#Sabine x MC

[wildmelon]

GUYS!!! look at this gorgeous art 💖💖💖 i love them so much.

Bull and (incredibly gorgeous) Inquisitor Sabine commission for @wildmelon — thank you so much ♥️

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[lucienarcheron]

HOFAS Thoughts and Review!

This is also my review on Goodreads. Naturally, this is full of spoilers so proceed with caution!

4 star read!

This was a wild ride from start to finish. I found that you jumped right into the action and it literally didn't stop. The crossover with ACOTAR was very info-dump but I didn't mind since a) I don't remember anything lol and b) we needed to make the connection. I really loved seeing Nesta and Azriel in this different element. Given the timeline between ACOSF and HOFAS being about 3 months, I loved that Azriel and Nesta now know how to fight together and Nesta is so in touch with her powers. I love seeing how their friendship has bloomed.

Bryce is a menace and will forever be one. She's one of Sarah's MCs I relate to the least and therefore needed to warm up to her more. I found that in this book, I could despite a lot of her arrogant moments that will rub people the wrong way. I love Quinlar's love but didn't appreciate that she minimized Hunt's reaction to basically reliving much of his trauma with the first war. I'm glad she apologized and got to the point of understanding him but it left a little meh of a taste. The ending scene where he goes after her had my heart in pieces!! Through love, all is indeed possible and I love they were always with each other through it all.

Bryce basically being the High Lady of Dusk and controlling the land was amazing! I loved seeing those scenes. Saitha being the one to kneel first, declaring her as queen? Loved that. The two fae kings dying an awful death? Fabulously done! Hunt mf Althar removing his own slave halo and then removing Isaiah's while calling out that governor lady on her shit??? ADORE! Jesiba's everything in this book? I salute you, queen! Sabine's death??? The Under-King's death??? Literally had me gasping so much.

Ruhn my love, you will always be the Crown Prince of the Fae and that soundbite will always be on repeat every time I see your name lol.

Ruhn x Lidia's romance fell very flat to me. I love Ruhn and hated everything he had to go through but Lidia's character felt out of left field for me. I expected better/different? We find out out of NOWHERE that she's a mom of twins and suddenly, that's her whole personality. She went from this badass agent to everything being about her kids. There is NOTHING WRONG with her being a mother but why couldn't she be a mother AND care about the cause because it's the right thing to do? This was a missed opportunity in my opinion. I also felt like this was very self-insert of Sarah being a mom to have to include another character having kids. The constant talk about all these traumatized idiots having babies is getting on my last fucken nerves tbh. They have a million years to live so can we, I don't know, let them LIVE for five seconds without the absolute need to "start a family"? Let them go to therapy damn it. Sarah constantly writes about how awful it is that fae are obsessed with breeding and whatnot, yet every single of one her characters talks about babies...pls sarah, I beg. Give me ONE otp that doesn't have children. I know she's a HEA author which is what I love about her and her romances but it doesn't always have to end with kids and I just wish we'd see that more. Ruhn and Lidia did not strike me as characters who would be parents at all but now, Ruhn is a stepdad to the Hind's secret twins? It's very weird to me but I hope maybe down the line, we get to see Lidia realize that she is a whole person outside of being a mom. Aside from all that, the rescue scene was amazing. I loved seeing her destroy that asshole she had to endure and I just want to say, Aelin would be cheering mad hard at her for it! It felt like Lidia's fire abilities, the stag relation, and her son's name were all a nod to TOG and I loved that.

As for all the other characters, I really enjoyed seeing Ithan come into his own even though my guy was making mad stupid decisions along the way. His moment with Connor will always have my heart! l also loved the little bits of Ithan and Perry so much! Tharion my love, you will always be famous for making the most desperately dumb decisions before passing that one brain cell you have to Ithan but you know what? Sathia is going to be great for him and I ship it with my whole chest. Ari was wasted in this book and her ungrateful attitude annoyed me. Sigrid's whole plotline was pointless. Declan and Flynn are the best buds and I love them so much. Baxian, you are a gem! Pax being the one responsible for the actual HOFAS while being a healer who is making those antidotes was a great twist and I love it for her. The little fire spirits were so cute and their little moment with the viper queen made me cackle. The Viper Queen can suck it but I am also so very curious about what will happen now considering how that scene ends with Tharion/Ari/Sathia/Colin. I have a feeling all these characters will be showing up again in the future and I'd be excited to read how that will go. I have a feeling it might be done ACOSF style - in that, it'll be standalone in the CC world.

Bonus Chapters:

Bryce, Azriel, Nesta - hilarious and also so cute how Nesta was fascinated by the music playing from Bryce's phone. Azriel doesn't have a mate or partner so let that be clear LOL. Also Nesta already thinking about babies makes me wanna die tbh.

RuhnLidia - It was cute that she proposed and Ruhn is such a little dork crying left and right hahaha.

Quinlar - Hilarious how the big strong thunder boy was scared of those little dolls HAHA.

Ember/Randall - This made me want the Archeron sisters to have a mother figure so badly! The moment with Nesta and Ember hugging was so sweet in the book. I know people are mad at Rhys for yelling at Nesta but y'all...the whole world was at stake and that was a scary decision to make on Nesta's part given how the Pyrthian is STILL traumatized by the Asterie. I don't love how much he yelled but I get it.

Despite having parts I didn't like, I did overall really have fun with this. I think Sarah always does a great job with the action scenes in the end and giving us that found family connection. I could do without having the whole girl boss/girl power white feminist nonsense constantly shoved in our faces but alas! As I said, I still really enjoyed it! It had a lot of moments that pulled on all my emotions as every SJM book does. I will always enjoy what she puts out because I take it all at face value and read it to have fun. Sarah always knows how to enjoy her writing and you can tell while reading and for me, that's more than enough. The lore/plot is secondary to the characters for me and that is always how she sucks me in. She writes compelling characters who have amazing adventures and friendships that you feel through the pages and I will always enjoy that. Can't wait for more books! Here's to hoping we hear something about ACOTAR soon especially now that Bryce gave both swords back to Nesta! Can't wait to see how it plays out!

[believeinyourotp]

OTP

Nathanette ships: I just love Nathanette no matter what form it comes in.

AliRose: He should have returned past season 1, the Royal and an average girl.

Love

Love is always to strong a word, and also there is no ship strong enough to that word that I would consider close to an OTP but not quite it, sorry guys

A strong word

Like

Adrigami: rivals to lovers, respect dynamic.

LukAdrien: I’ve seen fanart, they’re cool.

MariGami: IRL, this would probably never happen and there doesn't seem to be any girl crushes for Mari. But if there were any girl rivals Mari didn't hate or wasn't evil, it would be Kagami.

JuLila: Mainly got into this because of @gowonielovely , no questions asked.

MariKim: Got into because of artviavivi aka @chubearr , I would love to see more of them despite their canon story sucking alot, I love any fanart or story, that she makes of them.

Good

Ninonette: I would have liked to see them date…

LadyBee and ChLady: Chloe falls in love with the masked hero, and Marinette is usually annoyed with her shit, but comes to respect her when she gives Chloe the chance to be a hero.

ChloDrien: Childhood friends to lovers, can you tell I have a thing? I think as of now they'll never be together and maybe Adrien is a bit disappointed that his friend he's known since childhood stopped being his friend because she hates one of his other friends that 1 has a crush on him and 2 because she will never be given the offered another chance to change because of the creators wanted a character who represented other people they knew and wanted to implement into a cartoon for children, which I think they should try to let kids who relate to these characters and still have a chance to grow and change, will never have the inspiration from the WORST of characters to be inspired to. Just a bit bitter lol.

Liladrien: Maybe I want to see Marinette suffer in romance for a bit. Also Nice Guy MC x Mean Girl, please crush my IRL dreams lol.

Felix x Bridgette: they have this cute dynamic.

Don’t Mind

LukLoe: I think there was only one next gen with my OTP Nathanette and Adrigami, I liked the design of their kids, and I’ve seen some sad cosplays of them on TikTok back then.

Tikki x Marinette: ok

JuleRose: They’re cute, but maybe I would have liked to see how they met and their impact on each other

Nathaniel x Adrien: Maybe a rivals to lovers au

Adrien x Alya: could have been interesting if they figured out they were Ninonette’s wingmen.

Kim x Ondine: They’re ok I feel like they needed to pair him up with someone so people would ship Marikim less.

Liluka: Maybe it’s because Luka’s not a main character and this would feel more pair the sparesies

Nathaniel x Luka: might be a great dynamic

Lila x Marinette: Could have happened like Lumity.

Ivan x Mylene: ok

Adrien x Plagg: ok

Tom x Sabine: Awesome parents

Nino x Adrien: Best bros

Nathaniel x Alix: Could be an interesting dynamic

Lukanette: Nice guy x nice girl, but I feel like it was to replace Nathanette

Ladybug x Luka: ok

KiMax: I guess I’d prefer over Kim x Ondine

JuleRosAli: Polycule, maybe we need more of them

Ninogami: Artviavivi has a cute dynamic and cute art between them.

AdriGami: I just do, rivals to lovers amiright.

Eh

LAdrien: The most tolerable ship of the Canon Lovesquare. At least in this form it's obvious how much they like and admire each other. Had this never existed or they never found out their alternate identities, or both, would they still be into each other?

JAdrien/AdrEka: I'm not sure Juleka swings that way.

AlyNino: Ok. What if they never got together through the wingman episode, alternate scenarios?

LuKagami: Like I said Pair the Spares trope, not that into it, especially when they are basically treated like plot devices by shows, theories, films, that have the main couple, especially when they are the main focus main characters main couple, that have a will they won't they plot that makes them worst as people and probably people you don't like in real life doing the same things they do. That is one trope I hate.

MarcAniel: I guess they stopped having Nathaniel have a crush on her and felt he needed a partner if he wasn't with Ladybug or Marinette, he HAD to be with someone. I don't know, I really don't like how Marc wasn't introduced, like maybe if he wasn't introduced as someone who really wanted to work with him and felt really bad just because Nathaniel didn't feel like working with him, or just wasn't introduced working with Nathaniel at all, it would have worked, like maybe having a similar hobby that didn't relate to what they're mainly known for characterwise, I would have liked it more. It's just really hard for me to like.

LAbrina: Well don't like it so much anymore since that one episode I know she bullied Sabrina for and Sabrina tricked her into a confession, I just had hope before that episode and it made this Tierlist, It would go down a tier now.

FeLila: Villains(?) in love lol, not all that into it.

ChloBrina: The show doesn't seem to want Chloe to change which will probably lead her into downward spiral for her character, now she's completely alone. For now I want her character to be the same, but more uptight and closed off, not even blinking at the sight of a new friendship because NO ONE in the show wants to like her and even if she moves away she can't move on, but she still has dreams, wanting to be someone great and wanting love, and has finally learned her lesson. This would be a great idea for a spinoff series just for her

ChlAli: One of the Royal's and family of a democratic country's president's daughter, I don't really ship it, but like what if Chloe's dad was upset that her daughter didn't have anymore friendships in her life in Paris because everyone she's known has abandoned her and sends her to Prince Ali's country to get to know each other more, since they probably don't interact all that much except international social events, so he sets up more meetings so she can have someone to hang out with, eventually becoming one of her closest friend and eventually when everyone around them is getting married and having families, everyone in their family worried that they'll never get married they set up an arranged marriage, they don't hate it but their not romantically interested in each other, they're just a guy and girl friends who decided 'meh if it had to be anyone I'd rather it be you' type of situation.

LAlya: Lila x Alya, I think Alya wouldn't want to interact with a hardcore liar, especially being some type of journalist/she's actually a honest blogger.

AlyaNette: Alya and Marinette don't really seem like the type of relationship to be interested in each other, unless I'm not looking to deep into it and one party was actually trying to hide their feelings this entire time

KimAlix: There's not many scenes with them, and I think male/female friendships need to be important and not immediately making them romantically interested in each other and when one's feelingd are unrequited they stop being friends because they can't deal with it, and in a way it will hurt both of them in the end.

ChloLila: They either or hate each other or relate to each other.

NathLoe: Nathaniel is still friends with Marinette, somehow still cares about her in some way, also probably wouldn't get with the girl who made fun of his crush on the girl who is his ex crush still friend that much.

Antibug x Chat Blanc: Villain loves villain

MarcNette: Not sure they'll like each other in that way ever

AlixMax: Hmm... not sure really

MaxNette: Could be an interesting, but I don't think they'll ever be paired up by the creators knowing that 1 The creators don't seem to like ships that aren't main couple and isn't gonna bank them the money with the drama 2 Even if it did happen I'll probably be disappointed by canon again

Jagged Stone x Penny: Huh? They were a thing?

Pl'Ikki: Ok

Kim x Chloe: Girl probably messed with his feelings and head, don't need to watch the show to headcanon that

ChloGami: Maybe Kagami could inspire her to not be stuck up and not the total worst character, but I doubt that we'll ever happen since the show just sees them as plot devices.

Max x Sabrina: Ok

Duusu x Nooroo: Ok

Wayzz x Trixx: Ok

Wayzz x Pollen: Ok

DelBrina: Haven't watched the movie, but maybe it'd be a romantic long distance relationship.

MarcIno: I feel like this is just pair the spares trope acting up again.

FeLoLya: Childhood friends(?) plus girl they think is cool

NathAurore: Feel like even celebrities besides Adrien don't get the chance to shine more in the show besides Adrien, like has she ever appeared in the show besides her Akuma eps?

LiLuka: Before, could have been cool, one of the main/supporting characters gets with the mean girl/girl MC does not trust, could have been redeemed. But honestly who would want to get with their ex crushes bully or someone who hurt them, unless it was just your fleeting crush lol

LukaZoe: I think Zoe is gay but I could be wrong. She could be Bi, but also I feel it would be a boring because it seems like your basic pair the spares ship

Dislike

LadyNoir: I feel sad for Chat even if he's a simp, it's just imagine if your crush thought you were annoying as heck.

MariChat: Mari just being openly annoyed at Chat, when he isn't looking and Chat eventually Chat falling for the 'just a friend', I don't know, I feel he would think she's a little weird even as a friend let alone a crush, like imagine the friend you never knew liked you to an unhealthily obsessed level.

AdriNette: What I said above.

ChloNette: Bully x bully, hate x hate, could have been interesting if Chloe didn't manipulate her obvious feelings for Adrien, and Marinette actually gave her a chance to be a hero again, and her not disappointing.

Gabriel x Nathalie: A man obsessed with bringing back his ex wife and the assistant who's been by his side, who looks over his kid trying to maintain their relationship they have with one another. TBH, he's willing to die just to bring Emilie back, he knows he sucks, but maybe it's mainly because he knows he has no idea what to do with his kid since then.

Hate

Don't really hate any ships TBH in general, everyone probably has a guilty pleasure.

[pupmusebox]

-

[ Final Fantasy ]

Zack Fair Sephiroth Cloud Strife Genesis Rhapsodos Kuja Vincent Valentine Noctis Lucis Caelum Prickly(Cactaur/OC) Skylar(OC) Nicholas(OC) Tobias(OC) Rafael(OC) Prompto Argentum Ignis Scientia Gladiolus Amicitia Cecil Harvey Luneth Arc Ingus Kefka Palazzo Zidane Tribal Vivi Locke Cole Edgar Roni Figaro Sabin Rene Figaro Cyan Garamonde Gau Shadow/Clyde Setzer Gabbian Squall Leonheart Zell Dincht Irvine Kinneas Vaan Rufus Shinra Tseng Reno Rude

[ Pokemon ]

Togekiss/Hibiki(OC) Gallade/Shinobu(OC) Mimikyu/Tabb(OC) Mewtwo/Vero(OC) Lugia/Calin(OC) Ho-Oh/Kasai(OC) Arceus/Kadavul(OC) Lunala/Artemis(OC) Solgaleo/Apollo(OC) Necrozma/Lux(OC) Dialga/Ruka(OC) Palkia/Rozovo(OC) Giratina/Izael(OC) Latios/Taylor(OC) Latias/Quinn(OC) Rayquaza/Daven(OC) Groudon/Reese(OC) Kyogre/Kaiden(OC) Jirachi/Nova(OC) Deoxys/Alec(OC) Shaymin/Sage(OC) Victini/Flynn(OC) Genesect/Briar(OC) Volcanion/Rex(OC) Magearna/Cleo(OC) Diancie/Blair(OC) Melottea/Wren(OC) Wes Ethan Silver Red Green Adaman Rika Piers Allister Gladion Drayton Crispin Giovanni Archer Petrel N Harmonia Maxie Archie Volo Cyrus Brendan Wally Steven Stone Wallace Lucas Barry Saturn Lucian Flint Buck Riley Hilbert Cheren Nate Hugh Calem Lysandre Elio Guzma Chase Rei Kieran Arven Atticus Giacomo Ortega Grusha Larry Hassel Jacq Salvatore Saguaro Prof. Turo

[ Persona ]

Naoya Toudou Tatsuya Suou Makoto Yuki(P3 MC/Protag) Ryoji Mochizuki Jin Shirato Takaya Sakaki Shinjiro Aragaki Akihiko Sanada Yu Narukami(P4 MC/Protag) Yosuke Hanamura Naoto Shirogane Kanji Tatsumi Tohru Adachi Teddie Akira Kurusu/Joker(P5 MC/Protag) Yusuke Kitagawa/Fox Goro Akechi/Crow Futaba Sakura/Oracle Ryuji Sakamoto/Skull

[ Golden Sun series ]

Issac Garet Ivan Alex Saturos Felix Piers Agato

[ Legend of Zelda ]

Link Zelda Sheik Ganondorf Midna Zant Kafei Vaati Shad Auru Sidon [ Sonic series ] Sonic Tails Knuckles Dr. Eggman Rouge Shadow E-123 Omega Silver Victor Espio Charmy Emerl Chaos Metal Sonic E-102 Gamma Black Doom

[ Animal Crossing ] Tommy Timmy Isabelle Tom Nook [ Vocaloid ] KAITO MEIKO Len Kagamine Gakupo [ Megaman Series ] Megaman.EXE Lan Hikari Eugene Chaud Protoman.EXE Baryl Colonel.EXE Iris Zero(Rockman Zero) X Zero Spider Bass.EXE

[ Fire Emblem ]

Marth Ike Soren Sothe Ranulf Tibarn Naesala Reyson Volug Zelgius Robin(M) Chrom Morgan(M) Gerome Inigo Corrin(M) Byleth(M) Claude von Riegan Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd Hubert von Vestra Seteth Rhea Shez(M) Arval

[ Splatoon ]

Kit/Captain 3 Drey/Agent 4 Zeke/Agent 8 Kyte/Neo Agent 3 Agent 1/Callie Agent 2/Marie DJ Octavio Pearl Marina Shiver Frye Big Man

[ Stardew Valley ]

Sebastian Sam Shane Elliot Alex Harvey

[ RWBY ]

Adam Taurus Qrow Branwen Salem Cinder Fall Winter Schnee James Ironwood Penny Polendina Weiss Schnee Whitley Schnee Blake Belladonna Yang Xiao Long Ruby Rose Lie Ren Ozpin Jaune Arc Sun Wukong Mercury Black Neptune Vasilias Fox Alistair

[ Fate ]

Ritsuka Fujimaru Ozymandias Gilgamesh Caster Gil Proto Gil Kid Gil Setanta Cu Chuluiann Proto Cu Caster Cu Alter Cu (Culter) Archer Emiya Shadow Emiya Alter Emiya Diarmuid Ua Duibhne Saber Diarmuid Aiden(OC) Aouregan(OC) Arthur Pendragon Immaru(OC) Izar(OC) Lugh(OC) Connla(OC) Achilles Chiron Romani Archaman Bazett Fraga McRemitz Asterios Fuuma Kotaru Merlin [ Fullmetal Alchemist ] Edward Elric Alphonse Elric Roy Mustang Envy Greed Maes Hughes [ Black Butler ] Sebastian Michealis Claude Faustus [ Devil May Cry ] Dante Nero Vergil [ Resident Evil ] Leon S. Kennedy

[ Trigun Stampede ]

Vash Nai/Knives Nicholas D. Wolfwood [ Homegrown Pet ] Hector Eli Pierce(OC) [ Elevator Pitch ] Protag Coworker [ Dead Plate ] Vincent Charbonneau Rody Lamoree [ Diabolik Lovers ] Ayato Sakamaki Laito Sakamaki Kanato Sakamaki Shu Sakamaki Reiji Sakamaki Subaru Sakamaki Yuma Mukami Ruki Mukami Kou Mukami Azusa Mukami Shin Tsukinami Richter Karlheinz Kino

[ Mystic Messenger ] Zen Yoosung 707 Jumin Han V Unknown/Ray [ Piofiore ] Dante Falzone Nicola Francesca Henri Lambert [ Fandomless OCs ] Draco Noire (Vampire) Aristaeus (King Bee Demon) Leo Cooper/Chase

[ Genshin Impact ]

Zhongli Venti Aether/Traveler Kaeya Diluc Albedo Tartaglia/Childe Itto Alhaitham Gorou Tighnari Cyno Xiao Wriothesley Neuvillette Il Dottore Pantalone Il Capitano

[ Honkai Star Rail ] Caelus/Trailblazer Blade Boothill Adventurine Dan Heng Gepard Gallagher Dr. Ratio Jiaoqiu Jing Yaun Luka Loucha Moze Sampo Welt [ Jujutsu Kaisen ] Satoru Gojo Yuji Itadori Sukuna [ Dragonball series ] Goku Gohan Android 17/Lapis Cell [ SpyxFamily ] Twilight/Loid Forger

[ YGO ]

Yugi Moto Yami Yugi/Atem Seto Kaiba Joey Wheeler Dartz Rafael Mahad/Dark Magician Jaden Yuki Syrus Truesdale Chazz Princeton Bastion Misawa Zane Truesdale Atticus Rhodes Aster Phoenix Jesse Anderson Jim Crocodile Cook Yusei Fudo Jack Atlas Crow Hogan Astral Kite Tenjo Trey/Micheal Arclight Quattro/Thomas Arclight Quinton/Christopher Arclight Reginald Kastle/Shark/Nash Rio Kastle/Marin Ray Shadows/Vector

[ Digimon ]

Tai Kamiya Yamato ‘Matt’ Ishida Koushiro ‘Izzy’ Izumi Daisuke Motomiya Ken Ichijoji Takato Matsuda Lee ‘Jen’ Jianliang Takuya Kanbara Koji Minomoto Koichi Kimura

[ Obey Me!/Nightbringer ]

Lucifer Mammon Leviathan Satan Asmodeus Beelzebub Belphegor Yuki(OC MC) Xavier(OC) Diavolo Barbatos Simeon Solomon Luke Raphael Thirteen Mephistopheles Michael Mael(OC) Dante(OC) Caius(OC) Silas(OC) Ignatius(OC) Samuel(OC) Belial(OC) Raguel(OC) Theodan(OC) Neo(OC) Zephyr(OC) Kuro(OC) Asura(OC) Meagera(OC) Astraroth(OC) Gardonus(OC) Lilith(OC) Cerberus

[ Twisted Wonderland ]

Azul Ashengrotto Vil Schoenheit Riddle Rosehearts Malleus Draconia Idia Shroud Leona Kingscholar Jade Leech Floyd Leech Jack Howl Ruggie Bucchi Kalim Al-Asim Jamil Viper Ortho Shroud Ace Trappola Deuce Spade Trey Clover Cater Diamond Epel Flemier Rook Hunt Lilia Vanrouge Silver Sebek Zigvolt Divus Crewel Dire Crowley [ Undertale/Deltarune ] Sans Paparus Mettaton Frisk Kris

[ Nexomon ]

Omnicron Ulrich/Grunda Nadine/Ventra Fenrir/Fona Merida/Arqua Deena/Nara Zetta/Luxa Nexolord/Metta Solus/Omnisun

[ 7th Dragon III: Code VFD ]

Yuma Kisaragi Yamato Mishiru Jet Sakaki Yuujin Nabaru Bastian Renstu Kirino Kirika Mei Nami Aogiri Urie Nio Misha Azerin Katanako Chelsea Citorin

[ro-sso]

SSO Update review:

Oopsie! I broke the game. Spoilers below, and glitches below!

Also the idea that MC needs to avoid GED Jarlaheim... entertains me... as a game completionist...

ahh yes,,, GED definately dislike me... Anyway! I found the box, looked inside and now i'm running away from sabine?? Sabine, my girl, we could literally just talk and this issue would be solved. If you had said " go get the box of decor, it's fireworks for a show I'm putting on" there would've been much less discourse. Also I know that horses DO spook from loud noises and fireworks aren't good for any animal. However, the amount of fireworks MC's horses have seen throughout this 'summer' without having a reaction... I think we'd be okay.

anyway! Picking up the lost fireworks after running away from sabine. I didn't get off my horse, because, why would I? what's the point of that? And did the animation whilst on my horse and uuh...

Oops. I was ping-ponged under the ground and into the air. admitedly, very funny. Don't know where my horse went, but MC was just bouncing through the void. So to continue the quest, I obviously called for pick up.

ah. oh dear. WAD movements moved MC around the horse. S, however, allowed me to control my horse (the game thought I was still riding, so now we complete the rest of this quest in reverse.) The only way to stop the horse from walking backwards was with X/esc (rear/forced stop).

What else do you do when you get an entertaining glitch? a photoshoot, of course!

despite getting confirmation from a friend that they could see the glitch, no one in the festival seemed concerned for my wellbeing in the ground. I guess MC does leg day enough that being in the ground is a regular occurence.

I of course, relogged to test the strength of the glitch, and unfortunately it went. Truly I don't know if this glitch can be repeated, but it was very entertaining whilst it lasted.

Anyway! finished the quest, got 90/90 on dressage mastery, am close to getting the baroness' approval, and have had to retype this entire post from scratch (im very sorry people using a screen reader, the editor bugged out when I was adding those in so I will wait until this is posted to add Image Descriptions in hopes that i can do that without removing my entire post.)

[enmi-land]

oh wow so you do know mlb?? i'm kinda surprised bcuz not many people do ^^ it's my fave show and i started watching it when i was 14 i think? back then there were only 2 seasons and i loved loved LOVED it so much.

who's your fave charecter? mine's cat noir, but other than the mc's it's sabine and kagami

i've always wanted to write an enha x mlb collab yk? like i'm telling you riki, jake, jungwon or jay would cat noir more than cat noir cat noirs XD

also, i see all the requests you're getting, and i'm so excited bcuz all of them are super awesome, but you don't have to take my request if it gets too overwhelming. just telling you so you don't feel bad if you have to remove (or decide not to add) mlb from the multiverse fic ^^

🌕

yessss frrr i wasn’t even like watching it on my own accord, it was literally bc i had a younger cousin who I would babysit and she LOVED that show— and eventually i got roped into the obsession 😆 but ahhhh idk about my favourite character since i stopped watching after season 3, but chloe was probably my favourite (so much missed potential for her character sigh) but ahhh you’re so right on that!! imagine them in the mlb universe is saur fun 🤭🤭🤭

but awwww that’s so sweet! thanks for understanding! i rlly wanna write them all, but at the end of the day, imma probably do the ones that i have the most inspiration for, and keep the others ones maybe for later 🫣 but ahh defs considering mlb, bc it brings back my childhood 🥹🥹🥹🌷💖

[kota-stoker]

For @a-girl-named-fran – Sabine and Shadowheart being unamused with the rest of the camp 😁

[6ftslytherin]

I call this one: "two dramatic dinguses find big sticks."

Guest mc Orion Houston belongs to @my-secret-hphm-blog

[akaisenhatake]

Hey bestie, may I ask for Sabrula or Ismarie? Whichever you like better. Or maybe a double date. Up to you.

these bitches gay as fuck

[apparently-i-am-an-adult]

So I’ve started the new Hogwarts Mustery side quest and the Main Character vibes are strong with this one.

“I’m not even trying to be the festival ambassador?”

“Oh but everybody likes you so they’re all voting for you.”

And then it’s a date side quest so everyone is going to be suddenly into you again.

Andre/Badeea: Are you going to have a date?

MC:

Sabine, you are literally dating Barnaby. I have chosen Barnaby for every side quest that has you pick a date. They’re dating.

(I know this is the mechanics of the game and allowing people to have options and that they don’t have to choose the same people every time, but in-universe, it’s hilarious.)

[fixations-101]

alex went on that mini rant about zapping Sabine and it just spoke to me

[writing-with-chaos]

༶•┈┈⛧┈♛ WIP INTRODUCTION♛┈⛧┈┈•༶

◇─◇── ◇─◇── ＣＹＮＩＣＡＬ ＣＨＡＯＳ ◇─◇── ◇─◇── ◇── ◇──

Panacea destroyed all Khaodosians aliens  

They saved the human race

They’re the only ones keeping us safe

Their global empire depends on this belief

But the Khaodosians--or Chaos Powers--chose hosts...

Ariana Salem and the rest of the Unseen manage to keep their host identities a secret for fifteen years. Hiding their powers, living as normal kids, existing in peace. But when they’re discovered, Panacea still deems them a threat to society. 

Ariana does not know how to die quietly. She refuses to learn. 

Now, after a year of fruitless fighting, the price of war has come due. Ariana has lost hope. Her nightmares and panic grow worse by the day, and now she’s ceased bothering to leave the Safe House at all. When strange storms begin popping up around the world, it’s revealed one of Panacea’s prisoners has escaped. This could be the lead needed to tip the balance back in the Unseen's favor...or the breaking point for Ariana’s health.

TL;DR:  MY VILLAIN ACADEMIA + VENOM + DARK STEVEN UNIVERSE: Panacea thought they destroyed the Khaodosian aliens. But they chose hosts. Now, Ariana and the rest of the Unseen have to fight for their right to exist, before Panacea can steal anyone else...& before Ariana loses herself.

GENRE: YA Modern Fantasy, Action-Adventure, Sci-Fi, Paranormal 

AUDIENCE: 16+

POV: First Person Present 

CONTENT WARNINGS: Depictions of Depression, Depictions of Panic Disorders, PTSD, Insomnia, Abusive Families, Implied Child Abuse, Implied Self-Harm, References to Suicidal Thoughts, Depictions of Disordered Eating 

TROPES: Found Family, ANGST, Hurt/Comfort, Reluctant Protag, Smartass Protag, Ensemble Cast, Anti-Heroes, Cinnabun + Hothead, Small Anger + Tall Gentle, Established Villain Couple (basically Harley x Ivy vibes), Glam + Goth, Naive + Guardian That WILL Kill for Them, (Begrudgingly) Domesticated Big Bad, All-Powerful Superhuman Creature(s) x The Child(ren) They’ve Somehow Adopted, Constantly Bickering Host x The Creature Attached To Them Bickering Back 

THEMES:  Mental health, disability and race, and the demonizing of the marginalized in society, all through an ensemble cast of Othered characters that take the negative villain stereotypes they're shoved in and turn them into something powerful.

(Seriously--if you stan the LoV in My Hero Academia, you’ll love this)

MAIN CAST

ARIANA / 15. MC, leader of the Unseen. Powers of Death and Destruction. Sarcasm Is How I Cope(TM). Short temper. Sharp tongue. Crabby. So, so tired. -Short girl voice- I’ll fucking kill you. Ew, socializing. Needs a hug real bad but will die before admitting it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DAMALI / 15. New girl. Runaway Panacea experiment. Controls the weather. Precious Cinnamon Roll Too Pure For This World. Isolated kid now SO excited to learn. Learning to be a person. No fighting. Speak soft or you’ll scare her. Gay as hell.

SABIN / 16. Love interest to Ariana. Captured and missing. Leptokinesis (Matter Manipulation). Half-Human, Half Chaos Power. Created to defeat the invading Chaos Powers until Panacea found a “safer” replacement. Survived on his own, running from Panacea. Hates Kendra and ‘Drea for what they did. Sad, soft boy. Hero we didn’t deserve. Haunts the novel and Ariana’s mind.

ERIC / 32. Antagonist. Brigadier General of the Seraphim, Panacea’s elite military. Was Sabin’s “Warden”. Cold. Controlled. Opportunist. Determined to be a Legend. Never misses. Loves the human race and will defend it from impurities. Lawful Evil to a T.

SUPPORTING CAST

KENDRA / 26-32. One half of the evil alien duo that tried to destroy the world. Chaos Power of Death and Destruction. Attached to Ariana. TALL. Mostly immortal. Hates humanity. Secretive. Vicious. Violent. Commanding. Unbothered. Superiority. Logical, calm. The voice of reason. Big, intimidating goth mom. She attac, but she also protecc...you saw nothing though. Immortal girlfriend to ‘Drea.

SHADOWGRL / 10. The youngest of the Unseen. Powers haven’t fully awakened yet--can only control shadows, hence her self-proclaimed nickname.  Hacker of the group. Ambulatory wheelchair user. Gremlin Nerd. Gifted Child(TM) and is going to make it everyone’s problem. Stubborn. Brat. Is smarter than you and will tell you. Don’t tell her what to do, she KNOWS already. Needs to be involved in everything. TSUNDERE--loves validation but if you’re too mushy about it that’s gross she’s too cool for that. Listen to her info-dump about her crime shows and video games and comic books and how cool Ariana is you know you want to. 

ANDREA / 26-32. Second half of the evil alien duo that tried to destroy the world. Chaos Power of Deception. The only Chaos Power in the group unattached to a human. Loves robbery and fraud. Loud, fun, flirty, glam mom. Thinks humans are cute!!!!!!! like pets that should be collared and subservient and there for entertainment!!!!! Carefree. Manipulative. Social chameleon. Fake 98% of the time. MUCH louder about adoring the kids. Knows when you’re lying, so don’t =) Will gladly stab you with her heels. Immortal girlfriend to Kendra.

SAPPHIRE / 15. Ariana’s twin sister. Powers of Sunlight. Reluctant healer of the group. Does not live at the Safe House with the other Unseen. Hates her powers, wants nothing to do with this shit. Is not very good with her powers because of this. Eager to get back to her normal life. Reckless. Impulsive. Chronic Main Character Syndrome. Spoiled. Gonna be a rockstar. Punk aesthetic. Athletic. People pleasing. Indecisive. Guilt. Golden child to a T. 

KIARA / 24-30. Kendra and ‘Drea’s heroic nemesis. Chaos Power of Sunlight. Attached to Sapphire. Helped Panacea create Sabin, basically his mom (but don’t call her that). Lives in her own hidden cottage with Sapphire. Loves humans. Believes humans are defenseless and childlike and therefore Know Not What They Do. Will sacrifice anything to save humans. Duty-bound. Soft-spoken. Elegant. Calm, understanding, patient. Motherly. Lawful. Cottagecore Mom. Turns callous and impatient when Kendra and ‘Drea are involved. Lawful Good to a fault.

STATUS: Finished! =D You can read it for free on my ao3! I update with new chapters every Saturday~

[queerchoicesblog]

Fanfic Update: SC Titanic Zetta x Adele Series...and One Last Farewell To Storyscape

So folks, as you know today is a sad day. I'm finishing my last replay of Titanic before Storyscape will be shut down at midnight. No need to tell you how I feel about this.

You know me, maybe: I have no pretence or ambition of talent, but I like writing and that's what inspired me to start this blog and sharing fanfics with all of you. Queer fanfics, to give spotlight and "a place to belong", if you wish, to all those lgbtq+ romances that the mainstream displeases. That popular games like choices and many others give little recognition and care. Unlike Storyscape: I know this is a personal opinion but I felt safe and seen there.

The aim of this blog is that, I made no mystery of that. And since I started writing, my purpose got renewed energy: I truly believe in what one of the most iconic MC ever, wondrous Miss Adal Carrem said

If you're dissatisfied and want better representation, more accurate lgbtq+ romances and nuances and you think you can write them, don't whine and be bitter because no one else, pampered by centuries of straight canon, cares.

Do it yourself. Just do it.

Show there is another way.

Show we exist.

Stand up for who you are, what you feel and deserve.

That is why I decided to step down from writing Choices fanfics for now and focus on keeping the legacy of Storyscape & Titanic alive. You can say it's pointless and pathetic: I know it's just a game and I don't care if I'm naive/idealist, fanfiction is self-indulgent (right?) and it's all I can do to preserve something I loved from oblivion, aside from signing the petition and letting SC people know how much appreciated they are. To me know, it's what "standing up" means.

Since the announced Zetta x Adele series, sort of a rewriting of the book from Zetta's POV, will be my personal tribute to Storyscape, the first Chapter, featuring our favourite aging actress at Southampton embarking on the Titanic, will be out TOMORROW.

Yes, when the game will be permanently shut down. My way to say: Disney may do what they want but "my heart will go on".

What to expect from this series?

Insight on Zetta's inner thoughts and past. Hopefully post-ending too;

I would love to give space to Zetta & Lawrence friendship too, a wonderful display of wlw/mom solidarity we were blessed with;

Expanding book scenes: brace yourself for the steamy Turkish baths (ns*w warning)

A testament to a beautiful bittersweet lesbian romance

What to expect next?

I would love to write about Charlie & Adele too: if you play as a gay woman, Charlie is the best and sweetest man ever and the most supporting friend. He's so amazing that I might even consider writing romantic fics, even my heart belongs to Zetta.

Hileni! Her past/sibling relationship with Adal or even her new life in America. I'd love to write her bonding with Lena, Sabine and Zetta too

Sorry for such a long post, I'll go back mourning & writing!

Love,

E.

[angstymarshmallow]

part seven - “give me a sign.” (cal lowell x mc)

[a little note: I’ve been wracking my brain on this for two weeks now and I think...I think this is where I want it to be. It’s a bit different than what I imagined originally for a crossover and is loosely based off that particular bloodbound chapter.  I mean like why are action sequences so hard  and there will be a secondary piece of more crossover time in the next part! Can you believe this is still going on? And we’re not even at the end yet. If you read it - than you! If you leave a comment, bless you!.]

[words counted: 7600]

[summary: While MC (Wren) heads to New York in hopes of finding Cal, Cal tries to come to terms with what he wants vs. what he can’t have. Trapped in Kavinsky’s makeshift prison, he can only count on himself. Little does he know, Wren and the most unlikely allies are here to break him out of this hellhole].

[part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six]

The trip to New York was short, but it’s been one anxious moment after another during the several hours she’s been locked in her seat – peering at the clouds from her window as late afternoon gradually became night. For someone like Wren whose spent most of her life being unperturbed by nearly everything, it says a lot. There isn’t a great deal of things capable of making her anxious.

Still, her anxiety is half the problem and the other half is completely fixated on Cal. He’s all alone out there.

She tries to picture his boyish smile, the light flush in his cheeks when she teases him or the warmth in his laughter �� but the images quickly fizzle out at the thought of anyone hurting him. I swear to god if that asshole harms one fucking hair on his head –

She would do anything to have him safely in her arms again.

Wren inhales deeply, sagging against her seat as the plane comes to an almost complete stop. It won’t be long now. She’s supposed to be meeting with Nik’s contacts as soon as she’s out of here.

Keep it together. Just keep it together.

She tries to push him out of her thoughts, but he funnels through. She can’t stop thinking about him, and her mind will end up thinking the worst at the rate things are going. Checking the time on her watch, she sighs and relents to resting her head against her seat. She peers at the plane’s ceiling.

Focus on something else.

She wracks her brain, absently tapping the screen of her phone.

Adrian Raines. Kamilah Sayeed. Jax Matsuo. Lily Spencer. Harlow Daniels.

She mulls over their names as the pilot exchanges his farewell across the intercom.

Only half of them vaguely rings a bell, but the latter are a mystery as far as she’s concerned. Who were they beyond what the media reports?

They’re supposed to meet, and yet she has no idea what meeting with them will entail. Vampires of all the things. In the flesh. Fangs and all. There’s a quiet kind of exhilaration at the knowledge that they’re real, that she’s really meeting a bunch of bloodsuckers. Hell, even a year later – the supernatural world still continues to catch her off guard.

It’s only a shame that they haven’t exactly been forthright about anything else. None of the people she’s meeting tonight have expunged any information as to what they need from Kavinsky, but she’s assumed as much that they must have bene looking for something specific. He was after all – a glorified artist that collected the highest quality of merchandises.

But people aren’t merchandise.

Scowling, Wren wrenches her seatbelt free. The thought infuriates her.

She steps in front of an elderly woman without thinking and flinches before making enough for her to pass. Muttering a stiff apology, she follows the rest of the crowd out of the airplane shaft.

A swift vibration emanating from her pocket has her glancing down in time to catch a glimpse of Danny’s name floating across the top screen of her phone. She quickly swipes it free, thinking the worst until she’s able to read his entire message.

There were some wolves poking around earlier. They smelled weird but Pete sent them packing before we realized they’re apart of Shaw’s pack. He’s kinda in bad shape but Nick, Theo and Sabine are fine. Just wanted to check in that you got to NY okay.

A pause before another message pops up.

Not that I care or anything.

Wren hides a smile behind her smirk. The little shit does care about her.

She’d be lying if she said the idea doesn’t lift her spirits – even a little at the thought, but she knows better than to make a big deal out of it. At least not right now. She can always tease them later when their lives aren’t in danger anymore.

Ah hell, who’s she kidding? Their lives will always be in some level of danger.

Tapping her fingers lightly against the screen, Wren tries to think of a response.

Heard you loud and clear kid. I got here fine and I’m about to meet with Nik’s associates.

She waits a beat before adding.

Then we’ll find Cal and we’ll be back before you even know it.

He doesn’t say thank you in so many words but she can tell he’s grateful for her reassurance. Before Wren is able to pocket her phone safely into her jacket, another text dings and flits across her screen.

Good. Stay safe.

You too kid.

Taking a deep breath in hopes of settling her nerves, Wren manages a sharp nod at the security that ushers her through. If she has anything to say about it – they’ll be back home in no time.

-

The place they’ve agreed to meet her seems a little far off the normal radar. Well, normal radar being – not dark, dingy and creepy. Although, she’s been to her fair share of sketchy places, she’d feel much better if they were meeting in Time’s Square instead of backstreets leading into abandoned alleyways.

At least she has a switchblade with her.

Still, the side streets and corners with flickering lights all but scream serial killer.

This is where psychos kidnap or knock out the few people dumb enough to travel out on their own. But Wren isn’t just some random idiot taking a shortcut home – she’s here for a reason. And she’s hellbent on finding Cal, no matter how long it takes. No matter what it costs.

Besides, Nik’s one of the few people she trusts and a favor is a favor after all.

However, Wren still finds her anxiety getting the best of her. Her thoughts are ridiculously stuck on things out of her control as she toys with the brunt edges of her blade between her fingers. After a few minutes, she checks the time on her phone.

They’re late.

It isn’t until the sound of light footsteps coming from the long-winding alleyway does some of her anxiety finally began to chip away. She glances up and notices shadows casting sinewy figures across the cobblestone pavement in time. They belong to five people. The closer they grow, the more she’s able to discern their appearance and what she sees – has her whistling in soft appreciation under her breath.

They’re seriously good-looking – not that she thinks she’s ever seen an unattractive vampire before, but her eyes can’t help but be drawn to each of them, as if against her own will. It’s almost close to indescribable when it comes to how enthralling they appear at this distance.

The first is a well-dressed gentleman with an almost bronze look to his skin as his intense-looking obsidian eyes meet her stare. He’s taller than the rest of his cohorts. She feels trapped by his gaze somehow and she sucks in a breath when her lungs fight for one. Seconds pass before his gaze travels south – to the rest of her. When he finally breaks eye contact, she manages to scope out the rest of him with something akin to a relieved sigh.

He’s in a grey suit that’s way too fancy for this part of New York. His dark and thick hair has been sleeked back as a stiff grin settles and draws her attention to the sharpness of his cheekbones.

The woman a few paces beside him wears her own expensive-looking suit as well. Although hers’ is several shades of dark purple – not quite the colour of licorice but not quite anything else either, she possesses such an air of authority that Wren fights with the sudden urge to sink her gaze to the floor. The woman drags a tanned and flawlessly manicured hand through her long and almost oakwood-coloured hair. Something in her penetrating stare causes gooseflesh to break-out across Wren’s skin.

The third person stands a little off to the side and heaves a mean-looking crossbow across her back. Unlike the other two, she doesn’t radiate an ounce of unfriendliness. She seems to be the exact opposite down from the laid-back way she’s dressed. Her dark eyes and skin are a stunning comparison to her lavender-style braids. She sticks out from the people in suits – but in the best way possible. She tosses a few of her braids across her shoulder before waving at her.

The remaining two stand a little closer together from the rest. Wren can’t help but think there’s something more between them than just simple business partners as she diverts to their attention. In fact, the taller of the two seems to almost glare suspiciously at her as he places a protective arm around the secondary person.

He’s the one that deserves Wren’s own glare in response. He’s wearing a dark crimson jacket that isn’t even his colour and tight-fitting jeans that seem a little outdated compared to the rest of his companions. But it’s his protective arm loosely tucked to the woman’s side that’s convinced her there’s definitely something more. Her eyes follow the length of his shoulders and she nearly does a double-take.

Is that…is that a katana?

His jet-black hair nearly obscures his dark eyes, but Wren is still preoccupied at staring in awe at the sword that’s strapped across his back. What I wouldn’t give for one of those.

It isn’t until the much smaller and wiry framed woman nestled beside him steps forward that she finally breaks eye contact.

Her bangs are even longer than her counterpart, but she wears it with in such a fashionable style that Wren is barely able to tell the difference in length. She’s dressed just as impeccable as her partners, but unlike the rest of them – there isn’t as much of an otherworldly-ness to her. She doesn’t have the same likeness that makes them a vampire. Still, something about her remains vaguely familiar despite Wren being unable to put her finger on it.

Apprehension makes the air around them shudder and Wren shifts uncomfortably on her feet from the sudden awareness of the terse atmosphere.

If their intentions aren’t as sincere as she hopes, she’d severely outmatched and a complete dumbass for meeting them alone. Even with her half-working fae powers at best, nothing can prepare her for taking on a bunch of vampires on. They’re ridiculously stronger than any average human, and as much as she’s fae – the rest of her is still human.

Steeling quiet resolve, Wren forces a smile at the sign of their approach. They’re a few feet away now and she has to convey complete confidence. You’re in control Wren, you’re in control. Not some meek-minded weak person. Although she’s looking for information, she can’t give them the idea she’s desperate. “I heard you’re the people that I’m looking for.” She inclines her head.

“Maybe, that really depends on you.” The guy with the crimson jacket grunts, his hand on his weapon.

The woman that’s been beside him this entire time, shoots him a sudden look. Then she straightens herself upright, the ruffles of her blouse crinkling at the motion. “I take it you’re Wren Howell, right?”

“Yup. And you’re…Nik’s associates.” Wren makes a gesture at them.

They’ve gradually grown closer and she can make out a gleam in one of their eyes.

“That’s correct. He mentioned you were looking for information.” The particularly fancy grey suit has folded his arms. His eyes are carefully neutral, which Wren suspects is something he does quite often when he’s assessing someone.

“Actually, I’m not just looking for information. I’m looking for someone. Cal. Cal Lowell.” She says his name a-matter-of-factly. “And I heard you may know how I can find him.” She takes a deep breath in an effort to keep her voice even. Although, she’s desperate to find him, she refuses to break down in front of a bunch of strangers. “I know you’re all meeting Landgon Kavinsky.” Her gaze steadily flits across to every one of them, pausing to emphasize the depth of her words. “And I know Cal’s last whereabouts were through him.” She hesitates before adding, “a couple night ago if I’m being completely honest. They had a meeting,” she continues steadily, the blade between her fingers moving more rapidly. “And no one’s seen or heard him since.”

The man in the crimson jacket whistles. “You sure don’t like to waste any time, do you? I kinda like that.”

“Me too.” The lavendair-haired woman chirps, flashing Wren a wide smile.

“Lily, we’re here to discuss something important – not flirt with our new guest.” Another one of the women chimes in; the shortest of all three with a bemused expression flitting across her face.

Lily pouts and Wren wrestles against the abrupt urge to smile. “I don’t see a point in beating around the bush. Time isn’t something I have a lot of, and I don’t want to spend precious seconds here when I could be looking for him out there.” She jerks her chin behind them.

For a few seconds, no one spoke.

Something in Wren’s chest tightens. “Look,” her voice cracks a little and she winces at the sound. “You can obviously tell that I care about the guy. I’m not going anywhere until you tell me something.” The switchblade within her grip moves a little faster – from finger to finger, “my gut is telling me that he’s in danger and I need to find him.” Her gut feelings have rarely – if ever been wrong before.

Grey-suit folds his arms while his brows arches to seemingly contemplate her words. Scrutinizing his expression, he breaks the quiet tenseness in the air first. “Harlow, you didn’t mention any of this.” He cuts his attention to the shortest of the two women in front of Wren.

The woman – Harlow, pinches her expression together as her lips thin into a faint frown. Cautiously, she peers back at him. “Sorry Adrian, I didn’t realize it was this serious. Nik wasn’t keen on so many details other than a name and Mr. Kavinsky’s usual meeting places.” She bites her low lip.

“So, you do know Kavinsky then?” Wren interrupts impatiently.

The other woman – tallest of all three who has yet to speak, suddenly bristles. Every length of her seems to stiffen. Her eyes narrow into slits as she speaks up, abruptly interjecting before Harlow is able to assemble any sense of an answer. “We may or may not, although that doesn’t explain why we should divulge such delicate information.” There’s an emphasis on her words and Wren detects a hint of a slight slur – fairly unlike any accent she has ever heard before.

“Kamilah!” Harlow’s face goes a little pale but Adrian seems to consider the other woman’s words carefully – he strokes his chin.

Kamilah snorts and crosses her arms. “You certainly can’t blame me. After all, we’ve only just met and I’m merely stating the obvious.”

Wren tenses. She gets it, but that doesn’t mean she has to like it. If circumstances were reserved, she wouldn’t be necessarily jumping at the opportunity to help. But she’s the one that needs their assistance – so she bites her tongue and shifts on her feet.

“She has every reason to be cautious. How do we know we can trust you?” Adrian tilts his chin, eyes glimmering from ashen black into twinges of deep red against the dark backdrop of the dim city lights.

“And how do we know we can’t?” Lily cuts in.

“This is no small favour.” Adrian meets Lily’s sudden frown until she drops her stare. “This isn’t just some stranger without a single pull in the city. We ‘re talking about – Mr. Lavinsky and he’s the kind of man no one should cross lightly.”

“I’m not asking for you to cross him,” Wren fights to keep her tone steady, but it’s hard. Every second she wastes standing here talking is another second Cal remains missing. “I’m asking for you to let me come along – let me find him on my own.”

“Like hell we will!” Kamilah snarls, baring her teeth.

The other vampire, whom Wren presumes to be Jax seem to echo her sentiment with a derisive snort, and his hand that’s rested on his weapon has turned white as he shoots Wren a glare. Although, both Harlow and Adrian seem to hesitate – glancing at their companions uneasily, it’s Kamilah who keeps pursing it. “This is not up for discussion. Absolutely not. You would jeopardize everything we’re trying to accomplish.”  

“– you said you wanted information where he was – not that you wanted to come with us.” Jax adds, frowning.

Wren takes a deep breath, “okay fair. But you don’t get it. It’s for him. For Cal.” It’s always been for him. “I shouldn’t have let him go alone in the first place. I should’ve –” Her voice trembles a little, “dammit! He just shouldn’t have gone alone!” Her free hand clenches into a tight fist and suddenly she’s left with fighting the urge to hit something. “I should be there because when you love someone – there isn’t anything you wouldn’t do for them. So that’s why I’m here,” she spreads her arms out wide. “Standing and barely capable of holding it together at the thought of him being out there – alone.” She jerks her chin, “because that asshole locked him up.”

“You don’t know that.” Adrian’s brow furrows. “Mr. Kavinsky has never been the sort to add living people into his collections. That blurs all kinds of lines –”

“I’m not here to argue with you.” Wren interjects, jutting her chin out stubbornly. “I’m only here on a hunch and I don’t need the details of what you’re all doing here.” Okay, she’d love to know but that’s besides the point.

“Nik sent me, and like he said – you owe him one. These were his terms.” She makes a point of staring directly at Adrian and feels some satisfaction in noting a slight grimace in his appearance. She’ll definitely have to thank Nik later. If there is a later anyway. “And you don’t strike me as the type of person to go behind their word.”

“No.” Adrian sighs, and runs a hand through his hair. “I am usually a man of my word.” He turns his attention to Kamilah and Jax, “we need to take her with us.”

“That’s ridiculous.” Kamilah says curtly, shaking her head. “She could jeopardize everything.”

“Or she could help us.” Jax adds, his brow creasing in thought.

“Are we all on team Wren now?” Lily asks, bumping Jax’s arm.

Kamilah arches an eyebrow. “…..what makes you think we can even trust her?”

“…Uh, hello?” Wren waves a hand wildly in front of them, breaking shifting all their attention back on her. She gestures down at herself. “I’m still here. I didn’t just fade out of existence.”

“We can’t.” Adrian answers evenly, glancing objectively back at Kamilah. “Not with absolute certainty.”

“Hey!” Wren presses her fingers to her lips and whistle. “Listen, you can trust me enough because Nik sent me here.” Wren grumbles hotly, drawling out his name to emphasize her point.

If Adrian’s heard her, he makes a note of blatantly ignoring her outburst. The bastard.

Sure enough, within seconds Adrian lowers his voice until Wren can barely make out his words or what anyone else is saying.

Huffing a breath, Wren settles for balefully watching them instead. She taps her feet impatiently. Every now and then, they glance in her general direction and she opens her mouth to speak before they glance away and her mouth snaps back shut.

Ugh, I don’t have time for this. Clearing her throat, Wren glares at them. “As interesting as this has been, if you aren’t going to help me then we’re wasting each other’s time and I’ve got someone to save.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Harlow breaks the tenseness in the air first, her smile – alarmingly cool for someone that’s been mostly quiet this entire time. Her steady voice seems to put the others at ease too as she gestures between them. “We’re on board with taking you with us. We know exactly where Cal was taken.”

“You don’t know that for sure.” Kamilah intercedes, pursing her lips.

“I do,” Harlow suddenly retrieves a phone and points at the screen. “Because he suddenly decided to change our meeting spot and something tells me it’s where Cal is.”

Wren swallows back her sudden excitement. “Great.” She’s close – so close in finding him, so close in seeing him again. She takes a few steps towards them as Harlow taps across her phone’s screen. “When do we leave? Tomorrow night?” She’s hoping it won’t take anymore time. She’s itching for a fight.

“No. It’s happening tonight.”

-

Blood.

The smell of it is heavy and pungent in the air. It’s not just his blood either. There’s a mix of all sorts in here – supernatural creatures that has no business being locked up and tucked away from the rest of the world. And no matter what Cal does – there’s no escaping from it.

His eyes snap open with a gasp until he realizes he’s still cuffed and in chains, as the rest of details from the last several days come rushing back to him. Again.

Although he knows it’s futile, he wrestles against the metallic material across his wrists until his struggles turn into shaking, and the stupid thing administers another jolt of shock into his system. Another painful fucking reminder that he’s trapped.

The wolf in him whelps and practically seethes but the rest of Cal settles for gritting his teeth to prevent himself from yelping out loud. Fuck, he won’t ever give them that satisfaction. He wets his cracked dry lips as he sniffs the foul atmosphere; trying desperately to pick up any hints as to a way out of here but when nothing sticks out to him – he settles for slamming his fists against the glass – hoping feebly that his wolf strength won’t fail him now.

But it does fail him. He’s hungry, practically ravenous for something and his footing slips as he staggers against the surface.

He hears the sound of barely contained and muffled laughter. He growls. The least these assholes can do is feed him regularly but he supposes Kavinsky knows enough of werewolf physiology that feeding him more than a little does wonders for his strength. If he even has a little more, he’d be able to do something more than howl and shove his shoulders and fists fruitlessly against it.

Slamming his fist again, Cal manages another hard punch before slumping down the floor. He hugs his knees and leans his head back until it’s able to rest across the glass’ seemingly impenetrable surface. It’s no use. There’s no way he’s getting out of here.

Cal has spent the last few days trying to scratch, break, punch his way through the thick walls of his prison. But nothing’s changed. There’s no dent in the wall. No cracks in the glass because they know he’s not strong enough to do anything more. He’s not going to escape – Kavinsky built all these in a way that makes the idea laughable at best but still, Cal hopes.

His hope carries him to sleep. It deludes him into thinking he’ll wake up the next day in the comfort of his home – surrounded by people who love him. Donny and his petulant frowns whenever he’d scold him. Wren’s smirk or the mischievous glint she gets in her eyes whenever they’ve been left alone. I miss them. And the absence of their presence has left him cold all over.

He wedges his eyes close, tries to fight a panic attack with simple breathing. The wolf in him isn’t satisfied though, he snarls and tries to take control. But the cuffs around his wrist quickly remind him there’s no hope of him getting out.

Fuck – if he could only get these things off.

When Cal’s eyes flutter open, and he heaves a sigh. He’s never getting out of here. They narrow into slits a second later when the light above his head suddenly flickers then dies out. He stands a little straighter, the hairs on the back of his neck sticking as something in his gut implores that something is strong. Ignoring the abrupt panic seizing his chest, Cal presses his hands across the glass while he waits anxiously for something to happen.

The lights make a soft humming noise as they flicker back on.

What the hell was that? His ears perk at the abrupt and nearly muffled sounds of footsteps, followed by the rapid shouting voices. He can’t make them out yet – they’re still too far away. But he does gather through keenly listening that there’s some kind of a commotion going on. And by the sounds of it, it’s definitely something Kavinsky hadn’t expect.

Good, that bastard deserves everything that’s coming to him.

If only Cal wasn’t stuck in here and while all the action out there made him itch to try sifting again. If only he didn’t have these stupid cuffs on. If only he could do something more than stare miserably at the door, hanging onto every sound  –

The cuffs around his wrist suddenly go slack and Cal blinks down at them in surprise. Something tells him not to wait – he shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. He’d rather count his blessings than take them for granted and he clenches his hands into fists – squeezing tightly before pushing them several inches apart from each other.

Snap.

He breaks free and what’s left of the metal is littered across his feet.

Stretching out his wrists for a moment, Cal grins. They’re still raw from how long his skin has been chafing but at least they’re free now. At least he’s free. Whatever’s out there – that’s where his concern should be. But instead of focusing on the qualms of what’s behind the door – his other half is practically straining against his rational side to be free.

He doesn’t waste any more time. With a howl, Cal sheds his human form and embraces the wolf with eager and wild abandon. Hunching over slightly; it takes seconds for the familiar rush of adrenaline to envelop his senses – to wrap him in an overwhelming sense of joy at finally being able to shift again. His pulse turns erratic while his bones crack and reforms themselves into place. Russet-coloured fur rapidly replaces where skin and he launches himself at the window – a streak of dark brown that shatters the glass barrier on contact.

The pieces fall at his feet.

Cal pauses long enough to howl and deeply inhale the heavy atmosphere.

There’s a change in the air and it spells something bad. Or good. He can’t decide. He doesn’t have complete focus like this, his instinct has almost completely taken over. The fact that his body is shaking in excitement but remains unmoving is a miracle of itself. His nose twitches as he inhales again, deeper this time – and there is a lot to find familiar.

There’s the unpleasant stuff that’s not easy miss – the dried blood of torture, the smell of unwashed people left alone for far too long. And the heavy odor of security’s body spray. But not all of it makes sense – some of what he’s able to smell is ridiculously strange. Another whiff of it allows Cal to realize the scent of blood isn’t merely the kind of creatures locked away – there’s fighting going on and the sickly odd smell happens to be bloodsuckers. His fur stands at ends with the rest of his body.

But there’s one - one familiar scent in the entire universe that he never thought he’d be able to enjoy again. Especially not after ending things.

No fucking way. It can’t be her.

But he knows her scent. He knows it so damn well because he’s spent a lot of time committing her to memory. He’s spent so much time running his tongue across her skin, nibbling her most sensitive spots, burying his lips by the crook of her shoulders, by her inner thighs  – there’s no way he can ever forget her and suddenly he can’t wait to get out of here.

With another low growl, Cal hastily bounds to the door. There’s no sense in trying the lock, he simply paws at it – claws crunching the metal, until he’s able to administer one hard shove.t

The door bursts wide open.

It looks like he’s made it just in time.

-

Their plan worked.

Wren wants to laugh in disbelief but she’s too preoccupied with fighting against the wave of security to stay alive. She can’t give anything more than a momentary we-did-it yell inside her mind before there’s another asshole to clock in the head.

She ducks under the arm of her current assailant and deftly switches the hand of her switchblade. She wipes alongside the length of his beefy arm. The man cries out in pain and Wren takes the opportunity in stride, knocking him flat on his ass by shoving the brunt of her palm towards his chin.  

Another guard manages to land a solid punch to her jaw and Wren fights against the sudden stab of pain. Gritting her teeth, she spins away as he titters forward to push on the offensive. She utters a harsh battle cry and feints right, landing a front kick to the chest before his entire body goes flying.

A third guard slams into her, knocking her to the floor. Her back arches in pain and she hisses as the man tries to press his palms into her neck. Choking, Wren head-butts him, almost seeing stars but it isn’t enough to throw him off.

Suddenly he cries out and stops moving. Shoving him off her, Wren kicks him for good effort as she spots two arrows lodged firmly into his chest. Surprised, she glances up in time to notice Lily’s thumbs up before she spins away to strike another security guard.

From across the room, the crimson jacket vampire tosses his katana with breakneck speed towards another guard that seemed to be seconds away from grabbing Harlow’s arm. It lands almost directly in the base of his skull and Harlow yells a word of thanks before gripping the hilt of the sharp weapon and yanking it out.

A hair length away Kamilah has already dealt with a handful of security, dancing in and out of their reach as the set of her elegantly tipped daggers follow the motion. Her eyes are terrifyingly beautiful; dark red – glimmering in delight as another guard falls to her feet. She throws a wink over her shoulder when she spots Wren watching.

“Duck!”

Acting on instinct, Wren listens to the commanding voice and watches in awe as Adrian practically sails across her head. He’s launched himself at two enemies, burying his fangs into their neck as they scream in pain.

Holy shit, they’re amazing.

The group in front of her aren’t just business associates. They aren’t just friends either. They’re well-oiled machine, stepping into place to defend and attack on each other’s behalf. If one doesn’t make a killing blow – another person is suddenly there to aid them, and Wren does everything she can to keep pace with their efficiency.  

A sudden howl fills the air in the middle of all this chaos. Her heart skips a beat at the sound. There’s only one wolf that sounds like that. Powerful. Magnetic. It’s not like she could ever forget his voice – wolf or human.

Without thinking she raises her chin – just in time to spot all eight hundred pounds of lycan bustling from out of the hall and sending the rest of people scattering in his wake. Screams fill the air and there almost isn’t place Wren looks without a splatter of blood.

His bright amber eyes meet hers for a moment, softening before hardening again at guards still left alive. A howl rumbles and escapes his throat.

Wren watches a little mystified at the immeasurable speed he’s able to strike – muscles that bunch together and ripple beneath his fur with every movement. His razor-sharp claws slice through thin air as though he knows exactly where they’ll be before they even know it. The sounds of complete agony fill the re room and become loud enough to drone out the erratic pacing of Wren’s own heartbeat.

The screaming quickly turns into silence.

Wren wipes the worst of the blood off of her face.

The adrenaline is still flooding her veins at an incredible rate and it doesn’t take her long to cross the space between left them – her heart hammering wildly in her chest again, every step of the way. It’s him. It’s really him.

She can scarcely believe it. But he is – right here.

He bounds loftily towards her – fur practically trembling from anxiety.

She can’t hear what he’s thinking but radiates worry, fear. “I’m here. I’m really here Cal.” She wants to reassure him but her voice chokes on the words. “And you’re okay, god I’m so glad you’re okay.”

Are those tears?

Something wet has touched her cheeks but she doesn’t care, he’s here.

Cal drops to his hind legs and his large forearms cocoon her to his chest.

The heat is a blissful, welcoming feeling, like the furnace he always is – it takes no time for her to feel his heat all the way down to her toes.

He lets out a deep hum as she buries her fingers into his mane.

Seconds pass before the fur she’s been stroking turns to soft skin. His skin is slicked with sweat and he’s almost too hot for her fingers to wince in return, but to Wren it’s still the greatest feeling in the world. He’s back where he belongs – he’s home.

Wren squeezes her eyes shut and buries her lips into the crook of his neck as he effortlessly lifts her off her feet. The sudden motion makes her fumble and nearly lose her footing, but the rest of her body reacts almost steadfast – clinging onto him tightly as an abrupt and startled laugh leaves her throat.

Usually, she hates when he does that – hates it more when she cries, especially in front of him – let alone the audience she’s all but forgotten in her haste to get to him. She hates what she’s doing now even more, trembling at his touch and muttering non-stop through ardent words of how much she’s missed him – missed them.

But she does it all the same, because the words keep leaving her lips without her thinking – without her censoring any of it. She’s shaking so much with relief that when he lifts her higher, all she has is an eyeful of his breathtaking smile – and it’s as if she’s staring into richly intense sunshine.

Warm-eyes, like the colour of soil flecked with black and gold don’t waver from her stare. They’re just an enthralled. Then he bumps his forehead affectionately against hers’, pressing his sweaty brow and whispering softly under his breath. “I love you too.”

What?

Her heart leaps. A hysterical laugh bubbles from her throat.

Is that the only take-away he’s gotten from what she’s said?

Then she says it again, only because he’s smiling at her and she wants to keep commit it to memory. “I love you – you idiot.” She repeats it a third time and then again, cupping one of his cheeks as her own cheeks suddenly grow hot – flushed by the sincerity behind her words.

“Does that mean we’re no longer broken up?” His eyes search hers’ uncertaintly.

She manages a shaky laugh. “I think Nik wants his couch back, and I can’t even manage a whole week without you let alone a whole lifetime.” She doesn’t care if they have an audience, she can’t stand the idea of not touching him any longer – of not sinking into him the way she’s thought of ever since he left.

Greedy fingers quickly tangle in his hair. It’s matted and sweaty but it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter because it’s still Cal. Her Cal. Her mate.

She has all of him in front of her and the last she wants to do turn away from something so fruitless. She yanks him closer, impatient to have more than just him looking at her with clear adoration clouding his eyes – she needs to feel him, to really feel him. She has to show him how much she really loves him.

The kiss is hot and demanding.

God, she’d forgotten how much she melts under his lips. They’re rough and coarse – but they’re everything. She’s on cloud nine, swimming with happiness and relief all melded into one. Fuck, how had she managed to let him go? To let this go?

She grips him tighter as his fingers drift into a downward trail across her hips and then her thighs. He hooks his hands there as she wraps her legs scantily around him, hiking the length of her pants when his fingers dig into the garment.

He moans low in his throat.

It’s a sound that makes heat coil in her belly and painfully aware how long it’s been since she’s had him, naked and panting in their bedroom – since she’s seen the face he makes when he comes inside her. At this angle she can feel every bit of how much he’s missed her too.

God. He is real. And she’s never letting him go again. He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s stuck with her – for good this time.

The sudden clear of someone’s throat behind them has grounded Wren back into reality. She blinks and then reluctantly pulls away. Before he sets her on her feet again, she watches in mild satisfaction at how quickly his eyes darken once they linger on her face.

Taking off her jacket, Wren hastily ties it around his lean hips as all eyes remain rooted in their direction.

Before she can step away, Cal snakes a hand loosely around her waist and keeps her tucked at safely at his side. “I think I’m missing something here.” He doesn’t relax completely. He tilts his chin and sniffs the air. “Bloodsuckers.”

“Good, bloodsuckers –” Wren elbows him. “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have found you.”

Kamilah wipes her daggers clean and raises one critical eyebrow. “The least you can do is say thanks, pup.”

Cal’s stiffens.

“I think what Kamilah means to say is,” Harlow holds up her hands, smiling hesitantly at Cal’s decisively protective stance. “We wanted to help.” Jax appears by her side as she speaks, rubbing blood absently off her arm. “The idea of anyone suffering in some place like this is sickening and wrong.” Her face twists. “It seems that our information on Mr. Kavinsky wasn’t all what it’s cracked up to be anyway.”

“You didn’t find what you were looking for?” Wren asks, dragging her eyes away from Cal. If only for a moment. The least she should do is properly thank them.

A look passes between all four of them. Ah. They definitely aren’t going to share that kind of information with her – which makes her want to know even more. What exactly are they hiding?

“While I think introductions are in order,” Adrian lips curve in slight amusement, breaking Wren out of  her wayward thoughts. “I believe we should probably head out of here. We did let go all those other people too. They’re probably destroying the place as we speak.”

“Wait, what?” Cal’s mouth hangs open for a moment before just as swiftly snapping shut.

As if to emphasize his point, the entire ground floor begins shaking.

“Yeah, you’ve missed a lot.” Wren pats his arm.

Lily’s the only one that’s still staring as if struck in awe. “You’re a werewolf?” She pauses to think, “well – I mean I saw you. But I still can’t really believe it.” She smiles, “I have so many questions.”

“Before you ask – no werewolves do not go into heat.” Cal’s tone is almost deadpanned.

“And it’s definitely not the time Lil.” Although, Harlow laughs as she says it.

“God, I know so many fanfic authors that’d be disappointed.”

“Who are you again?” His brow furrows.

“I’ll fill you in on the way.” Wren mutters, grabbing his arm. Although she hesitates, and drops her gaze down the length of his body – almost drawing in a shaky breath at how visibly stunning he is.

Gaah. A part of her wants nothing more than to pry that jacket off him, but the rest of her realizes she’ll have to wait.  Although, she has a peculiar feeling that it’ll be worth it – it still takes a tremendous amount of effort not to jump him right then and there. “I uh -,” a spot of color touches her cheeks as she glances away. “I brought some clothes with me.” Then she clears her throat, turning back to smirk at him. “But feel free to walk around naked on my account.” She gestures to him, “I certainly won’t stop you.”

His confident smile falters and he bashfully glances down at his feet before chuckling. “I’ll take my chances with the clothes this time.” He shifts his attention briefly towards the rest of their little group. Already, they’ve started dispersing after checking the security feeds. “Thank you,” he says earnestly.

“You should be thanking her” Jax jerks his chin towards Wren. “She wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

Cal bends slightly to bump his forehead affectionately against hers’. “Thank you.”

“Never scare me like that again.” She says the words seriously but her stomach still flips at his heart-felt gesture. “And you can thank me properly when we’re all safely outside.”

He breaks out into a grin. “Deal.”

Giving his hand a light squeeze, Wren returns the smile before fixing Adrian with raised eyebrows and a very important question. “Now how the hell are we supposed to get out –”

“I’ve already got us covered.” Lily interjects, tucking several braids behind her ear. She’s been tapping through something on her phone for the last several seconds before glancing up with a confident smile. “Just follow me.”

-

By the time they’ve left, the building is almost in ruins. From the outside, it looks nearly the same – a few missing pieces of brick and cracked windows, but these are the only telltale signs of destruction. However, on the inside – most of Kavinsky’s collections have either been stolen, broken or severely disfigured.

It’s a pity he isn’t among what’s left behind. Even if he was still alive – Kavinsky has multiple targets on his back.

Cal doesn’t think he’ll re-surface anytime soon, but he’d have liked giving that asshole a piece of his mind.

The rest of his mind has more important matters to contend with – he’s alive and he vows never to take that for granted ever again. He can scarcely believe it himself, after the last couple days he’s had – trapped in the prison of a madman.

But he’s not there anymore – or is he? How is being in the company of strangers any better? He doesn’t know them and they’ve offered him a place for the night, a place for both of them.

For a moment, Cal was beginning to think escaping was some sort of fever dream. How else can he explain the absence of cuffs on his wrists? The uneasy happiness filling his chest? Did he ever leave? Or was he so lost in his delusion that he’d concoct this whole reality?

The last time he’s seen her, she wasn’t nestled by his side the way she is now – she was throwing accusations at him. How can he believe his own eyes, or listen to his heart after everything he’s been through?

Cal feels soft fingers cupping his chin, forcing his gaze from the window and unto the softest expression of pure love he’s ever seen from her face.

It’s like she can tell his thoughts are spiraling and having her touch helps to ground him back into reality. His eyes flutter close of their own accord as she leans into him.

“You’re okay.” She says the words gently, “we’re okay.”

He listens to the sound of her voice, allowing its gentleness to creep back into his heart. She’s right. He isn’t back here, he’s with her – with the only person he’s ever loved. Fuck, it feels so good to have her here.

“Wren,” his voice cracks and she’s looking up at him again. There’s a lot he wants to say, a lot that they haven’t said. Where do they go from here?

He’s still the alpha.

She loves him but he’s still the alpha.

As far as he’s concerned nothing’s really changed.

In any other reality – maybe things could have been different. Maybe he could shirk from his responsibilities and ride into the sunset with her; build a life together - separate from all this chaos in NOLA. But he thinks about Donny and his last year in school. He thinks about those kids from Shaw’s pack and all the other people counting on him.

“We can talk later.” She promises.

He swallows past the sudden lump in his throat and forces a smile of gratitude. This isn’t the time or place for that kind of conversation, but staring deeply into those deeply warm eyes – Cal wants to put her first.

And that, perhaps is the most dangerous and scariest knowledge of it all.

-

[choicesfanficanonymous]

Summer in Winby - Part 2

Pairing: Sebastian x MC

Book(s): The Freshman series

Word Count: 6,636                                                                                            

Rating: PG-13

Summary: Sebastian and Bianca spend time together leading to a confession.

Author’s Note: The final part of my fanfic. This turned out to be much longer than I anticipated. Pixelberry owns the characters. Some of the names may be unfamiliar; Sofia Morena and Nathan Abidi are from Hollwood U and Lucy Hermon was in Seth and Tejas’ movie in Red Carpet Diaries.

Tag List (per author request):  @desiree-0816 @itsstillnotwhatyouthink @lilyofchoices @itsbrindleybinch @sinclaire-made-me-sin @khakie4 @friedherringclodthing @darley1101 @cora-nova @silverofdreams

-

“…Alright, thank you” Bianca said and hung up the phone. Just as she did, her mother knocked on the door to the bedroom.

“Sorry am I interrupting?” she asked and lingered in the doorway.

“Oh no, I was just checking on flights to London, I have to get my stuff out of the apartment”.

“Wait, are you…?”

“Oh no not yet anyway” Bianca said and started to admire to her mother’s outfit, she had on a white blouse, capris, and sandals. “Where are you heading off to?”

“Your father is taking me to dinner and a local concert” Maureen answered, her voice full of excitement as she smoothed the creases on her outfit.

Bianca smiled but looked away, her thoughts drifted to the date nights she and James used to have. Maureen walked over to Bianca and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Sorry, I know you are probably still getting used to…you know”.

“Yeah…” Bianca shook her head, her voice trailing off.

“Bianca, maybe it just wasn’t meant to be” Maureen said. A small part of her was relieved that her daughter and James broke up, she found the Ashtons to be snooty and stiff. “It’ll be okay, trust me” Maureen said and gave her hug.

Bianca shook her head, perhaps her mother was right. James had moved on to Reyna, but old feelings had a way of coming back.

“Honey, we better get going” Stephen said as he appeared in the doorway. “You okay Chickadee?” he looked between his wife and daughter, both with solemn looks on their faces.

“I’m okay, you two go have fun” Bianca said.

Once her parents had left, Bianca fixed herself a cup of tea and grabbed one of Vasquez’s books. “I guess it’s just us tonight” she said and looked between Bella and Blue, both looking at her expectantly. Bianca exited the kitchen to the deck and took a seat on the love seat and began reading. Blue sat at her feet while Bella jumped up next to her and snuggled up against her thigh.

Sometime later her phone rang. As Bianca picked up her phone, her heart sank when she recognized the number—it was Alice Balewa. “Hello…” she stammered.

“Bianca, are you okay?” Alice asked.

“Sorry, just…I wasn’t expecting the call” Bianca said quietly.

“I hope I didn’t interrupt anything…I wanted to check in and see how things are going in London?”

“Things aren’t going anywhere” Bianca answered back.

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line until Bianca heard Alice sigh. “What happened?”

Bianca began to explain how things were fine when she first started at Quills and then the gradual changes that took place. Bianca then told her about the day she was let go.

“I’m terribly sorry Bianca, I’m guessing you’re at back at home now?”

“No, parents invited me to join them in Winby, after that…I don’t know”.

“I might know of an opportunity for you, it’s a little different but it’s something”.

Bianca began to consider Alice’s offer, what if this one blows up in my face too?She thought. Then again, the summer was already cruising by and she needed to have a plan for the fall. “What is it?”.

“Working for a magazine in Northbridge, I know the Editor in Chief., once I talk to her I’ll make sure she contacts you”.

“Thanks Alice” Bianca said gratefully.

“Don’t mention it, talk to you soon”.

Bianca hung up and set her phone down. She tried to focus on her reading, but she couldn’t. Instead she wrapped the blanket around her body and slowly drifted off to sleep to the sounds of the waves in a distance.

Bianca awoke to the sound of Bella scratching her thigh. Bianca scooted away from her and checked the time on her phone. As she stood up, she saw Blue was not beneath her. “Blue!” she called and began scanning the beach frantically. She quickly ran down the stairs and towards the water. “Blue!” Bianca called again and looked to her right and left…nothing.

“Dammit” Bianca ran back inside and grabbed a flashlight with Bella following close behind. “Stay here” she commanded and snatched a flashlight out of the drawer and closed the door behind her. Bianca scoured the beach, shining the light in every direction and called out for Blue repeatedly.

“Where is he?” Bianca bit her lip, fearing the worse as it got darker outside.

Bianca felt her heart race when she heard barking, she started running when she noticed Blue and another dog chasing each other and tugging on a stick. “Blue!” Bianca called as she approached them.

Blue let go and ran up to her barking excitedly. Bianca knelt down as Blue jumped into her arms and licked her face. “Don’t you ever do that again! Do you understand me?”

Bianca looked at the other dog, a corgi, approached her drooling. “I’m glad you made a friend, but you cannot run off like this” Bianca said to Blue.

“Tyson!”

Bianca stood up and saw a young man jogging towards her, she narrowed her eyes as he got closer. The dirty blonde hair, the lean build, the broad shoulders. Wait…is that? Bianca’s gathered her thoughts coming to the only reasonable conclusion, “Sebastian?”

Sebastian slowed his jog as he came face to face with Bianca. “Bianca? What…” his voice trailed off.

“What are you doing here?” Bianca asked. She held Blue tightly, not trusting herself to set him on the ground.

“I’m…staying at my family’s summer house, what about you?” he said. His piercing brown eyes studying her.

Bianca started to answer but the sight of Sebastian distracted her, he looked different…his arms and chest filled out the navy polo. Large pecs gently rose up and down as he stood in front of her and gained control of his breathing. He also wore a pair of khakis revealing wide, defined thighs. She could only imagine what his backside and butt looked like.

“Bianca?”

Bianca quickly snapped out of her thoughts and spoke, “My cousin, Hanna and her family are allowing my family to stay at their place while they’re out of town”.

Sebastian shook his head as a small smile grew on his face. “I take it he’s yours?” he gestured to Blue.

“Yeah, I’m sorry I dozed off and he must have thought it was okay to explore”.

“Don’t worry about it, Tyson had fun”.

“Is Tyson your dog or…?”

“No he belongs to the Kingsleys. My Aunt and I were having lunch with them and some family friends”.

Bianca shook her head and looked at the ground. Knowing Sebastian’s background and how he and James ran in the same circles, she only knew of one family with that name and immediately thought of Vanessa Kingsley. Another girl who threw herself at James while they were together.

“You’re referring to Vanessa’s family, aren’t you?”

Sebastian shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck, he knew Bianca was not a fan of Vanessa and heard they exchanged words when James took her to a masquerade ball.

“Don’t worry she isn’t here” Sebastian said.

Bianca let out a sigh of relief as she looked out towards the ocean. The sun was setting, and the sky had darkened even more.

“I should be getting back, but it was good to see you Sebastian” Bianca started to turn away heading back to the house.

“You too” Sebastian said and whistled to Tyson who had started to wander off. He turned around to head back to the Kingsley house, but something told him to stop.

“Bianca, wait!” he called.

Bianca stopped and turned to face Sebastian who took a few steps forward. “Yeah?”

“Perhaps we could catch up sometime?” he asked. “I’m not sure how long you are staying but maybe we could get lunch or something?”

“Sure” Bianca shook her head and offered a small smile. “How about tomorrow evening?”

Sebastian shook his head and started back in the opposite direction. Bianca continued on her way back to the house holding Blue. A small part of her was looking forward to spending time with Sebastian as he could be a much-needed distraction.

By the time Sebastian and Sabine arrived back at the Delacroix summer house it was dark outside. Once they got inside Sebastian headed towards the bedroom to take a shower.

“Sebastian, hold on a minute” Sabine said.

Sebastian turned to face his Aunt and raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m heading back to Northbridge in the morning, I have a luncheon and fundraiser to organize” Sabine began and paused for a few minutes. “I wanted to talk to you about this movie”.

“Aunt Sabine…” Sebastian said quietly.  

“Let me finish, from what I have heard, there is good possibility this movie will be released or air on TV…and when it does, you will be recognized”.

Sebastian folded his arms and paced the room in small circles. He looked up at Sabine who studied him carefully.

“I am sure I do not need to tell you that your father will be displeased especially since this movie is practically pornography…however, no matter what happens or becomes of this, I will support you on your future endeavors”.

“Thank you” Sebastian said.

Sabine returned a small smile and gave him a quick hug. After she let him go, she gathered her things and sauntered towards the door. “Take care dear nephew”.

“I will, I love you”.

“Love you too” Sabine said and walked out the front door.

That following evening, Bianca was in her room getting ready to meet Sebastian. She wasn’t sure why she had butterflies in her stomach, it was only Sebastian Delacroix and he did not have the best reputation at Hartfeld. Some of the nicknames he had earned included “Captain Trust Fund”, “Prince Privilege”, and “Mister Daddy Issues”. Although all of those nicknames were true, Bianca felt that wasn’t the Sebastian she came face to face with last evening. He was different and not just physically, the way he spoke, his demeanor…something had changed.

“Where are you off to?”

Bianca turned around to see her father in the doorway. “I ran into a friend from Hartfeld last night, we’re meeting up for drinks”.

Stephen shook his head, Bianca could tell he was under the impression it was either Abbie or Kaitlyn. She decided to let him believe that, knowing he would go into overprotective mode if she told the truth.

“Well, I’ll let you finish getting ready. Your mother and I are going out again so it may be awhile”.

“Have fun” Bianca smiled and resumed rummaging through her clothes. She finally found the right outfit and proceeded to get dressed. As she began fixing her hair in the mirror, she checked her phone, she still hadn’t heard from Alice. Bianca sighed, all she could do was hope for the best. Once she finished getting ready, she slid her phone into her purse and headed off to meet Sebastian.

After the Dryve car dropped her off, Bianca entered a dive bar, to her surprise the crowd looked to be her age. Mostly twenty somethings and early thirties. As she scoped the room, she spotted Sebastian sitting in a booth sipping iced tea. Once she made her way over, Sebastian stood up to greet her, “Hey, you made it”.

“Yeah, it’s pretty crowded tonight” Bianca sat down and set her purse beside her. She looked around at all of the people mingling, laughing, talking, and taking pictures for Pictagram.

“This is actually my first time here” Sebastian replied. He could feel his cheeks starting to warm and turn red. Get it together he said to himself. Before he could speak up a waitress came over to take Bianca’s order and then briskly walking away to retrieve it. “So what’s new with you?” he asked.

“Well, I was at Quills for a while until recently” Bianca answered sourly. She looked up and thanked the waitress who returned with her Sprite.

“I remember Tyler telling me about that and there was an article in the Knightly News about it” Sebastian said. “I guess you’ll be heading back soon?”

“Not in this lifetime” Bianca answered and took a sip of Sprite. “Quills was bought out by a holding company and the new management changed everything”.

“Where does that leave you?”

“Unemployed” Bianca stared down at her drink, stirring the ice with her straw.

“I’m sorry, I know from what Tyler told me you were really excited about that job”.

“Yeah but it’s fine, I have something lined up” she lied. Alice hadn’t returned her call all day.

“Are you and James still together?” Sebastian asked.

Bianca grimaced as she remembered the picture of James and Reyna. “We’ve moved on” she answered. “Enough about me, what have you been up to since graduating?” Bianca asked.

“Well I got more involved with theater and acting”.

Bianca shook her head but could tell he was holding back. Something was going on with him. “Only theater or did you venture into TV and movies?”

Sebastian bit his lip, he wasn’t sure why he was so nervous to talk about his experience especially to Bianca, who was one of the least judgmental people he knew. Sebastian leaned forward, his voice calm. “I did travel to Los Angeles and auditioned for a few movies and pilots, however, after so many rejections it starts to take its toll”.

“Did you book something?” Bianca took another sip.

“I did through this girl named, Lucy Hermon” Sebastian said. “Lucy had been in a few movies and her new one was being directed by Markus Von Groot”.

“What was the movie called?”

“Heated Sensations” Sebastian took another drink looking at the table.

Bianca looked at him carefully and pursed her lips…the title was familiar, “If I remember correctly, that was a book written by a former Hartfeld professor…” Bianca pulled out her phone and began running a search through Google.

Sebastian shook his head looking up at her. “Yes, Markus decided to turn it into a movie”.

“You know when I was at Quills, one of my coworkers did a review for it in our lifestyle section. Sebastian that’s amazing!” Bianca smiled at him, but a somber expression remained on his face. “What’s bothering you about it?”

Sebastian rubbed his forehead and set his drink down. “It’s just…that particular film is not what I want my first role to be”.

Bianca could see where this was going, “Sebastian, you knew what Heated Sensations was about before you signed on, right?”

“I did…the affair between a recovering alcoholic and her married therapist, but I took it anyway” Sebastian sighed, his gaze drifting around the bar which had started to empty. “Once you book so many McDermots commercials it starts to hurt your self-esteem”.

Bianca stared at Sebastian, his usual confident and proud demeanor had melted and now he appeared more vulnerable to her. “When you got the part in Heated Sensations did anything happen on set?”

Before he answered the waitress returned to see if they wanted anything and refilled their drinks. After she walked away Sebastian continued. “Where to begin? Markus is eccentric, ill-mannered, and grubby. There were constant changes to the script and his infamous temper tantrums” he ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath.

“Were you asked to do anything that you weren’t comfortable with?”

“Markus wanted to add the part where Harper is at work with her friend and some guys try to take advantage of them”.

Bianca bit her lip tapped her nails on the wooden table. “It’s been awhile since I read the book…but wasn’t that…?”

“Yeah, Harper was then beaten and raped in an alley, afterwards she ran to Trevor…but he only wanted one thing” Sebastian said shaking his head. “There was another scene where he chokes her while their having sex and Harper is screaming…Bianca, I just…maybe I’m thinking too much into it? A part of me began to wonder if Markus was getting some kind of thrill”.

“Hey, you two we’re closing soon”.

Bianca and Sebastian looked up and saw they were the only ones in the bar, except for a few employees stacking chairs and the bartender wiping off glasses. The manager shot them an annoyed look and pointed to the clock as she wiped down the table.

“Let’s go for a walk” Bianca rose from her seat and grabbed her purse.

Sebastian gave her small smile, knowing the fresh air would calm him. Once they were outside, they started walking through town. Winby was quiet and still the only sound was the ocean nearby. Sebastian continued telling Bianca about filming Heated Sensations, apart from the explicit sex scenes and dark tone of the movie. There was still a story about a young woman trying to find her way. The main character Harper had dreams of going to college, kicking her addiction, and wanted to reunite with her mother. Trevor was in a loveless marriage and a sex addict, he used his patients as an outlet.

“Obviously that role was a lot to take in, especially with you starting out”.

“It’s not how I wanted to make my acting debut” Sebastian said. He stopped at the rail near the docks looking out at the boats.

Bianca looked at him for a moment. From what James had told her, Sebastian was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. A sheltered and comfortable life, things were handed to him. The time he spent in Los Angeles must have been a wake-up call.

“You know you’re one of the first people I talked to about this”.

“I know we’ve had our differences, but I’m here for you” Bianca walked towards him and placed a hand on his broad shoulder. The summer breeze carried the heat from his body and scent of expensive cologne onto her.

Sebastian felt the hairs on his arm stand up when she touched him. There was something about Bianca that was comforting and soothing. He couldn’t tell whether it was the soft tone of her voice or her ample curves.

Bianca didn’t realize how long she had kept her hand on his shoulder until Sebastian had turned to look at her with an intense, soft look on his face. She couldn’t tell whether he was leaning in or whether she was.

Bzzzz bzzzzzzz

Bianca broke from the trance at the sound of her phone and pulled it out of her bag. Kaitlyn was texting her. “Sorry its—”

“No its fine go ahead” Sebastian waved it off and turned away to giver her some privacy.

Bianca opened up the message from Kaitlyn.

Hey, I know you are probably swamped with reporting rn but go to Flix tonight if u can, Heated Sensations is coming on! That Markus guy directed it so it’s going to be some crazy shit lol.

Bianca closed the message and turned to face Sebastian who raised an eyebrow at her. “Do you have to go?”

“No, but I want to ask you…have you seen the final cut from the movie?”

“I can’t say that I have…why do you ask?”

“Well, Flix is going to air it tonight and maybe we can watch it. I know you had an unpleasant experience on set but perhaps facing your fears is what you need right now”.

Sebastian ran his hand through his hair and began pacing. “Bianca, I do not know if I can sit through that movie”.

“I will be right there with you” Bianca took a few steps forward and gave his hand a small squeeze.

Sebastian swallowed, her touch was soft and warm. “Only because I trust you”.

After a while a Dryve car dropped them off at the Delacroix summer house. Once they were inside Sebastian led Bianca to the living room where they turned on the TV and switched the channel to Flix.

Sebastian sat next to Bianca, leaned forward and elbows resting on his thighs. Bianca glanced at him, she could tell there were beads of sweat forming on his forehead. She gently rubbed his back and gave him a small smile once he looked up at her.

Sebastian suddenly felt calmer, her touch was comforting and warm. “I’ll get some water” he said and hurried towards the kitchen. Momentarily he returned with a pitcher of ice water and two glasses.

Soon the movie began with a slow start but quickly picked up. Despite being a Markus Von Groot film, it carried itself well and the plot stayed close to book. Throughout the film Bianca found Sebastian’s portrayal of Trevor to be dark, sinister, and strangely attractive. However, she could see where Sebastian was concerned and uncomfortable. The fight in the alley was cringe worthy and most of the sex scenes were in porn territory—nearly everything was shown. There was also a threesome scene, where Harper and her friend Juniper seduce Trevor in his office. Bianca did her best to focus on the story, but she couldn’t, especially with so many attractive people on the screen. Sebastian had clearly put in some serious work for the role and the way his body looked on screen stirred something within her. The way his taut muscles flexed as he switched positions excited her. Bianca poured herself some water and snuck a peak at Sebastian who watched intently and breathed slowly.

Sebastian glanced at Bianca as he watched the scene, her expression was unreadable as she drunk some water. He quickly looked away and continued watching his movie. He could remember the day he and Lucy filmed this scene. They were both nervous until the assistant director spoke with them. She said think of someone you want to in your bed, want so bad to where you lose yourself. That advice worked for Lucy who announced she would think of her girlfriend back home. However, Sebastian did not have much luck with dating or relationships, Becca Davenport had told him she tried to forget their time together. However, after much thought, his mind settled on one person. Someone who was selfless, nosy, and had a passion for writing. Someone who had given him a taste of his own medicine during the elections at Hartfeld, and now that someone was sitting next to him.

After a while the movie reached the ending scene. Harper got the help she needed and broke things off with Trevor. In the middle of a thunderstorm, she runs to the train station to meet Juniper. After a loving embrace, they board a train heading to Portland and leave the darkness of Los Angeles behind them. As the closing credits began to roll, Sebastian bit his lip and turned to Bianca who set her glass down and looked at him.

“You thought it was terrible, didn’t you?” Sebastian kicked himself as soon as the words slipped out of his mouth. Bianca hadn’t said a word and he was already making assumptions.

“Actually it was good and so were you” Bianca said. “I can see why you were concerned, shooting those some of those scenes must have challenging”.

“It was” Sebastian shook his head. “Can I be honest with you?”

“Sure” Bianca.

“For some of the more emotional stuff like when Trevor starts to think through things…I thought of you”.

Bianca stared at him and pushed some stray hair behind her ear.

“I like you…I have for a while” Sebastian replied weakly.

Bianca looked back at him, she started to speak but couldn’t find the words.

“I know we have had a few run-ins at Hartfeld but once I got to know your friends, I guess something changed…and then the day you came over to help me do laundry…it just…hit me”.

Bianca looked down at the floor, her mind drifted to the day she first met Sebastian, he was arrogant and rude. Then again, James was too. Her thoughts drifted to the day she helped him with his laundry. Their hands had brushed against each other a few times as they measured detergent and sorted clothes. Bianca looked up to face him.

“That day I called you over…that was an excuse just to see you. I was going to say something, but I just couldn’t. I had already pulled you away from the party and you were still with James…”.

Bianca remained silent. A small part of her had wondered about Sebastian all these years, even more since he changed. James had moved on and she needed to as well. Her friends weren’t there to judge either. However, he was still Sebastian Delacroix.

“Bianca?”

Throwing caution to the wind, Bianca closed the space between them and lightly pressed her lips against his. As they pulled away from each other Sebastian stared at her, a small smile appearing on his face.

“I guess somewhere along the way I developed a soft spot for you” Bianca gently placed a hand on cheeks, her fingers brushing against the defined features.

Sebastian placed his hand on top of Bianca’s. With their faces only so far apart, he leaned in to kiss her once again. Deeper and more passionate than before.  

Bianca began to lose herself in the moment. The first time she had kissed Sebastian left a bad taste in her mouth, however, this was very different. Sebastian pulled her closer and soon she was straddling him. While his hands made their way to her lower back, Bianca’s hands moved from his face, over his chest, and to his stomach. As she pulled away and ran her hands underneath and over his abs, Sebastian began to plant kisses along her neck.

“Sebastian…” Bianca’s voice trailed off and her breath quickened.

Sebastian looked up to meet her eyes, a tender and dark expression on his face. “Do you want to keep going?”

“Yes” Bianca met his lips once more and wrapped her arms around Sebastian. He loosened himself and with a swift movement, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bedroom.

The moment he laid her on the bed, Bianca tugged his shirt off as Sebastian made quick work to remove her clothes.

“I’ve been wanting this for a while” Sebastian’s eyes roamed her body, a devilish smirk on his face.  

“Then show me” Bianca looked up at him and traced her fingers down his chest and over his abs. Slowly and gently, she ran her hand over the tent in his underwear and slowly pulled them down.

Sebastian swallowed as his eyes darkened. He leaned in to kiss her once more. Each one lower and lower. Bianca tossed her head back, moaning quietly.

“Oh…Sebastian…” Bianca said weakly, the pleasure building within her.

“Sshh” he whispered into her ear and planted another kiss on her neck and worked his way down once more.

Bianca tossed her head back and closed her eyes. She started to call out but couldn’t find the words. Within minutes she gave in to the feeling of lust washing over her.

Bianca was awoken by the rays of sunshine hitting her face. She rolled over to see an empty space next to her.

“Sebastian?” she said and sat up, rubbing her eyes. Clothes were strewn across the room and the door was ajar.

Bianca slipped out bed and started to gather her clothes, as she got dressed, she could hear a loud vibration nearby.

Bzzzz bzzzzzzz, bzzzz bzzzzzzz, bzzzz bzzzzzzz.

Bianca scurried into the living room to see an unknown number calling her and a missed call from her mother.

“Hello?” she answered.

“Hi, may I speak with Bianca Taylor?”

Bianca looked at the time and saw it was almost 10:30 a.m. “Yes, speaking”.

“This is Eden Labelle, is now a good time?”

Bianca lowered the phone and began jumping up and down, squealing silently. Once she calmed down, she spoke, “Yes, it is, how can I help you?”

“Well, I got a call from my old professor and mentor and she told me about one of her students”.

“I have to say I was pretty impressed and the book you wrote was charming, my girlfriend couldn’t put it down”.

“Thank you, Ms. Labelle” Bianca said.

“Alice pretty much convinced me, and it just so happens that I need an Associate Editor. If you’re interested, I’d like to bring you in for an interview”.

“I would love to” Bianca said.

“Great, Alice gave me your contact information, so I’ll send the rest of the details to your email, you take care and talk soon”.

“You too” Bianca said and hung up. She felt her eyes fill with tears and a smile on her face. Thank you, Alice she said to herself.

Sebastian stepped out of the Dryve car with a to-go bag from one of the cafes in town. Once he got inside and set the food on the coffee table and started to remove the contents. They forgot the napkins he shook his head and headed towards the kitchen and started to grab some paper towels. Just as he walked back over to the coffee table his phone rang, an unrecognizable number on the screen.

“Hello…?” he answered and took a seat on the couch.

“Is this Sebastian Delacroix?”

“May I ask who’s calling?”

“My name is Teja Desai, sorry is this a bad time?”

Sebastian nearly dropped his phone. He cleared his throat and quickly regained his composure. “No of course, what can I do for you?”

“I saw your performance in Heated Sensations, and I have to say I was pretty impressed”.

“Thank you” Sebastian did his best to remain calm. The director of Tender Nothings was complimenting him.

“I also recognized you from this audition tape I had received awhile back, so I’ll get right to it. Sebastian, I was hoping you could come to L.A., I have a project lined up and there is role that I know will be perfect for you”.

“What is the project?”

“Midnight Seduction” Teja answered proudly. “It’s a dark, sexy thriller with Sofia Morena and Nathan Abidi attached. I was thinking you could fly in, read, we’ll do a screen test, how does that sound?”

Sebastian shook his head, struggling to contain his excitement. “That sounds amazing!”

“Great, I have to catch a flight to Hawaii, but I will text you the rest of the details, talk soon. Before I go, do you have an agent?”

“I…uh…” he stuttered. He had worked with a Junior Agent at Castle Agency but after Heated Sensations he never spoke with them again.

“Okay, how about you fly in and we’ll figure it out when you get here”.

“Of course” Sebastian said.

“Great, I have run but we’ll talk soon”.

As soon as she hung up. Sebastian jumped from the couch and stretched his arms, silently cheering. He started dancing around the room but froze when he came face to face with Bianca emerging from the bedroom.

“You’re in a good mood” she said and started to laugh. “I see you picked up breakfast” Bianca walked over to the coffee table as Sebastian followed her.

“I just got off the phone with Teja Desai…she wants me for the movie she is working on”.

Bianca smiled as she sat down and shortly dug into the pastry. “That’s amazing, see some good did come from Heated Sensations”.

Sebastian shook his head and started fixing a bagel. “What about you? Are you okay? You slept in pretty late”.

“Well, last night was memorable” Bianca said between bites and playfully bumped his knee. “I actually got a call from the Eden Labelle not too long ago, she’s wants me to come in for an interview”.

“Congratulations” Sebastian said as he continued eating. “What is the interview for?”

“Associate Editor” Bianca took another bite of her pastry, some frosting making its way to her upper lip.

Sebastian smiled and wiped her lip with a paper towel, his eyes meeting hers’. The moment they locked eyes, realization started to sit in.

“About last night…” Bianca bit her lip.

“Look, I understand if you—”.

Bianca placed a hand on his thigh. “No, I was going to say we can figure it out later, but for right now I just want to enjoy spending time with you”.

Sebastian caressed her cheek and smiled. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there”.

Later that day, after a shower and changing into clean clothes, Bianca sat on the deck with her mother filling her in on what Eden had told her, leaving out the night she spent with Sebastian.

“Honey, I’m so proud of you” her mother hugged her as she took a seat. “When do you have to leave?”

“According to the email she wants to meet with me on the twelfth so that means…”

“You’ll definitely want to get back to the city by Monday” her mother poured herself and Bianca some lemonade from the pitcher on the table.

“I still have to get the rest of my stuff in London too” Bianca tapped her nails on the table, she hoped her roommate hadn’t done anything while she was gone.

“I’ll talk to your father and we’ll help with that…but I’ve been meaning to ask, where were you last night?”

Bianca took a sip and set her glass down, “I just met with friends”.

Maureen shook her head and narrowed her eyes at her. “So who is the guy?”

Bianca started to speak as her mother grinned and raised her eyebrows at her. “How did you…?”

“Sweetie, I was young once. Before I met your father, I had a few special evenings of my own”.

Bianca quietly sipped her lemonade and set her glass down. “Good to know…” she said awkwardly.

Maureen started laughing as Bianca quietly sipped her lemonade and shuddered, trying to clear her mind of what her mother just told her.

The next few days cruised by. Bianca had her flight booked and all details for her interview with Eden were finalized. Sebastian had called her on Tuesday to inform her he had his own flight booked and wanted to meet before he goes back to Los Angeles. That Friday evening Bianca met up with Sebastian at his place. Once the car parked out front, Bianca paid the driver and stepped out of the car. As she walked toward the front door, she saw a note telling her to go around back. Bianca trekked through the sand and grass to the back of the house to see Sebastian sitting at a candlelit table set for two with wine and bread.

“Hey, you made it” Sebastian stood up and greeted her with hug.

Bianca blushed, sinking into his warm body, feeling the taut muscles beneath his t-shirt. “Well, we made plans after all, you were pretty vague with our texts, so I wasn’t sure what you had planned”.

“I figured we’d spend our last night in Winby with a quiet dinner by the beach” Sebastian led her to the table and pulled a chair out for her.

“Thank you, but, when you said dinner, I was beginning to think…” Bianca said uneasily. She looked at Sebastian, his cheeks turning red.

“Heh…I did cook well tried to” Sebastian pushed her chair in and rubbed the back of his neck. “We usually have someone doing it for us…but I did whip something together, back in a minute”.

Bianca bit her lip, this definitely was a surprise for her. The same guy who didn’t know how to do laundry managed to cook something. Momentarily, Sebastian returned with two steaming bowels. “I hope you like it” he said nervously.

Bianca tentatively lifted her fork as she caught a whiff of the pasta. “It smells good”. She slowly took a bite. She could feel her taste buds dance instantaneously. The mix of flavors and swirled to create a desirable taste in her mouth. “Wow…this is…what is it?”

“Penne with Creamy Vodka Sauce…do you like it?” Sebastian began taking a few bites of his creation.

“It’s actually really good” Bianca grinned taking another bite. “I have to admit I was expecting you to call in take out or something”.

Sebastian laughed and began pouring two glasses of wine. “Let’s just say I picked up on a skill or two after graduation”. He handed a glass to her, their fingers brushing each other as Bianca took the glass.

Bianca smiled thinking of the other night, she could tell Sebastian was also thinking about it as well. He looked up, shooting a smoldering look at her.

After dinner, Bianca and Sebastian walked along the beach, taking in the sounds of the waves and the gentle summer breeze. “There is something I wanted to ask you” Sebastian said.

Bianca looked up at him, “I’ve been wanting to talk to you about something too…but something tells me we might be thinking of the same thing”.

“You go first” Sebastian tented his hands and leaned in slightly.

“After the other night…I’ve been thinking about what this is” Bianca said.

Sebastian furrowed his brows for a moment and turned to look at Bianca. He wanted to take things further with Bianca. However, he knew that she and James were together for a long time. There was the possibility she still had feelings for him, or she wasn’t ready to date again.

“I will be honest, I’m not sure” Sebastian said finally.

Bianca slowed down and sighed, contemplating what to say but her mind and heart were working against each other.

“But what I am sure of is I want to get to know you and I want to see where this could go”.

Bianca slowed down and stopped to look at the waves in a distance. After a minute she turned to look at Sebastian. “I tried the long-distance thing before with James…I don’t think I could do that again”.

Sebastian shook his head. It wasn’t the answer he wanted but one he accepted. “Let me ask you this, how do you feel?”

Bianca hadn’t been able to sort her feelings out since the night they slept together. While they were at Hartfeld, Sebastian was a jackass. Between what he did to Chris during the elections, how he treated Zig, Vasquez’s house, and every little thing in between…a lot of people would think she was insane. However, Tyler gave him another chance and he began to change. Bianca thought back to the day she helped him with his laundry, there was something about him that day that resonated with her. Then there was day she saw him on the beach and those feelings came rushing back to her.

“I feel like I want to give you a chance” Bianca turned to face him.

Sebastian took a deep breath, his eyes fixated on her. “Bianca…”.

“But as friends…at least for now and then we’ll see”.

“I’ll move at whatever pace is comfortable for you, I’m just grateful you are giving me a chance”.

Bianca gave him a small smile and brushed a stray hair out of her face. Sebastian slowly took a step towards her but stopped short.

“Is it okay if I…?” he leaned back a little, his hands in his pockets, an uncertain look on his face.

“Get over here Captain Trust Fund” Bianca said playfully.

Sebastian smirked as he closed the distance between them and gave her a hug. As they pulled away from each other, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and Bianca leaned into his touch.

“Do you want to head inside? I looked up how to make s’mores…I’ve never had it before”.

Bianca started laughing and said, “Oh god, this I have to see”.

Sebastian grinned and turned to lead her inside, the sounds of the whooshing waves behind them.