#but again i do like the dialogue i think it’s clever and well paced | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

chibivesicle · 2 years ago

Text

Trigun Stampede - Episode 7 - with a title like ‘WOLFWOOD’, I was expecting him to die.

Yet, he is still very much alive at the end of the episode. He saved the orphanage - cue manga plot line to die. However, this wasn’t his second showdown with Livio; can’t have him dying just yet can we?

As I’ve said before, and I will continue to say, the technical aspects of this series are top notch. The smooth fight scenes, the great facial expressions, especially from Meryl in this episode. Yet, the payoff from the events of this episode ring hollow to me. But that is continuing on if the payoff is earned or not. And with all that introduction of the Bad Lads Gang, we don’t even get to see B.D.N. as an older fan, I have to admit that was a disappointment, he was a good villain who added to the character dynamics and helped flesh out Vash’s character early on. But before that, I’ll respond to some comments on last week’s post - I’m always bad about getting back to comments on posts - apologies. ^^;; One comment was on how Wolfwood and Vash don’t need to become friends since it is Wolfwood’s job to take Vash to Knives. That is totally correct - however, the ‘98 anime and manga both make it a point that Wolfwood and Vash become friends as it adds to their character development. Wolfwood realizes his guilt and also finds peace with his decisions because he became friends with Vash. And Vash respected him in both either by literally carrying his cross in the anime in the final showdown with Knives or by using his own life force/span to blow a hole in Knives’ ark just to show him Wolfwood’s dead body on the couch while looking very pissed off. Either way Wolfwood’s own actions that result in his death spur Vash into action. Another comment was about how I’m guessing this season is 12-13 episodes - I’m going by the fact that a lot of anime now are split into two parts for a single ‘season’ and they pace them out this way e.g. Spy x Family, LOGH:DNT etc. It just reflects a change in the animation industry instead of the 90s where they would contractually agree with a studio to make seasons that were either 24-26 episodes long in one go or as long as 36-40. Hence the use of recap and filler episodes, though I personally feel that the original Trigun does not suffer from ‘pointless filler’, it was clever in the story and character development. I haven’t been gleaning the Japanese sources with much vigor since I’m not that into Trigun Stampede to care that much. I think a comment on one of posts mentioned it might be a current 9 episodes for this part from Studio Orange. I care enough about Stampede to give it a college try and watch it but at this point, it won’t hold much re-watch weight when I could go back to the original or read the manga again and enjoy it.

The last comment was similar to the first one, and I agree as well that Wolfwood really is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He has to suck it up and do what he’s told to prevent other children from the fate he and Livio have come to experience. There is just so much we can discuss about this and I love hearing back from other people and the different ways to look at things.

Okay, onto episode seven!

The episode starts off with everyone panicking as the Sandsteamer is off course and under attack. And it is heading straight for Hopeland. Cue Wolfwood panic even further! The map labels the Hopeland Orphanage but the dialogue indicates it is also a town.

Which is it Studio Orange? Honestly, it would have been best to label it as the town of Hopeland and note it has an orphanage through context than making that the key landmark. It reads oddly. The original stated that the Church orphanage is located 300 iles from December according to Wolfwood.

Wolfwood has a lot of angst trying to figure out what to do, lashing out at the Bad Lads members and then goes back to fighting Livio while telling Vash to flee.

Again, the fight sequence between Wolfwood and Livio is brutal and the July MPs remark that the two of them are monsters. It seems that Livio has some sort of built in regeneration system that we can’t see and Wolfwood decides he has no choice but to kill him.

While this is happening, the Bad Lads gang is raiding the Sandsteamer and not really doing that much honestly. They are doing a hit and run. No B.D.N. - personal sadness.

Instead of disguising themselves as Bad Lad members, it seems that one of the two of them sweet talked them to spare them to report for an ‘Outlaw’ magazine. We have Meryl taking pictures of them as they pose during the raid.

Since Meryl is pretty quick witted, I’m guessing she’s the one who came up with the idea and Roberto is just rolling with it based on his body language. But hey, they aren’t dead! That’s a plus.

Then Vash shows up knocking out all sorts of Bad Lads making his way to Roberto and Meryl.

The group briefly chat about why they are there as Vash thought they drove off back towards July on their own. We have him using his gun as a blunt object along with his robotic arm. I guess when he ran away from Wolfwood, his goal was to just knock out as many of them as possible? It is unclear what his objective is other than this is the way the writers have him run into Meryl and Roberto. This shows off that he’s ‘not human’ according to Roberto and they don’t explain to him that they are still following him either.

He then continues down the hall taking out more Bad Lads with his knock them out strategy.

We do see Vash do this in the ‘98 anime (and in the manga) in the episode ‘Hang Fire’ with his famous terrible song about slaughter and genocide but the crux of that story was him begging a father wanting to kill the man who raped and murdered his daughter not to. He kicks a freakkin’ rocket grenade with his foot and takes out men with his long colt 45 instead of shooting them.

The action returns to Wolfwood and Livio. We had more 2D flashbacks about them and Wolfwood is resolved to take him out by insulting him and pretending him like he does care. Livio gets emotionally stunned and when he goes to shoot him at point blank range, his shot is knocked off course and destroys Zazie’s monitoring insect.

This is where he turns to Vash in shock, since this is one of the few times Vash has fired his gun in the entire series. Of course it is to protect Wolfwood and Livio.

Vash keeps pushing him to try to find a way to connect with Livio and Wolfwood fights him until he can damage the weird mind control device on Livio’s face. He pop back into awareness and realizes that Wolfwood is his older brother, Nick and it looks like they might get him.

But all of the brainwashing from the Eye of Michael kicks in and he staggers about pointing his guns at Roberto, Meryl, Vash and Wolfwood . . . before he snaps and shoots himself in the head and falls off the steamer. Tis a flesh wound. We know Livio will be back later.

Wolfwood is clearly concerned and looks over the railing and notices a car that he knows is likely Legato and others. However, he doesn’t share this critical information with others and instead angsting alone for a moment.

It then reveals that Legato is in the mood for some monologue time to state that Wolfwood’s ‘lack of faith’ is an issue and in order to get him to serve Knives better they need to destroy everything he cares about; Livio and the orphanage.

Once Wolfwood no longer has these important connections, it will be no problem to control him. [sighs] If you say so less nihilistic version of Legato. In the last episode we already had Legato establish that this version of Wolfwood has a very strong will and attachment to others, he should realize that this likely will backfire on him.

What is throwing me for a loop is that Legato is the ‘religious’ one in this version. That was squarely Wolfwood’s thing in the manga and ‘98 anime. He seems to (based on his dialogue) believe that faith in something is greater than emotions. Yet, in this episode, we do get some actual anger from him in his voice as well as a more sinister facial expression indicating our bad boy has emotions.

The religious fervor continues with his mannerisms as he decides to force his hand, literally. If the Bad Lads Gang, Livio and Wolfwood can’t do the job, then he will do it.

This does appear to be very tongue and cheek dialogue from him, but I’m disappointed. I miss ultra-nihilistic Legato Bluesummers. He seems to be going through somewhat villain motions, but is missing that sick and twisted edge that made him as creepy as fuck in the original works. I’m also missing his Knives worship. We have no indication that he’s a man craving validation from a person he’s obsessed with. Granted, we didn’t get that early on either, but he made it clear he was there for Knives’ agenda.

What is his ultimate plan? Trigger the ship’s ion cannon to fire at the city and plow into it as well! Wow! I’m sorry, this is again lazy writing. We are going to have Vash info dump for once, stating that the Sandsteamer is a modified spaceship, it still has it’s ion cannon and it was used to clear large rocks back in the day. And he knows how to operate parts of it and busts into all sorts of unused rooms.

Oh noes! We need to make the drama 110%, Vash declares that they have no choice but to try to manually override things. I would like to note during this entire course of events, Legato is just twiddling his thumbs thinking he’s done the job. Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched man.

Vash decides he’ll figure out how to mess with the cannon and ask Wolfwood to break into some sort of area to try to manually hold it back?

When we see Vash using the cargo container cranes to pull force on the ion cannon, and the moon in the background, I figured this was the new version of the Fifth Moon in Augusta. Since we don’t know if Vash can make his angel arm in this version, he’d blow a hole in the Fifth Moon with the ion cannon.

While Vash works on mechanically messing with the canon poor Wolfwood is having a melt down trying to do the impossible.

Meanwhile, Meryl is in the control room for the ion cannon with the fire lever before her.

Roberto makes his move and tells her it is time to go. They had a deal to pull out when it was too dangerous. He found an escape vehicle and orders her to take it.

She looks serious and hesitant.

He reminds her what her job is and that she is not a hero and is just a normal person. We can tell they are leading up to some sort of confrontation between the junior and senior reporters.

Poor Wolfwood is there pushing on a giant ion cannon losing his mind. This plot point is bonkers. I get this is sci fi and that Wolfwood can heal quickly but super strength wasn’t in his background right? Or not that we’ve seen.

The conflict boils over when Meryl takes her stand to not be passive or run away! She calmly says she can’t abandon them and that she doesn’t judge Roberto for running either.

But the events at Jeneora Rock shook her to her core. She can’t be passive and has been feeling frustrated since those events. Meryl has guilt for not being able to prevent Tonis from being injured and she sees it as her fault that he lost an arm.

She declares that she’s staying right here in the chance that she’ll be able to make a difference. Honestly, Roberto doesn’t have much to say back to her and thankfully, he doesn’t.

This entire sequence shows where Studio Orange kills it with her facial expressions. They are good, incredibly good. It also further shows that Meryl is also taking on aspects of Milly by caring about others and doing the ‘right’ thing to help out others even if it took her some time to get to this point. Studio Orange - I give you one point for actual character development for her.

Vash rushes down to help out Wolfwood. He tells him that he does have something he cares about and Wolfwood pretends to be obtuse while they strain to try to push the ion cannon.

We see it strain his robotic arm which cracks and sizzles with electricity as well. He’s working it to the max.

This entire scene gives Vash time to talk to Wolfwood as he tries to connect and humanize Wolfwood. However, the sheer physics of this is crazy. Even with a special robotic arm, they aren’t going to make that much of a difference. Yet somehow, they are able to nudge it just enough that when it reaches maximum charge, Meryl discharges the cannon.

Based on what happens it appears that the wrapped cargo crane cables and the collapsing of the arms created enough of a counter force that once they hit the ground it was able to pull it back and out of range until the discharge was complete.

I know this is a sci fi series, but the physics of this had me feeling a bit whaaaa? We’ve been sticking to more logical rules in this series; this was out of place to an extent. Additionally, Legato, why weren’t you trying to counter them more? Twiddling your thumbs I presume? Feeling superior?

Of course the crisis isn’t averted yet! Now, they need to stop the Steamer from colliding with the town. Wolfwood wants to blow it up taking himself with it. He vaguely taps into past Wolfwood’s need to choose the needs of the many as opposed to the needs of the few highlighted in ‘Escape from Pain’.

Yet, Vash gets him to stand down despite his vow that Vash can’t save people without hurting others.

Vash then sends Wolfwood to the engine room and he runs off to the plant room. This was briefly shown in the last episode, so we know the ship is powered by an individual plant.

Wolfwood becomes Kaite, and using his ability to heal, is able to open the hot pressure release door. We see all the other men sitting down looking at their hands and hot gloves unable to hold on long enough.

I missed the original plot point with B.D.N and the Sandsteamer. With the inclusion of Kaite, we see how Vash is able to convince someone to not be hopeless and to make a difference. It also leveraged the point that Kaite was small enough to climb to reach the release lever and it just takes a normal amount of human force.

It is through this nudging to action part that Vash is able to influence others to act, even when at times we know he’s being passive about the big picture for himself.

Vash then goes to the plant to get it to power down and stop the out of control Sandsteamer. Like in previous versions, he places his hands on the tank and requests assistance from the plant.

The Sandsteamer comes to a stop just before hitting the town and Legato decides to give up for the moment. He orders Zazie to retrieve Livio from the desert ground.

A sandstorm then appears, prompting Legato to ask if this is Zazie’s work which they deny.

The sandstorm moves in on the Sandsteamer. This time we have a real sandstorm as opposed to the one that never happened in episode three and also contrasts with the town that didn’t see wind power twenty-five years ago. I’m still not over the there is no wind in the desert plot point.

At the end of the episode the gang meets up to realize the only place Vash could be is the plant room. We see him hand to hand with the plant. The plants have lost their angelic design and instead look like the aliens from Avatar. Well sort of - or elves.

Vash turns to look at them and his face reveals the plant markings where in shock Meryl states that Vash is - a plant?

The episode ends with him looking at them before it goes black and he passed out collapsing to the floor. We have confirmed Vash’s plant identity. It seems like they were going for the same look of shock Meryl had to the Trigun Maximum manga when he uses his angel arm to deflect a bullet from hitting Meryl and she loses it.

Summary of this episode and some main points:

1.) Our team finally scores a win. Mark them one point in the W column! This was such a long time coming. I don’t consider the victory of the Nebraskas to count since it was just a sign of the doom to come.

2.) Wolfwood is at least getting some humanizing points. He’s been forced into a corner and finally stops to listen to Vash and back him up. Though it is with some reservations of course.

3.) Hope does hold out. It is hope that saved Hopeland. That is rather heavy handed Studio Orange! But that is the kinda of don’t worry viewer we will hand feed you the cheese are what you are going for with this series. And the ion cannon plot point - you know that they have to save the day with the paradoxical pacing in this anime.

4.) Religious elements in this series utterly baffle me. I don’t know where they are going with this. It is clear they didn’t get the original. I’m still sitting on an ask in my inbox about the religious element to the original series - it will require a longer reply than I have had time to do at the moment but it will come. Mainly, since the Christian elements can be read multiple ways and it is rather open to interpret in that context depending on your own knowledge of the base material. My main vibe is that by making Legato the religious one it just seems - oddly confusing. He’s a villain and does not have a moral dilemma that stems from his religious upbringing. I just don’t get why he’s the one reading the bible and going on about faith in some sort of higher power (Knives?) it seems OOC for him.

Character notes!

1.) Vash - fired his gun to save Livio! However, the rest of the time he used it to stun Bad Lads. So booooooo. What I’m really missing is that Vash is a skilled gunslinger. We have almost no indication of his skills. He was able to deflect Wolfwood’s shot and he’s had a few early on, but he’s not giving us his awesome tricks and skills. That is all being carried by Wolfwood at the moment. I felt it gave greater weight to Vash’s ability to use his long colt AND manage to not kill someone. It really made his vow to not kill more obvious in the manga and original anime. The series is called Trigun and it is about an infamous outlaw with a huge bounty on his head and is known to be an excellent marksman.

2.) B. D. N. or Brilliant Dynamites Neon - doesn’t show up! Major disappointment! I was expecting him to get into the mix with a Wolfwood vs. Livio and Vash vs. B. D. N. showdown; no dice. I was excited for that outcome when episode six ended. There was no high stakes gamble on a one to one showdown at the toss of a coin. Which Yasuhiro Nightow loves characters flipping American quarters and half dollars btw.

That look from Vash as he emerges from behind the rubble!

His carefully aimed shots that make their mark!

And then how B. D. N. saves him from being crushed by zapping the rock when he realizes how injured Vash is and also saves the day.

The absence of B. D. N. also highlights how Vash impacts the behavior of others for the better. He always respects them and it shows that people respond to that. Again, it gives Vash better and stronger arguments for his personal code of conduct.

3.) Meryl and Roberto - Our lone female lead carries her weight! And is able to contribute to the win for our core group. She shows character development, thinking of more than just her story and job and looking back on her resume which Roberto threw out the car window. Is following through on making a difference! I again think the animation for her facial expressions was top notch here. I don’t know who is in charge of her story boarding for expression but they need to be paid more. Roberto is a sad sack. Yet, I guess being a sad sack works in this episode. He seemed rather passive this episode. Not sure why. Where is old and bitter uncle info dump?

4.) Wolfwood - doesn’t die upon saving the orphanage. We have no idea if he’ll die after showdown number two with Livio. I was expecting him to die with our episode title, but instead, Stampede leaned into this episode of the Wolfwood Show again. I know he is a fan favorite and very popular, yet Studio Orange isn’t leveraging his character as much as they could and should be doing. But since he’s now an atheist, his original guilt is lacking from the anime and manga. He’s only now using the argument of finding the lowest number of casualties for the greater good. Which seems late pacing wise and also OOC for him.

Or as my friend Merdopseudo says, he’s not Wolfwood, he’s Fakewood. I agree that this character is not even close to him from the ‘98 anime or Trigun Maximum. Yet, suddenly, he’s starting to notice that Vash’s idea might work. And is willing to give him a chance - I guess after they stopped the cannon and that Vash got him to confuse Livio. Those two events are enough for Wolfwood to feel that he owes Vash one and will follow through with his plan to stop the Sandsteamer. Does it feel earned? I dunno, maybe if you squint enough. 5.) Legato - got angry and is religious. Right. We see him raise his voice and get visibly angry and try to do things himself but at the same time, he doesn’t follow through fully. Which means you failed man. What happened to your dedication to sparkle motion? -er- I mean your dedication to the mission of Knives? I am bummed out, I wanted nihilistic Legato. Was he so confident that he thought he could let things happen without keeping the pressure on Vash and Wolfwood?

6.) Livio - has an unhealthy younger brother relationship with Wolfwood. He was almost able to snap out of it and it looks like he was brainwashed by Chapel in the very hard to see flashback about his job. Using the trope of ‘I have to catch up to X character!’ is so over used and I don’t like it being applied to him in particular. Minus one for generic writing Studio Orange. Additionally, there is no indication that Razlo the Tri-punisher exists. We can see that he killed people in the flashback but it is not enough information since it is through Wolfwood’s flashbacks in Trigun Maximum that we first get an indication of Razlo’s existence. Wolfwood is the one who watches him and notices the disconnect and then doesn’t know what happens when he runs away.

7.) Zazie - present. We get to see an insect pulled out of their mouth. Better than a vagina I guess [shrugs].

And with that I’ve hit all the points that struck me. The episode ends with a sandstorm and Vash collapsing.

I’m going to guess that the sandstorm is generated by the lone remaining Seeds ship that hasn’t crashed to the planet’s surface and that they were tracking events and located Vash there. They will use the sandstorm to pull the core group onto the ship, Vash will get a new arm from the Doctor. He’ll also meet up with Brad and Luida on the ship.

We only have a few episodes left, but the crazy pacing continues.

#trigun #trigun stampede #trigun stampede meta #trigun stampede episode review #trigun anime #trigun maximum #Vash the Stampede #vash #nicholas d. wolfwood #wolfwood #meryl stryfe #roberto deniro #legato bluesummers #legato #zazie the beast #livio #livio the double fang

36 notes · View notes

spineless-lobster · 1 year ago

Text

Thank you to @sonnet-of-anarchy for tagging me!

1. How many fics do you have on AO3?

20!

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

66,104

3. What fandoms do you write for?

bbc ghosts mostly, I would like to write more ofmd and in memoriam :)

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

- Operation Dorothy

- The Common Tongue of your Loving Me

- Just Us, Darling

- Lost Thoughts

- The Chap With The Arms, Very Strong

5. Do you respond to comments?

Of course I do!!! I love getting comments even if it’s on an older fic!!! It keeps me going it’s my oxygen!!!!!

6. What’s the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Hm, that’s probably In The Dark Night, My Love, I Know You Are Not Sleeping or The Dreams That You Dare To Dream both have angsty middles and ends lol

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Nearly all of them! I’ll pick …And A Rainbow! Because that’s a personal fav of mine <3

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Thank god I don’t because I think that would do irreparable damage to me lmao

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

I wrote it once (The Common Tongue of your Loving Me) just to see if I could do it (I probably won’t do it again?) and now it’s one of my top fics so I think I did pretty well if that’s anything to go by. As for what kind? Idk it was a pwp so that I guess

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

I’ve written two crossovers, a 1917 x ghosts crossover (Rise Up and Hear the Bells) and twilight zone x ghosts crossover (Five Ghosts in Search of an Exit). I think the craziest one is the twilight zone one due to the nature of the show itself lol

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

No, does that happen 😨

12. Have you ever cowritten a fic before?

I helped with the patcap bits of @goodonecap’s fic (they head straight for your heart)

13. What’s your all time favourite ship?

My brain is nothing but a pendulum swaying between patcap and capvers, so that’s my answer

14. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

Do you want it chronologically or alphabetically? Because I have this one fic that’s supposed to be cap being a great uncle but all I wrote was a placeholder title and nothing else, like it’s a blank doc 😭

There’s also Greater Are None Beneath The Sun which is technically finished but I wanna polish up a few ends (it has been a WIP for like a year lmao)

15. What are your writing strengths?

Dialogue!!! I love writing it so much and I love having character’s voices in my head it’s so fun!!!

16. What are your writing weaknesses?

Pacing, I write WAY too fast, my 20k word fic feels short as hell because I don’t know how to drag out scenes lmao

17. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

I’ve done it for one of my fics (Rise Up and Hear the Bells) and I used my limited knowledge of french and german and made sure to apologize profusely in the notes lol

18. First fandom you wrote for?

Our flag means death! The FIRST first fic I wrote is an unpublished ofmd one so that’s pretty cool

19. Favourite fic you’ve written?

Toughest question I’m so proud of all of them!

I really love Rise Up and Hear the Bells that fic is my baby I nurtured it for months and I wrote my ass off for 20k words lol (and I think it deserves more attention, 23 kudos is GREAT mind you, but like a little more wouldn’t hurt 👉👈)

I’ll tag @alisoncooper @flowergrenades @caps-clever-girl @thelastplantagenet @kore538 and anyone else who wants to join! (No pressure obviously!)

#ao3 #fics #tag game

6 notes · View notes

blamemma · 1 year ago

Text

all the books i read in august 😁

urmmm first off, a great reading month numerically for me especially considering august is my biggest work month but a lot of back and forth on trains helped but also just reading some excellent books!!

at swim two boys by jamie o'neill - 5* ; yep new all time favourite. straight into the top 5 books i have ever read. it's really hard to capture the beauty of this novel when its so wrapped up in such grim experiences and harsh longing. o'neill crafts this perfect dance that keeps u turning page after page and what was a 600 slow-paced historical novel about two boys falling in love breezed by.

the snakehead by patrick radden keefe - 4* ; u can tell this is keefe's first novel, but it's still good, it still does what keefe is good at, centering one key character and building outwards from there, but it lacked some of the refinement and bite that keefe's other books excel in having

the selfless act of breathing by jj bola - 2* ; this wasn't necessarily bad, it was just too much. dialogue was poor, metaphors plentiful, and a story that really could have packed a punch got lost in trying desperately to be something profound and encapsulating. i think if bola's editor had cut out half the crap and asked bola simplify his artistry this could have been a really great novel. this feels like a counter-productive thing to say but too much time was spent waxing lyrical about events or things that just didn't need to have time spent on them. i would definitely check out bola's poetry because you can 100% see the skill he has in this novel.

penance by eliza clark - 4* ; ahhhhh this really itched that true-crime-hater spot in me. this really laid bare the dirtiness of it all, but also did what clark does best, and shows you the grimness of people and the world. i really loved what she did with form here and the way we moved through the story was well-paced, each reveal coming slowly, the puzzle finally forming together. there's no redeeming qualities in anyone, but that's the point, and clark delivers once again.

briefly, a delicious life by nell stevens - 3.5 maybe 4* ; picked this one up by accident when i was meaning to purchase a certain hunger by chelsea summers (the uk covers are v similar ok!) but actually really enjoyed this one. a weird sapphic ghost love story focused on george sands and frederic chopin, and a ghost called blanca. i loved blanca's narrative voice and how we play around in that weird limbo state between life and death and what it means to be alive and what it means to be dead. this was clever. i enjoyed it. the ending just............yeah it didn't do it for me which was a shame.....i think if maybe stevens had spent more time building chopin and sands relationship, then maybe it would have just hit that lil bit harder!!

#if i am yet to read a fic u have published this is truly the reason why ://#i promise i will tho!!#just very much been enjoying a good ol book this month #books

6 notes · View notes

everygame · 1 year ago

Text

Guardians of the Galaxy (PS4)

Developed/Published by: Eidos Montreal / Eidos Released: 26/10/2021 Completed: 23/04/2023 Completion: Beat it. Trophies / Achievements: n/a

It sounds like a weird thing to say about a video game that is more correctly described as IP exploitation rather than a genuine creative work, but I was hoping for more from this.

I mean, I’m not sure why? I mean, I do know why, I’d heard the classic siren song of “it’s not as bad as people say” and for some reason that always makes me interested to play something. But Marvel’s video game output is inconsistent like the MCU never happened (well, because as far as the video games are concerned, it hasn’t) with different studios doing different things, like Square Enix bafflingly deciding the Avengers should have a games-as-a-service loot shooter, and because despite what the video games want to have you believe the MCU did happen, so an Avengers games-as-a-service loot shooter features a cast that look like they should be be standing outside Mann’s Chinese Theatre having their picture taken with tourists because all the actors were clever enough to not sign away their likeness rights.

Surprisingly–or perhaps, luckily–this doesn’t affect Guardians of the Galaxy too much, because most of the cast are aliens and everyone is sick of fucking Chris Pratt, so having another jerky looking white guy in the role barely matters. And I do think the design team made a genuinely good decision to just try and make a straight forward third-person shooter with a linear narrative and levels rather than giving in to the temptation to make some sort of open-world thing, even if the Guardians of the Galaxy’s wacky adventures might have suited more of a Mass Effect metagame, though that the game does try and include meaningful dialogue choices and Mass Effect-y squad combat mechanics.

It’s just that… It’s boring.

The team dynamic works–there’s constant chatter, and it’s honestly not that annoying. The needle drops are often funny (or at least, I was easily amused by them). But the pacing is all off, with long segments of what feels like just walking slowly from cut-scene to cut-scene, and then when you actually get to the combat it’s never, ever satisfying. I eventually gave up and bumped it down to the absolute easiest it could be and every enemy was still an insane bullet sponge, and the fact that you need to be constantly directing the other guardians to do things to make them cause any damage at all means there’s absolutely no flow. It’s entirely possible that the game’s stagger and elemental damage mechanics make killing enemies easier, but they’re poorly explained and as much as I thought I was using them correctly, maybe I wasn’t?

The game’s economy/upgrade system also doesn’t work; your upgrades for Star Lord are underwhelming and you will have them all by three quarters of the way through the game, meaning you can ignore the rest of the currency you find lying around the levels, and though there’s a limited number of guardian upgrades, you don’t really want more considering you can only use one at a time with cooldowns; you end up spamming a few favourites through the whole game anyway.

It’s all a bit of a bummer, because you can sort of feel that the team are trying to do something, it just doesn’t work. Maybe it was scheduling, pressure from the top or demands of the IP, but every little spark of fun in the writing or twists in the design are hammered down by the lengthy tedium of just grinding through the game, especially as the story is extremely underwhelming, suffering not just from some pretty picked over cliches but also really baffling character motivations at points.

Ironically, it’s only really that I have residual fondness for the characters/”IP” that carried me through this, which is a sorry state of affairs. Still, I’ve learned my lesson, even if it is being delisted I’m not touching The Avengers with a ten-foot barge pole.

Will I ever play it again? Why does a game like this have a New Game Plus, really? You unlock everything before you’ve even finished it! I’ll never look at this again, I doubt I’ll even think about it. Final Thought: The question is of course, is sitting through this worse than sitting through things like Ms. Marvel or She-Hulk? Trick question, you can look at your phone while those are on.

Support Every Game I’ve Finished on ko-fi! You can pick up a digital copy of exp. 2600, a zine featuring all-exclusive writing at my shop, or join as a supporter at just $1 a month and get articles like this a week early.

#video games #games #gaming #guardians of the galaxy #marvel #eidios montreal #review #text #txt #eidos #ps4 #2021

4 notes · View notes

benedictscanvas · 1 year ago

Text

ok thoughts under the cut i have so many of them

i absolutely love the beginning of their chat, it makes so much sense and your characterisation of roy is genuinely what i aspire to, i read everything in his voice in my head it’s such a brilliant talent. he liked that she was there!!!! bless him!!!

that finding memo reference. love. but he’s opening up and it’s so cute. i love how realistic it is, that you haven’t just made him change his mind and trust her, but he’s willing to do the FUCKING WORK with sharon!!!! so much better than magically fixing everything, he knows there’s stuff to work through but he’ll do it! for himself and for her. you’re so clever for going down that route.

and then the love confessions again. “am i allowed to say you?” is so relatable i love this reader so much. i feel like x reader can sometimes fall into a trap of making the character love the reader to a hellish extent but not the other way around?? like they forget the character needs love too. idk if i’m making sense but you get that balance spot on every time.

and then the kiss. kiss on the PITCH. trope of the century. gets me every time. also “wanted to fucking kiss my girl” might be my favourite line ever. that shit’s hot.

and now they’re private but not secret which is my favourite thing. the amount of times this man is telling her he missed her is really getting me. and of course they’ve been BETTING!!! these guys have not been as subtle as they think.

god to have a man where “something good” is our song. hm. won’t think about that one too much ahahhaha

i love their banter. also love that you center things around their dialogue, it is such a good technique it works so well, it helps with pacing. SO GOOD.

NEW POST IT. FUCK YES.

and a scene where he actually goes to sharon!!! talks about things!! is vulnerable!!! vulnerability is so very very sexy and so is roy kent, so the two hand in hand is way too much for me to handle. and going back to forgive each other properly to move on is again so clever. i believe from some of your posts you might be a teacher??? as someone who’s just come out of the education profession i can see it plain as day in some of the conflict resolution HA i love every bit of it.

slumber party!! chalk heart!!! catching her around the waist before she can escape!!! i’ve just read ur post that the next chapter will be fluffybfluff fluff and i’m ECSTATIC this whole fic is golden and i am beyond happy to finally read the latest chapters. what a story you’ve created, my friend ❤️❤️❤️

How You Get the Girl (Superstar Chapter 9)

I want you for worse or for better

I would wait for ever and ever

Broke your heart, I'll put it back together

I would wait for ever and ever

Roy and the Reader finally figure out what they want.

Roy Kent x Reader

6.8k words

Warnings: Language, teeny tiny angst at the start, lots of apologies, hard flirting & allusions to smutty activities, adults drinking, fluffy fluffy fluff

Thanks for sticking with me through the angst! Hopefully this chapter makes up for it because I made myself giggle and blush from some of the fluff in this chapter 💖

Choosing a game day outfit had never been more stressful. Normally, it was quick work: jeans, Greyhounds sweater, comfy shoes, sometimes a cap on sunny days. But most game days didn’t follow a text from Roy Kent asking if we could talk. The first text he’d sent me after our breakup. Five little words that gave me a glimmer of hope that maybe- maybe- we could fix things.

I hadn’t told anyone about the text; not Keeley, not Rebecca, not my girlfriends, not my mum. What if I was wrong? What if I’d totally misread everything at the ballet and in the car? What if Roy still totally hated my guts and was dating someone new- or worse, Brittany fucking Brett- and was doing the decent thing and telling me first before I saw it online?

But I couldn’t help but feel some non-Roy-related joy as I sorted through my worryingly obsessive amount of Richmond sweaters. Despite my personal anguish, there was something truly exciting happening: the Greyhounds were winning. And today’s match against Chelsea had the potential to do the impossible: put AFC Richmond in first place. There was still plenty of season to go, but everyone couldn’t help but feel hopeful going into this game and what it would mean for the rest of our season. Even with whatever was happening in my personal life, I couldn’t help but skip down to my car, humming “We're Richmond till we die. We know we are, we're sure we are, we're Richmond till we die!”

For the first time in weeks, I parked my car close to the building; in fact, I parked it right next to Roy’s big stupid car, the sight of which made my heart rate race just a bit faster, especially considering it was way earlier than his usual arrival time. I had to stop myself from rushing into the offices and looking too eager; but, as it turned out, I didn’t need to worry about how I appeared walking into my office. Roy wasn’t there.

Pretending that I wasn’t disappointed, I started on my game day routine, putting things where they belonged and making sure the gaffers would have everything they needed once they arrived. But I couldn’t stop thinking about Roy’s text.

The night before, after I’d read his text for the hundredth time, I’d responded with Yes, of course. I saw those three little dots and then… nothing. It had been a little off-putting, but I somewhat understood; it was Roy after all. He’d find me when he was ready.

“Oi, you busy?”

I turned and saw Jamie standing in the doorway, holding a little orange piece of paper in his hands. He had that bashful look he wore the night he brought me my box of stuff from Roy’s, but there was a mischievous glint in his eye this time.

“Me? Busy before a match? Never.” I grinned at him. “You’re here early. D’you need something?”

“We did this morning’s workout here because Roy said he had business to handle before the match.” He stepped forward and handed me the little piece of paper. “Told me to come give this to you. And to ask you to please go to your assigned seat as soon as possible.” He nodded to the little note I now held. “Then I’ve gotta go run for somethin’ like a thousand hours on the treadmill, but I think he was just jokin’ about that one.” He paused, clearly thinking. “I hope.”

I looked at Jamie quizzically, unable to resist chuckling at his equally confused expression. “Alright Jamie. Thanks for the message.”

Jamie gave me a small salute and sauntered off. As soon as he was gone, I looked carefully at the little orange sticky note in my hand. It simply read the number for a stadium seat. A bit puzzled, I grabbed my tablet- the one thing I was never without on game day- and strolled out of the office, briskly making my way to the stands.

As I walked through the empty seats, I spotted a lone figure in a dark shirt sitting exactly where I was headed. My heart skipped a beat as soon as I saw him, and I did my best to bite back a smile. No matter what this conversation held, I couldn’t deny how happy I was to see Roy.

“This seat taken?” I teased as I approached.

He grunted and nodded towards the seat next to him, his mouth twitching in the corner, the way it always did when he was fighting a smile. I sat down and looked out at the field; I’d sat out here many times before with my family or with my mates, seen this view many times before, but somehow the grass seemed greener, the red and blue seats seemed brighter, the white lines seemed crisper. Perhaps it was because Roy Kent wasn’t running down the pitch, but was instead next to me, looking as anxious as I felt.

“This isn’t too fucking dramatic, is it?” he asked with a scowl. “Sitting out here and all?”

I shrugged. “Just dramatic enough for my taste.”

“Hmmf.” He paused for a moment. “Did you enjoy the recital last night?”

I turned back to Roy, who was looking at me with his eyebrows raised. “Oh, um, yeah.” Not the question I was expecting. “Did you?”

He shrugged, his leg shaking a bit. “It was a bunch of eight-year-olds jumping around to instrumental versions of Taylor Swift songs. It was fine.” He paused, his gaze shifting down. “But I liked that you were there,” he mumbled.

My eyes fell to my tablet as my finger traced the AFC on one of my stickers. “I… I liked being there too. It was nice to see Phoebe. And your sister.” I paused, letting my eyes flicker to Roy. “And you. Thanks for driving me home, by the way.”

“Couldn’t let you walk,” he grumbled, shifting slightly in his seat. He was silent after that.

I cleared my throat. “So, is that what you wanted to talk about? Phoebe’s ballet?”

“Fuck no,” he grunted, clenching and unclenching his fist. “I wanted to talk about… well, you know…” He gestured between us. “This thing.”

“This thing,” I repeated with a slow nod. “You and me, you mean?”

He coughed. “Yeah. You and me.”

Clearly, I would have to be the one to get the ball rolling. “And what about you and me?”

Roy let out one of those giant sighs and looked up at the blue sky. “I fucking miss you,” he mumbled. “Even more than Oscar does.”

I didn’t hide my smile. “Well, I miss you fellas too,” I admitted. “Quite a bit actually.”

With an abruptness, Roy turned and faced me, his eyebrows knitted together. “Listen,” he said, his voice low. “I get now that you didn’t do anything wrong or on purpose, but I’m still really upset about that fucking article. It feels like shit to be talked about that way in print, which I’m sure you get now. Makes you feel like…. Like….” He tapped his fingers on his jiggling knee. “Like that fucking scene in Finding Nemo where the fucking braceface girl is tapping on the aquarium and the fish all freak the fuck out.”

“I guess you could say reporters are piranhas,” I joked, immediately understanding the feeling he was talking about.

My reference was rewarded with the sight of Roy’s mouth tugging upwards in the corners. “Exactly.” He folded his arms and slouched a bit. “But yeah. It fucking sucks. And the idea of trusting someone with all my secrets and knowing that at any moment all of that could be leaked is kind of…” He bobbled his head, his eyes on the sky. “Scary,” he finished in a low voice. “And it makes me feel… exposed.” He looked at me carefully, as if he dared me to laugh at the words coming out of his mouth. When I didn’t, he sighed and continued. “It’s not exactly a secret that I have a bit of a shit track record with the press and my love life.”

I couldn’t argue with that last point; I’d religiously followed his dating history over the years, a fact I suddenly felt embarrassed by. “I wouldn’t do that to you, Roy,” I whispered, resisting the urge to grab his hand. “D’you trust me on that?”

Roy let out a deep, growling sigh. “I want to,” he admitted. “But when you’ve been fucked over as much as I have…” He shrugged. “Shit’s fucking hard.”

Knots appeared in my stomach. “Oh.”

As if he could read my mind, he reached over and grabbed my hand. He spoke quickly, as if he wanted to get his next words over with. “So, I’ve made an appointment with Doctor Sharon so I can start working through all that shit and be…” He closed his eyes and let out a deep, growling breath. “A better version of myself,” he said through gritted teeth.

“That’s really good, Roy,” I assured him, squeezing his hand. “I’m proud of you for taking care of yourself.”

He opened his eyes and tilted his head to look at me. “I love you,” he said. Simple. Straightforward. Easy. “I really fucking love you. And I want to make sure that we can give each other what we need.” He stroked the back of my hand with his thumb. “What I need is someone I can trust. Someone who isn’t going to turn around and blab all my shit. Someone who’ll protect me.” He raised his eyebrows at me. “What do you need?”

I paused. “Am I allowed to say you?”

The smallest smile graced his face. “No. But thank you.” He bumped his shoulder into mine. “Come on, tell me what you fucking need.”

“Hmm.” I thought for a moment, ignoring how wonderfully warm Roy’s hand felt in mine. “I need… I need to feel like I’m not something to be embarrassed by. Like I’m not some dirty secret.” I scrunched my face as my voice got small. “Like I’m not some little fangirl with a crush instead of a woman in a relationship. Like I don’t have to compete with models and actresses.”

Roy nodded thoughtfully. “Alright. I hear that.” He looked me in the eye intently and gave my hand a squeeze. “But just so you know, in my mind, you never have to compete with anyone, you hear?”

A lump formed in my throat when I saw that adoration return to the eyes I loved so much. “Alright,” I whispered. I looked down at our hands. “So… where does this leave us, Roy?”

With his free hand, Roy lifted my chin so I could look him in the eye. “We keep talking,” he said slowly. “We fucking tell each other what we want and need. We give each other our best, every fucking day. And we see how that goes.” He paused. “Is that alright? For now, I mean?”

“Yeah, that’s alright,” I breathed, giving his hand a squeeze. I cleared my throat, realizing that it was about time for the gates to start opening and for the team to get ready to warm up. “We should go get ready for the match, hmm?”

Roy nodded, standing and pulling me up with him, giving my hand a gentle squeeze before letting go. “You’re still coming to see Oscar today, right?”

“Of course,” I assured him as we made our way out of the stands. “I think I’ve missed him more than I’ve missed you,” I teased, hoping Roy would laugh.

And he did.

“Go on, Sam!” I shrieked, bouncing up and down, my knuckles white as I clutched my tablet to my chest.

We were well into stoppage time, somewhere in the ninety-seventh minute, tied 2-2 with Chelsea. I could feel the roar of the crowd vibrating deep in my chest as Sam raced down the field, far, far ahead of the defenders. I didn’t need to check my data, all the numbers on spreadsheets that showed what an amazing season Sam was having, to know he had this. I could see it in the way he carried himself.

My entire body tensed as he inched closer, closer…

And scored.

Almost immediately, the whistle shrieked, signaling the end of the game, and Richmond’s new place at the top of the Premier League standings. I screamed and threw my tablet into an empty dugout seat, knowing Will would be too excited to properly catch it. I followed the gaffers out onto the pitch, joining the team in tackling Sam, whose infectious laugh I could hear somewhere in the crowd. In all the jumping and cheering and laughing, I registered Ted smacking a kiss on my cheek, and Beard ruffling my hair, and the rest of the boys hugging me tight.

Finally, my eyes found Roy, who wore that big smile, the same one he’d worn after our very first kiss at my parents’ house. His smile softened as he made his way to me, shaking off players’ attempts at congratulations, stopping in front of me. I wondered if a hug would be too much to ask for-

“I’m proud of you,” he whispered, his hands cupping my face. “Really fucking proud of you.” He looked at the celebration raging around us. “And I want all these pricks to know it.”

Before I could ask what he meant, he ducked his head and crashed his lips into mine. His kiss was desperate, hungry, needy. Like he was a dying man with one last request. I smiled against his lips, remembering how much I loved the tickle of his beard against my skin as I laid my hands on his hips, pulling him closer. When I opened my mouth, he let out a small hum of delight, the vibrations rumbling against my chest. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I registered the rowdy shouts and whistles coming from some of the players once they spotted us, the hearty “Well I’ll be!” from Ted, and what sounded like shrieks from Keeley and Rebecca- and was that Higgins too?- in the owner’s box. But all I could truly focus on was Roy. The feeling of his lips, the taste of his tongue, the sound of his gentle moan against my mouth, the smell of the cologne I’d bought for him in Paris, my fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt, the intense pounding of his heart.

“Oi! Coach! Keep it family-friendly over there!”

With a low growl, Roy removed his lips from mine, instead pressing our foreheads together. “I’m gonna fucking kill Jamie Tartt,” he grumbled, his gentle smile contrasting his violent words.

I couldn’t help but laugh and bury my face in his chest, tightening my grip on him. “What happened to ‘privacy’?” I asked, my voice full of teasing.

Roy shrugged, lifting my face so we were looking at each other. “Fuck privacy. My team’s in first place. I wanted to fucking kiss my girl.” As if to prove his point, he planted a kiss on my lips again, smaller this time, but just as heated. When he released me, he brushed a loose strand of hair out of my face. “What’re the odds we can get through this party without having a dramatic row?”

I shrugged, fixing the sides of his shirt where I’d been gripping him. “Third time’s the charm, Kent.”

Roy insisted on not splitting to go get ready for the team celebration that night. Instead, he drove us both to his place so I could spend some time with Oscar while Roy got ready, then to my place so I could change into the little black dress he liked. When I walked out of my bedroom, transformed from “Game Day” me to “Going to the club with Roy Kent” me, his jaw dropped softly as he eyed me from the couch.

“C’mere,” he mumbled, grabbing my hand and pulling me into his lap. “Fucking gorgeous,” he purred, planting a kiss on my shoulder. He moved my hair away from my neck and laid a slow kiss there. “Do we have to go? We don’t seem to have the best luck at parties,” he teased, as if his real motivation wasn’t completely obvious.

I shoved him playfully. “Come on, Kent. Let’s go break our curse.”

The celebration was in full swing when we arrived at the swanky club the boys had chosen for to honor the occasion. As we approached the doors, I tightened my grip around Roy’s hand. As if he could feel my anxiety growing, he bent down and planted a kiss on my cheek.

“Ready for the official debut of Roy Kent and his anonymous assistant?” I joked tensely.

With a small smile, Roy shook his head. “Fuck that. I’m ready to make our debut as you and me. Just us.”

My heart skipped a beat when I caught sight of the affection in his eye. “Just us,” I repeated. “I like the sound of that.”

Hand in hand, we walked through the bustling club, offering nods of acknowledgement to the players who shot us mischievous looks. Roy led me to the bar, where he ordered my usual drink and a beer for himself.

“Cheers,” he murmured, handing me my drink. He leaned on the bar and gazed at me as he took a sip of his beer, his eyes moving slowly down my figure. “You look so damn-”

“You guys!” Keeley squealed, throwing her arms around us and giving a squeeze before letting go, Jamie at her heels. “Holy shit! I have so many questions, you have to tell me everything!”

I glanced at Roy and intertwined our fingers. “Not much to tell,” I said with a shrug, suddenly feeling bashful.

Roy lifted my hand to his lips and kissed my knuckles gently. “What she said.”

Jamie tapped his drink to Roy’s beer. “Cheers, Coach.” He smiled. “Guess this means we’ve got some double dates in our future, yeah?”

“Fuck off,” Roy scoffed, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. The squeeze he gave my hand assured me that yes, we would have double dates with these two, no matter what he said with his mouth.

“Well, well, well, would you look at you two!” Ted approached us, his grin wider than I’d ever seen it. “Caught your lip lock after the game. All ya needed was some rain and y’all woulda given Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams a real run for their money. The Notebook, more like the Playbook, ya know?” He winked at Roy. “Went and got ’er, huh?”

Another eye roll from Roy. “Yeah, yeah, thanks for the advice.” He turned to me. “Can we go sit down now? My fuckin’ knee is killing me.”

I stifled a giggle as I let him lead me to a secluded couch, away from the curious gazes of the Richmond players and staff. He wrapped an arm around my shoulder and stared at me with a lazy grin. I turned my body to face him, the gears in my head turning.

“So, Ted gave you advice about us, hmm?”

Roy took a long drink of his beer. “He may have told me some stuff.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Y’know, before I left to go get ready for Phoebe’s recital, I heard Ted and Beard barking and running out of the office. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you, Kent?”

He let out a low growl and bobbled his head. “I may have asked the fucking Diamond Dogs for advice,” he muttered.

“You must’ve been desperate,” I teased, nudging him with my shoulder.

His eyes softened. “Guess I was,” he hummed, leaning towards me to steal a brief kiss. “Fucking missed this,” he mumbled, pressing his lips to my neck. “Missed you.”

“So, what advice did the Diamond Dogs give you?” I pressed, not willing to let him distract me from the topic at hand. “Or is it totally confidential?”

He tossed his head back with a defeated sigh. “They told me to fucking communicate with you. And to be willing to be, I dunno, vulnerable and shit.”

“Vulnerable,” I repeated, taking a sip of my drink. “That’s pretty sexy, you know.”

His eyebrows flew up. “So, if I spill all my fucking secrets and cry a bit, you’ll come home with me tonight?” he teased, leaning close.

“Only because I want to see Oscar,” I shot back, bumping his nose with mine.

Before Roy could retort or kiss me, Sam, Dani, and Colin ambled over, shit-eating grins on their faces. Roy scowled at them, while I opted for a smile and wave.

“Hi boys,” I greeted, prepared for the teasing we were about to receive.

Dani raised his eyebrow at us. “So, this is for real, yes?”

Colin nodded emphatically. “Don’t go jerking us ’round. We’ve been waiting for this for months.”

A look of almost revulsion spread across Roy’s face as he scoffed. “Are you pricks fucking serious?”

“Dead serious, boyo,” Colin confirmed. “Er, Coach,” he corrected under Roy’s glare. “We’ve been rooting for you. Even had a pool going about when you two’d get together.”

Sam grinned. “I had bet on the last game of the season. I am a very big fan of a dramatic slow-burn romance.”

As the boys chattered on about the different bets they’d placed and why, Roy leaned close to me. “Should we tell them we first got together fucking months ago?” he whispered in my ear.

I shook my head. “Don’t spoil their fun.”

I woke up smelling cinnamon. I turned over in bed, finding only Oscar, who’d ditched his own bed for Roy’s at some point.

“Morning, Oscar,” I mumbled, stroking the dog’s fur. “Where’s Roy, hmm?”

When the dog didn’t answer, I rolled myself out of bed and headed downstairs, the pitter-patter of Oscar’s paws following me the whole way. I found Roy in the kitchen, fully dressed, whistling and making French toast. Keeping quiet, I hovered in the doorway, watching him as my heart swelled with joy. He moved with a lightness I didn’t think I’d ever seen. It took me a moment to realize he was whistling “Something Good” from The Sound of Music. Unofficially “our song”.

Doing my best to step silently, I approached and wrapped my arms around his middle. “What’re you up to?” I asked innocently, batting my eyelashes at him.

He peered down at me, the corner of his mouth lifting. “Making some fucking breakfast.”

“For who?”

“Jamie fucking Tartt,” he grumbled sarcastically, kissing the top of my head. “Who d’you fucking think?” He nodded towards the kitchen island. “Sit.”

I made a face at him. “Yes, Coach,” I teased, slipping my arms from around him and taking my usual seat. On the countertop were Roy’s car keys and a cup of tea. I took a sip and glanced up at Roy, who had resumed his whistling. “Did you go to the shop this morning?”

He shrugged. “Needed syrup.” He glanced back at me. “Hope your tea’s still hot.”

“It’s perfect,” I stared at him. “What’s with the production this morning?”

Roy plated a couple slices of French toast and brought it over to me. “Fuck d’you mean?”

I shrugged as I took the plate. “You went to the shop before I was awake to get syrup. Let me sleep in. Made sure my tea was ready. Cooked my favorite breakfast.” I raised an eyebrow at him. “You’re spoiling me, Kent.”

“Ah.” Roy grabbed a fork and the syrup and slid them over to me, then leaned his elbows on the counter. “I… am just glad you’re here,” he said slowly, looking at me intently. “I have mentioned that I fucking missed you, yeah?”

My face warmed as I turned my attention to drowning my French toast in syrup. “You may have mentioned it once or twice.”

He let out a shy chuckle, a sound I didn’t hear too often. “Well, I just wanted to, I don’t fucking know, celebrate getting back together.” He wrinkled his nose, clearly feeling the same nervousness I was feeling. “I know we’re still figuring all this shit out, but it’s nice. It’s fucking nice.”

“Yeah,” I agreed softly. I took a bite of French toast and felt myself melt at the familiar taste. “Shit. I almost forgot Roy Kent can cook,” I teased.

Rolling his eyes, Roy turned and served himself a plate before joining me back at the island. “Alright. So, I was thinking-”

“A dangerous pastime.”

He narrowed his eyes at me. “Almost forgot you never fucking shut up.” He took an aggressive bite of his breakfast. “Like I was saying, I was thinking we should swing by your place today.” His eyes flickered up to me. “Pick up that box of stuff Jamie brought you.” The air felt heavy for a moment at the mention of what I thought of as the ‘break-up box’. “Y’know, because you need a toothbrush.” He wrinkled his nose playfully. “Your morning breath is fucking awful.”

“Prick,” I mumbled, unable to contain my grin.

It felt good to be back.

That Monday, after pulling into his usual parking at Nelson Road, Roy turned off the car and eyed me carefully. “What?”

I raised an eyebrow at him. “What what?”

“You’ve had this fucking… look on your face the whole drive over.” He shrugged. “You thinkin’ about something?”

“Oh.” I looked down at my hands. “Just… everyone knows now,” I huffed, trying to sound casual.

Roy leaned his head back against the headrest. “Don’t fucking tell me you want to go back to keeping things secret?” he asked teasingly. “Because I will drive this car off a fucking cliff.”

I laughed. “No. It’s just going to take some getting used to. I fully expect at least a month of teasing from the guys.”

“Yeah. But at least I can do this whenever I fucking want.” He leaned over and pressed his lips to mine, slowly, tenderly, full of affection.

When he pulled back, I smiled, the butterflies in my stomach now completely gone. “Whenever you want, hmm? I’d love to see you try that during training.”

“Don’t tempt me,” he murmured.

I nodded towards the building. “Come on, then. Can’t have you making me late, you menace.”

I had walked into the offices side by side with Roy before. Many times. It wasn’t a secret that we drove to work together sometimes, claiming that I liked to use the carpool time to try to transcribe Roy’s shit handwriting to our digital playbook I’d made.

Now, however, Roy casually threw his arm around my shoulders, making me feel like a teenage girl walking down the hall with the most popular boy in school, my cheeks growing a smidge warmer with every pair of eyes that glanced our way with knowing smiles.

In the changing room, the guys all stood a little taller, mouths open with glee, when we walked in. Before any of them could make one of the million comments they’d probably had prepared for months, Roy cleared his throat, shooting them his most intimidating glare.

“Don’t.”

Quickly, each Greyhound turned and pretended to be very busy in their cubbies. I chuckled and knocked my hip into Roy’s as he led me to the coaching offices, where Ted and Beard sat, sipping coffee.

Beard raised his eyebrows at us. “Well, hello there,” he greeted in a sing-songy voice, tapping the brim of his hat.

Roy nodded with a small grunt in return, speaking the wordless language only the two of them understood.

Ted lit up as he looked us over. “Move over Becks and Posh, there’s a new hot couple in the soccer world!” He lifted his paper cup in our direction. “Seriously, I am very happy for you two. Roy, you are practically glowing.”

The furrow in Roy’s brow at Ted’s comment was almost enough to make me giggle. “Right, I should let you gentlemen get ready for training.” I beamed up at Roy. “You pick lunch today.”

“Fine.” He bent his head and kissed my lips, eliciting little oooohs from Ted and Beard. Roy growled at them, but I could see a playful glimmer in his eye.

I practically skipped to my desk and set my things down, glancing at the to-do list I’d left myself before the weekend. As I opened my laptop and started looking at the week’s schedule, my eyes were drawn to the wall space above my desk- specifically, to the spot formerly taken up by a particular little orange sticky note.

Roy stepped into the office and dropped his duffel on his chair. Apparently, his gaze was drawn to the same spot. “I should write you a new autograph,” he murmured, his voice light.

“I’ll just ask Keeley to give the old one back,” I replied with a shrug.

“Nah.” I heard scribbling behind me. “Here.” Roy leaned over me and stuck a new sticky note on the wall.

To my favourite fan. XOXO Roy

I tilted my head up to see Roy gazing down at me. “How much d’you think I could get for this on eBay?”

“Fuck you.” He kissed the top of my head. “See you later.”

As soon as Roy and the other gaffers were out of the office, I couldn’t help myself; I spun around in my chair, giggling like a schoolgirl in love.

“I don’t need a chaperone,” Roy grumbled as we walked arm-in-arm through the building. “I fucking know where her office is.”

I rolled my eyes. “I know. I’m just offering my support. Being a good girlfriend.”

Roy grunted. “Fine. Whatever.” We walked in silence for a bit before he opened his mouth again. “Thanks. For being supportive.”

“Anytime.” I smiled up at him. “I’m really proud of you, y’know.”

Glancing around us at the empty hallway, Roy stopped walking and leaned against the wall, sliding his hand down to hold mine. “And why’s that?”

I pressed myself close to him. “Because. You’re doing something, I dunno, brave. Working through something that’s hard for you. Being vulnerable.” I put a teasing emphasis on the word, knowing Roy hated it.

Sure enough, he growled. “You still find that sexy, right?”

“Very,” I assured him. I kissed his cheek. “I find it so sexy I’m thinking I’ll spend the night at your place again tonight.”

He smirked. “That’s three nights in a row.”

I shrugged. “What can I say? You’ve been very vulnerable lately. I can’t resist.”

“Imagine how much you’ll like me after my therapy session.” He pulled out his phone and glanced at it. “Which I am going to be fucking late for if I don’t get going.”

“Alright, go, go.” I planted one more kiss on his lips. “You’ve got this. I love you.”

An hour later, Roy returned to our office, where I was working out a schedule to send to Keeley so she could have some of the guys in an advertisement. As soon as I heard the familiar sound of Roy’s heavy footsteps, I whipped my chair around.

“So, how’d it go?” I asked in a cheery tone as Roy plopped into his chair.

He grunted, swiveling his chair from side to side. “Fine.”

I eyed him carefully, his expression unreadable. “You don’t have to tell me anything,” I assured him. “I just hope you found it helpful.”

Roy glanced through the window into Ted’s empty office. “Are they gone?”

I nodded. “Pretty much everyone’s already left for the day.”

“Good.” He pushed his chair closer to mine. “Doctor Sharon was good,” he started. “I, uh, told her about what happened with us. About all the shit the press I’ve had for, like, ever. About how Brittany Brett treated me. About having my watch stolen.” He paused. “Really fucking liked that watch too.”

“And did Doctor Sharon say anything you found helpful?” I asked, trying to get Roy back on track.

“A lot of the same shit the Diamond Dogs said, actually.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Communication, being willing to be vulnerable-”

I pretended to swoon. “My favorite word.”

He smirked. “And she talked about being very honest with you when something makes me uncomfortable or if I need something from you.” He leaned forward and grabbed my hands. “She also reminded me that you were very patient with me when I asked you to keep things quiet. That you have shown over and over that you care about me, just Roy, not about me as a football legend.”

I made a face. “D’you ever feel like a wanker when you call yourself a ‘legend’?”

“Why? Do I sound like one?” He wrinkled his nose.

“Just a bit.”

He chuckled. “Fuck me then. Anyway.” He squeezed my hands. “Doctor Sharon also said that we… should try to forgive each other.” His eyes searched mine. “So, I’m sorry. I’m sorry if I made you feel like a secret or like I was fucking ashamed to be with you. That was never what I wanted. I’m…” He paused, glancing down. “I’m very fucking proud to be with you, actually.” He cleared his throat. “You’re fucking amazing. Fucking smart as hell, and kind, and you’re great with Phoebe, and you love football, and you’re fucking fit.” His eyes flickered back to my face. “And most importantly, I fucking love you.” He took a deep breath. “So I hope you… forgive me.”

I leaned back in my chair, taking in every word Roy had just said. “I forgive you.” I leaned forward and kissed the tip of his nose. “And I’m sorry, Roy. For letting Brittany Brett get to me and not respecting what you had asked about keeping quiet. And for making you uncomfortable by being so pushy that night instead of having an adult conversation.” I offered an unsure smile. “Forgive me?”

“Course I fucking forgive you.” Roy’s ears were a deep red. “Alright, is that enough being vulnerable for today?”

I chuckled. “Sure, Roy.”

“Good.” Without warning he stood and picked me up, one arm under my legs and the other behind my back, smirking at my surprised squeal. “When we get home, you can show me how much you like me being vulnerable.”

“You fucking sure you have to go?” Roy had asked me the same question about twenty times on Friday evening from the moment we left work to the moment I tossed my overnight bag into his car.

I rolled my eyes, biting back a grin as I wrapped my arms around him. “Yes, Roy. Keeley’s gone all out planning this pyjama party and if I cancel on her I’m pretty sure she’ll murder me.”

“I don’t mind planning a funeral,” he muttered, kissing my face. “Might be kind of fun.”

I pretended to be offended. “Really? You’d let someone kill me so I don’t go to a fucking slumber party?”

He shrugged. “I… fucking like waking up with you next to me,” he muttered, rolling his eyes with embarrassment.

“You needy thing,” I mumbled, breaking out of his grip and opening the passenger door. “Come on, you said you’d be my chauffer.”

“Hold on, I've got somethin’ for you.” He disappeared into the house and came back out holding-

“Is that my fucking lucky sweater?” I gasped as he handed it to me. “You had it this whole fucking time?” I thew it on over the t-shirt I was wearing with my leggings. “You prick, I was busting my ass looking for this.”

Roy looked sheepish. “I meant to put it in the box Tartt took over to you,” he admitted. “But I just…” He shrugged. “I couldn’t.”

My annoyance gave way to soft affection. “Roy Kent, you sentimental fool,” I muttered, kissing his cheek. “Still have to take me to Keeley’s though.”

He grunted and helped me into the car. “Was worth a fucking shot.”

Keeley Jones had the perfect house for a good, old-fashioned slumber party. Everything was pink and neon and glittery and covered in feathers. She answered the door in the cutest pink-checkered pyjamas I’d ever seen, with her hair held in pigtails by matching pink pom-poms and fuzzy pink slippers on her feet.

“There you are!” she exclaimed, wrapping me in a hug. “Rebecca’s already inside, she’s making mimosas.”

“Oi!” Roy leaned out the car window, smirking at us. “Take good care of her, alright? I want her back in one piece.”

Keeley stuck out her tongue at him. “No boys allowed! You can have her back tomorrow!”

Roy rolled his eyes, still smirking, and waved before driving off. I turned to Keeley, who squealed excitedly and ushered me inside, where Rebecca greeted me with a kiss on the cheek and a glass in my hand. The three of us settled in Keeley’s living room, bubbly pop music blasting from a speaker as we clutched fluffy pillows and dug into the snacks Keeley had put out.

“Alright,” Keeley started, waggling her eyebrows. “Spill.”

I sipped my drink, trying to be casual. “About?”

Rebecca scoffed. “Don’t be coy. Tell us everything about you and Roy.” She made a face. “Shit. Didn’t mean to rhyme.”

A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I brought my knees to my chest, feeling every bit the young girl at a sleepover. “I mean, what’s there to say? We were together, that stupid article happened, we got back together. That’s it.”

“No, not all the drama,” Keeley said, wrinkling her nose. “We want the details.” She leaned in close. “Like, what he’s like when you’re alone. The dates you go on. That sort of thing.” She touched her glass to mine. “Of course, what’s said at pyjama parties, stays at pyjama parties, alright?”

I shot her a thankful smile. “Fine.” Another sip. “Roy’s… wonderful,” I sighed. “He’s so gentle and romantic. So fucking sweet to me.” I thought for a moment. “He cooks. Likes to make me my tea in the morning.” After a pause, I added, “He let me name his dog.”

“Roy has a dog?” Rebecca asked, eyebrows raised.

“Yeah, Oscar.” I grinned. “Named him after the Sesame Street character.”

Keeley giggled. “Oh shit, that’s so cute!”

We sat like that for hours, chattering and drinking, giggling and singing along to the songs that Keeley played. Finally, after a particularly spirited rendition of “Wannabe” at around midnight, Keeley perked up.

“I have a fabulous idea,” she announced, jumping to her feet with a surprising agility for someone who had lost count of her mimosas. We gazed at her expectantly. “What slumber party is complete without some pranks?”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “What’d you have in mind?”

An hour later, we stood in front of Roy’s house, chalk in hand.

“Oh no,” I protested. “Roy’s going to fucking kill us.”

“Come on, we already did Jamie’s house.” Keeley pouted. “We’ve gotta do your boyfriend’s house too.” She lit up like a Christmas tree and held up her piece of chalk. “Let’s get to work!”

Giggling and shushing one another like children, we tiptoed up Roy’s driveway and began drawing all over his driveway and walkway. Keeley, classy as always, drew very detailed anatomical pictures, while Rebecca doodled an exaggerated but sweet caricature of Roy. My vandalism was simple: a giant heart with our names inside.

Right as I was adding smaller hearts around my drawing, the door burst open.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

All three of us dropped our chalk.

“Run for it!” Keeley squealed, jumping up. “Looking fit Roy!” she called over her shoulder as she sprinted back to our Uber, Rebecca laughing behind her.

Before I could catch up, Roy’s arms wrapped around me. “Gotcha,” he grumbled, giving me a playful squeeze.

I looked up at him, completely drunk and in love. “Hi there.” Despite the number of times I’d slept next to him, I couldn’t help blushing at the sight of him shirtless.

His tired face softened. “What the fuck were you guys doing?” He stifled a yawn.

“Playing a prank,” I admitted. I pointed to the ground. “I drew that one.”

He looked down. “Cute,” he snorted. He glanced across the driveway, where the girls were clambering into the Uber. “You don’t have to go back with them, do you?” He was practically whining, something I’d never heard before.

I kissed his face. “I’ll see you in the morning. Go cuddle Oscar if you miss me so much.”

“But he doesn’t look nearly as fit as you do in my old kits.” He gave me a squeeze and kissed my forehead. “Go on, then. I’ll pick you up in the morning.”

As I sat in the back of the car listening to Keeley and Rebecca howl with laughter, I leaned my head back and smiled, feeling drunk and sleepy and lucky and so in love with Roy Kent, who I knew would pick me up in the morning with a smile on his face and a chocolate muffin in his hand.

Taglist: @optimisticsandwichgladiator @giggling-sewer-ginger @katdahlali @sonyume @djarindroid @reading-blogs @thezimi @benedictscanvasmain @wibblywobblyvampywolfystuff @puckyou-forpuckssake @old-enough-to-know-better73 @ladygrey03 @soundofboots @justsomefunshit @geekgirl1996 @tedssweaters @queen-of-dumbasses @miaalltheway @di-essere-amato @shakespeareanwannabe @hotdoglamp @mal-adaptive-dreams @allthetroubleiveseen @netflix-addict @callmecasey81 @forgetmeaway @royalestrellas @kingleahhh @lemoonandlestars @ghxxxf @jill2629-blog @sunderland-6

#fic rec to the MAX #roy kent fic rec

371 notes · View notes

itsaliterarymystery · 1 year ago

Text

The most expensive missing painting in the world, The Concert by Vermeer has surfaced. General Ferrari has enlisted Gabriel to find it. Along the way Gabriel stumbles into a huge and potentially catastrophic operation involving Russia, an enigmatic Danish thief and high ranking players with a lot of money. Gabriel must oversee one of the most daunting operations of his career to prevent nuclear war.

This was one of the more intricate storylines in any Gabriel Allon book. Art, money, nuclear weapons, deception, secrets and much more. It traversed the globe in it's settings and had a wide range of wonderful and at time evil characters. All very well drawn and intricate.

The story unfolded in methodical fashion, with sometimes brief moments of sheer adrenaline. About 100 pages before the end though the pace ratcheted up, and the conclusion to the Russian operation was intense.

The humor and sarcastic dialogue, especially between Gabriel and Eli was wonderful. These two men know each other so well, they are more than family. They always, always have each other's backs. Gabriel's family were also enjoyable characters, especially Irene. She is so like him, and she gravitates toward him so much. Seeing that relationship depicted is heartwarming. His son Raphael is more quiet and reserved.

Ingrid was one of my other favorite characters. She was like no other female asset that I had read in Silva's books. She was clever, talented in lots of ways, smart and calm under pressure. Her relationships with all the characters were interesting. She held her own, and didn't always follow orders.

There were just a few small things that bothered me, I think because I am such a huge fan of these books and I know them so well. First and foremost Chiara's jealousy of Anna. After everything Chiara has been through, how much Gabriel has shown her he loves here and will do anything to protect her, we still have this jealous side. It just irked me. Another thing was the reunion with his team, and Ari. I'm really glad we got to see them all again, though Rimona's attitude of anger bothered me. I had always hoped if we did get to see him work with his team again it would have been more amicable. Ari, Eli and Mikhail were wonderful though, as was the little we got to see of Dina. Third the whole situation with the Vermeer disappointed me. Gabriel had had cases of missing famous art before, and the end results had always been much more complete and resolved. Maybe it will continue into the next book, at least I hope. Lastly, I think I could have lived my entire reading life and not had to see Gabriel use the word woke. When I read that it just struck me as so out of character.

An absolutely wonderful book, and I cannot wait for the next one!

1 note · View note

ladyartemesia · 4 years ago

Note

Since I'm in love with your writings and your taste in reading too. I know that your favorite is Brother's best friend or Best friend's brother, I would like for you to recommend me some of them please ❤️❤️🙏

꧁Brother’s Best Friend꧂

Clandestine by @junghelioseok is fantastic. Jeon Jungkook is the best friend of the reader’s slightly younger brother. He’s sexy and charismatic and DEFINITELY knows what he wants. The growth of his (clandestine) connection with the reader is utterly delicious. This one made me laugh and swoon.

Guarded by @xjoonchildx is basically legendary in my book. The lady in this story is not only Hoseok’s best friend’s sister—she is also his BOSS’s sister and by boss I mean mafia. This is the first installment in Ana’s amazing Rap Line Mafia Universe and it delivers on every level. Hoseok is tasked with protecting the boss’s sister after she is being threatened by sinister forces unknown and sparks fly.

Plums and Melons by @winetae is THAT FIC. The fic I just daydream about sometimes. It’s a fic about two people caught hard in eachother’s gravity. It’s so sexy and cerebral and the main characters are so hot. Jimin is just a guy trying to live his life, but whatever is brewing between him and his best friend’s sister is driving him insane. He wants to be a good guy, but she just isn’t playing fair.

Are You Sure? by @cutechim is such a swoon-worthy and touching piece of wonderful. I tell you I was MOVED. This is beautiful and emotional and EXTREMELY satisfying. Taehyung’s best friend has a sister who he has always secretly adored. When she comes to him and asks for some intimate experience, he isn’t strong enough to say no—not when she’s everything he ever wanted.

Drivers License and Detour by @gyukult is sweet and tender and just a fantastic coming of age story. The reader has been in love with her brother’s best friend, Park Jimin, for almost all of her youth... but what is going on in his head?It’s a tender story that really warms the heart. AND I am happy there is more coming. I would read about these two all day. She published the second part and oh my gosh it’s so incredibly perfect I could scream. This was just such a beautiful journey every step of the way.

Milestone by @1kook is probably one of the first brother’s best friend BTS fics I read and it is amazing. I adore it so much. Because Jungkook is your brother’s best friend he is there for every milestone in your life. But you’ve both grown up now and neither of you are kids anymore. It’s hot. Like really hot. Dialogue and set up are so sharp and fast paced I really loved every second.

Young God by @njssi is scorching hot smut with complicated feelings and warm revelations. You think it’s going somewhere and then it goes somewhere else and honestly it is so awesome the whole time. Jungkook was always your brother’s sweet little friend, but he’s returned determined to show you that he is all grown up.

Tease by @caiuscassiuss floored me. I loved it so much! I spent the whole story just squealing happily about everything. This story has it all. It’s scorching hot. It’s enemies-to-lovers. It’s Taehyung. Jungkook’s sister and Kim Taehyung do not get along AT all—so she decides to bring him to his knees by making him desperate for her. It’s a wild and completely awesome ride.

Wasabi by @ironicarmy is a classic. Hobi is a bad boy that Namjoon vehemently refuses to let near his precious baby sister. But love is too strong a force and soon Hobi and the clever object of his desire decide that some things are worth fighting for. It’s a really sweet story of facing challenges and relying on the people you love. Warm and fuzzy feelings abound, but it’s also super hot.

Forbidden by @btssmutgalore is a masterwork blueprint for this trope. Hobi is a carefree player who falls brutally for Taehyung’s sister. They two of them eventually give in to a VERY steamy series of secret encounters and feelings get very involved. This is hot, suspenseful, and emotionally satisfying. Excellent characterizations as well.

Prohibido by @personasintro is an office AU with a twist. Namjoon is not only her brother’s best friend, he is also her boss and the two of them have incredible chemistry. Watching them pretend that they’re not insanely attracted to each other is so endearing and hot. Reader is convinced her feelings are one-sided. It’s lovely and fun. Definitely a slow burn, but worth it.

Strawberry Kisses by @kimnjss is a fic that I devoured in one sitting and then re-read again immediately. Jeon Jungkook is a player who matches with a girl on a dating app and has no idea she is the sister of his revered mentor and close friend, Min Yoongi. I laughed. I cried. I GASPED OUT LOUD a bunch. It was a whole thing. This is a hybrid social media/written AU and it’s pretty much perfect.

Tempestuous by @ppersonna is so special to me because it was written at the very beginning of my friendship with Lindy. She was looking for requests and I was quick to request my favorite trope. Lindy is bae now and this fic she wrote is marvelous. You are forced to spend the weekend in the same house with your sexy arch-rival Taehyung who just so happens to be your brother’s best friend. Naturally snarky hotness ensues.

Off Limits @floralseokjin is basically a famous entry when it comes to this trope. It’s a Jin fic and Miss Jordan writes EXQUISITE Jin characterizations. There is a hint of mistaken (or unknown) identity in this one which makes it even more fun. Sparks fly between you and a devilishly charming Kim Seokjin at a party. You don’t find out until later who he really is—and why he’s off limits.

And finally I’ll recommend my own Brother’s Best Friend fic All I Want for Christmas is You featuring a charming Taehyung who falls for Jimin’s sister. Jimin basically blackmails his best friend into escorting his sister to several holiday galas. Tae and Jimin’s sister have never gotten along, but they soon discover (through multiple pranks and mishaps) that love (and desire) are out of their control.

Not Your Fairytale by @yeojaa is incredibly sweet and tender. Erin really does emotion so well and her Yoongi characterization is honestly so nuanced and brilliant. This story is about a girl who had her heart broken and instead of canceling the cake tasting she scheduled with her philandering ex-fiancé, she wrangles the tsundere best friend of her brother to pretend to be him.

Brother’s Best Friend by @bts-hyperfixation is a short and sweet moment between two people who have been fighting their attraction for each other. It is so hot and delicious I tell you. You’re in trouble and the person you call is probably the person you shouldn’t—but you aren’t the only one willing to take a risk tonight.

Off Limits by @kaddiiction will break your heart and put it back together again. This one was recommended to me by a reader and I cannot thank them enough. It is fantastic. Jimin is a player but he crosses the line when he begins a liaison with his best friend’s sister. Still there is far more to this situation—and Jimin—than meets the eye.

꧁Best Friend’s Brother꧂

Orectic by @gimmesumsuga is one of my favorite fics of all time. It is a hybrid fic where the reader is a cat hybrid and Hoseok is the brother of her best friend who comes to stay with her while her bestie is away... It is so tender yet SO HOT. I’m telling you I cannot even keep count of how many times I have read it.

Theophany by @ilikemesometaetaes was a JOURNEY. It made me so emotional. Like the story centers around art a lot, but let me tell you, this fic IS art. Jimin is just the man of my whole dreams in this piece as the brother of a former best friend with an irresistible allure. It is a coming of age story with the most beautiful twist. AND THE LOVE SCENE—oh my gosh I screamed it was so good. This story is just so so good.

Run by @neonlights92 is Jungkook’s story in the mafia universe I am COMPLETELY OBSESSED WITH. You don’t have to read the whole series to understand it (BUT YOU SHOULD). This is best friend’s brother meets arranged marriage and honestly it’s fantastic. Jungkook doesn’t do love and affection and being forced into an arranged marriage with his sister’s friend who has always had a crush on him is just a blow to his freedom... or is she? GAH! This story—like all the stories in this universe—is superb.

The Magic to Happiness by @readyplayerhobi is a best friend’s brother meets teachers AU meets Hogwarts AU. Now... all of those are top tier tropes so finding them together is like winning the lottery. Hobi was once just a skinny kid who had obvious heart eyes for you (his sister’s best friend) but now he’s tall and confident and really attractive. The magic of this story is evident in every word of the sweet relationship that blooms between these two.

Problem with You by @monvante is so sweet and kind of hilarious. I giggled so much! Jungkook is your best friend’s brother and he is kind of too perfect and too handsome and he’s always around and you hate him and he hates you... Right? When you cross paths with the infuriating Jeon Jungkook at your best friend’s wedding, you discover that you may have been wrong about a great many things.

Show Me Yours and I’ll Show You Mine by @ktheist is so so SO fabulous. I was obsessed with this (now complete) series from the very first installment. You and Tae are besties who have know each other since you were little kids, but lately Tae’s older brother Jin has been lookin mighty fine. Just how far can you push him till he breaks. And if he breaks.... what then?

This list is BY NO MEANS exhaustive. I just used it to compile some of my FAVORITES in this particular trope.

➪ IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER BROTHER’S BEST FRIEND FICS I SHOULD CHECK OUT PLEASE COMMENT (seriously please I love this trope so much) AND I WILL ADD THEM TO THIS LIST.

➪ Newer Additions are in PINK!

➪ Newest Additions are in BLUE

3K notes · View notes

sitp-recs · 3 years ago

Text

A Young Radical's Guide to Love by blamebrampton

Harry/Draco (2013, Teen and Up, 66k)

Memories of the war are still fresh, which is all the excuse Decent People need to do appalling things. In this quietly waged conflict, Draco Malfoy is happy to be on the right side of things for once, and even happier to find he’s not alone.

“If they hurt you, I will kill them,” Potter promised.

“No you won’t,” Draco told him. “You’ll arrest them. And you’ll hit them with the full force of the law.

Every time I read something by blamebrampton I feel so transformed I decide that will be my new favourite fic. A few years ago I used to think the hilarious and fascinating Little Red Courgette was the one, then I decided it was actually the perfect war AU And Save Me From Bloody Men (gosh, these titles are *chef’s kiss*), later on I realized it couldn’t be anything other than the gorgeous and quietly cathartic Tidings of Comfort. But revisiting this fic last night I was convinced that okay this right here makes my heart sing and beat faster at once, the flawless humorous narrative put my mind so at ease it unexpectedly made me break my hiatus to write another rambling rec. Oh how I missed this itch, the desperation to put into words that which cannot be translated into a comment, an urge so intense and full of euphoria it overrides any insecurities I’ve had in the past few months. I thought I felt too disconnected to be hit by that reccing frenesi but what do I know, here we are again.

I am 100% sure that whoever reads this fic will immediately understand why I am so infatuated with it. It is the easiest thing to dive in and get lost in the rich, charming, detailed and unique universe BB creates. Thanks to their brilliant mind I love fics exploring the perks of wizarding politics. I feel like this trope is getting popular again these days but it’s crazy to revisit BB and realize that back in 2013 they were already giving us food for thought about the infinite possibilities, intricacies and complications of post-war politics (and here I also need to mention Femme’s brilliant angsty piece We Are Young, from 2012). I consider these works a stepping stone that helped forging how I perceive and question those matters within the HP universe. And the plots they came up with are so inventive and nuanced I need five minutes per chapter to mourn the fact that we never got any of this brilliant meta in canon.

But beyond a unique premise and fascinating plot lines, the power of BB’s narrative just takes my breath away, and it’s something palpable in this fic. Their characters are so alive and full of personality, the dialogue so organic and clever and charming, istg it was a nightmare to choose among the 2872169 quotable scenes one to illustrate this rec. I could spend the rest of the week waxing poetry about how lovely Harry and Draco are, or about their easy camaraderie with Ron my beloved, which is by far one of my favourite things about this fic. My heart ached seeing these boys displaying a mix of competent maturity, self-awareness and youthful charm and optimism. I just fucking love how well they get along, trading moments of friendly banter and earnest seriousness, not to mention the trust and admiration they have for each other ugh I could barely believe how perfectly crafted for me those dynamics were.

If you appreciate a well balanced plot + romance combo, this will definitely be your jam. The thrilling pace and deliciously witty dialogue and character development guarantee satisfaction on both ends - there are no boring days at the Ministry and yet Harry and Draco find time for each other amidst the chaos, their relationship flourishing in such an easy and uncomplicated way. On that note, I wanna point out that few fics fit the rating so well as this one. I’ve noticed that sometimes Teen fics lean towards Gen or Mature content, but this is an exemplary T fic imo. As things escalate Harry and Draco stand as equals, work partners always listening to, trusting and supporting each other; but their wit and courage are perfectly matched with the thrilling delight of falling in love. The flirting moments may be subtle but thanks to multiple POVs their mutual attraction is very much acknowledged, gentle and fun with some sneaking around witnessed by an exasperated Ron. They’re so clearly smitten with each other I cannot handle it, not when they’re also so smart and badass and good. The quote I chose was just one of the moments that made me wanna cry because Draco gets Harry. But I almost went with this gem: “Potter, bless his earnest little face, was taking notes. Even Draco could start to feel himself being charmed. It was those straight shoulders. They could confuse an uncertain young wizard.”

And that ending! My god, I haven’t read a comfortingly sappy ending like this in ages, it’s so damn sweet I couldn’t stop smiling with my chest bursting in affection for their affection. I felt a bit like Ron watching them, simultaneously charmed and horrified to realize “yep this is my life now, these two idiots are banging and I am a sap for both so I don’t hate it”. Ron is such a legend here. Then again, could we expect anything less from a fic with such distinguished title? I realize this ended up being more of a love letter to blamebrampton’s brain and contributions to this fandom than about the fic itself, but I’ll just go ahead and blame my taste twin and guardian angel @tackytigerfic for enabling me in such a gentle and terrifying way.

Read on AO3

#drarry fic rec

97 notes · View notes

madelgard · 9 months ago

Text

Thank you for the tag! The Star Wars Imperials have definitely taken over my head (something about those 1970s British theatre actors idk, just too enticing) so please accept an abandoned WIP from 2020, from What We Do In The Shadows:

WIP Title: Slow Drain (Take It Easy)

Concept: Laszlo has the idea to feast slow and steady on the same person, much like a mosquito. Naturally this leads to Nandor nonstop feeding on Guillermo. I'm just going to pull Laszlo dialogue to explain it lol

“Now, as I was saying, the idea came from that devious mosquito. As a fellow creature of the night, I could not help but admire the fortitude with which that bloodsucking insect drank from Gizmo, slow as she liked, until she’d quite had her fill. And in my admiration, there grew an idea. A Damn Fine Idea, in fact.” Laszlo leaned forward with a conspiratorial glint in his eye. Guillermo felt a chill. “Instead of feasting in a one-and-done fashion, as is our habit, why not mimic the clever mosquito? Why not drink incrementally, slow and steady over a prolonged period of time from the same victim?”

Abandoned because: My interest shifted to a different fandom tbh. Also the show made Guillermo too competent and I really preferred his dynamic with Nandor before Guillermo started being all badass? I mean I get why they shifted it for the comedy but whoops I liked the power imbalance.

Snippet:

“Well, Laszlo, don’t keep us waiting,” Nadja said. They were all seated in the Fancy Room, as was tradition in the household when discussing important business. Well, not all of them—Colin Robinson was off doing something boring in some tedious place. But the heart of the household—Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, and Guillermo—were all present. Nadja was reclined on the chaise longue, her eyes half-lidded with unconcealed indifference. Nandor was seated in his favorite high-backed chair, Guillermo standing just behind, should he be needed. Immune to the disinterest around him, Laszlo was pacing the room with all the arrogant energy of a peacock in heat. At Nadja’s remark, he ceased pacing. “Titillated, are you?” Laszlo asked, a sly grin creeping up on his face. “Absolutely simmering with anticipation?” Nadja rolled her eyes. “Not really, my darling. You called us in here just last week with your idea to—what was it again? Something with the milk man?” “He wanted the milk man to deliver us with fresh blood, from the bankers of blood,” Nandor provided. “Blood bank, Master,” Guillermo offered. “And Staten Island doesn’t have milk men anymore. Actually, I don’t think any part of the United States still uses milk men—” “Gizmo’s right, my blood-delivering milk man concept was devilishly inventive, but that’s not the point,” said Laszlo. “The idea I’ve concocted that I have chosen to début here tonight is such a Damn Fine Idea that I’d be surprised you all never came up with it yourselves, if I could ever be surprised by your lack of ingenuity. Which I could not, as you lot are entirely predictable.”

Tagging @shakespeareaddict @retro-hussy @klarionthewizard @zeldurz @alex-dax (gently, with no pressure)

The WIP Graveyard Game

@phasmama was kind enough to tag me back on her post

The rules: post snippets from at least on WIP you have abandoned! Mine are going under the cut, because I'm going to post the full five, mostly from 2020-2021 times.

I'm going to tag another 5 people, because I can >:) : @achaosmuppet @theshriekingsisterhood @madelgard (yes I know you moved into the star wars fandom, but still) @starkurt, @indashadows

WIP Title: Laura Branigan Lyric (that's what the word doc is called)

Concept: 1980s AU, focused on Laszlo and Nadja as high powered business people with a sideplot of Nandermo paralleling Guillermo's season 2 arc.

Abandoned because: tbh this one was mostly just one I liked to turn around in my head. It never got past the outlining phase.

Snippet:

His friends frequently describe the joy of conquest to him. Finding a beautiful woman, a model or a music video vixen or both, taking her to the hottest restaurants, introducing her to their friends, showing her the kind of life they lead, on the cutting edge.

It reminds Laszlo of the foxes the hounds chased on hunts on his childhood manor. He imagines the woman as a fox set upon by hounds, torn apart under their small teeth.

But this, this… is like being caught, helpless, in the jaws of a lioness.

(this was the only part that made it past outlining)

WIP Title: tie a ribbon back around it

Concept: Jenna/Shanice, Jenna comes to visit Shanice after she's turned

Abandoned because: it just kind of stayed near the bottom of my WIP list until it fell off, pretty much. Plus I could never get the Jenna POV feeling quite right.

Snippet:

Jenna’s phone said 9:16 p.m., so she figured Shanice would be back from her chemistry night lab pretty soon. She shouldn’t be late, unless she got murdered on that one stretch of the walk from the chemistry building to her new dorm with no lights or police call boxes. Jenna knew it was a good place to get murdered, because Nadja had told her so when Jenna had shown it to her.

One downside to being a vampire was the whole no-reflection thing, which made it hard to check her lipstick in the glass. The lipstick was new, a plum wine red color that the saleslady at Sephora said looked good with her skin tone. Not that she didn’t like the red Nadja had lent her on their first night out! But this was one of those liquid lipsticks that was supposed to stay on through anything.

WIP Title: you've got me living only for the night

Concept: a follow-up to come in from the edge (and let the good times roll), my second-ever fic, the one with Karen (from Collaboration, remember her?) and two of the ladies from Simon's gang. Karen is now living with the Freak Sisters and performing at

Abandoned because: partly because it got struck down so thoroughly by future canon installments, and partly because I fell out of love with the idea.

Snippet:

She sits down in the living room to wait for Mr. Fifties. The Freak Sisters had flown ahead, something about a meeting at the club before the show. They obviously hadn’t needed Karen to know more about it, so she hadn’t asked. She’d felt bad about making Mr. Fifties drive, but Despoina had put another bobby pin in Akeldama’s red wig and patiently explained how he was usually looking for an excuse to bring out his stick shift convertible anyway.

They’ve got her bloodstained bra and underwear framed on the wall, like a sports jersey. It’s a little embarrassing, Karen thinks. She can tell how cheap the lace is now; most of hers costs at least twice that now. She models every pair for them, which is more of a thing for her than for them, but they still clap and leer and pull her in close every time.

The Leatherskins have all always been polite about her, but Mr. Fifties has always been a perfect gentleman. He offers her his arm at the door, though she’s wearing slip on sneakers and not heels. Her heels are usually too high for her to really walk in. The Freak Sisters really like that, especially Despoina.

WIP Title: Vampire King

Concept: a follow-up to such strenuous living, i just don't understand, aka the one where Guillermo is a volunteer at a vampire sanctuary. This was intended to be the follow-up covering the release of the documentary being filmed in the original fic.

The documentary being Vampire King, about the controversies behind Simon the Devious's Sassy Cat Vampire Ranch and Guillermo de la Cruz's campaign to have it shut down.

Abandoned because: other ideas took precedence and I didn't want to learn to code the fake tweets. It also never got past the brainstorming stage.

WIP Title: Die, Cry, Hate

Concept: post-season-2 on the run fic, this time where the vamps go and stay with an old friend of Nandor's, Madame Beausoleil, a creepy French ex-aristocrat vampire with live-laugh-love type taste in decor (hence the title) and a questionable tendency towards hypnotizing her familiars. She decides to repay Nandor's past help by hypnotizing Guillermo to seduce him.

Abandoned because: this was brainstormed in the post-s2 hiatus, and canon continuing past that diminished my interest in the idea. Also never got past the outlining stage.

Snippet (in outline form):

-M.B. is laying boxes out on her coffin, kind of ignoring him

-coffin looks slightly out of place in the room; large white, carved into deep, intricate panels with elaborate motifs and inlaid heavily with gold and accented with pale pinks and blues

-Guillermo asks her about her relationship to Nandor

-she’s known him a long time, helped her out a lot in Paris, owes him a lot of favors

-turns to him “You will submit to my dark power.”

-fuck.

-“You will be Nandor’s for the daytime, for him to do with as he pleases.”

-“alright, strip”

-Guillermo starts taking his clothes off, stake falls out of his sleeve, sees MB. watching it fall to the floor, but can’t move to do anything about it

-she’s absolutely going to kill him

-She picks up a stake “I didn’t know Nandor was into gardening. I’d always taken that as more of Laszlo’s hobby”

-naked, looking at her, she gestures towards the boxes

-he goes to look at them, opens the boxes

-lingerie: red and silk-like, black and strappy, white and lacy, pink and sheer

-she tells him to pick out the pair he think Nandor would like

-“I had to guess your cup size.” She said, glancing at his chest with a furrowed brow.

-feels like he’s walking on the floor above a great machine, feeling its motion beneath him without comprehending it

-brain working without him

-picks white and lacy (“always knew Nandor was a big fan of the wedding night look”), slides on underwear, garter, stockings

#wwdits #madelgard writes #nandermo

14 notes · View notes

dumpsterhipster · 3 years ago

Text

The Trash Dweller's Dumpster Dives: 1

Welcome to my fic recs series, where I try to convince myself all the hours I spend trawling through the Skyrim tag is worthwhile.

[2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Comfort, Companionship, Confidence - by uttzer

fandom || Skyrim rating || T categories || m/m, gen genre || coming of age, romance characters of note || Talvas, m!OC, f!LDB, Neloth status || complete, 55k

Solstheim may be freezing, but your heart will be warmed.

“Sometimes being Master Neloth’s apprentice can be… painful.” Talvas said after a while. “But if I want to be a great wizard one day, that requires hard work. And that includes volunteering for Master Neloth’s experiments sometimes.” “But you could still say no?” “You don’t get it.” Talavs’s voice cut through the calmness of the room like a knife. “Being the apprentice to a Telvanni wizard – something like that won’t happen again. This is an opportunity I can’t pass up.” “But is it still such a great opportunity if you have to suffer for it? Will you lose it for standing up for yourself once in a while?” “If I want to inherit all of Master Neloth’s power one day, I have to do this. And then it will be worth it.”

Comfort, Companionship, Confidence is a coming-of-age story told from the perspective of Neloth's assistant Talvas, a young Dunmer mage aspiring to become a powerful wizard under Neloth's stern tuition and mercurial temper. His life and ambitions are thrown into disarray by the arrival of Neloth's new steward, a stranger to Solstheim called Vilco, who forces Talvas to confront what it really is that he really wants out of life and love--and just how much worth he really has.

Whenever I think of the fandom's hidden gems, this is one of the first that comes to mind. It's difficult to believe it's the author's first longfic: for me it ticks every box, from the technical aspects to the much more important bones of character writing and storytelling. Talvas is a perfect coming-of-age protagonist, possessing a very sympathetic and believable mix of gentleness, competence and insecurity, and uttzer does a brilliant job of showing us his strengths and failings and inner world in a way that makes it impossible not to root for him. I particularly appreciated how we weren't just told he's smart and creative, but rather had the opportunity to witness several times over the story his using his mind to solve problems and advance the plot. His was an excellent perspective to view the story through, and his character arc was incredibly heartwarming and satisfying both.

Uttzer's two OCs, Vilco and his sister Ylva, were wonderful additions to the narrative. Both served as perfect foils for Talvas in different ways, and all three had really fun and interesting interpersonal dynamics, both as a group and individually with each other. Uttzer's Neloth was deliciously nasty, working really well as the closest thing the narrative had to a true antagonist. The dialogue was always very natural and authentic, with all the characters having strong voices and very clear, believably personalities.

One thing which particularly impressed me about this fic was its plot and pacing, two of the most elusive elements for fics to really nail. The plot was overall an original one, focusing on this pivotal period of time in Talvas' life, where his future hangs in the balance, but used the Dragonborn DLC storyline in a very clever and deft way to support this core narrative. Uttzer did a tremendous job of using enough of the canon plot to hit that fandom dopamine button while not getting bogged down in gameplay, and only choosing those parts of the game story to use which enhanced their own. Their pacing was also brilliant on both a macro and micro level, choosing excellent times to 'zoom' in and out to make for a very tight, satisfying story (and very exciting action scenes) which never draggged but also never felt like it was moving too quickly. Uttzer also has a very deft hand for worldbuilding, weaving in lovely little worldbuilding touches and headcanons in a way which brought the setting and characters to life without ever feeling like exposition dumping or dragging down the pacing.

All up, I loved this fic from start to finish. It's a beautifully written, beautifully rich and powerful coming-of-age story with a fantastic cast and moving plot which brings Solstheim to life. Oh, and by far one of the best dragon fights I've ever read in a Skyrim fic. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

#tes #skyrim #skyrim fanfiction #fic recs #fic review #solstheim #talvas fathryon #neloth #trash dweller's dumpster dives #mlm #dunmer #dragonborn dlc #the elder scrolls

44 notes · View notes

twopoppies · 4 years ago

Note

is there a master post for sex without a condom? can be safe or unsafe. sorry if it's already listed somewhere, I just can't seem to find it!

Every time I think I've made every fic rec possible, you guys surprise me! I've actually got a fair amount to suggest.

Danger I Can’t Hide by CelticSky (E, 227K) This one’s got all the tension and drama of a World War II story—life and death high stakes, friends and lovers unexpectedly torn apart, battles and heroism, plus the added stakes of classism and homophobia—then add a slow burn, high risk, scorching love affair spanning years. If you want a story that’s complex and fantastically researched, plus lovers to root for, read it. It’s long. But I couldn’t put it down.

where the tide takes you, I will follow by @pinkcords (E, 40K) First of all, I’m so happy this author is writing again! Second, everything about this was just lovely. The slow, dreamy tone of their writing fit the setting and the way Harry and Louis fell into each other so, so well. I love how descriptive their writing is without being flowery or pointless. The smut scenes were toe-curlingly sexy, and gave us beautiful insight into both of the boys. I just wanted to live inside this fic.

Hike Up Your Skirt (And Show Your World To Me) by Brooklyn_Babylon / @twopoppies (E, 18K) make sure you read the tags on this one because it’s not exactly “romance” and Louis is definitely super manipulative. But if you like the idea of secretary Harry in lingerie, CEO Louis, copious amounts of dirty talk, some power imbalance, and exhibitionism… this could be for you.

i can’t wait to see what you find by enbyharry / @non-binharry (E, 13K) This is such a well-written exploration of gender, independence, and intimacy. I thought the shift from Louis being a separate third part of a couple’s dynamic, to falling for Harry, himself, was handled very smoothly and I particularly loved the development of Harry’s character as he opened up and let Louis see more of who he was.

Literally Making Love by Brooklyn_Babylon / @twopoppies (E, 30K)

Holding up one of the android's eyes to the workshop’s windows, he smiled as the light picked up the gold flecks in the pale green of his irises. Louis had always paid attention to even the tiniest details.

All Louis intended to do was rescue someone in need from loneliness. He had no idea it would be himself.

I Love My Hands Around Your Neck by @fournipplesau (E, 6K) Hello... this was really hot. I just loved the dynamic between the two of them—you really get a sense of the difference between them when they play and how they interact when they’re not. Also, just really hot. Did I say that already? Yeah.

horizontal like a quarter to three by orphan_account (E, 9K) I always love fics that do kink discovery well, and this one is a favorite. Gentle, loving Louis realizing he wants to get rough with his sweet boyfriend? Gimme that.

Our Lives, Non-Fiction by @indiaalphawhiskey (E, 114K) this is, quite literally, the best fic I’ve read in years. It’s so well written, clever, funny, emotional, and sexy. Its draw you in immediately and you’ll end up falling in love with these characters before you know it. Don’t miss this one.

An Invincible Summer by Brooklyn_Babylon / @twopoppies (E, 45K)

Never content to stay in one place for long, a few months down south researching for his novel seemed like an idyllic, slow-paced summer to Louis. He wasn't ready for the blistering heat, the backbreaking work of watermelon picking, or how stifling the attitudes in rural Georgia would feel. And he definitely hadn’t anticipated falling in love with the farmer’s son.

The summer of 1946 would turn out to be everything worth writing about.

Lay So Still by yougotmetieddown (E, 3K) This one is really hot kink exploration with great dialogue and dirty talk. Plus, you really get a sense of their relationship dynamic even though it’s a PWP.

a body wishes to be held & held by turnyourankle (E, 9K) Louis and Harry are office mates who get trapped together as Harry unexpectedly goes into heat. Things develop from there.

candy in your mouth (i know you love me) by embodied (E, 7K) I really love how real the emotions in this one feel. The confusion and the fear and the hurt that come with moving from friends to realizing you have real feelings for the other is done so well.

leave you drowning until you reach for my hand by orphan_account (E, 17K) The psychological exploration of how and why this sort of play works (or doesn’t work) for these characters is so well done in this one. Plus, it’s just hot af.

ain't had none like you in a while by istajmaal (E, 12K) Ok, so first of all, read the tags. Don’t read this one if you have an issue with age difference in fics. If that’s not a squick for you, you get to read Harry and Louis traveling back in time to teach younger versions of themselves…a lot. This is one of my favorite authors when it comes to smut and this one has it in spades.

I'll Know My Name As It's Called Again by pukeandcry (E, 9K) This is basically a twist on exes to lovers and it’s a favorite. Actually, this author is all around a favorite. This one is funny, well paced, super sexy, and I’ve read it multiple times.

wings to break your fall by karamelised (E, 103K) Well. This author writes some glorious smut and Harry giving Louis a private dance wearing a pair of angel wings should be reason enough to read this. However, it’s also just fun and well written and has a little hate to love and I’m a fan.

Fertile Ground by Blake (E, 4K) This author explores gender and body acceptance in a way I haven’t seen done much in this fandom, and their writing is so moving. Like, every line packs a punch. This one, in particular, is such a moving portrait of Harry’s struggles with how others see him and how he sees himself, and Louis’ support as they figure it out together.

To the Ends of the Earth by stylinsoncity (M, 68K) I read this one years ago, so I don’t have great notes, but this author has written some of my favorite fics. What I do recall is that it was beautifully written, painful but ultimately so lovely, and of course...sexy.

You Give Me Fever (What A Lovely Way To Burn) by my_fandom_OTPs (E, 11K) This is just porn from start to finish, but I love it. Canon, friends to lovers, shower sex and more!

Never Never Never Stop for Anyone (Sheylinsonverse) by aimmyarrowshigh, spibsy (lucy_and_ramona) (E, 10-work series, 339K) Yes, here I am again, putting this series on a list. Probably 10 people in this fandom like it as much as I do, but I don’t care. I have read all 440K words more than once, and will likely do it a few more times. Yes, it needs editing, but even so…really well written, super sexy (if you like reading BDSM and can handle Larry + someone else in a polyamory relationship), and such interesting character development. One of my favorite things about this fic is how the authors differentiate between the ways the different characters inhabit their Dom and Sub personalities.

love to make him moan by say_thanks (E, 8K) This super hot PWP is just passion and lust and somehow the author also manages to convey how much they absolutely adore each other.

Makes Perfect by checkthemargins (E, 9K) Because this fic was written in 2014 when no one tagged very much, I am warning you that there’s some discussion of Ha*roline and het sex. Not a huge amount, but if that’s a squick, skip this one. However….Louis in makeup and a skirt and some super smutty “practice” with Harry? Good stuff.

sweet, where you lay by @infinitelymint (E, 27K) A Zachary Quinto/Miles McMillan AU (from back in the day when they were adorable and in love). I just really enjoy this author’s writing and they’ve given the fandom a real mix of styles, which is cool. This one is sweet and hot and I really enjoyed it.

down by sky_reid (E, 4K) What more can I say about a fic whose summary is “sometimes all harry really wants is to play with louis' arse.“ I mean... it’s really dirty, and really hot. And it’s a whole lotta rimming.

someone who knows how to ride by orphan_account (E, 3K) I’m a complete sucker for power bottom Louis / service top Harry. This one is 3K of stupid hot smut and I love it.

want it all the time, need it everyday by swallowsmateforlife (E, 6K) I read this ages ago, so I could be off about the characterizations, but at the time, my notes said: “ust a really sweet, sexy slice of life fic. Snapshots of moments in time of the two of them just being together and enjoying each other and loving each other, deeply.”

You'll Breathe Me In (You Won't Release) by LoadedGunn (E, 95K) Also known as The Driving Instructor fic. This has some of the best pacing I’ve read in a fic, some really well written BDSM smut, and characters I just really enjoy. I know it’s not for everyone. Read the tags.

Promise Not To Stop When I Say When by becka, mediaville (E, 49K) Harry, Louis, Nick. So, read the tags here because it’s got some pairings that might not be your thing. HOWEVER, even with Nick involved, it’s hot af and it’s still endgame Larry.

(your heartbeat) rang true inside my bones by flimsy (E, 33K) Sadly I can’t recall why I loved this one because my notes say: “So, so good. Smut. Fake dates. Jealousy.” 🙈 So here’s the summary:

Harry goes as Louis’ date for a weekend wedding. He ends up taking the role a bit too seriously.

“Hey,” Harry hears himself say just as Louis climbs back into the car. He ducks down, holding onto the roof to look at Louis who cocks his brow at him and says, “What?”

“I meant it,” Harry starts. “Like, I’d do it. I’d be your date for the wedding. If it’d make you feel less awful about being there and if you want me to, I’ll do it. I promise I’ll be good.”

Coup de Foudre by angelwarm (M, 15K) The characters (particularly Louis) are pretty OOC, but god this fic is gorgeous. After I read it I just sat there not knowing what to do with myself. It’s sad and hopeful and just gorgeously written.

#barebacking #my fic rec #larry fic rec

274 notes · View notes