#and then perhaps posting my treat ... we will see 💕

[truethes]

excitedly have gotten my drafts under 10 between both of my blogs ... this is a personal achievement.

[eclecticmiasma]

Hello! Good evening!

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Mithrun and I had a small scenario pop up in my head, and it would be lovely to see your vision on how this would play out, please and thank you 💕:

AFAB!Elf!reader is a member of the canaries, very soft spoken and rather kind. The nicest, most likely. Against her better judgement she’s down bad for the captain and everyone else is like “pls no I’d rather you not”. (She can fix him/jk)

Mithrun realizes she has feelings for him and in a very subtle way treats her a little more gentle than the others. Lets her spoil him a tiny bit more. Listens to her a bit more.

Reader can only hope one day maybe…just maybe…the captain can show a little interest in her too 🥺 and is oblivious that he lets her get away with a little more than others

Just very soft feelings all over

I won't spoil it for those who haven't read the manga, but there are instances where we see Mithrun treat Kabru rather favorably and opening up in great detail about his past. In a side story, we also see that younger Mithrun cared for the other canaries quite a bit. I imagine that even without his desires, Mithrun would appreciate care shown to him in his own Mithrun-y way.

SFW

Mithrun might be adverse to you at first, because when he really looks inward you remind him of his younger self.

However, Mithrun would soon come to see that you don't have the same...pitfalls in your personality that brought him where he is today. He might even come to somewhat admire your ability to stay genuinely kind in a world like theirs.

The other canaries start to notice that you have a much easier time getting their leader to take an ounce of care in his own well-being than any of them ever have. Some of them think it's entertaining while others (Pattadol) think the favoritism is unnacceptable.

Cithis might tease him about it if you aren't around, "We don't want to worry poor [y/n] by getting all dehydrated now, do we captain?"

Even the mention of your name is enough to motivate Mithrun, though you remain completely unaware. In your mind, the captain regards you as nothing more than a subordinate.

You don't notice the way his good eye trains on you as you talk about life before the canaries. You don't realize how fast he falls asleep when you're near. The magnitude of the fact that one night he voluntarily tells you a story about when he and his brother were children slips by you completely.

Pattadol is the only one to ever bring it up to you directly, and you truly have no idea what she's talking about. None of the others help her either, preferring to sit back and watch how her face reddens with frustration.

Mithrun isn't oblivious to the situation, however. He knows that there's something about you that...calms him, at the very least. He's sharp enough to know that you feel the same way about him, perhaps even stronger.

He likes having you around. It's not something he wants when you're gone, but it's something he enjoys while you're there. Because he knows you have some type of feelings for him, he indulges you at every turn. He even lets you wash his back and massage the scarred tissue built at the tips of his ears- though you're terribly relieved he can't see the heat rising on your cheeks as you do so.

One day, long long after the dungeoneering is done, perhaps you might even be able to help Mithrun find his desires, find himself again.

*do not post elsewhere without explicit permission. please consider reblogging, as Tumblr tends to hide adult content!

[RULES] [MASTERLISTS] [AO3] [KO-FI]

[catziraphale]

Hello, beautiful 💕 I've nothing to ask, so no need to answer, it's not meant to be work for you, just a nice hello and some pats and treats. We are all so much the better for your sweet company around these parts and I'm very grateful for you. I hope you are being treated well and cared for and that everything is going, well, tickety-boo for you. Here, and offline as well. Wishing you a nice sunbeam and some little, oily fishes. Or whatever it is you like best. 🐟 Ttfn!

Ah, hello! 🩵 I do hope it's all right to reply (publicly) anyway, if only so that everyone who stumbles upon this post will see the Kindness 🤍 What a lovely message to send to a silly soft cat; I am ever so grateful that you made me feel so appreciated! 🖤🩶🤍 Like most cats (and a number of autistic humans), I tend to keep my distance out of worry that I might overstep some boundaries, but I'd like you to know that I appreciate you as well 🩵🩵🩵

All of you 💗

To everyone who sees this post: could you, perhaps, let me know if you wouldn't mind me sending you random Asks occasionally?

Thank you so much for this not-Ask, my dear, and wishing you your equivalent of the nicest sunbeam and little, oily fishes!!!

[therentyoupay]

hi kris!!!! as a longtime Jelsa shipper, have you noticed a shift in the random over the past 10+ years? esp as a writer? has the fandom lessened? is Jelsa still as popular?

HI NONNY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUESTION.

long story, short: yes and no! i could honestly write a whole essay on this. 🤣 perhaps one day i will come back and reblog this and add some more definitive thoughts when i have the time 💕💕💕💕💕

for now, i can say that (1) while there are definitely ebbs and flows to any fandom/any ship, and although ship wars/fandom!in-fighting/policing definitely fluctuate and change shape but typically persevere in one form or another... (2) at the end of the day, you can always find at least one peaceful, positive corner of the internet for pretty much any community 💕✨

i don't have any concrete metrics or data re: jelsa fandom stats (e.g., "activity" in terms of the number of fics/fanart/posts/metas/commentaries/headcanons/theories/etc., "population" lol however defined) that we might try to use to operationally define how "active/big" a fandom might be at any given time, but based on nothing but pure personal, anecdotal experience: although activity fluctuates, inevitably, jelsa has been a pretty steady ship! off the top of my head, i can think of a few key "boosts" in which activity really ramped up... for example, we saw a boost in activity during the frozen ii release, unsurprisingly lol, and certainly, another boost now with @callimara's ✨unhinged✨ video, resulting in our #kriscallicollab madness, more than you know, which has been SO AMAZING and inspiring and exciting and HEART-SQUEEZING to witness and to be a part of. 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🙏🙏🙏💕 overall, there's always new jelsa community activity each year! and remember, i also took a 3-ish-year on-again-off-again break from tumblr during the pandemic and the start of my ph.d. program and Life Activity, so i also missed out on a pretty active jelsa-tumblr time period too! like, nowadays, there are plenty of times i see a jelsa art or graphic on my dash made from 2019/2020/2021 that i've never seen before and it's like a special surprise treat 😂😂💕

it's also been very cool to see so many members of our OG community still enjoying life in the jelsa tag, or replying/commenting/liking posts and leaving comments on fics, or creating new art and fic, after so many years 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 so many beautiful, lifelong friendships have been forged through this ship! likewise, there are so many newcomers or lurkers-turned-active-members and new community members that we've been able to meet in just the last few months alone, which is so exciting and really inspiring 💕💕💕 there's just a lot of respect—regardless of newness-or-OGness, generations (e.g., the Elder Millennials and Gen X-ers and Gen Z-ers)—going in a lot of different directions, and that, luckily, is something that has stayed pretty consistent in the jelsa fandom for over a decade 🥹🥹🥹💕💕💕✨✨

not sure how "popular" it is compare to other ships, though, i've never thought about it! 😂 that bit doesn't matter 💕 just happy to still be here and enjoying our hobbies and creation and community, as ever 💕💕💕💕💕

THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUESTION NONNY, HAVE AN AMAZING DAY ✨

[starsurface]

Hello!! Hope this isn't a bother again adhshdh- can I request Little!Lord Raiden with CG!Shao Kahn (headcanon or fic; you can choose)? Perhaps they were arguing or something but then Lord Raiden slipped into littlespace ,,, thank you have a good day! 😊💕

-🦈

It isn't a bother at all!! :D

I don't know how to put that special link that sends you to the fic without not being allowed to do the reply, but here's the link to my AO3 where it's posted:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/54094063

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

CG Shao Kahn w/ Little Lord Raiden (Fic)

"Ah Lord Raiden, you wished to see me?" Shao Kahn smirked as the God teleported into his throne room.

"You know exactly what you did!" Raiden glared at the man. . . Dragon thing.

Lord Raiden really didn't feel like having this conversation. Every so often Shao Kahn would attempt to do something to just push the boundaries that Mortal Kombat set into place.

Which meant every so often, Lord Raiden and Shao Kahn need to have a talk.

It was irritating, exactly what Shao Kahn's plans wanted. To irritate their God, to distract him long enough, to get his followers to worry.

And it worked every time.

"Oh?" Shao Kahn acted confused. "Whatever do you mean by that, Lord Raiden?"

He said his title so patronizing, Raiden hated the way he said it. Shao Kanh never respected his title as Lord, he just used it to get under his skin.

And goodness did it work getting under his skin.

He didn't want to have this conversation. he hadn't regressed in almost three full weeks, he felt on the verge of breaking down. But breaking down in front of someone who would exploit such a vulnerable state of his? use it against him? Raiden didn't want to chance it.

And yet here he was, chancing it.

"Pushing the rules of Mortal Kombat? You're just as bad as Shang Tsung," Raiden tisked.

Shao Kahn laughed, "Just as bad? Lord Raiden, the little weakling works for me. Without me, he'd be nothing!"

". . . You want me to call you worse, don't you?"

"I mean, I am, aren't I?" Shao Kahn said proudly. "You wish for me to remove my troops from your border, yes? Well technically, they haven't done anything wrong-"

"You and I both know what your plans are, Shao Kahn," Raiden cut him off. "Putting your troops there is only an attempt to prompt war. We have seen your spies in Earthrealm territory so remove your fleet or I will-

"What? Consult with the Elder Gods?" Shao Kahn groaned, Raiden fumbled slightly. "Yes, yes, you and your precious Elder Gods. Always guiding you, telling you what to do. Geez, can't a God think for himself once in a while?"

Now that struck a nerve. Raiden could make his own decisions, Shao Kahn had no right treating him like some child!

Unfortunately, Shao Kahn noticed how bothered Raiden seemed by the comment.

"Oh I see, so the little God can't make his own decisions!" Shao Kahn taunted. "Always having to go running to his little mommies and daddies, huh?"

"Listen here, Shao Kahn-"

"No you listen, Raiden. How can I expect to fight a war with someone who cannot even lead? If you cannot even make your own decisions by yourself, what right do you have to be a God? The Elder Gods could tell you to destroy Earthrealm to save the Realms and you'd do it!" Shao Kahn laughed. "How are you any better than I? Following those useless being."

Lord Raiden fell silent. Shao Kahn's words hurt, stinging badly in his mind. He could make his own decisions. He didn't always consult with the Elder Gods! Sometimes it was his brother, o-or Liu Kang-

But he made decisions himself too!! He did, he really did! He doesn't listen to everything the Elder Gods tell him to . . . And he wouldn't hurt others if they told him to either. He- He wouldn't.

All these big thoughts hurt Raiden's brain. He had already felt so small before coming here. Sure he was expecting a verbal battle, but not out right insults.

Shao Kahn smiled at Raiden's silence, "Awh, is the little God going to cry?"

And Raiden didn't want to admit it, but that's exactly what he began to do.

Shao Kahn froze as he heard a small sniffle. And very quickly, those small sniffles turned into quiet crying.

Raiden hide his face with his hat, very much not wanting to be here right now.

Shao Kahn sat frozen on his throne before quickly ordering his guards away. His guards, knowing better than to question or bring the experience up, left with no words.

Shao Kahn finally came down from his throne, making Raiden freak out and stumble backwards. He fell to the ground with a cry, his own sobs only becoming louder.

"Lord . . Raiden?" Shao Kahn asked caciously. "What's going on?"

Raiden hiccuped, covering his own mouth and turning away. Shao Kahn knelt down, gently grabbing his hands.

The fear in Raiden's eyes normally would have made him laugh, but right now he only felt a sort of pitty.

"Don't cover your mouth like that, it'll make it difficult to breathe," Shao Kahn said, letting Raiden's hand go.

""m not- Not crying!" Raiden mumbled, trying to dry his tears.

"I see . . . I never meant to upset you this much," Shao Kahn mumbled. "I can remove my troops if they bother you that much."

Raiden gave a small nod, sniffling slightly. He felt embarrassed, sitting on the ground with his enemy, practically sobbing. And over something childish as being ridiculed.

"I have never seen you this upset before," Shao Kahn said carefully. "Have my insults bothered you that much?"

". . . Not usually, just feel. . small-"

"Like, your minds all fuzzy small?" Shao Kahn asked, cutting Raiden off. "As if you're not your age small?"

"How-"

"I knew a few regressors," Shao Kahn brushed him off. It was true, his most loyal General, Kotal, regressed. "Tell me what upsets you. Rarely have I ever seen someone fall to the ground in tears . . . Without getting beat or utterly destroyed beforehand that is."

Raiden hesitated slightly. He didn't want to get caught up in Shao Kahn's lies or twisted tails. He knew the best thing to do was to teleport away, but he didn't trust his abilities while so tiny. Also Fujin said he couldn't use those abilities while small, and he didn't wanna break a rule.

"I can make my own decisions."

. . . Oh, was that all?

Shao Kahn wanted to laugh, but he knew better than to mess with Raiden when his mind his mind was so vulnerable.

Shao Kahn was many things, but he wasn't a monster.

. . . . . Eeeeeeeeeeeh?

Debatable, actually.

"I see," Shao Kahn nodded, standing up, offering out his hand. "Well I'm sorry for my choice of words. I never meant to . . . insult you . . that badly."

Raiden giggled as Shao Kahn's bad apology. It was clear he had meant to insult him. But perhaps not make him drop on spot.

"It's okay," Raiden said, hesitating before accepting Shao Kahn's hand. "The troops go bye bye?"

"Yes, the troops will go bye bye," Shao Kahn promised. "Now the question is, what in the Netherrealms do we do with you?"

". . . Do you wanna pattycake with me?"

Shao Kahn looked at Raiden almost insane.

Perhaps he was too small to see him as the threat he was. Or his childlike mind was taking over. But to play pattycake with the enemy? Shao Kahn never expected such an offer.

"Of course, I'll make sure the throne room stays closed."

He never really pulled the troop stunt again.

. . . Okay, maybe once or twice after the incident, but no more!!

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

[yenn-reads]

A new month, new favorite series. And this month it’s going to be spooky.

Where are all my monster fuckers?

I have some treats for you. I have to admit it was hard this time to decide on three stories and maybe some of you are a little disappointed not to see their favorite monsters. I'm 100% a vampire fucker. I always was and always will be. So there's a lot of them in here today.

But like always, if you have your own favorite, tell me in your reblog. Share all the vampires, werewolves, ghosts or whatever monster series you love!

These are mine:

The Pull

Vampire!Henry Cavill x OFC Rowena (💕🔥🌩, status: completed)

@sillyrabbit81 is one of my favorites. I don't think anything I've read by her has ever disappointed. But this one really needs more praise. The story of the Crown Prince of Vampires Henry and his mate Rowena is breathtaking. It is full of emotions and the plot will keep you hooked until you manage to read all 25 parts. And if that's not enough to draw you in, perhaps the cameo appearance of Werewolf! Alexander Skarsgard will make you read it. You definitely should!

Natural

Mikey (+Walter+August+Sherlock) x reader (💕🔥🌩, status: ongoing)

This is my all-time favorite supernatural story, ever! @raccoon-eyed-rebel built a world and a whole lore around this story that is absolutely spectacular. It's fun, it's romantic, it's heart-breaking, it's hot. And because she has the incredible talent to put more than just one Henry-shaped guy into a story and make it work, we get Mike, August, Walter and Sherlock to live with us. All of their characters are built so uniquely, you're going to love them all. So it's a good thing we're in a slowly developing reverse harem.

And because I'm an annoying little fan girl I got some glimpses and spoilers for it and let me tell you, @raccoon-eyed-rebel is going to give us some really good stuff for this one!

Worship

Hades (Geralt/August) x OFC Eliza (💕🔥🌩, status: completed)

Second post, second time I have @daydreaming-in-letters on my list. Though this wasn't intentionally, it's far from a mistake. Because she is a favorite writer of me for a reason. And her Hades-AU is my favorite of her stories. It's absolutely unique. As always @daydreaming-in-letters knows exactly how to build worlds and atmosphere with her words. Let her take you to the underworld. Get to know Hades. In his divine form or his human resemblance. He will take your breath away.

Take a look at those stories, read, reblog, talk about them. Every time I see someone of my mutuals reblog something I recommended, my heart fills with joy. And be sure, the heart of the writer feels the same.

By the way, sorry for shameless self promotion but I couldn't let that opportunity slip, if you still want more vampires, you could also take a look at my own series

[a-d-nox]

❄️❄️❄️

Hi 💕, I'm so excited for this game of yours, I've always cherished your insight into mythology. It'd be great if you delved a bit deeper into asteroid aspects or if you did interpretations about the future! But you do you, since it's what I adore from your blog. Keep it up love 💪🏻💓

❄️ I've moved countries and became a close friend of a lady who's the same ethnicity as my family, she treats me like a daughter and I love her so much. We met via another friend and we work at the same place and hang out a lot. Then, there's her son, whom I very much have a crush on, she introduced us and there's mutual respect and he's friendly with me, but reserved. And yet, I don't know if I'm making this up, maybe also attraction?? I'm gonna change apartments soon and it's in their neighborhood. My question is, is he interested in me so as to have a relationship?

Thank you so much in advance, and I wish you a happy Yuletide 🎄❤️🏔️❄️

gift no. 1

yes! i do have more mythical asteroid signs, degrees, houses, and aspects post coming out and sitting in my drafts - so definitely be on the look out.

two of cups: i feel like a mutually beneficial relationship could be between each other already? it could be as simple as you both being aware that you both like each other and flirting - it fills the emotional / ego's need for romantic validation. just you both being aware that you like each other seems to be enough. but->

moon rx: something feels a little off to me like perhaps you aren't seeing the connection all that clearly. i feel like if he is reserved then it is for a good reason. you don't want to risk a friendship for a possible connection. but if you feel confident that the feelings are mutual perhaps, the first step is talking to his mother. because that's the connection that was established first and foremost. you don't want her being uncomfortable with not having known the whole time that you liked her son before approaching him.

3 of pentacles rx: i get the feeling that he doesn't feel the connection is practical mainly because you work with his mother. he might also lack experience in this realm (whether it's general romantic experience or experience liking one of his mom's friends is unclear but i would lean more so towards the inexperience liking his mother's friends in a romantic way...).

shufflemancy: "run rudolph run" by chuck berry

-a.d.

[hangmanssunnies]

Oh my lord Alex. There are so many things to love about this piece. I am blown away. Just to start off, it was fantastic. A wonderful fic to read. And Bob!!!! was sooooo good!!!! I love the dimension and complexities that you brought to his character in this. He was still a soft sweet man, but he wasn't just a soft sweet man, which I appreciated so much.

I am so thankful anytime you share your writing for us to read because It is such a treat and it feels like a little surprise gift I’ve found anytime I see that you posted. Thank you for writing this, and thank you for continuing to pursue this gift you have for writing.

I've included some of my favorite parts below the cut.

The opening paragraph was literally chefs' kiss. Bob having a bit of a go at things as a teenager really pulled on my heartstrings. I also thought that it was a really interesting layer to add to his character, especially concerning drinking.

"It hardly seemed fair that he actually had so much to say, yet didn’t possess the ability to voice it. If people only knew how eloquent he had sounded in his head."

Oh my god, my sweet boy. I want to give him 1 million kisses, actually. I 100000% believe is a very very eloquent man in his head. And I am plenty ready to give him the time he wants or needs to explain himself and verbally reach that as well.

"The world had undoubtedly thrown a few wrenches in Bob’s path. Growing up he’d suffered a lot at the hands of his peers, not really knowing why they felt the need to pick on him in particular. In his mind he didn’t stand out much."

I am going to annihilate these people. HOW DARE THEY BULLY ROBERT. NO!!! UNACCEPTABLE.

Me @ Bobs Bullies. THEY CAN CATCH THESE HANDS ANY DAY OF THE WEEK. (Even and especially on a Tuesday) Also, Bob's internal self-consciousness and self-esteem issues, were so personal and well-written. You had me over here tearing up for sure. (I personally definitely think that he stands out and deserves all the love in the world.)

I am well aware that Bob is so smart. However, I appreciate you reminding us and reiterating that in this fic. I was reading, and when he said people brush him off I got so 😠🥺 and muttered out loud to myself how I would love to listen to that. AND THEN!!! *Pikachu* AS IF YOU HEARD ME!!! I didn't even really ask, and yet I received that validation in the next paragraphs.💕 I'm so happy Sunshine takes interest in Bobby and his job. Asking questions about niche topics your loved one cares about ... you mean a love language?

"And perhaps your soft sobs was what made him keep his confession close to his chest for just a while longer. If you didn’t know, and he didn’t make it home during the upcoming mission - at least you might not suffer too much from the loss of him. Better to lose a best friend than a lover right? That’s what Bob reasoned. "

BOB NO. 😠😠😠😠😠😠 I was upset with him. How can one beautiful man be so dumb but mostly silly? My heart hurtttttt. Also, so obviously very flawed logic. Phoenix, please come shake some sense into your WSO; thank you. <3

I did love too that we got to sit in the moment of despair and reflection when they first got back with Bob. Honestly, I feel like I don't see that little bit of time from Bob's POV very often. It was really interesting to consider and read.

Speaking of Phoenix... She is amazing. I know this Fic is about Bob. However, it would feel remiss not to also mention how much I love Natasha Trace. She is such a good pilot and such a good friend. Getting Bobby home safe, comforting him after the mission, making sure his girl is there when he gets home... I mean, she really is the MVP (Most valuable pilot). 1 million trillion hearts for Natasha.

Then they get home.... Here is where all coherent thoughts left the building. tieing her shoes and then the fact that he took them off for her later. OH BOY.OH WOW. I'VE SAID IT BEFORE ABOUT SHOES AND GLOVES.... BUT IT DRIVES ME INSANE, FERAL. I was targeted. And you straight up murdered me with those details. JUSTTHINKING ABOUT IT NOW TYPING THIS IM STARTING TO GO INSANE OVER IT AGAIN. THE WAY ROBBY WOULD LOOK WHILE TYING A SHOE IT TOO MUCH FOR MY FRAGILE HEART.

Their love confession killed me. It was beautiful. He is indeed a stupid, stupid silly silly man. And I love, adore, and crave him so so soooooo so much.

Me with this fic^

Thank you again for sharing this with us. <3 You did a great job. I can’t wait to read what ever amazing thing you have planned next.

best friend | bob floyd x f!reader

this fic is for @roosterforme 's Valentines Day challenge - #love is in the air tgm! for this fic I chose the song 'You're My Best Friend' by Queen - count on me to make the simpiest song on earth a smidge angsty!

disclaimer; as always with me - I set out to write fluff... and I have to go through the five stages of grief first apparently. this did not turn out quite like I first thought, but I hope you'll like it still! it does have a fluffy ending!

plot; bob has always known he needs you. but perhaps he needs you more than he himself knows?

warnings; fluff with a small preamble of angst, female!reader, no use of y/n, uranium mission, mentions of earlier overconsumption of alcohol, mentions of bloody nose, mentions of throwing up, cursing, cuddling naked (is this a warning? i don't know. it's in there), l-bombs, bob tying your shoes bc heart eyes.

word count; ~3.4K

tagging people who might like; @theharddeck @rhettabbotts @lt-bradshaw @roleycoleyreccenter @sebsxphia @laracrofted @gretagerwigsmuse @hangmanbrainrot @hangmanapologist

◇─◇──◇─◇◇─◇──◇─◇◇─◇──◇─◇◇─◇──◇─◇◇─◇──◇

‘you make me live’

Robert Floyd was a very clean-cut man. His glasses, the birth control ones, were neat and tidy on his face, rarely crooked, and rested (a little uncomfortably if he were allowed to complain) against the bridge of his nose. He much preferred his old ones, the ones that he had had as a teenager, horn rimmed and snug and comfortable against his nose. But those had broken during a stint he’d pulled just before he joined the Navy, and thus - birth control goggles it was for him. To be fair he figured it suited his new lifestyle better. Neat. Unassertive. 

As a teen, Robert, at that time most known as Robby, was not quite as tidy and neat as he was now. The Robert that you, his best friend, had come to know was definitely on the more rowdy side. He drank quite heavily, and had the occasional smoke as well - something he was fairly certain would shock Hangman’s smirk right off his face if Bob ever wished to shatter the illusion of naivety he’d shouldered. 

It would sometimes irk Bob when people at first construed him as meek. Sure, he’d never been the most social butterfly, and meeting new people always seemed a bit daunting no matter how much practice he had. He figured that might be why he had drank so heavily in his late teens. He’d wanted to be able to talk to people and not feel as if he wanted to sink through the floor because he stuttered once.

After every stutter he uttered, Bob cursed up a storm in his head at his own incompetence. He was far from upset though, he was fucking pissed. How was it that he knew exactly what he wanted to say, yet his tongue betrayed him so wholly? It hardly seemed fair that he actually had so much to say, yet didn’t possess the ability to voice it. If people only knew how eloquent he had sounded in his head.

He guessed that’s why he liked you so much. That first time that you met, and Robert’s tongue had done its best to trip him up at every turn, you’d just smiled warmly at him - eyes twinkling with genuine interest as he spoke. The more you gave him your undivided attention, without letting your gaze flicker away from his face, the more confident Bob had grown - as if his mouth and tongue suddenly remembered how to do their jobs properly when he felt more relaxed, and as if he wasn’t in a rush to say what he wished before the recipients focus had been drawn elsewhere. 

You had waited patiently, and you’d replied with such care that he felt taken aback that you’d actually remembered most of his monologue. Since then, Bob had barely gone a day without speaking to you. It didn’t matter much what time of day it was, or how long you spoke, or how. Through the phone, via FaceTime or in person, Bob just needed to hear your sweet voice. Needed you like the air he breathed.

It had been that way ever since you met, and you had helped him when he needed it the most. Just before he had managed to make his drinking an unsalvageable problem, you had reminded him that he was valuable without the confidence that beverages lended him.

With you he never felt the need to put on any bravado or show. He had barely touched a drop of alcohol since his nineteenth birthday, and he never felt the urge to start up again. Bob had figured out that people could find him interesting and worthwhile without having the aid of alcohol to loosen his tongue and inhibit his sagacity.

‘whatever this world can give to me, it’s you - you’re all i see’

The world had undoubtedly thrown a few wrenches in Bob’s path. Growing up he’d suffered a lot at the hands of his peers, not really knowing why they felt the need to pick on him in particular. In his mind he didn’t stand out much.

Sure, he might be a bit clumsy sometimes, and he had been a little thinner and ganglier than his fellow classmates - but as he grew that had changed. Now he had defined abs and biceps, and still he didn’t feel entirely comfortable flaunting them on the beach. He preferred to keep a shirt on on the rare occasion he’d make it to the beach, something he knew you didn’t like - but something you didn’t ever push.

Bob was fairly certain most of the people that used to make fun of him had no idea that he was quite sharp, and he was not entirely sure that if he were to explain the intricacies he attended to in the aft seat of the F/A-18F he was usually assigned to, they would most likely come up blank for a response.

Robert was fairly certain anyone could wake him up in the middle of the night and ask him to man the AESA or ATFLIR system and he’d do it half asleep. The only one he’d tried to explain what he did in detail to was you, and only because you had asked and seemed genuinely intrigued - not even his father seemed particularly interested in knowing the heavy weaponry his son was responsible for when Bob tried to talk about it to him when he’d just joined the Navy.

Through any of the hardships Bob went through though, he always had you. You were always just a phone call away, even though Bob preferred to see you in front of him. Robert would never really call himself a liar, he tried his best to always say what was on his mind, no matter the outcome, but he undoubtedly was a liar.

Horribly enough, he was lying to you. And for some time he had definitely lied to himself. He’d almost told you after his situation with Phoenix, that first time he’d have to eject out of a spiraling Super Hornet at such speeds it made him dizzy to think that he’d actually survived. 

He had called you from his hospital bed, voice shaking slightly as he reassured you that he was alright - having to bite the insides of his cheeks to keep from sniffling as he heard your teary voice blubbering how worried you’d been when you had gotten the call that his plane had gone down during a training exercise.

He had made you his emergency contact several years ago at that point. And perhaps your soft sobs was what made him keep his confession close to his chest for just a while longer. If you didn’t know, and he didn’t make it home during the upcoming mission - at least you might not suffer too much from the loss of him. Better to lose a best friend than a lover right? That’s what Bob reasoned. 

‘whenever this world is cruel to me… i got you to help me forgive’

As Phoenix put the Super Hornet down hard on the deck, Bob shook slightly as he swiftly went through his checklist. He was pretty sure his nose was bleeding, and wave after wave of nausea kept hitting him sporadically. He needed to get out of the jet. He needed to breathe fresh air, and most of all - he needed you. Hurrying down the steps, Bob ran as fast as his legs would carry him to the side of the huge ship, emptying the contents of his stomach into the vastness of the ocean below. They had lost Mav. They had lost Rooster. 

What if it had been him and Nat? It just as easily could’ve been. His legs were shaking as the adrenaline from the mission they had just gone through started waning. God, why had he gotten close to any of these people? He knew he had gotten too familiar with all of them after that god damned game day on the beach - he’d told you happily about being perched on Bradley’s shoulders, and you’d laughed and congratulated him on a good game. 

The memory sent another wave of nausea through him and he retched again as warm blood dripped down over his cupid's bow. Just as he was about to rush up to the nearest admiral around and get on his knees to beg them to let him call you, Phoenix showed up at his side, her dainty hand - that had just guided them to safety - landing on his shoulder. Not caring in the slightest, Bob quickly wiped his mouth and nose on his sleeve before roughly pulling her into a bone-crushing embrace, her soft words of reassurances falling on deaf ears. 

“Thank you, Nat. For getting me back.” Bob had, since he had met Natasha, known she would do everything in her power to make sure he made it back, with or without Maverick’s ‘funeral talks’. He watched his pilot clench her jaw, eyes turning misty as she looked up at him and nodded. 

“Likewise,” she said, patting his shoulder again before releasing him swiftly as they both noticed Hangman’s F/A-18E launch off the ship. Nat’s brows were furrowed, and Bob accompanied her as they made their way back towards the others. Fanboy took one look at Bob before offering him a pained look and a baby wipe - Bob knew that Mickey sometimes still threw up after flights, and had them on him at all times just in case. 

“You okay, man?” Fanboy spoke softly to the other wizzo, patting Bob’s back as the taller man thanked him and wiped at his nose and mouth. Bob shook his head somberly, wanting to be anywhere else than where he was right now. With a clarity he hadn’t known in a while, he realized that he craved you. Craved your voice, your touch, your embrace. He needed you.

‘you’re the first one when things turn out bad’

If he had been able to teleport himself to your doorstep right now he’d press you so close to his chest, he’d breathe in your scent, he’d let his lips descend upon yours only to let them never leave their new found home, securely against yours. He’d carry you to bed, and he’d use any excuse to keep you snuggled into his side for days and days. 

As it was, he had no choice but to stay where he was. Perhaps it was best that he did, otherwise he wouldn’t have known that both Mav and Rooster had made it back alive, if barely. Laying down to sleep that night as the waves rocked the ship, he had never felt so exhausted mentally and physically in his life. It felt as if his very essence had been changed through the emotions and experiences he had had during this day. He couldn’t wait to be home. Home with you.

Bob had decided the second the Super Hornet had landed that day that he would be selfish. He would tell you about the feelings he’d harbored for you for years now. It was better than dying and you never even knowing. Never knowing that you were the only one for him, that you were his sunshine, his very reason for breathing. 

‘i’m happy, happy at home’

What Bob hadn’t counted on as he finally was able to make his way towards where people were usually gathered to greet their loved ones, was that you were there. He never had anyone waiting for him, because you lived some ways away, and the rest of his family were all the way over in Montana. Perhaps that’s why he needed to be nudged in the side by Phoenix, the one whom he’d spent the most time showing pictures of you to, before he made out your calls of ‘Robby!’.

His mouth fell open in shock as he saw you sprinting towards him, dropping his duffel bag just in time to be able to catch you in his arms as you barreled into his tall frame. He only had to take a small step back to steady himself, before his arm squeezed hard at your waist and his other cradled the back of your head as he felt you nuzzle into his chest.

He could hardly make out your muffled words, but it did sound an awful lot like his name being repeated over and over again in relief. Relief flooded him too as he took in a shaky breath, overcome by the familiar scent you brought with you. Tears clouded his vision as he pulled you in closer, standing to his full height for a moment, letting your converse clad feet lift off of the pavement.

As the two of you pulled away from one another, he could see tears streaming down your cheeks, and his brows furrowed as he cradled your face between his large palms. 

“Sunshine…” Bob breathed out, a lopsided smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. You offered him a teary smile in return. Thumbs soothed over your tear stained cheeks, and Bob took this moment of silence to look you over.

He noticed that in your haste to make it over to him, one of your shoelaces had fallen out of the neat bow you’d no doubt hastily thrown together before leaving to see him. How you’d gotten the information he wasn’t sure, he hadn’t been able to tell you before he left when he’d be back. He figured Phoenix might have something to do with it though. He wondered what she’d told you.

Releasing the hold he had of your face, Robert slowly fell down to kneel by your feet, slowly taking the laces between his nimble fingers, tugging softly to make sure they were tight enough before tying another knot, this time a double bow, to make sure they didn’t fall apart again.

He playfully tugged at the top of the shoe, before he gazed up at you. The expression on your face had his breath leaving his lungs suddenly, and his lips parted in surprise. That look of adoration on your face was so beautiful to him, and to have it directed at him… it was overwhelming. 

“Take me home?” you whispered once he had stood to his full height again, and he wasn’t entirely sure what you meant. He had rented a small flat whilst he was going to be stationed here, so he figured that was home for him right now. Maybe home was wherever you were. Maybe you felt the same. He hoped you did. Bob only nodded before confidently grasping your smaller hand in his, lacing his fingers with yours as you steered him towards your car. 

The ride back to Bob’s rented flat was mostly silent, except for his soft spoken directions. He had yet to let go of your hand, thankful for your automatic car. His thumb stroked over your knuckles, maybe more to soothe himself than you. He felt like he needed to feel your skin against his own, make sure you were real. Make sure he was real too. 

Getting out of the car, Bob swiftly moved to open your door, his hands on your waist the moment you stood up.

“Robby,” you whispered, emotions unknown lacing your tone. Bob couldn’t do this here. Not on the driveway. He ushered you to the door, unlocking it and steering you inside without uttering a word.

“You’re my best friend,”

Bob spoke slowly, letting his cerulean eyes map out your face, every single familiar feature a thing of beauty. Heaving a deep sigh, he again let his palm rest against your cheek as you gazed up at him, that look of adoration still present.

“I love you, sunny,” Bob confessed, his voice breaking at the end of his sentence, overcome by the fact that he might not have made it home to tell you that. You licked your lips as more tears fell from your eyes.

“Phoenix told me you almost didn’t make it home to me,” you replied shakily. He averted his gaze, but you stepped closer, your chest now resting against his own. It forced him to look down at you again, god, you were so close. 

“How could you have left me without telling me that beforehand? I’ve–” you trailed off, a sob shaking you softly. Bob furrowed his brows, letting his arms wound around you to hold you steady against him. 

“I’ve loved you my whole life… ever since I first heard you speak, I’ve loved you,” you cried “as more than a friend. I’ve wanted to be yours for so long, Robby,” Bob groaned, pulling you into a tight embrace, tucking your face into the crook of his neck as his lips found the top of your head.

“Sunny… you’re mine. You’ve always been mine. And I’ve always been yours. I’m sorry–” his voice broke again “I’m sorry it took me so long to tell you. I never in a million years figured I’d be good enough for you,” his voice was raw with emotion, a raspy and deep quality to it that had you momentarily dizzy.

You thought you had heard every iteration of Robert’s voice that there was. Sleepy Robby, angry Robby, sweet Robby, sad Robby… nothing compared to this. Nothing. 

“You stupid, stupid man,” you chastised him, a teary laugh falling from your lips as you broke free from his embrace. Bob had the decency to look bashful as he chuckled, thumb stroking over your cheek again. Your own hand raised, fingertips ghosting over his cheeks, the harsh feel of his stubble unusual for you. Your exploration continued slowly, before your thumb graced Bob’s lower lip, hearing his breath stutter in his throat. 

“Kiss me, Robby,” you spoke softly, glancing up at those cerulean eyes you loved so much. The groan that left Bob was otherworldly to you as he cupped your face in between his palms, his warm lips descending upon yours as your eyes fluttered closed.

Bob could swear he’d never felt anything like it as his lips were met with your warm and plump ones, moving so slowly and deliciously against his own, small sighs making him a little crazy. He couldn’t get enough of the feeling. You felt like home. Hesitantly, Bob let his tongue wet your bottom lip, and the way you let him deepen the kiss had another groan leaving his lips as your tongue met his slowly. 

“I never want to leave you again,” Bob leaned his forehead against yours as his eyelids squeezed shut. 

“Then don’t,” you let a soft giggle escape from you. Bob only smiled, before he bent down, letting his hands rest on the backs of your thighs as he hoisted you into his arms. 

“I need snuggles and I need them now,” he simply said as he walked you into his bedroom, carefully helping remove your shoes before he planted you in the middle of the comfortable bed. Removing his own shoes, Bob stripped out of his khaki uniform, leaving him in only his boxers - something you had certainly seen before, but something beautiful nonetheless.

He moved to climb onto the bed with you, but you held up your palm, stopping him momentarily as you wiggled out of your jeans and your top - needing to feel Bob’s skin against yours. 

Bob offered you the softest of smiles before he laid down beside you, keeping a small distance between your bodies, not wanting to make the first move at touching you. Rolling your eyes, you muttered “silly man” before promptly draping your thigh over his, letting your stomach and chest snuggle close into his warm skin, your head resting against his neck. 

“Thank God,” Bob sighed, kissing your forehead as his strong arms wrapped around your midsection, his fingers tracing patterns on your bare skin. The same fingers that only hours ago had frantically manned the countermeasures and systems needed to get out safely. Bob squeezed his eyes shut before he took a shuddering deep breath.

“Hey, you’re here with me, Robby,” you spoke softly, resting your chin against his chest. “You’re here and you’re mine and I love you so much,” you continued, your fingers raking through his neat hair. He managed a smile, and his body relaxed against yours as he mirrored your movements.

“I’m here… and I’m yours, and I love you,” he repeated slowly, leaning against his forearm as he reached to kiss you again, one hand resting comfortably at the back of your head as his lips moved with yours. He felt your lips turn upwards into a soft smile against his own, and when you broke away from him, he let out a relieved sigh as he fell back against the pillows, eyes closed.

He smiled as he felt you climb on top of him, curling up on his chest, your head resting comfortably on his sternum, your thighs encompassing his hips. His palm softly stroked up and down your spine, and he swore he could almost hear you purring like a cat at his touch. 

Soft kisses were shared between whispered words of comfort and love, and Bob had never thought he could be this lucky, to have his best friend dozing off against his chest, her kisses and her love soothing his rattled soul.  

‘oh, you’re my best friend’

[tonydaddingham]

hi there! i'm so sorry to bother you, and apologize for how obnoxious this probably sounds, but i am genuinely curious: do you actually like crowley as a character and his relationship with aziraphale? from reading a number of your posts, it seems like there isn't a single thing you find redeemable about crowley and it seems like there's isn't any merit you can find to his love for and relationship to aziraphale. i'm just wondering if i'm reading that wrong, which i totally could be. this of course isn't to say characters can't be toxic and we can't still like them, but some of these points really confuse me because it just seems like you're purposely injecting toxicity into each and every single aspect of his relationship and his character which just sometimes seems reductive and removing any nuance or complexity from him/his relationship to aziraphale. or you liken him to his abuser (aka heaven) in how he treats aziraphale. i just don't understand, especially when you analyze aziraphale in a completely different fashion, even in instances where he directly treats crowley as heaven does in how he refers to him/demons/hell.

hi anon!!!✨ oh gosh no, not bothering me at all, and it's a completely valid question!

i utterly adore crowley! please - and anyone else reading that is asking the same question - don't think i don't! i think not only is he a really fantastic character and utterly likeable, but he's so complex and intricately written... i honestly and completely love him!!!💕

but what you (general) have to understand is that i see these characters - aziraphale too - as just that. very, very complex characters with hundreds of complimentary and opposing facets, and are equally questionable as they are lovable. i find their relationship as romantic and poetic as i do (sometimes) toxic and reductive. they might be supernatural beings, but the story is also (to me) an examination on human condition, and being human is messy!!!

what i suspect - and i mean this kindly - is that you might be reading only a handful of posts/ask responses that deliberately look at crowley specifically in a critical light. and i think it possibly stands out because actually, i personally don't think a lot of people do view crowley critically. perhaps that's a bias in my part - in fact, definitely is! but unfortunately i think the fandom is relatively one-sided in this respect. talking about asks specifically, i dont really get a lot regarding aziraphale (although id love to, if that would give me an opportunity to parse out where aziraphale is equally questionable!) so im not as vocal in my critique of him. but it's not because i think crowley is the only one of the duo with flaws and that displays problematic behaviour.

furthermore, please remember that you are only seeing snapshots of individual aspects where i critique crowley; what i mean by that is that there isn't a single instance (unless i did a mighty multi-thousand word dissertation!) where i could talk about all of my observations of crowley's character. if i did, i promise you there would be a hefty amount of good things about crowley that i could discuss.

i will also say that whilst i appreciate how it must come across, i don't purposely inject anything anywhere - i don't do it out of any nastiness or vindictiveness. i consider myself a relatively experienced adult, with a good degree of objective emotional maturity, that has had quite a bit of practice in examining human behaviour (job) and analysing different patterns and characteristics (also job). if i call out toxicity, it's because i see toxicity. if i call out horrible or hurtful behaviour, it's because i see horrible or hurtful behaviour. that doesn't mean i hate any character (if anything, it endears me to them more because - gasp! - they're not perfect and actually very relatable!). it also does not mean that i expect anyone to agree with me, not at all, but i deserve - same as anyone - to offer an interpretation that whilst may not be agreeable, is objectively just as valid.

my analysis (or critique, whichever) is my own opinion, interpretation, and perspective. it is not necessarily right or wrong, and whilst i may joke about it, i don't think i have ever categorically stated or alluded to the fact that i must be right, and every other interpretation is wrong. if everyone had the same opinion and saw crowley - and aziraphale for that matter - as completely flawless, or at least we all interpreted them in the same way... well, it'd be utterly boring, right?

all i aim to do is offer an alternative perspective on these characters and their relationship, maybe something that others might not have considered. the general reaction to them and their relationship is positive, and maybe offering a different take on that, for some people, might be interesting. if they're not interested, or disagree, all they have to do is scroll on, or challenge me the way you have - respectfully and eloquently! discussion and conflicting interpretation is good; it offers different perspectives and experiences, and maybe offers some the opportunity to step back from loving a character (as they should, they're so lovable!), and instead look at them objectively, and ask questions. personally, i don't think there's anything wrong with that✨

[topflights]

okay THIS ONE is gonna be all of dynamite!!!! maybe!!! we’ll see!!! it’ll b long!!! i just like puttin my thoughts down sometimes!!! it’s fun!!! it’s the longest post i’ve ever made on this blog but!!! i just like being able to go back and see my initial thoughts on stuff later ndjdjfjfn

max caster sweetie im sorry you’re gonna fucking die, rest in peace king 💕💕 also, bryan match, so ur telling me perhaps??? mox says hello????? and answers the marriage proposal???? hopefully saying he’s loyal to his current marriage with eddie????

jurassic express my beloveds!!!!!! xoxoxoxo love u!!!!! ANDJDJFN PLSSSSS “i love a good three way-” *concerned dad dino noise* “-TAG MATCH” jungle boy your fathers cannot hear u saying things like that to them you are A BABIE. luchasaurus PLEASE. PLEse YOU CANT JUST SAY “THREE WAY” AND ROAR YOU CANNOT.

dragon king :,) tight ass manbun bro u gotta b careful. u gotta b careful. your hair will SUFFER if u treat it like tha- im sorry wait why have i never actually LISTENED to his full entrance music i totally forgot there were even lyrics to it holy shit that threw me off so much

the dragon sleeper is a work of art no i don’t take constructive criticism. also. does someone wanna explain why this danielson moriarty match is SO horny??? yall WILDING this is NATIONAL TELEVISION!!!! my god this is a horny episode already. love that. GOD DAMN WAIT WHAT IS THIS HOLD AKSKDKDJK LOVE PUNCHING EACH OTHER WHILE UR BOTH ON UR HEADS!!!

while i agree w the this is awesome chants i gotta say. that’s the most disjointed chant i’ve ever heard yall gotta get it together omg.

“mr moriarty? mr moriarty? oh my fuckin god he fuckin dead”

omg is bryan gonna ask abt his proposal again!!! HE IS bryan sweetie he’s gonna say no but i appreciate the effort 💕💕 fuckin love hearing that music. love it. ANSKDKFKFK PLS HE STILL COMES IN THROUGH THE CROWd HES RIDICULPUS I ADORE HIM!!!! wild thing u truly do make my heart sing 🥺 he’s seemed a lot more careful abt ripping the barricade open since he’s come back and i can’t tell if that’s just in my head or not but i find it soft anyways. oh he’s so unhinged what a king. so unhinged. mox come on just challenge him to a match at revolution pls. bryan trying so hard to urge his crush to go out w him, sweetheart you’re doing great but this isn’t gonna go the way u want clearly u do not know moxley well enough 😔 mox stop leading him on. dont lead him on. THERE YOU GO MOXXXXX FUCK YESSSSSSAAAAAAAAAA FUCKIN LOVE THE HIM. LOVE THE HIM. LOVE HOW TERRIFIED BRYAN LOOKS. LOVE SMUG MOX. LOVE IT HERE!!!

keith lee :,) welcome to the fam we love u.

THIS IS FUCKINNNNWARRRRRRRRR BITCHESSSSSSS WARDLOW HELLO U ARE ADORED!!! oh no. oh no. yO. LISTEN!!!!!! IM LISTENING CASTeR IM LISTENING!!!! oh my FUCKIJG GOD. OH NY GOD MAX PLEASENDNDJKFKFKD god i LOVE watching their opponent’s reactions to the rap. and wardlow does not disappoint. i love seeing their opponents like oh??? oh what u say??? what u say???? wardlow looked very thrown off by the nashville chicken line sir do u wanna fight for the rights of the chicken

jr like “max caster is a natural athlete” as caster actively crawls away on his hands and knees to escape the powerbomb. i mean. yes he’s a great athlete but that timing. that timing was SO good. wardlow matches going pip is a pretty wild time. poor max gonna get his ass beat for a while huh?

ah! well!! pip over!! powerbomb time!! alright!!! bowens i wouldn’t do that if i were u lmao. spears not doin shit but it’s okay wardlow does everything around here anyways 💕💕 o NOW SPEARS IS HERE YEAH. beat his ass wardlow please. omg. omg WARDLOW PISSED YESSSS FUCKERSSSSS

brITT?? BRITTOIT??? BRITTT BAKEKRR???? HELLO????? LOVE OF MY LIFEEN???? OH MY GOD OH MY FUCKINGGG GGODKDJFD. GOD DAMNNNNN OKOKOK!!!! ALRIGHT!!!! ALRIGHT IM HERE FOR IT IM HERE FOR ITTTT!!!! britt u could kick my ass id allow it 💕💕💕

hangy time???? hAnGY TIMMMMMEEEEEE!!!! i don’t want COMMERCIALS i want HANGER!!!!! god that entrance music. so good. so good. my GOD he looks AMAZING. sir u cant just leave ur shirt half buttoned like that i’ll DIE!!!!! looks so good w that belt. hell yeah. OH MY FUCKIGNGNGN GODDDD I KNOW THAT FUCKIGNGNGN VOICEEEEE YESSS BITCH WE ARE. WE ARE WINNING. WE ARE WINNING!!!!!! MR COLE ID DIE FOR U!!!! adamsquared. adamsquared time. chefs kiss. “tony get the hell out of my ring” THATS UR GIRLS BESTIE BE NICE ADAM!!!!!!! love the adams. love this for us. oh SHIT. HOLY FUCK HANGMAN. GOING FOR THE T H R O A T ! BULLET CLUB RING OF HONOR WOOOO BUDDYYYYYY. HOLYF UCK. YEAH LETS TALK ABT FRIENDSHIP!!! I LOVE TALKING ABT THE BUCKS!!!! oh my fucking god hangman looks upset pls stop my heart hurts,,, get his ass hangy 💕💕

ANDJDJ cole about to run outta that ring if hangman starts swinging. understandable. ALSKDKDKFKFN LMAOOOOO PLSSSSS ADAM COLE NOT READY TO FIGHT RN JFJFJFJFJD HANGMAN SQUARING UP COLE IS LIKE!!! NO THANKS!!!!! NOT RN PLEASE!!!! LATER MAYBE!!!!! handshake??? AH!! WELL!!!! HELLO REDRAGON AKSKDJDJFKIFIDJ YEAH THOUGHT THAT WOUD HAPPEN. WHERE THE FUCK IS THE DARK ORDER. WHERE THE FUCK ARE THEY!!! OH THANK FUCK!!! THERE THEY ARE THE BELOVEDS!!!!! FINALLYYYYYTY!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YALL THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!! omfg GOD DAMN TEN ARE U OKAY AKWKDKFKFK HOLY SHIT TEN WILDING AS FUCK ALRIGHTY WHAT THE FUCKDJDJDJDJJF KF kyle’s face. mildly impressed with the ape shit nature being presented.

okay there’s a lot of thoughts abt jericho but i have to admit. judas is a banger and it will always give me goosebumps hearing the crowd finish the chorus on their own. it’s a good moment even with jericho’s non-kayfabe asshole-ry.

OH???? OH HOLY FUCKIFNFN SHIT. OLY DUCKIFNNGN FSHITvvv??? YOURE KIDDINGNF???? YOUE KIDDINGNFN HOLY DSHITJTT HES BACKBVV??? OH MY GOD OH MY GOD IVE MISSED YOH SO MUCH IVE MISSED U SO SO MUCH LOVE U KING LOVE U LOVE U LOVE U WHERE WERE U WHEN MOXLEY WAS OUT THERE BUT IM SO GLAD UR HERE IM SO GLAD UR HERE FOR SANTANA AND ORTIZ THANK U!!! HOLY FUCK I DIDNT EXPECT THAT. I LOVE THE HIM.

being reminded that dante’s match airs on friday. 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕 thats the shit i like to SEE!!!! THANK U FOR THE REMINDER!!!! put dante on tv every week i will never b bored and it’s my opinion that matters thank u <3

okay but fr santana and ortiz have to win. idk if they’ll let them win but. please. pleaseeee let them win. they’re such a good tag team!!!! and they’re fuckin right!!! they don’t need to be jericho’s little golden tag team. they got this shit. they can be the big guys and they DESERVE IT. omg eddie like A G A I N !!! he’s pulling a crowd w wardlow. ONE MORE TIME!!! ONE MORE TIME!!! god dammit. dont you fucking DARE TAP!!!! DONT YOU FUCKING DARE. YESSSS OKAY THA M FUCK. JERICHO I WILL BEAT YOUR ASS INTO NEXT CENTURY YOU RAT BASTARD DONT FUCKIN TOUCH EDDIE YOOOOOOO HOLY SHITTTTT THEY ACTUALLY DFUCKIN PINNED JERICHO??? YHEY PINNED JERICHO???? MY GODDDI DIDNT EXPECT THEM TO PIN H I M ! I LOVE IT. LOVE TO SEE IT.

Cutler cam. yes pls. :) kyLE PLEASE. “WHO DOESNT WANNA BEATUP A DEAD HORSE” KYLE ARE YOU OKAY!!! DO U NEED ME TO CALL SOMEONE!!!! SWEETHEART!!!!!! but fr the bucks just. not wanting to fight hangman. guys we know you just don’t wanna fight him. we know u still care abt him. we know it. matt and nick trying to one up kyle by being fathers to more children guys PLEASE. adam can’t handle this his polycule is falling apart at the seams!!!!”YOU ALL HAVE BEAUTOFUL CHILDREN” HES TRYING SO HARD AKSJDJDJ AWWW ADAM SWEETIE STOPPPP PLEASEEEEEE NOOOO BRANDON WHY DID U LISTEN TO HIM I NEEDED TO SEE WHAT HE CHOSE if we don’t get bte content abt that promo im rioting

hewwo it’s time for Wamen :) welcome to pro wrestling where “so she’s a mercenary hired by the dentist to take out her number one contender” is a totally normal sentence that makes sense and raises no questions. holy fucking shit thunder rosa totally just almost dropped right there, that was so stressful what the hell jdjdjdj

oh my FAVORITE BIT WHERE THEY JUST. PLOP A TRASH CAN OVER SOMEONE. I LOVE IT. ITS SO FUNNY. i LOVE the image of someone just sitting in the ring in a trash can doing absolutely nothing to stop their very fixable situation. oh gosh mercedes is real shaky tonight, hoping she’s not taking too many rougher hits harder than she needs to. ANYWAYS can’t wait for mercedes and britt to go utterly ape shit in their inevitable match 💕 thunder rosa i adore you. precious. britt hello i love u ur the worst and i adore u. mercedes pls don’t do it. she was so nice to u. ah sorrry u got ur ass kicked but proud of u!!!

malakai. i don’t know what ur saying. but it sounds rad. idk what ur funky words mean magic man but i’m INTRIGUED!!!!

oh!!! jay!!!!! u gotta mention kenny and bring him on my screen and make me emotional!!! and that immediately followed by another dante reminder!!! thanks guys im overwhelmed!!!

i know how this last match ends but these two are utterly ape shit and i refuse to miss one of their matches. i refuse. sammy watching darby doing whatever the fuck that is like,,,, yeah that seems about right not gonna ask, thats about what’s expected. i got an idea. just give one of the belts to darby and like yeah it won’t b his fr but hey he’ll have a lil souvenir!!!! you’ve got two you don’t need BOTH!!!! darby’s paint is extra gray tonight. wonder if there’s a reason why. hm. if i had brain cells i would probably have headcanons. love babyface v babyface matches i rlly do, i love the sportsmanship. i know they make no sense for story’s sake but it’s so refreshing sometimes to see characters that respect one another.

god DAMN YALL GONNA FUCKIN KILL DARBY WITH BUCKLE BOMBS LIKE THAT. darby hang on top rope like he laundry :-) then he go NYOOM!!!! *skips pip* *goes back bc apparently i missed a moonsault attempt* well at least u tried. it was a very pretty moonsault if it helps at all sammy!!! *skips again* darby constantly looks unhinged and honestly?? love that. aren’t we all a little unhinged??? GODDDD THAT FUCKIN SPANISH FLY WAS A WILD ONEEEEE. y’all ever see smthn and feel ur own bones shatter in sympathy??? my knee rn. ANDKDKFKK darby going “no nO NO” as sammy flips over the figure 4 im laugjifnfnn i always love when ppl leave the ring in a darby match as if that man isn’t basically known for going zoom zoom through the ropes to demolish someone’s ass. ah!! okay jose here now we’re where i walked in!! darby fuckin dead now damn there he goes!!

OKAY THANK U FOR LETTING ME THROW OUT MY VIBES IT WAS A VERY LONG POST I KNOW BUT THANK U. THAT WAS A GREAT EPISODE I LOVED IT. AWESOME AS ALWAYS

[akookminsupporter]

Hi, anon who talked about top/bottom speculation here!🤗 Just wanted to be clear and say I do not think that you or anyone else (or me, let's be real) is crossing a boundary in simply respectfully talking about the potential romance between Jimin and Jungkook. They have made some potentially homoromantically coded artwork and public content over the years, and many of us see that as having possible LGBTQ signals or expression for what it is worth. Apart from that, ships are an established part of kpop fandom, for better or worse, and wider discussions about how that all intersects with LGBTQ identity is a valid conversation, imo.

Anyway. Thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness.

💕

Hi anon! thanks for coming back.

Oh I wasn't referring to you or your message, I have said several times that I believe that speculating about someone else's love life is crossing some kind of boundary, that I am aware of that by talking so much about jikook and speculating about them I am perhaps doing that and that even though I know that I still do it (probably makes me a hypocrite) but that talking about their sex life is a boundary I will never cross because I feel it is a much more private subject. 

That's why to this day in my blog I have talked about many topics about them but not that one.

I think the conversations we've had here about the lgtbi+ community have often gone beyond our interest in jikook, we've talked about rights, oppressions, we've talked about how lgtbi+ people are seen and treated in korea etc., and I think those are important conversations that we need to have. I have learned a lot from all the people who have participated, who have sent in their asks, and I hope that one person (besides me) has also learned something. I will never delete an ask about these topics, I will never get tired of talking about it because I always learn something different, I always become more aware, I always respect more. But to talk about Jimin and Jungkook’s sex life? I won't do that. If someone sends me an ask about sex in general I will probably post it, about Jimin and Jungkook's sex life or someone else specifically? I won't. 

[snowbellewells]

@kmomof4 Let me tell you, I was glad where last chapter left off that I didn’t have to wait a whole week for this one!! Poor Ruby was all disgruntled and upset and uncertain at what might happen next and how it would all turn out, and I was feeling pretty torn for her. Let’s just say, you picked the perfect time to start posting two chapters a week!! 😍

This one gave us a lovely treat on getting to see the Emma we adored in your connected “Mistress to No One” fic, and to discover happily just wonderful married life with Killian is treating her. 💖 (Not that any of us really had any doubts!!) I loved Emma’s agreement with Ruby about the Jones brothers’ drunken shenanigans and her “fiends” comment giving Ruby a bit of sympathy and making her feel better. I chuckled aloud at her assessment of feeling badly for poor Mildred “all that attention and how it must hurt her back”! 😂

I also loved that when Emma saw Graham walking toward them she commented on how handsome he was 💕😉💕, how lovely it was that he’d brought her flowers (botanist or not) and the hopeful reminder that it would make a quite romantic story for them if all worked out. Emma has been through enough herself that her hopeful tone toward Ruby’s situation has to help Ruby feel at least a bit encouraged.

My heart just completely squeezed right for Graham though, once Emma had left them, and he was so intent making it clear to Ruby that he does NOT overindulge in drink as he had the day before. He was so concerned, I couldn’t help but bet that must have been when his own father did his worst - when he had been drinking. My guess is, just as in so many other ways - Graham has been certain not to do the same himself.

Of course, by the next paragraph or so, you had me laughing out loud again, with Graham watching Ruby ready to explode at her meddling brothers and wondering if she’d be able to restrain herself from hitting Liam. By the time he thought each of the Jones siblings should have their own muzzle you had me cracking up completely!!!

And then - good gracious!!! 🔥🥵🔥I know I won’t do this justice, but in the scene where he pulls Ruby away from her brothers and shows her just how well they do “suit”, just how sure he really is in his attraction and feeling for her - WOW! That was amazing!! Whew! I don’t know how else to rave about it- just wonderful!! “Shut the door,” he repeated. It wasn’t a tone 0f voice he used often, but after a year of feeling lost with no direction in life, he finally knew what he wanted, and he was going after it. “Shut the door, Ruby,” he repeated in a low voice, taking slow and deliberate steps toward her.

She appeared frozen as he approached, her mouth dropped open in a small O of surprise. “Graham, you…” She trailed off as he reached behind her and shut the door himself, then turned the lock. “What are you doing?” Her voice was no more than a whisper as she looked up into his face as if she didn’t know him. Hell, he wasn’t sure he knew himself any longer.

“You were worried that we might not suit,” he said gently, running the back of his hand along her jaw. “And I thought it was time to show you that we do.”

Ruby had only a moment to take a deep breath before his lips were on hers. And it was a good thing she did, because if the passion of his kiss was any indication, he didn’t intend to release her for quite some time. Perhaps sometime in the next century.

But then he stopped and she gasped in astonishment, unable to take her eyes from his. His large hands cradled her face and he simply stared at her, cataloging her every feature, his eyes bouncing between hers then moving on to her forehead, then nose, and finally her lips, his thumbs brushing gently against her cheeks.

“Graham?” she whispered.

“I just had to look at you,” he explained, his voice but a whisper between them. “You’re always moving. I never have a chance to just see you.”

Her knees nearly gave out at his words and her lips parted, but she had nothing to say. All she could do was stare up into his blue eyes and try not to drown in them.”

And oh goodness, the tender way he smoothed her hair, and how he has her “blossoming like one of his beloved blooms” just gorgeous and so SO perfect!!! 💖💖💖

I love that he understood now that he had been waiting for her; he had been alone so long and stayed without a woman’s touch because it was Ruby he was meant to find!! (I can only hope she will soon be coming to feel the same way!)

The shooting contest was perfection as well! I loved that Ruby was so good that her brothers tried to cut her out of the contest! (You should read the Hellions of Halstead Hall series of Regency romances by Sabrina Jeffries. I couldn’t help thinking about the youngest sibling’s book here - she also trounces her brothers at shooting! 😉 It made perfect sense that Graham could hold his own though; that felt like a neat little nod back to his Huntsman aim and skill in canon. 🐺❤️

I loved this chapter too, as I have all of them. I am so excited for the next, and yet I will hate to see this story end too. You have completely spoiled me with this one!!!

To Sir Graham, With Love Ch. 6

And we are back!!! Thank you all for coming along on this journey with me! I hope you enjoy this chapter and let me know what you think!

Thank you again to @jrob64 and @whimsicallyenchantedrose for their beta services and to @motherkatereloyshipper for her INCREDIBLE banner up above!! I love it so much, babe! Thank you!!!

And once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to @snowbellewells for whom this fic was written!!! Love you, darlin!!!!

We earn our rating in this chapter, y'all! If you want to skip it, it begins and ends with double scene change lines. Like this.

~*~*~

~*~*~

And now, on to the new chapter!

Summary: After a year long secret correspondence, twenty-eight year old spinster Ruby Jones decides to accept Sir Graham Humbert's offer of a visit to see if they might suit for marriage. Unfortunately, he failed to mention that he was the father of twins, and they are not thrilled with Ruby's appearance.

Rating: M ( for smut and mentions of physical abuse)

Words: Almost 7100 of 68k

Tags: Red Hunter Fic, Birthday Fic, Inspired by Eloise Bridgerton's Story, Smut

On ao3 From Beginning / Current Chapter

On Tumblr Prologue Ch1 Ch2 Ch3 Ch4 Ch5

Tagging the usuals. Please let me know if you'd like to be added or removed.

@jrob64 @winterbaby89 @hollyethecurious @the-darkdragonfly @jennjenn615

@donteattheappleshook @undercaffinatednightmare @pirateherokillian @cocohook38 @qualitycoffeethings

@booksteaandtoomuchtv @superchocovian @motherkatereloyshipper @snowbellewells  @djlbg

@lfh1226-linda @xarandomdreamx @tiganasummertree @bluewildcatfanatic @anmylica

@laianely @resident-of-storybrooke @exhaustedpirate @gingerchangeling @caught-in-the-filter

@ultraluckycatnd @stahlop @darkshadow7 @fleurdepetite @captainswan-kellie

@soniccat @beckettj @teamhook @whimsicallyenchantedrose @thisonesatellite

@jonesfandomfanatic @elfiola @zaharadessert @ilovemesomekillianjones @mie779

@kymbersmith-90 @suwya @veryverynotgoodwrites @myfearless-love 

Under the cut, unless Tumblr ate it.

… cannot abide a man who drinks to excess. Which is why I’m sure you will understand why I couldnt not accept Lord Wescott’s offer.

– from Ruby Jones to her brother Killian, upon refusing her second proposal of marriage

~*~*~*~*~*~*

“No!” gushed Emma Jones, Killian’s very pregnant wife and one of Ruby’s very closest friends. “They didn’t!”

“Oh, yes, they did,” Ruby said grimly, as she sat back in her lawn chair and sipped a cup of lemonade. “And then they all got drunk!”

“Fiends,” Emma muttered, leading Ruby to the realization that what she’d really had enough of the evening before was the horribly chummish and collegial manner of men. Clearly, all she’d truly needed was one sensible female with whom she might disparage the lot of them.

Emma scowled. “Don’t tell me they were talking about that poor Mildred woman again.”

Ruby gasped. “You know about her?”

“Everyone knows about her,” Emma said, rolling her eyes slightly. “Truth be told,” she continued, moving closer, her voice dropping to a whisper though there wasn’t another soul around to overhear, “I feel sorry for the woman. All that unwanted attention, and it can’t be good for her back.”

Ruby tried to imagine and simply couldn’t.

“Regina once even asked her about it.”

Ruby’s mouth fell open. Regina was Emma’s stepsister who’d lived with the Jones for several years before she wed the rather merry village vicar who lived just five miles from My Cottage. She was also, quite honestly, one of the sweetest, kindest, and most welcoming people of Ruby’s acquaintance and if anyone was going to befriend a tavern wench with large bosoms, it would have been her.

“Mildred and her husband are in Robin’s parish,” Emma continued, referring to Regina’s husband. “So of course Regina knows them.”

“What did she say?” Ruby asked, still a bit astonished.

“Regina?”

“No, Mildred.”

“I don’t know,” Emma said, pulling a face and rubbing the side of her swollen belly. “Regina never told me. Can you believe that? I don’t think she has kept a secret from me her entire life. She said she couldn’t betray the confidence of a parishioner.”

Ruby thought that was quite noble of Regina, though she really wouldn’t have expected any different.

“Not that it concerns me, of course,” Emma said, with all the confidence of a woman who knows beyond any shadow of a doubt that she is loved. “Killian would never stray.”

“Of course not,” Ruby rushed to agree. Killian and Emma’s love story was legendary within their family - the two of them initially meeting at Alice Jones’ masquerade ball nearly a decade ago and falling madly in love that same night, but being the bastard daughter of the Earl of Glowerhaven, long dead by then, Emma had had to return to her life of forced servitude in her own household, until fate intervened and Killian and Emma met again two years later and were able to overcome secrets, lies, and the ton’s expectations to find their well-deserved happily ever after. Their story played no small part in Ruby’s desire for a love match and was a prominent factor in why she’d turned down so many proposals of marriage. She wanted that kind of love, drama, and passion. She wanted so much more than three homes, sixteen horses, and forty-two hounds, which were actually words said to her by one of her many suitors when he’d asked for her hand.

“But,” Emma continued, “I don’t think it’s so much to ask that he manage to keep his mouth closed when she walks by.”

Ruby was about to add her firm and vehement agreement when she saw Sir Graham walking across the lawn in their direction.

“Is that him?” Emma asked, a smile on her face.

Ruby nodded.

“He’s very handsome.”

“Yes, I suppose,” Ruby said slowly.

“You suppose?” Emma snorted inelegantly. “Don’t you play coy with me, Ruby Jones. Don’t forget that I was your ladies maid and know you better than just about anyone.”

Ruby couldn’t help the amused twist of her lip, but she did manage to bite her tongue instead of reminding Emma that she’d been Ruby’s ladies maid for a paltry fortnight before she and Killian had come to their senses and married. 

“Very well,” Ruby allowed. “He is quite handsome, if you prefer the rough, rural sort.”

“Which you do,” Emma said pertly.

To her complete mortification, Ruby felt herself blush. “Perhaps,” she muttered.

“Oh, look,” Emma said approvingly. “He brought flowers.”

“He’s a botanist,” Ruby said.

“That doesn’t make the gesture any less sweet.”

“No,” Ruby grudgingly agreed, “just easier.”

“Ruby,” Emma said, turning to her, the disapproval in her voice exceedingly hard to miss. “Stop. Don’t you do that.”

“Do what?”

“Cut that man down before you even give him a chance.”

“That’s not what I was doing,” Ruby protested, though she knew she was lying the moment the words left her mouth. She hated that her family was running her life as if she had no say in the matter and it left her feeling sullen and uncooperative. It didn’t matter in the least that she was the one who’d brought it on herself.

“I am not even going to dignify that statement with a response,” Emma snorted. “The flowers are lovely and it doesn’t matter if he had eight thousand varieties to choose from. He still thought to bring them.”

Ruby had no answer. It was true. And even though she knew she was pouting like a child, the gesture did make the corners of her lips lift in a small smile, and a sense of well being enveloped her. Maybe things would be alright after all.

“Killian didn’t give me all the details…” Emma hedged.

Ruby laughed. She just couldn’t help herself. “What do you want to know?”

Emma looked over at Sir Graham, gauging just how long they had left to talk before he arrived at their sides. “Well, for one thing,” she began, conspiratorially, “is it true you’d never met him before?”

“In person? No,” Ruby replied. Her sour mood was back again. It sounded so silly when she said the words out loud. Truly, what had she been thinking? Running away to a man she’d never met.

“Well,” Emma mused, “if it all works out in the end, what a romantic tale it will make.” A soft smile graced her face and it wasn’t hard to guess what her beloved friend and sister-in-law was thinking. “Much like mine and Killian’s.”

Ruby swallowed hard. It was too soon to know if it would work out in the end. She was quite certain she’d end up married to Sir Graham, but she didn’t love him and she knew he didn’t love her. Being here in the home of her other favorite brother and sister-in-law, witnessing the love and affection between them, just made her even more afraid that she’d made a terrible mistake.

But the only way to answer that question was to marry Sir Graham and see what happened.

“Miss Jones, Mrs. Jones,” Sir Graham greeted them upon his arrival. He held out a bouquet of white and purple orchids toward Ruby. “I brought you these,” he said, unnecessarily. 

“Thank you,” Ruby replied, a smile spreading across her lips at the little flutter her heart gave at the lovely gesture. “They’re beautiful.”

“Where ever did you find orchids?” Emma asked, the delight in her voice clear. “They’re exquisite!”

“I grew them,” he informed her. “I keep a greenhouse.”

“Ah, yes,” Emma exclaimed. “Ruby mentioned that you are a botanist. I do love to garden myself, but am simply miserable at it. The gardeners would be quite happy if I simply stuck to enjoying their efforts rather than trying to join them.” Both Emma and Graham chuckled lightly at her statement and Ruby realized she needed to make introductions, even if he’d correctly guessed who Emma was.

“Emma,” she said, clearing her throat and motioning between them, “may I present Sir Graham Humbert. Sir Graham, this is Killian’s wife, Emma.”

“I am very pleased to meet you,” Emma said, holding her hand out gracefully. Graham bowed over it and brushed her knuckles with his lips.

“The honor is mine, Mrs. Jones,” he murmured.

“Oh, please call me Emma,” she gently corrected him. “Since it seems you’re part of the family already.”

Ruby and Graham both flushed and Emma realized her faux pas at once. “Oh, no! That’s not what I meant. Not for you two…” The words poured from her lips like a dam breaking and her eyes bounced between the two as she sought to assuage both their discomfort. “I mean, amongst the men.” Her hands fluttered aimlessly and she could feel her cheeks heating. “I mean… Killian said, well, there was quite a bit of wine last night…” 

“A fact I’d rather not dwell on,” Graham mused, the self-deprecation in his voice clear.

“The fact that you remember at all is quite remarkable, if you ask me,” Ruby mumbled, but not quite low enough that her companions were unable to hear her. “Does your head ache terribly?” she asked, louder this time.

“Like the devil,” he replied.

“Good,” she mumbled again, churlishly. She shouldn’t be acting this way and she knew it - especially when presented with the lovely and rare orchids - but she just couldn’t help herself.

“Ruby!” Emma scolded.

“How is Killian this morning?” she asked sweetly.

Emma sighed. “He’s an absolute bear. And Henry is still abed.”

“I seem to have fared the best then,” Graham observed.

“Except for David,” Ruby informed him. “He never feels the aftereffects of alcohol. And of course Liam hardly had anything.”

“Lucky man.”

“Would you care for something to drink, Sir Humbert?” Emma asked. “Of the non-intoxicating type, of course. I’d be glad to arrange for some lemonade to be brought out.”

“If I’m to call you by your Christian name,” he began, “then I must insist you do the same. And that would be most appreciated, thank you.” When she began to struggle to move off the chaise, Graham hurried to her side to help her.

“Thank you,” Emma puffed. “I always forget how hard it is to get out of these chairs by this point of my confinement.”

“I shouldn’t have asked for the lemonade,” Graham admonished himself.

“Nonsense,” Emma replied. “I offered. It’s only a short ways to My Cottage and the walk will do me good. I’ll return shortly.” She offered them both a sharp nod and began waddling toward the house. Ruby smiled.

“She’s as stubborn as I am,” she informed Graham, “if not more. Don’t concern yourself,” she continued, laying her hand on his arm as he sat on the lounge Emma had just vacated. “She would have insisted no matter what.”

Graham nodded, looking down at his hands for a moment before meeting her gaze. “It’s good to see you this morning.”

“And you,” she replied.

“I must apologize for my behavior last night,” he said, clearly uncomfortable.

She scrutinized him as he fidgeted on the seat. He seemed sincere. She didn’t know him well, but he didn’t seem the sort to apologize without really meaning it. She shrugged indifferently. “I have brothers,” she said, blandly. “I’m used to it.”

“Perhaps so,” he allowed, “but I am not. I assure you, I am not in the habit of overindulging.”

She looked back at him, observing the distressed look in his eye. Somehow she knew that he was telling her the absolute truth and she forgave him with a nod of her head in acceptance of his words.

“I have been thinking,” he said.

“As have I.”

He cleared his throat and tugged at his cravat. “We will have to marry.”

“I’m aware,” she bit out.

“I am sorry that it’s occurring under these circumstances.”

Ruby turned to him in surprise. “What?” she breathed.

He looked confused for a moment, his eyes darting everywhere but at her. “These… circumstances,” he repeated. “I’m sorry that I didn’t have a chaperone in place when you arrived. I’m sorry that your brothers descended when they did - though I had decided we’d suit and was planning on proposing marriage with a ring and whatever else it is that I’m supposed to do before they arrived - and forced the issue before you were ready for it. But I’m not sorry it’s happening.”

“You’re not?” She couldn’t keep the shock out of her voice. How was it possible that he was able to discern that particular character quality after only knowing her for less than three days? There was nothing she valued more than her independence, about having choices in her life, and she was profoundly grateful that she was part of a family that allowed her to do so. There were many brothers within the ton who wouldn’t have stood for Ruby rejecting as many offers of marriage as she had. And while she had thought she was exercising that independence and control over her own life in running off to Gloucestershire, it had done no more than brought her to the place she was now. And there was no getting around that, no matter how much Ruby wanted to ignore her own part in it. 

But how could Graham have known that it wasn’t the fact that Liam was making her marry him, it was the fact that she wasn’t ready for it yet? She couldn’t deny that she found him extremely attractive, and even though she’d only met him three days ago, she was quite sure in the depths of her soul that he was a man she could love. She just wasn’t there yet. And not knowing how he felt about her - beyond that he clearly thought she’d be good for Nicholas and Ava - was the only other true reservation she had. 

So it wasn’t that she was being required to marry him, she simply wanted more of a say in when and how it happened.

“No, I’m not,” he replied, finally meeting her gaze. “I’d be willing to wait as long as you needed, but I’m afraid -” here his eyes looked up the hill toward Liam and David who were making their way towards them, preceding a servant laden down with more food than Hercules himself could carry - “your brothers won’t allow that. Quite frankly, if you were my sister, I’d have marched you to a church last night.”

That, more than anything, went a long way toward assuaging her distress over the entire situation. As much as she hated Liam dictating her future to her, she knew he did it out of a place of love and honor - for her and for their family - and the fact that Graham agreed with the principles underpinning Liam’s actions told her with certainty that he was also a man of honor.

Ruby glanced at her brothers and then blurted out. “Why did you decide we would suit?”

Graham blinked in surprise. “I beg your pardon?” He couldn’t have been more surprised at her question. Although heaven knew why not. This was Ruby after all.

“Why did you decide we would suit?” she repeated, her tone insistent. Of course this would be how she would ask. No beating around the bush with Ruby. Why be coy when she can just be direct and move on to the next thing that much faster? 

“I… uh…” he stuttered.

“You don’t know,” she interrupted him, and if he wasn’t very much mistaken, she sounded disappointed.

“Of course I do!” he protested. No man liked to be told he didn’t know his own mind.

“No, you don’t,” she insisted. “Otherwise you wouldn’t be choking on air.”

“Good God, woman!” he exclaimed. “Don’t you have a single charitable bone in your body? I simply needed a moment to formulate an answer.”

“Ah, there’s the happy couple,” David proclaimed, sitting himself down at the table a few yards away. 

“Good morning,” Graham rose and greeted the brothers, never more happy to see another human being in all his life.

“Hungry?” David asked. “I took the liberty of ordering breakfast al fresco.”

Liam sat down and glanced toward his sister. “How are you this morning?”

“Fine,” she replied.

“Hungry?” 

“No.”

“Cheerful?”

“Not for you,” she informed him haughtily. He chuckled and picked up a napkin and placed it in his lap as the servant relieved himself of his burden, apologizing profusely for his clumsiness when everything on the tray rattled alarmingly. 

After assuring the flustered man it was no problem, Liam turned to Graham. “She is usually more prone to conversation than this,” he said. 

Graham raised an eyebrow as he cut his eyes toward her. She looked like she wanted to hit her brother and Graham was quite intrigued to see if she’d be able to master the impulse or not.

The two brothers served themselves then Liam turned to Graham and Ruby. “The two of you seem particularly well-suited this morning,” he informed them.

Ruby’s glare could have curdled fresh milk. “And when did you come to that conclusion?”

Liam shrugged nonchalantly. “It wasn’t hard to see.” He paused for a moment, smug mirth dancing in his eyes. “It was the bickering, actually. All the best couples do it.”

Graham nodded thoughtfully. 

“Elsa and I often have similar conversations before she comes around to my way of thinking,” he said. Graham was starting to worry about Ruby. If she glared at her brother any harder, her eyeballs might pop right out of her head. “Of course,” Liam continued, completely unaffected by Ruby’s ire, “she might offer a different interpretation. I allow her to think I’m coming around to her way of thinking. It’s easier that way.” Graham glanced briefly at Ruby, amazed that there wasn’t smoke pouring out of her ears. “When did you arrive?” Liam asked him, pulling his attention away from the food and Ruby and back to the viscount.

“Just a few minutes ago, actually,” Graham said.

“Yes,” Ruby interjected smartly, “You’ll be pleased to know he proposed marriage.”

Graham coughed loudly when Ruby made the announcement. She glanced briefly at him before continuing. “He said, We’ll have to marry.”

“Well,” Liam said, looking directly at Ruby, “you do have to marry. And my compliments to him,” he continued, darting his eyes to Graham before settling back on his sister, “on not beating around the bush. I’d have thought you of all people would appreciate that sort of directness.” His gaze settled on Graham then. “She’s just irritated about having her choices dictated to her. She’ll be fine in a few days.”

“I’m fine now,” she snapped.

“Yes,” Liam agreed affably. “You certainly look it.”

“Don’t you have somewhere else to be?” she gritted out.

Liam raised a single eyebrow. “Now that is an interesting question. I guess you could say I should be in London with my wife and children. But I’m not, am I? I’m here. In Wiltshire. And why am I here again?” he asked blandly, spreading honey on a scone.

Ruby snapped her mouth shut. Before Liam took a bite, he reached in his pocket and withdrew a small letter. “Mother sent this for you,” he said, handing it to her. “I regret it slipped my mind to give it to you last night.”

“Do you want to read it?” Graham whispered to her.

She answered him with a small shake of her head as she continued to look at the missive in her hand. “Not now,” she whispered right back. Graham realized exactly what she meant - she didn’t want to read it in front of her brothers - and suddenly knew what he had to do.

“Lord Jones,” Graham said, standing from his seat. “May I request a moment alone with your sister?”

“You just had a moment with her,” David said, in between bites of bacon. 

Graham ignored him. “My lord?” he asked Liam again.

Liam glanced at Ruby before answering. “Of course, if she’s agreeable.”

Graham grabbed Ruby’s hand and hauled her to her feet. “She’s agreeable,” he said.

“Hmmm, yes,” David mused. “She does look agreeable, doesn’t she?” Graham decided right then and there that all of the Jones’ should have their own muzzles.

“Come with me,” he said briskly, hopefully before she decided to argue with him. Which, of course, she would since she was Ruby Jones. He might not know her well, but he did know she’d never trot obediently behind him, not when she could argue instead.

“Where are we going?” she gasped, once they were out of earshot of her brothers. His long and powerful stride had her nearly running to keep up with him, so she was utterly unprepared when he came to a sudden stop.

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“I’ve never been here before, Ruby,” he informed her, rather incredulously, she thought. “Of course I don’t know where I’m going.”

She raised an eyebrow at him in question. “Perhaps you’d like to go inside the house?” she asked, sweetly.

“Yes, capital idea,” he replied. He grabbed her hand again and didn’t release it until they stood next to a side door of My Cottage. “Where does this go?” he asked.

“Inside,” she cheeked. He raised an eyebrow at her and Ruby bit back a chuckle, feeling immensely better now that they were away from her brothers, but particularly Liam. “Through Emma’s writing room to the hall,” she continued.

“Is Emma in her writing room?”

“I doubt it,” she said. “Didn’t she come inside to fetch you some lemonade?”

“Good,” he said, trying the door and raising a prayer of thanks when it opened easily. The room was empty, but the door on the other side leading to the hall was open. Graham strode across the room and shut the door firmly. When he turned back to Ruby, she still stood in the open doorway, the expression on her face a cross between curiosity and amusement. “Shut the door,” he ordered.

Her eyebrows rose in surprise. “I beg your pardon?”

“Shut the door,” he repeated. It wasn’t a tone 0f voice he used often, but after a year of feeling lost with no direction in life, he finally knew what he wanted, and he was going after it. “Shut the door, Ruby,” he repeated in a low voice, taking slow and deliberate steps toward her. 

She appeared frozen as he approached, her mouth dropped open in a small O of surprise. “Graham, you…” She trailed off as he reached behind her and shut the door himself, then turned the lock. “What are you doing?” Her voice was no more than a whisper as she looked up into his face as if she didn’t know him. Hell, he wasn’t sure he knew himself any longer.

“You were worried that we might not suit,” he said gently, running the back of his hand along her jaw. “And I thought it was time to show you that we do.”

Ruby had only a moment to take a deep breath before his lips were on hers. And it was a good thing she did, because if the passion of his kiss was any indication, he didn’t intend to release her for quite some time. Perhaps sometime in the next century.

But then he stopped and she gasped in astonishment, unable to take her eyes from his. His large hands cradled her face and he simply stared at her, cataloging her every feature, his eyes bouncing between hers then moving on to her forehead, then nose, and finally her lips, his thumbs brushing gently against her cheeks.

“Graham?” she whispered.

“I just had to look at you,” he explained, his voice but a whisper between them. “You’re always moving. I never have a chance to just see you.”

Her knees nearly gave out at his words and her lips parted, but she had nothing to say. All she could do was stare up into his blue eyes and try not to drown in them.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his thumbs still stroking her cheeks. “Do you know what I thought when I first saw you?” Ruby shook her head silently. “I thought I could drown in your eyes. I thought I could drown in you.” 

She swayed toward him and his thumbs moved from her cheeks to her bottom lip. The gentle feathering touch sent ripples of pleasure shooting down her spine and she realized that she’d never understood the power of desire until this very moment. Never knew how it weakened one to the point of collapse and strengthened to the point of never letting go at the same time.

“Kiss me,” she whispered.

Graham smiled. “You always order me about.”

A coy smile touched her lips. “And I’ll do it even more as your wife,” she said. “Kiss me.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, still smiling. “Because once I start, I might not be able…”

She couldn’t wait any longer. She grabbed him by the neck and pulled him down to meet her waiting lips. He chuckled against them as his arms tightened around her. When his tongue touched the seam of her lips, she opened to him with a groan deep in her throat, welcoming his invasion as he explored every inch of her mouth. He held her closely, stirring the fire he’d kindled, pressing her closer and closer to the heat of him until she could feel it burning through the morning dress she wore.

~*~*~

~*~*~

His hands moved down from her waist to her bottom where he squeezed and kneaded and tilted her up until…

She gasped when she felt the hardness against her. She’d heard whispers, of course, and then there’d been the time she and her sister Tink had used their pin money to bribe one of the servant girls to tell them exactly what to expect, so she knew what his hardness meant, but she’d never imagined it would feel so hot, so insistent.

“I want to be inside you,” he groaned, peppering her jaw with kisses. Her knees really did give out that time, but he held her securely then lowered her to the sofa and stretched out atop of her. His weight was heavy, yet thrilling at the same time and Ruby’s heart beat double time as his lips trailed down the column of her neck, sending shivers to all of her extremities.

“Graham,” she moaned. It was her only coherent thought, the only word she had.

“Ruby, yes,” he groaned in response. Her name seemed to be torn out of him, and Ruby nodded vigorously in reply. Whatever he wanted, she wanted. Whatever he desired, she desired. She wanted it all. She wanted everything. Everything he would give her. And she wanted it now.

His hand reached down and touched her ankle, the calluses rough against the silk of her stocking. She gasped as he continued nuzzling and kissing her neck while his hand slid steadily upward until it reached the edge of her stocking. He didn’t stop, but Ruby didn’t want him to. She opened her legs to him until he settled himself firmly in between them.

She was on fire for him and the incoherent moans and gasps that fell from her lips were the only language she was capable of uttering. His fingers tickled the inside of her thighs and she thought she’d die from the anticipation driving her higher and higher. She was a taunt bow string, ready to sing for him at the slightest provocation.

And then he touched her.

Touched her where she’d never been touched before. Her mouth dropped open on a silent scream and she knew one thing beyond any shadow of a doubt. 

She was his.

His touch was feather light against her folds and she squirmed beneath him, mewling cries as she felt herself blossom - like one of his beloved blooms - beneath his tender and almost reverent touch. And when he reached inside, his name was ripped from her lips on a cry of ecstasy that left her riding the crest of a wave of pleasure inside her she’d never known, filling every corner, to the very tips of her fingers and toes.

It seemed to last forever, and when she finally collapsed in replete exhaustion, she didn’t think she could lift her pinky finger if her life depended on it.

“Oh, Ruby,” he groaned. “Do you have any idea…” He removed his hand from underneath her dress and very deliberately, never taking his eyes from hers, licked his fingers. “Delicious,” he murmured. Ruby released a shocked gasp at the brashness of his action, but why now and not when he was touching her so intimately, she’d never know.

He smoothed his hand over her hair in a gesture so tender and loving, Ruby could feel her eyes filling with tears. She still couldn’t move, so when he moved off of her and smoothed her skirts back down, she felt bereft.

“Oh, Graham,” she breathed. She was sure she had the silliest grin on her face, but she just couldn’t help herself.

~*~*~

~*~*~

“Is there a washroom?” he asked, his voice rather hoarse to her ears. It was only then that she noticed he held himself rather stiffly and his features looked strained.

“Uh, yes,” she said quickly, pointing toward the door to the hall. “Out and to the right.” It seemed odd that he’d have to relieve himself after such a breathtaking encounter, but who was she to try and understand the working of the male body?

He rose from the sofa and walked to the door. But before he opened it, he turned to look at her, his gaze alone threatening to consume her once again. “Do you believe me now?” he asked.

“Believe you?” she replied, “About what?”

He smirked as he turned the knob. “We’ll suit.”

Once alone in the washroom, Graham needed less than a minute to finish himself off. He was that wound up after his encounter with Ruby.

Dear God, she’d been magnificent in her passion. And she had no clue what she’d done to him. He thought back to how she looked still sprawled out on the sofa when he’d left her. She’d just looked at him with a blissful smile on her face, completely oblivious to the fact that he was ready to explode.

He had no earthly idea about the intricacies of a woman’s toilette, but he was quite sure she’d need to redress her hair at the very least before rejoining the others outside. 

He’d known that if and when he ever found a woman he was interested in bedding, that his body would react strongly. It had been that long since he’d known the pleasures of the flesh with anything other than his hand. The feel of a female body responding to his touch was pure bliss.

But now he could see why he’d never indulged with the local whores and barmaids who’d expressed interest, or found himself a discreet widow. He’d been waiting for her. 

He’d been waiting for Ruby. 

He needed her. More than he’d ever needed anyone. He wanted to sink into her and never leave. He wanted to possess her as she possessed him.

He’d had fantasies, of course. Every man did. But now his fantasy had a face, and he’d better get himself under control or he’d be walking around with a constant erection if he couldn’t get his thoughts directed elsewhere.

He needed a wedding. And fast.

He emerged out onto the lawn to see all four of the Jones brothers gathered around the table.

“Ah, there he is,” Killian said as he approached. Graham stopped when he saw the pistol in the man’s hand. Was it possible that he knew what had just transpired in his wife’s study? 

No, Graham thought, swallowing hard. There’d been no one around when they’d entered the room, nor when he left. He’d made sure of that. Besides, Killian was smiling. Though, he supposed, it could be possible that he was the type of man who’d enjoy picking off the spoiler of his sister’s innocence.

“Uh, good morning,” he replied, glancing at the others, trying to gauge the situation.

“Do you shoot?”

“Of course.”

Killian motioned with his head toward a target some thirty yards away. “Good,” he said, amiably. “Join us.”

Graham noted the target was firmly in place, which meant that he would not be serving in the role.

“I didn’t bring a gun.”

“Of course not. We’re all friends here, right?” Killian was still smiling, but it wasn’t the type of smile that inspired confidence in one’s well being.

“I would hope.”

“We’ll provide one for you.”

Graham nodded and approached the table. If this was to be the way he proved himself to Ruby’s brothers, then so be it. He was quite accomplished in the skill, after all. It was one of those manly pursuits his father had insisted on him learning. He’d lost count of the hours, days, and weeks he’d practiced shooting on the lawn of Romney Hall. His arm held out straight until his muscles burned with the exertion, breath held until he’d taken his shot, always praying his aim was true.

If it was, his father wouldn’t beat him.

It was as simple, and as desperate, as that.

He murmured his hellos to the rest of the men and examined the pistols laid out. 

“Let’s get on with this,” Liam said, “before Ruby returns.” He glanced up at Graham. “Where is she, by the way?”

“She was reading the letter from your mother,” Graham lied smoothly.

“I see,” he said. “Well, that won’t take long. We’d better hurry.”

“Maybe she’ll go ahead and pen a reply,” David mused. “She’s always writing someone a letter. That will give us a few extra minutes.”

“A very few,” Henry groused. “She’s fiendishly fast.”

“At writing?” Graham asked.

“At everything,” Henry said, rolling his eyes. “Let’s shoot.”

“Why are you all so anxious to start without her?” Graham asked.

“Uh, no reason,” Killian said at the same time Liam mumbled, “Who said anything about that?”

Graham raised an eyebrow as he looked at each of the brothers in turn. He decided it’d do himself no earthly good to remind them that they all had.

“Age before beauty, old chap,” David said, slapping Liam on the back.

Liam stepped up to the chalk line drawn in the grass, aimed, and fired.

“Well done!” Graham exclaimed when the footman brought the target near. Liam’s shot was only an inch off of dead center.

“Thank you,” he said. “How old are you?”

“Uh, thirty,” Graham replied.

“That puts you behind David,” he said. “We always do things like this by age. It’s easier to keep track that way.”

“I see,” Graham murmured. Killian and then David both took their shots. They were good, but not perfect, but still good enough to kill a man, if that was their intention.

Graham selected a pistol and tested its weight in his hand before he stepped up to the chalk line. It’d only been recently that he realized he liked to shoot, that it wasn’t a chore. And when he realized that, his father’s voice in the back of his mind - always yelling, always criticizing - was gone.

He raised his arm, his muscles rock steady, and fired. He squinted. It looked good. When the footman brought the target near, they all saw he missed the bullseye by no more than half an inch. Closer than anyone so far.

They all murmured their congratulations to him before Henry stepped up to shoot. When he did, he proved to be Graham’s equal.

“We do five rounds,” Liam explained as he stepped to the line again. “Best out. If there’s a tie, the leaders face off.”

Graham nodded his understanding. David looked at Graham with deadly serious eyes. “We take our games seriously.”

“I’m gathering,” Graham replied.

“Do you fence?”

“Not well.”

The corner of David’s lips lifted in a smirk. “Excellent.”

“Be quiet!” Liam barked, shooting an irritated look over his shoulder at his brother. “I’m trying to aim.”

“Such need for silence won’t serve you well in the middle of a crisis, brother,” David called cheerily. 

“Shut up!”

“In fact, if we were attacked,” he continued, completely unbothered by the glare Liam was sending him, “it would be quite noisy, and I, for one, am rather disturbed to think…”

“David!” Liam bellowed.

“Don’t mind me,” David said jauntily.

“I’m going to kill him,” Liam said to no one in particular. “Does anyone mind if I kill him?”

No one did, but Emma, sitting about ten feet away with her nose stuck in a book, did look up and mention something about the blood and the mess it’d create.

“It does make for an excellent fertilizer,” Graham interjected, trying to be helpful, since it was his area of expertise.

“Oh, well then, by all means,” Emma said, turning back to her book.

“How’s the book, darling?” Killian called.

“It’s quite good, actually,” she replied.

“Would you all please be quiet?” Liam’s cheeks colored slightly as he glanced at his sister-in-law. “Not you, of course, Emma,” he amended.

“Glad to be exempted,” she said cheerfully, rubbing the side of her stomach.

“Do try not to threaten my wife,” Killian said mildly.

Liam glared menacingly at his brother. “The lot of you should be drawn and quartered,” he mumbled.

“Except for Emma,” David reminded him.

Liam turned to him with a deadly expression. “You do realize this gun is loaded, don’t you?”

“Luckily for me, fratricide is considered far beyond the pale.”

Liam clamped his mouth shut and turned back toward the target. “Round two,” he shouted, taking aim.

“Waaaaaaaaaaaaaait!!!”

All four Jones men sagged and turned around, groaning when they saw Ruby careening down the hill toward them.

“Are you shooting?” she demanded, hands on her hips.

No one answered her. No one really needed to.

“Without me?”

“We aren’t shooting,” Henry piped up. “We’re just standing around. With guns.”

“Near a target,” David interjected.

“You’re shooting,” she accused.

“Of course, we’re shooting,” Liam ground out. He flicked his head over toward Emma. “Emma’s reading a book. You should join her.”

“A very good one, in fact,” Emma called.

“Reading books is very improving, you know, Ruby,” Killian said.

“I don’t need to be improved, Killian,” she snapped. “Give me a gun.”

“I’m not going to give you a gun,” he retorted. “We don’t have enough to go around.”

“You can share, you know,” she said, smartly. “Have you ever heard of sharing? I hear it’s very improving.”

Killian scowled at her as only an older brother could, and in a way that wasn’t particularly reflective of his years.

“Here,” Graham said, magnanimously, handing his gun over to Ruby. “You can use mine.” All four Jones brothers groaned in annoyance, but Graham didn’t care. He found that he rather enjoyed annoying them.

“Thank you,” Ruby said graciously. “Since you just called out Round Two, I assume you’ve all taken one shot?”

“Indeed,” Graham replied. He looked around at her brothers, all of whom wore a dejected look on their faces. “What’s wrong?”

Liam just shook his head.

“She’s a freak of nature,” Killian volunteered.

Graham raised his eyebrows and turned his attention back to Ruby. She didn’t appear particularly freakish to him. 

“I’m dropping out,” Henry muttered. “I haven’t had breakfast yet.”

“You’ll have to order more,” David informed him. “I ate it all.”

Henry groaned. “It’s a wonder I haven’t starved to death with you around, David.”

“Did the two of you grow up in a barnyard?” Liam asked.

Graham bit his lip to contain his smile.

“Are we going to shoot?” Ruby asked.

“You certainly are,” Henry groused. “I’m leaving to eat.” He didn’t move from his place leaning against the trunk of a tree as Ruby lifted her arm and fired.

Graham blinked in surprise as the footman brought forth the target.

Dead center.

“Where did you learn to do that?” he asked, trying desperately not to gape at her.

She shrugged. “I didn’t,” she informed him. “I’ve always been able to do it.”

“Freak of nature,” David repeated Killian’s words from earlier.

“Well, I think it's splendid!” Graham exclaimed.

Ruby looked at him, her eyes aglow. “Really?” she asked.

“Absolutely,” he affirmed. “If our home is being attacked, I know exactly who will join me on the front lines.”

She beamed at his praise, then looked around at her brothers. “Where’s the next target?”

Henry rolled his eyes as he pushed himself away from the tree. “I forfeit. I’m getting something to eat.”

“Get something for me too,” David called.

Ruby turned to Liam. “It’s your turn then?”

He took the gun from her hands and laid it on the table to be reloaded. “As if it matters,” he mumbled.

“We all have to do five rounds,” she informed him haughtily. “You’re the one who made the rules.”

“I know,” he muttered. He took aim, but he clearly was past caring. He was off by several inches.

“You’re not even trying!” Ruby cried, indignant.

Liam turned to Killian. “I hate shooting with her.”

“Your turn,” she said to Killian. 

Killian, then David, took their turns. They both performed better than Liam did, but still missed their marks.

Graham stepped up to the line. “Don’t you give up, too,” she admonished him.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said softly, a smirk on his face. 

“Good,” she said, spearing her brothers with A Look. “It’s no fun shooting with poor sports.” She turned her attention back to Graham as he took aim. “They do this every time. They perform badly until I quit because it’s just not worth it, then they all come back and have all the fun.”

“Be quiet,” he admonished her lightly. “I’m trying to aim.”

“Oh, sorry,” she apologized quickly and shut her mouth, watching him intently as he took aim and fired.

“Perfect!” she cried when the footman arrived with the target. “Oh, Graham, that was wonderful!”

Liam grumbled something under his breath before turning his attention to Graham. “You are going to marry her, aren’t you?” he asked. “Because if you will take her off our hands and shoot with her, I will gladly double her dowry.”

Graham was quite certain by then that he’d marry Ruby for nothing, but he just grinned and replied, “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

~*~*~

Thank you for reading and sharing! I'd love to hear what you think! Next ch will be up Tuesday night before I go to bed.

[busstop]

This really shocked me. I was a fan of @latelatenarry's old blog. Couple of months ago, when she set up a new blog - @homemadenarry (later given her original name) I found I couldn't follow it - couldn't work out why - and I messaged her, to see if she could help, cos I loved her stuff (especially Axiom) and always reblogged it. Got no reply, so tried again a few weeks later, but still no reply - I was gonna ask one of our mutuals to ask her, in case Tumblr had glitched and she hadn't got my messages.

Then today, I see posts from my My Mad Fat Diary fandom chums that several of one of our writers' fics have been copied, almost *word for word* - given new titles, and our lovebirds Rae & Finn replaced with Harry Styles & Y/N.

I thought, "Oh, it'll be a new blog, someone I've never heard of,"... but it's Charlie, @latelatenarry! I hadn't noticed at the time, because the stories were reposted *after* she'd blocked me - I realise now that she'd seen me mention MMFD in my posts or bio, and was worried that I was likely to recognise these stories as MMFD fics - too bloody true, cos we're a small fandom, so everyone reads everything! We're blessed with a bunch of insanely talented writers. These stories were stolen from Erin, @how-ardently, who has been inactive for about 18 mths - convenient if you're stealing her work - the fics are from 2015/16, and are on AO3 as well as Tumblr.

I couldn't believe it at first - why would Charlie need to steal fic, when she has published so many great fics of her own? Completely unnecessary, right? I tend to think the best of people until proven otherwise, so it's taken me a few hours, but I've now come round to the possibility that (some of) her other stuff may have been stolen from *other* relatively obscure fandoms that you wouldn't expect to find 1D fans in. (There ARE people who love My Mad Fat Diary AND 1Direction!)

Some of the MMFD fandom have tried messaging @latelatenarry, but got no reply. However, she has deleted the stolen fics. (We have screen grabs of all of them, though, and you can still find intro paras on other people's reblogs).

I can see other 1D writers whose work I love have left lovely, supportive comments under the stolen work, and it's rotten you've been duped by your colleague. (I can't leave a comment myself saying, 'It's great, isn't it? Erin @how-ardently wrote it two years ago..." cos I'm blocked!) So perhaps you'd consider deleting your comments/reblogs for the following fics:

Intangible (Spatial Reasoning, by howardently, 2015)

Honesty Hour, pt1& pt2 (3 Rounds And A Sound, by howardently, 2015)

It's Never Over (Madness, by howardently, 2016)

If you've seen My Mad Fat Diary, why not treat yourself to Erin's 36 other wonderful MMFD fics? (And if you haven't seen My Mad Fat Diary, sort yourself out!)

Thanks for listening. A big kiss from the delicious Finn Nelson for each of you! 💕

Hello, I'm the anon who came across the Harry fic plagerism. If I had known you were the beta, I would have come to you. I did message howardently but as she doesn't come on tumblr anymore, I wasn't sure what else to do. I don't have a tumblr myself so don't know how these things work, or how to report this sort of thing. I am so glad that more people are aware. I also sent latelatenarry several messages but all it did was make her blog private. The shame. I want to say sorry, cause she won't.

Hello lovely anon. Thank you so much for speaking up. You did exactly the right thing by letting Erin know and I’m sure she’s grateful to you. 

To tell you the truth, I don’t know if there is somewhere on tumblr to report this kind of thing to, but I appreciate your efforts to let someone know and thanks to those efforts, latelatenarry has since taken down another two fics, which I can only assume she’s stolen as well. I only read the one you originally pointed out because I naively thought she wouldn’t be crazy/rude/unethical/amoral enough to do it more than once. I’m an idiot obviously. 

It begs the question; who else’s hard work has she stolen? She’s prolific it seems, but who’s to say it’s stuff she hasn’t taken from other writers in other fandoms, thinking she’ll get away with it. The balls on this person; fucking unbelievable.

Some things I found:

On posting “Three Rounds and a Sound” as “Honesty Hour”.

  That she called it that fucking riles me something fierce and the ‘not sure how I feel about this one’? I don’t know, you must have felt pretty good about it to knock it off. Yes, she changed the names, and threw in enough of her fandom to fit her particular narrative and I guess, her writing ‘style’ *cough* but it’s 95% Erin’s.

On how there won’t be any more (because Erin didn’t write it). I did follow her advice though and sent a complaint.

From her FAQ; the rules she makes everybody else live by:

The advice she gives others:

Bless you anon, for giving a shit and for wanting to apologise because she won’t. You have nothing to apologise for. You done good. Thank you. xo

Some of you may feel I’ve been a little harsh, calling her out like this, or that it’s got nothing to do with me but I don’t agree. I will go into bat for anyone in this fandom but this is my friend; I know how hard she works and that her stories mean a great deal to her, so what would you expect me to do? 

If you write or make fan art or gifs, you know what it takes, you know how much of yourself goes into everything you create. 

There are always going to be some ideas that bump up against each other; it’s understandable and inevitable and there’s nothing wrong with being so inspired by something that you are compelled to write your own take on it (while acknowledging and crediting the original creator) but this? No. Laying claim to other people’s work and passing it off as your own is outrageous and wrong, so I’ve said something. Not that I think it’ll change this person’s mind or that she’ll even give a shit in the slightest, but I couldn’t not say anything. I’ve never seen plagerism this close up before. It’s ugly.

Also, many thanks to @rinnship for saying something to latelatenarry on the fic before she took it down and to @ch1darkcy and @kneekeyta for spreading the word. Ta very much. xo