#Covert Love Chapter 12

[calderacitylovers]

Zutara SlowBurn FanFiction: Personal Favs, part II

·        DESTINY IS A FUNNY THING by Megara Pike | Published: 2020-08-21 | 198K Words | 45 Chapters

ATLA Season 3 rewrite, fills in a lot of blanks between canon scenes. From the Southern Raiders to Sozin's Comet through coronation and aftermath. Growing friendships, bonding, being there for each other, a carnival & a cave, epic spirits' appearance on the Ember island, sparring, nightmares, assassination attempts, political ruses, and covert operations. Lovely, sweet. Exciting plot.

 ·        ATLA Book 4: Ashes by elayne_cypher | Published: 2018-10-27 | 306K words | 34 Chapters

This action-packed story picks up right after Ember Island Players and continues well after the war. Zuko is facing many challenges as a new Fire Lord. Romance, tough decisions, rebels, traitors, out-of-body experiences, secret headquarters, angst, teamwork, fire jets. The story has a bunch of OCs.

 ·        Refraction by caroes3725  | Published: 2020-09-09 | 215K Words | 37 Chapters

After breaking up with Aang, Katara needs to figure out her place and role in the patriarchal world. As determined Katara stubbornly bulldozes her way through Fire Nation political scene, her feelings for Zuko grow. Diplomatic visits, Gaang reunion, bonding with Kanna, insights into the life of Caldera city, stuffy politicians, cute correspondence, tropical storm, women supporting women, assassination attempts, personal boundaries. A sweet well-written coming-of-age story with a healthy measure of slow-burn and mutual pining. Katara and Zuko are both POVs, but the story mostly follows Katara. Bonus: Mai is NOT a clingy resentful idiot, but a smart person and a good friend. Some explicit language here and there, a bit of mild smut.

 ·        I Asked You First by halfhoursonearth | Published: 2020-10-03 | 142K words | 22/? Chapters

Ongoing, incomplete. Post Southern Raiders ATLAS3 rewrite. Mostly canon-compliant with blanks filled in between familiar scenes. Zuko and Katara develop a close friendship built on trust and sharing each other’s fears and hopes. Includes mentions of implied child abuse, Lu Ten’s diaries, exploring Avatar Roku’s legacy, sharing a balcony, heart-to-hearts, a hot spring under the stars, an actual date, and artbending. It’s incomplete, but what we have is bliss. Slowburn, mutual pining. Zutara-centric, but also explores the personalities of Team Avatar and their relationships.

 ·        Katara Alone by cablesscutie | Published: 2020-05-31 | 21K words

Katara is not an “unnecessary accessory to a more powerful man”. After the war, she is willing to forge her own path as she turns to people who need her the most on her journey of self-discovery. Features character exploration, correspondence, exploring outback villages of Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom, sweet reunions, and new firebending skills.

 ·        THE PHOENIX AND THE DRAGON - THE COMPLETE SERIES by JasmineTeaLatte | Published: 2021-06-11 | 100K words | 31 Chapters

This story picks up after The Ember Island Players. Zuko and Katara get to know each other during a late-night conversation by the campfire. In this story, you will find healthy boundaries, protective Sokka, a dash of Taang, sparring, funny banter & lots of flirting.

·        HESITATE by tiffaniesblews | Published: 2020-07-11 | 22K Words | 12 Chapters

This story picks up right after Zuko's coronation and spans two years afterwards. Zuko & Katara talk, share a few beautiful moments, write to each other, and reunite for the 2nd anniversary of the war ending. Very sweet, fluffy story about two sweethearts figuring out their feelings for each other.

·        LIKE WE'RE MADE OF STARLIGHT by Naladot | Published: 2021-11-28 | 5K Words

Katara leaves her post as the ambassador to the Fire Nation to take up a new one as the ambassador to the Northern Water Tribe. Her absence makes Zuko realize that he's got an unfortunate crush, which he is determined to keep secret. Unfortunately for him, subtly has never been one of his strengths—especially when he arrives in the Northern Water Tribe and she keeps taking him on what seem to be dates.

·        FIGURE IT OUT by clearascountryair | Published: 2021-12-20 | 35K words | 13 Chapters

After choosing not to kill Yon Rha, Katara rethinks her sense of self and others' perceptions of her. Or,    In which Katara learns that there’s a really big difference between being kissed when you don’t want to be and being kissed when you do. Aged-up 3B/Ember Island AU.

-  I FOUND YOU by that_turtleduck | Published: 2020-11-01 Completed: 2024-02-24 Words: 157,541 Chapters: 28/28

After divorcing Aang, Katara uproots her family and travels to Caldera. There she finds comfort, kindness and support from an old friend. Katara tries to find her footing as an independent political figure. Great story & relationship dynamic of Momtara & Dadko in their early 30s (Ember island, diplomatic meeting, dancing, turtleduck pond, letters). Delicious slow burn with rewarding spicy resolution in the end (explicit open door). Titters on the side of Anti-Aang.

Here’s a link to Part I of my personal favorites.

Here’s a link to Wholesome Zutara Short Stories.

[the-darkestminds]

Autumn’s Shadow: Chapter List

Azriel x Eris (Azriel POV)

Summary: A covert meeting between Azriel and Eris to exchange valuable intel leaves Azriel reeling—and questioning everything he has ever felt for the Heir of Autumn. Azriel finds himself inexorably drawn to Eris, unable to resist his captivating allure. With the threat of Koschei and Beron looming ever closer, can their forbidden love endure in the face of such danger?

a/n: This is not canon compliant. It takes place sometime during acosf before Eris is taken by Briallyn. Please assume the following: Cassian never played courtier, Azriel never had any feelings for Elain, he never helped Cassian train the priestesses, and they have not told Eris about the trove. (18+, nsfw)

Read on AO3!

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

[saltysplayt00ns]

WOW have not given a confirm from Roamer and already jumping guns.

From the duration of the whole Kique trying to start this poly thing of two of the most red flag characters to pedestal However Rogio is on Roamers:

and Kargo love interest is on Roamer:

From looking over the type of poly relationship it would end up being either a Hierarchical polyamory, Polyfidelity, Solo polyamory or a Triad. But since it's kique it's more likely to be a triad with Hierarchical instead of something of equally grounding everyone; they ( kiq. ) will mainly focus the attention and love all on Rogio but having it where Rogio and Kargo caring about Roamers needs. in hindsight if Roamer focusing all his care and attention on Rogio the sadly Kargo will have to follow along. That's not a relationship that's a coercion of someone who is emotionally being pulled around just like another who was pulling roamer around as well;

And you know who been doing that for all through Home comic??? ROGIO, Rogio so far has been manipulating, gaslighting, mansplaining, victimizing and done toxic/abusive traits that is not appropriate. "but he's not hitting or screaming at his face so its not bad??" Just because its not shown loud in your face doesn't mean it's not their. Just because a meat-eating Predator is not chasing you down immediately after making eye contact on you, doesn't mean it's not a wild, carnivore. It's the same with Herbivores which so many overlook because it can't eat us and it's harmless when actually they're just as unpredictable as a carnivore. A lot of things happen behind doors and others figured out how to not make it obvious. These are usually Covert Coercion/abuse that is so subtle your can miss it or overlook it. Like slow boiling a frog in a pot.

We have seen from the beginning how Rogio was from the first chapter and given context of how he is overtime. Roamer is very naïve and gullible to be used under Rogio's dispense and whenever Roamer speaks up or states an opinion Rogio does not like. he gives Roamer the silent treatment and cuts all connections to him, practically ghosting and pretending he doesn't exist. You see it all through Chapter 11 through Chapter 12. And Later see Rogio been observing from the distance on Chapter 13.

That later had Roamer to lash out his frustrations on other people AND be depressed/mope around cause he's been giving all that love and attention to abruptly giving the cold turkey.

Also pointing out that Javo is not a warrior but Fremja is, So why Roamer doesn't train with someone who is an established role but would fight someone who is not of equal task and someone who is far weaker then him??!!. Frenja has fought with Roamer during Avanti and traveled with him when they left to meet Kargo and Ferah again. She has a track record - Javo does not. it's very subtle misogyny of having the females laying around or doing nothing when the barrier is basically down to open attacks, while males are being the active ones. The group should be at least planning to build a smaller barrier or doing something to be prepared. Later it bite them when IT DID HAPPENED of raiders coming in. You say meteor has changed but examples like these contradicts it.

------ I have seen ENOUGH comics, fanfictions of stories of people who does that including the toxic tactics. And now Rogio left the weight all on Roamers shoulder to do the decisions FOR him, there's has been no return of the conversation of Roamer agreeing to it with Rogio or stating more of his opinion on the matter. Roamer will just agree to it AND IF HE DOESN'T ROGIO WOULD DO THE COLD SHOULDERS AGAIN!!. This is very new territory with different opinions and backstories, cause Meteor tribe has shown to NOT BE POLYAMORUSE. Neither Asmundr or any cookie cutter tribes in Home except possibly southSpear, but that is more an orgy to pass the time being in a boring desert.

I call that BS on them all laughing and having fun together cause all of that happened with Kargo and Roamer and later Roamer dump Kargo to be all happy with Rogio.

it would've been interesting done by a competent author, but the comic is already being rushed even more, since its confirmed there is 4 chapters including the recent one left.

The author has so far been doing the same stuff/traits Rogio has been doing and is willing to bend out of shape and reality to protect Rogio, a fictional and dangerous character to portray and claim as the ' idea character ' to follow and sympathized.

Side note:

I also learned that Feomah; the mother of Diarko and Diarko was an idea from a fallen individual with Kiq. So the possible reason Feomah is separated from Diarko is because of that and now Diarko will be used as a scapegoat for Rogio innocents and that the toxic Poly thing between RxRxK is a good thing. " we can't separate now since Diarko sees us all as parental figures under him." yeah let's have a child who was subjugated through trauma of cults by his tribe, genocide, prejudice by the canines to be given more trauma under meteor who had to move further away from his blind mother and got attacked twice by raiders. instead of being with their mother who is safe in a tranquil area with more members then meteor. Also forcing for Diarko to fight instead of giving him a choice if he wants that or do a different role. No wait that's not manly enough for males to do. 🙄

[fizzyxcustard]

Covert Eyes (22)

Prologue| Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6| Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20 | Chapter 21

Masterlist of fan fiction

Fandom: Spooks

Pairings: Lucas North x OC (Amy Holland)

Warnings: Stalking behaviour, anxiety, language, sexual references, angst, smut, heartbreak, gunshot wounds and recovery, abduction, hostage situation.

Summary: Lucas takes notice of a young woman, Amy, but his obsession and want to get to know her begin to spiral out of control. Amy is now working for MI-5, after being recruited by Ros. But will her involvement with Lucas cause even more problems and heartbreak?

Amy has now gone missing; will Lucas get her back home safely?

Official soundtrack list:  here

Comments/Notes: If you wish to be tagged in any of my tag lists for fics or characters, please let me know, and stipulate what you want to be tagged in.

Key words/terms which people may not understand:

DVLA - "Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency' which is a government department in the UK and handles all driving licences, registrations and car tax.

ANPR - "Automatic numberplate recognition"

Amy was bound at her wrists and ankles and perched on a chair, with the rope around her wrists, binding her to the chair. She grimaced and squinted as the bag was pulled from her head and an intense light was shone in her face. Had she been knocked out? She couldn’t quite remember what had happened once she’d passed The King’s Head and felt someone drag her down the adjoining backstreet. Everything turned black and then she woke in this place. There was a dull thump in the back of her head and she had a bitter taste in her mouth.

“Amy Holland,” a voice came. 

She could see the outline of someone from behind the light and they began to move closer towards her. By now and the light was hurting her eyes; every time she blinked and it felt like a stab of raw pain behind her eyelids. 

“If you co-operate then you’ll be fine,” the voice came again. It was an American man’s voice. “I want Lucas North. He’s the reason my sister is dead. She tried to warn you against him but, of course, you wouldn’t listen. So maybe this will wake you up.”

“Wake me up to what?” Amy replied. “How horrible of a man he is? It’ll take a lot more than that to make me think anything but that Lucas is an amazing man and I love him. You can’t take that away from me.” 

“He’ll definitely come and look for you though, won’t he? Play the doting fiancée and the hero so he can impress you.” 

“He’s already impressed me,” Amy hissed. “What exactly is your plan here?”

“See how far Lucas will go for you, and then I can kill him with my bare hands.” 

“I think you underestimate…”

“I don’t think you’re in the prime position to tell me I’m underestimating MI5. I have far more experience with the British security services than you. You started in November, and you seem to think you know everything about them. I’ve worked in intel for most of my life, and I know how your team work, darling.” 

The adrenaline was pumping in Amy’s body as she looked up into the grey eyes of Sarah Caulfield’s vengeful brother. Her fight or flight system had come online, ready to push her into further danger or pull her from it. She could feel tears stinging her eyes, threatening to fall down her cheeks. Her heart was racing, but she inhaled deeply, trying hard to somehow relax herself. Pulling against the bindings was of no use. 

‘Caulfield’ as Amy referred to him in her mind, soon left her alone in the darkness again. All she had was her thoughts of Lucas, whom she knew would have realised she was missing. Their living arrangement and schedules was something both of them had become so used to now, that Amy knew Lucas couldn’t have overlooked any changes or slight deviations. 

In the darkness and she replayed the times when they laughed together in bed, and he would tickle her under the duvet. But it would soon turn into a more serious moment and they would eventually make love. Caulfield surely could only go by what his sister had disclosed to him, and had no idea just how loving and gentle of a man Lucas North really was behind closed doors. She knew with her whole heart that he would get to her. Nothing would stop him fighting to save her. She had no place for doubts at this point. She kept her mind focused on Lucas and the words dum spiro spero: while I live, I hope. 

***

Back at the grid, Lucas had been working constantly for nearly two days. He was running on pure adrenaline now, unable to let any kind of fatigue take over. All that mattered was Amy. He hadn’t showered, shaved, changed his clothes and barely eaten. All he had managed to eat was a chocolate bar out of Amy’s desk drawer. 

“Lucas, go home tonight,” Harry said, coming to his desk. “And that is an order. We’re all on this.” 

“Harry, how can I?” Lucas said, looking up at his boss with dark circles growing around his ice blue eyes. “I know Sarah’s behind this, or at least someone connected to her.” 

“At least go and have a shower, change your clothes, get something to eat.” 

Lucas travelled back to his and Amy’s flat upon Harry’s final demand. He entered the quiet flat, sighing as he did so. Everything made him think of her: the Disney figurines, the Tinkerbell mug which was still on the coffee table, the pair of pink, fluffy slippers which had been left in the hallway. The hallway – the place he’d made love to Amy for the first time. He could feel her gripping onto him, hear her gentle moans against his ear, feel her soft skin and smell her honey shampoo. 

If she dies, what else do I have? 

Lucas sat down on the edge of their bed and picked up a jumper of Amy’s, and as he lifted it to his nose, he could smell her perfume on it: Olympia by Paco Robbane. It was the very thing that made him aware of her presence in the coffee shop over a year ago. The sweet scent had hit him suddenly, and he turned to see her, sitting alone in the back corner of the café, doodling in her notebook. Then it was her green eyes that attracted him first; large and bright. For a few days and Lucas had battled in his mind with why he had become interested in her. She was not the kind of woman he would have normally become interested in or involved with. Sophisticated, independent and sharp women were the ones he normally found himself in relationships with. Amy was independent, yes, but she didn’t possess an obvious air of sophistication and was not sharp tongued, unless angry. She was softer, non-assuming, and unique. 

Lucas bowed his head and wept. His one chance at a normal life, and it was being ripped away from him again, threatened by someone who could not let go of the past. 

***

Amy had no idea how much time passed. She was left in a dark room, with her captors only coming to her to allow her to relieve herself in a bucket, or to offer food and drink. Lucas’ face was the main thing that Amy saw in her mind; he was smiling at her, his voice wrapping around her, telling her how strong she was. She held on to that, knowing that he would come for her. One way or the other, Lucas would come. 

Caulfield came back to Amy, and once again, she had no idea how long it had been since he last spoke with her. As soon as he spoke, she felt her ears prickle as her hearing had become heightened due to the lack of light. The only noise she had had as company was the odd tap of someone from another room, or the sound of her breath. 

“MI5 should be aware of your disappearance by now, Miss Holland. And no doubt your boyfriend will sweep in to save the day, giving me the opportunity to take him down. This is personal, and it’s just a shame you got caught in the crossfire.” 

Amy remained quiet. Nothing she said would be of any use; this man seemed to enjoy the sound of his own voice, spilling his revenge talk bullshit. 

***

Everyone on the Grid worked long hours to get Amy home. It had been two days now since she was last seen. Lucas was quiet, with his jaw clenched constantly. No one dared approach him, unless it was something helpful to the case. 

On the afternoon of day two, Lucas’ phone rang. ‘Unknown number’ flashed on the screen. 

“Yes?” Lucas asked, inhaling sharply. This could only be in connection with Amy. Why else would an unknown number call his work mobile? 

“Lucas North.” Not a question. A fact. Whoever was calling was only stating that they knew they had the right number. “Will send coordinates. Come alone. If anyone else comes with you, we’ll shoot her. Leave your phone behind; we’ll know if you have it.” The accent was American, and the voice male. This was someone connected to Sarah Caulfield. He knew it. 

Before Lucas could muster words, the line went dead. 

Lucas rushed into Harry’s office, relaying the details of the call. “I need to go on my own, Harry.” 

“We need to make sure you can be tracked,” Harry demanded. 

“This is the CIA. I know they’re connected to Sarah Caulfield. Whoever was calling, is American. They’ll have metal detectors and know if I’m being tracked. This is between me and them.” 

***

Amy was sat in darkness. The bindings had started cutting into her wrists and her arms ached, being pulled behind her back. The pain had been getting worse in the last hour or two and it was beginning to spread up her back and into her neck. The only time she was free of the bindings was when she needed to relieve herself or was eating, and even then, a man sat directly in front of her wearing a balaclava, making sure that she couldn’t run. 

She let out a groan and tilted her head back. Her eyes focused on the darkness, her gaze falling further into it. In her imagination, she could feel Lucas stood just behind her, his lips trailing down her cheek and his arms wrapped around her middle. “I love you, angel.”

Time continued to pass. People came and went; that much she knew from the sound of doors opening and closing. There were muffled voices from the other side of what she felt was a metal shutter door. Whenever there had been any light shone toward her, she’d made out what seemed to be a factory-type environment. Voices in the room echoed, signalling that she was in a large space. More than likely she was still in London somewhere, stuck inside a factory unit. 

More waiting. Food was served to Amy; porridge, later followed by a cheese sandwich. She’d had at least two lots of breakfast now, so she’d been in this place for two days. 

Suddenly, a door opened from behind Amy. Voices drifted through into the open space and one of them she immediately recognised. “Lucas?!” she called. 

“Amy?” he called back. 

“Shut up, Superman!” Caulfield snarled. “Just get the fuck in there.” 

Lucas cried out in pain, his calls echoing. 

Amy whimpered for him. 

A light was shone again, blinding Amy. She gasped and lowered her gaze away from the light. Slowly she opened her eyes again, wincing against the ache. She could hear scuffling, grunts and could see the very vague outline of figures, all haloed by the light. 

Lucas was dragged to a seat and bound to it, just like Amy was. He could see Amy sitting a short distance away from him, and as the men walked away, he pulled himself up, the chair hanging against his bindings and he scooted over to her. 

Amy heard him whisper her name and just before the light disappeared, she saw the outline of his features, immediately recognising that profile. She pulled toward him and drew her cheek against his, immediately beginning to weep. Just the sound, touch and smell of him made an innermost peace wash over her. His cologne wafted up her nose and she felt the tickle of his growing stubble against her cheek. Unable to embrace, Lucas and Amy kissed in the darkness. 

As Lucas kissed down her face, he could feel her tears against his lips. “I promise to get us out of here, angel.” 

“He said he wants you,” Amy said. “But don’t you dare play some heroic so we get split up. We’re getting out together, or not at all.” 

Pride and love swelled inside Lucas’ chest. “I love you so much,” he replied. 

*** 

Back on the Grid, Malcolm and Tariq had been going over every piece of CCTV footage they could find, piecing together a partial vehicle registration number from a white van that was seen one street away from Amy’s abduction point. That was all they had to go on. Lists of vehicles with that same description and last three letters on the plate were run through all DVLA databases. This line of enquiry came to a dead end. Until Ros noticed a small van, only just visible at a junction in a southerly direction from the street where Amy disappeared. 

“There! I can just see the very edge of a light from the back of a vehicle. Malcolm, try and get footage from the angle looking down the junction and straight at the back of the vehicle.” 

“On it,” Malcolm said. 

A short while later and Malcolm had found that it was a small van which was registered to a window cleaning business. Also, it was noted that five minutes after Amy disappeared from view, the van moved. Two men, wearing all black clothing were seen getting into the van. 

Malcolm continued digging into the details of the vehicle and the paper trail that it was leaving behind. “The van is registered to Ace Window Cleaning, operated and owned by Robert Anderson. I’ve mapped out through ANPR data where the van has been and which properties it’s been seen doing business with. One of them was the ground floor flat of Martin Page. And with a little more magic, I can confirm that Martin Page is an alias that is used by CIA agent Randall Blanchard, known colleague and field partner of Simon Caulfield, older brother of Sarah Caulfield.” 

“Lucas was right,” Ros said simply. “Track the ANPR data of that van. Get everything you can on where it’s been the last two days since Amy was last seen. One of the agents obviously paid off Robert Anderson for use of the vehicle, hoping it wouldn’t be traced back to either one of them. Little do they know, we’ve got a lot of fancy tricks up our sleeves.” 

***

Amy rested her head against Lucas. Every now and again, she would feel him kiss her head. 

A night vision camera was hovering above them, and in another part of the building, in a sterile-looking white room, Simon Caulfield watched on. He stared at the monitor and then turned to his partner, Randall Blanchard. “Have you sent the package yet?” Simon asked. “First class?” 

“All done,” Randall replied, taking a mouthful of bitter coffee from the paper Costa cup in his hand. 

“We all know how doting Mommy and Daddy are with their little girls.” 

“What exactly do you want to do with them?” Randall asked. 

“Play with them a little, I guess. And then kill him. We’ll both get our revenge for what he did to Sarah.” 

***

Forever tag list: @lathalea @xxbyimm @linasofia @knittastically @middleearthpixie @meganlpie @asgardianhobbit98 @rachel1959 @luna-redamancy @mrsdurin @quiall321 @missihart23 @lemond57 @evenstaredits @catthefearless @glassgulls @sazzlep @court-jobi @heilith @absentmindeduniverse @albionscastle @for-fuck-sake-im-alive @bookworm-with-coffee @danzalladaggers @ourlonelymountain @phantomessangel @estethell @windb3ll @protosslady

If you would like to be added to my tag list please let me know. Likewise, if you wish to be removed, please let me know!

[fieldofdaisiies]

Thank you so so much for tagging me @zenkindoflove @matrixsss 💛

1. How many works do you have on AO3? 49 (but I keep deleting old things I hate, so it might get less lol)

2. What’s your total AO3 word count? 499,263

3. What fandoms do you write for? ACOTAR (but I also wrote for CC, TLK and Marauders/Theo Nott)

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?  

A Court of Covert Desire - Azris

Trapped - Azris

I Have Been Expecting You, Shadowsinger - Azris

Feyre's Day Out - Batboys and Nyx

Oh So Sensitive Wings - Feysand

5. Do you respond to comments? Yes! Sometimes many weeks later, but I always try to respond because each little comment makes me so happy, you have no idea

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? I was going to say, I really don't know, but I do. The Tamlin x Rhysand's sister story... it's a bit sad...

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? Actually most of them except for the Tamlin story?

8. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? Not that much anymore. In my long fics I mostly only have 2-3 chapters with smut. If I do one shots they are sometimes only smut and every kind of smut, I don't know? It's mostly very descriptive, I guess.

9. Do you write crossovers? Yes, I wrote a Nessian x The Last of Us AU and an Elucien x Medici AU

10. Have you ever had a fic translated? No. But I think someone offered to translate one of my very old Marauders fics on wattpad...

11. Have you ever co-written a fic before? Yes!! For the ACOTAR writing circle and a story with my friend @moonlightazriel for Azriel

12. What is your all-time favorite ship? Elucien will always own the biggest part of my heart, but then there is also Azris who I love almost the same. And Gwyn x Balthazar (the ship which I am the captain and one of the few crew members of lol)

13. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? The Elucien night circus/Elain as a fortune teller fic...

14. What are your writing strengths? I don't know, do I have writing strengths? Maybe dialogues? Or describing nature lol

15. What are your writing weaknesses?  everything. But I guess writing interestingly? I sometimes feel like my stories have such a boring touch to them... and word order!!!!

16. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? It is fun. I did a little bit of it for @iftheshoef1tz's secret santa present and I am planning another historical Azris fic set in Germany/Austria so there will be more German I guess.

17. First fandom you wrote for? Marauders.

18. Favorite fic you’ve written? This is so hard, but right now it is A Court of Covert Desire (Azris) and A Court of Fate and Healing (Gwyn and Balthazar).

tagging (no pressure) @born-to-riot @chunkypossum @teddyhoneybear @lovely-vanserra-sunshine @queercontrarian @jules-writes-stories @the-darkestminds @thelovelymadone @acourtofladydeath @shadowqueenjude @sad-scarred-sassy

[aloneinthehellfire]

saw my tumblr notification for your previous anon and OH MY FUCKING HELL I WOULD LOOOOOVE TO GET THE BATHROOM SCENE FROM STEVE’S POV 💖💖💖

I’ve already told you before that your writing is STELLAR and I know that no matter what you write, it’ll be absolute gold. *chef’s kiss* 🤌🏻

I have to say also that GOH is absolutely KILLING ME in the best ways. love love love the slow burn and the mystery behind what’s been happening in the latest chapters, aaaaa. :’) keep up the amazing work, my friend, and please make sure that you take breaks should you need them!! 💕

I got a lot of requests for this so I hope my anons find this one <3

RAINING HELLFIRE (READER'S VERSION)

Word Count: 3672

Warnings: swearing, mentions of drugs, mentions of torture

Set in RH3: Chapter 12: Uncle Jack

Find all Raining Hellfire works here <3

Summary: While you try and find your previously abandoned radio in hopes of contacting help, Steve and Robin slip away from their cinema experience to end up in the bathroom, sharing truths about their lives they never admitted before.

[A/N: Welcome to our new little series I am calling 'Raining Hellfire (Reader's Version)' where you can request a scene that I either hadn't written into RH originally or a POV of a different character :) shout out to the nonnie that suggested this &lt;3]

RH3: STEVE'S EPIPHANY

“The ceiling stopped spinning for me.”

Robin’s voice echoed out as Steve flushes away his latest creation, stomach lurching while he wipes away the clinging spit.

“Is it still spinning for you?”

Steve rests his back against a ceramic tiled wall and tilts his head upwards. He focuses for a second.

“Holy shit.” He sounds, still feeling light-headed. “No. You think we puked it all up?”

“Maybe.” Robin says from the cubicle beside his. “Ask me something. Interrogate me.”

“Okay. Interrogate you, sure.” He tries to straighten himself a little, ignoring the dull pain in his face. “Um… When was the last time you, uh… peed your pants?”

“Today.” She responds quickly, voice airy.

“What?” Steve smirks.

“When the Russian doctor took out the bone saw.”

“Oh my god.” Steve chuckles and Robin laughs.

“It was just a little bit though.” She giggles and Steve shakes his head in amusement.

“Yeah, it’s definitely still in her system.” He mutters, rubbing the eye that hadn’t been battered by Russian spies. Of course Dustin’s brilliant plan involved yet another concussion.

“All right, my turn.” Robin announces after her laughter died down, a smile in her voice.

“Okay, hit me.” His head was starting to throb and he was seriously missing his truth serum right about now.

“Have you… ever been in love?”

“Yep. Nancy Wheeler. First semester, senior year.” He says, not really putting much thought into the answer. He imitates a gun with his fingers and shoots at his heart.

“Oh my god.” He could practically hear Robin’s eye roll. “She’s such a priss.”

“Hm.” Steve nods, remembering a time when he thought the same. “Turns out, not really.”

“Are you still in love with Nancy?”

“No.”

A wave of shock struck him when he answered without a thought, reeling in his own response. Was he really over her?

“Why not?”

This time, his thoughts are swirling around like the ice-cream machine they rarely ever used, clouding his eyes with one image. One very specific image. And he smiles.

“I think it’s because I found someone who’s a little bit better for me.” He chuckles. “It’s crazy. Ever since Dustin got home, he’s been saying, you know, you gotta find your Suzie, you gotta find your Suzie...”

Steve blinks and the image reappears again. Dustin’s rant about Steve finding love had never left his mind.

“Uh, I guess I don’t totally know what I’m looking for.” Steve states, staring through the binoculars and being anything but covert. But Dustin could be on to something and he desperately needed a break from slinging ice-creams all day.

“Evil Russians.” Dustin replies simply and he roll his eyes.

“Yeah, exactly.” Steve nods, “I don’t know what an evil Russian looks like.”

“Tall. Blonde. Not smiling.” Dustin offers as Steve continues to navigate the binoculars. “Also, look for earpieces, camo, duffel bags, that sort of thing.”

“Right, duffel bags.” Steve repeats. He takes another moment before letting out a breath. “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.”

“What?”

“Anna Jacobi’s talking with that meathead Mark Lewinsky.” Steve complains, staring as she cosies up to the worst player he ever teamed with in his life.

“Dude, if you’re not gonna focus, just gimme the binoculars.”

“Aw, Jesus Christ,” Steve continues, ignoring the boy next to him, “Whatever happened to standards? I mean, Lewinsky never even came off the bench.”

“Dude, you are the worst spy in history, you know that?” Dustin reaches out and snatches away the binoculars, resulting in a small fight as Steve struggled with the strap around his neck.

When Dustin won the binocular war, he places the binoculars in front of his eyes. “I don’t get why you’re looking at girls, anyway. You have the perfect one in front of you.”

“Seriously,” Steve sighs, already knowing where he’s going, “If you say Y/n again-”

“Y/n.” Dustin says anyway.

“No, don’t. No.”

“Y/n, Y/n, Y/n.”

“Stop, no.”

“Y/n.” Dustin repeats over and over before throwing a curveball. “Robin?”

“No- Robin?” Steve raises his eyebrow. “Really?”

“Right.” Dustin nods. “‘Cause you like Y/n.”

“I don’t-” Steve takes a breath, noticing Dustin’s unimpressed look. “No, man, she’s not my type. She’s not even… in the ballpark of what my type is, all right?”

“What’s your type again?” Dustin asks with a side-eye. “Not awesome?”

“Thank you.” Steve sarcastically smiles, suddenly wondering where you were right now. You had said something about spending the day with Max and El, but that was all he had heard from you since last night. He remembered that smile you had given him before you drove off, a small wave as you promised to catch up on the ‘little Russian espionage’ later.

“Hm, right.” Dustin smirked and Steve looked back to him. “That lovesick face says it all.”

“I’m not-” Steve lets out a frustrated sigh. “She’s not my type, okay? Just friends.”

“Let’s see.” Dustin lowers the binoculars to count on his fingers. “Funny? Check. Smart? Check. Pretty? Double check.”

“Still in love with her ex? Check.” Steve says and Dustin’s face falls.

“What? No.” He pouts and Steve nods.

“Yeah, well. Good for him.” He looks ahead, trying not to think about how much that hurt him.

“At least you’re not in high school anymore.” Dustin shrugs and Steve looks at him.

“How has that got anything to do with anything?”

“Look, Steve.” Dustin gestures to the mall in front of them and Steve looks… confused. Dustin sighs. “There’s a whole world of girls out there. Instead of dating somebody you think’s gonna make you cooler, why not date somebody you actually enjoy being around? Like me and Suzie.”

“Yeah, you mean, ‘hotter than Phoebe Cates’. Yeah, that Suzie.” Steve recalls with a snarky tone, “And, uh, let’s think about- how exactly did you score that beautiful girlfriend? Oh, yeah. With my advice. Because that’s how this works, Henderson. I give you the advice, you follow through. Not the other way around, all right, pea-brain?”

“And how’s your advice working for you?” Dustin challenges, his eyes narrowing in his own amusement.

“Wait, who’s Suzie?” Robin asks and snaps him back into the moment. He blinks, running a hand through his hair.

“It’s some girl from camp, I guess his girlfriend.” He shakes his head, trying to push away the growing beating of his brain against his skull. “To be honest with you, I’m not 100% sure she’s even real.”

“But that’s not- that’s not really the point. The point is this girl, you know, the one that I like, it’s somebody that I… I lost touch with in school. And I don’t even know why.” Steve continues, sighing. “Maybe ‘cause Tommy H. would’ve made fun of me or… I wouldn’t be… prom king. It’s stupid. I mean, Dustin’s right, it’s all a bunch of bullshit anyways. Because when I think about it, I should have been hanging out with this girl the whole time. First of all she’s hilarious. She’s so funny. I feel like ever since last November, I have laughed harder than I have laughed… in a really long time. And- and she’s the only person in this whole world I feel like will understand me, you know? Not judge me.”

“Really?” Robin chirps up with a smile in her voice. “Sounds like she loves being around you.”

“Yeah...” Steve’s face slowly falls.

Steve closes the space, resting his head against your forehead. His heart raced faster as he pushed aside his fear. “I love you, Y/n.”

When you don’t respond, he moves his body closer, lifting his head to search your face for something to give him hope. “Please, say something.”

Every second you didn’t react was agony. He could see the tear trickling down your cheek, his brows furrowing.

And then you reached out, placing your hands over his. That little jolt of electricity, the one that give him hope, the one that never failed.

Until now.

You gently unclasp his hand and take your keys, never raising your head, never meeting his eyes.

“I..” You start, lips squeezing together. “I don’t feel the same way about you. Never have. Never… never will.”

Steve feels his entire soul shatter into a thousand pieces.

“I’m sorry.” You whisper as you turn from him, getting in your car without so much as a second glance.

He’s stood there, paralysed in his own heartbreak. He thought… you and him…

How could he have been so stupid?

“Steve?” Robin calls out and he clears his throat.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m here.” He nods, rubbing his eye. “It’s just… I thought, you know, this girl was… everything. And…”

“And?”

“And she wasn’t even real.” He spoke, lowering his head. “I really should have taken Dustin’s advice. The kid knows zilch about love but… but he knows people better than I do sometimes. Told me Nancy was out of my league. Not in a bad way just, like…”

“Like you weren’t meant to be together?” She suggests and Steve hums.

“Yeah, exactly.” He laughs after a moment, “You ever… you ever had that?”

He rubs his face again, looking to the cubicle wall that separated them. She’s being quiet and he frowns, tapping on the plastic. “Robin? Robin, did you just OD in there?”

“No.” She finally says, sighing. “I… am still alive.”

“Did I say something wrong?” He asks and she lets out another sigh.

After another block of silence, he can’t take it anymore and scoots over to the wall, gripping onto the underside and pulling himself through, slow enough to avoid crashing into Robin on the other side. He decided it best to ignore how wet the floor felt on his back.

“The floor’s disgusting.” She comments as he sits back up, facing his friend.

“Yeah, well, I already got a bunch of blood and puke on my shirt, so…” He waves his hands, brushing it away. “What do you think?”

“About?” She blinks, but he knows she’s aware.

“Destined to fail romances?” He chuckles, shaking his head. “You ever had that with a guy before?”

“Something like that.” She says and he groans.

“Come on, you don’t have to be all mysterious.” He laughs, nudging her knee with his. “I can tell when you’re being weird, I’ve known you-”

“That’s it. You don’t.” She interrupts, brows knitted. When he frowns, she bites her lip and leans forward. “Look… you don’t really know me. And if you did, like – like really know me… I don’t think you’d even want to be my friend.”

“No, that’s not true, no way is that true-”

“Listen to me, Steve. It’s shocked me to my core, but I like you. I really like you. But I’m not like your other friends.” She shakes her head. “I’m not even… I don’t…”

Steve leans forward, “What’s going on?”

“Do you remember what I said about Click’s class? About me being jealous and, like, obsessed?” Robin questions and he slowly nods. “It isn’t because I had a crush on you.”

He blinks, holding his breath. Now he felt really foolish for even thinking it.

“It’s because…” She continues, and he keeps his silence. “She wouldn’t stop staring at you.”

“Mrs Click?” He frowns in confusion and she laughs, squeezing her eyes shut.

“Tammy Thompson.” She finally says, nodding. “I wanted her to look at me. But… she couldn’t pull her eyes away from you and your stupid hair. And I didn’t understand, because you would get bagel crumbs all over the floor. And you asked dumb questions. And I watched you fall in love Freshman year with a girl you ended up treating like shit because you wanted to be a douchebag. And- And you didn’t even like Tammy Thompson and… and I would go home and just scream into my pillow.”

“But Tammy Thompson’s a girl.” Steve shook his head, the drug still wavy in his brain.

“Steve.” Robin says softly and he slowly feels his face fall, realisation finally hitting him in a moment of clarity.

“Oh.” He finally sounds, blinking.

“Oh.” She repeats, laughing sadly.

“Holy shit.” He leans back. Talk about deja vu.

Steve didn’t realise how silent he was being. It wasn’t because of shock or hatred or anything like that. It was because he was taken back to Skull Rock all over again. Sat beside you. Your fingers nervously fiddling with the hem of your sweatshirt, a scared look in your eye. The relief on your face when he said he didn’t care who you liked, just who you were. A happiness in your trust.

That shattered image when you found out he had taken that trust for granted.

He didn’t want it to be like that this time. No wrong words, no broken promises. He didn’t want to make anyone feel that destroyed ever again.

“Steve… did you OD over there?”

“No, I just, uh… just thinking.” He slowly nods, “I mean, yeah. Tammy Thompson, you know, she’s cute and all, but… I mean, she’s a total dud.”

“She is not.”

“Yes she is. She wants to be, like, a singer. She wants to move to, like, Nashville and shit.”

“She has dreams.” Robin tries but he’s shaking his head.

“She can’t even hold a tune.” He expresses, trying to think of a descriptor. “She’s practically tone-deaf. Have you heard her?”

As Robin laughs, he mimics Tammy’s voice in the school choir, making it as nasally as he could.

“She does not sound like that-”

“She sounds exactly like that. That’s a great impression of her.”

“You sound like a Muppet.” Robin comments and Steve laughs.

“She sounds like a Muppet. She sounds like a Muppet giving birth.” Steve chuckles and Robin can’t help but agree, giggling. “Literally ask anyone, ask Y/n, she was there. It was an hour of torture, like, even the Russians couldn’t beat that.”

“Okay, okay.” Robin clutches her stomach, shaking her head. “You’re right, okay? She sounds horrible.”

“Thank you.” He grins, head resting against the wall, “You could do so much better.”

“Like Y/n?”

Steve practically jolts, eyes wide. How did she know? Did he tell her? Was he rambling about it and didn’t realise? When did-

“Steve.” She smiles, tilting her head. “I know who ‘the girl’ is, I’m not dumb.”

He mentally lets out a sigh of relief before focusing on her comment. “It’s not… I don’t know.”

“God, you two are in love with eachother.” She scoffs, meeting his unconvinced eyes. “Seriously. It’s suffocating being around you two, it’s flirt city.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry about that anymore.” Steve sighs.

“No shit, there’s no way I’m going back to work after that, they don’t pay me enough to be interrogated by secret-”

“No, Robin, I mean me and Y/n.” He says quickly and she stops, frowning. He sighs again. “It… there wasn’t…”

When he couldn’t find the words, Robin leaned forward.

“What happened between you two anyway?” Robin prompts and he furrows his brows, shaking his head.

“What-”

“Last night. Or… heck, I don’t know how long it’s been.” She shrugs. “When Y/n ran out. After that really intense moment of her talking about being taken advantage of – which I totally agree with her by the way- but... she was clearly upset about something. And you followed her. But when you came back…”

She takes a breath.

“You looked…”

“I looked?” He asks, stomach churning.

“Heart-broken.”

“I don’t feel the same way about you. Never have. Never… never will.”

“There.” She points at his face and he bats her finger away. “Right there. That look.”

He covers his face with a groan, resting his head in his hands.

“I mean… if there would be any time to open up to me, it would definitely be after I just told you I’m a lesbian.” She snickers and he can’t resist the laugh, “Don’t tell me… you’re also gay?”

“No.” He chuckles and she smiles, leaning back. “But I am definitely going to be alone for the rest of my life.”

“I don’t believe that.” She scrunches her face as if the thought was stupid. “You’re Steve Harrington. Any girl would be fantasising about spending their life with you.”

“Not the one that matters.” He admits quietly and she straightens, her eyes wide. Steve takes a breath. “When I caught up to her…”

“Please, say something.”

“… I…” He sighs, rubbing his face. “God, I am an idiot.”

“Why?”

“I told her I loved her.” He finally blurts, wincing at the silence that ensued.

“Woah.” She comments, nodding slowly. He simply nods with her, eyes fixed on the black mark staining the wall behind her. “And I’m guessing she didn’t…”

“No.” He purses his lips, sniffing. “It’s fine, though. At least I know now, right? Won’t be… won’t be wondering that for the rest of my life.”

“She lied.”

His head whips up. “Uh, what?”

“She lied.” Robin repeats, looking serious. “I may have only just met her at the beginning of summer, but I like to think I know her. I see how she looks at you. I can even hear it in her voice when she talks about you and… and there’s a reason she hasn’t been dating anyone.”

“Because she’s still hung up about Eddie.” He sighs and she whacks his knee. “Ow!”

“No, dingus! Because she’s hung up about you!” She exclaims, “God, you are both so oblivious, it actually hurts.”

Steve rubs his knee, shaking his head. “She still likes Eddie.”

“And yet, she chose you.” Robin expresses with her hands and he frowns.

“What do you mean she chose me?”

“Because of the-” Her face falls. Either she was going to puke again or she had just realised something important because her skin started to pale a shade. “Nothing. Forget I said anything.”

“No, Robin, tell me.” He inches forward slightly, eyes wide. “Because of what?”

She bites her lips, obviously trying to hold something in.

“She told you something, didn’t she?” He interrogates, watching her face go paler from the strain of keeping a secret. “What didn’t she tell me? Robin. Robin!”

And with that, she snaps.

“You’re kinda maybe one of the reasons she and Eddie aren’t together anymore but it’s also not your fault ‘cause there was no trust between them in the end anyway, and she was never going to let your friendship die again especially since you guys apparently went through so much together last year and she’s already lost you twice because of some petty arguments or something like that so she decided to let Eddie go so she could keep you because out of everyone, you make her feel the happiest she has in a really long time.”

Robin takes a long breath as she physically deflates against the wall, chest rising heavily.

“If she ever asks… it took a lot more than that to get me to spill.” She grimaces, waiting for his reaction.

You had never told him why you and Eddie broke up. Not truly. He remembers the first time you told him, sat on a bench outside the high school, your eyes threatening tears. You told him that you think you broke Eddie’s heart, but you weren’t ready to talk then. Ever since, you just alluded to the idea that you weren’t right for eachother, that it was better for you both to be apart. Never did you admit it was because of Steve.

And now he was conflicted. How should he be feeling about this? Angry? Confused? Sad?

“How am I… the reason?” He asks softly, fixated on his shoelaces.

“I don’t know the full details.” Robin says, “But I know that she has to love you too.”

“Rob-”

“No, just listen.” She interrupts and he takes a breath, meeting her eyes. “Don’t give up. Considering all the weird shit that just happened back there, and the fact that neither of you seem at all phased by the fact we were tortured by Russians living underneath us, I can only assume that she had a lot going on. Give her time, okay? Take it from someone who has an exceptionally sad life of watching other people fall in love, you two are made for eachother.”

“Right.” Steve nods before shaking his head again. “What if she meant it? That she didn’t… what if-”

Robin lets out a groan. “Just stop being a dingus and take my advice.”

“Not sure how I feel about taking advice from someone who had a crush on Tammy Thompson.” He retorts and she looks offended.

“Wha- hey!”

“We’ll be holding on forever!” Steve imitates Kermit the Frog and she buries her face in her hands, laughing.

The bathroom door bursts open and two kids walk in, one looking severely pissed at Steve.

“Okay, what the hell?!” Dustin frowns, hands on hips.

Steve draws his eyes back to Robin’s and they burst into laughter again, uncontrollably.

“It’s not funny!” Dustin stresses, only making them laugh harder. He shoots a glare at Steve before Erica steps forward.

“Y/n is missing!” She shouts and the two finally quit their giggling.

“What?” Steve chuckles, unsure if he heard her right.

“Y/n went looking for help about twenty minutes ago.” Dustin explains, and Steve’s heart races faster. “And she hasn’t come back.”

“So we better stop chit-chatting like little girls at a sleepover and get the hell out of here before the Russians find us.” Erica remarks, rolling her eyes when nobody moves. “Now.”

“Wait.” Steve scrambles to his feet, Robin slowly but surely following his action. “Y/n-where- where did she go?”

“Her radio.” Dustin sighs, pulling a face when Steve shakes his head. “Jesus Christ, we don’t have time to explain everything to you, she went out to get her radio but she hasn’t come back.”

“Let’s go, we’ll find her later.” Erica stresses, already opening the door and motioning for them to get out.

“I’m not leaving this mall without her.” Steve promises, wiping his lip and heading for the door, more determined than ever.

if you would like to request a new pov scene for the Raining Hellfire universe, please feel free to put it into my ask box and I'll get to it when I am available :)

[cannedbananabread]

Hello! I love future games! It's one of my favorite fics! If it's not too much to ask, I was wondering if you could share a list of all the books referenced/ will be referenced in your fic? Thank you so much❤️

Oh my gosh, this is such as amazing question and not too much to trouble at all, thank you for asking! 

So, I’ve broken this down into a few categories for convenience:

Explicit References - these are books that are mentioned either by title or otherwise overtly.

Implicit References -  these are books that either have been used as inspiration or else more covert allusions are made.

Future References - while I don’t have a comprehensive list of this because I am currently writing chapter 46 and there is still quite a bit or story to go, I definitely have some idea of things that will be used in the future stored in my notes. These are given without context to not spoil where this story is going.

Explicit References:

Hamlet, Shakespeare (Chapter 2) - Dio directly quotes the What a Piece of Work is Man soliloquy.

Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte (Chapter 3)  - What Dio is reading that spurs on their first discussion about kindness and cruelty and the cycles of abuse.

 Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien (Chapter 3, 5, etc.)  - The quote that Reader says to Dio about people deserving death comes from Lord of the Rings. Later, she reads it to him and it is the catalyst for how he figures out that she’s from the future. 

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Tawin (Chapter 4)  -Mostly played for laughs because Dio says Reader is “dreadfully American.” 

A Picture of Dorian Grey, Oscar Wilde (Chapter 9) - Reader waxes lyrically about it being released in the near future; I think there are a ton of parallels to Dorian and Dio, that’s why I couldn't resist.

Not to a specific book, but reader says Dio would like Hemingway, that one was really just a shout out the place that I was born, but the disillusion of the 20th century (especially in The Sun Also Rises) is both poignant and relevant. 

The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne  (Chapter 11)  - Reader is likened to Hester Prynne when discussing Victorian propriety regarding sex / virginity.

Little Women, Louisa May Alcott (Chapter 12, 18, 20, 30) - Reader tells Dio that it was one of her favorite books as a child so he buys it for her for Christmas.

A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens (Chapter 12, 20) - Again, mostly played for laughs, when Reader tell’s Dio she’ll haunt him like the ghosts in the book.

Walden, Henry David Thoreau (Chapter 18)- Reader compares her reserved lifestyle to Thoreau because she hasn't been able to keep many close relationships since her arrival in the 19th century.

Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy (Chapter 20) - Reader gifts this book to Dio, no one will EVER tell me that he does not like lengthy Russian novels.

Daisy Miller, Henry James (Chapter 20) - Reader makes an attempt to seduce Dio with her wit, referencing this book to incite the discussion of Victorian morality.

Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte (Chapter 23) - Dio talks about Mr. Rochester as an example of a complex male lead.

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen (Chapter 23) - Conversely, Reader likes Mr. Darcy and they debate it because they are dorks. Also, reader’s character is heavily inspired by Elizabeth. 

Implicit References:

The Brothers Karamazov, Fyodor Dostoevsky - I really wanted this to be the book that was gifted to Dio, but it hadn’t been translated into English in 1888, it still didn’t stop me from paying subtle homage. 

Notes From the Underground, Fyodor Dostoevsky - The turn of phrase about overthinking being a disease is taken from this book because, again, no one will shift my head canon that Dio loves Russian novels.  Honestly, I've taken so much inspiration from Dostoevsky in general.

The House of the Seven Gables, Nathaniel Hawthorne - I’ve used some of this story to lean into the theme of ‘what it means to be haunted’ (can fanfics have overt themes and motifs???) because we see Dio actively haunted by his past, especially by Dario in metaphysical sense that his trauma is often likened to things that are preternatural.

The Sound and the Fury, William Faulkner - The content of this book isn’t ever mentioned, but I was inspired by the use of disjointed time when I wrote about the way Dio’s recalls his trauma in Chapter 19.

The Nether World, George Gissing - I’ve used this as sort of an account of what poverty in the London slums looked like.

Faraday, Maxwell, and the Electromagnetic Field, Nancy Forbes & Basil Mahon - I was forced to read this as part of my coursework for my engineering degree, but I’ve depended on it a lot for Reader’s research. Lord knows why I decided to make her a chemist when I was terrible at chemistry.

Future References:

- A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare 

- ‘Salem’s Lot, Stephen King

- The Princess and the Goblin, George MacDonald 

- Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy

- The Prince, Machiavelli 

- A Study in Scarlet, Arthur Conan Doyle 

- The Hound of the Baskervilles, Arthur Conan Doyle

- The Bell Jar (and just Sylvia Plath in general) 

- Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens 

- Dead Souls, Nikolai Gogol 

- Middlemarch, George Eliot 

I’ve also taken meager inspiration from various other Sherlock Holmes stories and some Agatha Christie novels, I’ve said it before, but sometimes Zeppeli comes out a little like Hercule Poirot. I have also pulled from some of Shakespeare’s sonnets.

I think that's pretty much everything! Seeing the length of this list has made me worry for my own sanity.

Thank you so much for your question, it was actually so fun to see everything together like this. Once I've finished writing the entire thing, I will have to make a comprehensive list.

[untoldreader]

Natasha Romanoff

Masterlist

Chapter 1: "Chance Encounter: The Mysterious Stranger"

Shadows of Love: Natasha Romanoff and Y/N'S Destiny

Note: These chapter summaries may be modified or expanded upon writing :)

The reader, an ordinary individual, has a chance encounter with the enigmatic Natasha Romanoff. Their paths cross unexpectedly, leaving both intrigued by the other's presence.

Chapter 2: "Unveiling Secrets: Natasha's Hidden Past"

As the reader and Natasha spend more time together, Natasha begins to open up about her secretive and troubled past. The reader becomes determined to unravel the mysteries behind Natasha's enigmatic persona.

Chapter 3: "Infiltrating Hearts: A Covert Mission"

The reader finds themselves drawn deeper into Natasha's world as they embark on a dangerous mission together. Their partnership grows stronger as they navigate through treacherous obstacles and face thrilling adventures.

Chapter 4: "Tangled Threads: A Dance of Trust and Deception"

Trust becomes a delicate dance between the reader and Natasha as they confront a web of deception and betrayal. Their growing feelings for each other are tested as they question each other's allegiances.

Chapter 5: "Under the Moonlight: A Stolen Kiss"

Amidst the chaos and danger, a tender moment arises under the moonlight. The reader and Natasha share a stolen kiss, igniting a passionate connection that neither of them can deny.

Chapter 6: "Unbreakable Alliance: Fighting Side by Side"

Bound by their shared experiences and growing affection, the reader and Natasha become an unbreakable alliance. They fight alongside each other, their skills complementing one another as they face formidable adversaries.

Chapter 7: "Dark Reflections: Confronting Inner Demons"

Both the reader and Natasha are forced to confront their own inner demons. Past traumas resurface, testing their resilience and threatening to unravel the fragile bond they have formed.

Chapter 8: "A Fragile Bond: Testing Loyalties"

The reader and Natasha find their loyalty to each other tested as they navigate a complex web of alliances and conflicting loyalties. They must decide whether their connection is strong enough to withstand the challenges they face.

Chapter 9: "Betrayal's Sting: Shadows of Doubt"

A shocking betrayal sends ripples through their relationship. Doubt and suspicion cloud their judgment as they grapple with the painful consequences of deception.

Chapter 10: "Rescue and Redemption: Defying Fate Together"

United once again, the reader and Natasha embark on a daring mission to save one another. Through acts of bravery and sacrifice, they prove that love can defy the darkest of fates.

Chapter 11: "Unmasking the Truth: Unraveling the Mystery"

The truth behind Natasha's past and the reader's own connection to it is finally revealed. Secrets are unmasked, bringing clarity and understanding to their intertwined destinies.

Chapter 12: "In the Line of Fire: Sacrifices and Second Chances"

In the face of imminent danger, the reader and Natasha confront life-threatening challenges. They must make difficult choices, testing their love and commitment to each other.

Chapter 13: "Embers of Love: Igniting a Passion"

Amidst the chaos, the reader and Natasha find solace and passion in each other's arms. Their love burns bright, igniting a fire that cannot be extinguished.

Chapter 14: "Forging Destiny: A Love That Transcends"

Together, the reader and Natasha forge their own destiny, defying the odds and overcoming the obstacles in their path. Their love transcends the shadows, bringing light to their lives.

Chapter 15: "Epilogue: Forever Bound in the Shadows of Love"

In the epilogue, the reader and Natasha reflect on their journey and the love they have found. Though their lives may always be filled with danger and uncertainty, they are forever bound together in the shadows of love.

≈========================≈

More Coming Soon

[dindjarindiaries]

The main reason a lot of people hate the season is because the trailers set up a different vibe than what we got. Which is true for the most part, all of the trailers had content from the first 3 eps, which did leave the rest of the season in the dark. But the other 2 season's trailers were kind of the same.

People didn't know what to expect aside from the fact that Din and Grogu are gonna be venturing around together. A looottt of people really wanted more of just the two of them. Nothing really showing that Bo was gonna have such a huge role in the season, and she's not the most liked character to begin with.

Plus, the story is a bit more iffy than the past 2 seasons. It's Star Wars so it's never gonna be 100% great dialogue or story-telling (Guns for Hire is a big example of that, I know its your fav, I'm sorry). At the end of the season, there were still a few major questions or instances that were left unspoken about and completely ignored/forgotten about. I've seen some complain about the pacing of each episode, but like you said, the other 2 seasons have Din doing literally nothing but side missions.

I remember a bunch of hate on 'The Passenger' because it was "filler" but that's one of my favorites simply because of Din and Grogu.

I've also seen people say they'll be happy with "just ANY more Din content" but turn and complain when they get Din content 😭 The fandom was really confusing this season.

Anyways, I enjoyed the season as well but I do understand the gripes people have with it.

Thank you for sharing! I'm gonna dissect some of this and it has nothing to do with you at all; I'm so grateful for you shedding some light on this, because I do try to distance myself from Mandalorian negativity as a whole.

The trailers setting up a different vibe has definitely been happening since the beginning. I mean, season 1 left out Grogu completely, so that left the entirety of the show in the dark going into its premiere. Season 2 didn't have any, and I mean absolutely zero, footage from any episode past Chapter 12. A similar technique was used for season 3 and honestly, I appreciate it, because it keeps surprises! I can see why it would frustrate people, though.

Bo's bigger role this season was something that was implied with an adventure to Mandalore. Anyone who's come to love the planet from the animated series knows that she'd have to be involved in a large way just given her and the planet's history. I also realized it when I saw the end credits of Chapter 17 and Katee's name was under "starring" with Pedro's rather than "co-starring." Again, though, I can see why it was disarming for others.

I personally don't see how the story was "iffy." Key word is "personally!" If anything, to me, it felt more cohesive than season 2 and in some ways more than season 1. Much of the fandom today wasn't around for season 1 when we got Chapters 4, 5, and 6 in succession and fans were complaining about each one being fillers and having absolutely no advancement of the story. Season 2 just had the same thing every episode for the first 5 episodes, with Din asking for information and being asked to help with something before gaining that information.

Season 3 had a lot less of that; Instead, the mystery of Mandalore remained throughout the season, as well as the question of who's going to lead and how are they going to retake the planet. Din had an arc (thinking of himself and his redemption only to becoming a true father and a leader), Bo had an arc (hopeless and unmotivated to the unifying leader of Mandalore), and even Grogu had an arc (reluctant Mandalorian foundling to a confident apprentice). The theme was said by Bo in both seasons 2 and 3: Mandalorians are stronger together. Each episode was a step towards unity; Din on his own, then unifying with Bo, who then unified with Din's covert, who then unified with the remaining Mandalorians to retake their planet. It was a beautiful story to me, honestly.

Now, Guns For Hire? Yeah, I'll admit, it's an outlier. But it's fun, and it still served a purpose. Let's not throw out the last 10 minutes just because of what happened in the first 30. It showed that Din is still a complex character with droid trauma and it had some fun prequel callbacks as well as cameos. It was just a fun time to be had before the excitement and heaviness of the last 2 episodes.

I didn't mean for this to turn into an essay HAHA but again, thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts on what people have said about this season! At the end of the day, all media is subjective, so I can see why people didn't vibe with this season and I respect it even if I don't really understand it because of my own feelings for it.

[dhr-ao3]

The Resistance

The Resistance https://ift.tt/pBOGQZS by aprophecygirl In the wake of Voldemort's demise in 1981, the world recoiled from the horrors of the first wizarding war. Governments, both magical and muggle, responded with a secretive decree: a complete separation of their societies, ensuring that muggleborns remain ignorant of their magical ability. Fast forward twenty-five years, and Hermione Granger, now a security operative, is thrust into a covert mission. Her objective: infiltrate a cult-like fringe group with a shared delusion of magical prowess. Among them stands the enigmatic Draco Malfoy, their leader. As Hermione immerses herself deeper into the group's beliefs, she grapples with shifting loyalties and a growing attraction to Malfoy. Caught between her mission and the reality of her past, Hermione explores what it means to be part of something larger than herself. [Weekly Updates, ~90k words] Words: 3906, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Explicit Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Categories: F/M Characters: Draco Malfoy, Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Colin Creevey, Ginny Weasley, Theodore Nott, Blaise Zabini, Pansy Parkinson, Neville Longbottom, Hermione Granger's Mother, Hermione Granger's Father Relationships: Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy Additional Tags: Draco Malfoy & Harry Potter Friendship, Protective Draco Malfoy, Legilimens Draco Malfoy, Legilimency Sex (Harry Potter), Legilimency (Harry Potter), Praise Kink, Hermione Granger Has a Praise Kink, Cult Leader Draco Malfoy, POV Hermione Granger, Adult Hermione Granger, Muggle Hermione Granger, Muggle/Wizard Relations, Horny Draco Malfoy, Blindfolds, Minor Neville Longbottom/Pansy Parkinson, Minor Ginny Weasley/Blaise Zabini, Draco Malfoy & Ron Weasley Friendship, cult vibes, Everyone loves Draco Malfoy, Healer Neville Longbottom via AO3 works tagged 'Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy' https://ift.tt/Liu7syM May 12, 2024 at 08:56PM

[the-darkestminds]

Autumn's Shadow: Chapter 12

Azriel x Eris (Azriel POV)

Summary: A covert meeting between Azriel and Eris to exchange valuable intel leaves Azriel reeling—and questioning everything he has ever felt for the Heir of Autumn. Azriel finds himself inexorably drawn to Eris, unable to resist his captivating allure. With the threat of Koschei and Beron looming ever closer, can their forbidden love endure in the face of such danger?

a/n: I decided to stop posting the full fic on Tumblr, the chapters are getting kind of long and it feels like a lot. So you can find this chapter on AO3 with the link below! I plan (hope) to update once per week now that I have everything outlined. Hope you enjoy :)

Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list!

Read on AO3!

Full Chapter List

Tag List: @unanswered-stars @futurehunt @jules-writes-stories @christeareads @chunkypossum @ninthcircleofprythian

[boilingheart]

shadows rising — • — shaw insight

    Shaw got a lot of ‘screentime’ in Shadows Rising, and hidden away in some text we get to learn some tiny details about him, which I will now skim through the book and compile everything from insignificant to flavor text.

(Yes yes, I KNOW the book came out almost 3 years ago now. I don’t care. I love thinking about Mathias Shaw and I didn’t spend all this time hyperfixating on him and collecting very damn detail about him possible for nothing (well, i did, but))

SHAW:

isn’t at all winded after vigorously riding a horse to chase after anduin (prologue, page 4)

doesn’t beat around the bush when it comes to telling anduin whatever it is he needs to. he’s very straightforward, to the point (prologue, page 4)

grows distant at the mention of a horse groom in westfall no older than anduin named marvin. considering shaw had ties in westfall to begin with, this connection he lies about could be anything. (prologue, page 5)

“(...) the poor lad was hardly older than I was. Marvin was his name, I think.”

Shaw was still in the saddle, his expression suddenly distant. “I didn’t know him.”

But Anduin knew better, knew Shaw was holding something back.

“ “[Varian] wasn’t an easy king to serve, but there was satisfaction in the challenge. The same can’t be said for all rulers.” ” (prologue, page 6)

shaw’s shin has been broken before, and causes him pain during the storm on the bold arva (chapter 12, page 113)

Shaw tumbled to the railing, an old break in his shin screwing up tight enough to squeal. They were in for one hell of a storm.

shaw DESPISES sailing. he’d rather be in an office behind a false bookcase with plenty of desk space, it’s all the comfort he requires (chapter 12, page 113)

one way shaw receives covert messages from his spies is through a wind-up mechanical shark, made with gnome technology (chapter 12, page 117)

“ Mathias skimmed the messages quickly. They were written in a code illegible to anyone not trained in his specific style of short-hand. Efficient and cautious. ” (chapter 12, page 118)

shaw pays one agent, krazzet the bishop, in parrots to get intel from him. krazzet was a gambler in freehold, a fact shaw is begrudgingly aware of. i think we as a people, however, need to talk about the fact that he paid the goblin in parrots. (chapter 12, page 120)

shaw is very curious about the “strange and fascinating Flynn Fairwind”, and is unsure he will ever truly understand him thoroughly. he believes he probably doesn’t need to, but the desire is a constant — mostly in part of shaw’s nature to scrape away facades and see what lies beneath. (chapter 17, page 156)

shaw finds flynn’s scent of salt and soap and whiskey “intoxicating” ok i’m not gonna stop thinking about it?? (chapter 17, page 158)

says “blast” in place of “damn”, a headcanon i wrote that’s stuffed in my drafts but now that i’ve reread his dialogue i’m reminded that’s canon. nice. (chapter 17, page 161)

shaw has a knife concealed on a false bottom of his boot (chapter 17, page 163 & chapter 22, page 202)

shaw knows zandali. presumably enough to get him by, but not enough to catch words spoken too quickly (chapter 22, page 203)

“ He had once talked his way out of a headlock during a bar brawl in Dalara. That time it was a gnoll latched around his neck, and if he could reason with a gnoll, he could reason with anyone. ” (chapter 22, page 204)

shaw usually whittles bird statues to keep his hands busy (chapter 22, page 204)

shaw’s idea of a vacation included going to his small cabin in the highlands, sit in the grass, whittle, and work on his birdcalls. he describes his birdcalls as being “pretty good”, but could always be better. (chapter 22, page 204)

“ “You’re right, I shouldn’t go alone, I’m good at that, being alone. Comes natural to me. I was never all that personable— liked watching people, sure, observing, but too many and I just felt... swallowed up, like everyone could see me just fine but I couldn’t see them. I like to be above it all, perched. But I should find a friend.” ” (chapter 22, page 204)

shaw seems to be described as needing to fidget with something to keep his mind focused a couple of times (chapter 22, page 205)

• Usually, he whittled bird statues to keep his hands busy [...] • Just keep your hands and mind busy. • Then, Mathias would snap off a piece of grass and play with it, not nervously, but give himself a focus.

“Pathonia Shaw, the Silver Cutpurse”. caught three times for stealing, given the choice by the guard of stormwind to work for them or hang. she made assassinations look like accidents or robberies gone wrong, etc. taught both his mother and him. (chapter 22, page 206)

pathonia wore a grotesque amount of rings, jewels glittering on every knuckle, but on her right ring finger, only wore a tied red string. when he asked what it meant as a kid, she slapped him, so he never asked again. (chapter 22, page 206)

shaw contemplates what his life would be like if he had HIS choice. he felt a true taste of freedom aboard the Bold Arva and with flynn. (chapter 22, page 206)

shaw thinks about flynn’s scent a total of THREE. TIMES.

shaw never accepts anything at face value. when being delivered back to stormwind, he checked the ship for any traps, tricks, explosives, etc. in the four days he sailed, he was also constantly checking to make sure the prize the horde gave them was still there, as if it would somehow disappear at sea. (chapter 30, page 265)

[forestshadow-wolf]

Blossoms of Love (Chapter 12)

Overtime

Pairing: soap/Ghost

Tags: Hurt/comfort, angst, hanahaki

Ao3 link || Chapter 1 || Chapter 11

"You're late." Laswell's voice sounded through the laptop speaker they were all currently crowded around.

They'd finished packing and made it to their original drop zone without much trouble. A second trip had been required in order to haul the rest of their salvaged supplies, which had taken them an extra couple of hours, but all in all they made good time. Setting up camp was easy enough as well. A central tent large enough to fit all five of them plus a table, three tents for sleeping, and finally they were able to set up communications to get in contact with Laswell.

"Yeah, we had some complications." Price informed.

"Mission status?"

"Still on, but we're gonna need a new exfil and some cash. We lost a lot of materials when we crashed."

"Copy that. I'll let you know when it's secured." Laswell confirmed. Price thanked her, and then they were confirming their current intel. The plan would be changing just a bit until they could restock what they'd lost. instead of hitting the location nearest to them, they would hike to the furthest location. It was set a just a bit away from civilization, and would be a covert operation. If they moved fast enough they could arrive by midday on the second day of hiking, then they'd have three days to observe guard rotations, gather what info they could get, and clean all traces of their presence. By the time they got back Laswell should have found them a new exfil and a way to get them their cash. "And one more thing, price. Eighteen hours ago Intel unencrypted information about a separate target near your region. Four hours ago it was decided that you would be taking the job, since you're in the area. Looks you're gonna be off base for a while longer."

"What's the word, Laswell?"

"A multi-national level terrorist, and human trafficking gang leader. No name, only a title. You might have heard of him, he started the arms war in Iraq." Price affirmed their knowledge on the subject. "They call him 'The Seller', Intel says he's flying out of turkey in thirty-eight days. You will have execute authority, but this is capture or kill and we want him alive." Price gave a noncommittal hum.

"We don't have the fire-power, armor, or rations for that. And barely any time, Kate, these things take time. And that's not even to mention that we have no jurisdiction there, we could be starting a war if we're found out."

"I know, John, but you have no say here, it's an assignment from General Durski." A low, frustrated growl came from Price, but he kept quiet, so Laswell continued. "Nik has said he has connections in Turkey, if I remember correctly." she directed the last part to wards the man.

"Yes, ma'am, to my knowledge they are all still intact."

Good. Then, I'll work with Nik to set you up with a private contractor, while you're completing this mission. That should remove some of the red tape for you. Intel is still coming in, I'll let you know when I have more for you." Price didn't say anything for a long moment. "Captain, please confirm your understanding." Laswell demanded.

"How much will we be able to trust this P.C.?" The captain asked, obviously thinking of a similar situation involving a Private military contract, and Soap had to admit he wasn't keen on repeating that experience.

"I'll set it up and employ them myself, they'll answer to only me." Price's mustache twitched as he mulled it over, not that he really had a choice on this, it was either accept or be tried in court for whatever crimes they could slap on them. "Captain, I need an answer." Laswell demanded.

"Fine. What's the plan?" Price gritted out, very obviously not thrilled.

"Sources say he's just outside Simak, just north of the border. You will fly out in thirty-seven days, to meet and confer with the P.C."

"That's not a lot of time, Laswell."

"I know." she plowed on, "the projected plan is simple, you will meet with the P.C., and go over the floor plan. Quietly infiltrate the territory, grab 'The Snake', and bring him in for interrogation."

--------------

@checkerscharlie @halb-nichts @heyitsropi @trekkie-in-space @lavenderstem @toasterduck23

[fizzyxcustard]

Covert Eyes (21)

Prologue| Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6| Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20

Masterlist of fan fiction

Fandom: Spooks

Pairings: Lucas North x OC (Amy Holland)

Warnings: Stalking behaviour, anxiety, language, sexual references, angst, smut, heartbreak, gunshot wounds and recovery, abduction, hostage situation.

Summary: Lucas takes notice of a young woman, Amy, but his obsession and want to get to know her begin to spiral out of control. Amy is now working for MI-5, after being recruited by Ros. But will her involvement with Lucas cause even more problems and heartbreak?

Official soundtrack list:  here

Comments/Notes: If you wish to be tagged in any of my tag lists for fics or characters, please let me know, and stipulate what you want to be tagged in.

The first day back was quiet, slow and fairly uneventful. Amy remained with Tariq, scouring CCTV footage from a new case that had landed on the main desk of section D. Lucas was in a three hour meeting with Ros, Jo and Harry, discussing the Robert Spiller case. 

“Lunch time in a bit,” Amy said, swivelling on her chair, in her usual child-like manner.

“You are obsessed with food,” Tariq chuckled. “Are you sure Lucas feeds you enough at home?” 

“I know my priorities, and food is one of them.” With that, Amy opened the top drawer of her desk and pulled out a Mars bar from a multi pack. “Want one?” 

Tariq chuckled again. “Go on, then. I was supposed to be starting back at the gym tonight. Looks like I’ll have to forego another day.” 

“Come on, one chocolate bar won’t hurt you.” 

Once Lucas’ meeting was finished, he dashed out of the room and over to Amy’s desk. He perched on the table next to her, looking down as she smiled up at him from her chair. His heart filled with so much love for her, that he knew he’d never felt anything like this before. Whenever her large, green eyes focused on him, he found himself dissociating from the world around him. He reached out and took her hand, holding it for a few seconds, his thumb rubbing over her knuckles. Then his thumb grazed her engagement ring. 

“I’m going to be home late tonight,” Lucas said. “I’ve got a fair bit to do on Spiller, and Harry’s asked me to brief the Midlands team who are going out tonight on surveillance. Will you be okay going home on your own?” 

“Of course I will. I’m a big girl, after all.” 

Lucas sighed. “Aim, I just worry, that’s all.” 

“Come on, let’s go and grab something to eat. I think I’ve driven Tariq mad keep talking about food.” 

“You’ve got that right!” Tariq’s playful voice came from across the room as he walked away, ready to make another mug of coffee. 

***

Amy left the office around 5:15pm that evening with Tariq and Ruth. All three of them ventured out into the cold air, pulling their scarves and gloves on tighter. They separated, going in different directions. Amy continued on towards Lambeth Bridge, crossing over it, weaving between fellow commuters and tourists. The sky was pitch black and littered with silver stars, as if someone had thrown glitter against a silk backdrop. 

Amy took her phone from her pocket and saw a new message from Lucas. 

Be safe. I love you. Xxx

Whenever he said or wrote those words ‘I love you’, Amy still felt a slight pang of disbelief amongst her excitement. Thankfully, that voice which had always boldly told her she would never be enough, was gradually turning into a whisper. 

She looked out across the river at the London Eye, watching the colours change. One day she would come out early, grab a coffee, and sit down at the riverside and draw it; she’d already planned it all in her mind. Maybe even draw Big Ben and Parliament. Amy had always liked coming out into London when it was early and few people were yet roaming the street. She felt comfortable and safe, being more alone and less likely to be disturbed. 

***

Lucas took the underground back to his and Amy’s flat. For the duration of the journey, Lucas flicked through photos of himself and Amy. A few of them were from New Year up in Coventry, with Amy’s brother in law and nephew photobombing in the background of one, and in another, Amy’s dad had been caught to the side, his eyes closed and his mouth puckered, just ready to take a sip of beer: not the most flattering of poses. His favourite was still a photo of them snuggled up on the sofa together, Amy with her head on his shoulder, grinning childishly. They’d only been together two months or so when he took this photo, and already they both looked happy. 

It was around seven weeks away from their one year anniversary, and Lucas had begun thinking of gift ideas. He had already brought her jewellery for Christmas. And Amy’s birthday was also approaching, being the last day of January. Lucas had been taking mental notes of items Amy had mentioned, like a pair of tartan Converse she been eyeing on their last shopping trip. Then there was Valentine’s Day! It was all coming together in one swoop. However, Amy’s training was due to start the second week of February, so Valentine’s and their anniversary would need to be celebrated over their available weekends. 

It had been strange that she had not text him that evening since leaving Thames House. Normally if one of them was in the office and the other at home, they would text back and forth. Their texts were usually about what meals were planned for dinner and what film they would be watching, with some playful banter in between. 

Upon the walk from the underground station to their street, Lucas checked his phone. No new messages. 

Maybe she had been tired and went for a nap ahead of him returning home. Possibly? But doubtful. It was rare, if not completely out of character, for Amy to not text him while they were apart. 

As Lucas turned his key in the lock and opened the door to the flat, he was surprised to see that no lights were on. Normally if Lucas returned and Amy was already there, she would leave a lamp on in the hallway, which cast a faint light through into the kitchen and dining area. 

Immediately he sensed that something was amiss. It was just past eleven at night, so Amy was probably in bed, either reading, scrolling on her phone, or sleeping. 

Lucas went to the bedroom. Dark and empty. 

He called her name and stepped into the bathroom. Nothing. 

Lucas took his phone from his pocket and found Amy’s number and called. 

“The person you are calling is not available…”

Lucas growled and then called Harry. 

“Lucas? Is everything alright?” Harry Pearce’s professional yet concerned voice came. 

“Have you requested Amy go back in?” 

“No, why?” 

“She’s not at home. All the lights were off and she hasn’t told me she’s going anywhere, which isn’t like her.” 

“Maybe she’s met up with a friend. There are many reasons she might not be home. Try not to worry.” 

“Thanks, Harry,” Lucas said, sighing in frustration. He knew her. Amy would never have left the flat without leaving the lamp on, and certainly would never have disappeared so late and not told him. Even if she had bumped into a friend on the way home, for instance, she would have still text Lucas to let him know she would be late returning home. 

The only other person who Lucas could think of who might have seen her was Debbie from her old work place. But Lucas didn’t have her number to contact. For a minute, he sat down on the bed, on Amy’s side and looked at her bedside table. Her current reading book, an empty mug, a Tinkerbell figurine, a black Moleskine journal for her doodles. 

Of course no one would believe him at this point that Amy was missing; no one knew her patterns like him. He picked up her purple pyjama bottoms and felt dread fill him to the core. Something was definitely wrong. Even if no one could yet see it. 

“Where are you, angel?” he whispered. “Tell me where you are.” 

By the time it had turned midnight, Lucas knew with absolute certainty that Amy was missing. He grabbed his Belstaff jacket from the hallway, and picked up his keys off the small table next to the letter rack. At the front was an electricity bill that had come that morning. Lucas eyed their names: Miss. A. Holland and Mr. L. North. She’d been so happy when their first joint mail had come, giggling happily. 

“One day, not too far away, and it’ll say Mrs. A North.” Something so simple had made her so ecstatic. It was in those moments, when something so simple made her smile, that Lucas fell even more deeply in love with her. 

Back on the Grid, Lucas logged on to one of the computers. Only one or two people flitted past him, disappearing down corridors, until a familiar face appeared from around the edge of one of the computers. 

“Malcolm?” Lucas exclaimed.

“You’re in late.” The middle aged man was shocked to see Lucas in the office so late of a night. “Are you back for the Spiller case.” 

“I think Amy’s missing,” Lucas told him. “She never came home tonight. I got back and the flat was empty and there were no lights on. She always leaves the lamp on in the hallway when I get in after her.” 

“Maybe she forgot…” 

“Malcolm, I know her. I live with her. She hasn’t text me all evening, which is unlike her. We constantly text. Can you run all recent footage in the area and track her phone?” 

Malcolm started by opening Amy’s employee record. Her photo filled the screen, and as it did, Lucas smiled sadly. The memory of her lying unconscious in hospital surfaced. His beautiful Amy. His wife-to-be. The future Mrs. Lucas North. 

“What’s her mobile number?” 

Lucas reeled off her number by memory, and Malcolm entered the number into the tracking programme, whilst he run her photo against all CCTV in London. Amy’s photo remained locked on the monitor in the left hand corner as random faces appeared and disappeared, within milliseconds, hundreds of faces being analysed. 

“Her phone was last monitored by a local cell tower at 5:32pm. Coordinates show that she was at South Bank…”

“Heading for the train home,” Lucas interrupted. “That must have been when I sent her my last text message.”

“Her phone has no reception and hasn’t been used since, not even on the Wi-Fi.” 

Terror racked through Lucas and he eyed the faces which were still flipping, none of them staying on screen for longer than a quarter of a second. A blur of eyes, noses, skin colours and hairstyles. “Come on, angel,” he whispered. “Come on! Give us something.” 

A match appeared on the screen; a scene of Amy walking past a pub enlarged on the screen. An address appeared and the coordinate of the building. “South facing camera from the front door of The King’s Head…”

The rest of Malcolm’s words seemed to dissolve away as Lucas began writing down the address of the pub from the screen. “What time was this?” 

“5:40.”

“Just before she got to the underground station. Did your search then include all the underground lines?” 

“Yes.”

“So she didn’t get on a train because she would’ve been picked up on the cameras. Can you check all the vehicles parked in that street and also within a half mile radius, see if anything stands out? And…” Lucas’ voice broke and he hung his head, resting back on the desk behind him. 

“We’ll find her,” Malcolm reassured. 

All Lucas could see in his mind was Amy in his arms, and blood staining his hands and shirt. He could hear her whimpers as he held her, waiting for the ambulance to arrive. There was no way he could let that happen again. It was his duty to protect her, first and foremost. Fuck everyone else. Only Amy mattered. 

“This has got to be connected with Sarah. Why else would anyone target her?” Lucas asked, tears beginning to well in his eyes. Even in death and the bitch wouldn’t leave him alone. 

An hour later and Harry and Ros had arrived, both with a coffee in hand to attempt to wake them. Harry immediately approached Malcolm, who was sifting through all the vehicle registrations that had been in the vicinity of where Amy was last seen. 

Meanwhile, Lucas was sat at Amy’s desk. 

“Is he absolutely sure Amy is missing?” Harry enquired, whispering to Malcolm. “Could he be jumping the gun on this one?” 

Malcolm sighed. “I wouldn’t have called you in, Harry, if I didn’t feel there was something wrong. Amy was last seen here,” and with that, Malcolm pointed to a map on the screen. “CCTV footage caught her walking past The King’s Head, approaching the underground station. Then she went out of shot. None of the underground cameras saw her. She must have disappeared in that street.” 

Ros stood next to Lucas, remaining silent. She felt sadness at the sight of him with his head held low. Next to the time when Amy had been shot, Ros had never encountered Lucas looking so beaten down. 

“I’m not going to say it, Ros, but you know I’m thinking it,” Lucas sighed. 

“I know you all too well by now, Lucas. Of course you’re thinking it. And you still blame me for recruiting her.” 

Lucas stared at Amy’s empty Winnie the Pooh mug on the desk and felt as if his whole chest were compressing, about to implode. 

“You shouldn’t be here. We’ll take this from here. Go home.” 

Lucas looked up at Ros, his ice blue eyes full of turmoil. “How can I go home? I need to find her.” 

Harry walked over. “Ros is right. You can’t be working on this. You’re far too close to her.” 

“And that’s exactly the reason I should be working on this. I knew as soon as I got home that something was wrong. I know her behaviour, her ways. You need me to be on this. You barely know her yet.” 

“Lucas…” Harry began sternly. 

“No, Harry! She’s almost died once because of me, and now I know in my gut that this is connected to Sarah again. I’ve pulled her too far into my life, and it’s constantly putting hers at stake. I should never have got involved with her. I shouldn’t have ever spoken to her in the café and just ignored that want to get to know her…” Tears fell down Lucas’ cheeks in quick procession, and he put his hands to his face, weeping behind them. 

***

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[cregan-starks]

6, 9, 12, 21 :)

Hi, thank you so much for asking, love! 💘 My WIP is the prologue of Beholden (my Narcos fic).

6. Does this chapter/fic have any twists that you’re proud of? I wouldn't say I'm proud of it, but Agent Bowen pulling out the Emotional Manipulation card is pretty wild.

9. What is your favorite dialogue you’ve written so far?

‘Oh, I’m confused,’ admitted Magnussen, sardonic, jerking her head for theatrical purposes, ‘This is the same covert operation that we were discussing before you criticized the Mexican government for its lack of transparency?’

12. What emotions do you expect your readers to feel? A mix of outrage, understanding, and amusement.

21. Share 3 songs that would belong on a playlist for this chapter/fic. Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes, I'm Building An Empire by Gustavo Santaolalla, Wicked Game by Ursine Vulpine.

WIP ask game

[lily-of-rabanastre]

Ascilia, Chapter 12, Scene 01

Slowly pushing into this lengthy chapter. Most of Ascilia has been adapting existing story material, but this chapter is going to be entirely original. So it may take a while longer than usual to write. Anyways, enjoy!

Over nine months had passed since Mikoto had last engaged with this curious application of the Echo. Delving with Galbana Lily into the resting mind of Cid Garlond, the three traversed the man’s fractured memories of the cityscape, searching for hidden truths within. The Bozja Incident was but a sideshow to their true purpose, and yet opening his eyes to the truth that day had filled her heart with more pride than merely uncovering replicas of ancient weapons.

That day her tireless research, henceforth deemed forbidden by the Sharlayan Forum, had brought some measure of good into the world. Whatever negative consequences they feared hadn’t come to pass. She hoped tonight’s venture would be no different—that they would save Ahewann bin Alzadaal from the terror that had taken root within his soul.

It was with this mission in mind that the four dove into the depths of Ahewann’s sleeping consciousness. And as she felt the transitional unreality of their journey give way to a rush of foul air, Mikoto opened her eyes. The ground beneath her feet appeared to be made of uneven black stone, though kneeling down to touch it, she found the texture was far smoother and warmer than expected. It was almost as if it were a chitinous shell rather than stone or steel.

Pondering what the material could be, her gaze drifted about, taking in the sights all around her. Jutting up from the unfathomable depths below her were a dozen or so towering spires, bridged together by massive cables that by all appearances were made of calcified flesh. The ribbed edifices of the gigantic spires and the unsettlingly pink splotches in the floor and walls were but further evidence to her growing hypothesis.

“This structure appears to be some sort of enormous biomechanical lifeform,” she said aloud, raising a hand to her chin. “Or perhaps we are merely shrunk to a microscopic size. Regardless, I can only wonder at why such a location would exist in the mind of the Satrap of Thavnair.”

“It’s the tower of Zot,” came the voice of Lily. “Rather nasty, isn’t it?”

Turning about, Mikoto caught sight of her allies standing behind her, each having appeared in outfits separate from what they’d worn to dinner. Ascilia was garbed in a white armored gown, not unlike the uniforms worn by those covert operatives in service to the Forum. The red and black ensemble Rubedo wore, by contrast, would not have looked out of place among the IVth Legion’s soldiers. Though between the thigh gap and the slit showing off her decidedly flat chest, it seemed she’d modified it to emphasize her femininity.

Both seemed prepared for what lay ahead, Mikoto mused. As was the final member of their little group. The enormous bronze greatsword Lily carried was a familiar sight. Much less so was the unusual black outfit she wore in place of her red sari. If she had to put a single word to it, the only ones that came to mind were “wayfarer”, or perhaps less charitably “lalafellin”.

“Rather nasty indeed,” Ascilia answered, crinkling her nose. “Just what do you know of this place, love?”

“This tower was one of many that popped up about four months after our return from the First,” Lily began, striding past the group with an air of confidence about her. “They were all extensions of a primal named ‘Anima’, summoned using the body and soul of the late Emperor Varis. This tower in particular—from meat to metal and near everything between—was manifested and held together by a core containing Varis’s own arm.”

“Good heavens,” Mikoto exclaimed, feeling a sense of queasiness in her stomach. “Who would do such a thing, and to what end?”

“Oh, many ends. But the biggest one was to serve as a distraction—these towers kept us occupied for months. As for who, that’d be Zenos Galvus and an Ascian calling himself ‘Amon’.” As she came to a stop near the edge of their current platform, staring out across a massive bridge leading deeper into the eerie hellscape, Lily shook her head. “More importantly, this place looks just as I remember it. Strange, considering Ahewann never set foot inside the tower.”

“I am… unfamiliar with this particular use of the Echo,” said Rubedo, reaching for her belt and producing a white brass visor seemingly out of nowhere. She fell silent for a moment, staring at the visor in surprise, before returning her attention to the rest of the party. “... Or its peculiarities. What significance might there be to your observation, sister?”

“Mayhap the reports Ahewann received of the Scions’ foray into the tower painted a clear picture,” Ascilia offered, her gaze drifting about as if she were unsure of her own words. “Or we may have erred in our departure, and aren’t within Ahewann’s mind at all.”

Glancing sidelong over her shoulder, Lily gave an oddly nervous grin. “... Doubtful. If that were the case, I… think I’d be a little different.”

“I wouldn’t dismiss the possibility out of hand,” Mikoto interjected, looking to offer her own thoughts. Ascilia was onto something, she believed, though without proof it was little more than supposition. “Do keep in mind that there are no less than ten minds at play. While Ahewann is the primary contributor, any one of us might be able to influence the creation, alteration, and destruction of this dreamscape.”

“Pretty sure I can't—” Lily began to grumble, only to cut herself short as she drew her greatsword. “We’ve got company!”

Ascilia was the first to rush to her side, manifesting a pair of crystalline chakrams from thin air. Rubedo was quick to follow suit, creating a strange looking handgonne and slapping her visor onto her face. And after summoning her cane, Mikoto finally joined them. Peering out over the precipice to the bridge connecting them to the next platform, she caught sight of their supposed company.

A sortie of Garlean soldiers and magitek warmachines were approaching them from the path ahead. Not unexpected, Mikoto mused, given the tower’s origins. But curiously enough, they were not the only enemies marching towards them. Among their number were numerous Thavnairians—soldiers of the Radiant Host, dancers, alchemists, and commonfolk of all shapes and colors.

“... What manner of insanity is this?” Rubedo asked, a nervous edge to her tone. “I had thought we would be fighting demons, not… not civilians!”

“They’re not real,” Lily sighed. “I know how it must feel, but you have to believe me.”

“Lily is correct,” Mikoto added, reaching over to hold Rubedo’s free hand. “You may think of these entities as Ahewann’s antibodies, meant to protect his mind from intruders. The forms they take are merely ones he would be familiar with—though that will not always be the case.”

“But we’re here to protect him!” Ascilia objected. “Are we to do battle against Ahewann’s own subconscious as well?!”

As the menagerie of enemies drew closer, Lily readied her greatsword. “We’re out of time! Let’s just keep moving forward! We’ll sort this all out when we’ve reached the top!” Then, with a mighty roar, she leapt into the crowd.

“... And here I thought she was tired of fighting,” Ascilia sighed. “Rubedo, follow my lead. Mikoto, support us as best you can.”

“Affirmative,” Rubedo replied, her voice suddenly growing cold.

“As you command,” said Mikoto, readying her cane.