#Season in the Abyss|Bridgerton au

[brooklynislandgirl]

@lokitheliesmith {{from here courtesy of the legacy editor}}

Her brother nods in polite reverence, an assent to her wishes, but does not actually sit until the Princess herself does. He takes his place beside her and for a moment one sibling's knee brushes the other. Another sign that he's taken with their foreign noble; Andrew was always excruciatingly aware of everything. She will be such a púca about when they are safely entrenched back in the privacy of their dwellings. Perhaps tweak his patience enough to make him threaten to consign her to the sea. "I presume not to dictate a man's business, but I thank you most humbly." He looks to his hands a moment. "Is is so rare we have new company." She slants a tiny glance at the Princess, for all the world wishing she could tell the great lady that her sibling tends to keep to himself and doesn't court many a friend on this side of the sea. Spring greenery clashes against emerald as the women's gazes seem to find one another. And those very branches might have gone up in flames as modesty sparks fire in her cheeks as the Princess extends the Prince's complimentary discourse. She has no way of knowing if it is true, but she also has no reason to doubt the woman. "M-my great honour, your Highness," she replies and its all she can do not to be beside herself. The tea is a merciful lifeline. "If you permit me know some of your tastes. I would hate to suggest something that might fall far from your favour." And have the Princess feel she is unworthy. A glance is spared toward her brother who seems to be watching the ladies as he would horseflesh at the markets, seeking compatible spirit and temperament. Not flattering and not exactly true but near enough. "I could not think to speak on such things, your Highness. Things are far different back home." Andrew pats her hand. Head bowed, attention focused on his glove, she nods. "Yes, my lady. The harp as well, if you prefer. I should be quite happy to play for you. Is there any certain piece you enjoy, or perhaps another interest that you favour?"

[tarnishedhalo]

[falsegoodnight]

there were so many good fics this month and i’m excited to talk about them! as always, this list encompasses the fics i’ve read from the 28th of may to the 28th of june. 

—

✰ oceaning abyss of orange by @hadestyles​ | T | 1k (this was so poetic and full of emotion – perfection as always <3)

— and Harry wants to scream, this is love.

✰ press into my bones by @hadestyles​ | E | 2k (this changed me as a person) 

Louis wakes up full.

✰ looks like we made it by @princelouisau​ | M | 2k (a new addition to the danielle-makes-me-cry saga, this time being from happiness overload) 

“I know we never talked about it because I wasn’t ready after all that shit, but it’s been kind of hard to miss how ready you are, and I guess your constant baby fever rubbed off on me.”

The grin takes over Harry’s face before he can fully process the words. “You’re ready?”

Louis hums. “Have been for a while, if I’m being honest.”

✰ baby baby, you’re a caramel macchiato by @missandrogyny​ | T | 3k (so cute; have missed their writing)

So, yeah, Harry doesn't think it's that far of a stretch to call himself a good barista. There are some particularly bad ones, and some particularly good ones, and, with his work ethic, his skill, and his charm, he'd probably be lumped in with the latter group.

✰ rumour has it by anditsonlyforthebrave | NR | 4k (a big fan of this new trope – very hot but also cute)

Harry and Louis are college sweethearts, Harry has a reputation and Louis just wants to be fucked. Too bad sex with Harry is boring.

✰ I’m Asking You Please, Don’t Talk Dirty to Me by @larry-hiatus​ | E | 10k (the concept hooked me in; the execution was wonderful)

Harry’s best friend Louis is a nice, well-mannered omega, at least when it comes to sex talk. He has always been closed off and quiet... until Harry hears how Louis talks during his heat. Now, it's all Harry can think about before his upcoming rut... 

✰ Hint: I want to be yours by @greenblueish​ | M | 11k (so very cute and lovely; loved this hl a lot)

Harry unconsciously starts acting like Louis' alpha after they spend his rut together and Louis finds ways to make sure Harry's affection doesn't end.

✰ sometimes a fantasy by @thepolourryexpress​ | E | 19k (absolutely incredible as with any ni fic; friends to lovers goodness and so fucking funny)

There’s nothing to complain about when Harry’s walking around their flat with his cock swinging about, nothing to complain about when Harry’s pressing himself up against Louis’ naked backside when he’s reaching for a mug in their cupboards, and nothing to complain about when Harry’s got his hand firm on Louis’ arse when they’re cuddling on the couch.

So, in reality, it’s really fucking weird, and Louis knows that.

But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t like it.

✰ hungered for your touch by @loubellies​ | E | 21k (so hot but also so sweet; more friends/roommates to lovers perfection. mar never disappoints!)

It shows up a week later. His phone dings with a text from his roommate, Harry, a photo attached to the message. It’s Harry and a package, the contents displayed clearly on the front of the box. Tears are rolling down Harry’s cheeks to match the excessive emojis he sent with the selfie.

Did someone prank you???

Louis’ face immediately goes as pink as the cage on the box in Harry’s huge hand, his stomach dropping into his ass. Fuck.

✰ Middle Ground by @darlou | E | 24k (a reread and all-time comfort read just like most other fics by this author)

Harry moves to a new town for work where he meets the enigma that is Louis Tomlinson.

✰ now is the winter of our discontent by @vogueharrystan​ | M | 29k (so unique and so good; loved the plot and the jealous harry and the plot twist!)

Where Harry is leading an army to overthrow the king of Cheshire and Louis is one of the volunteers who joins them along the way.

✰ i’m gonna keep this love, if you let me by @tomlinbuns​ | E | 26k (an amazing take on a tried and true trope; very cute and sweet)

Louis makes Harry pretend to be his boyfriend one night out. The rest is history.

✰ heroes of the orange skies by queenmcgonagall | NR | 31k (a bit late in reading this one... but it was so lovely and comforting in a way)

Louis likes bathroom walls and Sharpies, Harry likes metal, Zayn likes Liam and Liam likes Zayn, Niall is wise, and they all go to the zoo.

✰ In Your Scent I Thrive by @tomlinvelvetfics​ | E | 33k (super unique take on an abo college au; loved the use of dual pov and all the details as always <3)

Harry’s particular condition has made it impossible for him to enjoy people’s scent, until he meets Louis.

✰ tender is the night by @raspberryoatss​ | E | 41k (a new favorite!! ghost harry is my absolute favorite and i’m so pleased to add this to my reread rotation in the future <3 so fucking funny and so fucking cute!!)

Louis meets a certain ghost.

✰ Mead of Poetry by @lwtisloved​ | E | 65k (don’t know anything about bridgerton but this was absolutely lovely!! obsessed with the regency setting and all the angst and miscommunication)

Under the pressure of continuing the Styles viscountcy line now that he is getting older, Harry sets himself three rules to finally settle down and marry: firstly, the omega needs to be reasonably attractive, secondly, they must be of great mind, thirdly, they cannot be anyone he would ever fall in love with.

Enters Charlotte Tomlinson, the diamond of the first water of the upcoming season and seemingly the perfect candidate to the viscount’s plan, but her omega brother, Louis, is in Harry’s way. Louis only seeks to protect his sister and he sure is not going to let a rake play with her heart.

✰ Flash Back to Me by @mason-conaway​​ | E | 73k (amnesia aus are a guilty pleasure of mine and this one was so good! loved the banter and the dynamic between hl)

Louis loses his memory and Harry just about loses his mind trying to win him back (or something).

✰ And down the long and silent street by whimsicule | M | 86k (a reread – rediscovered this fic as well as how fucking incredible it is. an all-time favorite for sure!!)

Wherein Louis and Harry are on the opposite ends of the social ladder, but their paths still cross on the filthy streets Louis calls his home. The odds are staked against them from the beginning, and even more when Louis' past finally catches up with him.

If you read any of these lovely fics, remember to leave kudos and comment to show your appreciation!

+ if i made any errors, please let me know :)

enjoy!

[brooklynislandgirl]

Andrew's chin rises as he follows the flow of the Princess' hand. He takes a sip of the tea and sets it down before rising to his feet, careful to tuck his hands behind his back as he goes to inspect the instrument. The instrument reminds him of gargoyles~ in some aspects grotesque, but beautiful, and probably a nightmare if given to an English hand. Almost immediately he wonders what it might sound like, and how it might be accompanied by uillean pipes and a bodhran.

He can feel his sister's gaze on his back as surely as a touch. He hates that he is so soft with her. "Perhaps we could arrange a day to while the hours away with music. Evenings in the country are usually superb for such things." Hope all but blossoms in his sister's gaze as she turns it from him to the Princess, and once more he feels on the back foot about the situation. There is value in making a connection with visiting royals. Both widening their social circle and in making the right introductions if she ends up being a moon in the Princess' orbit. He does not know the Prince well but is inclined to believe the man has no interest. Which makes him almost the perfect overseer of his sister's reputation. "In light of this request, Your Highness, how can I countenance refusing you? We shall make all the necessary arrangements for your entertainments." Elisabeth demurely lowers her head but the smile that curves her lips is almost impossible to miss, as is the way she mouths the words 'thank you'.

"Ah, it is a key-harp, or key-violin, played with a bow. In the hands of a skilled player it gives a lively accompaniment to a dance, but I have not seen them in the hands of musicians at all since leaving Copenhagen. I gather it is an instrument idiosyncratic to our northern shores. It is there, in the chest on the end-table there, if you care to see it."

She gestured briefly towards the box in question, longer than a violin case but smaller than the adjacent piano.

"That is a generous offer, and one I shall fully consider. I do so love the theatre." Her eye flashed between the two of them, her wish and his denial.

"Oh, but I have not seen the Tempest since I was a girl, and then not in full, in English. You absolutely must accompany me, dear Elizabeth, I shall forego all other plays for it if I must." It was not much far from the truth, though perhaps she played it a touch more enthusiastically than she would have otherwise. "My Lord, you will not begrudge me one afternoon of your sister's time, will you?"

[brooklynislandgirl]

Andrew can't help but be pleased with the Princess' modest praise, and even with bowed head a slight smile can be seen on her face, though Her Highness cannot know the pride behind it. The almost I-told-you-so that lingers in it for a pastime that had stricken their father as wholly unnecessary, even archaic. "May I ask what is that? Your nyckelharpa? But yes, I would like that very much." Andrew takes both their tea, adding a spoon of honey for hers and his own remains black. He smiles fondly at her when once more the Princess pronounces her season to be a success, though neither of them truly believe so. She herself feels like cattle driven to market, and how can she find a loving husband when the competition is high? If she is lucky, she will be passed over. If her brother's luck holds, he'll slip the marriage noose himself despite matrons and maidens scheming for a title. "Ah, I know there will be a run on Othello, and of course King Lear. I should like to take in The Tempest..." "...But I fear she will not, as Your Highness has said, have the time," Andrew smoothly interrupts. He doesn't think the play appropriate for his sister's delicate nature. "If you and your brother are apt to see it, we may lend you our box."

"The harp? Another skill to set you apart from the woman of mere fashion." She nods approvingly, taking the teapot and delicately serving three cups into the fine china. "Worry not, I shall not trouble you to perform on command. I have neglected my instruments of late; I was once a passable player of the violin and the nyckelharpa. Perhaps we shall bestir ourselves to a duet someday soon, once I have loosened my rusted fingers?"

She is acutely aware that sister yet clings to brother, and though she understands the position in which her callers find themselves, there is nothing she feels she can do to put the younger at greater ease.

"Since we are on the form of a reverse Grand Tour, coming to fair England from the continent and it's islands, I mean to experience as much of life and culture as I may. Reykjavik is a pretty town, perhaps, but no comparison to Paris or London. If you will advise me which performances shall be popular, I may indulge any lesser interests without encroaching upon your time. I have no doubt you shall have a queue of suitors before too long, in any case; you shall have no time to spend with a shelved woman such as I."