Beneath Their Masks Chapter 6 Is Up!

Beneath Their Masks Chapter 6 is Up!

I really like this one. I feel like I got to depict a lot about Makoto and Ann's relationship dynamic here, in a bit of a more intimate context.

Ann wasn’t ready.

Sure, she was dressed up and walking over to the restaurant, trying to force her feet to remember how to walk in heels that were this high. But that didn’t mean she was ready to get where her feet were shakily bringing her.

By the time she had arrived at the restaurant, her nerves had almost completely boiled over, but she maintained her composure. Glancing around, she picks Makoto’s table out in the center of the room, barely even recognizing her. Although, as she scans the room, she notices Yuuko and Kyoko at a table on the far side.

“I wonder if this was their idea…” Ann mused to herself, stepping around tables to seat herself across from Makoto.

Makoto was quiet. If she was nervous, she was doing a good job at hiding it. Makoto had always been good at putting on a brave face, save for a couple instances of letting her mask of confidence slip (in private, of course). However, this was a completely new level. Ann wasn’t sure how to feel.

“You look good.” Makoto finally said.

“Thanks, you too.” Ann said, internally slapping herself in her head at the nonchalance of her reply. “That dress suits you, Makoto.”

“As does yours, Ann. Who would have thought that red was your color?” Makoto said, with a slight smirk, alluding to Ann’s alter ego of Panther, clad in red leather.

So I had a lot of fun making megaten (in)correct quotes so I'm doing it again :P

This time it's more persona focused but I managed to implement some SMT as well (involving my weird headcanons :P)

It's cheesy to say but I wrote something from the heart. I want to say it was cathartic to get some of the things I've been thinking out of my head, but it honestly made me feel worse. Oh well. At least characters in fiction can get the catharsis and support they need.

I messaged my wonderful and very cool beta reader about it and I feel kinda bad because like, I know this is heavier shit than I've been writing. Honestly complete tonal whiplash. I basically prefaced it by saying like "this shit is heavy and a complete bummer to read so no hard feelings if you don't wanna subject yourself to that" but still...

It's like being a taste tester for someone and all they've been sending you is cakes and then, completely out of left field, they send you like, haggis or something. Awful analogy but I sleepy.

Anyway. I'll give it a little bit and then post it. I want to make sure I'm representing the subject matter properly and getting all my thoughts out, but also I want to make something that I feel is real and true to my experiences. Ya know? Not as a self insert or a character shoehorned as a proxy for myself, but like...I dunno. I'm rambling. Bah.

BRB letting the intrusive thoughts win (also happy birthday to me i guess????)

Fear not, I'll properly tag anything that could be too extreme. Don't worry.

It's uh, all a bit extreme. Sorry! I'll try not to make this a habit...

Beneath Their Masks is continuing on schedule (somewhat), but don't be surprised if I do some other stuff in the meantime. Just haven't been in a really fluff-y mood this week. Sorry.

Beneath Their Masks Chapter 2 is Up!

I think I'm gonna start putting a little excerpt from the chapter in these posts. Anyway, the chapter is up! Sorry it's so late (timewise, I think I'm still on time in some timezones) but ya know. Ya know? Anyway, please enjoy!

It’s all quiet in the Niijima home. There’s a slight din from the apartment's fan, but the only other sounds that can be heard are the quiet scratching of pencil on paper and leather creaking. Makoto is studying at the dining room table as Ann lazes around on the couch, quietly playing a game.

Makoto had been on the same problem for what seems like 10 minutes. It wasn’t particularly difficult, but for whatever reason, Makoto couldn’t focus on what the answer could be. She scanned her textbook. She reread the question. She put pencil to paper to force her brain to catch up. Nothing. Just a dot of graphite, mocking her.

She dropped her pencil and put a hand to her forehead, keeping her head from falling.

Ann looked up upon hearing the clatter and frustrated grunt from the direction of the dining room.

“All good, babe?” Ann called.

Makoto clenched her teeth. She loved Ann, she really did, but now was not the time.

“Yes.” Makoto lied.

Beneath Their Masks Chapter 4 is Up!

Here's chapter 4! Rainy Days. I could go for some rain right about now...

“Maybe that’s why we go together so well? You’re cool, and I’m hot!” Ann said, before laughing out loud.

Makoto giggled. Ann’s smile faded.

“Come on, Mako-chan. At least try to flirt back…” Ann said, dispirited.

“How?” Makoto said, deadpan.

“I dunno, like…” Ann started. “Maybe say something like uh… ‘I’d normally warm up by the fire, but honestly, you’re hotter’...or something?”

Makoto blinked.

“But it’s already really hot in here, why would I need to warm up more than I already am?” Makoto said, confused.

Opened tumblr and got absolutely jumpscared by this

I get that you're excited about the One Piece show, Tumblr, but jesus christ, warn a guy first, ok?