#YOTP 2023

[storiesandstars]

Year of the OTP April Prompt: (Seemingly) Unrequited Love

Read on AO3 | Feat: Mina and Malakai

Malakai's POV:

Kai stared unblinkingly at his younger brother Alexei "Ace" Volkov before turning his disbelieving glare in his business partner's direction. Nate McMahon had never been able to mask his emotions and it seemed he wasn't looking to start today. The bastard immediately turned around, shoulders shaking, as huffs of laughter escaped.

"She hasn't liked me like that since high school you oblivious idiot. How are you running a security company when you can't even see this? She's in love with you. Nate, you asshole, quit giggling and explain this to my brother. He won't listen to me, but he'll listen to you."

Ace's grey eyes, a shade or two lighter than Kai's own eyes, were sparking bright with his vehemence. He truly believed that Minako was in love with Kai. Truly believed it. He only got this angry when Kai didn't take him seriously. But Kai knew better than to hope…or did he?

"Anyway, look," Ace huffed, waving a hand dismissively in Kai's direction. "I'm here because the Three Lights are going to need security teams for the next leg of their tour on this continent. You two need to get the particulars sorted out for that. Kakyuu's going to sign the contract and send it to me tomorrow."

Nate spun around at hearing the news about the Three Lights.

"Loop me in on that conversation. I've got a few questions I want to make sure we have clear answers for this go round. I didn't like that we had that one close call thanks to the choices of their team."

"Roger that," Ace saluted. "Anyway, I've got dinner with the man that Mina set me up with tonight. She thinks he might be a keeper. We can only hope."

Kai grunted in response.

"Hnn. As long as he's better to you than that woman you were with before. You wanna give me a name?"

Ace pursed his lips and shook his head, his eyes softening as he looked at his older brother.

"I can be trusted to find my own happiness big brother. I'll let you know if I need help. But if you really wanted to know, you could ask Mina directly."

Kai's eyes narrowed. Nate came over to clap Ace on the back and steer him out of Kai's office.

"Well, have a good night and have fun Ace-y. Let him court you before that first kiss but if you must put out, don't forget to wrap it up," he sing-songed ignoring Ace's embarrassed squawks as he saw him out of the office.

He spun around and smiled that infamous cheshire cat grin and Kai very nearly gulped. Very nearly.

"You about done here for today? Let's go get some dinner. The boys are heading to the pub now," Nate explained, rubbing his hands with glee. "As my wife and the love of your life always say, talk to me girlie."

Minako's POV:

Mina stared down resignedly at the man she was very much in love with. The man who was currently drunk out of his mind and passed out on her couch. This after having politely taken off his shoes by the door, hanging his suit jacket in her closet and neatly folding his suit pants and shirt to gently place them on her coffee table. Mina bit her lip wondering at how many boxes this ticked towards being able to label him a psychopath, but perhaps that was a question better left for daylight.

She weighed whether it would be better to call one of his boys to get him home so he could wake up comfortably and without embarrassment. But then she paused, narrowing her eyes, wondering just why she should need to bend over backwards to save his face.

She should let him wake up uncomfortable and embarrassed. Let him explain why he was knocking on her door calling her wife and telling her he'd come home to stay. She grinned to herself thinking of the morning, placing a bottle of water and some aspirin within reach.

Mina quickly grabbed an extra comforter from her linen closet and laid it over him, making sure his entire (large) body was covered before heading to bed herself. Once in bed and safely out of earshot, she wished him sweet dreams, kicking her feet a little at the thrill of having him under her roof for the night.

In her living room, unbeknownst to Mina, Kai smiled softly in his sleep.

Friends, friends, guess what? What if I, a madwoman, finish this challenge before the end of 2024?? [Cue Selena's "Dreaming of You]

[moistvonlipwig]

the most recent evidence seems to favor the sea gulls

Your name is Kara Danvers, and one day the most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen asks who you are, exactly. Do you tell her? 17k+, Supercorp, a choose-your-own-adventure journey through both the canon universe and alternate paths. For the @yearoftheotpevent’s October 2023 prompt “identity shenanigans.”

READ ON: AO3 | SQUIDGEWORLD

[mischief-and-tea-by-the-sea]

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply Category: M/M Fandoms: The Avengers (Marvel Movies), Iron Man (Movies), Thor (Movies), Marvel Cinematic Universe Relationship: Loki/Tony Stark Characters: Loki (Marvel), Tony Stark Additional Tags: Minor Bucky Barnes/Steve Rogers, Weddings, Wedding Fluff, Dancing, Slow Dancing, Love, Love Confessions, Rain, Established Relationship, Established Loki/Tony Stark, Banter, Snark, Companionable Snark, Snarky Tony Stark, Flirting, Teasing Language: English Series: Part 6 of Frost & Forge-Fire: A Year of OTP 2023 Frostiron 12 Month Anthology of a Relationship Collections: 2023-Year of the OTP Published: 2024-05-23 Words: 2,904 Chapters: 1/1

Written for @yearoftheotpevent

Year of OTP 2023

Summary:

Bucky and Steve's big day is finally here. Lots of love for the newlyweds, and lots of…love all around. Perhaps it's finally the perfect time for those feelings to be expressed.

[bakerstreetbasilisk]

YOTP 2023: March [Mystrade]

Prompts: fresh starts | road trip | getting back together/ mutual pining | “make me” | acceptance | fairytale au

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

No Archive Warnings Apply

Category: M/M

Fandoms: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms

Relationship: Mycroft Holmes/Greg Lestrade

Characters: Greg Lestrade, Mycroft Holmes, Uncle Rudy (Sherlock) - mentioned

Additional Tags: Year of the OTP Prompt Event 2023, Year of the OTP Prompt Event March, Moving In Together, Fluff, Established Relationship

Language: English

Summary: Greg discovers something new about the house they just moved into.

While Myc ordered dinner, Greg stood on the landing, freshly showered and happy with the day’s work. The old townhouse Mycroft had inherited from his uncle now looked less intimidating and less like a haunted mansion and more like an actual house, a home, their home. That was a good enough beginning for Greg at the moment. Give it a few years and the walls and the mantelpiece will not be as empty as it is now. 

But for now, everything was perfect.

Read on AO3

[fantastic-rambles]

Fandom: Sk8 the Infinity

Characters: Ainosuke Shindo, Tadashi Kikuchi

Warnings: NSFW, Light BDSM, Bondage, Blindfolds, Blow Jobs, Mildly Dubious Consent

Word Count: 1.9k

Summary: After losing his beef against Langa, Adam starts to reflect on everything that he's done over the years and all the people he's hurt: Tadashi first and foremost. So he asks the other man to help him make amends. [Year of the OTP 2023 @yearoftheotpevent. December: forgiveness]

- - - - - - - - - -

"Come with me."

The command is the same as always, but Adam's voice is softer, with a touch of hesitance. As he glances over his shoulder, Tadashi is quick to obey, falling into his usual place behind him. There seems to be a hint of relief in crimson eyes, but it could also just be a trick of the unsteady moonlight, so Tadashi doesn't say anything, remaining silent as he follows Adam down a narrow, well-worn track. The noise of the crowd is soon swallowed up by the dense trees, the only sound the crunching of dead leaves and twigs underfoot, until they reach their destination: a small shack in a clearing. Adam glances over his shoulder again, as if to check that Tadashi is still there, before he approaches the structure, and Tadashi follows him inside, closing the door behind them.

It might have been a break room for the workers before. But like everything else here, it was abandoned, rediscovered by Adam, and rebuilt to his specifications. The furniture is clean and simple: a wooden bed in the corner, a table with a pair of chairs set around it, a more comfortable armchair in another corner.

A padded sawhorse. A metal X-cross. More paraphernalia is hung neatly along the walls: rope, whips, and chains. The wardrobe has a few special outfits, as well as blindfolds, gags, handcuffs, and other smaller items. Almost everything here has been carefully selected and purchased by Tadashi to meet Adam's demands after careful research and comparison to ensure that everything is of the highest quality. He even installed the heavy hook in the ceiling.

Both of them are familiar with this place: it's where Adam frequently works off his adrenaline after a night at Crazy Rock, allowing himself to ease back into his everyday life. Sometimes, he's drunk on the thrill of a good race, even if he wasn't skating. More often, he's frustrated by the performances that fail to appeal to his imagination. Either way, Tadashi always accompanies him… so he stands in the center of the room, his eyes lowered as he waits for Adam's next command.

Adam doesn't speak, though, as he paces along the wall, his fingers trailing over the tools waiting for him. It's different from usual: he doesn't seem to be thinking about what he wants to use tonight, isn't pausing to inspect one or another more closely. He simply seems to be taking everything in. It isn't until he's finished walking the length of the room that he finally speaks.

"I've hurt a lot of people, haven't I?" he asks as he starts to approach the bed, fumbling at the back of his neck. Swiftly, Tadashi joins him, his fingers replacing his master's to pull down the cleverly hidden zipper before helping him out of his outfit. Adam's already half-hard—or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that he's still half-hard—as he flops back onto the plain white sheets, gazing up at Tadashi, who's standing attentively beside him. "And you most of all."

"That's not—" Tadashi starts, but he's interrupted as Adam surges up from the bed, grabbing his jacket collar and pulling him closer, until they're face to face and there's nowhere for him to hide from the desperate crimson gaze. Adam's panting slightly, but it doesn't seem to be his typical arousal as he stares at Tadashi, looking at him for the first time in years.

"I want… let me…" He swallows hard, the anxiety clear in his eyes and the tension in the lines of his face. "Please let me make amends. You can do whatever you want to me. I want you to hurt me as much as I've hurt you. More than that: as much as I've hurt everyone. Anything."

"Aino—"

"Please! Please, Tadashi. I can't ask anyone else. And you… you've seen everything. You know everything I've done. And what I've done to you…"

There is a frantic, slightly wild look on Adam's face, and he drags Tadashi closer, until they are nearly touching each other. His eyes look a little wet, but no tears fall from them: Tadashi doesn't remember when he last saw the other man cry. Years ago, when he was still a child, perhaps, and Adam looks almost as vulnerable now as he did back then.

So he exhales slowly, his own hands rising to carefully wrap around Adam's, feeling the man flinch even at the gentle touch.

"I'll do it," he promises quietly. "Lie down."

He eases Adam back down, gently disentangling his fingers from his clothes and sitting on the edge of the bed, running a hand through the styled blue hair until Adam's calmed down a little, his breathing steadying even as he continues to stare at Tadashi anxiously.

"Wait here," Tadashi says just as softly, waiting for Adam to nod in understanding before he gets up, collecting a few items with brisk efficiency before returning to Adam's side. The other man doesn't resist as Tadashi ties a smooth rope around one wrist, looping it over the head of the bed before attaching the other side to his other wrist, even though he's tense again. And when Tadashi leans closer with a blindfold, he opens his mouth as if he wants to say something, only to press his lips firmly together before any words can escape. Before Tadashi lays the thick cloth over his eyes, he sees them close, and Adam's breath shudders against his ear as he fastens it in place.

Adam's fear is bitter on his tongue, so Tadashi moves a little lower, pressing their lips together and gently teasing at the tense seal until it relaxes enough to allow him to slip inside. Beyond that, he simply kisses Adam softly, undemanding as he waits for Adam to kiss him back, hesitantly. Only then does he deepen the kiss, patiently guiding the other man until the tension in his body also starts to fade and his response is more desperate, trying to cling to Tadashi through their connection. So he doesn't pull away, letting Adam take reassurance from that until he finally breaks it himself, his head falling back against the bed.

"Tadashi… this isn't—"

But Tadashi just shushes him before pressing a kiss to his neck. He feels it shift as Adam swallows, and he continues to pepper it with more kisses as he gradually moves lower, his hand joining his mouth to trail along Adam's collarbone. As he continues to worship the other man's body, Adam makes a sound that's half-whine, half-sob.

"Tadashi, please…"

Tadashi lifts his head from where he's been lavishing attention on Adam's nipple, climbing back up his body so he can rest a hand against Adam's cheek, brushing it gently with a thumb before silencing him with another kiss pressed against trembling lips.

"You don't need punishment," he whispers. "What you want is forgiveness… but I've never resented you, Ainosuke-sama. I know how you feel right now: hating yourself, wanting some external validation, someone to be the God to judge your sins… but in the end, that's just vanity and self-satisfaction. You're no longer a child: they don't know right from wrong, so punishments are used to reinforce behavior until they develop their own moral compass. But if you truly understand that what you've done is wrong and regret it, punishment is just superfluous."

Tadashi also had Hasegawa to thank for that realization: until tonight, he'd accepted whatever Adam had done to him as punishment for his own transgressions. But that had never resolved their underlying issues. Reaching out to him and supporting him despite everything, truly seeing him for himself… that was what he should have done all those years ago.

So even as Adam continues to protest, starting to fight back against Tadashi, Tadashi simply pins him down and continues to love every inch of him, covering his skin with kisses and caresses. And when he finally lowers himself between Adam's legs, his master is hard and weeping. So he kisses him there, too, lavishing his attention on the thick shaft and heavy balls until Adam's trembling with need. Only then does he take Adam into his mouth, teasing and licking and sucking until the other man groans and starts to come. Tadashi swallows all of it, starting to carefully lick Adam clean, only to be interrupted by Adam's voice.

"Tadashi…" he whines again, breathy and desperate, and Tadashi lifts his head to look at Adam, licking his lips and letting the tip of his tongue flick against the swollen head to see him flinch. Adam's hands are twisted in the cords binding him, his body flushed and beautiful as he continues to squirm, though it seems like he's no longer trying to pull away.

"What is it, Adam?" Tadashi asks quietly.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything that I've done to you. Everything that I've made you do. This… this is enough. Stop. Please, stop."

"I love you."

It's the first time he's ever said those words, and they seem to shock Adam into silence.

"I'm sorry, too, for always looking away from you, especially when you needed me the most. I'm sorry for trying to take away one of the few pleasures you had. Above all, I'm sorry for my silence."

He reaches out to push the blindfold up, exposing Adam's eyes that simply stare at him, shocked and uncomprehending.

"I'm sorry," Tadashi repeats softly. "Can you forgive me?"

Adam stays silent, and Tadashi waits patiently for him to absorb everything he's said… until Adam suddenly inhales with a sharp, shuddering gasp.

"Yes. Yes, Tadashi. Thank you. But you're wrong: you've always been there, next to me. Doing everything for me. You never abandoned me, and I always just took you for granted. I… I love you, too."

He tugs at his restraints, and Tadashi unties him so that he can sit up, wrapping his arms around Adam when the other man collapses against him, shaking in his embrace as Tadashi continues to whisper reassurances. He doesn't know how long they've sat there together, drawing comfort from each other just like when they were children, but eventually, Adam straightens up, and Tadashi lets go, sitting back on his heels to gaze at the other man with quiet expectation.

"You'll… stay with me, then?" Adam asks in a whisper, and a faint smile tugs at Tadashi's lips.

"As long as you want me to."

"Forever."

"I'd like that."

Adam's gaze shifts, taking in the small cabin, and then he sighs.

"I guess we don't need this anymore, then."

Still smiling, Tadashi reaches out to rest a hand on Adam's cheek, caressing it with his thumb again.

"Do you want to get rid of it?"

"After everything I've done…"

"That wasn't what I was asking." Leaning forward, Tadashi presses a soft kiss to Adam's lips, gazing into his eyes as he whispers against his lips. "If you no longer want this place, I can get rid of it for you. But at the very least, I've never completely hated what we've done here."

He sees the wonder creep into Adam's eyes, though it's still shadowed by uncertainty.

"Do you… mean that?"

"I won't lie to you, ever again," Tadashi promises, and Adam finally smiles, too, shy and hesitant, before he leans in to kiss him back.

[driftward]

Year of the OTP Masterpost

Shout out to @yearoftheotpevent for making the prompt list for the year and also being a good sport about the fact that it seems their event wildly escaped containment. I believe it started life as a DC fandom event, and I wonder if they ever expected it to reach as wide as it did.

I used the prompts to write for my Final Fantasy XIV ship featuring Y'shtola Rhul and my OC, Zoissette Vauban, and even used the event to finally get them to their first kiss. Despite the month tags, a lot of these wound up in off-months because of who I am as a person (and maybe a bit of last minute crunch), but I did manage at least one work per month.

JANUARY: Two entries on this one. I wasn't sure at the time if one of them counted. I've since decided they both count, together. Icemelt (prompt: Whenever I Look At You) Begin Again (same prompt)

FEBRUARY: Different (prompt: Different)

MARCH: Matched Set (prompt: Fresh Starts/Getting Back Together/Mutual Pining)

APRIL: Theoretical Debate Night (prompt: University AU)

MAY: Bit of a snafu on May. The original prompt list had duplicate prompts, and the event coordinator fixed that. I did not notice until late, so I have a 'false' prompt for May, and the actual May prompt. Here's both. The Flow of Battle (pseudoprompt: Mission Fic) Healing Touch (prompt: Sick Fic)

JUNE: Rains, Long Overdue (prompt: Downpour)

JULY: Seventh Drip of Heaven (prompt: Coffeshop AU)

AUGUST: Blind Date (prompt: Blind Date)

SEPTEMBER: Hot Tub (prompt: Hurt/Comfort)

OCTOBER: Costume Screenshots! (prompt: Couple's Costumes/Identity Shenanigans)

NOVEMBER: Questions (prompt: Growth)

DECEMBER: And So The Heavens Did Turn (prompt: Holidays Together)

Here's to the next year, and exploring this particular OTP further. I am so glad for all of those who have been on this journey with me.

[quality-on-a-patch-of-awesome]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: SEAL Team (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Mandy Ellis/Jason Hayes/Brock Reynolds Characters: Mandy Ellis, Brock Reynolds, Jason Hayes, Cerberus (SEAL Team TV) Additional Tags: Swearing, Christmas, Polyamory, Family Issues, Parental Issues, negative family relationships, brock loves his people, Year of the OTP Prompt Event 2023, holidays together Series: Part 10 of Universe of Trios, Part 10 of Two Guys, a Girl, and a Navy Base Summary:

“Is what you think you saw that Christmas threw up on his entire house?”

Brock goes all out for Christmas, to the surprise of Mandy and Jason, but it's all for an important reason

[autumnslance]

Year of the OTP 2023 - Thancred & Aeryn Masterpost

Originally started by a Batman fandom group, Year of the OTP is a challenge to end up with 12 new fics from a series of prompts for one's favorite ship. They've been gracious enough to open it to anyone and everyone, however, so a few of us decided to add our Final Fantasy XIV wolships into the mix.

So here are 12 fics/screenshot sets for my OC Aeryn Striker with that canon rogue, Thancred Waters. Also migrating the stories onto my Ao3, mostly in "Unexpected" and "Despite the Gods We've Outlived", though a few stand alone in my "Aeryn Striker" series.

January - Dual Perspectives (ARR, Pre-relationship) February - Linkpearl (Stormblood, early relationship, long distance) March - Ladyhawke Fairy Tale AU (image set, plot summary) April - Desert Divergence (AU/Canon Divergence, Love Confess) May - Illness (ARR pre-relationship, sick fic/comfort) June - Confession (Shadowbringers Love Confess, poorly timed) July - Stars (Yearning at the start of Shadowbringers) August - Snowstorm (Heavensward pre-relationship comfort) September - I Wrote This For You (A letter of yearning, Endwalker) October - On A Dark & Stormy Night (Dark Fairy Tale AU images) November - Missing Scars (Post-Shadowbringers readjustment) December - Home (post-Endwalker holidays & belonging)

Some of these did get written later, going back and filling in months I'd missed. Life happens! Also original story writing eating up my brain, but I cannot complain about more writing productivity!

This also let me get in at least one long-sitting WIP completed finally ("Snowstorm"; we're not going to talk about how long that's been in drafts...), while others still didn't mesh ("Meeting the Family" is being a rambling monster) but led to entirely new things getting written. And it got me to play with a few AUs, which I normally don't do, aside from the Halloween silliness, which found its way into this set as well.

Thanks again to YOTP for hosting and opening up this little challenge, and here's to a new year of creativity around all our blorbo pairings!

[sociallyawkwardfoxwriter]

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: M/M, Multi Fandom: Critical Role (Web Series) Relationships: Orym/Dorian Storm/Will | Orym's Spouse, Orym/Dorian Storm, Orym/Will | Orym's Spouse (Critical Role), Dorian Storm/Will | Orym's Spouse Characters: Dorian Storm, Orym (Critical Role), Will | Orym's Spouse (Critical Role) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - Flower Shop, Alternate Universe - Tattoo Parlor, First Meetings, Falling In Love, Conversations, Dating, Meeting the Parents, Holidays, Moving In Together, Cuddling & Snuggling, Fluff, Tattoos, Flowers, Love, Emotional Hurt/Comfort

Summary: In desperate need of something to elevate Opal's birthday gift, Dorian enters Air Ashari Floral & Ink in search of a floral arrangement. The cute owner has him coming back and eventually meeting the owner's husband, who runs the other side of their joint shop. Falling in love with both of them was inevitable, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

Fic Preview

A month ago, the gorgeous necklace that he purchased for Opal's birthday felt like more than enough, but holding the single thin box changed his mind on his way to her birthday party. As he walked along a street full of shops, his eyes searched desperately for something to go along with it. He considered searching for some earrings or a nice top, until his eyes landed on a beautifully painted sign spread across two doorways. One side showed off gorgeous floral arrangements in the windows, while the other displayed incredible art that he imagined the tattoo artist within had a hand in. 

Curiously, he pushed open the door leading into the floral arrangement side of Air Ashari Floral & Ink. A light floral smell met his nose as he stepped across the threshold to the chime of a bell. The halfling behind the counter greeted him with a friendly wave and a warm smile that made him feel immediately welcomed. He headed straight for the counter knowing he wouldn't be able to find exactly what he wanted quick enough to avoid being late.

[rpf-bat]

THE YEAR OF NIKOLEKSI

At the beginning of 2023, I decided to participate in The Year Of The OTP: 12 prompts. 12 months. One ship. I chose Niko/Aleksi because, well, in Niko’s own words, they’re soulmates. 🤷‍♀️

I have a very bad habit of starting a writing challenge and then giving up halfway through. (Sorry, Whumptober and Whumpuary mods. 😅) But I actually completed YOTP, and I’m very proud of myself!! So, I’ve compiled all 12 fics into one masterpost:

January: DU LÜGST

Prompt: Historical AU

Word Count: 969

Summary: Vienna, Austria. 1794 A.D.

Niko has been studying abroad for a few years now, learning the art of music from a master composer. One day, he hears about a new, handsome face in town. A fellow Finn - and a fellow musician.

Tags: Alternate Universe - Historical, 18th Century, Flirting, Pre-Relationship, Short Oneshot

🖤

February: I’M A SHIPWRECK

Prompt: Mermaid AU

Word Count: 1,378

Summary: After a lover breaks his heart, Niko decides he doesn't want to live anymore, and dives into the sea. But, a mysterious savior drags him out of the water, back to shore. Niko isn't sure what shocks him more. That someone saved his life - or that that someone isn't human.

Tags: Suicide Attempt, Alternate Universe - Merpeople, Drowning, Near Death Experiences, Mouth-to-Mouth

🖤

March: TOWELS

Prompt: “Make Me.”

Word Count: 584

Summary: Aleksi is hogging all the towels in their shared hotel room, and Niko is annoyed.

Tags: Arguing, Flirting, Nudity, Implied Sexual Content

🖤

APRIL: WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEAR’S EVE?

Prompt: “No, I’m Not Dating Your Brother!”

Word Count: 963

Summary: It's Christmas, and Niko is in Oulu, visiting his family. Aleksi is in a different city, but he decides to give Niko a video call, and wish him a happy holiday.

Joona can see the obvious crush Aleksi has on his brother, and decides to meddle a little.

Tags: Christmas Presents, Webcams, Fluff

🖤

MAY: MY CUTE HAMSTER

Prompt: Pet/Child Acquisition

Word Count: 546

Summary: Aleksi and Niko have been dating for about a year now. They already have Rilla, but they decide they're ready to adopt a second pet together.

Tags: Established Relationship, Short & Sweet, Tooth-Rotting Fluff

🖤

JUNE: IT WAS HATE AT FIRST SIGHT FOR US, DARLING

Prompt: Soulmate AU

Word Count: 801

Summary: Everyone has the first words that their soulmate will ever speak to them, written on the inside of their wrist.

But, there's just one problem. The words on Aleksi's wrist are "fuck you."

Tags: Alternate Universe - Soulmates, Soulmate Identifying Marks, Enemies To Lovers, Short Oneshot

🖤

July: LET’S SEE HOW FAR WE’VE COME

Prompt: Vacation Together

Word Count: 518

Summary: Two years after their performance at Eurovision, Niko and Aleksi return to Rotterdam for a romantic vacation.

Aleksi is feeling a bit nostalgic.

Tags: Established Relationship, Vacation, Short & Sweet, Fluff

🖤

August: ENGLISH SUMMER RAIN

Prompt: Storm

Word Count: 538

Summary: Niko and Aleksi share a hotel room, the night before a festival gig. Aleksi discovers that Niko has a phobia of thunder.

Tags: Thunderstorms, Astraphobia, Sharing A Bed, Mild Hurt/Comfort, Short & Sweet

🖤

September: FIFTEEN LOVE

Prompt: Meeting The Family

Word Count: 1,374

Summary: Aleksi travels to Oulu, to meet Niko’s little sister, and cheer her on at her tennis match.

Tags: Established Relationship, Meeting The Family, Tennis, Fluff, Minor Injuries

🖤

October: PLAYING COPS & ROBBERS

Prompt: Couple’s Costume

Word Count: 1,056

Summary: On the final night of the Warrior Souls Tour, Nyamjantsan - better known as “Jaya” - from The Hu invites Niko and Aleksi to a Halloween party.

Niko really wants to wear a costume that matches Aleksi - but the DJ isn’t really sure why.

Tags: Halloween, Costume Parties & Masquerades, Jealousy, Love Confessions, Fluff

🖤

November: THE WORST WISH

Prompt: “Be Careful What You Wish For”

Word Count: 1,489

Summary: Aleksi is in love with Niko. But, Niko is in a relationship with Joonas.

When he spots a shooting star in the sky, Aleksi wishes - for one, selfish second - that Joonas would disappear, so that Niko could be his. Immediately, he regrets it. But, when Joonas gets into a terrible accident the next day, Aleksi is consumed with guilt. He can’t help but think this is all his fault.

Tags: Car Accidents, Major Character Injury, Hospitals, Pining, Not Actually Unrequited Love, Angst With A Happy Ending, Polyamory

🖤

December: ROSES ARE DEAD, VIOLETS ARE DOOMED

Prompt: Tattoo Parlor/Flower Shop AU

Word Count: 2,242

Summary: Aleksi is on the bus, headed to his part-time job at his aunt’s flower shop, when he meets a young tattoo apprentice named Niko.

Aleksi is only sixteen, and it only takes a day for Niko to become his first crush. But, Niko appears to have his eye on someone else.

Tags: Alternate Universe - Flower Shop & Tattoo Parlor, Teen Romance, First Crush, Light Angst, Not Actually Unrequited Love, First Kiss

[storiesandstars]

Year of the OTP March Prompt: Acceptance

Read on AO3 | Feat: Mako-chan from Sil Mil: Tales of the Gods

“Y’say you’ve been summoned by the Lady? For what? To tame tha’ great beast we jus' barely managed to get into our paddock?” The grizzled driftsman rubbed his short, grey beard and looked over Lita quizzically. He turned to a boy who was standing beside him as if the teen would clear up his confusion. She could well imagine what he saw looking at her, standing there clad in her Amalthean travelling cloak.

Lita shrugged, holding up the envelope containing the request from the Lady Rhean herself. Granted, it was a request the Lady had put forth to Lita’s father but as he’d already been dispatched on caravan business, it was decided that Lita should fill the request. It wouldn’t do to disobey the caravan Matriarch's orders. Or to keep the Regent’s favourite cousin waiting, of course. Lita had no other choice but to accept, not that she would've gone with any other choice.

“Well,” she exhaled, “Not necessarily for your great beast. I gathered that the summons was for us to provide our knowledge on gryphons in general.”

The driftsman squinted at the envelope before turning to one of the several young men at his side, telling one of them to get someone from the estate to verify the envelope and request. A young man took off at a steady lope through the ranch, headed towards the sprawling mansion to the northeast. Lita eyed the six men, of varied ages, standing around her working at their various stations. Some of them stared boldly at her, their gazes ranging from curious to doubtful. Others merely turned back to what they were working on, unwilling to waste too much time on some strange girl.

She gave in to the urge to look around and gawk at one of the largest gryphon refuges across Jupiter. Excitement had been humming under her skin her entire journey here. Settled in the majestic Rhean Valley, and surrounded by the craggy, ancient Tinian mountains, this pioneering ranch served to rescue and rehabilitate endangered gryphons. It had been the first of its kind.

“Well, young lady, we’ll hafta wait until someone comes from the estate. Y’understand,” the old driftsman explained, his eyes already drifting away from Lita as his attention waned. There were likely many things he could be doing, could be completing if it weren’t for her taking up his time. She opened her mouth to say she was fine waiting right where she was, but he spoke up again before she could.

“What’d y’say your name was?”

Lita cleared her throat. “I actually hadn’t said my name. I’m Lita Shelan of Caravan Shelan.”

His dark grey eyes were now sharply assessing as they swung her way and he looked at her anew.

“A Shelan y’say? By Apollo’s bow, y’oughta be related to Zev Shelan then?” he boomed, his tone insistent.

She nodded and looked around at some of the wide eyed stares she was now receiving from those who’d heard her introduce herself.

“He’s, uh, he’s my father,” she admitted with a quiet pride. “I was sent in his stead.”

The old man huffed out a laugh that sounded more like a wheeze and he heartily clapped the young teen beside him on the back in amusement. Lita pitied the boy, who winced under the hefty hand.

“And what can I call you, sir?” Lita ventured when no name was offered in return.

By now, any of the driftsmen that hadn’t wandered off during their transaction were chuckling at the old man who took the ribbing in stride.

“Bah! Don’t y’dare call me sir. Y’can call me Bron.”

A piercing shriek sounded from where the wild gryphon was being kept in the massive domed paddock to her right. Her head swung in that direction, her eyes wide. The gryphon sounded furious with their captivity.

“That does not sound good,” she murmured, not looking away from the struggling gryphon. The domed paddock, the first of its kind that Lita had laid eyes on had to be a marvel of mercurian origin. Slender metal poles forming triangles provided structure to the massive spherical dome.

Bron walked up beside her, stopping at her side and gazing in the direction of the domed paddock.

"The dome-" she began.

“Aye. It's the latest joint venture between them Mercurians and the Uranians," Bron interjected.

The boy who seemed to be following Bron around came to stand by Lita on her other side. Curious, she glanced down at him, nodding in greeting. He looked to be in his early teens, perhaps slightly younger. He had similar colouring to Bron, perhaps they were related?

His eyes, a serious, dark grey, studied her for a moment. Looking her over with an equal curiosity, eying the pattern of her cloak until his eyes caught and stayed on her hair. Lita knew the deep auburn colour of her hair wasn’t usual, but it wasn’t exactly that rare. His slow, careful nod in return told her that she’d passed some kind of test she hadn't even known about.

"This dome doesn't have glass panes like the others that have been built in Ganymede and Io," he explained. "Each metal triangle creates an expandable energy field of-"

"Uranian energy," Bron cut in, sticking something in his mouth and beginning to chew. Loudly.

The boy continued on as if there hadn't been an interruption.

"We didn't want to risk hurting the gryphons we rescue with glass."

Lita blinked down at the top of his dark head and hummed with interest as he gazed back out towards the dome and the rescued gryphon. She hadn't expected all of that information from him.

“When did the gryphon arrive?” Lita inquired, unsure how much more they would want to share with a stranger.

“He was delivered to us three days ago,” the boy answered. “Brought in by Apollon rangers.”

Lita nodded. “Has it been like this the entire time?” she questioned further.

“Aye, that it has,” came Bron’s heavy answer.

The boy cleared his throat to gain her attention and she gave it to him, meeting his eyes.

“We think it could be a Thunder gryphon.”

Right then, that changed everything. Thunder gryphons were godtouched gryphons, the chosen steeds of the All-Father himself. Bron grunted in agreement before beginning his own interrogation.

“What d’you reckon? We’ve never encountered a Thunder gryphon before.” Bron held up his hand up as the boy opened his mouth. “Oh aye, we nearly had one sent our way years ago but the palace caught wind and since yer caravan was up that way, well, there was no more need for us to interfere.”

She’d been too young to accompany her father at the time, but she’d remembered what it had been like to watch him come home with a new title, Storm Rider.

“My father never spoke much to me about his experience with that Thunder gryphon,” she admitted truthfully. “All I’d be able to offer is my knowledge based on the care of regular gryphons.”

Bron hummed and rubbed at his beard after hearing her words.

“Well, perhaps direct observation might better inform your advice?”

All three of them turned around at the sound of a woman’s voice.

“Mom!”

“M’lady.”

The boy beelined for his mother, ducking out of the way reflexively when she reached out to ruffle his hair affectionately. This had to be Lady Rhean, cousin to the Regent of Jupiter. Lita bowed and straightened, getting a good look at a woman she’d admired for a long time.

The lady was smaller than she’d imagined. Lita herself was tall for a woman and this woman merely came up to her shoulder. Her eyes were a hazel-green, unlike her son's eyes but it was very clear where he'd gotten his dark head of hair from.

“You’re Zev’s daughter, aren’t you? I’ve not yet had the pleasure of meeting you. Your father has managed to keep you hidden all of these years!”

Lita smiled at her, a bit uncertainly, unable to ignore how keenly the lady was observing her.

“Yes, my Lady."

Lady Rhean hummed still taking her in with bright eyes. She appeared to come to some sort of decision internally, because she lifted her chin and began marching past Lita and Bron. Her son was quick to follow in her footsteps.

"Come along, little Shelan. Let's see about a Thunder gryphon."

Lita gulped nervously, but followed regardless, butterflies erupting in her stomach.

I'm going to finish this prompt challenge whenever the hell I end up finishing it. Mwahahha. Ugh, no, but what if they come out with a new prompt list next year? x_X

[purlturtle]

YOTP 2023 - December - forgiveness

January, with an explanation | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November

“But Myka, what-!?” Helena broke off and looked away. “Apologies. Up on my cross, I’m afraid.”

It had become a helpful shorthand. “You caught yourself,” Myka pointed out.

“So I did.” Helena took a deep breath. “Abigail’s teachings.”

“And your implementation.” Myka nudged Helena’s shoulder with hers. “You down off it now?”

“Mostly.” Helena leaned into Myka. “Thank you. Definitely something I want to leave in the old year.”

Myka hugged her close. “Working on your resolutions this early?” 

“Every day.”

Myka hummed. “Me too.” She had crosses of her own, after all.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

The End!

(on AO3)

[mischief-and-tea-by-the-sea]

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply Category: M/M Fandoms: The Avengers (Marvel Movies), Thor (Movies), Iron Man (Movies) Relationship: Loki/Tony Stark Characters: Loki (Marvel), Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, Thor (Marvel), Jarvis (Iron Man movies), Nick Fury, Steve Rogers, James "Bucky" Barnes, Clint Barton, Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Phil Coulson, Elena "Yo-Yo" Rodriguez, Alphonso "Mack" Mackenzie Additional Tags: Established Relationship, Established Loki/Tony Stark, Minor Bruce Banner/Thor, Minor Bucky Barnes/Steve Rogers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. References, Flower Language, Flower meanings, Just Add Kittens, Good Loki (Marvel), Avenger Loki (Marvel), Loki is a romantic, Tony gets romanced, Dessert & Sweets, 5+1 Things, 5 Times Language: English Series: Part 5 of Frost & Forge-Fire: A Year of OTP 2023 Frostiron 12 Month Anthology of a Relationship Collections: 2023-Year of the OTP Published: 2024-03-08 Words: 13,603 Chapters: 1/1

Summary: 5 times Loki gave Tony flowers + time Tony goes to buy Loki flowers. Also they get a kitten.

Notes: Very very behind on this event, I know, and thank you for your patience in me getting this finished. I will. It's just taking me some time. That said, here is May, at last!

Year of the OTP 2023 @yearoftheotpevent May: Flower Language, Pet Acquisition, Mission fic

[bakerstreetbasilisk]

YOTP 2023: February [Mystrade]

Prompts: valentine's day | pollen/ fear gas/ truth serum | established relationship/ long distance | "if i kiss you, will you shut up?" | different | mermaid au

A NIGHT ON THE MOONLIT SHORE

Rating: General Audiences

No Archive Warnings Apply

Category: M/M

Fandoms: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms

Relationship: Mycroft Holmes/Greg Lestrade

Characters: Mycroft Holmes, Greg Lestrade

Additional Tags: Year of the OTP Prompt Event 2023, Year of the OTP Prompt Event February, Alternate Universe - Merpeople, Long-Distance Relationship

Language: English

Summary: Greg lives alone in an old lighthouse and that one visitor who happens to frequent the shores at night is all he had ever needed.

Greg stopped for a moment when his eyes caught a glimmer on the sand beyond the rock wall. Luck seemed to be on his side tonight after all.

As he hurried towards the cove, the silhouette sitting on the sand appeared clearer; naked waist up was the figure of a man, red hair aglow in the moonlight, pale skin that gave way to the start of the russet-coloured scales at the hips from where a long fishtail began.

Read on AO3

[yearoftheotpevent]

Will there be prompts for 2024?

no, see our post here

[driftward]

Title: And So The Heavens Did Turn Characters: Zoissette Vauban, Y'shtola Rhul Summary: What should they do now? Notes: December YOTP entry - Holidays Together

Zoissette and Y’shtola wandered the upper decks of Limsa Lominsa, hand in hand, looking at the decorations, enjoying the celebrations, and sharing in one anothers’ company.

“I don’t know what to do now,” Zoissette had said, breathless, after their first true kiss some nights earlier. She closed her eyes and rested her head against Y’shtola’s, her face split wide in a grin.

“Whatsoever we wish,” Y’shtola had replied, and then they had kissed again, arms wrapped around one another.

And now they were here, and Zoissette still did not know what to do now, but all she knew was that she would be doing it side by side with Y’shtola, forever.

Y’shtola had laughed at her, earlier in the day. “You would think us new to one another, instead of as familiar with one another as befit comrades of many years.”

Zoissette had just bit her lip and smiled and swayed, and Y’shtola had gone along with her in good humour, as they shared the day, as they expanded on stories, as they revealed pieces and parts of their shared history in new light.

“What do we do now?” Zoissette had asked, after dinner those nights ago, long after their first few kisses had passed, and the candles had burned low, and the night no longer young.

“Whatsoever we wish,” Y’shtola had replied, thoughtful that time.

“I want to tell the whole world,” Zoissette had said, and Y’shtola had chuckled.

“Shall we ask the Loporrits for leave to borrow their transmitter, then?” Y’shtola asked, playfully, and Zoissette had blushed red.

The stars were rising again now, and soon they would be at their zenith, and the cannons would fire and the fireworks would burn and the star would celebrate its Heavensturn.

“I want to pick you up and hold you in my arms and carry you for all the world to see,” said Zoissette, as she looked up at the starry night. She felt light inside, and she felt as bright as the brightest light in the sky, and she felt giddy in a way she had rarely felt before, and she wanted to keep that feeling in a jar and store it forever.

Y’shtola made a thoughtful noise, and Zoissette felt her hand upon her shoulder just before she lightly jumped up, and she barely managed to respond fast enough to catch Y’shtola, and settle her in her arms.

She looked at her, shocked, but Y’shtola seemed completely unbothered by the arrangement.

“Hmn,” she said. “Hardly seems dignified. But your arms form a cradle comfortable enough, and I find your warmth inviting.”

“I did not expect you to just - just leap into my arms,” said Zoissette, shifting around as Y’shtola wrapped an arm around her neck, nestled her head into Zoissette’s chest, and made herself comfortable.

“Well, it seems I find I do not mind,” said Y’shtola. “Not if it is like this. Not if it is with you.”

Zoissette smiled, and found a place to sit, still holding Y’shtola in her arms.

“Almost time for the new year,” she said, thoughtfully. “What do you want to do now?”

Y’shtola made a thoughtful noise, and then reached up to wrap both arms around Zoissette’s neck as she pulled herself close, and tapped a specific spot on the rim of Zoissette’s glasses.

A little display appeared in Zoissette’s vision. 2359 and counting.

“I think what I want to do now,” said Y’shtola, “is this.”

And when the old year became the new, so did an old relationship passed into a new understanding, as old friends kissed now as new lovers, with Zoissette and Y’shtola deeply in love with one another.