chocolatepot | Network

nanila posting in

It's challenge time!

Comment with Just One Thing you've accomplished in the last 24 hours or so. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing that you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.

Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling particularly accomplished! Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!

Nothing is too big, too small, too strange or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.

Go!

zwei_hexen

Welcome back to Writing Every Day in March 2026!

Taking over from

sakanawords, we,

sylvanwitch and

ysilme, are going to host the challenge together this month in this joint account.

If you're new to the challenge and want to know what this is about, unsure if you want to join, or are just curious, please check out our intro post. There's also a hosting list if you want to check up on older rounds, check who's currently hosting, or if somebody already volunteered for hosting in the future.

The joint hosting works just like your regular challenge with daily tally entries, with

sylvanwitch usually doing the commenting and

ysilme doing the daily posts. We'll also both put our personal tallies into the main post but at different times due to different time zones, as we're in the U.S. and Germany. So if you're curious how our respective writing days went, we invite you to check again later. :o)

Please always check in on the most recent post, no matter for what day(s), and state the date/day you're checking in for to avoid timezone-related confusion. Thank you!

There will be a rec-your-fic post at some point. You can find the older ones by the links in the link list of the journal on the top right.

Posts are usually going up around 11 p.m. Central European Time, with the first one going up tonight for our timezonely-early birds.

Sylvanwitch & Ysilme

NB: A note on subscribing and access to and from this account: You don't need to give access to

zwei_hexen; we don't expect it and would come visiting your journal with our personal ones each.

reviews_and_ramblings

Love in the limelight! The hit Boys' Love light novel turned film is now a manga.

Kunieda Kei is the up-and-coming Prince Charming of the evening news, but inside, he's anything but princely. He's brash, hot-tempered, and prickly as can be. For years, he's been able to juggle his private and professional personas, but a run-in with animator Ushio Tsuzuki threatens to bring his self-control crashing down. Will Kei's mask slip and expose him for who he is, or is there someone who might love and accept both his sides?

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/3N8SHaQ)

reviews_and_ramblings

This volume comes with an exclusive Animate Bonus and ComiComi Studio Bonus!

Keito, an author troubled by his inability to sleep, has taken an interest in a man named Furukawa who works for a bedding manufacturer. Though they start out as patrons at the same café, they eventually get closer and start spending time together on a personal level.

The sociable yet secretive Furukawa keeps Keito on his toes, yet his good looks make it impossible for Keito to stay away… But what will he do when Furukawa proposes cuddling in the same bed as a way to cure his insomnia?!

Don't miss this emotional manga by Roji that features characters from the hit series All About My Two Dads!

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/4qXRlO1)

badly_knitted posting in

fan_flashworks

Title: In Trouble Again
Fandom: The Fantastic Journey
Author:

badly_knitted
Characters: Willaway, Scott, Fred, Sil-El, Liana, Varian.
Rating: PG
Setting: After the series.
Summary: The travellers have accidentally landed themselves in hot water again.
Word Count: 400
Content Notes: Nada.
Written For: Challenge 507: Amnesty 84, using Challenge 88: Hot Water.
Disclaimer: I don’t own The Fantastic Journey, or the characters. They belong to their creators.
A/N: Quadruple drabble.

( In Trouble Again... )

Current Mood: tired
Current Location: my desk

reviews_and_ramblings

Charming, heartfelt, and full of unexpected sparks—welcome to Otama Village!

Rookie cop Mamoru arrives in the remote Otama Village, greeted with mountain treats and warm smiles. Following a grandma’s advice, he sets out to meet the Village Chief… only to discover a mysterious motorcycle sitting in a rice paddy!

A chance encounter leads to a cozy night over hot pot, where playful banter slowly turns into undeniable attraction.

Funny, flirty, and filled with chemistry, this is the first episode of the Village Chief & Cop series.
Gentle village life, comedic mishaps, and a slow-burning romance—his life of being “too adored” begins here.

A spicy yet sweet MM romance.
Contains steam, humor, and a happy ending.

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/46x5tXi)

reviews_and_ramblings

A quirky 18+ Boys Love manga about two very different boys with a shared love for the same popular idol somehow fall in love themselves.

Thirty-year-old manicurist Toshi Agawa is a devoted fan of the idol group FLAT. For the first time in two years, he’s finally going to see them live, together with his new friend “Kazusa,” a fellow fan he met online who managed to snag them tickets to the upcoming concert. It’s the perfect match — not only does Kazusa share the same intense love for FLAT, but they both stan the same idol! However, when Toshi arrives, the man waiting to meet him looks less like a fan and more like a yakuza thug! Will he still survive the night and have fun?

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/4tYvecW)

reviews_and_ramblings

A sweet Boys' Love manga about falling in love over and over again, even after a decade of being together! From the creator of 5 Seconds Before a Witch Falls in Love--also available from Seven Seas.

Tamba and Utagawa have been together for over ten years, but Uta still can't believe he's landed such a stud, and Tamba still gets blindsided when his young-at-heart boyfriend switches into adult mode. It's a nonstop whirlpool of love that sends both their hearts skipping!

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/40B0YHG)

reviews_and_ramblings

From the mastermind behind Classmates: Dou kyu sei comes a dark romance about a girl, her boyfriend, and the transfer student he refuses to leave alone.

Tomori knows her boyfriend Inukai has a cruel side—but when he sets his sights on Misato, the new transfer student, things take a disturbing turn. Inukai’s fixation spirals into torment, and no matter how hard Tomori and her friends try to stop him, the violence only escalates.

But what begins as bullying soon blurs into something stranger, darker… and far more intimate.

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/4aI8Mxp)

Asumiko Nakamura is a master of the "beautifully unsettling," and Hibana (Spark) is a quintessential example of her style. It’s not your typical fluffy BL; it’s a jagged, atmospheric exploration of obsession and the weight of the past. Hibana follows the story of a man haunted by the memory of a former classmate. Nakamura excels at capturing arresting nostalgia—the kind that feels a bit like a fever dream. The plot is less about a linear "romance" and more about the psychological friction between two people who can't quite let go of a specific moment in time. If you’ve read Nakamura’s more famous work, Doukyuusei (Classmates), you’ll recognize her signature fluid, "noodly" lines. However, Hibana feels sharper and more avant-garde. Nakamura uses eyes and silhouettes to convey intense yearning. Her paneling often feels cinematic, using negative space to emphasize the loneliness of her characters. It leans heavily into a vintage, slightly decadent feel that borders on Gekiga influence. There is truly no one who draws like Asumiko Nakamura. It’s high art in a manga format. It lingers in your mind long after you finish it. It treats the relationship with a level of maturity and darkness that is refreshing if you're tired of tropes. Hibana is a must-read for fans of literary BL and psychological drama. It’s a short, sharp shock of a story that prioritizes mood and character interiority over a traditional "happily ever after." It’s less of a spark and more of a slow burn that leaves a mark.

reviews_and_ramblings

A star-crossed meet-cute between an ordinary man and an idol sparks a unique Boys' Love romance!

After being dumped by his girlfriend and enduring a series of misfortunes, Chikayuki Murata thinks his day can’t get any worse—until he “saves” a young man on a bridge. The twist? Rei Aihara was just stargazing. To make up for the misunderstanding, Chikayuki takes Rei out for an unforgettable day filled with batting, bowling, and arcade games. When they part ways, Chikayuki casually invites Rei to visit his café, never expecting him to return so soon—or that Rei is actually an idol who sings his favorite song. But the real surprise comes when Rei decides to move in with him!

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/4aWeivc)

Destiny Paradise Night by Tomato Machida is a sweet, single-volume Boys' Love (BL) manga that leans into the "fated encounter" trope with a mix of cozy domesticity and light idol-industry flair. The story kicks off with Chikayuki Murata, an ordinary, kind-hearted man who has just been dumped by his girlfriend. While walking home, he spots a beautiful young man standing on a bridge railing. Fearing the stranger is about to jump, Chikayuki lunges to save him, and they both tumble into the river. As it turns out, the "suicidal" stranger—Rei Aihara—was simply trying to get a better look at the moon. To apologize for the wet mishap, Chikayuki takes Rei home, only to discover that Rei is a popular idol. The two quickly form a bond, leading to Rei moving into the apartment above Chikayuki’s coffee shop. The story doesn't rely on heavy angst or complex twists. It is largely a "feel-good" romance focused on how two people from different worlds (an idol and a café owner) fit together. Rei struggles with a sense of professional loneliness, while Chikayuki deals with a lifetime of personal loss (having lost his parents and the grandfather who raised him). Their relationship serves as a balm for both. Compared to Tomato Machida's other works (like Heaven’s Trap), this is significantly sweeter. The art is clean and emphasizes Rei’s expressive, "spoiled-but-endearing" personality. While mostly sweet, the manga is rated 18+ due to explicit sexual content toward the end. If you enjoy the "Ordinary Guy x Famous Idol" trope and want a low-stress, "happily ever after" read, this is a perfect choice. It’s a "popcorn" manga—light, satisfying, and visually appealing. However, if you prefer high-stakes drama or gritty realism, you might find the plot a bit too convenient.

reviews_and_ramblings

A charming Boys' Love manga about a cheerful matchmaker who falls hard for his kuudere senpai--from Minta Suzumaru, creator of I Didn't Mean to Fall in Love (also from Seven Seas)!

First-year high schooler Shingo is a one-man information network. For the right price (lunch, in most cases) he'll find out whatever you want to know about your crush, using his top-notch conversational skills and easy-going nature. But Shingo meets his match in the handsome yet terrifying second-year Ao, a boy whose gloomy presence doesn't hurt his popularity one bit. For some reason, Shingo gets tongue-tied around Ao, but when he uncovers a secret about the older boy--one that has nothing to do with the mysterious scar on his face--he notices his feelings begin to change.

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/4cj4lu7)

If you’re looking for a refreshing break from high-drama or "toxic" tropes, Cupid Is Struck by Lightning by Minta Suzumaru is a top-tier choice. It’s a sweet, high-school "opposites attract" story that leans heavily into the "puppy love" aesthetic. The story follows Shingo, a cheerful, popular high schooler who is obsessed with the legend of "Cupid"—a mysterious, aloof student named Ao who reportedly has the power to grant love wishes if you find him. When Shingo finally tracks him down, he discovers Ao isn't a magical deity, but just a blunt, socially awkward guy with a scary exterior. Naturally, Shingo decides to befriend him, and (as the title suggests) sparks fly. It’s the classic "Golden Retriever x Grumpy Cat" energy. Shingo’s relentless optimism balances Ao’s defensive walls perfectly. Unlike many BL series that rush into physical intimacy, this is a slow-burn that focuses on emotional vulnerability and building trust. The art is clean and expressive. Mochizuki excels at drawing facial expressions that convey "yearning" without needing much dialogue. There are no major villains or agonizing love triangles. It’s a "comfort read" through and through. If you enjoyed titles like Sasaki and Miyano or Our Dining Table, this will be right up your alley. It’s a warm hug in manga form.

sholio

So I'm still on a Jason Pargin kick. This is definitely a Jason Pargin book (bizarre, convoluted, funny, much sweeter and kinder than you'd expect). Unlike most of his other books, there are no horror or SFF elements; this one is more of a straightforward(ish) satirical action/thriller/comedy. Also, Jason Pargin continues to have the best titles around. (The next book in the John Dies at the End series is There Are No Giant Crabs in This Novel: A Novel of Giant Crabs. I cannot wait.)

Anyway, back to this book.

Abbott is a 26-year-old Twitch streamer, incel, and part-time Lyft driver who shows up on a call to a parking lot, where he finds a girl about his own age with a mysterious black box, who introduces herself as Ether (clearly not her real name) and offers him $200K in cash to drive her across the country, on the condition that he a) does not ask her what's in the box, b) does not open the box, and c) leaves his phone and other electronics behind. Abbott, who still lives with his emotionally abusive dad, agrees on the principle that this will give him the ability and agency to move out (failing to realize that the money isn't really the issue; wherever you go, there you are, etc).

However, before he leaves, he broadcasts one last Twitch stream in which he tells his followers that he'll be gone for a few days on an errand. Since this is wildly out of character for Abbott, his followers and online friends immediately conclude that he's been kidnapped or is otherwise in trouble, and start a Subreddit to track him. Abbott, phoneless, is blissfully unaware that he and his companion are the subjects of an online media frenzy, or that they're being pursued by a growing number of people who are after the box and/or them, including a homicidal biker, a disgraced FBI agent with a specialty in online conspiracies who is convinced the box contains a nuclear bomb, and Abbott's dad, as well as a lot of online wannabe heroes.

It turns out that "black box of doom" refers not just to the box that is the book's Pulp-Fiction-style maguffin, but also (and perhaps foremost) online echo chambers that isolate people and turn their entire world into a popularity spiral in which they are terrified to voice their real opinions, and any controversy can blow up into a literally life-ending scandal.

I think the thing that makes this book work for me is that it's not terribly ham-handed and mostly just lets the characters be people (and genuinely isn't afraid to let them be terrible people now and then). The point is that we're all flawed; the point is that the world is better than you think; the point is that the people who think the only real world is offline and the ones who live completely within a screen are equally right and wrong. Abbott's online friends are real friends (one of them is one of the most helpful and resourceful people who gives them a hand on their increasingly bizarre and problem-prone road trip), and the people who say they're not, including Ether, are wrong; Abbott's dad, who is at least 50% of the reason why Abbott is Like That and thinks his son is wasting his life online and failing at Life, while successful by real-world standards is just as isolated, miserable, and emotionally repressed as Abbott is, but is also a Big Damn Hero when he has to be. Ether has embraced the ethos of living off the grid and insists that people are wasting their lives in the electronic world, but it was the online world that shaped her and created her biggest success and failures. You can make real connections online, but you also need to get offline and touch grass once in a while. It's not either/or.

This book also includes a chapter written by a conspiracy nut on a wall, lot of subreddit posts, and a climax that made me keep having to put the book down because I was laughing so hard. It's absolutely not going to be to everyone's taste, but I really liked it.

A brief, spoilery comment on pairings in the book:

about Abbott and Ether mostly

While Ether is definitely the first girl Abbott's ever had an emotionally intimate relationship with, they do not fall in love and in fact don't even really *like* each other for most of the book. By the end, they've risked their lives for each other a few times and are tentatively friends, but that's as far as it goes. I really liked that. (Abbott's dad and conspiracy theorist FBI agent Joan Key are definitely banging, however, and more power to 'em.)

m_findlow posting in

drabble_zone

( You're about to view content that a community administrator has advised should be viewed with discretion. )

lucymonster

Here's a life hack for time-poor music fans. If you ignore all new releases within your chosen genre for an entire calendar year, then you get to read a whole bunch of Album of the Year lists at your convenience and listen to ONLY the best stuff.

Which is to say: I have a couple more music recs that aren't, like, hrr grr arrgh blargh Satan! Recs that have maybe a passing chance of appealing to the majority of you who aren't into extreme metal! I also have some recs that probably only Zook and Liriaen and Kimara should even bother glancing at, let alone listening to if they haven't already, but I'll stick those at the bottom of the post. Because it seems like a lot of the best "metal" of 2025 was actually quite mild and accessible, or even just straight up crossover stuff that wasn't really metal at all but appealed to a lot of metalheads for its dark ambiance and experimentality.

Album recs, normal person edition

The Spin by Messa: Smoky, jazzy female vocals over a goth-tinged canvas of reverb-heavy guitar and driving beats. I don't think I've found a single AotY list in my whole search that did not include this album in the top couple of spots. Technically it's doom metal but I really don't think you need to be a doom metal fan, or a metal fan in general, to appreciate this; it's just gorgeous.

Here, have a music video! It's more aesthetic than riveting, but it does feature the extremely attractive singer on a motorbike and is a good representative sample of the album. If you bounce off this song, there's nothing here for you; if you like it, oh boy do you have a treat coming with the rest of the album. <3

Watch on YouTube

Camgirl by Crippling Alcoholism: I honestly have no idea what to call this. It's not metal, though metalheads have been loving it; it's too heavy to be post-punk or goth rock or synthwave, but it has elements of all of them. It's dark and dreamy and wonderful and I have listened to it so many times in the last few days. (Disclaimer: this is a concept album about a sex worker, and I can only make out about half of the lyrics. Quite possibly it's sympathetic and thoughtful? I'm choosing to hear it as sympathetic and thoughtful. But I can't rule out the presence of bigoted shit in the less intelligible parts, and I haven't bothered to listen to any band interviews about the inspiration behind the album, so I cannot in good faith vouch for them as anything other than auditorily enjoyable.)

There might be more coming; in particular, there are new albums by Ainsoph and Calva Louise that come highly recommended and based on their first couple of tracks have a lot of promise, but I haven't found time to give them a full listen yet. But I honestly just want to spend a while listening to The Spin and Camgirl on repeat before I delve into anything else. They're SO GOOD.

Album recs, hrr grr argh Satan edition

Scapulimancy by Hedonist: This is fantastically fun, catchy, filthy death metal with brutal vocals and chugging Bolt Thrower-esque riffs. It's not an album that prompts any sophisticated or nuanced response in me whatsoever; it's an album that scoops the thoughts out of my brain and replaces them with nothing but primitive satisfaction. I don't headbang but this band makes me want to. Just. FUCK yes.

Heritage by Structure: Bear with me. You're all alone in the middle of a black night ocean that is maybe a real body of water or maybe a metaphor for your filthy conscience, being dragged down into the unfathomable depths by an anchor tied to your feet. Looking up as you sink, you see the cosmic sparkle of millions of stars refracting through the water's surface from far above. This is death/doom at its best and I am thoroughly smitten.

ysabetwordsmith

We made it to the end of February! \o/ If you have completed any of your short-term goals or subgoals, and/or you're still chugging away at your ongoing goals, then pat yourself on the back. You worked hard for that. About 95% of New Year's resolutions crash and burn before the end of January. If you're still going, you have beaten the odds!

I'm continuing to track goals at the end of each month. So far it seems to be helping, so that's encouraging. I'm looking at my goal list more often and trying to keep ticking off more of them.

These are the previous check in posts:
New Year's Resolutions Check In January 9
New Year's Resolutions Check In January 16
New Year's Resolutions Check In January 23
New Year's Resolutions Check In January 30

( Read more... )

Current Mood: accomplished

m_findlow posting in

fan_flashworks

Title: Hot and humid
Fandom: Torchwood
Characters: Jack, Ianto
Author: m_findlow
Rating: PG
Length: 1,163 words
Content notes: None
Author notes: Written for Challenge 506 - Amnesty using Challenge 28 - Warmth
Summary: The hub is freezing but Ianto has found the perfect spot for making it through cold winter days.

( Read more... )

$radiantfracture: a gouache painting of a turkey vulture head on a blue background, painted by me (vulture)$

radiantfracture

Did you know vultures are sexually monomorphic? Females and males look so much alike that it's difficult to sex them unless you personally watch one lay an egg (and even then bird genes are delightfully unpredictable). Just another awesome vulture fact I learned from the raptor centre insta.

Further, condors (aka Really Big Vultures) can reproduce via parthenogenesis. Here are some excellent queer bird stickers. I have ordered the asexual condor and the trans kookaburra.

§rf§

pattrose

I love this recipe. These are melt in your mouth good.

Homemade Caramels

🛒 Ingredients :
(1 Can) Sweetened Condensed Milk
(2 Cups) Light Brown Sugar, firmly packed
(2/3 Cup) Unsalted Butter, cubed
2 Tablespoons Liquid Glucose or Light Corn Syrup
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1.5 Teaspoons Flaky Sea Salt
👩‍🍳 Easy Steps :
🥣 Prep and Combine
- Line an 8x8 inch square baking tin with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, and glucose syrup over low heat.
🍳 Cook to Stage
- Stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved and the butter has melted into a smooth liquid.
- Increase heat to medium-low and bring to a gentle simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the "soft-ball" stage (115°C/238°F) and turns a deep amber.
🔥 Finish and Fold
- Remove the pan from the heat and vigorously stir in the vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of the sea salt flakes.
- Continue to beat the mixture with a wooden spoon for 2-3 minutes until it loses its high-gloss shine and starts to feel thick and heavy.
🍽️ Set and Serve
- Pour the warm fudge into the prepared tin, smoothing the top with a spatula, and sprinkle the remaining sea salt flakes over the surface.
- Allow the fudge to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours until completely set before slicing into neat squares with a sharp, warm knife.
💡 Beginner Tips :
- To achieve a creamy texture rather than a grainy one, ensure the brown sugar is fully dissolved before the mixture begins to simmer.
- Avoid "scraping" the sides of the pan too aggressively while pouring the mixture into the tin, as any crystallized sugar on the sides can cause the whole batch to become grainy.
- For the best flavor profile, use a high-quality flaky sea salt (like Maldon) rather than standard table salt to provide that specific textural crunch.

pattrose

How did you prioritize your time today?

Let’s see. I gave myself two hours to clean my kitchen and my bathroom. I didn’t need that much time, after all. But boy does my kitchen look great. And that’s basically what I did. I could have done so much more, but I just wasn’t in the mood for cleaning today. Then I sat on my butt and watched a bunch of episodes of Major Crimes. I love that series. I watch all seven seasons at least once a year. Something to do now and then.

That’s all I did.

pattrose

28. Do you own many notebooks? What do you use them for?

I don’t think I’m exaggerating to say I have about 30 of them in my office. I collect notebooks , pens, and pencils for writing. I take them on trips, for using around the house, and one is always in my oxygen backpack. You never know when you’ll need one. I use them for story ideas, journal type input, and anything else I can think of.

How many do you have? How many pens? Or pencils?

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January 2026

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Theme: Sand and Seaweed by dancing_serpent

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Page Summary

nanila in awesomeers - Just One Thing (28 February 2025)
zwei_hexen - Write every day! - March 2026 - Welcome!
reviews_and_ramblings - Yes, No, or Maybe? by Yukimura
reviews_and_ramblings - Who Said Anything About Love! by Miso Umeda
badly_knitted in fan_flashworks - Hot Water Challenge: The Fantastic Journey: Fanfic: In Trouble Again
reviews_and_ramblings - Village Chief & Cop by Gin Kamikaze
reviews_and_ramblings - Stan By Me by Kiyou Mori
reviews_and_ramblings - Ripples in the River by Zeniko Sumiya
reviews_and_ramblings - Hibana by Asumiko Nakamura
reviews_and_ramblings - Destiny Paradise Night by Tomato Machida
reviews_and_ramblings - Cupid Is Struck by Lightning by Minta Suzumaru
sholio - I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom - Jason Pargin
m_findlow in drabble_zone - Torchwood: House rules (Challenge 500 - Amnesty, using Challenge 278 - Snuggle)
lucymonster - Starting my 2025 music catch-up
ysabetwordsmith - New Year's Resolutions Check In
m_findlow in fan_flashworks - Warmth Challenge: Torchwood: Fanfic: Hot and humid
radiantfracture - important vulture updates
pattrose - Recipe. Homemade caramels
pattrose - 2026 60 questions meme
pattrose - Not quite 365 days questions meme February

Fashion's been a Passion

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