comments and tags reminding me of lines and scenes so this is is a team effort)

When Simon is faced with the possibility of Agatha wanting someone else, he doesn't care at all. It's "not his job to judge Agatha," his job is just "to be his boyfriend" which is absolutely Simon revealing that he feels like dating her is a job he's just supposed to do. Like it's a chore – most of us don't like doing chores! They're tiring and tedious! ("I waited until Agatha gave up on me" is indicative of "I felt like I wanted out, but I didn't want to be the one ending it, so I waited until she ended it" which also implies you're waiting for it to end) (I'm saying Simon wanted to break up, if that's not clear, even if he's not identifying that, even if he wants things – like home and security – that make it harder to go through with it). I mean, he's essentially saying "if Agatha wants to cheat on me that's none of my business." He is uninterested in talking through anything with her. He's immediately ready to move on (except in situations when he sees her as competition).

With Baz? He can't let it go. Baz is practically admitting he's a vampire and that Agatha caught him doing a little vampirism, and Simon doesn't hear it because he can't move past "Did you have to hold her hands???" They don't have a relationship yet – Simon has yet to figure out he wants Baz like that. What Baz does in this area of his life shouldn't be his business at that point, but Simon wants to make it his business. If Simon catches Baz in a potentially romantic situation with someone else, he wants Baz to explain himself. He can't move on.

Penny is like "Don't you want to know why your girlfriend was snogging your sworn nemesis?" or something, and Simon doesn't give a fuck about the idea of Agatha wanting to kiss someone else. He doesn't even register it. Instead, he focuses on Baz: "I didn't swear any oath" or something, as if Penny is exaggerating about how serious that "nemesis" business is. (Get this: even if Simon keeps telling you Baz is supposed to be his nemesis, the moment someone else says it, he resists it. Just like how he fights the idea of anyone knowing Baz better than him [wanting to be close] he fights the idea of Baz being seriously an enemy [resisting being apart] which already tells you he doesn't truly want to fight Baz – he's looking for other things when he picks up fights with him – hence why it takes him a nanosecond to admit "I like rolling around kissing as boyfriends so much better than fighting, let's just do that")

When he thinks Baz is going to be alone with someone who he believes is into Baz, someone he mistakenly Baz wants to kiss? he sure as fuck can't move on from that either. He's running after the car, infiltrating the apartment, and attacking the other guy the moment he gets in Baz's personal space.

#simon snow #snowbaz #baz pitch #carry on #simon snow trilogy #baz grimm pitch #baz x simon #awtwb #wayward son

[artsyunderstudy]

Six So Many Sentences Sunday

Hey friends I hope everyone's having a great weekend. I am a kitten dangling adorably from a tree branch over here. Just hangin' in there.

I've made progress on the next chapter of Apres, and it is suffering from a very very common issue I have at the mid-point of pretty much every chaptered fic I've ever written, in that its going to be significantly longer than all the other chapters. Like, potentially twice as long.

Could I split it? Probably. Will I? Probably not. I like to stick to my little arcs. I already chose chapter titles, so ya'll just have to grin and bear it.

I think it's also just a thing that happens with my favorite chapters because they are generally complex. I simply did not anticipate this fic being over 15k. But, well, I don't know why I keep pretending that I can be brief.

Here are a few of my favorite things.

When my muscles start to convulse with more shivers he holds me tighter. It does help; feeling is creeping slowly back into my limbs. I’m so tired, though. My eyes feel heavy, and I find myself sinking more and more into him, into the scant heat still radiating off his body. Compared to me, he’s on fire. His chest is broad and soft, and his chin is digging a little into my shoulder. His breath is in my hair.  I'm in danger of drifting off when I hear his voice. It’s so quiet I’m not convinced he wants to be heard. “You’re not my enemy, Baz,” he says. “You never have been.” I open my mouth to say … I don’t know what. ‘That can’t be true.’ or ‘Haven’t we been punishing each other ever since we met?’ or ‘Doesn’t this feel completely insurmountable?’ Or perhaps, ‘I never wanted to be your enemy either. I wanted both of us to be better.’ My mouth closes again. But my hands, folded between his chest and mine, find the wrinkled fabric of his ratty shirt. They take hold. I can blame it on the cold.

Tags and hellos under the cut!

@stitchyqueer @rimeswithpurple @imagineacoolusername  @martsonmars  @valeffelees  @ileadacharmedlife  @aristocratic-otter  @letraspal  @palimpsessed  @whatevertheweather  @nightimedreamersworld @carryonsimoncarryonbaz  @raenestee  @moodandmist  @shrekgogurt  @whogaveyoupermission @onepintobean @captain-aralias  @prettygoododds @ivelovedhimthroughworse @mysterioussheep @c0nsumemy5oul @facewithoutheart @j-nipper-95 @alexalexinii @iamamythologicalcreature @supercutedinosaurs @best--dress @messofthejess @mooncello @orange-peony @chen-chen-chen-again-chen @bookish-bogwitch @confused-bi-queer @youarenevertooold @that-disabled-princess @you-remind-me-of-the-babe @theearlgreymage @blackberrysummerblog @nausikaaa @thewholelemon @cutestkilla @emeryhall @hushed-chorus @forabeatofadrum @roomwithanopenfire @noblecorgi @monbons @run-for-chamo-miles

#artsyfic #six sentence sunday #snowbaz fic #breaking down baz's walls one snuggle at a time

[orange-peony]

Thanks for tagging me on Sunday @alexalexinii, @hushed-chorus and @you-remind-me-of-the-babe!

I've been working on my fic for the @drarry-mini-bang, but unfortunately I can't share it yet. I've also been desperately trying to finish something for the @erotic-grope-fest which started off as a drabble for a the tropes ask.

Here's a snippet:

I know he can see me better than I can see him. I know all about him. I remember the way he felt against my lips, that night when he set the woods on fire. I can still recall the way he tasted. The way I held him under the stars. The smell of smoke and the crackling of the fire behind me. The way nothing else mattered, only the feeling of Baz in my arms, crying and clinging to me. He shivers, and I snap out of my reverie. “It’s cold,” I say gruffly. “You take the bed.” “I’m not letting you sleep on the floor, Snow,” he replies, like he always does. It’s a careful dance we’ve crafted over weeks and months. I still wait for him to say it, because I don’t have the courage to do it myself (I wonder if I lost it when I lost myself). “Your bed can fit two grown men.” And then, “Come here. We’ll keep each other warm.”  I wonder what will happen when the days grow longer and warmer. Will there be no more excuse for this, and I’ll have to sleep on the cold floor, then?

Tagging (apologies if you've already done it, I am scheduling the post): @pato-roldnart, @bubble-gumhead, @artsyunderstudy, @larkral, @cutestkilla, @hushed-chorus, @alexalexinii, @you-remind-me-of-the-babe, @rimeswithpurple, @regretfulcorrine, @excalisbury, @littlewinnow, @basiatlu, @martsonmars, @thewholelemon, @letraspal, @crazybutgood, @okay-sky, @fatalfangirl @facewithoutheart, @imagineacoolusername, @blackberrysummerblog, @tea-brigade, @ivelovedhimthroughworse, @ebbpettier, @captain-aralias @leithillustration, @vukovich and @peachpety.​

#wip wednesday #snowbaz #egf 2024 #my writing #this is going to be called #all of the king's horses

[blainesebastian]

milestones

words: 1,381 ship: austin butler x reader summary: (anon request): “can you do one where reader decorates her and Austin’s apartment to celebrate his Oscar nomination? maybe something like baking a cake, or setting up balloons bc celebrating milestones is important“  notes: thanks for the sweet request :)  warnings: none tag list: @killerqueenfan, @karamelcoveredolicity, @elizabethrosecresswell, @gigisworldsstuff, @stylesmendeshearted, @rairaielv,

You and Austin are perfectly aware of how busy life can get—both of you dove into acting at a young age and it’s been a passion and commitment ever since. If you’re not currently on a film set, you’re preparing for a role, or investing your time and energy into research, going to auditions, meeting with directors or producers, having your publicist and agent line you up for interviews, events, the works. It’s constant and all-consuming and you’ve learned that you have to take time to breathe, to slow down, to check in with yourself and loved ones because if you don’t, things are capable of flying right by you.

It's important to celebrate milestones.

Which is why you’re attempting to bake a cake for Austin.

As you’ve told practically anyone who will listen, your boyfriend is one of the most hard working people you know. And yes, you definitely like to humble-brag about it. The thing is, Austin deserves to be recognized—not just for Elvis, but for every single project he touches. He puts his entire heart and soul into what he does and it comes through on screen and not only that, he’s incredibly kind and thoughtful to anyone he works with, any interviews he might give, or any fan he runs into on the street.

You really can’t say enough.

So when he calls you about that Oscar nomination? You practically scream right in the middle of the grocery store. You’re unbelievably happy and proud of him, can hear the tears in his eyes coming through the roughness of his voice as he speaks to you on the phone about how he can’t quite believe it.

Regardless that it’s taking some time to settle in for him, you know exactly what to do and make it your mission to make sure he knows how much he deserves this upon coming home. He’s out for drinks with Baz, his publicist, something he invited to you but you had originally declined because you were busy with work. Unknowingly, things with your agent wrapped up sooner than you expected so you were getting some much needed grocery shopping done. Hearing this news though? The perfect segway into getting the apartment decorated as a surprise for when Austin comes home.

You should have about a two hour window, he was just meeting Baz when he called you in the store. And in theory? It’s plenty of time for what you’re trying to do. You know it’s probably really corny but you got these gold streamers to hang on the fireplace in the living room along with the golden speckled sparkle balloons floating against the ceiling down the hallway until you reach the kitchen. There’s a banner, too, a simple congrats! hanging across the expansive windows behind and above the couch.

Probably too much but you can’t be worried about that right now—you’re concerned about this cake and the time you’re losing, trying to make sure this is as close to perfect as you can get. Except…

“The cake is flat.”

Your mom kinda hovers over the phone, definite confusion in the silence, “Flat?”

Lord, this is why you don’t bake, “Yeah, it’s—I dunno. I followed all the directions to a T.”

She hums, “Did you preheat the oven?”

You crinkle your nose because no, you…you swore that was a thing you could totally do without. Isn’t that optional? “I didn’t think that was like…something you had to do,” And ugh, now you feel like an idiot because the cake batter has essentially cooked at a half-ass temperature for a half-ass length of time. “My friend Suzanne never preheats her oven and her baked goods come out perfect.”

“That’s because she pretends her store-bought cupcakes are right from her kitchen, dear.”

You crinkle your nose but then can’t help but laugh…actually, that would explain a lot.

Leaning against the counter, you switch your phone from one ear to the other, listening for a moment to make sure your boyfriend isn’t home yet, “I dunno what I’m going to do—Austin will be home soon and this was supposed to be a surprise, not a letdown.”

“I’d say a half-baked cake is definitely a surprise.”

“Mom,” You whine and her soft laugh filters through the speaker before she tells you how to adjust the oven to fix and finish the cake.

You feel…kinda confident? When all is said and done and the oven beeps. You’re able to take it out and let it cool for a little as you whip icing together. At least you can taste that throughout to make sure it’s not an utter disaster and, well, at the end of the day it’s the thought that counts right? Telling yourself that a few times, you begin to icing the cake and hum a bit to yourself…you’re pretty sure the bottom is a little burnt. You shake your head, setting it back on the counter once you’re done with the icing. At this point, you’re just hoping it’s edible.

“Yikes,” You mutter to yourself and then hear the front door open.

Eyes widening, you scurry out from around the counter and into the hallway, grinning when Austin has the door all the way open.

“Surprise!”

And your boyfriend blinks because he’s barely come inside, toeing off his shoes and taking his jacket off as the door closes, “What?” He laughs lightly and then looks up, the balloons against the ceiling, leading down to the streamers and signs and admittedly you’re smiling the entire time, watching as he takes it all in.

Following him into the living room, you curl your hair around your ear, “Congrats.”

There’s this moment where Austin shakes his head, emotion playing with the blue of his eyes and he runs his hand along his lower jaw before he turns to look at you. In one swift motion he picks you up, a laugh startling from your lips as you slide down his body and you’re standing in front of him.

“Thank you baby,” He whispers, leaning down to kiss you.

You wrap your arms around his shoulders, keeping him close, smiling against his lips as the kiss sends unending butterflies into your chest and stomach.

It’s a small gesture, you know, something that’ll probably pale in comparison to the recognition he’s bound to get from all over in the next few months. But you couldn’t not do it either, all of this translates into how proud of him you are, how much you love him—even if it’s just streamers, balloon and a cake.

“You baked?” He asks, motioning to the kitchen with a tip of his chin.

A soft laugh leaves your lips, cheeks kissing pink before you nod. Wandering into the space with him, your rub the back of your neck and pick up the cake off the counter, setting it down in front of him on the island table.

“Yeah—or well, I tried.”

Austin shakes his head and you already know what he’s thinking—that you didn’t have to go so out of your way to do any of this for him over a nomination. But it’s not just that, right? It’s celebrating all the steps he took to get here, all the hard work and long hours, passion and frustration, sweat and tears. It’s about recognition, about seeing him.

You grab two forks and hand him one, sitting down at the counter. Austin moves to stand around you, leaning down to press a kiss to your shoulder as he digs his fork in and takes a bite. There’s a bit of icing on the corner of his mouth and you grin before wiping it away with your thumb. Humming, you take a forkful as well in anticipation and—

It’s not that bad!

The cake is moist, the icing is pleasant but not overdoing it on sugar and you triumphantly have another bite because baking this thing and not ruining it feels like a milestone within itself.

“Sorry the bottom is a bit crispy.”

Austin chuckles warmly, “Wasn’t even gonna say anythin’.” He tilts your chin with his thumb so that you’re looking at him and he leans down for a slow kiss. It’s just as sweet as the icing.

#austin butler #austin butler x reader #austin butler imagine #austin butler fic #elvis 2022 #mccall writes things

[whatevertheweather]

Well, hello again.

It's been a very busy month, and I have roughly nothing left in my head, but it's Wednesday okay, and that's finally aligning with a day I ended up driving home thinking I want to do a wip post okay. So first, thank you to everyone still commenting on Musical Chairs, and I'm sorry to anyone who's been hoping I can get the last chapter out in a timely manner. I can't, obviously, but as a sad offering in that chapter's stead, I have here An Ode to How Soundly Musical Chairs Is Kicking My Ass.

This is a multimedia presentation. In this essay I will-

I don't have a posting goal anymore. As soon as possible is a moving target. But I do have two deleted scenes, and here's one.

“Stupidity has no bearing on whether or not I hate something,” Baz said. “No? The two’ve always struck me as pretty intertwined,” Niamh said, picking up her drink. And then, like it was a completely separate observation, “I’ve noticed you seem to hate a lot of things.”

I also have 44 pages at the top of my Miscellany document that contain nothing but snippets for musical chairs, and scenes cut from musical chairs, and scenes rewritten for musical chairs, and checklists made for musical chairs, and all caps yelling for musical chairs, and-

Featuring such goodies as:

And:

So in theory. And I hate this because I’D HAVE TO REWRITE AGAIN but in theory.

And:

[HEY MAYBE JUST FULLY FUCKING SWITCH TRAJECTORY AND GO] “[Redacted].” Baz raised an eyebrow. “[Also redacted].” [FUCK BUT ACTUALLY. IT’S WEIRD AT THIS POINT. AFTER HE’S ALREADY PUSHED THIS MUCH. FUCK. YES OKAY MOVE IT UP TO COULD HAVE HAD SOME FUN. SIMON JUST PIVOTS FROM COMMITTING TO THAT/MAKING BAZ MAKE HIM COMMIT TO THAT BY SAYING HE DOES ACTUALLY HAVE SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT. AND THE SCENE WILL DEFINITELY AND FOR SURE WORK THIS TIME AMEN.]

It's possible these latest two yellings are leading me in the right direction, but I don't know yet, because I made those notes and then dusted off my hands and ran walked away for a month. We'll see. I've at least started thinking about it again. (The trick is apparently pacing small circles around your enclosure while you're on hold with customer support for an hour.)

Here's that other deleted scene, as a treat. It was a treat for me, anyway, because I don't remember writing it.

“Despite our best efforts,” Agatha muttered, and everyone looked at her. She raised her eyebrows. “She started it. I was out for a week because of her.” “You gave Agatha a concussion?” Baz smirked as Simon said, “You’ve had a concussion?” “Yes,” Niamh answered, and Simon added, “That explains it.” Agatha turned from whatever she’d been about to say, replacing it with, “Explains what?” Simon gave a sad little hum and nudged her chin. “Why you don’t even know what it explains.”

By the way, the actual final chapter is 45 pages at present. One (1) page deeper than the burial ground for its failures. Though the burial ground has a lot of gaps between graves. That probably adds a few pages.

Anyhow, I do sincerely hope y'all will be able to read it before another 7 months have passed. I'll do my best. In the meantime, thank you to everyone who's still tagging me in things, and I'm sorry I disappear a lot and don't shower y'all with the love you deserve for it <3

Here's an incomplete mess of tags, because I do need to go do many other less fun things now.

@fatalfangirl @you-remind-me-of-the-babe @moodandmist @cutestkilla @whogaveyoupermission @aristocratic-otter @alexalexinii @iamamythologicalcreature @facewithoutheart @bookish-bogwitch @artsyunderstudy @ileadacharmedlife @ivelovedhimthroughworse @run-for-chamo-miles @rimeswithpurple @thewholelemon @forabeatofadrum @monbons

#wip wednesday #my writing #musical chairs #there are a lot more deleted scenes where that came from #but most are spoilers at this point #may it all someday see the light #ok it won't actually tag half of y'all #I really do have to go do other things so OH WELL I tried

[ecoamerica]

Watch the American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 now: https://youtu.be/bWiW4Rp8vF0?feature=shared

The American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 broadcast recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by active climate leaders. Watch to find out which finalist received the $50,000 grand prize! Hosted by Vanessa Hauc and featuring Bill McKibben and Katharine Hayhoe!

#ACLA24 #ACLA24Leaders #youtube #youtube video #climate leaders #climate solutions #climate action #climate and environment #climate #climate change #climate and health #climate blog #climate justice #climate news #weather and climate #environmental news #environment #environmental awareness #environment and health #environmental #environmental issues #environmental justice #environment protection #environmental health #Youtube

[cutestkilla]

An ask game for writers to procrastinate working on your WIP(s)

Thanks for tagging me @theearlgreymage @wellbelesbian @shrekgogurt @orange-peony @bookish-bogwitch @aristocratic-otter @youarenevertooold and @thewholelemon!

1. 🦈Tell us the name of your/ one of your WIP(s):

The only WIP I’m really actively working on right now is Hiding Out in the Open.

2. 🍄Describe your WIP/one of your WIP(s) in the format of “___ + ___ =___”

Psychology Podcast Hidden Brain + AU where Simon and Baz never got together but Simon still lost his magic and got spelled by Smith = Non-linear AWTWB-era Baz negging Simon with podcast links but actually secretly being sweet the whole time until they’re having real conversations and like, excavating some trauma until Simon figures himself out (or does he?) (He does, I’m not a monster.)

(I needed more terms for this equation, a few higher powers maybe.)

3. 🌍What tags or warnings will one of your WIP(s) need if you intend to share it?

Well, so far I’ve warned for anxiety/panic attacks, implied/referenced child abuse, mentions of cannibalism, mentions of eating bugs, AND mentions of animal cruelty. SOUNDS FUN RIGHT?

4. 🧭An alternative title to one of your WIP(s)?

So this fic is titled after a Feist song. The alternate title was a combination of a Ron Sexmith song that Feist did a great cover of and the name of the fictional podcast in my story:

Secret Heart, Invisible Mind

5. ⚠️Which WIP you're most likely to finish or update next?

Oh, it’ll be this one for sure! I have nothing else even approaching any kind of written state.

6. 💾What is your document of your WIP/ a WIP called? (not the stories actual title but what you’ve saved it as)

Well, it’s just titled after the fic. But before I had a title and was just dreaming things up, I had a doc titled “Hidden Brainstorms”. There’s also a doc in the folder for this titled “Enemies Closer” that’s filled with research I did for an episode I have to invent…

7. 🖍Post Any sentence(s) from your WIP.

“You stood him up? What the hell Basil? I cancelled my plans for this.”

8. ♻️A scrapped idea for your current WIP.

Okay so I am an idea hoarder, I rarely fully scrap an idea until I’m done writing a story, I just park them all in a dumping ground at the end of my doc for ongoing review. But one for sure scrapped idea I had for this back in the start was that Shep would co-host a podcast at some point in this story.

9. 🤔What’s a story you’d love to write but haven’t even started yet?

Welllllllll, I may have an entire (shared) Trello board for a fic that @artsyunderstudy and I have been excitedly talking about co-writing. I won't say much but it’s a Canonverse AU, featuring older strangers-to-lovers Snowbaz, and it’s a ghost story. Your basic SPOOKY SEXY SAD CATHARSIS type of deal.

10. 🤡How many WIPS are you actively working on?

Actively? One. Two if you count the Trello board which I periodically add ideas to. Three if you count the Wedding fic draft I have 20K written for and could start writing on again at ANY MOMENT.

11. 🛠Is there a scene or anything in the WIP you are struggling with right now?

Well, I’m about to be struggling with writing the scene where Baz listens to the podcast episode I have to completely invent. I have a full first rough pass at this chapter done, except that part where I just copy pasted a bunch of research notes to come back to…

12. ❤️Not a question, just a second Kudos to send.

🙏YOU get a kudos, and YOU get a kudos, and YOU get a kudos!

Tags in case you wanna: @artsyunderstudy @hushed-chorus @ivelovedhimthroughworse @you-remind-me-of-the-babe @fatalfangirl @facewithoutheart @skeedelvee @emeryhall @mooncello @monbons @angelsfalling16 @larkral @chen-chen-chen-again-chen @run-for-chamo-miles @brilla-brilla-estrellita @best--dress @onepintobean @martsonmars @messofthejess @ileadacharmedlife @urban-sith

#tag game #writer asks #carry on #hiding out in the open #my writing #sort of #i even procrastinated procrastinating tbh

[blackberrysummerblog]

Happy Easter to all of you who celebrate! After a rotten Friday at the animal shelter where I work, I got a very pleasant surprise yesterday when a pregnant stray who came in gave birth to five live and healthy kittens! I might share some pics later on :) In the meantime, thank you @forabeatofadrum and @you-remind-me-of-the-babe for the tags this morning, as well as everyone else who’s continued to tag me on other days. I’ve been pretty slow writing lately, but I do have some shares this week!

First, a bit of kid!Baz POV from my COBB:

In the afternoons, I do my homework as soon as we get home and sometimes call my father. He never has much to say. I’ll offer to help Dev with his work and then water the herbs in the conservatory, reminding myself of the names and uses of each one. Dogtooth violet to stop gossip, bay leaves for wish making and prophetic dreams. Tarragon for confidence, St. John’s Wort to stave off colds and fevers. Basil can drive off dark spirits. I rub the leaves between my fingers, remembering Ebb’s lessons as the fresh summer scent breaks across my skin. “Basil can dispel confusion, boys. It turns back fear and weakness, and is used in exorcisms. Carry it with you to protect yourselves from danger, or spread it on the ground to keep away evil. It’s also sometimes used to bring lovers together.” Dev had elbowed me and sniggered, because of course we both associate the herb with my name. I don’t see how any of it relates to me, but it doesn’t really matter. It’s just what I’m called.

And the next is from a sequel I suddenly started writing to Field Trip of Dreams (god I still hate that that’s the title I gave it). I wouldn’t say it’s necessary to read the first fic, although it gives context for the fact that Baz and Simon are dating in eighth year, and everyone but the Mage knows it. It’s a longish share, but I’m enjoying writing so have it:

“Isolation Cabin?” Basilton is repeating in disbelief. His eyes narrow. “But Sir, whatever will we do if we get to talking and discover we were separated at birth?”

Simon understandably pales, but Davy merely snorts and waves a dismissive hand. “Unlikely, Mr. Pitch. Now, both of you grab your rucksacks while I conjure a bird to lead you to the cabin. It’s…out of the way.”

The rest of the students are in fits, but of course Davy doesn’t notice. He pays attention to nothing and nobody when he thinks he’s in the right. Simon has shouldered his own pack and is staring into the middle distance, refusing to look at anyone. Of course, Natasha Pitch’s son has to get in one last dig: “What’s next, a get-along shirt?”

Basilton’s unimpressed expression is fooling no one—I know blessed well that he’d only love that. “Davy,” I try one last time. “This weekend is supposed to be providing these students with a chance to learn how to get along as a community of mages. Splitting two of them off will deprive them of the chance—”

“Miss Possibelf.” I suppose it’s amusing that after all these years Davy doesn’t dare use my first name. “I know what I’m doing. Boys this age need a firm hand—” How does he not hear the sniggering going on behind him? “—and I’ve had just about enough.” After seven years. Seven years, and he’s had enough? Davy finally acknowledges me enough to turn and lower his voice. “Quite frankly, one of them has nothing to learn about survival, while the other doesn’t need to.” This last part is said in a hushed whisper, even though from the way Basilton’s eyebrow lifts, I’m certain he heard it.

I share his disdain for the sentiment, however, I’m not particularly concerned about his chances—here, or anywhere else. “Fine,” I snap, throwing my hands up. It’s not as though this trip isn’t always an annual excuse for all kinds of unsanctioned…exploration. Simon and Basilton aren’t likely to get up to anything they haven’t already, and I have bigger fish to fry given the amount of alcohol students traditionally smuggle on this fool’s exercise. David Cadwallader can be as blind as he likes, but some of us are left nursing the hangovers.

No pressure holiday tags: @rimeswithpurple, @artsyunderstudy, @cutestkilla, @c0nsumemy5oul, @tender-ministrations, @nausikaaa, @thewholelemon, @orange-peony, @youarenevertooold, @carryonsimoncarryonbaz, @ivelovedhimthroughworse, @letraspal, @bookish-bogwitch, @nightimedreamersghost, @aristocratic-otter, @brilla-brilla-estrellita, @hushed-chorus, @prettygoododds, @supercutedinosaurs, @shutup-andletme-go, @aceumbrellaheroes, @asocialpessimist, @wellbelesbian, @ic3-que3n, @raenestee , @larkral, @facewithoutheart, @papierhaikuphoto, @cows4247, @stitchy-queerista, @carry-on-big-bang, @imagineacoolusername, @ileadacharmedlife, @confused-bi-queer, @j-nipper-95, @jasonfunderberkerthefrogexists, @iamamythologicalcreature, @bazzybelle, @valeffelees

#cobb 2024 #carry on big bang #snowbaz #WIP #six sentence sunday #the simon snow series #simon snow #tyrannus basilton grimm pitch #Baz pitch #small!baz does his chores and homework #small!dev…does not #watford eighth year #Simon and Baz are having a stupid fight #or is it stupid? #😇 #in any event the mage’s solution is definitely stupid

[monbons]

Seven Sentence Sunday

Y'all! Y'ALL!

The Eternal Life of Baz Pitch is out in the world! So exited. If you want more in depth behind-the-scenes, take a look at my procrastination post.

This past week was spring break and I spent ALL of it writing like it was my job. Ask me how many Romeo and Juliet essays I graded for my actual job... (Please don't. The answer is zero.) But, I finished 25k words in a week and I'm really fucking proud of me.

In any case, once I finish the last few revisions to the last few chapters, I am going to block Google Docs from my life and finally get back to reading all the amazing fics that have come out since I started this project 6 weeks ago.

Given that I've started posting, I can now preview sentences from later chapters. Moving forward, all previews will be under the cut to avoid spoilers for those who have not read/are not caught up on current chapters.

Here's a bit of past Baz from Chapter 3

Baz is so in love that he does not notice the world pass him by. Every morning, Baz wakes up to the ghost of Niall’s touch, so he does not see his mother’s shaking hands as she drinks her tea. At night, he falls asleep to the memory of Niall’s groans heavy in his ear, and he does not hear Natasha’s hacking coughs. Baz helps his father around the stables, daydreaming of Niall’s smiles and completely missing the furrow in Malcolm’s brow.  Then, a day arrives when Baz can no longer ignore any of it. Natasha collapses at dinner, silverware and plates flying as she makes a weak grab for the table. Glass shatters around her, the shards sharp and menacing.

Thanks for the tags @roomwithanopenfire, @thewholelemon, @emeryhall, and @cutestkilla. Your snippets all looked great and now I can FINALLY read your fics... or wait with baited breath for yours @thewholelemon.

Tag, you're it.

@thewholelemon, @roomwithanopenfire, @noblecorgi, @you-remind-me-of-the-babe, @youarenevertooold, @cutestkilla, @bookish-bogwitch, @emeryhall, @valeffelees, @beastmonstertitan, @raenestee, @arthurkko, @iamamythologicalcreature, @hushed-chorus, @rimeswithpurple, @aristocratic-otter, @cattocavo, @larkral, @drowninginships, @artsyunderstudy, @whatevertheweather, @brilla-brilla-estrellita, @comesitintheclover, @shrekgogurt

#there are no hot takes left for R+J #grades are overrated #is it summer yet? #the eternal life of baz pitch #addie larue x snowbaz #baz pitch #simon snow #six sentence sunday

[mooncello]

thank you for the tags this past week @shrekgogurt, @nightimedreamersworld and @artsyunderstudy!

lost boys has been resting a bit this week. like bread dough. chapter two needs some significant revision, and sometimes I need to give a story some space to see what my brain does with it when I'm not actively thinking about it.

I think chapter one is about ready though, and will likely publish in the next week. I think.

in the meantime, I've been playing around with a new wip. it's an untitled celebrity au. it's so very different from lost boys, which has been fun to write, and I'm trying to trust my instincts on this one instead of overthinking everything. massive thanks to @thewholelemon and @best--dress for reading the first chapter and reassuring me there's something here. mwah. not sure if this one will end up on ao3 yet, but I'm gonna keep playing with it for now.

here's a couple excerpts, Baz POV.

The team arranges me how they want—first, a series of photographs with a massive tree they’ve somehow managed into the studio, me hanging from its limbs like some sensual macaque, and then a second series of me lounging in a deep green velvet chair. I have no idea what theme Vogue is going for here. But then I never do, and I don’t really care. It’s my job to smolder. Sneer. Pout. Give them the Pitch face. So I do, as they hover around me like fruit flies between each take, freshening my makeup, flipping my hair, always ensuring the dress drapes perfectly over one exposed shoulder. (I don’t mind the last bit. My shoulders are sublime.)

One more under the cut for mild spice.

But as I lie here in my darkened room, those are not the thoughts swirling around my head. No, to my great shame and humiliation, my body is fucking buzzing at the memory of Simon in that photograph. I close my eyes and, There he is. Debauched, flushed, obscenely sex-hazed. It’s not triumph or concern that thrums through my veins but searing lust. And overwhelming jealousy of whoever that other guy is in the photo. The one who knows what Simon's sweaty skin tastes like, what Simon's hot open mouth feels like, what sounds Simon makes when he comes. I white-knuckle the blanket so I don’t reach down and grip myself between my fingers. I will not wank to a paparazzi shot of Simon Snow. I will not.

tags and hellos -- we've nearly made it thru january! @supercutedinosaurs @hushed-chorus @rimeswithpurple @facewithoutheart @iamamythologicalcreature @shrekgogurt @larkral @you-remind-me-of-the-babe @bookish-bogwitch @fatalfangirl @raenestee @best--dress @nightimedreamersworld @artsyunderstudy @cutestkilla @orange-peony

#six sentence sunday #snowbaz fic #baz pitch #celebrity au

[ecoamerica]

Watch the 2024 American Climate Leadership Awards for High School Students now: https://youtu.be/5C-bb9PoRLc

The recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by student climate leaders! Join Aishah-Nyeta Brown & Jerome Foster II and be inspired by student climate leaders as we recognize the High School Student finalists. Watch now to find out which student received the $25,000 grand prize and top recognition!

#ACLA24 #ACLA24HighSchoolStudents #youtube #youtube video #climate leaders #climate solutions #climate action #climate and environment #climate #climate change #climate and health #climate blog #climate justice #climate news #weather and climate #environmental news #environment #environmental awareness #environment and health #environmental #environmental issues #environmental education #environmental justice #environmental protection #environmental health #high school students #high school #youth #youth of america #school