#and I'm glad I caught that before I actually started writing 😅

[kitchenisking]

February Fic Rec

Hey Guys, I'm sorry I'm so late this month that its already the next month😅 I went back to work this month and I have mixed feelings about it so there's that🫤 but at least there's faction - please don't tell my kindle, there's so many books on there that I got to read😓. anyway, happy readying everyone! enjoy the spring and remember to kudos and comment😘

Show Him The Love by scarlettletterr - (Rating: Mature, Words: 2,911, sterek)

Everyone realizes Stiles is awesome, and actually gives him the recognition he deserves! For all his research, for his constant loyalty, for having awful stuff happen to him and always coming back for more, for trying to do the right thing even when people don't listen when they should.

------

My gift for Meggplant, for the Glompfest. Hope you like it!

You feel like Home by Itsreallyjustforresearch83 - (Rating: Mature, Words: 24,300, sterek)

Five times Stiles gets abused by his boyfriend and and the one time everything falls into place, like it was always meant to be. 

Maybe it was. 

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

"Are you really just leaving?" Stiles asked him. 

"Yeah? There's no point in me sticking around, we already did what we always do." His boyfriend said, fastening his belt and walking out of Stiles' room.

It Starts When You're Around by strobelighted - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 26,406, sterek)

"Earth to Derek. You okay, man?"

Derek's eyes are drawn back to the guy in front of him, who's starting to look more worried now.

"I --" he starts, then swallows against the dryness. "Who are you?"

--

or, Derek gets amnesia

eli's parents are so gross (read: in love) by ash_mcj - (Rating: T, Words: 1,195, sterek)

"I would’ve been here earlier, but nobody thought it would be smart to call the one person who’s intimately dealt with the Nogitsune before, so,” Stiles said bitterly as he threw his hands up. "Now I have a list of asses I gotta kick over this very avoidable fiasco. Scott’s first, since he’s the Alpha—I’m pretty sure that’s how that works. His responsibility, or whatever.”

The familiar sound of Derek’s car pulling into the driveway caught Eli's attention, and he grinned. “Is Dad on your list?”

“Hell yeah, Dad is on my list! Right under Scott.”

“Well, he just got home, so—”

Stiles didn’t wait to hear the rest of the sentence before stomping off in the direction of the living room—and Eli quickly scrambled to follow him, ready to eavesdrop on what was likely going to be a rather impressive and amusing lecture.

[or: eli is glad that stiles is home, since derek has nearly died several times in his absence, but he really wishes they were a little less glad to see each other] -- prompt | a reunion kiss

Hide by dr_girlfriend - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 12,419, sterek)

Stiles has been rejected so many times that it doesn't really surprise him when it happens again. Hurts, yeah, because dammit — he'd thought Derek was the one. Heartbreak sucks, and he's not so sure he's going to get over it this time.

Breaking A Rule by SinQueen69 - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 1,426, sterek)

Anon on tumblr wanted: Hiya! Please with sugar on top write a Sterek fic where derek is a business man and Stiles is a horny cockslut that sends Derek nudes while at work and Derek is pent up and punishes him when he gets home. Daddy Kink, Manhandling, Strength Kink, Bruises, Spanking, Rough Sex, Orgasm Denial, mentions of kittenplay?, verbal humiliation, gags! Tanks be safe and healthy

Soft Space by TuppingLiberty - (Rating: Mature, Words: 1,492,k sterek)

This time of year, Derek has to face too many bad anniversaries - the fire, the deaths. Stiles understands when Derek has to take a break from being alpha, when he just needs his daddy. 

Rated M for kink, but no explicit (or even mature) sex.

Kinktober day 4: Daddy (Starting Kinktober now so I can maybe finish in October this year)

How to Win an Argument Without Really Trying by sffan - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 2,288, sterek)

It started with a kiss.

Well, actually, it started with an argument.

no river, no rush by CoraRochester, ravenclawkward - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 5,351, sterek)

“You can’t marry me! I’m the worst choice. For one, there’s no strategic value to marrying a prince from Gajos—and if there were, I’d have been betrothed to you or Cora years ago. We have nothing to offer Beacon. I’m not even good at being a prince!”   …

On the eve of Derek’s coronation, he proposes to Stiles.

Are You Fucking Kidding Me? by Itsreallyjustforresearch83 - (Rating: Mature, Words: 2,893, sterek)

Derek has liked Stiles for a really long time, like embarrassingly long. But he swore to himself that he wouldn't make a move on Stiles until he knew for sure that his feeling were returned because he refuses to force something onto the Spark. 

OR

Derek likes Stiles, Stiles likes Derek, but the Alpha is convinced that Stiles is still in love with Lydia and can't see the obvious dofus Stiles is being around him. Lydia intervenes just because she's sick of watching the two dummys not be together.

[shegatsby]

I'm sorry but I have another idea for a story😅 please take your time to write it again and if you do it can I maybe be "♡🌸"-anon? I hope you had a really good time the last few days and weeks and that you're healthy! Same for anyone else reading this! Now onto the idea..

Hannibal and reader are already married and reader is a tattoo artist, one day when Hannibal comes home from work he sees reader sitting on the couch and sketching a tattoo, the tattoo is deer antlers(wink wink lol-) with vines around them, when he asks who the tattoo is for reader says that its for him and then they go on and on about why its fitting for Hannibal and he's just listening to her rambling before he stops them and asks if they could do a heart tattoo with the words Mischa, Readers name and the name of their child. (I know Mischa is from Hannibal Rising but I like to think that the movies are all connected to the show so.. yeah that would be amazing <3) Reader would say that they already thought of doing a design like that and they accidently slide the wrong way on the iPad and Hannibal sees a picture that says "Congratulions for a second child!" and idk, the rest is up to you!^^

Sorry that its so long again but its just super cite and yeah.. anyway, a good rest of the day to all of you! I hope all of you are healthy and stay/are safe! And I feel with everyone thats also a bit pissed at the situation with Tik Tok and UMG🥲

-♡🌸

A/N; Girll I haven't been writing Hannibal fics for a long time but here we go. Thank you for the request. xxx

You were preoccupied and didn't even heard the door. Soft yet determined steps approached you from the back and strong arms wrapped around you, you looked up to meet your husband's welcoming gaze, he he seemed tired because his work was consuming his hours more than usual. His hands were cold due to the fact that it was a harsh winter day in Baltimore, ''Hey.'' you said smiling, ''Hello dear.'' his voice softened. ''How long have you been sitting here and designing new drawings my love?''

You were self conscious about your designs before you could respond he added, ''Who is this for?''

His interest was piqued ''Do you like it?'' you asked testing the waters. Hannibal observed the design on the tablet, it was deer antlers with veins around them, ''Yes, I actually like it but you didn't answer my question dear.'' he replied with a questioning look in his maroon eyes, ''Its for you and I'm glad you liked it.''

He seemed confused, ''For me? Why do you think this dsign is suitable for me?'' he genuinely asked. You cleared your throat before speaking, ''In many cultures, the deer is a symbol of spiritual authority. During a deer's life the antlers fall off and grow again and the aniaml is also a symbol of regretion. In Christian imagination, the deer is a symbol of piety, devotion and of God taking care of his children: men.'' you explained, emphasising on the word ''children'' your eyes glowing with passion.

''And you my love,'' you held his hand, ''you are everything and more to us.'' you meant yourself and your daughter Mischa. As if the toddler had sensed that you were talking about her she started crying from her room. ''I'll get her.'' Hannibal said and kissed your temple gently. In moments he came back with Mischa in his arms, he was swaying her gently, ''Cna you also make something,'' he began and caught your attention, you admired the love he held in his eyes for you and your daughter and your hand went to your stomach without realizing, ''Mischa's name in a heart, maybe?'' he suggested, ''I already have.'' he was surprised that you already had thought about it, ''Can I see?''

You showed him the design you had made few weeks ago, ''And I also have other designs maybe you'll like them more.'' you said and moved to the gallery to show more and he made you pause, he held your hand, ''What is it?''

You got a picture of pregnancy test on your latest photos, 'you looked up to meet his gaze, hi clicked on the picture and saw that it was positive, ''Honey are you-'' he began but couldn't finish, ''Yes, yes I'm pregnant!'' you bolted to your feet and hugged your husband and daughter, Hannibal was holding Mischa with one hand and the other hand moved to your neck and kissed you passionately, you let him dominate the kiss. When you parted you were out of breath, ''I'm going to be a father.. again.'' his maroon eyes were glowing with love and warmth for you, Mischa and the new member of the Lecter family.

[ssa-atlas-alvez]

Heyyyy so I was wondering if u could do a Aaron hotchner x male reader where the reader is pennys brother (and maybe autistic if your comfortable writing that 😅 if not it’s fine) and reader is on the team and the team doesn’t know about reader and hotch but one day penny sees them together in public? If not it’s fine! Love your work ❤️❤️❤️

Warnings: kissing, (super) brief mention of meltdown and sensory overload, that's all I believe

Word count: 766

A/N: Hey, I tried to best to add an autistic reader, I'm not sure how it turned out? I struggled quite a bit with it, I'm not very good with getting characters to have their own voice if that makes sense, they're all just kind of projects of me? Aha, but please please please let me know if there's anything I can edit or change and let me know if anything's harmful or offensive and I will immediately change it. Thank you for sending this request though, I thought it was super cute :)

"Everyone go home, get some rest," Aaron says, his eyes lingering on yours for a moment before he looks away. You fight the grin from your face, instead you subtly tap your fingers against each other. Index finger to thumb, middle finger to thumb, ring finger to thumb, little finger to thumb, and repeat. "I want you all back bright and early Monday morning," 

It was Friday evening, you had all just gotten back from a case. A relatively simple one, as far as serial killers go. Nothing too difficult, especially because the local authorities had already interviewed the unsub - twice. But anyways, it was Friday. Aka, Date Night with Aaron. He caught your eyes for a minute and gave a small smile before he retreated to his office. 

“Hey, (Y/N),” You look up, giving your sister a lopsided grin. “The gang and I are all going to the bar, wanna come too?”

You shake your head, “No thanks, I’m going to stay here and finish this report and head home,” You answer, guilt gnawing at your stomach from lying to Penelope. “Next time?”

“Alright, baby brother, but I expect you to live up to that,” You don’t reply but find yourself smiling at Penelope as she pats your shoulder as she walked past. You weren’t a fan of a lot of physical contact. There were only three exceptions to this: your mum, Penelope, and now, Aaron. They were also the only ones who were able to calm you down during a sensory overload or meltdown. You didn’t mind small amount of physical contact from the other members of the team if you had some warning, but you weren’t as comfortable when they did it as you were with Penelope and Aaron - and the team understood, so it wasn’t often that they’d pat your shoulder, nudge your arm, and such. They made sure to respect your boundaries but make it known they were there for you should you need them. 

It’s not long before Aaron’s ready and you’re heading to your usual restaurant - nothing too fancy, but modest. Two hours later and you’ve both finished and decide to go on a small walk before heading back to Aaron’s to watch a movie. After half an hour of walking, you both sit on a bench, watching the night life, content and peaceful. 

“I’m so glad we’re together,” You muse, head resting on Aaron’s shoulder.

“I’ve never been happier,” Aaron responds. Lifting your head, you look at him with a small smile.

“Can I kiss you?”

“You never need to ask,” And with that, lean up, gently connecting your lips to his, the pair of you smiling into the kiss. 

“(Y/N)?!” You pull away from Aaron immediately, turning towards the sound of Penelope’s voice. “Hotch?!”

You feel Hotch tense beside you, “Penelope,” You say, keeping your voice level. “We can explain…”

“We’ve been…” Aaron began, sensing that you were unsure of how to actually start.

“Seeing each other,” You jump in, giving Aaron a small smile.

“For a few months now,” Aaron finishes. Penelope continues to gawk at the pair of you. Aaron clears his throat slightly, an anxious habit of his that only you seemed to notice. “I should probably let you two talk, I’ll be in the bar if you need me,” He says softly, placing a delicate kiss to your temple as he stands. 

With Aaron now gone, Penelope turns back to you. “How? How could you not tell your favourite big sister penelope?!” You shift anxiously as she stares at you, the large smile on her face telling you she was clearly happy, but it did little to relieve your anxieties.  

“We work together, Penny, more than that, he’s our boss. If Strauss were to find out-”

“No!” Penelope exclaims, “We will make sure she never ever finds out!” You chuckle slightly.

“Good, because Aaron might actually kill me if she does-”

“She will never find out!” Penelope declares.

“Penny, I hate to be the bearer of bad news - but you can’t keep a secret to save your life.” You joke, Penelope holds her hand on her chest as she gasps dramatically in mock offence. 

“How dare you-”

“What? I’m not lying, it’s true!” You laughed.

“Doesn’t mean you need to say it out loud,” She teases before she links your arms together, “Come on, let’s go join them in the bar, maybe try and convince Hotch - or my future brother in law - to reveal the secret to the rest of the team,”

“I don’t think we’re ready for that just yet,”

[epickiya722]

I do not know if it was you, or another blogger that made a character analysis of Gojo that made me like the character and discover more about him through the manga.

While I never read the manga before or watched the anime, I had been exposed to it by my friends and some BNHA bloggers. Back then, I found Gojo to be overhyped (discount Kakashi) while liking the animation(?) style, bit still no interest.

BNHA and its Endeavour Redemption arc in the doing was tiring me to the point that I stopped reading it and manga altogether. For mayne six months or so, until now, at least. I randomly found your blog last week , and it got me a new hyper fixation 😃. You got me to start reading JJK (Megan cos playing also helps).

I bought Number 0 and Number 1 of the mangas. Only to remember midway in Number 0 that Walmart Kakashi will be snapped in two like a Kit Kat🥲. I saw that leak in one of the BNHA blogs, and I didn't mind it back then since I wasn't in the fandom, but Lord, now it sucks.

Anyways, all this long rant to say that I like reading your posts.

Gojo, rest in pain, I guess?

Probably was someone else, I don't write much analysis posts about Gojo. I think once or twice I did, I can't recall. Probably reblogged one though you saw!

I don't know, they're really just two different characters to me. Also... I was never really an active reader or watcher of Naruto like that (just very familiar) so when I first saw Gojo, Kakashi didn't register to me at all.

Like, I did not get similar vibes at all. And it actually annoys me that people will be like "He copied Kakashi's flow"! Kakashi ain't the only white haired, face covering character out there with magical eyes, y'all stop. 😆

Even funnier when, by this point, Gojo has probably been unmasked more than he has been wearing something on his face and switches up what he puts on his face. Kakashi been wearing the same mask for...? Also, didn't it take years for Kakashi's whole face to be shown or something? Took like seven episodes for Gojo to show that face.

**

I always been a fan of Megan's music and then when I found out she was into anime I was like "YYYYYEEEEEAAAAH". She cosplayed as Miruko one Halloween and it made my year. I am a former believer that Miruko would vibe to her music.

Just seeing other Black women being unapologetic fans of anime (or anything) does wonders for me and I hate it when people act as if it's such a foreign idea to understand. Honey, we can have interests, too, like everyone else. It's normal.

**

I always try to be careful about spoilers for anything I'm into. Like, I can talk about a chapter that happened two years ago, but I'll still mark as a spoiler because I know some people don't read Mangas or even if they do haven't caught up to that specific part.

That actually what set me off when Usher cosplayed as Gojo because he literally put "rest in peace, Gojo" or something along those lines and the amount of people who weren't even aware of 236... like bro, come on.

I knew it just had to be a marketing tactic because I know damn well Usher ain't seen JJK a day in his life and how convenient it is he comes out with that cosplay around the time when "Daddy's Home" becomes a fairly popular song used in Gojo's edits. I can't go watching one video on YouTube without hearing that song play when Gojo pops up. And even if he has... WHY WOULD YOU TAG IT LIKE THAT?!

Oh, but Megan definitely doesn't know any of the characters she be cosplaying, alright... okay... 🙄

I'm just going off on a whole tangent here, I apologize for that. I've been sick for like three days and just woke up from a nap. 😅

**

Also, thank you! Glad you enjoy my posts!! Anytime anyone says they like reading my posts, I still get shocked. They're really are just random thoughts I been having and really I'm still learning grasping the characters and story myself. And this is just for any. I don't even for them to get read, let alone for anyone to actually agree with me. I guess because, at the end of the day, I really just needed to throw a thought out there before I lose it or keep rethinking about it over and over.

[sabo-has-my-heart]

Hello! I saw you posting requests so I assume they're open? In case I'm wrong, please ignore this 😅

But well, I saw that you have a couple of love triangle and poly Ace x reader x Sabo stories and I had a blast reading them! But also, they made me think.

Would you mind writing a fluff modern AU where Ace likes (female) Reader since they were kids and Sabo teases the heck out of his brother for it, but is also his biggest supporter to comfess and get together with their best friend already?

I'm so glad you like my Ace x reader x Sabo poly stories. They're my favorite boys. For obvious reasons, this is an Ace fic, it was also super cute. I hope you like it!

Word Count: 1630

     Running a hand through his hair, Ace tilted his head back. It was the ‘anniversary’ of the day he’d met you. 12 years ago today, he’d bumped into you while running down the halls causing trouble. It was shortly before class started and you’d been the new girl headed for your first class. He’d just set up a prank in the teacher’s lounge and was hoping to get away before someone caught him. Thankfully you were as mischievous as he was and had helped him get away. The teachers had exited the lounge, covered in silly string and immediately pinned it on him, knowing how much of a troublemaker he was and suspicious of how close he was to the teacher’s lounge. You’d given the string covered teachers your biggest puppy dog eyes and told them, in your saddest voice, that he had been leading you to your class and to ‘please don’t get mad at him’. When he’d asked why you’d lied to them, you simply stated that seeing your new teachers covered in multicolored silly string had been funny and that you could tell you were going to like him. From then on, the two of you protected each other. You’d protect him from getting caught by the teachers and he’d protect you from the kids on the playground. While the teachers suspected he was still causing trouble, with you at his side, they couldn’t ever get any proof. Naturally, he’d introduced you to Sabo and, later, Luffy. While you were close to all three boys, you hadn’t joined in their brotherhood as the only sister, confusing the poor boy. At the time, he’d wanted you to be a part of their special bond, wanted you to know how important you were to him, but now, he was actually kind of happy you hadn’t.

     It had been years ago, as the two of you entered high school that he’d started feeling… different about you. He noticed different things about you; like how pretty your eyes were, how silky and smooth your hair always looked, the lusciousness of your lips. Had you always been so beautiful? It hadn’t taken long for him, or Sabo, to notice his feelings towards you, something Sabo enjoyed repeatedly mocking his brother for. In truth, Sabo was absolutely rooting for his brother’s love life, Ace deserved to have the girl of his dreams and to be happy, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t tease him. 

     Sitting on the back of Ace’s motorcycle, you couldn’t help but smile, your arms wrapped tightly around him. You loved riding on his bike with him and not just because riding on a motorcycle was fun and exciting. You loved how close it allowed you to be to Ace, loved how you got to hold him, feeling the heat radiating from his body, his scent wafting off of him, your heart pounding as he raced down the streets. It seemed like everything that made Ace, Ace could be found in being on the bike. From his wild, carefree spirit in the way he sped down the roads to his borderline recklessness in how he took sharp turns. His exciting, exhilarating way that he would skid to a stop sideways, to the sweet way he’d always make sure you were okay and that your helmet was always in top condition. The two of you were practically inseparable, almost always found together. If Ace forgot his phone, you were the first person Sabo called, if your parents were wondering where you were, Ace was the person they turned to. Hence why Sabo gave him so much shit about his crush on you. 

     Walking inside their shared apartment, Sabo grinned, seeing Ace by himself for once, eating a batch of what looked like homemade cookies.

     “Oooo, sweets from your girlfriend?” Sabo asked, giving Ace a knowing look.

     “What? No! They’re from Y/n! You know I don’t have a girlfriend.” Ace shot back, glaring at his brother as he stuffed another cookie in his mouth.

     “So yes, cookies from your girlfriend.” Sabo teased, setting his things down as Ace glared harder.

     “She’s not my girlfriend!” Ace growled, even though he knew that Sabo knew that he had a crush on you.

     “Really? Could have fooled me with how often you two are together. I think even the barista at her coffee shop thinks you two are dating by now. Though I suppose if you’re not dating her, that’s good news for me. For a lot of guys out there, really. A beauty like her? I’m sure any man would kill for a piece of that.” Sabo said teasingly, even as Ace jumped up from the couch, a furious look on his face.

     “The fuck does that mean?! I swear if you’re thinking of asking her out, I’ll kill you in your sleep!” Ace said, the look on his face one of pure anger as he glared at his brother.

     “Alright, alright, I won’t ask her out, but you can’t stop me from a little flirting and if she asks me, I’m not saying no, that’s her choice and since you haven’t asked her out, she’s free to date whoever she pleases.” Sabo said, continuing to rile his brother up.

     “Over my dead body! You’ll stay the hell away from her or I’ll-” “You’ll what? You can’t control her and it’s not like you’re her boyfriend, although again, you could have fooled me.” Sabo said with a chuckle. Ace was up and over the couch, chasing the blond around as Sabo laughed. He loved when he riled Ace up enough that the boy would chase him in an attempt to kick his ass. He only caught Sabo about half the time and they never did much more than a ‘light’ punch to the shoulder, but it was all in good fun, they were brothers after all. A knock on the door drew them out of their play fighting, Ace’s face lighting up as he scrambled for the door. The look on the boy’s face told Sabo everything he needed to know. You had been planning on coming over and Ace couldn’t wait to see you. 

     It was a few weeks later, as Ace munched on some brownies that Ace considered what his brother had said. The two of you did hang out a lot and people had thought you were dating before. If you two were giving off those sort of vibes, didn’t that mean they had a point? Besides, he couldn’t deny his attraction to you; he’d known how he felt about you for years, but he’d always worried about if you felt the same way. He was a troublemaker and a punk, he wasn’t particularly intelligent nor did he make a particularly large amount of money. Wouldn’t you be better off with someone else? At the same time, the idea of you getting with someone else infuriated him, to the point where he’d scared off dozens of guys before. Looking down at the, now demolished, brownies, he dusted his fingers of the crumbs before pulling out his phone, he needed to talk to you. Shooting off a text, he took a deep breath. His brother had a point, he needed to tell you how he felt.

     Ace squirmed as the two of you sat on the couch for movie night. He hadn’t been able to just tell you he needed to talk to you, so he’d invited you over for a ‘movie night’ and hoped to talk to you at some point. Sighing, you grabbed the remote, hitting pause before turning to him.

     “Ace, you’ve been wiggling like you’ve got ants in your pants since we sat down. Not only do I feel every shift, which is highly distracting, but it also makes it very hard to get comfortable. So what’s got you so restless?” you asked, putting your hands on your hips. He swore his heart dropped into his stomach. You’d noticed, you sounded annoyed, he was going to have to tell you how he felt. His heart was pounding out of his chest and his stomach was in so many knots that he felt sick.

     “W-well, it’s… you see, there’s something I… you’re…” Ace took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, “Y/n… we’ve, no, I… fuck, why is this so hard.” Ace ran his hand through his hair, closing his eyes and taking a few deep breaths, “Would… would you go out with me? Not like friends, but like, go out with me?” Ace asked finally, his eyes squeezed shut, afraid of your rejection. You giggled, putting your hands on Ace’s shoulders before pulling him close, giving him a soft kiss on the cheek.

     “I’d love that more than I can say. Maybe this Saturday at our favorite restaurant? Or I hear there’s a fair in town. I’ve always wanted a guy to win one of those stupid, cheap, little toys they hand out.” you said with a sweet smile, Ace staring at you in wonderment.

     “I… the fair sounds great. I’ll win you the best stupid, cheap toy they have.” he said with a smile, kissing your forehead before pulling you close, “Though I uh, can we finish the movie? I’d um, I’d like to actually watch it with you and get to hold you close.” he muttered, nuzzling his head into the crook of your neck.

     “Alright, but we’re going to have to start from the beginning because I missed so much due to your wiggling.” you teased as you grabbed the remote again. Honestly, it was just an excuse to spend more time in his arms, but neither of you cared, it was simply nice to be snuggled up like this.

[purple-nightfall-writes]

EHEHEHEHE HIHIHIHI!!

Just finished the last chapter and I might screammmmm they're so stupiddddd and in loveeeeee and I hate them (i would die for them)

Anyway, before I actually ask any questions I just want to say how much I LOVE your writing, you put your all into this fic and it really shows, each chapter was AMAZING and I loved every single one. The way everything had the perfect mix of fluff, comfort, angst, suspense, hope, and dread was just. *MUAH* chef kiss. I hope to be here for any future fics you share because I am HOOKED.

now for the questions, I guess my main ones are:

How are you? How are you feeling about the fic? Because personally, it might be one of my favorites!

Your writing style is so fun, I think it perfectly fit the vibes of ruffled feathers! (i have no idea if that makes sense, but it does to me) Was there any part that was particularly hard or easy to write? Like any of the panic attacks or maybe flashbacks? Or any tips for beginner writers?

And lastly, if you are willing to share, what are some of your plans for the rest of this series? Any spoilers or fic concepts you want to share?

Feel free to answer as many or as little of these as you want, I'm not great at asking questions so... I tried my best lol!

(Also i do want to say i feel bad, because at one point i was going to scream about your fic to you/pos but i noticed you didnt have the ask option avaliable and i was going to tell you but i forgot and i feel baddd)

HIIII thank you so much!!!! that's genuinely so encouraging to hear agdljlfglksldf

i'm so glad it hit the right balance for you - the balance of fluff and angst, hope/trust and tension/anxiety, was one of the things i kept retooling throughout the writing process, so i'm SO GLAD to hear it worked out! :D

as far as how I'm feeling about the fic, I'm honestly really happy with it! Currently I'm really proud of the earlier chapters and I'll need a little more distance from the later chapters before I can have a solid idea of whether i like them a little or a lot hehe. I'd written up through chapter 10 or so (maybe chapter 11) when I started posting, so all of those chapters I had a good bit of time to keep polishing to my heart's content. i think i'm gonna really enjoy rereading it lol, my main goal with writing is to write the kind of fics that i would enjoy reading, because that way i can guarantee that at least one person (me) is going to like the finished product. it also helps me feel like i have a creative center and not get pulled all over the place by people-pleasing. this means i end up rereading my stuff like "damn this author knows exactly what i like" XD The number of times i would sit down to work on chapter 10 or 11 or something and get caught up rereading the earlier chapters is a little embarrassing lol, it's just exactly the kind of story that i would enjoy reading 😅

as far as parts that were harder or easier to write! the flashback scenes were, oddly enough, some of the most fun to write actually. there's just this energy and dynamicness to the conflict in them, and the contrast between those days and the trust they have in the current timeline was really fun to work with. I also really liked going back and figuring out what their dynamic would've been in the early days. which is how I ended up with Scar's past crush on CuteGuy - that wasn't in the original plan but just felt extremely correct when I was working out the early days. the fluff scenes were like. too easy to the point that it looped back around to being a challenge lol. like it's just so easy to write them being disgustingly in love and it was difficult to try to not overdo it. which i'm not entirely sure i succeeded at lol but i enjoy reading those chapters so at least my target audience is happy 😆

and parts that were harder to write - definitely chapter 11 (the cuteguy reveal chapter) was the hardest. weirdly, the panic attack(s) in chapter 4 weren't that hard for me, maybe because it was a very in-the-moment kind of panic (if that makes sense), whereas grian's angst in late chapter 10 and into chapter 11 are more of a sense of protracted dread about needing to start a pivotal conversation which was Not Fun to write from lol. it's a good thing that chapter 11 works best from scar's pov because i don't think i ever could have written it from grian's pov, and it would've been really hard to reread.

as far as plans for the rest of the series are concerned! i'm probably going to do a separate post about my planned upcoming fics (in this and other aus), but i'll tease a little here. the next fic in the canon timeline will be one where grian sets out to find a way to protect scar from the ongoing threat to his life. it will be relatively low-stakes (...if my current plan holds). it'll involve a trip to the under-city (which means i have SO MUCH worldbuilding to do askfdlkjldfj), and will introduce at least one minecraft mechanic and a life series mechanic. ideally somewhere down the road i would love to write a fic about the downfall of the Institute, but that is way outside my normal wheelhouse and i don't have any solid ideas yet, so it might be a while and no promises lol. i've also mentioned a few diverging paths fics for this au, sort of alternate versions of what could have been. i've got two in mind that are different sorts of role reversals, one of which i may or may not have already started writing aslkdfjlsjfkd. i just can't leave them alone 😂 there's another diverging paths one that i'm not... entirely sure whether i'll actually end up posting? i've kind of teased it at least once but i want to be noncommittal about actually putting it out there. it's an angstier version, diverges near the end of chapter 4 (bonus points to anyone who can guess exactly what point it splits off at), and would be pretty difficult for me to write due to heavier angst. it would still end on a good note but it would be really rough in places. i do want to write it, to explore that version of events myself because i find it compelling and i want to stretch my writing muscles. but i'm not gonna fully commit to posting it because i don't want to add performance anxiety to the existing writing hurdles for that one lol. so basically: that one might exist or it might not idk, apologies for teasing something that might not end up ever getting published 😅

that basically sums up my current plans for this au! i'm also leaving the door open to the possibility of exploring other characters in this au, though i don't have solid ideas as of yet.

thank you for the ask!! i had so much fun reading your questions and thinking through answers to them hehe. also no worries about the askbox thing 😅 i really should've checked a lot earlier sdfljsljgfklk

[fabbyf1]

Hello renowned writer, first let me express my appreciation for your writing. The characterization, the dialogue, the smut which is world-class and never ceases to amaze me. You made me smile and you made me cry, and my world is better for having your fics in it 💛 🤗

If you don't mind, could you please shed some light onto your writing and planning process? It is totally okey if not of course.

How do you plot out your ideas and fics? Especially the long ones? Do you have everything planned out before sitting down to the first chapter? Do you have just general milestones? Or do you have detailed notes for all the scenes? 😅

Is there anything from the notes you would be willing to share? 🙏

Right now I struggle with the level of details I hit in my outlines. I tend to have a general idea about the big building blocks but the concrete shapes of it get to me when I'm close enough to writing them. This means I can't post as I go because everything needs so many revisions to be consistent and paced right.

hi bestie!!

i don't have one consistent answer across the board. it definitely depends on the kind of fic i’m writing, and how long i’ve been thinking about it. 

i’ve found that over planning fics really fucks me up. i get too caught up in trying to follow my plans to a T, that i stunt my own creativity and my scenes don’t have a natural flow. i ran into this problem a lot with my dando fic that was supposed to be 100k+ and only ended up being 30k lmfao. the plan and headcanons are fucking incredible (still even reading them back now im like wow this is the best thing i never actually wrote) but because they were so good and so thought out, it was impossible to write them. because i felt like i had already written them, but in discord conversations with bailee lmfao. in my head, that fic was already complete. even though there was only 30k actual words in a google doc. 

so i’ve found it much easier for me (personally) to just... sit down and write. 

sometimes when i don’t overthink things and just go into a fic blind, i come up with really amazing things on the fly. 

my fic Vapor, for instance, had a vague “ideas” document that was MUCH different than what i actually produced. it was going to be a slow burn enemies to lovers fic. but when i started writing it, and i got to the first club scene (which was only supposed to be them running into each other) i thought “lmfao what if i had them hook up here?” and suddenly the fic went a completely different route. and i’m glad i listened to myself and not my Ideas doc, or i don’t think it would have been as good as it ended up being. 

but that’s not always the case. 

for fics like Long Live that required a complex timeline, i had a separate doc that i put all my research and ideas in. it was a google doc with bullet points, pictures, and ages. sometimes the bullet points were simple, like “charles wins in monza, he gets drunk in a club and they fuck” (lmfao) and sometimes they were line after line after line of conversational dialogue that i would think about while walking my dog and the whole conversation ended up in the actual finished work, word for word. 

so, really, it depends on what i’m writing. 

i’ve found that when i write a long fic, i’ll usually have 1 or 2 scenes that i KNOW i want to write that happen later on in the fic, and everything else before that is like “okay how do i get to that scene????” and the fic kinda builds itself that way. 

when i write a short fic, it’s more like... “okay, what’s the plot? lets go.” and the story writes itself. 

i’m not sure how helpful this was, but i’d be glad to keep rambling about my writing process if you’d like! 

[starlightiing]

I'll be honest I actually haven't decide which driver to rep since i'm actually into F1 from my friend who keeps making F1 rpf joke and I'm curious decided to read the Ao3 tag and skimmed throught all of the Near/Temporary character death tag, so you can say i'm a fan from Ao3 😅

I only start watching it from Canada but the senior drivers like sergio, lewis, and alonso kinda caught my eyes. Bit dissapointed there are no resus/cpr fic with them except one with sergio but hey i'm here for the sport!

That's fair, I think it takes some time for you to get to learn the drivers through watching the races and such. The Grill The Grid videos are great too if you want to see them all being a bit silly!

Sergio, Lewis, and Alonso are interesting picks! I don't tend to write any of them (I've written Lewis a few times before) but I will see if I can come up with something and I might be able to write a resus fic featuring Alonso! I don't want to make promises though, I have a lot of WIPS right now haha.

Well I'm glad you like the sport! It's a lot of fun. The fandom on tumblr can make it seem a bit dramatic but it's all good fun. Sit back and enjoy the races once they return after summer break! Where do you tend to watch them? Do you have F1TV by chance?

[chelleztjs18]

Hello you mrs. steak lover eater busy writer lefty eyebag 😅

They said 2 weeks, so almost Christmas time when I get them. Yeah, I used to wear contacts when I was in college and I am not used to it. I kept trying to push my glasses back up, only to realize that I am not wearing any lol nah I only have the clear ones. I found a website that used to sell contacts with various designs, I want that in the future 🤣 I can send you a picture when I get it!

I can finally send you pictures O__O!

Ah how much farther did you get with your writing? Also, you leave on the 20th? Will it be an early flight?

I hope you ate enough bread hahaha but oh no, that's definitely not good. Did you still eat it though but only enjoyed it a bit? And what is bacon jam???

I ended up working my shift. It wasn't too busy today, so at least I was kind of relaxing.

Ah I see. By the way, the link did not work. But I did google the thing, that's why I asked if it was genetic. Does the noise give you headaches? Do you hear like a ringing afterwards when the noise goes away?

Oh, does it actually sound like you? I didn't notice. Hahahaha just kidding, you caught on too fast. I was actually joking, I won't ask you to write something like that. Or would I 🤔

No it doesn't sound weird, except for the crying part with the angst lol just kidding. I get so angry with the angst stories I've read before. But not angry at the author, I get angry at myself, because why am I putting myself through this heartache lol

I'm a lesbian, but I do find some men attractive. But I don't want to be with them in any shape or form lol. Also I don't know which one I am,dom or sub.. is that even possible? Maybe I am in between? I know I am a top, but a soft top? I don't know. I barely pay attention to labels.

I see. Do you mind if I ask you how long you've been married to him?

Hm, both. Which are you attracted to, I think you said before something like femme but has a masc side? But yeah, what type are you as well.

- CuriousGeorge

Hi good morning. Sorry i fell asleep.

Aw, 2 weeks of wearing contacts? that sucks.. but hey, at least on Christmas u will have ur sight back :D that's what matters the most! :)

yaaay im excited to see ur new glasses. but i just realized i think u cant send pictures if u send anonymous ask. so i guess it's impossible for me to see the glasses. but it's okay! u can send me someday when u r ready to talk with me off anon or in direct message. no pressure. whichever u r comfortable with.

Wht shape do u always wear? and is it like thick or thin frame? mine are always either square or almost square shape glasses. mostly the frame are thick one, sometimes it's a full frame, sometimes it's just on the half top. the one that i'm always wear now is like a dark bronze or brown-ish color and full frame. i'll send u the pict of it next time. right now i'm too lazy to get up and take picture of it under a brighter light. hahahaha. i'm too comfy now in my bed. :D

wait, what did u mean u can finally send pictures? did u mean u can send pictures even when u r on anon??

how much further on my dark fic with Natasha now? hmm, right now i dont know if I would write a long part 3 or get it done in some part then start part 4 n it will be not too long part 4.

most likely, it will have 4 parts and epilogue. but i might still change my mind. hahaha. I'm just glad that I almost get it done and gets closer n closer to the end. :)

it will be an early flight, very early in the morning and since the airport is an hour away so we'll leave the night before n stay at the airport hotel so we can sleep a little longer. it will be safer anyway.

yeah i still enjoy the steak, just not as tender as i imagine it would be. what sucks is i was craving a good steak. Bacon jam, they cooked the bacon with some onion n i dont know what else but it's sweet and u can taste the caramelized onion. i dont really like onions but i eat the onions in this bacon jam. They put it on their smoked porkchop but i asked them to put it on my steak but the put it on the side.

oh okay, well i guess that's the silver lining of working from home. u can still relaxing while u r working. :D im glad u got to relax a bit. but u havent told me what happened with ur glasses? what broke it?

yes sometimes the noise give me headache n makes me feel like everything spinning n sometimes freaks me out or irritate me. i hear rings in my ear pretty often actually.

haha it does sound like me. lol dont worry, i was just kidding. like i said u can send me request if u want to or comfortable enought to do so.

i am like that too when i read angst, thats why i avoid reading angst unless it has happy ending.

ah i see, yeah i understand what u meant. I sometimes find some men attractive but lately it's just like oh wow, okay, he's a good looking man. but thats all. nothing else. :D

ah i see. okay, yeah i agree with what you meant. it's just labels, eventhough sometimes i'm curious about it on someone but at the end it doesnt really matters, what matters most is I feel comfortable with that person n they feel the same with me.

we've been married for 3.5 years now. so we've been together in total for 9.5 years.

hmm i'm attracted to any of them as long as it's not on the extreme points. I really dont like the fake plastic barbie doll type of girl thats all about look.

N yes, i like femme that still has the masculine side. N lately to be honest, i started to feel attracted to masculine girls as well. (I dont know how the best way to say this.).. the point is im attracted to all type 🤭

Which type am i? Im not sure..im in the middle i guess, not too girly but not too masculine either. I still wear dress / make up when it's needed but mostly my clothes r a little boyish but not really. I still do my hair,nails and eyebrows. I guess long time ago i research n im probably in androgynous type. Not sure.. i dpnt know the best way to answer all this. I just dont wanna sound rude to others or labeling. 😊

Well, u'll know or see it when someday u see my pictures i guess. 😊

How about u?

Next question?

Cheerio!

[karahalloway]

Yeah that would be a little overwhelming all right. Harper.....

That gif 🤣🤣🤣 But very apt! Harper is in deeper than she realises - which will hopefully be made more apparent during the Italy leg of the tour

This particular turn of phrase is just....

Thanks! I was very proud of myself when it popped into my head! 😇

I can't!.....I laughed so hard at this!!!

As I've said before, I really don't plan these conversations - I just spectate and take notes - so it's always great when they come across has funny / shocking / enraging as I see them in my head 😆

Please tell me Madeleien is in on it all and gets caught and appropriately punished/shunned. That was my original plan for Complicated and yet somehow in the two and half years I've been here, I've never made her the villain or at least never had her get caught. I'm really curious how that would play out....

I don't want to reveal too much, but I finally decided on the list of perps and who is responsible for what (as this is a bit of a multi-faceted operation). Hopefully everything will make sense / will be believable, but Maddy is definitely not as clean as she made out to be in the lawn party chapter at the start of Intentions!

Ahhhh, the beginning of their friendship....

Yes! The seeds of this were planted back in UA, but I'm excited to explore to this incarnation of Harper and Olivia's relationship! 🥰

See? Now this part makes me think that Harper is good for him and I hope he doesn't turn out to be a bad guy.

.....we'll see. That's all I'm sayin' 🤣😅 In part bc I have no clue what's going to end up happening between Chris and Harper - I have some ideas, but I don't really know until I actually sit down and write it.

Of course he did! EEEE! There's my sweet boy!

Glad you liked this! I think this tree planting scene is a bit of a reader favourite for this chapter, which is funny bc it was not part of my original outline - Chris decided to break out and do his own thing, which I actually loved bc I think it really showcases what he is about as a king. And the fact that the people who actually care about him show up to help...

Everyone's getting in on the action! I feel like Mads just sitting there watching is going to get backlash in the press.

Honestly, not something I thought about, but there is definitely potential there! We'll see where the next chapter ends up going!

I need this actual image!

I love the image in my head, but Wonder sucks at group shots....! Might need to get it commissioned 🧐

Yes! I love it when Christian acts like a king!

I did love Chris in this chapter - showing his true colours as a king. Just wish he wouldn't be acting so shady with Harper...

hahahahha....but yes....

Again, this little moment was not planned, but I couldn't resist the fluff and the mutual ribbing 🥰

Okay, for a moment I was like wtf is Drakes issue? I get it now....

Yeah... Like I said, Chris is being uber shady with Harper in so many regards... And at some point it's all going to come to a head 😶‍🌫️

I know this is a Drake x MC fic, but I really like the way Chris is showing respect for her right here.

He does really like and respect her - which is part of the reason why he keeps overstepping with her, much to Drake's growing annoyance 🫣

YES!!!!!!!!! and that was fast!

Yes - for various reasons, I have decided to move a bunch of events up in the timeline in comparison to canon. That said, we still have a lot to get through!

AAAAHHHHHH!! I love vengeful Drake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I genuinely can't wait to write the upcoming Drake bonus chapter where he and a team of guards go get him from Dubai!! The chapter is called Rendition, and I hope it's going to be just as brutal as the title makes it sound - I've had the chapter in my head for over a year, and it's gonna be so cooooool! At least it is in my mind 😆

LET"S GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes! Right after I post the first part of The Highwayman 😆

Thanks so much for reading, liking and reblogging!! 😘

Those tags... 🤣🤣🤣 But yes - Tariq is gonna die. Or at least get seriously fucked up 😅

(Less Than) Noble Intentions: Chapter 16 - Snakes in the Garden

Fandom: TRR

Pairing: Drake Walker x F!OC (Harper Gale)

Series Summary: The social season may be over, but Harper Gale’s problems are just beginning. With everyone at court a potential suspect, can she and Drake survive the engagement tour and get to the bottom of the plot against her and clear her name? An AU take of TRR2 featuring my OTP - Harper & Drake.

Masterlist: (Less Than) Noble Intentions

Chapter Summary: Harper greets the world as the new Duchess of Valtoria, but that is not the only newsworthy item that rocks the Apple Harvest Festival...

Word Count: 4,800

Rating/Warnings: M (swearing, angst, possible ulterior motives)

Chapter theme song:

A/N1: Things are slowly coming to a head! Thanks for bearing with me on this series - I know I have a lot of other projects in the works, so I have not been updating as much as I probably should. But, we are finally getting to the exciting parts (as if what's happened until now hasn't been exciting 🤣) as after this chapter, we are into the meat of the engagement tour, and all the juicy plot changes that I have been wanting to write for over a year will finally come to a fore! *evil laugh*

A/N2: If you have not heard of TURN - the TV show from which I borrowed the chapter theme song - then, I can highly recommend it (especially if you like historical dramas, US history (specifically the Revolutionary War period), or just really good story-telling)!

Chapter 16 - Snakes in the Garden

"Are you sure I look okay?" I ask, nervously pulling at the high-necked strip of emerald lace that circles my throat.

"Stop fiddling!" Bertrand berates, slapping my hand away. "We are running late as it, and we cannot afford to lose any more time to last minute touch-ups!"

"Yeah, but—"

"You look great, Harper," Maxwell assures me with a beaming smile. "Marcie did a great job."

The petite make-up artist that the Beaumonts had procured out of thin air bobs a curtesy to my right. "It was my pleasure, Your Grace."

Her words hits me like a whiplash.

Your Grace.

My new form of address. One I'm not sure I'm ever going to get used to. Lady Harper had been one thing, but that had always felt like a curtesy. A temporary formality that had been extended to me by virtue of my sponsorship by the Beaumonts during the social season.

But there is nothing temporary about my current situation. The weight of the ring on my hand — and its implications — bears down heavily on my finger... and my thoughts. Especially since I still haven't found a moment alone with Drake to finish our conversation from this morning... or bring him up to speed on my new status.

Because no sooner had my ennoblement been sealed with the very expensive — and very potent — champagne, than the Beaumonts had shown back up (somewhat mercifully) to crash Christian's surprise party.

And from there it had been a whirlwind of hair, makeup and outfitting for the all-important Apple Harvest Festival where I am due to make my grand debut as the new Duchess of Valtoria.

A position of some importance — Bertrand has stressed, multiple times — given that in addition to the impressive estate that I am now the official caretaker of, I also have a seat on the infamous Council, as well as a seat on the even more exclusive Privy Council. Not to mention my own fleet of staff, vehicles, bank accounts, and carefully curated online profiles.

Which is why — on top of everything — the ever-industrious press corps have worked at record speed to throw the fruits of yesterday's labours together into an exclusive, twelve-page spread as part of a special edition of Trend magazine, which dropped this morning.

And while I haven't actually had a chance to read through the copy that currently sat on the coffee table of my room (together with every other major national and international news publication), Maxwell has assured me that the social media reactions have — so far — been positive. The snaps of my stress-fuelled efforts at yesterday's apple pick have apparently helped.

Which means that Jonathan's PR gamble was startling to pay dividends, and I now have a public image to maintain. Not just for myself, but for Cordonia as well. Because when I step outside today, I'll be representing everything that the kingdom under Christian's burgeoning rule is striving to be — beauty, modernity, opportunity.

Definitely not the best day to wake up with a litany of awkwardly situated bruises!

Thankfully, both Maxwell and Bertrand seem to have had a chance to pull themselves together after this morning's surprising (and definitely explosive!) turn of events, and — after the initial shock — had set about covering for mine and Drake's mess with the same coordinated precision that they'd employed to pull the Beaumont Bash out of their butts.

With the result that they'd somehow managed to transform me from the black and blue disaster I'd woken up as, into the picture of a polished and refined lady.

I glance apprehensively out at the bright sunshine blanketing the hills. Hopefully, the carefully applied window-dressing survives the literal trial by fire it's about to be subjected to. Because just like yesterday, the temperature is set to climb into the mid-90's today as well, which means I'll most likely end up sweating buckets again, thanks to the Edwardian nature of my dress's neckline.

And what I definitely don't need today is for all the blush and cover-up getting smudged away so that everyone at the event can start speculating about the intimate placement of my of hickeys!

I close my eyes wearily. God, I can't wait for all this to be over...

"No catnaps!" snaps Bertrand, slapping a wide-brimmed hat onto my head. "The people are waiting on us!"

I barely have time to grab my matching clutch before the Beaumonts are whisking me out of my room and down the length of the corridor towards the manor's lawn.

"Surely the Festival can start without us...!" I gasp as I stumble after Bertrand in my heels.

"No, it cannot," he reprimands. "All members of the Council must be present for the ceremonial tree planting."

I frown. "Tree planting? Isn't that a little... agrarian for the aristos?"

"It is a time-honoured tradition!" corrects Bertrand. "Cordonia owes its existence and livelihood to the noble Ruby, so it is the duty of the Council to ensure that the fruits of our bounty are secured for future generations! Hence, the requirement to plant new saplings at the end of each harvest!"

"If you say so..." I concede as we pass through the back doors of the manor.

Based on what I saw at the apple pick, Bertrand's pronouncement seems optimistic at best, given that none of the aristos even bothered to lift a finger to a tree yesterday.

But, looks can always be deceiving, so maybe today is the day that the I am pleasantly surprised for once.

A deafening cheer erupts as the Beaumonts and I step out onto the manor's steps.

Snapping my head towards the source of the commotion, I see what appears to be thousands of people crammed behind velvet-lined cordons, screaming and jostling for position like they're in the front row of a Taylor Swift concert...

...and it takes me a second to realise that it's my name that they're shouting.

"Duchess!"

"Lady Harper, we love you!"

"You're the true Apple Queen, no matter what anyone says!"

"Wow..." I blink, taken aback by the fervency of the crowd's reaction. "I didn't realise I had such a rabid following..."

"Best wave to them," suggests Maxwell, leaning in as he raises his arm into the air with a wide smile.

"Okay..." I concede hesitantly, turning to the crowd to do the same.

The last time I'd experienced anything remotely like this had been on the red carpet at the Derby — my first public outing as a suitor. But even the bright flash of the cameras and the intrusive questions that the reporters had flung at me paled in comparison to the reaction I am receiving today.

Phones and cameras are thrust into the air as the Beaumonts and I descend the manor's stairs to the accompaniment of the increasingly frenzied cheers and shouts of encouragement. Even a few bouquets of flowers fly through the air, narrowly missing my hat.

And I can't help but smile in the face of the genuine outpouring of support from the crowd. Because it sure as heck feels good to be on top for once!

However, arriving at the edge of the orchard where the tree planting ceremony is due to take place, I am greeted by a very different type of welcome.

Snooty expressions drip down the ends of aristocratic noses as the members of the Council pass silent judgment on my somewhat bombastic entrance.

"They're just jealous," Maxwell whispers to me as we take up our spots at the edge of the gathering.

"Yeah..." I agree with a stilted voice. "That's what I'm worried about."

I knew firsthand of the lengths that these people were willing to go to in order to exact vengeance for perceived slights. And I did not particularly feel like painting a target on my back a second time while I am still trying to recover from the hurt caused by the first.

Maybe this was all a mistake...

But I don't have time to think on it long, because the public erupts into an even more deafening outburst as Christian appears with Madeleine on his arm.

"Look at her..." snips a voice from behind me. "Acting like she's Queen already."

I whip around in disbelief. "Olivia!"

The Duchess of Lythikos cuts her green eyes over at me with a derisive look. "Oh, don't look so surprised, Harper. Just because you are now a duchess, does not mean that the rest of us have taken early retirement."

"Trust me," I grumble under my breath, "this was not the plan."

"Opportunities multiply as they are seized," she replies sagely.

I quirk a brow at her. "Meaning?"

"Meaning," she expounds surly, "opportunity breeds opportunity. And only by exploiting every advantage will you uncover previously hidden gains. Do they not teach The Art of War inyour schools?"

"No..."

She scoffs under her breath. "Explains a lot."

I roll my eyes at her as Christian and Madeleine pause on the steps for photos and a couple of quick sound bites. "I guess this means your sabbatical was productive?"

"Exceedingly."

I heave a breath. "At least one of us is making progress..."

"Oh, don't sell yourself short," she counters out of the corner of her mouth. "Your recent advancements have served as a welcome distraction..."

"Not sure if that’s a compliment, or not..." I admit sourly.

"You have more power than you realise," she insists quietly. "Make sure you use it."

"Wow..." I mutter, glancing over at her in genuine surprise. "Friendly advice from the Scarlet Duchess? What else have you learnt during your time away?"

"Our interests are temporarily aligned, nothing more," she replies, shooting daggers across the lawn towards Madeleine. "And I'll fill you in shortly."

"Well, it's good to have you back, regardless," I say with a dip of my head. "Your Grace."

Olivia shoots me a sidelong look. "Don't get sentimental on me, Duchess."

But I can see the hint of a smile pulling at her lips.

Christian and Madeleine arrive at the edge of the trees. Stepping up to the row of waiting saplings, Christian pulls a stack of notecards out of his pocket and delivers a short speech to the click of the cameras.

As the mandatory applause dies down, he slots the pieces of paper carefully away... and pulls off his jacket.

"What are you doing?" hisses Madeleine as the crowd descends into a hubbub of excited reactions.

"Taking a leaf out of the Duchess of Valtoria's book," he replies, handing his jacket off to the closest shocked Councillor as he sets about rolling up his sleeves.

"Out of—!" Madeleine bristles in indignation, while trying to maintain an outwardly calm composure. "The only thing you have taken is leave of your senses! Now get back here and—!"

Ignoring his fiancée's outburst, Christian grabs the ribbon-bedecked shovel out of the hands of the footman that was holding it, and steps up to a clear patch of grass. Adjusting his grip on the handle, he digs the metal blade decisively into the ground to the accompanying slew of clicking camera shutters.

"Shall we?" asks Olivia with a sly smirk as she pushes her way to the front of the line of gawping nobles.

"Let's," I agree, instantly catching onto her plan.

"Lady Harper!" hisses Bertrand from behind me. "What do you think you're—?"

"Lending a hand to the King," I throw back over my shoulder as I step to the front of the row of aristos who are looking mutely onto the sight of their monarch working up an actual sweat before them.

Grabbing another shovel from the pile in the corner — these ones obviously having seen some honest work already, judging by the dirt encrusted on their faces — I join the King of Cordonia in enlarging the hole in the ground.

Because regardless of Christian's underlying motives for ennobling me, and whatever his broader game may be, what he is doing right now is bigger than me, bigger than him, bigger than any of us. And that deserves recognition. Especially when he is taking such active — and public — strides towards being the change he wants to see unfurl during his rule. Where the ruling class doesn't just offer empty platitudes and hollow ceremony, but actually practices what it preaches. So, what better way to do that, than by planting the seeds of change in front of thousands of people in the literal heart of the kingdom?

Christian rewards my arrival with a nod and a smile as I take up position next to him.

Hefting my shovel, I slice it into the earth that he's already uncovered, using the somewhat flimsy sole of my heeled sandals to drive it deeper.

Scooping the blade back out, I suddenly feel a presence to left. Looking up, I see that Maxwell has also joined our impromptu work crew.

Throwing me a wink, he drops his shovel in next to mine.

With the three of us working on tandem, it takes us almost no time at all to dig out a hole large enough to house the new apple tree.

Wiping the sweat from my forehead — the weatherman had not lied, that's for sure! — I see that Olivia, with some assistance from Hana, has already prepared the sapling by shunting it closer to the hole and removing the burlap covering from its roots.

Laying down our shovels, we help her manoeuvre the tree to the edge of dint. Cheers and applause rise up from the onlookers as the sapling thuds into the earth. Olivia uses one of the knives from her hidden arsenal to slice off the twines holding the branches together, and the tree unfurls itself with a satisfied snap.

"Your Majesty!" shouts a reporter, who I recognise as Frederick Capone. "One for the Cordonian Times, if you please!"

"And for the CBS!" adds Donald Brine, muscling his way to the front.

"Certainly," accedes Christian graciously, holding his arm out. "It was a group effort, after all."

We all gather in — sweaty and dirty, but smiling — as the press corps immortalises the scene...

...and I innocuously sweep my hair over my shoulder in a vain effort to try and hide any bruises that may have become uncovered as a result of the unplanned exertion.

"Thank you for joining me in my moment of impulsivity," Christian acknowledges softly as the bulbs flash.

"Please," scoffs Olivia out of the side of her mouth. "It was coordinated from the start."

"The people don't seem to mind," counters Hana with a demure smile as she faces the cameras.

"With the exception of about half-dozen," I note, glancing back at the disgruntled looks of the Councillors from behind us, as they try to save face by applauding our efforts together with the rest of the crowd.

"They'll fall in line." Christian assures me as he lifts his hand with a wave.

I feel a prick between my shoulder blades. Turning my head, I catch sight of the cold fire radiating out of Madeleine's gaze from behind the mask of her perfect smile.

"Maybe not everyone..." I mutter under my breath as I turn back towards the paps.

I'm already on Madeleine's shit list for daring to return to court after my very public humiliation and banishment. On the night of her engagement tour launch party, no less! So, the fact that I ended up upstaging her — again — probably means that I've sunk even further down the ladder of her estimations.

To what end, I have no idea. But I'm going to have to start being more careful from here on out.

Once the press are finally placated, we disperse across the lawn in search of some much-needed refreshments.

"Harper!"

I swallow a groan as I'm brought up short, mere steps from the freshly squeezed, rosemary-infused lemonade that I desperately need after toiling away in this heat. "What now, Bertrand...?"

"I... uhm..." He clears his throat as I turn to face him. "I wanted to apologise for my earlier outburst. It was unseemly... and in retrospect, short-sighted."

"What do you mean?" I ask with a frown. Bertrand very rarely — if ever! — apologised.

"The public reaction to the tree planting has been overwhelming," he clarifies, pulling his phone out.

My eyes bulge as I take in the view count on the screen. "A hundred thousand views already!"

"And counting," Bertrand adds. "And that is only one website."

"And look at the comments!" I exclaim, scrolling through the feed. "They're loving Maxwell as well!"

"Yes, it appears that my brother has a keener instinct for media relations than I do..."

"You should tell him that," I say. "It would mean the world to him."

Bertrand looks momentarily taken aback. "I... Well..." He clears his throat again. "Yes. Maybe I will. He deserves some recognition for his efforts in diverting — at least temporarily — the negative attention away from our financial predicaments."

"A simple hug and a 'thank-you' will do," I tell him with a knowing look.

Bertrand reels back in abject horror. "I will not subject my brother to such a sordid display of affection! Especially in public!"

I heave a sigh. "And there's your problem, right th—"

I trail off as I spot a familiar figure signalling to me from over Bertrand's shoulders.

"Excuse me," I say, palming Bertrand's phone back to him as I move towards one of the marquees that had been set up at the edge of the lawn.

Slipping inside the flap of the tent, I come face-to-face with Ana de Luca.

"Your Grace," she nods, dipping into a curtesy, something she hasn't deigned to do before. "Thank you for making the time."

"Ana," I nod in return, wondering why the influential editor of Trend chose to pull me away for a private meeting. Especially after I cornered her so forcefully at Madeleine's garden party a few days ago.

"I suppose congratulations are in order," she continues, straightening back up. "Since returning to court you have managed to elevate yourself not just in rank, but in the eyes of the public as well. Rolling your sleeves up in tandem with the King was a masterful piece of image enhancement."

"I didn't do it for myself," I reply evenly.

"Of course," she nods quickly. "We must all step in line with our new King. But your reputation is certainly reaping the benefits as well."

"As is your bottom line," I point out.

"Your initiative is markedly boosting sales of this month's special edition, as well as traffic to our website," she concedes. "For which Trend is very grateful. But that is not the reason I pulled you aside."

"What is it then?"

"I found out the name of the photographer," she replies, reaching into her handbag.

I feel my heart jump in my chest. "You're joking..."

She raises a brow at me from behind the lenses of her black-out Versace shades as she pulls a small flash-drive out. "I can assure you that I am not."

I quickly pull myself back together. "No. Of course not..."

Handing the drive over, she adds. "On there you will find all the pertinent information I was able to obtain through my own means."

"Thank you," I say sincerely, taking the piece of plastic from her. "I honestly was not expecting this..."

She shrugs an elegant shoulder. "I said I would look into it, so I did. It is not much, but I am sure you have people who can hopefully take it further."

"I hope so, too," I admit, slotting the device into my clutch.

"After all," she adds, with a knowing quirk to her lips. "You are not the only one with a vested interest in seeming your name cleared, Your Grace."

With another quick bob, she exits the marquee.

I let out a low exhale as the tent flap drops back into place in her wake. "Thank God..."

Some much-needed progress at last!

Hopefully, Drake can take the information from the drive and do a deep dive into the photographer to see if they ever crossed paths with whoever it is that has it in for me.

Which reminds me...

Opening my clutch up again, I pull my phone out and type up a quick message to my elusive boyfriend.

I haven't seen or heard from him since the event started. And now I have two pieces of critical information I need to share with him. So, rather than chasing after him like some damsel in distress, I'm going to make him come to me for a change. Because time is of the essence, and I don't want to wait.

Hitting send, I exit the tent and head back towards the orchard. I figure that since everyone is on the lawn, the secluded garden hidden amongst the trees will give me and Drake the best chance to meet in private, away from the prying eyes of the court and the press.

Slipping between the tree trunks, I try to make way as casually as possible through the orchard, as if I am simply out for a walk, in order to ward off potential suspicion. But, as I drift further away from the Festival, I start to pick up the pace, mindful of the short timeframe I gave Drake... as well as the exposed roots on the ground.

Because as much as I might want to hurry, I definitely don't want — or need — a twisted ankle the day before we're due to start the international leg of the trip. As Mom was right — I should take advantage of the upcoming whirlwind tour of Europe to at least try and get some sightseeing in. As who knows when I'll get the chance to do this again...

...especially if I'm forced to become a hermit because we fail to expose the mastermind behind the press scandal.

I shake my head. No. I need to stay positive. It's the only way I'm going to get through—

"Competing with a herd of elephants, Gale?"

I snap my gaze up at the sound of Drake's voice... and nearly trip over a hidden apple lodged in the grass.

"Easier done when you're not wearing four-inch heels," I grumble back at him, while using the trunk of a nearby tree to steady myself.

He mutters something under his breath as he steps over to me with an outstretched hand. "Here."

Grabbing his hand, I navigate gingerly away from the tree, only to find that the slightly rotten fruit had become impaled on the tip of my stiletto.

"Great..." I groan, trying to flick the stupid thing off... But it stays stubbornly stuck.

"You're a walking disaster, y'know that, right?" drawls Drake as he drops down in front of me.

"Ha-ha, funny," I snark back at him while trying to balance on one foot on the uneven ground.

He meets my eye with a wry look as he finally manages to pull the offending fruit off with a squelch. "You're only gripin' 'cause it's true."

"Yeah, well, not all of us have... mastered... bullet time..." I reply sardonically as I save myself from tipping over by grabbing onto Drake's shoulder.

He stifles a scoff as he tosses the apple into the trees. "You good?"

"Yeah," I confirm, righting myself again and letting go of his shirt.

Drake regards me critically for a long moment — as if expecting me to keel over again at the drop of a hat — before pushing himself up.

"Thanks," I say, laying an appreciative hand on his arm.

The humour fades from his gaze at the contact.

"Drake..." I start...

...but he's already pulled away.

"What did you want to talk about?" he asks, not quite meeting my eyes as he slots his hands into his pockets, the momentary lightness of our previous interaction gone.

I heave a breath.

We really need to talk about what happened this morning. But his suddenly standoffish demeanour makes it clear that he's not quite ready for that yet.

So, I decide to start with something less contentious.

"We have a lead on the photographer," I tell him, reaching into my clutch.

His head perks up with interest. "That was quick."

"Teamwork makes the dream work," I agree with a smile, pulling the flash drive back out and holding it out to him.

His posture suddenly stiffens. "The hell is that?"

I glance around me uncertainly. "What?"

"The fucking ring on your finger," he declares dispassionately, his accusatory gaze scorching into my outstretched hand.

My heart drops. Oh, no...

This is not how I'd wanted to break it to him. But unfortunately for both of us, the cat was now out of the proverbial bag, so I'm just going to have to scamper after it.

Taking a steadying inhale, I look him square in the eye. "It's my new signet ring." I turn my hand over to show it to him.

His face darkens. "Fils de pute de—" he grits under his breath, snapping a hand out to grab my wrist.

My eyes widen. "Drake, what are y—?"

A storm is raging in his espresso gaze. "Signet rings go on the little finger. On the right hand."

"Oh," is all I can manage as he swipes the golden band off my left ring finger.

"You didn't know, did you?" he asks softly, reaching for my other hand... more gently this time.

I shake my head with a constricted throat. "No, I—"

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

My head snaps is around at the sound of the unexpected voice. "Christian!"

"I see you couldn't resist a somewhat impulsive stroll through the orchards, either?" he asks, more rhetorically than anything else. "The scent of apples is truly luscious this time of year."

"Erm... yes...!" I manage to squeak out, shoving my right hand behind my back. "Smells like apple juice!"

Christian's brow quivers ever so slightly at my slightly random — and obviously unexpected — comparison.

But I'm too busy coordinating with Drake to get the signet ring shoved back onto my hand while trying to palm the flash drive off to him without dropping either in the process. As both outcomes would lead to some very awkward conversations!

I feel the warmth of the metal slide onto the index finger of my hand (Drake had probably ascertained that the circumference of the band was too large for my pinky), and I'm finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.

Embarrassing conversation, narrowly averted!

Drake uses the opportunity to extract the flash drive from my hand as well, dropping the device casually into his pocket as he moves to the side of me. "She ain't wrong."

"No," concedes Christian, eying the two of us for a second longer than strictly necessary. "She rarely is."

"So, umm... Are you hiding from the paps as well?" I ask in a bid to diffuse the growing tension in the air.

"No, I came looking for you, actually," he corrects, taking a step forward. "I saw you slip into the orchard, and thought it prudent to follow you."

"Oh?" I say, feeling my stomach tighten again. "Worried I might get lost?"

"I was hoping to catch you alone," he corrects, coming to a stop in front of me.

I swallow tightly as I see him glance over at Drake.

Please don't fight... Please don't fight...

Christian's gaze reverts to me. "But I suppose it is convenient for Drake to happen to be here as well."

My heart skips an uncomfortable beat. "It is?"

"Yes," he affirms. "I have received some news that you'll both be interested in hearing."

"Well, don't keep us in fuckin' suspense, then..." drawls Drake... but there is a noticeable edge to his voice.

I try to reach discretely out to brush my fingers against his, to reassure him that come what may, we'll get through it together, that—

"We found Tariq."

Christian's words hit me like a kick to the chest. The breath explodes out of me so forcefully that I am actually forced to take a step back in a bid to maintain my balance as the apple trees descend into a spin around me.

No way...

"Where?"

Drake's voice floats across the edge of my awareness. And even in my spaced-out state, I can feel the weight of the cold, calculated fury infused into that single word.

No corner... No mercy.

"Dubai," replies Christian, who also sounds like he's miles away. "He—"

But Drake's already spun away. "Send me the coordinates."

The story continues in Chapter 17 - Coming Soon!

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[chvoswxtch]

Firstly, MA’AM NO you are not an idiot, tumblr is crazy dumb and eats asks all the time!

Secondly, shiiiiiit that fic got me messed up in the best way possible! 🫢 angry Matt is just 😏 dragging reader up by the throat? 🤤 the line “if he could just make it to heaven tonight he could leave hell behind” was powerful! And the safe word being Red of all things? Amazing. Reader being so gentle with him afterwards? 🥺 Double amazing. And don’t even get me started on the sensory overload part! That happens to me and it’s awful. “The Matt Whisperer” was great too! Thank you for writing this! 😘😘

The other request was much less sad 😅 reader and Matt are being goofs and playing “hide n seek and chase” in his stupidly large apartment and reader is really confident in their ability to hide and run from ‘blind’ Matty but Matt’s got the heightened senses thing going for him and maybe Matt’s taunting reader and saying… things… to get reader flustered? 🙃😬🙃

AHHHHH i'm so glad you enjoyed it nonnie 🥺 I totally feel you on that. I get sensory overload all the time with my anxiety and it is literally one of the worst feelings ever and makes me wanna bang my head against a wall. thank you so much for the request!

and thank you for this one too! I was like 99% sure that's what the request was for and I had already started writing it but then I couldn't find it and I panicked and was like WAIT FUCK WHAT WAS IT. so AGAIN, I hope this is what you were looking for. this one is a little bit shorter bc my brain just no worky worky lately but if you'd like a part 2 or anything please let me know! I just really wanted to get this out bc I promised at least 3 posts for my little celebration thingy so thank you again so much for the requests! ❤️

warning: contains explicit sexual content. as always, minors please dni. if you'd like to read this lovely nonnie's other req, you can find it here. ✨ word count: 2k

[part two]

hide & seek.

It had started off as a joke initially. You and Matt were a few beers and tequila shots deep at Josie’s, which always had you feeling more brave and confident than usual. It also brought out your competitive side, which is how you ended up taunting the devil and boastfully striking up a bet that he couldn’t catch you in a game of hide and seek. Matt’s brows had ridden considerably up his forehead in surprise, his head cocked to the side as he studied you with that goddamn smirk curling at the edge of his mouth in a beckoning manner, clearly amused that you were serious.

You should’ve known better. Matt was extremely competitive by nature, but when he was challenged and had something to prove? Not even God could stand in his way. He also had the advantage of his heightened senses, which put you having regular sight to shame. The man could literally tell when you were lying about how many cups of coffee you had actually had that day, when you changed your shampoo or body wash even if it was a subtle difference, and most of the time opened the door before you even had a chance to raise your fist to knock because he could hear you coming from three blocks away. That’s not even counting all the times he had caught you before you had a chance to trip over whatever you had missed in your path, or a curb that surely hadn’t always been there. He told you once that he could find you anywhere in the world, just by your scent alone, and you believed him. So why had you agreed to this? 

Oh. That’s right. Because of the stakes. Matt had a few rules for your little game. One, you had to play in the dark. To make it fair, he had insisted. Two, you would play in the safety of his apartment, which you argued was another unfair advantage. But you knew it almost as well as he did at this point, and it was spacious and away from…prying eyes. Because rule number three? You’d both be playing naked. He hadn’t even attempted to make up an excuse for that rule. He strictly wanted you naked so that it would be easier to claim his prize. 

The game was simple. If you won, Matt had to take you away for a weekend to a secluded cabin upstate. No daredeviling. No distractions. No clothes. Just the two of you, a hot tub, an actual tub, a fireplace, and a very large bed. If Matt won, you agreed to let him tie you up and deprive you of some of your senses, and let him see just how many times he could make you come in one night. Needless to say you both won either way, and you were nearly positive Matt would win. But, that didn’t mean you weren’t going to make him earn his victory. 

You tampered with the thermostat, trying to find a temperature just in the right space between cold and warm to make sure you weren’t shivering or sweltering. You showered with Matt’s shampoo and body wash, hoping it would throw him off your scent a bit. Trying to tame your excitement and nerves, you helped yourself to two double shots of tequila, hoping it would dull your heartbeat to a more inconspicuous pace. There were still a few hours left before Matt promised to be home from patrol, giving you a head start on finding a hiding spot without him hearing your every movement. He tried to make it fair, as fair as he could anyway, when you both knew the inevitable outcome. A part of you felt ridiculous, trying to hide from the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen himself, knowing exactly what he was capable of. But a bigger part of you was excited for the exact same reason. 

With just an hour to spare, you made sure to pace every square inch of Matt’s apartment, leaving your intermingling scents in as many spaces as possible to buy yourself some more time. Even though you had all but accepted your defeat, you didn’t want it to be over so quickly. After all, the chase was the aphrodisiac leading up to all the fun. You had settled on hiding in a cabinet beside the stove in the kitchen just wide enough for you to fit in that was close to a closet containing the water heater, hoping that would help conceal your body temperature. It was a spot you figured would be the last on Matt’s list to look, and it would get him on his knees. A win-win for you.

Matt shut the door to the roof that led down into the apartment a little louder than usual to signal to you wherever you were that he was home. You could faintly hear him shedding his boots, gloves, and suit as they were discarded on the worn wooden steps behind him. You tried your hardest not to let your heart run wild as silence filled your ears, hoping the noise of the water heater would drown you out just a little bit. You couldn’t hear Matt moving around, and you momentarily regretted your choice in hiding spots since you couldn’t see him. Although, that might have made it worse for you. If you could see him coming closer, your heartbeat would no doubt give you away. 

“Showered with my stuff, huh? Clever girl. But do you really think that’s going to save you, sweetheart? You really think you can outsmart the Devil?”

You had to close your eyes as Matt’s coarse voice cut through the silence. Matt knew how much of an effect his voice had on you, especially when he used his Daredevil voice. You didn’t even have to confess it. He had figured it out one night, while you were at Josie’s with Foggy and Karen, playing a game of pool on opposing teams. He had been teasing you relentlessly the entire night, his flirtatious comments getting more and more obscene to see just how far he could push you until you were begging him to drag you into the bathroom and fuck you shamelessly right there. Ever since that night, he used that knowledge to his advantage, making them a permanent part of foreplay.

“It’s cute you know, that you think you have a chance. Can’t say I don’t admire your efforts. But we both know I’m going to get what I want. Don’t we angel?”

His words sent a chill down your spine, and you instantly regret not making a rule of your own that Matt wasn’t allowed to talk. You couldn’t tell if he was actually having a hard time figuring out where you were hiding and was trying to get you worked up so he could draw you out that way, or if he was just genuinely enjoying fucking with you. Knowing him, it was the latter. Matt loved to tease you. He loved to get you needy for him, adored the way his name rolled off your tongue as you begged for mercy or more.

“C’mon sweetheart, don’t you wanna skip to the good part? Don’t you wanna let me make you feel good? If you give up now, I’ll have you coming in two minutes, tops. I promise.”

Squeezing your eyes shut tightly, you clamped your hand over your mouth as a shudder wracked through you. He wasn’t lying. You both knew that. There had been plenty of times you’d had to pry him away, hopelessly trying to warn him that Foggy and Karen would be back any second, or that you were already ridiculously running late. But he would just flash you that signature devilish grin, roll up his sleeves or set you up on the closest surface, sometimes getting on his knees, and whisper a promise into your ear. Two minutes, angel. The memories flooding through your head had you pressing your thighs together, and you heard him chuckle darkly.

“Hm, I see you’re considering my offer. Or rather, I can smell it, I should say. Oh sweetheart, if you only knew what I had planned for you tonight. You’d be giving up without hesitation. Maybe I should give you a little preview, hm? Would you like that, pretty girl?”

You hated how cocky he sounded. The fucker knew exactly what he was doing. He was pulling out all the stops, using every pet name he knew you loved, lowering his voice even deeper than you thought possible. You could faintly hear him moving around, avoiding all the spots in the floor that creaked or groaned under weight to keep his location from you. His voice was never far though, and that made you nervous. Was he even looking for you? Or had he already found you, and was waiting for you to give up?

“First things first, one of us is going to be on our knees. Who’s first, all depends on you. See, if you surrender and promise you’ve learned your lesson, I’ll be on my knees first. I won’t tease, won’t make you wait. I’ll bury my face in that sweet cunt of yours until you come, and reward you like the good girl I know you can be. And you know that won’t be the only time tonight my face will be between those pretty thighs. You know how much I love the way you taste, sweetheart. But, if you continue to be stubborn, and make me come get you, then I’m going to fuck that little throat of yours until you’ve learned not to taunt the Devil.”

You bit back a moan as hard as you could, pressing your thighs even tighter together. Another low snicker tore through the silence, and you could feel your wetness coating your inner thighs. It made even more sense now why Matt wanted you to play naked. He didn’t want anything coveting the scent of your arousal. He wanted the pure experience of it. No textures of fabric or other scents in the way. Just you, and what he was doing to you.

He knew exactly where you were. There’s no way he didn’t. You had no clue if he had figured it out the second he stepped into the apartment but continued to go along with your little game, or if he figured it out the second he started talking. It didn’t matter either way. He knew, and you had a choice to make. You could come quietly, give in and give him what he wanted, and revel in the fact you knew he would take it easy on you tonight for your cooperation. Or, you could continue to be defiant, force him to find you, and deal with the delectable consequences knowing he would really let you have it tonight.

If you didn’t get to have what you wanted, why should he?

A few moments of silence passed as Matt waited for you to make your decision. A sinister tsk tsk tsk echoed in the quiet when you refused to move from your spot. The sound caused a grin to spread across your face.

“So that’s how you wanna play tonight? Alright, sweetheart. Just remember, you asked for this.”

There was a warning laced in Matt’s words, and it only made the slick between your thighs worse. You didn’t bother trying to steady your heartbeat anymore, allowing it to thud in your chest as you waited in anticipation. Your brows furrowed slightly as seconds ticked by in silence. You couldn’t hear Matt moving around at all, and your mind raced with possibilities of what he was doing. A squeal of surprise sounded from you as the cabinet door was suddenly ripped open, revealing crouched down on his knees in front of you. The obnoxious billboard outside the apartment window was glowing red, and the crimson shadow it cast over Matt’s face and the way it illuminated the downright wicked grin on his lips made you squirm. 

Maybe you should have given in.

[lostbetweenvampiresandmusic]

Hi there! I was wondering if you could do a Harley Quinn and poly! Lost boys. She could be the Emerson’s sister or cousin that came with them and she meets the boys who are just as crazy as she is? Also, I hope you have an amazing day/night! 💕

This was tricky to write!😅 I hope you like it!😘

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

'Just two more hours', Sam thought quietly as he looked out the window. 'Two more hours and you can get out of the car, away from her. Away from her "dog" - which was definitely not a dog. Two more hours and you can relax again.'

He sighed softly, looking at his mother, before focusing on the outside world again. On the backseat was his older brother, Michael. A nice guy, maybe a bit of a need to be the toughest man around, but nice to pretty much everyone he met. Next to him sat the dog-like creature, or Bruce. As she called him.

And then there was her. His sister. His sister that had run away from home to become a doctor - which always confused Sam, seeing she was only twenty-one and could never have finished any medical school in three years. His sister Harleen, who had always been his favourite, that had now turned completely insane.

He remembered the day she showed up at home. Her once blonde hair now painted red and black. Tears streaming down her face, as she cried about "her puddin'" or whatever the hell it was. Lucy, ever the good mother, had immediately let her in, welcoming her home again. Ignoring the changes in style. The sudden paleness that made you winder what happened to her. The sudden change in voice, in manners. Harleen was gone. Dead, if you will. It was Harley now. Harley Quinn, as she proudly said.

"Mr. J really hated him, ya know?"

Sam hadn't bothered to listen, and just hummed a response. "Yeah?"

"Mom, when are we there?"

"Almost," Lucy said, a nervous smile on her face. At first she hadn't realised it. She was just glad to have her daughter back. But as time passed, and the divorce was moved further on down the road, she too noticed that her daughter was acting strange. Weird. Lucy had caught her throwing knifes at the picture of her former boyfriend. Threatening to kill the neighbour if he didn't stop mowing the lawn at eleven in the morning when she was still asleep. Lucy had tried to write it off, tried to see it as a side effect of the large changes in Harleen - Harleys' - life. But, as they drove into Santa Carla and she had heard her daughter talk the way she did over the course of five hours... She knew she had lost what daughter she once had.

"Bruce! Come to mama!" Harley practically squealed as she jumped out of the car, her dog - or Hyena as Sam now realised - grinning madly. "I'm going to the boardwalk, dips on the biggest room!"

With those words she ran off, skipping down the street.

"Mom, she's crazy," Michael yawned as he woke up. "I don't know what that Mr. J guy did to her, but she's a complete maniac."

"I know, Michael... But she's my daughter. She's no danger to us."

"For now."

"Well," Lucy sighed, "Let's hope it stays that way."

The boardwalk was - as Harley had hoped - a wonderful place of chaos. People everywhere, guys trying to act tough, kids running around. She grinned - yes, this was definitely a good place for a fresh start. Away from Joker - that bloody pig had actually left her this time, and she was done with it. This was the last time she'd let him control her life. Here, in Santa Carla, she would become a whole new her. She will uld built heron crime imperium, become infamous once again - The Clown Queen of Crime had a nice ring to it, right? With a confident smile she walked up to a foodstand, unclasping Bruce's collar. "Now listen to mommy," she said softly, a grin on her face. "No biting. Just scaring. Got it?"

Bruce ran off into the crowds, his laughterlike bark startling most of the visitors. People started to scream, running left and right - and all Harley could do was grin as she took advantage of it. Some food for later. A new coat, some shiny new bracelets and a wonderful bat. She ran into a back alley, whistling for her hyena, before leaving the boardwalk.

"Who's a good boy?" she squealed, hugging her pet - laughing as he licked her. "There ya go!" She handed him some meat, not bothering to watch as he ate it. Instead she was quiet, looking at a group of boys not to far in the distance. Two boys, a girl that seemed to be struggling. Normally - back in Gotham - she wouldn't have bothered. All she had foolishly cared about was Mr. J, and maybe Ivy on a very good day. But here, now? She was pissed.

She stalked up to the two guys, softly tapping the tallest of them on the shoulder. "What the fuck do you want, girly?"

"Me?" Harley smiled innocently, "well, mister, I just wanted to have some fun tonight."

"We can help you with that," the other chuckled, giving the girl that was being bothered by them a chance to run.

"I sure hoped so!"

Within seconds Harley was on them. Her bat flinging through the sky like a lightning bolt, hitting them left and right, kicking them, biting, grabbing - and all that while laughing. It didn't take long before Harley was covered in blood, till the two boys laid there lifelessly, beaten black and blue.

Harley brushed some hair out of her face, as she picked one of the bodies up. "You boys were very naughty," she said, "maybe now you'll learn."

"Nice show."

Harley turned around, staring at four men. A bleach blonde one, staring at her in a way that made her insides melt.

"Who the fuck are you?"

"I'm David. These are Dwayne, Paul and Marko."

"Hm."

"You got some skills."

Harley shrugged. "Nah, they pissed me off."

"You got a name?"

"You hear that, Bruce?" Harley giggled, grinning as Bruce made his way to her, "If I have a name?" She snorted, causing her to laugh even more. "What was that? Oh well-" she looked at Bruce before sighing and standing up. "I'm Harley. Harley Quinn."

"Well, Harley," David grinned, "care to go for a ride?"

She grinned, her teeth bared. "Let's have some fun!"

[incepstla]

hi kiran! sorry for a little absence! 🙇‍♀️ I hope that you've been well!

I started watching Demon Slayer! I've only seen the first few episodes but you were right, the visuals are great and the story immediately sucked me in. I think I finished the "introduction" part so I'm interested where the story will go now. who are your favs so far? 👀

I've been reading bnha for a long time now and my interest in it has died down lately but I still try to keep up with the story, so much is happening there right now! I've only watched the anime of jjk, how are you enjoying the manga? the spoilers I've seen so far seem interesting but I didn't have enough time to check it out yet. and given is great!! although I'm a bit conflicted about the latest chapters 😔

my main fav at the moment is bungo stray dogs! I also love all types of sports anime/manga although I'm not really interested in any sports in real life haha. I like learning the rules of different sports. in general, I like reading mangas about different topics and learn new things through them. for example, I'm reading one about ballet and it's so interesting, I've had 0 knowledge about ballet before I picked this manga up. I think it's a fun way of discovering new things, especially since the main characters are usually newbies in their topics as well so you get to learn along with them.

I've seen that you both make edits and write fics! what do you enjoy the most?

have a great weekend! — secret santa 🎅

Hi Santa!! 💖

I’ve been good just been a bit busy with getting some stuff for Christmas. Ahh it’s okay!! I was getting a bit worried hoping everything was okay on your end! 🥺💖

Yeah the visuals, looks, and colours are some of the best I’ve been in a while. I also love the themes of it! Ahhh I’m so glad you started watching it! And are enjoying it so far! It gets even better by the end of season 1 and Mugen train (canon movie that follows)! As for faves ohhh I really love Giyuu he just has my heart 😭😭 but I also like Shinobu, Kyojuro (both appear later) and Zenitsu! (I find him kinda hilarious). I also have a soft spot for Tanjiro. Do you have any characters you like so far? That’s understandable! That’s happened with me for a few series I know it’s sad when that happens 😭 I actually wasn’t entirely happy with the pacing of the latest season of bnha and I heard some people say it was more fleshed out in the manga so thats why I started reading it hoping my opinion changes a bit. As for jjk I’m currently reading the chapters that flesh out Gojo as a character and I’m enjoying it so far, because that’s what I wanted for him. Luckily I’ve only seen one spoiler, but I know things are going to be hectic so I hope I still enjoy it when I’m finally caught up to the latest chapter. I’ve been conflicted too about the lastest arc of Given 😅😅 it’s like hum yeah I still don’t know how I feel. Doesn’t give me the same warm feeling Given usually makes me feel.

That sounds interesting! I’ve been looking to get into that 👀 and that’s nice!! Do you have any fave sports anime? That’s understandable I don’t care about sports irl either except if there’s a World Cup or something haha but I get the appeal of sports anime! I think it’s nice you learn that way, cause I think these type of anime not only makes you learn and watch these characters grow but it’s nice to see the competitiveness nature of them, rival relationships. Especially characters I care about (Rin and Haru’s dynamic from Free for instance). That being said I haven’t had the chance to see a lot of Sports anime but I do enjoy Free! A lot. For those precise reasons.

Ahh I do!! I would say I love both depends on my mood but I like making edits slightly more. Only because with fics I’m a one trick pony (and the slowest writer xD) I have to be really invested in a fandom to write fics. Whereas for edits I have a good time making them even for fandoms I’m more casual in.

I did! Hope this week is going well for you! Take care. 💖

[chelleztjs18]

Hello you Mrs. Lefty eyebag Dark chocolate, Naan bread and rice dishes eater lover of pine tree smells and mother of a spoiled but probably amazing child. 😅

Yes, I had to take a deep breath to say all that, so it can make sense hahaha

That's cute, you're getting your dream house haha does it even snow in Oklahoma? Or get really cold? I bet the fire was beautiful to watch. I enjoy watching fire and hearing the crackling of the wood.

Also that's a great tradition you guys are doing, especially collecting Christmas ornaments from places. Would you ever start like a little Christmas village thing? I love the picture with the train under the tree! It is so pretty and magical looking.

Hopefully when you guys travel it won't be hectic since it is the holiday season. Imagine you guys get to CA and you bump into Elizabeth Olsen..😌

I am jealous of Emily. She gets a drum set and a bike! Hahaha are you ready for the music making she will do with the drums. One year I gave my niece a mini piano, her parents didn't want to take it home with them cause apparently it will be too noisy. I told them, that she needs it to learn how to play so she can be a famous pianist and support me when I retire hahahaha.

Hm no royal blue is a bit darker than the dodger blue I think 🤔

Reading all about indian food and sandwiches is making me hungry. I might go out to get a good sandwich from somewhere hahaha

Ok ok. What do you call a potato with gas? A tater toot. Ahahahaha🤣🤣🤣

Same same, I would fly too. After seeing pictures of what could be in the ocean, I noped myself out of being in the water.

Would you rather have an annoying high pitched voice or a deep manly voice?

-CuriousGeorge

Hello hello youuu! Hahaha. Oh geez, im glad u caught ur breath back after u call my long nickname.hahaha.

Sorry i was writing then i got tired n fell asleep. I woke up n went to the store so Em can make toll house cookies from scratch after i make dinner.. n i had dinner, then baked the cookie and i just sat.

Hows ur day?

Guess what? I'm allergic to pine tree😅 i just noticed it last night n today. I never cough n sneeze that bad but last night n today i cough and wheezing pretty bad, eyes were watery. It sucks.

Well, this is really not my dream house. I want a simple house with a few extra rooms but mainly hugeee kitchen with full bar and backyard or acres of property that's big enough to have a shooting range or archery range and batting cage to hit some baseball and i want it to be located with no neighbors or a few neighbors thats not too close to my house hahaha. But not too far in country side n not too far from the downtown or the city. So it will be quite but not too much in the middle of nowhere. N i dont have to struggle to break the ice or small talk with the neighbors. 😅🤣 i told u im weird.

Sometimes it snows here. It was snowing last week but not too much but yeah it gets really cold here.. It has tornado seasons too.haha.

Yeah we like to collect them. Maybe when we have more space n em is older i will start buying the village..haha. oh i also like to collect fridge magnet from whereever we travel.

Hahha i wish.. i dont know what i would do or how i would be if i see her. I froze n speechless when i met sally and jack from nightmare before christmas in disneyland, imagine how i would be if i see her 😅🤣

One of my friend sometimes go to the fancy supermarket Lizzie always go,, so he has a chance to see her but he doesnt even know her..he thought she is one of the designer twins. I was like dude?🤦‍♀️ hahahhaha.

Haha im not ready for the noise of the drum when em gets it, but i have to tolerate that. I was in 2 bands in junior high . I played drum n guitar. I want her gets used to musical instrument, i actually hope she plays cello someday. It's one of my favorite instrument.😅 or at least classical piano.

Haha thats very sweet n nice of u to give the piano for ur niece. Imagine someday she becomes a professional pianist.

Ah okay i think i kinda know how royal blue is. Its good color.

Omg, thats sooo funny.. tater toot 🤣🤣🤣🤣 more more more!

Yeah, thats why im not really a big fan of swimming, it scares me even sometimes in swimming pool scares me.haha. i still couldnt believe that i actually snorkled a few times 😅🤣

Oh also here is the picture of my favorite chocolates. Coincidencely all 5 of them are in one same row.haha.

Also, here is another of my favorites

The lindt lindor was the one was telling u.

I would choose deep manly voice.. high pitch voice annoys me, im kinda sensitive with noise, so it will be bad if i hv a voice that bothers me.🤣

Next question?

Cheerio!