#all is fair in love and war

[okiedokrie]

All Is Fair In Love And War Pt.1

Summary: Joshua is nothing if not determined. If he wants something, he'll get it; not that he even had to try before. But sometimes, like Icarus, he flies a little too close to the sun. But hey, all is fair in love and war!

Characters/Pairing: Aphrodite Incarnation!Joshua x Fem!Detective!Very Mortal!Reader

Genre: smut, fluff, crack, angst if you really squint

AUs/Trope Info: Greek God!AU, Partners In Solving Crimes, Strangers to Lovers, "time isnt linear" trope, "holy shit im kind of obsessed with you" trope

Word Count: 3,194 (Full fic is around 10k)

Warnings: Depiction of a crime scene (gore, blood, gun, conspiracy), depiction of drug use, character death (major and minor), smut warnings in the next part

Rating: 18+

A/N: I decided to split this into parts since I'm not confident ill be able to finish this within the deadline, this is part of the The 13 Gods of Olympus: A Seventeen collab hosted by @beomcoups and @wooahaeproductions! This is just the first part, so if you enjoy it, please consider signing up for the taglist. Thank you!!

In the summer of 2000, Joshua Hong was almost five years old. People always commented on how pretty he was for a kid, that he’d surely grow up to be a very handsome man.

Which is why it was a tragedy when he died from a freak truck accident.

Yes, Joshua Hong died at the age of five. For like, 10 minutes.

The doctors called it a miracle - a small child should not have survived a whole six of the twelve truck wheels, but somehow he was resuscitated, much to his parents’ delight.

This incident caused two things to change dramatically - Californetherlands now has stricter trucking laws and Joshua woke up to memories of literally being Aphrodite.

Throughout the years, from that fateful summer day to the present day, Joshua flopped back and forth between believing that the memories were just fever dreams and genuinely considering that he may be a reincarnation of the goddess. But ever since he got to hone his powers, he’s been more inclined to believe the latter.

By the age of 28, he has mastered the art of seduction. No, not sleeping with people constantly. It was more so the art of getting people to say ‘yes’ to everything he asked of them.

This made Joshua a very powerful and influential figure in Los Amsterdam; You see, the way he dealt wasn’t by out-witting people or being richer than them. He dealt in favors. If you wanted to be a popstar, he’d introduce you to a famous producer, and get you a record deal that would solidify your career - all for the low, low price of free.

In turn, you’d owe him, like the many powerful people who owed him large favors.

Joshua found himself in downtown LA, in the club that he owned, just under his penthouse. He enjoyed playing the guitar and performing for his patrons, everyone seemingly captivated by his voice, or his beauty, whichever one caught their attention first. He finally strummed the last chord of his song, enjoying the applause of the crowd as the DJ started to play the usual club music. Just as he was about to retreat to the bar, a feminine voice stopped him.

“Joshua! Hey!” She said, hair bouncing over her new fur coat, jumping excitedly, calling him over.

Joshua smiled widely at her - she was one of the people he had helped start her career as a singer. He didn’t do much other than introduce her to the CEO of her current label, it was her natural talent that got her this far.

“Ah, Diana, good to see you!” He said, going over to meet her in a friendly hug, the kind that didn’t touch at all. “How has being a singer treated you? Any good news?” He said, making small talk with an old acquaintance.

“Oh please,” she started, her new haughty attitude showing, “It’s all over the news! I just got nominated for a Grammy!” She said in a sing-song tone. Joshua just nodded Truth be told, he didn’t really have much interest in pop music, but he did try to match her enthusiasm.

“That’s great! I knew you’d make it big.” he said, remembering the first time she came to him, a girl in clothes that almost looked like rags, now decked out in every designer brand you could think of. “So, what brings you back here then? Surely you already have everything you ever wanted?” He said lightheartedly. Even if all of Joshua’s connections owed him favors, it was quite uncommon for them to come back to him after having achieved their dreams.

“Well,” She said, her old, meek bashfulness coming to the surface. “I just wanted to see you again, to thank you for what you have done for me.” She tucked a hair behind her ear. “And I know no matter what favor I do for you in return, I could never break even for just how much you’ve impacted my life. So, thank you, Joshua.”

Joshua genuinely felt relieved to hear her say that - usually, people’s pride and greed got in the way of them acknowledging those who truly helped them along the way, but as he suspected, this girl still had a soul so pure. “Let's get some drinks by the bar and chat some more, yeah? My treat.” He offered, which she gladly took, the conversation between them flowed naturally, Joshua enjoying her tales of success.

It was an hour after the club closed that Diana decided it was time to head home. Joshua offered to see her off, like the gentleman he was, and so they walked to the sidewalk, her hand around his arm.

Joshua opened the taxi door for her, offering her a few bills in cash to cover the fare, “It was nice seeing you again, hopefully, you’ll make time to catch up with me in the future.” he said through the taxi window.

“Yeah, I hope I get the chance to see you again soon. Goodnight Joshua.” She said as she rolled up the taxi window.

Joshua watched the taxi drive until the end of the block, and everything seemed to be going smoothly. Then, another car intercepted her in the intersection.

It happened so quickly, too quickly for Joshua to even register the new car’s window sliding down, holding a gun out to the taxi Diana was in. Gunshots echoed through the street, the sound of tires popping and glass shattering but all Joshua could make out was the sound of two sets of four tires screeching against the concrete. Diana’s taxi collided with a nearby lamppost, the taxi flattening and curling around it.

That was the last time Joshua saw her alive.

It was all over the news “Beloved Grammy-nominated rising star, Undyne, passed at a downtown intersection in a successful assassination.” Headlines went crazy with her story, telling her life before her short-lived success as a pop star.

The police were on her case, and the street cameras identified a black car with a non-existent plate number. they couldn’t find the people who owned it, but they did have enough evidence to call it a homicide.

Joshua, being close to the scene at the time when it happened, was one of the key witnesses to the whole case.

Currently, Joshua is in the waiting area of the police station, waiting for the detective on the case to lead him to the interrogation room where he will give his statements. He was just mindlessly scrolling through his phone when a voice snapped him out of it.

“Mr. Hong? Correct?” One of the officers asked him. He nodded to confirm it, repeating his full name. The officer just nodded too, “Okay, please follow me. Detective L/n will be there to ask a few questions.” He turned to the direction of the interrogation room, Joshua trailing behind him quietly.

The officer stopped in front of a door, “Here we are, just head on in.” He said, nodding at him. He walked into the interrogation room, the chilly air making goosebumps rise on the surface of his skin, the thin cardigan he wore did nothing to shield him from the cold. He took a seat at the chair facing the door, poking at the cold metal table as he waited.

“Good Morning Mr. Hong, I’m Detective L/n. I’m here to ask you a few questions, everything said here will be transcribed as evidence for this case, do you consent to this?” You started, taking the seat in front of him, your tone was very professional, as he expected, you didn’t even bother with pleasantries other than introducing yourself, which didn’t bother Joshua. He confirms his consent verbally, politely smiling at you with his hands clasped over the table.

“Great, I’d like to ask a few questions about you first.” You said, taking out your folder for the case, “You’re Joshua Hong, born on the 30th of December, 1995. You own the club downtown where your place of residence is also. Is all of that correct?” Joshua confirms all of the information is correct.

“You can just call me Joshua, by the way, Mr. Hong makes it seem like I’m someone important.” He said bashfully, scratching the back of his neck.

You just nod, writing something down in your notebook, “What was your relationship with Diana Kamatayan?” You asked, reviewing the official file which states that she is one of Joshua’s ‘clients’.

You were well aware of how the king of Los Amsterdam does his business, favors for favors. That’s how he got this far, and if you don’t hold up your end of the bargain, he’ll take away everything he gave you. You knew asking for Joshua’s help would make this investigation go quicker, but that would mean you’d owe him.

Owing Joshua Hong anything is a dangerous position to be in.

So while you have him in this interrogation room, you’re going to try to milk every bit of information out of him while it’s free.

“Well,” he started, getting comfortable in his seat, “She was one of my clients, I’m sure your file on me already knew that. Other than a professional relationship, I don’t really have one with her. That night was the first time I’ve seen her in a little over a year, actually.”

You nod, the timeline matches up, “And why did you meet her that night?” You ask next, trying to get more out of the nature of this last meeting.

“She approached me while I was in my nightclub. I was just about to turn in for the night when she came up to me to catch up. She thanked me for introducing her to a producer and wanted to catch up.”

Joshua really wasn't giving any information for free, as the interrogation went on you could only collect information you already knew. He didn't reveal any more than a simple google search did.

You drop your file folder onto the table, where Joshua's posture remained calm, cool, collected across from you, the small, charming smile still on his face.

“Did you get what you needed, Detective?” Joshua asks politely, tilting his head with his query.

“All I got was everything we already knew.” You sighed, rolling your shoulders in your seat. You turn in your seat, facing Joshua head-on once more. “Joshua, you are one of the most powerful and influential men in Los Amsterdam. We need your help in solving this case. All our leads have gone cold. We need your connections.”

Joshua smirked, the only time his expression changed from the relaxed and polite smile he had for the rest of the interview. His posture relaxed, leaning forward over the table, he placed his palms down on the cool metal surface, and said, “You do know what that would mean, right? The price you’d have to pay?”

You nodded, “I know all too well.”

“Asking me for a favor would mean that you’d owe me, do you think you can afford to pay that price?” He raised his eyebrows, you’d think your eyes deceive you when his irises glowed a soft gold—tilting his head in an almost teasing manner, taunting you.

Your breath hitched as you looked back at the one-way glass, knowing your co-workers were watching every detail of this interaction. “I promise I’ll deliver what I owe you. Just- please help us.” You said, not being able to look at him directly in the eyes.

He straightens his back once more, his polite smile returning to his face. “It’s settled then, I look forward to working with you Miss.”

Driving through the streets of a somewhat more affluent neighborhood, you stop in front of a well-known party den. There are plenty in Los Amsterdam, but this one was popular because of their ‘free-love’ policy.

Essentially, if you want to fuck, every surface is available to borrow for the duration.

You don’t look forward to entering the den, especially since you don’t know which surfaces are good to touch, but your partner beside you seems to be relaxed and content to visit such a place.

“God, I haven’t seen Jackson in forever. I hope he’s still having the time of his life here.” Joshua said with his bright eye-smile. You turn back to him, eyebrows furrowing in disgust. How could he find a place like this enjoyable? You don’t understand how the minds of party-goers work.

“Okay, how exactly is visiting a party den supposed to help with our investigation?” You finally ask him, he refused to elaborate on how relevant this location was when you met up with hiim, or during the entire car ride to said location.

“Well, Jackson still owes me, and he’s Diane’s ex’s first producer. If there’s anyone with a motive to get her killed, it’s her ex. I asked him to get Johnny drunk enough to pass out in one place. Now you have the perfect stage to corner and investigate him!” He said, with a smile on his face as if his plan didn’t just open up a whole new can of worms for you.

“You do know it’s illegal for me to just interrogate him without a warrant right? He might lawyer up if he figures out we’re onto him.” You said running a hand through your hair.

“Which is why I got you this,” he pulls out a skimpy party dress and matching heels from his duffle bag, “We blend in with the party-goers, that way you’re not interrogating him, you’re just having a conversation.”

“Joshua Hong you are insane.” You said, tone raising, “I’m not walking into a sex den looking like a hooker!”

“Don’t worry, we’re just trying not to stand out, please, just trust me.” He said handing the outfit over to you. You think over his words, it would be wise not to draw too much attention to yourself. If you made it obvious that you were a cop you’d have to resort to improvising.

You were never good at improvising.

Joshua gave you the decency to turn away while you changed, he was already in his usual relaxed suit that already made him look like a pimp, so he was already dressed for the occasion.

You both step out of the car, your heels clacking on the pavement below you. How Joshua managed to find your shoe size is in itself impressive, but you don’t have the time to dwell on that.

You both enter the bustling house filled to the brim with people indulging in their vices, whether it was alcohol, drugs, the ‘free-love’. It was a mess of bodies and fluids that you’d rather not inspect closely.

Joshua expertly weaved through the crowd, parting it like Moses did to the red sea. He didn’t have any difficulty locating Jackson Wang, the host of these parties.

“Jackson!” Joshua called out, the man was sitting in one of the many loveseats, a can of beer in hand and two ladies under his arms, giggling and getting very comfortable with him.

Jackson squints over the flashing lights, eyes widening in recognition after seeing Joshua. “Joshua! My man! Glad you finally made it! Got to say though, that favor of yours was an odd one. But you’ll be able to find him in my room. You know the way.” He waves him off, resuming to talking to the women clinging onto him.

You follow after Joshua, quickly climbing a few sets of stairs to get to the third floor, the entirety of the third floor was just Jackson’s room. He made sure to lock the door behind the both of you when you guys arrived.

The floor was far quieter than the floors below you, and less of a mess than them too. This room felt like Jackson’s actual home, and not like a party den.

Joshua spots Johnny stumbling around the room, nursing a liquor bottle- a few of them.

“Joshua we can’t interrogate him when he’s like this, he can barely even stand!” You said, waving your arms in front of you to point at the inebriated man.

“That’s not a problem, watch this.” Joshua takes long and purposeful strides toward him, once he finally reaches him, he takes his face in his hands and stares directly into his eyes.

You watch in awe and slight confusion, until Joshua speaks up, “You want to tell us everything we want to know, and you will be sober as a priest while you do so.”

Suddenly the haziness in Johnny’s eyes faded in an instant, his brown eyes now have a golden ring around the irises, like a puppet on a string.

“What did you need to know?” Johnny says, no longer under the influence of alcohol.

“Joshua, what did you do to him?” You ask in slight horror.

“Nothing illegal, don’t worry about it.” He said, “Continue your questioning on him, detective, if we spend any more time here Jackson’s gonna think we’re having sex here.”

Not wasting any more time you ask Johnny, “Are you aware that Diane Kamatayan had been assassinated? Do you know any information about that?” Johnny squints before his eyes widen in recognition, “Diane, yeah, her, we dated a bit. I was obsessed with her. But she broke it off when she got big. Yeah, I’m pissed, but instead of doing anything healthy with my time I just chose to shit-talk her on Twitter and drown in alcohol. When I heard the news about her passing, I lost it, went straight here where Jackson just kept handing me bottle after bottle with no questions.”

You look at Joshua, raising an eyebrow, not much of a motive if he didn’t even contact her directly in the entire duration of their time as exes.

You shake your head, back to square one then.

“It didn’t help that she started dating the old geezer of a producer of hers.” Johnny said, eyebrows furrowing in frustration, “That whore, she probably got big because that sleaze of a producer gave her banger after banger for sucking his dick or something, tch.” he said, clicking his tongue and crossing his arms.

“I’m pretty sure it was him who killed her too.”

You and Joshua look at each other in shock, eyes meeting for a second, almost as if communicating telepathically.

“Why do you think that?” You ask, cautious around the increasingly irritated Johnny.

“He’s always been a greedy bastard, worked with him before. Wanted to claim all the royalties of my song, so I sued him. Pretty sure he got threatened by how rich Diane was getting for that hit.” Johnny spat, distaste seeping into every word he said, “Now Diane is dead, and the bastard is getting married to some Slavic model, most likely cashing in all those royalty cheques.”

You and Joshua nod at each other. Joshua snaps his fingers, it’s almost as if snipping a puppet off its strings, the glow around Johhny’s eyes dims and disappears, suddenly slumping over the seat, stumbling drunkenly like he did when you found him.

“Okay, we have a lead.”

[tessa-liam]

❄️Marabelle, Chapter 18

Liam leapt to his feet and grabbed Neville by the collar, and slammed him against the wall. One arm reined Neville's throat steadily, the other firmly in place on his shoulder, immobilizing him.

"How dare you say that!" Liam's voice was deep and dangerous, full of fury that could not be ignored.

Neville's face suddenly went white, as he felt the intense anger and irresistible force emanating from Liam. He struggled, but found that he could not move at all.

"I... I..." Neville's tongue began to knot. He had never seen Liam so angry. For the first time, he realized that he was in front of a man who was not just a gentle, friendly prince, but the future king, with absolute power and strength.

❄️All is Fair in Love and War 2

15 years later,

Maxwell was enjoying the morning sun, lounging poolside at the Beaumont estate.. He was sipping on a fruity drink and listening to music. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful. Maxwell was lost in his own thoughts when his phone vibrated, signifying a new message. Maxwell picked up his phone and read the text from Daniella. She was inviting him to attend the opening of her new dance studio. Maxwell smiled as he remembered the time he spent dancing with Daniella at the palace. He replied to the text immediately, accepting the invitation.

After replying to the text, Maxwell put his phone away and laid back on the lounge chair. He closed his eyes and let the warm sun soak into his skin. His mind wandered back to his days of dancing with Daniella, and he couldn't help but smile. He had really enjoyed spending time with her, and he hoped that maybe there could be something more between them.

❄️Smoke and Mirrors, chap 12

“Well, I am on a mission. Leo asked me to attend the council meeting today. So, I am here a little earlier to review his notes before we get started.”

Olivia arched her brow. “Oh.”

Amalas chuckled and smiled ruefully. “Don’t worry, I won't encroach onto your territory,” sensing Olivia’s hesitation.

“You know, Olivia, I really respect your work as the head of the Royal guard. You have done a remarkable job at protecting the Royal family and the Crown since the arrest of the former head guard.”

Olivia was surprised by the compliment, never being one to seek or appreciate praise.

“Oh, well, thank you ... I appreciate your commendation.”

Amalas noted her solemn expression and wondered if her former lover was doing well personally, as well. After a few moments of awkward silence, she turned to look at her former partner.

“I think you should know ... I never stopped caring for you, Livvie. Despite what happened, you will always be special to me. You know that ...right?”

“Maybe.”

“What do you mean ‘maybe’? That was a yes or no question.”

“I understand. We were so much more than you let us be.” Olivia smiled sadly as she shifted her focus and watched Liam and Leo as they entered the study.

@choicesficwriterscreations @choicescommunityevents

[honeybubbledivination]

Hey! It’s Bunny! 🍯

Today’s pick a card is a love reading! (Sorta)

To start! Please, please remember that these are for the collective and I’m not God or all knowing! Please, please only take any advice in my readings with a grain of salt and know that at the end of the day it’s YOUR judgement call. Not mine! I’m not here for legal advice or anything, just posting silly little readings. A lot of this is self love, so some things may come up that will hit some wounds you need to heal! Major TW for cheating and themes of infidelity, substance abuse, and narcissism.

With all that out of the way! Below, I have the art from the cards below! Choose a card that calls to you!

The deck is “Lovers Oracle” by Toni Carmine Salerno! Choose which card calls to you most!

The overall energy for these readings is “When it comes to matters of the heart, there is no right or wrong. Every choice you make expands your understanding of life and love.” (Also from the deck used to symbolize the piles.)

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

Pile One:

Welcome to your reading pile one! Below, I have a shuffled song, and my interpretation of the cards! If this doesn’t resonate with you, leave it and find another love reading! Please use your discernment! Thank you for buzzing by!

Song: Seven - Taylor Swift “Your dad is always mad and that must be why…”

‘The Love Oracle’ by Simplistic Mystic: Breakup, Truth, Divine Timing, Social Media, Family, Signs & Synchronicities, Mask, Player, Heartbreak, Mystery, Home, Surrender, Travel. (Typically I don’t take reversals for this deck because it’s a little confusing, but Soulmate, Date, Unexpected, and Relationship came out reversed, so take that as you will.)

‘Love Oracle Cards’ by Beach Time Soul: Karmic Relationship, Mask, Lightning, Photograph, Cassette, Keys on a Ring, Healing Heart, Camera, Self-Indulgence, Girl Talk, Passion, Date, Palm Tree

Clarifying cards: Strength Rx, 6oW Rx, Justice, 9oW, Temperance, 8oP, KnoP, 9oP Rx, 4oW Rx.

Pile one! I am begging you to let go of that man (or woman, or person, or even situation if you’ve let them go) and FOCUS ON YOU. I see the possibility of you being married to someone, having a family with them, but even as their partner you have doubts. You think they’re on social media, looking at other people in ways they shouldn’t be and you’re right. I would go as far to say they’re actively cheating on you, Pile One. I did not like their energy one bit. I know you’re staying with them because everyone tells you all men have a lingering eye, it’s human nature. I can tell you it’s not. They’re with you because they like the thrill of cheating and because they know they aren’t worthy of you. Divorce them! Focus on yourself and do things you’re passionate about! Get back out into the world and treat yourself with the love and kindness you’ve always deserved! You’ll find someone later who aligns with you, but know that you shine brighter when you kindle your own fire! Go do you! Quit being mean to yourself! I’m proud of you and I think you’re a radiant soul who deserves the love you give to others. If you’re a mother, father, parent, please remember that the way you allow yourself to be treated integrates itself into your child’s/children’s psyche and creates their attachment and love style. If you’re scared to do it for you, do it for them. You don’t deserve to be an option. You are THE option. Don’t let any of this hold you back! Keep being sweet, Queen Bee.

- Bunny 🍯💛

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

Pile Two:

Welcome to your reading pile two! Below, I have a shuffled song, and my interpretation of the cards! If this doesn’t resonate with you, leave it and find another love reading! Please use your discernment! Thank you for buzzing by!

Song: ‘How Did It End?’ - Taylor Swift “Didn’t you hear they called it off; One gasp, and then; How did it end?”

‘The Love Oracle’ by Simplistic Mystic: Toxic Relationship, Ghosted, Liquid Courage, Text Message, Unfinished Business, Ex Lover, Hookup, Intuition, Finances, Social Media, Friends, Snake, Addiction, Fear, Third Party

‘Love Oracle Cards’ by Beach Time Soul: Ax, The Butterfly, The Sword and Rose, Stabbed in the Back, Clock, Healing Heart, Ascending, The Golden Mirror, Soulmates, Engagement Ring

Clarifying cards: 10oC, KnoC, The Magician Rx, 5oS, Justice, PoW, 9oW, 2oS Rx, 5oC Rx, 7ow Rx, 10oP, QoW

Hey, Pile Two! This is a pretty specific reading. You may have known this person is high school or possibly as far back as middle school. I think they were head over heels for you back then because you’re so creative, but there was some kind of third party situation and you decided it wasn’t worth your time. Everyone kinda thought you two would end up together, but you never did. Just barely brushing the boundaries of friends to hookups. They may be popping up on your socials more lately. They could’ve even sent you a friend request or they’re thinking about doing it! This person is not the Knight they present themselves as. They’re honestly dabbling in substances. I feel more alcohol than anything, really. It’s not your problem anymore, though. You’ve grown from a Page to a Queen of Wands who is manifesting her reality with her creativity. If they do reach out to you, handle it smoothly. If they already have, know that they’re a narcissist deep down and there’s a reason they’ve consistently gone through people since you let them go and they’re coming back to you with their tail between their legs because they think you’ll take them back. Don’t do it. They’ll love bomb you into an engagement and break your heart. (Not to mention, I don’t think they’re doing very well financially.) It’s all a lie, you make them feel good about themselves, but they don’t love you just for you. They love you because you love them. Let the past be the past and keep waiting for someone and something better. Focus on your artistic abilities and make some money. You don’t need them, Pile Two! Choose yourself, little bee!

- Bunny 🍯💛

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

Pile Three:

Welcome to your reading pile three! Below, I have a shuffled song, and my interpretation of the cards! If this doesn’t resonate with you, leave it and find another love reading! Please use your discernment!! Thank you for buzzing by!

Song: ‘The Prophecy’ by Taylor Swift “Please; I’ve been on my knees; Change the prophecy; Don’t want money; just someone who wants my company; Let it once be me…”

‘The Love Oracle’ by Simplistic Mystic: Music, Roll The Dice, Divine Intervention, Spiritual Awakening, Magnetic Attraction, New Love, Secret Crush, Heartbreak, Social Media, Anxiety, Healing, Grass Is Greener, Relationship, Fated Meeting, Signs & Synchronicities.

‘Love Oracle Cards’ by Beach Time Soul: Clock, Love Call, Abundance, Heartbroken, Date, Paradise, Hand of Cards, Soulmates, Healing Heart, Coffin, Healthy Choices, The Runner

Clarifying Cards: The Moon, The Star, The Sun, The World, The Chariot Rx, 10oC, QoS, Strength, QoP, Temperance, 6oP, 2oS, 3oC, PgoS, Judgement, The Hermit, The Fool

Pile Three! You’ve been through the wringer emotionally. You’ve have had your heart broken time and time again. It doesn’t have to be from dating, it can be a general distrust of human connection due to trauma within your familial relationships or even friends. You’ve been let down a lot, but you have this quiet hope that despite your avoidant attachment style someone will come to you and express their love. But, you can’t do that without putting yourself out there. Go do things you enjoy and keep healing yourself. Post on social media, get a job or a new one. Do something new and scary! Enjoy life! If you don’t already have a secret admirer, you little hermit, you will once you put yourself out there. It can be sometime as simple as blogging and making new mutuals, posting on Instagram, monetizing your YouTube videos, or making new friends at work. This person who will come into your life is brand new and will genuinely love you for you. There’s no ‘prophecy’ against you. You aren’t at the whim of fate. You have free will to make your life your own, love. Go live and do it passionately, you’ll attract who you need to as you settle into yourself more.

- Bunny 🍯💛

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

Bunny’s Notes: Phew! 😮‍💨 That was a lengthy one! I really did start this with the intention it would be based on love and it turned into self love. (Kinda? Maybe should’ve been a little more specific. Oops!) Anyway, I hope these readings resonate for you in the best way and it helps you in the ways you need! Once the poll ends, I’ll be slowly doing each reading or post! Also, I know all the songs were Taylor Swift lol. Honestly, I used what I have in my library and I listen to her more than anyone, but if you have any recommendations of artists, please send some! I’m testing out new ways to post readings, so things might change up for a bit! Thank you for buzzing by! 🐝

-Bunny 🍯💛

[florestalio]

Don't freak out but I changed the plan. You're dating Jungwon in the fic—and yes, Heeseung hates you (frenemies sort of) 😃

no idea what is going on BUT I LOVE THIS!!!!!

[quotergirl19]

Penelope meets a young lady who is new to society this season, the girl is very beautiful and kind and Pen takes an instant liking to her. She asks if Penelope has any advice for her since she’s not new to society so Pen warns her to be cautious of certain gentlemen because many see courtship as sport and don’t actually care about whether or not they are toying with a young lady’s affections or distracting her from more sincere and serious suitors.

The girl thanks Penelope and mentions that she has her eye on two particularly handsome gentlemen, one of whom is Colin and Penelope tells her that she has excellent taste because she has known Mr. Bridgerton for years. That he is undeniably handsome and charming and his family is wonderful but she warns that Colin has sworn off women and only sees fit to flirt and dance but he mocks the idea of actual courtship and is unlikely to marry for years.

Turns out the young lady has heard about what Colin said about Penelope and was surprised that Penelope was so honest about her experience with Mr. Bridgerton. The girl turns out to be quite sharp and popular and she spreads the word about Mr. Bridgerton so rapidly that it was overheard multiple times even by Penelope’s own sister and mother. So many times in fact that Pen simply had to make note of it in her latest Whistledown column. Just like that the word is out that Colin Bridgerton has sworn off women and only flirts to entertain himself but pursuing him for a husband is a waste of time and a risk because he will disparage a lady to make clear that he does not wish to wed.

Later when Colin tries to flirt with a number of pretty young things, they seem wary and uninterested, and knowing how he disparaged Miss Penelope Featherington, a longtime friend of the Bridgerton family, most mamas have warned their daughters to stays far away from the 3rd Bridgerton son. Colin is determined not to let anything undermine his confidence so he steps up his game, earning himself quite the reputation as the most dangerously charming man in London. Colin is annoyed by this, because where he once found flirting to be light hearted and fun, it has become a bit of a chore now and what he really wanted was to have some genuine conversations with someone who he could just be normal with. But the one person who he could always turn to for a bit of actual conversation was Penelope and she was avoiding him like the plague.

Even worse, when Colin did manage to get a moment alone with Penelope, she appeared just as wary of him as women who didn’t know him at all. She even expressed fear that if they were discovered they might be forced to marry as if she could think of no worse fate than being tied to such a known flirt. When Colin is insulted because Penelope of all people should know that he would never disrespect his wife, she tells him that what she knows is that he would likely never be satisfied with the attention of only one woman and being his wife would guarantee she’d be subject to constant mockery while he charmed every beauty he encountered. Because all he really cares about is himself.

Insulted, Colin reminds Penelope that he cares for her enough that he stepped in to save her family from her cousin Jack’s ruby scheme and maybe she should be a little more grateful to him. Penelope silences him instantly by telling him that he probably only got Jack to leave town because he didn’t want the ton to know he’d been fooled once again because the last time he tucked tail and fled to Greece for months only to return and still be exactly what Marina said he was, an eager boy. Then Penelope leaves but not before telling him not to corner her alone again, because when she does marry, she wants a man who values her, not the fickle sort of person who claims she’s special to him only to make her look ridiculous because men who don’t know her worth, don’t envy his choice.

[honeyxmonkey]

Half-bloods and Hunters Fic Masterlist

Series: Half-bloods and Hunters (Includes The Arcadian Files, Birthday Posts, and Carterdoux Week)

Book 1: All Is Fair In Love And War (Complete)

Summary: Douxie had been given strict orders by Merlin to not engage with the children of the gods, and he'd followed that rule dutifully for eight-hundred years. But everything changed when he met Carter Howard. He decided then and there to protect him with his life. Whatever may come.

Book 2: Something Wicked This Way Comes (Updated on Thursdays)

Summary: It's been two years since the battle with the god of war, Vameus. Two years since Douxie proposed to Carter. And the wedding is yet to pass.

Tired of their wedding plans getting constantly put on hold due to Trollhunting, Douxie and Carter plan to elope. Of course... those plans fall awry too. A domino effect sets into motion the moment a beast so terrible that it could only come from one place chases two girls into Arcadia Oaks.

One is a fellow demigod. The other is... something of the past. A person Douxie's only ever heard about. And with her comes bad omens of something truly wicked.

Book 3: N/A

Summary: N/A

[chipsncookies]

If ingo wins I'll draw him like this

VOTE INGO NOW

[4kidstv]

[zahra-rose]

[yourneighbourhoodtraumatisedkids]

Darci here guys! I'm here to just recommend different fanfiction I've seen to you guys- because it's mainly me and Jim that read a lot of it- me because I'm curious to see your fan creations, and Jim because it makes him always feel better.

And the first recommendation ever, is going to have to be this one.

It is, of course, All Is Fair In Love And War by @honeyxmonkey. @theonceandfuturetrollhunter is in love with HBaH, and honestly, so am I. I know many of you are probably going to have read this but if you haven't- we very much suggest you read it!!!

We haven't gotten Douxie to read it yet, though. Me and Jim are going to have to get him to read it at some point. And maybe the rest of the Guardians too.

Rating: ♾ stars :)

THANK YOU HONEY FOR BRINGING THIS BEAUTIFUL PIECE TO LIFE!!!

-Darci Scott :)

[okiedokrie]

All Is Fair In Love And War (TEASER)

Summary: Joshua is nothing if not determined. If he wants something, he'll get it; not that he even had to try before. But sometimes, like Icarus, he flies a little too close to the sun. But hey, all is fair in love and war!

Characters/Pairing: Aphrodite Incarnation!Joshua x Fem!Detective!Very Mortal!Reader

Genre: smut, fluff, crack, angst if you really squint

AUs/Trope Info: Greek God!AU, Partners In Solving Crimes, Strangers to Lovers, "time isnt linear" trope, "holy shit im kind of obsessed with you" trope

Word Count: 900+ for the teaser, est. 10k≤ for the full fic

Warnings: Depiction of a crime scene (gore, blood, gun, conspiracy), depiction of drug use, character death (major and minor), smut warnings under the cut when full fic is uploaded

Rating: 18+

A/N: This is part of the The 13 Gods of Olympus: A Seventeen collab hosted by @beomcoups and @wooahaeproductions! This is just the teaser, so if you enjoy it, please consider signing up for the taglist. Thank you!!

In the summer of 2000, Joshua Hong was almost five years old. People always commented on how pretty he was for a kid, that he’d surely grow up to be a very handsome man. 

Which is why it was a tragedy when he died from a freak truck accident.

Yes, Joshua Hong died at the age of five. For like, 10 minutes.

The doctors called it a miracle - a small child should not have survived a whole six of the twelve truck wheels, but somehow he was resuscitated, much to his parents’ delight.

This incident caused two things to change dramatically - Californetherlands now has stricter trucking laws and Joshua woke up to memories of literally being Aphrodite.

Throughout the years, from that fateful summer day to the present day, Joshua flopped back and forth between believing that the memories were just fever dreams and genuinely considering that he may be a reincarnation of the goddess. But ever since he got to hone his powers, he’s been more inclined to believe the latter.

By the age of  28, he has mastered the art of seduction. No, not sleeping with people constantly. It was more so the art of getting people to say ‘yes’ to everything he asked of them.

This made Joshua a very powerful and influential figure in Los Amsterdam; You see, the way he dealt wasn’t by out-witting people or being richer than them. He dealt in favors. If you wanted to be a popstar, he’d introduce you to a famous producer, and get you a record deal that would solidify your career - all for the low, low price of free.

In turn,  you’d owe him, like the many powerful people who owed him large favors.

Joshua found himself in downtown LA, in the club that he owned, just under his penthouse. He enjoyed playing the guitar and performing for his patrons, everyone seemingly captivated by his voice, or his beauty, whichever one caught their attention first. He finally strummed the last chord of his song, enjoying the applause of the crowd as the DJ started to play the usual club music. Just as he was about to retreat to the bar, a feminine voice stopped him.

“Joshua! Hey!” She said, hair bouncing over her new fur coat, jumping excitedly, calling him over.

Joshua smiled widely at her - she was one of the people he had helped start her career as a singer. He didn’t do much other than introduce her to the CEO of her current label, it was her natural talent that got her this far.

“Ah, Diana, good to see you!” He said, going over to meet her in a friendly hug, the kind that didn’t touch at all. “How has being a singer treated you? Any good news?” He said, making small talk with an old acquaintance.

“Oh please,” she started, her new haughty attitude showing, “It’s all over the news! I just got nominated for a Grammy!” She said in a sing-song tone. Joshua just nodded Truth be told, he didn’t really have much interest in pop music, but he did try to match her enthusiasm.

“That’s great! I knew you’d make it big.” he said, remembering the first time she came to him, a girl in clothes that almost looked like rags, now decked out in every designer brand you could think of. “So, what brings you back here then? Surely you already have everything you ever wanted?” He said lightheartedly. Even if all of Joshua’s connections owed him favors, it was quite uncommon for them to come back to him after having achieved their dreams.

“Well,” She said, her old, meek bashfulness coming to the surface. “I just wanted to see you again, to thank you for what you have done for me.” She tucked a hair behind her ear. “And I know no matter what favor I do for you in return, I could never break even for just how much you’ve impacted my life. So, thank you, Joshua.”

Joshua genuinely felt relieved to hear her say that - usually, people’s pride and greed got in the way of them acknowledging those who truly helped them along the way, but as he suspected, this girl still had a soul so pure. “Let's get some drinks by the bar and chat some more, yeah? My treat.” He offered, which she gladly took, the conversation between them flowed naturally, Joshua enjoying her tales of success.

It was an hour after the club closed that Diana decided it was time to head home. Joshua offered to see her off, like the gentleman he was, and so they walked to the sidewalk, her hand around his arm.

Joshua opened the taxi door for her, offering her a few bills in cash to cover the fare, “It was nice seeing you again, hopefully, you’ll make time to catch up with me in the future.” he said through the taxi window.

“Yeah, I hope I get the chance to see you again soon. Goodnight Joshua.” She said as she rolled up the taxi window.

Joshua watched the taxi drive until the end of the block, everything seemingly going smoothly, up until another car intercepted hers in the intersection.

It happened so quickly, too quickly for  Joshua to even register the new car’s window sliding down, holding a gun out to the taxi Diana was in. Gunshots echoed through the street, the sound of tires popping and glass shattering but all Joshua could make out was the sound of two sets of four tires screeching against the concrete. Diana’s taxi collided with a nearby lamppost, the taxi flattening and curling around it.

That was the last time Joshua saw her alive.

Sign up for the taglist here!

[tessa-liam]

🌟 If You Love Her, chapter 13

Marabelle Series

As Drake climbed into his truck and drove on, his thoughts wandered. He found himself wondering how Liam was handling the recent events in his world. He knew that his friend had a lot on his plate, and he hoped that he was taking the time to process everything. Yesterday, he knew Liam felt comfortable with his lifestyle. But today? He was Cordonia's crown prince. Tomorrow, he will be the King. Masterlist

🌟 All is Fair in Love and War, Round 2

Maxwell was lost in his own thoughts when his phone vibrated, signifying a new message. Maxwell picked up his phone and read the text from Daniella. She was inviting him to attend the opening of her new dance studio. Maxwell smiled as he remembered the time he spent dancing with Daniella at the palace. He replied to the text immediately, accepting the invitation.

After replying to the text, Maxwell put his phone away and laid back on the lounge chair. He closed his eyes and let the warm sun soak into his skin. His mind wandered back to his days of dancing with Daniella, and he couldn't help but smile. He had really enjoyed spending time with her, and he hoped that maybe there could be something more between them. Round 1

🌟 A Romance in Greece, chapter 14

Turning the Page Series

The setting was stunning, with the Aegean Sea providing a breathtaking backdrop. The guests were greeted with glasses of champagne, and Riley and Liam mingled with their friends and family.

As the sun started to set, Riley noticed that Daniel and Matteo had not arrived yet. She began to wonder if there had been any delays, but as she was about to text them, the guests heard the sound of a motorboat approaching the shore.

Riley gasped as she saw the two grooms arrive on the boat, looking dashing in their tuxedos. The guests cheered as the two men disembarked and made their way towards the ceremony venue.

Masterlist

📌 @choicesficwriterscreations @cfwcmod-lucy @selina012

📌My tag lists: @bascmve01 @busywoman @kristinamae093 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @kingliam2019 @ao719 @alj4890 @emkay512 @karahalloway @twinkleallnight @malblk21 @tinkie1973 @queenmiarys @emersyn-in-cordonia @dutifullynuttywitch @charlotteg234 @lovingchoices14 @jared2612 @walkerdrakewalker @imashybish @703cowbarn @irisk12 @thesvnsins @fadingreveries @delmissesryanandcassi @rafasgirl23415 @umccall71 @thosehallowedhalls @queenwalton @choicesficwriterscreations

[ladyelainehilfur]

I'm not surprised Saeroyi fell out of love with Soo-ah. Soo-ah did diddly squat for him after he got out of prison and somehow thought that after 15 years, she had nothing to worry about from another girl who would literally move heaven and earth to make Saeroyi happy.

Saeroyi seems like a square character who doesn't change, but 15 years would affect anyone's priorities. Of course he'd evaluate to see who always had his back and conclude that was Yiseo.

Yes, he liked Soo-ah for a long time, but Soo-ah was just the obvious, straightforward choice for a simple person like him. She sat on her laurels too long waiting for him to work his way into her arms, and Yi-seo put in the work to change his mind.

[disorderlytrans]

South American Water Fowl Attacks Pug, digital colorized; 2024

shot by Liv B.

[quotergirl19]

Oh yes she does… and when Lady Penelope finally starts playing the game of love, Colin Bridgerton won’t stand a chance.

[honeyxmonkey]

99% sure that Vameus redacted some of Carter’s height in the womb as collateral

"If I make him small enough, he can't hurt me."