Month of WIPS
May. 3rd, 2018 07:21 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cutiesonthehorizon posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
theexorcistfans
MONTH OF WIPS
The April ExoWriMo just finished, leaving the lot of us with unfinished fics that need some more work on them. The last few months were generally a bit harder on the students and work for all of us, so let's take a breather and focus this month on finishing what we can, before next month's ExoWriMo brings us a new theme and new fics:)
This is the place where you can comment with your progress on oooold fics as well as the ones you started just a few days back. Squee about your word counts, show as excerpts, moan about RL getting in the way of writing or brainstorm plot to finish that darn fic that is trying to get you:) Anything you feel like, the comment section is here for you:) Enjoy!
no subject
Date: 2018-05-03 05:39 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-05-03 05:33 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2018-05-03 05:31 pm (UTC)I also have an idea for another Bates Motel short fic that will probably write itself once I sit down with it.
Otherwise, I'm doing well! How is everyone else doing?
no subject
Date: 2018-05-04 07:48 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2018-05-03 09:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-05-04 07:48 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-05-04 01:55 am (UTC)Today's sample:
He didn’t have the energy to walk downstairs to the office, so he entered the nave of the church and took a seat in pew a few rows from the back. He looked around, seeking guidance from a power much higher than Bennett. He closed his eyes, feeling God’s love wash over him till it seeped into his bones and touched his soul. It was a truly blessed feeling. He felt whole, restored.
*I’m so sorry, Heavenly Father, that I didn’t come sooner. I tried to bury my feelings. Then I tried to sort them, only to bury them again. I am confused. I’ve heard the stories. I don’t trust Rose Cooper, yet I believe every word she told us yesterday. I know in my gut he is guilty of these gruesome acts.* He was silent for a spell. What he needed to say scared him, but if there was anyone he could spill his heart to it was God. *I also know in my heart that there is light within his dark soul. I miss him. Lord forgive me, but I do. I miss my friend. I ache for the intimacy we shared. The intimacy we could share. As always, I ask for Your guidance. I know you will show me the way. In Your name, amen.*
Marcus opened his eyes. Bennett was sitting beside him.
“I didn’t want to interrupt.”
“You didn’t.”
no subject
Date: 2018-05-04 07:50 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2018-05-04 07:49 pm (UTC)A really small sample:
It wasn't real, none of that was real,' he thought to himself, tried to convince himself. It couldn't have been. Just a nightmare, too vivid imagination and the fact he spent the night away from home. There was no such things as demons killing small children. There couldn't be. The implication of it was too grave for Tomas to even consider. He felt his stomach rebelling again, but he forced himself to calm his breathing.
no subject
Date: 2018-05-04 11:12 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2018-05-04 11:19 pm (UTC)Today's sample:
The restaurant was a fifties-themed diner that played music from the sock hop era and served up a variety of dishes from burgers to wraps to chicken fingers to Sunday dinner options such as meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy. There were a few small chains out there that had a similar gambit, but in this small Maryland town, it was the only game in town.
Marcus smiled when he heard one of his favorite songs come out of the speakers attached at various points to where the walls meet the ceiling. He sang the lyrics to James Ray’s “A Miracle” in hushed tones. Harper smiled as she watched him over the top of her menu. He caught her and she giggled. He laughed along with her.
“You have a decent voice, padre.”
“Don’t sound so surprised!” he said with mock indignation.
“But you’re full of surprises!” she said, still giggling. “What’s a girl to do?”
“Figure out what she wants to eat.”
She dropped the menu on the tabletop with a thud because she was laughing too hard to hold it properly.
no subject
Date: 2018-05-05 05:16 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-05-05 08:18 pm (UTC)Here's a sample:
"So... you're saying God is real?"
"He is for me," Marcus answered instantly, then shot Tomas a look. "But I think everyone must find their own way to Him."
"Does... does it mean Evil is real too?"
Marcus' grip on the wheel tightened, his jaw clenching. How was he supposed to answer that? In the end, he settled for the truth.
"Yes. Yes, I think it is. I have... seen my fair share of it, just as I've seen a fair share of good. I think one can't exist without the other."
no subject
Date: 2018-05-07 04:26 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-05-07 04:34 am (UTC)Today's sample:
Inside the office, Tomas offered his guest a drink. He politely declined. Bennett spent several minutes taking in the space. It was very impressive, he had to admit. He even told Tomas as much. The doctor received the compliment as it was intended. His curiosity as to what brought Bennett here was making him rather impatient, but he never let his impatience show. Only one reason would drive Bennett to darken Tomas’ doorstep. He wondered how much Marcus had told his friend. *Is this an omen? Does what happens in this moment influence how soon Marcus and I will be reunited? Or does it ensure I have lost him forever?* This last thought made him inconsolably sad. He missed his friend dearly. However, he suspected whatever brought Father Devon Bennett to him this evening was not good.
no subject
Date: 2018-05-07 12:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-05-07 12:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-05-08 04:12 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-05-07 08:01 pm (UTC)"He likes you," Olivia said suddenly, catching Marcus by surprise. "He trusts you. Tomas doesn't trust easily.... he was hurt by too many people he loved. Please... don't be one of them."
Marcus swallowed, feeling as if the weight of the world was just put on his shoulder, instead of a well being of a fifteen year old boy he barely knew. Still, he nodded.
"I will do my best to not disappoint that trust."
"You better. Or God help me, I will hunt you down and hurt you." Olivia said, her voice equally firm, her eyes fierce and Marcus couldn't help but smile.
"Good. Tomas needs someone like you on his side."
no subject
Date: 2018-05-08 04:15 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-05-08 04:33 am (UTC)Today's sample:
“You believe me to be a bad influence. That I am leading him down the garden path? Eve to his Adam, encouraging him to sink his teeth into my delectable fruit,” Tomas said, a taunting note in his speech. “What would you do if he came to me willingly? Would you have him sent away? Locked in a monastery until he was too old to remember he once was a great weapon in the war against evil? God’s chosen soldier reduced to a shadow that flickers when exposed to even the tiniest beam of sunlight. Would you do that to him? To your friend?”
Bennett’s breathing was becoming heavier, his stare harder. “What would you do if I did take him away from you?”
The Cheshire cat grin was a full smile now. “What wouldn’t I do?”
“You’re not his friend.” There was no more hiding. In the end, the murky waters would either drown the priest or wash away his sins.
“On the contrary, Devon. I am the best friend he has. I understand him better than either you or Amelia, despite what you may think or tell yourselves. Have you considered the false prophet you try to warn him of, the one who comes dressed in sheep’s clothing but is inwardly a ravenous wolf, is actually you?”
At this, Bennett stood and walked to the door that led out to the waiting room. His hand on the knob, he gave one last look to Tomas. “I see you,” he said before leaving, shutting the door firmly behind him.
no subject
Date: 2018-05-09 07:57 pm (UTC)Oooh, what wouldn't Tomas do indeed? :D Oh Bennett, you don't know what fire you're playing with, ehehe. Very nice sample and word count:)
(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2018-05-09 03:06 am (UTC)Today's sample:
Marcus was sitting outside on the steps of his porch in a tank top and sweatpants, hugging himself, when Tomas pulled up to the house. The temperature was in the upper forties, but it felt wonderful to him. He wasn’t shivering. His skin was glistening with sweat as it dried. Tomas wanted nothing more than to escort him inside out of the brisk air, to wrap him in his arms and make his friend’s inner demons cease to exist.
“You shouldn’t be out here,” Tomas told him as he approached him.
“It was either this or an ice bath. This was less work.” He gave him a lopsided grin and received one in return.
The two men sat side-by-side on the stairs, looking up at the night sky and the luminescent orb that sat within its inky blackness.
no subject
Date: 2018-05-09 07:59 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2018-05-09 08:02 pm (UTC)Here's a sample:
"Tell me, Tomas," Marcus said, his hand moving to cup the boy's face. Tomas seemed to get lost in that touch, some invisible barrier falling.
"I wasn't trying to eavesdrop," he whispered. "I had a dream and I got sick-"
"It's okay. Whatever you heard, I can explain..." Marcus said but Tomas shook his head.
"It's not what I heard, Marcus. It's... what I saw."
Marcus froze, trying to make sense of the words.
"I don't understand. What did you see?" Marcus asked with a frown on his face and Tomas took in a breath, bracing himself. Then he told him, his voice barely above a whisper, but Marcus didn't really need to hear every word to know. He lived through it after all and judging by Tomas' words, he did as well. The boy described every detail of the room Gabriel was held in. He recounted things Marcus never spoke about, not even to Peter. There was no way the boy could've known, except he did.
no subject
Date: 2018-05-10 03:24 am (UTC)Also, holy crap that word count! 1900 IS quite a nice number! I bow humbly and with great respect.
no subject
Date: 2018-05-10 03:42 am (UTC)Today's sample:
“You want to burrow inside yourself right now. Don’t.” He left the chair and took a seat beside Marcus on the bed, sliding his hand around the back of his neck so he was cupping it. The personal space between them was nonexistent. “Stay with me. Ground yourself in this particular period of time. Feel my hand on the back of your neck. See me here in front of you. I am sitting on your bed. Do you sense my weight?”
“I do. I’m here.”
“Good.” Tomas stared intensely into those blue eyes. Those same baby blues stared right back. He’s still here. I haven’t lost him. I can never lose him.
“Will you leave me? Will you drive away and let me rot in the morass of my mind?” Marcus gazed into the hazel eyes that were fixed on him. Again, he knew the answer even as he asked it. The answers to all his questions were housed in the dark-haired being with the neat beard showing hints of gray sitting opposite him. He never felt so comforted and scared in his fifty-some years on this earth.
“Not tonight. Not ever.” Tomas rested his forehead onto Marcus’.
no subject
Date: 2018-05-14 05:24 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2018-05-12 04:07 am (UTC)Today's sample:
Marcus was relieved to see his old friend. After last night, he wasn’t convinced Bennett would come despite the curt response he received to his text. Hurt and anger were still evident in his colleague’s body language. The cold look in his eyes also was a major tipoff.
“You came.” His features soft as he hoped Bennett would accept this interview as an olive branch.
“I told you I would,” his tone warmer than belied his attitude. However, he reverted to a cooler tone when he looked at Tomas and added: “I always keep my promises.”
A bemused Tomas couldn’t help himself. “As do I. It’s a very good policy.”
no subject
Date: 2018-05-14 05:27 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2018-05-13 02:19 am (UTC)Today's sample:
Rose put up her hands. “Hear me out. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t concerned.”
“About where your next byline will come from.”
She smiled. “Touché.”
The psychologist was not amused; at least not physically. Her face remained impassive, but inside she allowed for a small smile.
“To be honest, this isn’t a story yet.”
“And there it is.”
Rose laughed. She had heard stories about Amelia Katz — all good things, of course. However, she never expected such a spitfire. Despite her previous reservations about ambushing her, the reporter was very happy she had.
Amelia couldn’t help it, she smiled when she heard the other woman’s laugh. Dear God, am I actually enjoying this wretched woman’s company? Aloud she said, “You have five minutes.”
no subject
Date: 2018-05-14 05:29 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2018-05-14 03:35 am (UTC)Today's sample:
“You’re in love with Marcus.” It was said softly, delicately. Rose genuinely felt bad, which surprised her. Everything about this meeting had surprised her. She couldn’t deploy her usual shock and awe tactics. This made Amelia Katz an even more fascinating subject to her. “How deep?”
Amelia took another swing of water from the bottle after fumbling the removal of the cap. “Shallow end. Now I’m officially ready to climb out of the pool.” A small smile to acknowledge how idiotic it all was. “I had been further in not long ago, I admit. I splashed around but, thankfully, never dove into the deep end.”
“Good,” Rose said firmly. “You deserve someone who will acknowledge and appreciate you. I get the feeling that person was never Marcus Keane.”
The woman across from her with her own mane of black hair pinned back at the temples shook her head. “Never like that, no. The weird thing is, I don’t think I ever wanted him to think of me in that way. It was just a schoolgirl crush that went on far too long. Had he ever kissed me, I would have evaporated. That’s not healthy.”
“Kinda like his relationship with Tomas.”
no subject
Date: 2018-05-14 05:31 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2018-05-14 05:36 am (UTC)Still, added some words to the adopt!Au and started my whump exchange fic. Here's a sample of the adopt Au:
"Maybe I shouldn't have said any of those things." Tomas looked away, hoping that Marcus would just forget and keep pretending everything was normal, that he wasn't just some freak. But Marcus obviously had enough. He reached out, cupping Tomas' chin in his hand and making sure he had his undivided attention.
"I think it's high time to stop playing around, Tomas. This.... whatever is happening is clearly hurting you. I want to help you.... I know I can help you, but first I need to know what's really going on."
Tomas looked into the blue eyes and seemed to come to a decision. After all, the cat was already out of the bag. Marcus was an exorcist, he said so himself. If he wanted to ask the question, there was no better person.
"Do you think I.... might be possessed?" Tomas asked in a shaky voice. Marcus resolutely shook his head and his own voice cracked.
„No, Tomas. I’ve seen my fair share of possessed people and trust me, you’re not one of them.“
Tomas let out a shaky breath.
no subject
Date: 2018-05-15 03:12 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-05-15 03:16 am (UTC)Today's sample (a couple of minor changes here so as not to spoil any surprises):
“What makes you think you can’t die?” Marcus could smell the pride rolling off her like a bad perfume. Pride goeth before a fall. He wasn’t scared of this demon. He was confident he could take it down and free [the woman] once and for all. Assuming that was what she even wanted. He needed to talk to [her]. However, he was willing to proceed without a conversation.
Tomas watched him and felt pride of his own swelling in his chest. His lion was standing up and beginning to pace, the need to attack vibrating off him. He knew Bennett could see this, as well. Marcus’ restored confidence was an aphrodisiac to Tomas. Lust swelled in his breast alongside another more meaningful emotion. He was nearly giddy with anticipation at the thought of hearing his lion roar.
Bennett could see the old Marcus taking shape before him. He felt a groundswell of mixed emotions. This is what they had been working for, but he also knew it was in great part to Tomas. This was the only good thing his appearance in their lives had brought. This was probably the last good thing it would bring. For what he saw when he thought of the future was pain, destruction, tears, anger, humiliation and blood.
no subject
Date: 2018-05-18 12:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-05-16 03:30 am (UTC)Today's sample:
Marcus bristled at the phrasing. No exorcism was ‘mere’. It was hard, exhausting, dangerous work. The exact type of labor this condescending little twat had never experienced, WILL never experience. He felt a hand on his right shoulder. Tomas’ touch had a calming influence, as usual. Marcus marveled at the effect this man, with whom he felt such a connection yet still felt he barely knew, could have on him. It had happened so many times in such a short period, he feared he may start taking it for granted. He knew that was one thing he could not let happen. Whatever this was with Tomas may be short-lived or may be forever. Nevertheless, it was a mystery he wasn’t ready to solve just yet.
Bennett saw Tomas put his hand on Marcus’ shoulder just as he seen in his mind’s eye last night at Tomas’ office. This was as bad as he had feared. It also confirmed separating the two would be damn near impossible. He wasn’t giving up. Determination had him setting his jaw and hardening his resolve. Between the Bermuda triangle of Tomas, [redacted] and [redacted], this had been an inauspicious start to his day. He prayed it would only get better, but experience had taught him to temper his expectations.
no subject
Date: 2018-05-18 12:21 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2018-05-17 04:07 am (UTC)Today's sample (from the end of the chapter):
Marcus and Bennett left the office in silence and made their way into the nave. Despite its size, it felt rather cozy. They each leaned against the side of a row of pews opposite each other, arms crossed over their chest. Remembrances past weighed heavily on them. The last time they were in this room they had fought over Tomas. Now they were united in saving [redacted] — with Tomas’ help.
“You’re ready for this,” Bennett told him.
The exorcist was through sitting on the sidelines. His mental and emotional injuries were healing nicely; enough so he could keep them cloaked from [redacted]’s demon. Compartmentalizing was in his skillset: right next to exorcism, his faith in God and his feelings of inadequacy. The latter was immaterial for now. He was confident in his abilities and in himself to carry out the task at hand.
“YOU'RE DAMN RIGHT.”
no subject
Date: 2018-05-18 12:23 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2018-05-18 02:38 am (UTC)Today's sample:
Marcus opened his front door and stepped out onto the porch as Mouse pulled up the long dirt driveway. He was dressed in black skinny jeans and a fitted black T-shirt that drew proper attention to his sculpted arms. The air had warmed up considerably. It nearly felt like summer. A light breeze tickled the back of his neck below the end of his hairline. It teased his scalp as the close-cropped hair left little protection. He watched as she came up the walk stopping at the foot of the stairs. She was wearing a wrap dress, a style she favored. It was red with a floral print. Her hair was pinned back at the sides, as usual.
“We need to talk,” she said.
“Do we?”
“Don’t be an ass.”
“I’m not sure I know how else to be.”
“How are you with Tomas?” she countered.
no subject
Date: 2018-05-18 12:25 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2018-05-18 12:33 pm (UTC)As I can't show an excerpt from the exchange fic, here's a little bit from the adopt AU:
„Don't ever trust them, Tomas. Whatever those things say, don't let them in." Marcus said and Tomas put his head down with a weary sigh that belied his youth.
"I'm trying to keep them away, but it's getting so much harder. I'm just... so tired all the time."
Marcus felt for him, he really did. He knew the weariness, fought it for over a year after Gabriel died... fought it at the boy's home before the church bought him like a piece of meat and God saved him from the fate of the forgotten. He didn't want the same for Tomas.
no subject
Date: 2018-05-19 03:36 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-05-19 03:44 am (UTC)Today's sample:
“You ready for this?” Marcus asked.
“I am if you are,” was the reply.
Marcus smiled. “Haven’t you heard? I was born ready.”
Tomas laughed heartily. “Good! I like this version of you very much. I look forward to spending more time with this Marcus.”
“Yeah, well. One thing at a time.” He glanced up at the hospital again.
Tomas kept his gaze on his friend. “I think Devon sees you as a fragile little teacup; the finest china used for only special guests.”
Marcus’ eyes slid down till they landed on Tomas’ face. “I’m no one’s teacup, luv. Fragile or otherwise.” He was silent for a moment. “How do YOU see me?”
Tomas turned to face the priest, sliding his hand around the back of Marcus’ neck. “The mongoose I want under the house when the snakes slither by.”
“Am I interrupting?”
Bennett was not enjoying the scene playing out before him.
Smiling as he kept his eyes on Marcus, Tomas said, “What an excellent day for an exorcism.”
no subject
Date: 2018-05-21 11:58 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2018-05-20 03:15 am (UTC)Today's sample:
“You really like that word, don’t you? It’s not insane, it’s just. I know the consequences of my actions and for once, I care. This story may bring about my death, but it also gave me a friend. There’s a weird balance in that.” Rose took a bite out of her burger with exaggerated relish.
“You’re going to lure Tomas with a sensational story about his extracurriculars and you’re going to use Marcus as the bait, aren’t you?”
“He won’t bite otherwise. Plus, I know he’s a fan. Maybe that will get me a reprieve?” She folded a fry in half and popped it into her mouth. “I’ve been doing this for awhile. I know how to survive.”
“You’re annoying as hell,” Amelia said, “but I know I don’t want to lose you. I think if he wants you, he’ll find you. God, I wanted to rip your throat out and shove it up your ass a few weeks ago.”
At that, Rose let out a big, nose-snorting laugh, which caused the psychologist to join in with her own giggle. Neither wanted to dwell on the probability of death this story could bring.
The reporter raised her soda cup. “A toast.”
Amelia followed suit. “What are we toasting?”
“To Tomas Ortega. Purveyor of unlikely friendships. He may have gotten Marcus, but I got you, babe.”
The brunette’s eyes were as wide as her smile. “Hear hear! To Tomas!”
no subject
Date: 2018-05-21 12:06 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From: