#faye he's so smitten

[brighteststar707]

Faye!!! Congrats on your two years 🎉 I'm so so incredibly happy that we met through good old Mysme I could CRY fr. You are so special to me!!

So I was thinking for a while but didn't want the slots to go, so I'm gonna come outta nowhere and SHOCK HORROR not pick either of my two husbands, Jumin or Zen.

But how about number 30, confiding in them, with Vanderwood. The little tease we got in V's route just made me smitten at the time. He literally is thrust into the RFA drama and I can't help but feel he'd connect with MC. Like lord help us Vandy, wtf is going on.

Lola! Thank you so much for your message! I'm so grateful to have met you, you mean so much to me and I wish only the best for you <3

I'm pleasantly surprised by your request! It's a good event when I can write more than one fic for Vandy.

Picture this: It's V's route, Seven has saved you from Mint Eye, now you, V Seven and Vandy are in the cabin. Your relationship with V is.... not really existent at this point so this fic could be romantic when you squint hehehe

Love ya <3

Confiding in Them

✦Vanderwood x Gn!Reader ✦ Words: 1553

Time in the cabin feels like it has slowed down to a crawl. It is dark outside, and eerily silent. Inside, there are only the sounds of footsteps back and forth across the floorboards, and V’s harsh breathing in the next room. The repetitive nature of the noises has only added to the liminal feeling.

You had reassured the others that you weren’t tired, and then promptly fallen asleep on the sofa, still sitting upright with your jacket draped over your shoulders. When your eyes opened again, you weren’t sure how long you’d been asleep for, or where your dreams ended and reality began. Your life lately has been so strange, it has been hard to keep track. You had dreamt of car chases and cult initiations, the faces and voices of your loved ones so close and yet out of reach. How was that any different to what you had experienced over the last week?

Someone had covered you with a spare blanket when you were asleep, as well as lit a fire in the fireplace opposite you. It was warm, and you were still disoriented from sleep, so you stayed put, wrapping the blanket tighter around yourself and watching the fire dance over the logs.

You allow yourself, maybe for the first time, to process the fact that you managed to get away from Mint Eye and everything they had planned for you. In the (relative) silence of the cabin, with everyone else occupied, it starts to sink in. Back there, with a part of you constantly in fight or flight, it was hard to process the reality of your situation. You were just trying to survive. Now that you’re safe, it all hits at once.

The isolated compound, the flowery pink room, the wardrobe full of clothes made to your measurements. Ray, monitoring your conversations with the RFA, his kindness that teetered on the brink of desperation. The minty blue of his eyes, too vibrant to be natural. The silence in the hallways, so unsettling for a building so full of people.

“Oh, you’re awake.”

You jump and turn your head towards the speaker. You were too caught up in your own thoughts to hear him approach you.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you,” Vanderwood says. To his credit, he does actually look apologetic.

His voice is quiet, deep, and still unfamiliar to you. You have grown used to the voices of the different RFA members, have even started to find a certain comfort in hearing them. On the other hand, he is still practically a stranger to you.

You had very briefly met Vanderwood when he first got to the cabin to help Seven, but you had said little to each other since.

“It’s okay. I’m just a bit jumpy, I guess.”

“From what I’ve seen tonight and what Seven told me – which isn’t much, mind you - that’s not surprising.”

Seven has been keeping an eye on Vanderwood since he entered with a vaguely threatening air you haven’t yet seen from him, reminiscent of someone keeping their attack dog on a short leash.

“What did Seven tell you?”

He joins you on the sofa, sighing deeply before answering. He has been at V’s bedside, tending to him in his terrible state, since arriving, and he has good reason to be tired.

“He has kept most of the story from me. I know that that guy back there has been fed more different drugs than I’ve ever seen before and that you’re his…?” He leaves it open-ended and throws you a meaningful look. He’s still trying to fill the holes in his story.

“Don’t look at me, I don’t even know what we are.” Thinking about V too much makes you scared all over again, so you change the subject. “What else do you know?”

“Nothing except that you were there with them. He’s smart enough to keep RFA stuff away from agency stuff most of the time. I guess desperate times call for desperate measures, though.”

“You can say that again.”

You sound wearier than you mean to. The longer you think about everything, the more ridiculous it all sounds. You watch as a log cracks in the fireplace with a satisfying pop and feel Vanderwood turn to assess you for a moment.

“And who are you in all of this?”

“That’s a long story.”

“And I am a very good listener. Literally, it’s part of my job.”

You laugh. He doesn’t.

“Really, I feel like I haven’t talked to a single person since I arrived - Seven doesn’t count. I need a change of scenery.”

It isn’t that his voice softens, but he sounds like he’s choosing his words more intentionally this time he speaks. It makes him sound more sincere. Maybe that’s what encourages you to indulge him. Or maybe, you just need someone to help ground you now that you feel like you’ve detached from reality.

“Well, I was sort of… kidnapped and held hostage in this cult?”

His eyebrows disappearing into his fringe is the only thing that gives away his surprise. He scans you once over, a well-practiced look. He’s looking for any obvious damage.

“I’m fine, you say quickly, “Seven managed to save me before anything really bad could happen.”

He nods. “You can trust him with these things.” He thinks for a moment, before quickly adding, like a sudden thought that came into his mind “were you with the hacker?”

“Yeah.”

“You met him? What was he like?”

The questions tumble out of his mouth faster than he can stop them. Is this what he sounds like when he’s excited? You had heard him discussing the hacker with Seven earlier, asking questions with his eyes wide. Turns out it’s rare for someone to give Seven this much trouble.

“Strange. Kind of sad. I wish there was something I could do for him.”

Vanderwood’s enthusiasm vanishes.

“Then he sounds just like the rest of us.”

In the silence that follows, you both turn your attention back to the fireplace. The flames seem to have a life of their own, and your cheeks feel warm from the heat of it. Somewhere, from another room, you hear Seven’s voice. You wonder who he’s talking to, or if it's just to himself.

“So, if that guy,” Vanderwood gestures back to the bedroom where V is sleeping, “was drugged to oblivion by that cult, how did you get out okay?”

“He has a bit of a personal history with their founder. The whole RFA does, actually, but his is more… delicate, from what I understand. See, I’m the stranger in this equation.”

“Huh. I don’t know why I expected this to be simple. Nothing Seven involves himself in ever is.”

“They used to all be like a family once apparently. I’m still trying to understand it all myself.”

He puts his head on his hands for a second in a show of exhaustion. “Maaaaan…. how are you staying sane through all of this? Just hearing the gist of things is making me tired.”

You’ve been asked this question a few times, but you’ve never given the real answer any thought before. Next to V, who could barely stand upright and was talking to the air last time you were at his bedside, you were always fine. It felt wrong to even imply otherwise.

But now, when you think about where you were a week ago and how much has changed since then, you aren’t so sure. You can’t remember the last time you felt rested and, even though you’ve been reassured that you’re safe here, you’re scared someone is watching you. You can’t even think of walking down the street by yourself before you break out in goosebumps.

"Oh. I guess you hadn’t gotten that far yet, had you?”

“No… I guess not. Is it that obvious?”

He holds out a gloved hand in front of your face and taps your forehead once, lightly.

“You’re easy to read. Or maybe it’s just me.”

With only the flickering firelight on his face, his expression is hard to make out, but you find some comfort in his gesture.

“I feel like none of it is real. At least if you can see it, it means that I’m not making any of this up.”

He nods and you lapse back into a comfortable silence.

“Hey, I know it may not be much coming from me, but I think you’ve got some good people on your side at the moment.”

You’re not sure what possesses you to ask, “Is that including you?”

He seems to be stunned for a moment before he smiles. It transforms him into a brand-new person, and you can imagine what a different life might have looked like on him. Your anxiety gets pushed down by a wave of pride at managing to elicit that expression from him. You have a feeling it’s quite rare.

“Yeah, I guess it does.”

Suddenly, V groans loudly, startling the both of you. Vanderwood jumps back to his feet and quickly follows the sound to the bedroom door. Before he disappears completely, he turns to you and says, “Listen, I need to go back to playing nurse, but can we talk more a bit later?”

You smile.

“I’d like that.”

[takingchences]

𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐊 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐃𝐘 𓇼 prologue

Where a daughter of Aphrodite and the son of the sea god are destined for an epic romance for the ages. But in a cruel twist of fate the Gods are infamous for, only one is meant to live past sixteen.

Pairing: Percy Jackson x fem!oc

series masterlist + playlist + m.list

Before Percy Jackson arrived, the most exciting thing to have happened at Camp Half-Blood was when the Aphrodite cabin and the Hermes cabin teamed up to prank their activities director. The result ended in a month of extra chores for both cabins──mainly dish duty and cleaning out the pegasus stables──a new, but short-lived respect for cabin ten, and a camp bead to commemorate the day the centuries old centaur stepped out of the Big House in a poofy, pink prom dress.

When the trouble magnet entered their lives, everything changed seemingly overnight. Here he was, a twelve year old kid from Manhattan with zero combat experience or training and he'd already taken down one of the Furies and the Minotaur. There was never a dull moment when the boy was around. Just days after arriving to camp, he'd already exploded the girls' bathroom and been claimed by Poseidon himself.

A child of the Big Three. A forbidden child.

Faye knew the burden that came with such a title all too well. She was also considered troublesome in the eyes of the Gods. Lucky for them, they would be rid of her soon enough. Percy, on the other hand, was proving to be difficult to kill. Some of the most powerful and fearsome monsters of myth had faced defeat by his hands... and he'd only ever held a sword twice in his entire life.

But from the moment he saw her, he was smitten with the daughter of Aphrodite.

The two met unofficially on Percy's first night at camp after he collapsed from exhaustion on the hill. Grover had scurried away during his battle with the Minotaur to get help. Faye was the first to arrive on the scene, sliding to her knees next to his battered body in her pajamas. Her long, glossy black hair framed her delicate features, her amber eyes filled with worry as she asked him how he felt. Her olive-toned skin glowed softly in the moonlight as she hovered over his semiconscious body. Seeing her like that, so ethereal and angelic, Percy almost believed he'd died and gone to Heaven.

"Hey," her hand brushed his unruly black hair out of his eyes. "Stay with me," she commanded, her voice melodic and soothing. A jolt of energy went through his body, his eyes feeling less heavy all of a sudden. "Annie!" She called over her shoulder to someone he couldn't see. His vision was turning dark around the edges.

Percy blinked up at her dazedly. "Am I dead?" He mumbled.

She turned back to him with a look of reassurance. "No," she smiled sweetly. "But I'd say you cut it pretty close." Percy tried to move his head and his vision swam. He felt his eyeballs rolling around in his head like marbles. Between the car crash and the fighting that half-bull, half-man thing, he'd definitely hit his head one too many times that night. The boy squeezed his eyes shut tightly and groaned. "Easy." The beautiful stranger soothed. Percy grabbed her hand, drawing her attention. He was on the verge of passing out, but his breathing was ragged.

"My mom," he gasped out. "Where's...? There was this thing-" the girl shushed him, her eyes full of sorrow as she tried to comfort the boy.

"It's okay, Percy." She brushed her fingers through his hair again. "You're safe now." Heavy, rushed footsteps could be heard approaching the pair.

"I see them!" Grover's faint voice echoed. Annabeth's hushed curses could be heard as she, the satyr, and Chiron rushed over to help.

"How..." the green-eyed boy frowned up at her. "How do you know my name?" He slurred.

"You're the boy who killed the Minotaur," she smirked. "Everyone's going to know your name."

𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙

Faye was Percy's lifeline as he tried to adjust to camp life. She'd introduced him to her friend Annabeth, who he vaguely remembered from his stay in the infirmary. The blonde made her feelings for him clear from the start, having done nothing to help as Clarisse and her minions welcomed him to camp by trying to give him a swirly.

The daughter of the Love Goddess and the son of the Sea God we're nearly inseparable. They instantly clicked, having the same sense of humor and bonding over the loss of a parent. Percy told her about what happened to his mom. Faye told him about her dad, how he'd died trying to protect her from a monster. She'd been found wandering alone and escorted to camp.

"Been here ever since," she murmured, fiddling with the beads of her necklace. The two had retreated to the beach after his dramatic claiming during Capture the Flag. Faye's camp necklace held six beads total. Six years, he realized.

"Do you ever go into the outside world?"

"Of course," she chuckled, wiggling her bare toes in the sand. Her sandals were abandoned somewhere behind her.

"Right," Percy nodded, skipping one of the rocks in his hand across the still water. "The whole 'quest' thing." He thought of Chiron, who'd told him of the dangerous quest for Zeus's bolt he would be embarking on in the morning.

"Not just quests. You know, not all of us stay here year round." Faye revealed with a shrug. "Some of us get to live pretty normal lives outside of this place."

Percy remembered how effortlessly she moved earlier during the game, her battle skills unmatched. Despite being on the younger side, everyone agreed that Faye Bardales was one of the best swords Camp Half-Blood has ever had. Her and Luke had been spotted laughing and taunting each other as they fought with ease. The only reason he was able to steal her team's flag was because she'd heard that the Ares cabin had gone rogue and rushed off to break up the fight. Unlike Percy, Faye had the experience they'd need for a quest of this magnitude. "Come with me tomorrow."

Faye turned to him, startled. "What?"

Percy grinned. "Chiron said I could bring whoever I wanted. Obviously, I picked Grover-"

"Percy." Faye interrupted. "I can't do that to Annabeth. She's been trying to get a quest for years."

He frowned, shaking his head. "Chiron wouldn't give her one?"

"It's not up to him." Faye gazed out at the water thoughtfully. "The Oracle chooses."

The son of Poseidon inched closer. "The Oracle?"

Faye sighed. It was a long, deep, heavy sigh, as though the weight of the world rested on her shoulders. A sad, bittersweet smile curved her lips. It was a bone-deep sadness that looked wrong on her usually serene face. "Annabeth's always wanted to prove herself," she started, biting her lip. She refused to look at him directly as she spoke. "But," she emphasized, "the Oracle wouldn't give her a prophecy. So I went..." her eyes looked so empty in that moment. "And the Oracle spoke to me."

"What did it say?" Nothing could've prepared Percy for the terrible truth that he was about to learn.

"That I was going to die." Faye answered with a faraway look in her eyes. "Soon." Faye stole one of his rocks and skipped it across the water. It jumped three times before sinking with a plop. All the while, Percy sat frozen in silence. Faye finally faced the son of Poseidon's wide, horrified gaze with a small, resigned smile. "And that my mother chose this fate for me."

He knew the lore. The gods were cruel and merciless, even with their own children. Right then and there, Percy swore to every deity listening that he would defy the odds. He would not let this girl become just another Greek Tragedy.

[elisedonut]

❄️HARRY POTTER REC FEST 2023❄️

Day 11: A wip

My Choice:  Holly & Yew by LovelyLotus

The only fic you're getting out of me during this fest that has nothing to do with Percy

This is pretty much my ideal kind of Tomarry situation

i love time travel fics like in general and their relationship here is so fun to read i get so excited every time i get an email about this one

Chapters: 57/? Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Harry Potter/Tom Riddle | Voldemort, Harry Potter/Tom Riddle, Harry Potter & Tom Riddle Characters: Harry Potter, Tom Riddle | Voldemort Additional Tags: Childhood Friends, Magically Powerful Harry Potter, Eventual Healer Harry Potter, Wool's Orphanage (Harry Potter), Smart Harry Potter, Possessive Tom Riddle, Child Abuse, Master of Death Harry Potter, Historical Inaccuracy, Time Travel, Alternate Universe - Childhood Friends, Growing Up Together, Possessive Behavior, Smitten Tom Riddle, Parseltongue, Soul Bond, Codependency, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Harry is bad at eating because the Dursleys suck, 1930s, 1940s, World War II, Future Power Couple in the Making, Self-Harm, They are besotted with each other, Animal Death, Slow burn but very Tom and Harry centric, minor necromancy, Tom Riddle Loves Harry Potter, Harry Potter Loves Tom Riddle, Childhood Sweethearts, Harry Potter & Tom Riddle Attend Hogwarts Together, Ambiguous Romantic Relationships, Their relationship will be pretty lovey-dovey from the start, Oblivious Harry Potter, Unhealthy Relationships, First Year: Complete, Second Year: Complete, Homophobia, Eventual Happy Ending Summary:

After a bout of accidental magic when Harry is six, Vernon goes too far. When Harry wakes up, he is gravely wounded and more than fifty years in the past in another world. After some shuffling, Harry ends up at Wool's. There, he meets Tom Riddle, his mysterious roommate, eventual best friend, and the love of his life.

Inspired by a doctor he meets in the past, Harry is determined to go into medicine and protect other children like himself and Tom. Tom has his own dream of becoming Prime Minister. The boys quickly become inseparable and are determined to help each other down their paths to build a life together.

He wanted Harry. He had never coveted anyone this much. Tom understood now that some part of him had never given up on having a… friend. Someone who understood him more than anyone else. Someone who would always take his side. In a flash, he knew he would do anything to have Harry Faye’s loyalty.

@hprecfest

[deviloutofluck]

if you’re hearing LOSING MY RELIGION by REM playing, you have to know KAYAAN DHAWAN (HE/THEY; CIS MAN) is near by! the 35 year old UNEMPLOYEED has been in denver for, like, 2 YEARS. they’re known to be quite PESSIMISTIC, but being RELIABLE seems to balance that out. or maybe it’s the fact that they resemble RAHUL KOHLI. personally, i’d love to know more about them seeing as how they’ve got those WET PUPPY, TOO MANY DRINKS & NOT ENOUGH SLEEP, WILL BEEF WITH YOUR GRANDMOTHER vibes. and maybe i’ll get my chance if i hang out around the LAKERIDGE DISTRICT long enough!

TW: crime, murder, childhood abuse/neglect, law enforcement & prison

Kayaan grew up with his mom, dad and three year younger sister. His mom was a scientist and the back-bone of the family, basically doing everything around the house whilst also working fulltime. The dad had some on-and-off type of jobs, often quicker gigs, but spent the majority of his time at home "looking after the kids" - as he so often framed it.

Life was neither bad nor good up until one fateful day when Kayaan was around the age of 10, in which his mom failed to come home from work. Their mother has always been vague about the type of job she had and the projects she took on, never sharing more than she had to to keep people from asking further. By the end of the day she paid the bills and kept her children happy, which was all that mattered.

A body was never found and the police themselves showed little interest in the case, forcing the otherwise aloof father of the house to step up in his role. Or, he should have, one would think. The dad became more agitated by the day, now forcing his children to care for the house while he got busy "working his butt off". The sister often became the outlet for the dad's anger and misfortune, with Kayaan doing his best to aid his sister when possible but sometimes it only seemed to make things worse.

School became a burden and once the basics were wrapped up and done, Kayaan and his then best friend Ricky dropped out to pursue other goals. Those goals quickly turned into a life of petty crimes, with the best friend putting together a small group of goons for hire. It didn't make anyone rich, but it was enough to keep them both afloat - and in the moment, that was all that mattered.

The peace was not to be, as Kayaan suddenly found himself smitten by Ricky's current girlfriend Faye. They did their best to stay in line, not wanting to stir up any trouble, but when he found out that she she felt the same about him... what was he to do? They both began to talk about the possibility of leaving, perhaps starting over somewhere quiet and nice. A second chance. However, they got caught by Ricky before they could discuss it any further and a few days later the girlfriend was found missing.

Kayaan thought she had perhaps left without him, he wouldn't blame her, but nothing could prepare him for the truth that would unveil a few weeks later - she was murdered.

To Kayaan it was obvious who had done it, but law enforcement thought otherwise, soon arresting him on the accounts of her murder. The papers were no later to soak up the story about a temperamental, jealous man who couldn't bear the thought of seeing his crush with another man and thus took the matters into their own hands. The case was basically settled before it even began and soon enough Kayaan found himself locked up in prison for a crime they hadn't committed.

It would be close to a decade before any justice would be brought to the table and sadly in the happenings of a second murder by the hands of Ricky. Thus, he was finally allowed to walk free once more and being cleared of any and all accusations - but it didn't wash off the now years wasted behind bars or the tarnish to his name and face as many would still associate them with the criminal case.

He decided to sue the government for wrongful conviction and won big and for the past year and a half, Kayaan has been staying on his sister's couch in Denver; drifting around, dwelling on his future and what to do with it. The money is keeping them going as of now, but it's bound to run out sooner or later.

[roosterbruiser]

As is tradition, I humbly (violently) request some landslide tidbits…

first of all? this picture is so fucking funny

second of all? your wish is my command, darling....

okay I don't think I've posted this before but if I have PLEASE call my ass out!! that is on me!!

here's a deleted/reworked scene from the bachelorette party....

It was still early in the evening and The Hard Deck was still slowly building momentum, a handful of uniforms speckled around the wide-plank floors. Pool balls clanking, beer bottles chiming, distant chattering and light conversations were the only sounds then. The jukebox wasn’t on yet, the piano empty of Rooster or any Rooster-like form. 

Before we’d gotten out of our car, I’d sent a final text to Rooster, who had sent us away from his spot on the brick porch--grinning something fierce, cheeks warm, hair sandy. The boys weren’t there yet--he was waiting for them to pick him up. 

Me: Let loose!! Don’t miss me too much!! 

He responded just as we crossed the threshold of the bar, just as Bob held the door open for me and Phoenix, just as the crashing waves became a lull in the distance, fading from earshot. . 

Tramp: I’ll be drinking to forget you, baby ;)

Standing at the bar with Bob and Phoenix flanking me, watching Penny uncork a good bottle of champagne with a small, easy smile on my lips, I stuffed my phone into my pocket. 

The sun was sinking into the ocean just outside, casting a golden light over the polished wood and brown beer bottles; it all felt very warm. 

“Let the bachelorette party commence,” Bob announced, smiling coyly. 

Bob, wearing his suede jacket that I loved so much, looked down at me from his glasses. He was still sporting the shaggier look--hair grown out and pushing the Navy’s protocall, cheeks scruffy. He looked good, very handsome. But he still smelled like a freshly-bathed baby; a scent that seemed to ooze from him, filling all the air between us.

“You’re getting married tomorrow!” 

It was Phoenix who said it, her lipstick pink and her dress pinker. 

“I know,” I said softly, “counting down the hours.”

Bob and Phoenix grinned at Penny, who was looking at us through her lashes. 

“Smitten kitten,” Penny said, shaking her head, chuckling. 

“Bob, your veil is crooked,” Phoenix chuckled, her elbows on the bar, dark hair framing her smiling face as she looked at Bob. 

Bob sighed, moving to fix the short, tulle veil that we pinned in his hair on the drive over. 

“How embarrassing,” he muttered, shaking his head lightly.

Phoenix and I laughed--Bob’s cheeks bloomed, painting his face the pale pink of a rose. But he was smiling that sweet Bob smile; the one that was wide and kind, the one that was born from our joy. His girls. His best friends. 

“Here,” I offered, moving to adjust the pins so the veil sat straight. 

Phoenix grinned, her own veil pinned prettily--the pristine white fabric a stark contrast of her shiny, dark hair. 

“You were looking like a wayward bride there for a second,” Phoenix said, biting her lip, “and that’s Faye’s role, right?”

She nudged me, teasing. I bit my lip hard, stifling a laugh--very, very happy. Wordlessly, Phoenix smoothed my veil, too--her touch gentle as she adjusted the tulle over my curls.  

Penny slid us three flutes of pink champagne, placing a silver ice bucket beside me before settling the un-corked bottle in the ice. 

“How’s our blushing bride really?” Penny asked, the sun painting her face warmly as she leaned onto the bar, setting her chin in her hands. 

“Cool as a cucumber,” Bob answered, sliding Phoenix and I our champagne before he grasped the stem of his and brought it to his lips, “have you ever seen a more relaxed bride?”

He was telling the truth--I was totally, wholly calm. Not an itch in my palms, not a flurry in my belly, not a lump in my throat, not even a throbbing vein behind my eyelid to be found. All I felt, on the eve of my wedding, was solace. Bliss, even. It almost made me feel silly how serene, how completely balmy, I was. 

Penny’s smile was a familiar one--a happy one. Her cheeks were smooth and her lips were soft. 

“So, no cold feet here?”

I sighed, taking a sip of champagne. The bubbles tickled my throat, coated my belly, sank to my toes. I wiggled them in my heels--yep, still toasty warm. 

“Nope,” I told her, “snug as a bug and all that other stuff.”

Phoenix leaned on my shoulder. Hers was a weight that was becoming very familiar to me, too; one that I was beginning to cherish as deeply and know as thoroughly as Bob’s. She threaded our arms, squeezing me tight. 

“Can you believe it? You’re getting married to Bradshaw tomorrow,” Phoenix sighed, “and to think--we were all there the night you guys met!”

Bob leaned on my shoulder, taking my other arm as Penny watched, bemused. 

“It’s enough to make a grown man cry,” Bob sighed, “and believe me, it has.”

Phoenix snorted. 

“Well, as sweet as it was watching you two find each other--maybe I should get a smidgen of credit,” Penny said, a teasing lilt in her soft voice. 

I quirked a brow, already growing warm at her words. Phoenix and Bob cocked their heads, eyebrows raised. 

“Is that so?” I asked, now the bemused one.

She shrugged--turning her nose up slightly, biting her lip, giving us a very casual shrug before crossing her arms over her chest. My throat was throbbing.

“Well,” she started, “I might’ve put in a good word for you early on.”

“How early on?” Bob pressed, lips turned in a half-smile. 

Penny found my eyes and I don’t know why, but I suddenly knew the night she was talking about. The night that Rooster leaned against the jukebox and played Crimson and Clover, when I was sitting alone at the bar transcribing. It was the night that he’d escorted us to our cars--when Penny had said something to him that I couldn’t hear from my place by the doors.

“I’d say pretty much the start,” she smiled, eye falling in an inconspicuous wink, “right, honey?”

I nodded, still smiling with my lip bitten. 

It was the start of it all--I had been a fundamentally different person before that night, before Rooster played mine and my sister’s song, before we waltzed in the empty bar, before he told me and I told him, before his number was in my phone, before Sweet Thing meant very much to me. 

“Just let Rooster know that you were a sweetheart,” Penny remarked coolly, “but he’d already had his mind made up by then.”

Right--his mind had been made up by then. I think little parts of ourselves were already falling in love with little parts of each other. Yes, I remember how he had held me that night as we danced. I remember how secure I’d felt, how suddenly down-to-earth I was. I remember wanting to be held down by him forever. I remember all of it. 

Before I could respond, feeling choked with an overwhelming love for Rooster, Phoenix laughed, nodding wildly. 

“Oh, we used to talk about turning it into a drinking game,” Phoenix added, glancing at me mischievously, “like, take a drink every time Bradley tells a story with Faye in it. Or finish your drink every time he sleeps off-base.”

Bob laughed, continuing, “And take a shot every time he smiles at his phone.”

I elbowed them simultaneously, face burning.

“You’re teasing me,” I said, furrowing my brows, “we hid it very well!”

Bob rolled his eyes. 

“Shall I remind you of that one morning--!”

“--You shall not,” I quickly interrupted.   

[pxiedustnblades]

*knocks on the door quietly, and then peek inside, bringing cookies and chocolate*

Hi Faye! :D How are you doing? I saw your requests for ask and questions, so, here I am bringing them to you! :D

1,2,3,6,9,13,20,27 and 28! :D I know they are a lot, so feel free to answer only the one you feel the most! No need to answer them all, if they make you feel overwhelmed. :)

--Nemo

Nemo!!

Oh my goodness thank you so much for the chocolate & cookies! Always a treat to hear from you. And always more then happy to oblige with answering those asks. While there are a lot, I am eager to answer them all. I am up to the challenge. Here, have some coffee for while you read.

1) Who was your first ever OC? Do you still "use" them? How have they evolved over time?

Aww this is a treat! My first ever OC was a HC’d lovechild between Kisshu and Ichigo from Tokyo Mew Mew. Her name was Claire Momomiya and I adored her like nothing else. Even so far as to making a silly little comic book with a school friend. The writing was atrocious and very cliche middle schooler wattpad weeb. 🤣 So you know, grossly cringe. Ugh since then Claire is still used be she is completely separate from her original counterpart. She now goes by Clara and has matured a great deal. Although I don’t use her anymore, she is still such a memorable and precious OC that she will never be discarded. I will find something for her one day.

2) Who is your newest OC Why did you make them?

Yvette is my newest oc! I made her shortly after I started playing God of War and saw Tyr’s design. After hearing what a gentle giant he was, and then seeing him in Ragnarok, I couldn’t help but be smitten. That and comparing my own height to his. 😳 He’s such a sweet, wise soul whats not to love though? Even if he is a bit of awkward giraffe lolol. Between that and general simping gutter brain, I wanted to give him someone to love and be loved by. But not by me lmao. No self insert here. But uhh my gutter brain was strong with this one because size difference make brain go brrr. And somehow these became the horniest, most mature, yet sweet canon x oc ship I have to date. Whoops?

3) Biggest self-insert OC?

OOH! That would be my sweet pea, Faline! Closest tie with her would be Florence. Although both are actual self inserts. Faline has been my longest standing Self-insert (going on 2 years soon) and one that holds most of my similarities. Including my height, build, my autism, my not-so-great childhood, trauma, and mental health. Genuinely v little difference between her and I.

6) Do you have any OCs without stories? Will you ever create one for them?

I mentioned it before but Clara is currently the one without a story. Although I’m not quite sure if you’re talking actual physical written & completed story or just a general background. I’m assuming the latter, but please correct me if I’m wrong. I will eventually give Clara a proper story, but for now she is content seeing me bond with my other OCs.

9) Favourite OC?

Oh my Gods, Nemo; how can you ask me such a thing? 🤣Just kidding I can actually answer this. My beloved Claudia is my favorite. She was such a treat to create. To go from a minor character made to push a plot point, to then being one of my biggest muses, she is a gem and a half. She is as complex as she is beautiful, and I look forward to continue creating stories for her and Darius.

13) Which story has the most lore?

Oh Gods “Saints & Sinners” by far. Ash and I have spent almost two years developing that universe. It initially started off as a silly “what-if” thing but now we have a whole world, timeline, rules, deities for every basic thing, A deity hierarchy system, Soul-bondings, rules for said deities, the reset system, etc. it used to only focus on four characters, now its expanded to following 8. 4 couples, all soul-bonded deities. It’s an incredible experience.

20) What story are you the proudest of? Why?

Hmmm probably “burn scars” as of right now. Its still in the works but its pushing me out of my comfort zone to deal with more graphic, emotion-heavy scenes. Trying to capture something like that is not easy, but considering it’s such a crucial part in Darius & Claudia’s timeline I am determined to get it right.

What are your favourite movies?

I’m not much of a movie person in general but the ones that have higher chances of holding my attention are animated films. I’m the worst when it comes to watching films. Its like pulling teeth to get me to do.

Thank you again for asking me everything Nemo! I hope you enjoyed!

- Faye

[silent-partner-412]

i talk about leon a lot but i do wanna mention some other sov characters i really like cuz the characterization in this game is generally super strong.

- alm and celica as a duo of lords work really well together, probably my favorite execution of multiple lords in the series. they have good chemistry and play off each other’s strengths and weaknesses in a way i really enjoy.

- i largely enjoy the villagers on alm’s route (especially in sacred echoes where they entirely rewrite faye) but i think tobin and gray are my favorites? they’re just silly and charming idk. stupid little guys. i love them.

- clair slays. i love her voice acting in the original game and she just has some sass attitude that i find really fun (also shoutout pegasus knights)

- lukas is charming in a very stoic way. love that boy.

- forsyth and python also work great as a duo, they play off each other great and have fun and defined personalities. i think i like python more but they’re both really fun.

- mae and boey, once again, are a fantastic duo. this game really excels in writing dynamic duos for some reason.

- saber is my boyfriend i love him

- valbar is just a stand up guy, even with his tragic past he still manages to stay optimistic and hopeful and it’s cool to see. i get why leon is so smitten with him.

i liked all these characters in the original game but it’s so much easier to appreciate them all when the game itself isn’t making me want to rip my 3ds in half. just a great ensemble cast all around.

[fayewonglibrary]

Faye is his favourite (1997)

Faye Wong. Period.

That was Zing's answer to who he likes doing make-up for.

It wasn't 'period', really.

"Faye Wong, Faye Wong, Faye Wong," he gushed, again like one smitten.

Unbelievable. The ice-cold singer who loves swatting away the press like flies?

"Photographers and stylists here all think she is unsurpassable, for lack of a better word, that body, that grace…"

Zing "testifies" that Faye, unlike her hostile public image, is really "shy".

"Like she said, for every amount of confidence, there is an equal amount of inferiority complex. She is very sweet and easy to get along with," he said.

Huh, come again?

"She is not difficult to work with, she sits very still and is willing to try anything. Instead it's the people around her who will scurry about and say 'stop' when I propose, say, red eye-shadow or something.

"Believe me, no one who has worked for her has had to bear any tantrums or temper from her. Did you know that, when she goes home to Beijing, she would take a bus and walk 20 minutes to a restaurant?"

So, there we have it.

Believe it or not, Faye Wong's brighter side.

From someone who brightens her face.

Who would have thought?

THE TEARDROP Zing on Faye Wong's 'teardrop' during her Hong Kong Concert: "I put silver glitter tears so they look like they are moving down. She can be happy or sad. I think tears look pretty on a girl.

"I was overwhelmed the first time I saw her. She is absolutely beautiful."

——————————————————————

SOURCE: THE NEW PAPER

[cooking-with-hailstones]

zelda’s mom/urbosa secret kiss 🙏🏻

The infirmary was quiet, this late into the evening. One of the palace healers remained nearby just in case, but after all the commotion earlier that day, the birthing chamber was blissfully peaceful. 

The Queen lay in bed, cradling her sleeping daughter. Rhoam had been utterly delighted, smitten with the girl from the first moment of her birth. But duty called, and he had long since had to retire in preparation for a long day tomorrow. Tonight, Urbosa was taking full advantage of their solitude. She curled up in the bed beside Queen Zelda, gazing wondrously at the infant cradled in her lover’s arms. 

“She’s perfect, Faye.” Urbosa sighed, pressing a kiss to the queen’s forehead. “You were a lioness, I’m so proud of you.”

Queen Zelda - Faye to her closest companions - smiled, but there was a shadow of something solemn in her eyes. 

“Urbosa, I’m so afraid.”

“Of course you are. Every new mother is.”

“No, I...” Faye grimaced, fighting back tears. “I’ve been having dreams, ‘Bosa.”

Urbosa shifted slightly in the bed, wrapping her arm around Faye and stroking her hair. “Ah. Visions from the Goddess again?”

“More vividly than ever before. I fear something terrible is going to happen to this child, something I can’t save her from.”

Urbosa looked down at the sleeping princess curled up against her mother’s breast. She was such a tiny, delicate thing. A protective instinct surged within her chest.

“Well, whatever the Goddess or the Seven Heroines may prophesize, we don’t have to acquiesce to what they foresee.”

“Urbosa-”

“Faye, I will guard this child with my life. I will protect her from whatever may come, no matter the cost. You can rest assured of that.”

Faye smiled, finally turning her head to meet Urbosa’s lips with her own. 

This one was a bit longer but the concept just delighted me.

The nicknames Faye and 'Bosa were borrowed from @michpat6 's BEAUTIFUL queenbosa fic lightning in a bottle, which I would 10/10 recommend.

Give me a LoZ ship and a prompt and I'll write you a snippet!

[wigwurq]

WIG REVIEW: THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE

Happy new year from another biopic of the damned!! Sure this came out a few months ago but it only *just* became available to stream on HBO this week. If you care at all about the life of gay icon and makeup loving televangelist, Tammy Faye Bakker-Messner, please just watch the 2000 documentary of the same name NARRATED BY RUPAUL. However, if you like thirsty wigs, Oscar thirst traps, and general thirst generated by drinking way too much diet coke, this movie is for you! Let’s discuss. 

We begin at the end - or at least close to the end? Tammy Faye herself joined the 700 Club in the sky in 2007 but we begin this biopic in 1994 where a heavily made up/old aged/bewigged Jessica Chastain (as Tammy Faye) tells her makeup girl (AND US) that she can’t take any more makeup off because IT IS TATTOOED ONTO HER FACE. This is for sure a parable for this film itself because there are only so many layers of makeup you can take off to reveal the true Tammy Faye UNLESS YOU ARE A PERFECT DOCUMENTARY.

We are then transported back to 60s Minnesota where a young, brunette Tammy Faye is attending bible college and is immediately smitten with a young Jim Bakker. First off: obviously, Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield are far more attractive than their real life counterparts but this movie really tries to make them kinda sorta look like them? This brunette wig is FINE and definitely a remnant of first season THE CROWN but like whatever? Meanwhile, Tammy decides to marry Jim AFTER HE TELLS HER A HORRIFIC STORY ABOUT ALMOST MURDERING A CHILD IN ORDER TO NOT HAVE PREMARITAL SEX. IS THIS STORY TRUE?!?! (It is maybe true). Also they get married in order to have sex. Religion, man! 

Tammy spends most of the movie attempting to win approval from her mother, as played by the ever ornery Cherry Jones. Most of her wigs are just like little old lady wigs which you could probably buy from The Paula Young wig catalog (and you probably should!) Also Cherry Jones should have an Oscar! Just saying!

Anyway, a now married Bakker couple sets out to spread religion through songs and handmade puppets and end up as local tv hosts. Tammy inexplicably becomes platinum blonde and this wig is - again I guess fine? Tammy’s obsession with her appearance, specifically always wearing makeup and having her hair perfectly coiffed is absolutely never explained. Also! As is always the case with male wigs - this 70s cut on Jim is pretty terrible all around!

Also terrible all around? MEN, ALWAYS! Tammy is forced out of her tv job for the audacity of having a child and then is not allowed to sit at a table full of assholes at Jerry Falwell’s house so she can eat a hot dog. Tammy is a low-key feminist and LGBTQIA supporter from the start but probably isn’t even aware of that herself? Tammy’s wide eyed cluelessness is very endearing and at times definitely baffling. 

Also baffling? MAN WIGS ALWAYS. Andrew Garfield’s parade of man wigs in this movie is NOT GREAT. The texture is just plain awful but as man wigs go, they don’t really jut out at the back of the neck like most do, so I guess they’re not the worst?

They say the higher the hair, the closer to god, and I guess the wigmaster on this took that to heart? As Tammy and Jim’s celebrity grows...so does their hair! These wigs are honestly not awful! I cannot say the same for the old age makeup but I’m not here to judge that.

Truly, no one on the planet is having as much fun as Jessica Chastain in this movie and like: good for her?!

Also Vincent D’Onofrio plays Jerry Falwell which is legit LOL but truly when I look at both of these dude wigs I am SHOCKED to find them to be ok?? 

Meanwhile, Tammy is NOT OK despite outward appearances of turquoise calm. Her strawberry perm has gotten out of control and she almost sorta has an affair right before giving birth (OMG IS THIS TRUE?!?!)

Her post-partum depression comes with a bent blonde wig and an opioid addiction. I have to give it up to this wig for being so purposefully bent.

BUT WHY IS HER MAKEUP SO PRISTINE?!?! Consistency, people! If your hair is a mess, your eye makeup should be too! AND WE’RE TALKING ABOUT TAMMY FAYE!

Anyway, as Tammy’s fame and addiction spiral out of control, we are treated to a delicious disco bop that I seriously cannot get out of my head. Truly: Jessica Chastain, I’m glad that you were having a blast making this!

As we hit the scandal years, the old age makeup takes a turn for the completely ridiculous but the wigs remain consistently fine. They do their best to look like these bonkers weirdos!

I really do appreciate all the different shades of tawny that these wigs are giving us. Tammy was a spectrum of blondes, y’all. 

And look at these feathered bangs!! I FEEL THIS LATE 80S VIBE IN MY SOUL. Anyway, we all know the story - Tammy and Jim lost everything (and rightly so) but again - the wig arc remains very detailed!

As we come back to the beginning, we see older/redhead Tammy once again...and TAMMY DOES A WIG REVEAL! I screamed!!! The fact that this shitty red wig is revealed to be a wig within the context of the film WAS EVERYTHING. I am often wig gaslighted by wigs we know to be wigs within the narrative of films which are the same quality as wigs being passed off as real hair. 

I LOVE THAT THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT WIG CONSISTENCIES HERE FOR REAL HAIR AND WIGS! THIS NEVER HAPPENS! THIS WIG IS PURPOSELY SHITTY AND I LOVE IT!!!!! Therefore, as many male wig ghostmares as their might have been via Andrew Garfield, I have to give this movie a passing grade for showing us the light and grace of differing wigs as wigs! (HOWEVER PLEASE JUST WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY INSTEAD)

VERDICT: WURQS

[angeldcgs]

his kindness wasn’t lost on faye, even despite how distraught she was. it didn’t help that he and daniel were pretty much the only people at the party she actually knew, but out of everyone who’d witnessed the fight and her ensuing breakdown, theo was the only one to offer her any sort of comfort, taking her side over his own best friend’s. it would’ve given her hope that not every guy was as big of an asshole as her current boyfriend, or perhaps it would’ve sparked some sort of romantic ideation, had she not been so consumed with daniel; here was this man who had no obligation to be kind to her, who didn’t owe her anything, and yet he’d come swooping in to try and salvage her supremely shitty night, to show her that there was more out there for her than just one guy she’d happened to latch onto. to show her that he, himself, could be good for her, if she'd just open her eyes and realize her worth. “i g-guess…” her pitiful sniffle served as punctuation, still not fully accepting what he was saying as the truth, but at least she wasn’t making any more excuses for him, either. it would take time for her to let go of her attachment and see that theo was right, and she could do so much better than daniel. the proof was literally standing right in front of her, giving her just a taste of the kind of treatment she could expect should she ever decide to give him a chance, and if faye hadn’t been so distracted by her heartache, she would’ve been smitten by just how hard he was trying to make her feel better. clearly he wasn’t the best at dealing with intense outbursts of emotions, his approach a bit detached, but the fact that he wasn’t well-equipped for this and still wanted to be there for her meant even more to her than if he were the kind of person who dealt with crying girls all the time. she only just barely peeked her head out from between her knees and chest to look up at him, nose running and her eyes still glistening with tears, her lesser lip slightly protruding in a pout. "b-but i do l-lo-love him," she argued weakly, too exhausted to even try and sound convincing. she thought she loved him, at least— she wanted to. she'd tried, but he didn't seem like the kind of person who was capable of accepting it, and so it'd begun to fester and rot. while her initial instinct was to rush to daniel's defense, insisting that he had potential, and that he would figure things out and find success— she wouldn't have been interested in the first place if she believed otherwise— faye had begun to ask herself why. why try so hard to stick up for him, when he couldn't care less about her feelings? why be so insistent that he was a good guy when he'd proven time and time again that he wasn't? the tender tone of theo's voice made one corner of her mouth twitch involuntarily, her breathing slowly becoming more stable as her tears once again ceased flowing, just a few stray sniffles and a hiccup or two left. "i know it sounds s-stupid... you probably think i'm such an idiot for staying this long, but i still don't wa-ant it to be over. i don't want to be alone— i... i don't know how to be, and i'm s-scared..." co-dependency had been thrust on her since birth, attached at the hip to her mother who'd coddled and sheltered her until her untimely death just a year prior, to the point where faye didn't know how to be on her own without crumbling completely. now sitting up slightly, she really noticed just how close they were— maybe closer than they'd ever been before, having always kept a friendly distance out of respect for daniel, and she found herself getting distracted by mapping his features up close. "thank you for being so nice to me, i'm sorry— i didn't mean to take you away from the party..."

"givin' him everything he needs? faye you're- he's not a fuckin' baby he can look after himself." her innocence in the face of his betrayal only made theo more furious at his friend's actions. only he could find a girl so sweet and so willing to fulfil his every desire and then toss her to the side like she didn't matter. he watched as her emotions took over, he'd never been good at dealing with people when they were upset and the cocktail of alcohol and drugs in his system wasn't helping bring forth any caring instincts. he wanted to help her, and look after her the best he could but he was better with words than actions, no matter how badly he might have wanted to hold her or offer some kind of physical comfort. "we've all got a right hand, don't we? he's just greedy." in some naive way, theo had half been expecting faye to simply fall into his arms at the sound of his rescue. after all, she had been faced with such little kindness that surely at the revelation of his availability to give her what she craved, she would be desperate to have her needs met. it was, as he quickly discovered, not that simple. "i- i don't know, maybe a bit? it was... he's complicated, you know? sometimes he tells you things straight and other times he keeps secrets." with the sudden burst of emotion, the last thing he wanted to do was try and encourage her to get any more upset, which meant he tried to be as delicate as he could possible be when describing things. it would have been easier to say that while daniel probably knew to some degree about theo's crush, he had just grown bored enough of faye to not pay it any attention, but that would only make things worse. in what felt like a second, faye was in front of him and in the next she was on the floor, knees up to her chest and sobbing like a baby, all snotty and wet and completely destroyed. all he could do for a moment was stand and watch her, the way people stand around at the sight of a car wreck and marvel at the mess, before he eventually kicked back into gear and moved forward to crouch down in front of her. "come on, you don't love him. there are about fifteen other dickheads with god complexes out there just like him and they're all gonna end up the same way; workin' in the fucking walmart down the road or ditching their kids to go day drinking. he's not special, yeah? there's nothin' you could've done to fix that guy and- hey, thank god you know that now, right? you can find something better now."

[shinaus]

you should ship your moots!! pick a few of your mutuals and ship them with which hq or bnha boys you can see them with and why! :DD think it sounds fun 👀

finally!!! my time has come!!! it’s miss mel shipping her moots time

a quick note before i ramble is that these are my moots and friends that are givens for being with their faves since i do be loving them a whole lot, and if we are moots and i didn’t include you please know that i love you no matter what!

otter / @basketofgoldie - kirishima and sugawara hands down

my lovely ott, she has such a kind and caring nature which i think resembles both of those characters so well - like i know if i’m ever feeling down she’s there for me no matter what even just to lend an ear. i just know the both of them would be properly smitten with her, wanting to dote on her the way she does for her friends hehe

lynn / @amoroushero - 🗣 BOKUTO!!!! and shinso hehe

they have the same energy and i’ll die on this hill. the both of them are just so warm and welcoming, so i can fully imagine the love just radiating from them come any interaction. although i will say with my whole chest i would also love to see her with toshi since the way she writes him hits so right and i think they would vibe well, which shows you how much i love this chaotic angel

yssa / @katsushimaa - bakugo or tsukishima, i could answer this shit in my sleep

yssa has such an amazing energy which i love, whenever we interact or i see her on my dash everything just feels that much brighter - something that these two big tsundere boys need in their lives big time. i see them both doing the classic of becoming total softies only for her, though they would do well in keeping up with her sense of humour too hehe

faye / @dimplesum - oikawa, another absolute given, and denki

the two of them would just love on her so hard, i feel it in my bones. faye is such an encouraging and supportive person, which i think both boys need a whole lot of the majority of the time. with oikawa especially it really do be association at this point, like i see him on my dash and think miss dimplesum

shay / @bobawithpomegranate - shinso, as i live and breathe, and matsukawa

y’all know, are well aware of my toshi feelings, so to have a friend who not only fully gets them but also reciprocates sends me reeling. we’ve had so many instances where we’re been thinking the exact same thing where i just couldn’t not, they would be perfect for each other and i’ll die on this hill. issei is self explanatory, he can't talk rn he's doing hot boy shit

meg / @kirislut - my brain see kirishima and konoha, my brain think meg

for starters, meg is a sweetheart, something that resonates with kiri absolutely immediately. but every time i see her talking about either boy i just think yes - the way she writes for them and understands their characters so well is just always hitting, so of course i think they would be ideal for her hehe

soph / @animatedarchives - highkey kenma and todoroki

we’ve interacted a fair bit but the energy that she brings in asks or replies really do just be next level, which is something i enjoy about soph a whole lot. especially with these two quiet boys, i think that’s the exact kind of thing they would need to come out of their shells - she for sure would be someone they come to admire a lot!

erika / @4keigos - my keigo brain go brrr, not to mention kuroo

even before we became moots she's always just so been so sweet and caring, now whenever i see art of kei in particular i know it’s from her hehe - but both characters just have big caring and doting energy that i love and i for sure think miss erika deserves

abraxas / @bkgukai -big aizawa and ukai energy

they’re both such prominent characters that i automatically associate, especially with how well he writes for them! plus we love big tsunderes in this house especially in aizawas case, so if not him then most definitely mister bakugo would be added to the mix in my brain as well!

- if i didn’t mention you i apologise, but know that your faves love you and i most certainly ship you with them no matter who you or they may be <3

[endless-vall]

The rest of our lives - Thomas X Isobel fanfic

Summary: After winning the costudy trial, Isobel is ready to start the next chapter in her life. Is Thomas ready for his?

Author’s note: Last but not least, I present you chapter seven of this series. This is the last part of this story. Writing this multi-chapter fanfic has been a blast. I’ll definitely write more about them in the future. But for the meantime, this is the end of their story ;)

Hope you like it. Thanks for everyone who read it! Love you guys~

You can read the previous fanfics in this series -  here, here, here, here, here and here.

Tagging: @drakewalker04​ @ao719 @narrytheworld​ @beardedoafdonutwagon​ @drakewalkerfantasy​ @i-bloody-love-drake-walker​ @catlady0911​ @mcchoices @chetachisblog @god-save-the-keen @furiouscloddonutpeanut @writtenbycandy @asprankle @cora-nova @lilyofchoices @paisleylovergirl @dandeservestheworld @mfackenthal @quacksonlover @blackcatkita @annekebbphotography @badchoicesposts @ab1901 @senseofduties @doroshi-desu @romancehereicome @teraizer​ Please let me know if you wanna be tagged in future works for Thomas Mendez x MC/Moty/Perma tag! Let me know if you want to be untagged!

“We won???” Isobel turns to Thomas, he can see that sparkle in her eyes that’s been missing for the last couple of months.

She’d been tired, over-worked, hurt and worried, but that’s all in the past.

Because she’s beaming, radiating. Her smile is contagious. “We won, Tom. I won!”

This whole exchange is barely more than a whisper. The judge is still disscusing the terms of the results of the trial.

But when Thomas looks at Isobel, he realizes she’s not listening anymore. The weight had been lifted off her chest and she couldn’t be happier.

Or more perfect, in that moment, for all that matters.

And his heart grows too, twice it’s size, when he looks at her.

When he looks at Isobel. His Izzy.

They finally leave the courtroom, Zoey runs up to her mom, jumping up and hugging her fiercly. Luz is right behind her, hugging Isobel as well.

It’s funny how Thomas has been fighting not to see this scene, that unfolds right now in front of his eyes, but now that he’s seen it...

He can’t imagine anything wrong with it. 

It’s almost like it was always meant to be.

After Isobel puts the girls down, she turns to Thomas. “God, Tom, come here! I couldn’t have done it without you.” She’s still buzzing with excitement.

Almost as if she doesn’t realize doing it, she flings herself at Thomas and envelopes him in a hug.

Thomas hugs back, like his life depends on it. He hold her tight, close...

closing his eyes and burrying his face in the crook of her neck.

It’s only now... Thomas realizes...

It’s the first time since their kiss that they shared this kind of contact.

And he missed it like crazy. He didn’t want that hug to end. He wanted to spend forever in Isobel’s arms.

All too fast, Isobel pulls away. She looked a bit flustered, as if she did something wrong, as she looks away and scratches the back of her neck.

Before anyone can notice or point out how awkward that moment is, the whole gang gathers around them.

Alma, Eiko, Levi, and even Faye, all congratulate Isobel for winning the trial.

“We should celebrate!” Levi calls and everyone cheers, following his lead. “You deserve this!” Eiko grabs Isobel and guides her forward with her before Thomas can say another word to her.

They all arrive at a nice diner and order some food and drinks.

Luz and Zoey get two fancy chocolate-milk cups and everyone raises their drinks together.

“To Isobel!” Thomas is the one to call first.

“To Isobel!” Everyone raise their glass.

Isobel blushes, only for a second, before thanking everyone and quickly hugging Zoey one more time.

“Food’s ready!” They hear the sound of a bell and Isobel stands up first. “I’ll get it! I’m starving!”

“I’ll help you,” Thomas follows suit, not even thinking about what he’ll say to her once they’re alone.

They arrive at the counter, and Isobel starts calculating how they’re going to get all those plates back to the table without dropping anything on the floor.

“I’ll get those big ones, I was a waiter, I can handle it. You can take the rest of them?” She motions, just about to props herself the right direction and take the plates in her hands.

“Iz, I just wanted to say first-”

“Can we not do this right now?” She asks before he can finish his sentence.

At the look of his face, her features soften, and she speaks again in a much more comforting voice.

“I’m sorry for cutting you off like that, but if you’re going to talk about our complicated not-exactly-relationship then I have to stop you now.

You’ve been an amazing friend, all these years ago and now too. Maybe it’s just not meant to be. We’re clearly better off as fr-”

“Do you know why I pulled away after that kiss and ran off like I did?” Thomas blurts out abruptly. 

His cheeks definitely flush but he can’t stop now.

“Because you realized it was a mistake?” Isobel looks as if it physically pains her to say that, but like she’s trying to hide it.

“Actually, no. The exact opposite, if I may say...”

Isobel blinks at him, starstruck. “What?” She asks in a whisper.

“Izzy... The truth is… It felt amazing. It felt right. I felt whole again. I… my heart was beating so strong inside my chest, and the only thing I could think of was… ‘God… I love this woman’. And it terrified me. 

I spent two years fighting not to forget Soledad, and all of a sudden I realized I could move on. I could live without her. Everything was happening so fast and I was... Terrified.” Thomas admits.

He thought saying it out loud would be the hardest thing he’d have to do in his life, but the truth was... Now that it was out of his system, he felt a relief like he never had before. That wieght, finally lifted off his chest...

It felt freeing.

“Tom… Soledad will always be a part of your life. You’ll never forget about her… Just… Here, look.” Isobel turns and gestures towards the sofas, where Zoey and Luz are happily chatting about something. Thomas’ gaze softens as he watches Luz carefully.

“Soledad will always be a part of your life. But she would also want you to be happy.” Isobel breaths in deeply, before asking her next question. 

“So tell me. What makes you happy, Tom?” She meets his eyes, eyes sparkling with love and affection, and Thomas doesn’t even have to think about the answer. He knows it already.

“You do.” He reaches, almost bashfully, and wraps his arms around Isobel’s waist.

She leans into the touch and he pulls her close.

Isobel rises to her tiptoes and plants a kiss on Thomas’ lips. 

This one is much more tender, sweeter and warm than the one they shared before.

This one felt content.

Thomas kisses her back, trying to convey all of his emotions in that single touch of their lips.

“Uhmmmm..... We get it, you want to be gross together..... But some of us are still waiting for their food!”

Luz’s voice calls beside them and both Thomas and Isobel jump apart.

Apparently they forgot everyone could see them talking and making out instead of getting their food to the table.

“Ahhh... Luz, I can exp-” Thomas starts talking, flustered and practically red as a tomato, but another voice cuts him off again.

“If you get married, Luz and I will be sisters!” Zoey jumps and joins them.

“Ohhhh!!! So cool!!! When are you getting married?!” Luz’s eyes sparkle with the excitment, and both Thomas and Isobel’s eyes widen, as their eyes fly up to meet eachother.

“Maybe we should go on a date first... And give you girls the details later...” Isobel explains, her cheeks getting color in the most flattering way possible.

Thomas is... Smitten.

“Now what do you say about helping us getting all this food back to our table?” Isobel asks, giving each of them a plate, including Thomas.

 “Yessss please!” The girls shout in unison and giggle together.

As the four of them go back to the table... Thomas get the feeling this is the start of the rest of his life.

And he couldn’t be happier.

[siderealxmelody]

John's Backstory

@wayward-roleplays

@candy-addicted-angel

@cheryl1967

@chloejanedecker1

@ofmultiplevoices

@waywardlightbearer

@nptperfect-indadseyes

@hunterxcarlie

@tohavelost

@archangelhuntress

John Winchester was born to Millie and Henry Claymoore. John changed the name to Winchester after Mary died. He didn't want the authorities on his tail.

He didn't trust police.

He had it rough as a kid, after his father left his mother took him and went home to Maine.

They stayed with his maternal grandparents and she became a typist.

As he grew up though he became more and more rebellious.

One night he'd been drinking with friends in an abandoned barn. Cops had come to the property tipped off for a disturbance.

His friends had scattered leaving him alone.

Lucky for them it had been only one cop who had showed up. He tried to help John up, but John was high and drunk. He remembered everything that lead up to that night.

How his mother and he constantly fought, how he hated how overprotective she was.

How his grandparents looked at his mother as if it was her fault that her husband had left them.

How he kept having odd thoughts about the boys in his groups. Thoughts that weren't pure, that would have been beaten out of him had his grandfather known.

But that night in the barn, the cop had been so nice. He had had the most beautiful blue eyes.

He remember staring into them as the cop questioned him. He remembers the way the cop had stiffened when his hands had gone to his belt.

How John had tugged him closer. How the cop had gave him a hard look before he leaned down to wipe the spit from his lips.

John had been taken that night to the jails to sober up before he was allowed home.

He met up with the cop a few times after that, his name had been Arthur Wells, he had been 15 years older than him and had tried to set him on a straight and narrow path. In a twisted kind of way he'd been the father figure that a young John had craved.

However, John hadn't really cared to listen, he was just excited to explore whatever he was feeling for this man. When Arthur died in the line of duty some 2 months later -John left, he didn't go for funeral and he certainly didn't tell his mother.

He did odd jobs before he finally made it to Kansas. He liked being a mechanic, using his hands kept his mind occupied.

He had always been attracted to both genders, so when Mary Campbell walked into his shop asking for someone to look at her dad's car, he didn't hesitate.

They fell in love and soon married. Mary insisted that he send a letter to his family up in main to tell them the news at the very least.

He grudgingly obliged. They were happy, almost comically so. They didn't fight, they didn't feel stifled by each other, everything was perfect.

They had twins on their first try. Maary insisted they be named for someone important in each of their lives. John decided to name his son Henry hoping he'd turn out better than his namesake.

Mary decided to name their daughter Lucille after an aunt she lost when she was a teenager.

John settled into life as a family man. Henry, Lucille, and Dean became his whole world. He loved coming home to ask about their days.

He was fascinated with what Henry and Lucille were learning in school. He loved to see Dean slowly understand the world around him.

Though raising children by herself was not something Mary liked. She wished she had gotten a degree or was out experiencing life. She loved her children of course but sometimes she felt stifled by them.

A sentiment that John hated. They were blessed to have such healthy children, if they were such a burden she could just leave.

He would be fine raising them. They both knew John would do a terrible job raising them without her. And with Mary's parents dying within weeks of each other in freak animal attacks, John was all she had.

When Dean was 4 they decided to try once more for a child. Maybe having another child would spark their marriage again and remember their love for each other.

Nine months late Sam Claymoore was born, he was healthy and beautiful. His parents were smitten with him.

They were right, Sam made them remember what they were striving for - a happy family, stability in times when there wasn't any.

Their family finally felt complete now. As the months ticked down to Christmas and New Years John and Mary grew more and more excited to have their first Christmas with little Sammy.

Christmas came and it was a joyous, Henry and Lucille now 7 got new toys and stickers for being such big helpers with Sam and Dean.

Dean got some race cars and a plastic guitar to play with. John finally felt the balance in his marriage and life was back. He could be normal, he could be content with this.

A few days after Christmas on New Year's Eve Lucille stepped outside to get the mail for her parents.

John had turned away to tend to a crying Dean when he heard Henry scream. He turned around to see a car swerving on the street and hit a tree.

His baby girl lay on the ground near the driveway motionless.

John rushed toward his daughter but he knew it was too late.

Later when the cops showed up they would remark that the driver was dead though he appeared to be under no undo influence.

It never made sense to John till later why a sober man would run over a child.

Still they called the ambulance and went to the hospital. John didn't think he ever felt himself break apart like when the doctors told him his baby girl couldn't be saved.

John's and Mary's relationship after that was strained, he blamed himself for Lucille's death as did she.

John didn't hate her for it, he agreed but he was too much of a coward to pull a trigger on himself, or leave his family.

No matter what he wouldn't abandoned them like his father had did him.

So he stayed out later and later, finding strange men to take out his energy on and with.

He wondered as he stumbled home if Mary knew or cared what he was doing. She wasn't much better, falling asleep using pills most nights.

Henry was quiet, he didn't talk much and had long since stopped asking if Lucille was an angel now.

Even Sam and Dean were quiet and kept to themselves.

As the years went by Mary took some small time work - designing jewelry and sewing, something that was just hers.

True to his word John never left his family. He had bought his own auto shop and was able to make double what he was doing before.

Still, there was no joy in the house anymore. Till one day when John's maternal uncle, Adam showed up on their door.

John had always loved the man, he had indulged John's rebelliousness nature and penchant for alcohol, drugs, and the more racier magazines.

John insisted Adam stay the week. While John could tell Mary hated him for bringing a stranger into her house she obliged Adam.

Adam was personable and brought a much needed playfulness back to the home. He enjoyed spending time with 10 year old Dean and 6 year old Sam. Both were bright inquisitive boys. He even managed to get Henry to smile once or twice during dinner.

On his last night he sat Mary and John down and told them to try to be a family again. They would never replace Lucille but her siblings shouldn't have to suffer for her absence.

They took the words to heart and decided to give their marriage another shot. They took it slow, talking and understanding each other.

John finally confessed his shameful secret to which Mary. She tearfully expressed her love for him. She didn't quite understand the inclination or urge, but at the very least she loved him. That was enough.

Adam was born a year later, named for the uncle that had helped bring his family back together.

Mary and John were on a kind of high and welcomed another baby a year later, a girl - Millie-Mae. She was very different from her older sister as a baby. She was sensitive, anxious, and, curious. Lucille had been a whirlwind, screaming, throwing tantrums, causing general chaos.

Six months later Mary died.

John was shocked and horrified, he changed their name to Winchester and forced the children to leave almost immediately.

He soon fell into hunting realizing that it wasn't a simple gas fire that had killed his wife.

He was sad to see Henry go three years later, but he kept tabs on him. Occasionally moving through the towns or cities he knew Henry was in.

He was heartbroken when Henry cut him off after he had been told by his in laws they were retired hunters who knew John. Who had asked specifically what kind of man Henry was before they had allowed him to marry their daughter.

None of his relationships with his children had worked out. Dean was happy with his little family. He hadn't heard from Sam in 10 years. Hell, Adam and Millie-Mae probably thought of Bobby more as their father than him.

Still when Dean had gotten hurt, and Faye tore into him for walking way he had an idea.

He called the demonic spawn to make a deal. His soul for Dean's life. The thing gleefully agreed.

John remembered the torture, the pain of being cut open over and over again. Of all the other horrible, terrible things they did to his soul. All the ways they defiled and dirtied him.

When the gates opened and that demon spawn had died, he found himself in his body again.

He dissapeared, his family didn't need him. He decided to head north to Redwater a town in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains.

It was a notorious hotbed for supernatural activity so the hunter gossip went. John had vowed to himself if he avenged Mary's death he would tackle Redwater next.

So he did, he put up wards, demanded taxes from every witch that lived there - there were so many he gave them their own quarter - Alexandria.

He sets up strict boundaries around the town and forced the townspeople to come to terms with their plight. He promised they would be protected but they had to do whatever they wanted.

Those who wished to leave could, but he wouldn't come to save them.

He showed them witches, the exorcising of a demon, the killing of a feral werewolf....

No one left. They elected him a mayor and pledged to do whatever he wanted.

He took the name Negan to shed his old identity. He had found the name in one of his grandmother's old books. It meant strong. He liked that, he would be strong. Nothing would break him. He set up a points system. He didn't trust the outside world.

He ordered the town to figure out a way to generate their own food and water. He would go on patrols and keep the supernatural out.

He started with the Witches, burning their quarter down. Those who helped became known as Saviors. Those who didn't wish to fight were given tasks and a number of points associated with them.

Those prettier girls and boys of age who didn't wish to work or join his Saviors could wish to apply to be his husband or wife. It depended on his good they were in bed with him.

He told the people that he would raise an army, and then he would lead a crusade to rid their country of monsters.

But he remembered his new name, he didn't need anyone in this town, not really. All he needed was his bat Lucille and some beer and he could take on anything - including the apocalypse.

[libidomechanica]

But all, the wet date palms and my face

A sonnet sequence

               1

The expression, cruel grown, from Pyrrha’s pebbly margin, and wheedle a world is subject. In company—the gorge. He would offer all the cottage warm; that haughty Pharoah found strange light, opprest the stuff, what armour to spare. An’ ken ye how Meg o’ the Mill was told Rose-Armed Dawn, love smitten Hermes, by my soule from a slave. Tis dangerous Consequence: for, as when thou alone, and then as doubled hands, draws back decades, to soothe my cheek once more to Godlike David bring so farre from that same groan doth a mobile nose she moved, cold in the presented them in searched, through the cycle’s chiefe dead?

               2

And, brib’d with midnight, visions weight of cold it falls in like a flowers; but if across the involuntary power, medicine say. Love is old grief. Singing from Humane Laws controul. To entice to some few years she grew her Face; the purpose. Veins to swell. Throw kerchief waving resplendently yet everywhere, above them that dread the east, and Hodge again a level—No! Spiral through many sobs, self-foldings theirs with wide-arched grace.—And maun I still alarm, this strong within the king, ’ or Ca ira, ’ accords me the lie to my neighbours call longueurs’ we’ve not so; to have prevail.

               3

Quench like his man; but then new world of mortal in that pricked but the window shines like a zebra, frecklings can make me to husbands’ absence such a mournful voice, he had left his ship to wean his footsteps told, I joy; but he strove to the word was but change: but changed away for Greece flash’d o’er the general gladness: awfully he should helpe their faye. Since first Rank of their own accounted air, and thy proper purpose bred that they walke not there was ten colors just as real as a child: yet Helene, love’s first ne’er before me, a thing too he laugh’d, she’s already looks into a swamp, into sweetly.

               4

Thou wast late a huntress free! Slightest loopholes, and ready spread, o’er and kiss their beauty born on this orphane place, a body be. I, being born against an endless pleasure in their trenches and broider’d delight force to look at the sound. Such as the silent sails this still depending there was no lack of his Toyls shall end. In highest guest, without a blow. Who makes his patient doves, upon Olympus’ solemn height, ne in good choyce, they both love? Fail I alone, and been induced to Roffynn not love and a good matter, so I taste of purity; and love maks a’ the scorn that’s a fact.

               5

It felt endued with more exact, and shut it was mine, and less, the car window my breast to adorn: no, by Heavens Anointing Throne ascend, no True Successive Title, Long, and burn the general Good designed, were man but who would bear the hills he fared, though I fly and nuptial mirth? With your love, the laughing love of her reflection so through the striking the word was done—how soon my Lucy’s cot came near, more modest, took on the gusty deep. As with sparkling, dive in nectar mist: curst be them, thou hast thou speake of trust, then Natures Eldest Hope, with unkindness by the name, who have love.

               6

These unwonted since, not stare aghast, for forty days happy love the brides in violet breath! And o’er the name within the wind: those deep caverns for the bee sucked from Olympus’ solemn height of Heaven I shall sear, flash’d o’er his eyes should soone find but dropsies, taken, what a trembling I following hot.—At these women faded at self- will’d, and tree, nor Crowds have them sing in thee too weak, for all things by a law divine art taught, th’ Offending Croud to joyn: the Future I may not Israel! Till it bore an apple bright Phoebean dart, strike for their power: e’r Saul they seem lost in balms!

               7

Deere killer, spare not me, and them cluster’d his Cause, would relief; you all harmonious sisters keep it elastic keep it safe from the trees, not native sway? That had daft his paces back the terror in his rapture, I would soone find fauour and willing thus, o pious Hate against his gulfe. That what I do dispense: you are no longer failed rehab and jail sentence pass, things seem to decay: and Share the same Law teach Rebels to rub together now; tis Justly Destiny had higher aims of a large eagle, ’twixt whose texture; she is given, if thou move? I had joined her first minutes?

               8

Are only hating David was death to lose its sweet child, favour this longing Countries, rendering whence he makes. May he whase arms spread, o’er the same blind and timid nature lies. ’Twas on a giant deck and mistake the same Law teach Rebels who base Ends pursued o’er his soul of care, that if we misse this large offer which he had bene vext, if vext I had two nickels to either love for her woof, her terms as course of all his heart to sway? They walke not wrong, my love’s sake, is more from such convict figure, where the three loved music and to succeeding me, and Franks—and, curling, charlie,&c.

               9

Maybe I should hindred legion’d soldier’s doing! Of mighty ones who had his Jenny on his hall, and cloud the Power, because I love you except because they lustye, as the breeze some hungry for love’s forests just washed up. Full of life its pictured image? Then did I chide: sweet, with liquid through languid arm, delicate and to doat. Of the waters with that you gave,—I claim only a worthy gallery, to wash her, water entering waves the beginner; pleas’d, impatient faith so sure I? He laugh’d, as the amazements that a report especially anymore been awhile!

               10

Divine, his smile; tis sometimes rash or so, but new. Teenagers in his calmer hours. Of sudden though sages smile, which it came to be the small intricacies. At these notes and as times a day. To the silent lightened up my head. And Corah might hold to his throbbing blood, but by my soul, when they thinken agayne to quench, nor ought the sky, and the next Succession, and in the stream of solitude: for love’s veins to swell thee to me? For the graue conceive; ten, who could endow with her harvest ripen, her head up—but nothing, in his eyes, and death do, if the kiss brings hours to discerning Eye to guard the tyrant of the Land. Have sung, yet such strength seem to be not one hour of incense burns, seeing his Office, Treason why; I think Guido forgot the fashion, they wanted of life in each! That when we two parrots, with a wise afright, for all his adulations, love’s banishment.

               11

Time’s white arms shall see thou mought I would contains so much to me, for none in Vain? For me, I ride. The power of Monarchy too much. But that’s in heavenly Fire. Declining Age: behold her, Hermes empty of delight. While swung the grosse. Oh curst Effects of neon. And on his heav’n, made me a sunset, moonrise, star-shine too, down on his bosom, that eve, as t were, between her luscious lips are gazing again appeare; I sawe than her eyes can ever thought be allowed you to whom fools propound, while David, undisturb’d his eyes, and when I perhaps her love you but love for thine heir.

               12

Nor Interest made Anacreon’s soft splendour a white vestures, and slow, he shatters his ankle in heaven was here an hour; his business to ordain; with heart to sway? Said Lamia’s eagerness made, by a bee was sick, and a beauty to the North, and high fantastic roof, of those, who brood and sigh upon the true blessing, leaves. And sang the tremulous street, with virtuous wish would come it listening the Baltic deep, and curtain’d o’er, to the dread Jove think ye he meaning underneath the paragon. And then away, they walke not see their Lawfull Issue boast: now more silence, and his mode of mourning his head of gold, or all those who, when the three child ephemeral: but Common Name to an heirloom seed washed up. Of rivers with thy sweet dreams and starry Gemini hang like gold bracelet clasp’d with him it never agree the same baite, and past, and one of your wife was he known.

               13

Glow-worms began that I had two nickels to rub together I would share ours, beneath my burning his foot on my adventurous life succeed the cold, thousand founts Protean, passing them, were harden’d in Impenitence. Our days, but swift motion I would relight the prompted, and rain, with grace; and Persian sentence pass, things by a river sides, there fluttering-wise rain’d violets upon the wit of any things. Throng: with syren words and kissing, and Heav’n has to all. Of which i cannot sleep. The day we have not as his. ’Er, the fall of the Law shall the even while you deeply dyed.

               14

Sultan and yet thou art not then the height of the found that you plead yours the flocks or till I do. The sole act, transform’d his worn bosom a thorn, that burns away the Dryads and walked in my brow and white. Then let not be said a sin, nor no God could deceived and timid nature all broken, and if I guess; and born a woman woos, what without hearts does not to be leant on and weep, and loving things; till exhaled asphodel, and last year’s leaves there hung a silver prow not to fly from a snowy gleam; sweet Robin sits no more. Which, with shepheard sittes not here; and raging is dreadful bow.

               15

Sat by thy best it may, shall remaine. For the mere sake of truth; as ’tis a ditty for that March with thee into the letters, from their own. Hand or troubled by mysteriously, impart to Wives and Fears, call Jebusite, well knew the caves. Wild honester vocation pursued o’er the first of life with Phoebus light to have had no need of mine own dear pity’s sake, what a war would fathom, or content till shone her steep her hair The isle into a narrow range. Odd breezes, to flay alive, throughout, as from no Womb of Matter reproduce, or Priest- craft did begin, before he meets the few.

               16

But pity: thus the lady’s cheek or the first passionating look, and proves the Nereids fair wind into Thetis’ bower veils those brown hills beyond which made them indeed and the twilight of death is gone, the chief he rul’d, the leave and Bride; these days, and with so fair as those that life’s bliss, an immortality and then away, this resuming flame—o let me melt into the key of Natures trick of time. With vertues might. Breathes; the last ride wither’d at dew so sweetly? Which when her lids: again but it within him; then, stoop, since his Cause reviv’d, a Plot is made, fretted with eyes twinkling stay.

               17

And flowers too rough, what a mortgage was. The shepheard my plants all were thereby! Silly poet, silly me do not bid old Apollo’s hand: our dazed eyes have proved but in degrees, his Voyce was wont, and with my kind, while his home, a thing a pittance; the prophecy given by me. She threw they coud not be cured. To see my native sway? How you are not so; but I’ll tell ye what befell ye: cupid and her crown; that themselves and her small hands had made retreat into the hulls of marjoram had stol’n from the remnant of heaven and watching singer, singing and proceeding mans belief.

               18

Left to public stare: but to my darling, charlie, he’s my darling, my darling and lo, wonders—past there or her proffered hand; yet in content, O fool! And all his mouth is dumb. Into a worse, the breast making Woes darkness and brought of the earliest acts; like Burns whom Doctor! Of rocks bewitch’d to the way, so threw the storm, and purple flakes, break my heart, I know wholly good; his course, retire and poet’s debt; and soothing like slang. He had felt the witness of the cottage sings no more, but I can no more, then he was carried each yellow took them from a golden place, scarce maintaineth.

               19

Not miracles? And tho’ we paid our destiny, alert he struck me befell ye: cupid and gentleman’s breast: such feasting sigh, she according of us making up a cypress the inner door, and her grunzie wi’ a hushion; her walie nieves like a moon in watch his peculiar smile, which before, that they this thighs, and die; revive, dear your love and moon’s and men can make, what smooth-lipp’d rose. Before. Their Spoils by Inspiration; for their Principle and in this said he go slow said she just once, a trembling, but in their Belzebub will find, see them shot in the dark looking the show!

               20

And beauty; fonder, in such worse: his sisters voice luting soft, cried, Lycius! He shoots with terrific glare, love, jealousy: and has caught began to plaine: better leaue of winter storms their Humour more my eyes, and I was in his rage to their hero’s harp, the less my sighs and shrieks—all dimly fades into your voice revealing a tone of that you should him coming starre seemeth to chace, but soft the porous vase; above the world rush’d by the mother’s art: large wings, whate’er our hopes poize upon the birds forget and vitamins. He pact a Jury of discontent, O fool! The water from thee.

               21

—Tender, delicatest lattices, cover’d with Martyrdom did Stephen grace? The groom gat sae fou’, he fellow, yellow Autumn pressed. It was no deed off, calls the grave proves their Principle of altering in more abstruse ecstatics meant theology by Beautiful hours, shuffled the green. Ave Maria! What you mean our master nature, pleading went to the maggot born in an empty world has done with thine impious Arts. Flowers, much liker than the travell’d mongst the Doric mother again holds the outside swells with unquestion, much the sea and chin they the servitors.

               22

How and then as Lowder for so much of home to make a monument, step and dark, dark as night: I saw this long a-gone, when day and numb his bosom shook with all we think thee page, will make a Lady of my hart; stella, I say and nightly, with vertues Land: perhaps million’d all they Command, or their Father Government: impoverist, and with spirit deceit within his simple reed, Blythe in their long years, but thou art and tallest her passion for they, my sole life? An’ ken ye how Meg o’ the Mill has gotten, an’ ken ye how Meg o’ the Mill lo’es dearly? The Blind man’s amount: thoughts!

               23

To where sameness breeds vexing conception at his ear: he sickle; I, poor sob doth put the lava ravishes to bear, and Marathon looks as Heaven to their cheek trembled; she nothing which there art thou found so he kept toward the Soul, not mine, mine ear; a shudder—gentle pair, like a hawk, an’ it’s like a hawk, an’ it’s like angels look surprise when the sea;—what then she whispering from love’s fine wit. Above my milk home, he show! Think not of thee. Up to all the world. Your liberty commits such I can say, have given his Truth God on half-shut feather foul, then glad was of passed the dreams.

               24

Proclaim. The horses beat—what thou now for you, who have the gorge. That are always changed its buried paths, where in your regular leather could, I would rarely guess’d his empty head, so glad it has ruffled every thing, I gied my heart force himself, and judg’d, and not stain’d canopied, lay an untasted their Belial with Skill, for Loyal Peers ascend, or the funeral direct my peaceful Action, but who would charming Parties, but long auburn curls the leaves. Do not melt! I have passed us walking so vertical it fuses with thy sight, but first, forget to sing, happy in solitude?

               25

The day appear’d quite insane. In having so early; sweete reward for the rake, coming of cat or mouse, no, no, my Deare, let my whispering in drouth, I snap the dying Vows deny’d, and will fight; the purest ore enclosed myself to me out of my crystal, and say: I mean to go yet turning to human Wit could make the bird wings for the earth, descended Pleiad, will her hospitality of his nested finch: rise, Cupids shun th’ extent and curse me the deeds, the sacred tripod held aloft, and Popularly prosecute the Priests devise. Down-looking backward and look!

               26

Among them locke, fast by the most recently— the wind. We feel without harm, lockless— so pliable as his memory of hurts, which lily leave the soul. So beauty which they slight, the heart, made fiercer wonderous Evidence, the glass window. He had be slaine thilke payne, driuen for aye remove, with airs delicious to reach. Has in his Bounty drown’d. On, to brood on with the hall—jenny her self, who sail the States a moment with a marriage rarely can unloose, body and her eye. To gild refined gold, among the string, and Hodge heard no more. Who makes the cannot wel ken, but in his Disease.

               27

Had wanted the ocean, earth, still he caught to have made incredulous. And certainty, crowningly doth hold. Me, that drips from Aristotle passion tires, and bene vext, if vext I had two nickels to either of the ancient Secret bowers, and find it is winter with your lost Estate; a kinde of grace the Adrian wave flow’d past him in and azure vein wander’d up in mysterious sky but only made way by many bene, we han great Pan-festivals, and make the Pyrrhic dance so call’d; The One distributor of Evil and those who has drunk himself a Muse-In Sanhedrins debated what they will drip and the grave duly. Sweet love my love, no dislike these words she sung the feeble vassals of winter with your fairest joys give what I would never grudge; then in her empery of joys; and heart to Cheat and kiss high above, dancing, old Time: despite.

               28

Is this thy crescent, who forbid! So away she fleets, all is born of their Monarch which whales steered them ran a yellow border too; the uppermost, and will you sung the time while burn, or canst sing.—And maun I still it proves in one, when there a man joins a woman, came to soothed maws, their Gods disgrace, should appear: thus she came often lived with smiling died; and, when I perhaps than David’s lovely in the gardens palatine mulciber’s cold to fire. The hour to spare. Thou may’st love become extinct again but it is the vain they are left. For all smoothly pass their packs. Tho’ the Mill has gotten.

               29

Yet I thoughts to Lucy’s cot came near with choral steps, and Priest, whose barren vaults. More sudden voices lead: so it did, with love— he—but alas! But, wherein she passion’s crannies and walked with piercing within my head and rites were green green like Southey, and with my tears row’d; he took delight, and waterfall, and milk poured pearls, their pinions, and by the was the red drops dead. With other met alone, but solid Power: and Nobler is a most unrest; thou bringest all arrives too long dead, long dead! In his cheek: its onion root the orange art; as thou art! His desire speake not worth to war.

               30

Made fiercer wonders—past there in a wood a Piggy-wig stood: those petty done, when this feast teeming indeed end abrupt in midnight wind live: Alas! They know this yearning and clay endure to give the sterner straight! For it’s jet, jet black, an’ it’s like midden- creels, her nose and collars, and thaw this cannot Praise; till at hand among the pretty sake but you did part, and make a iolly hole in the peach, or ripe October, then pauses ere he is.—So pliable as his name up, as in food, quick to person to be leant them therefore did you blind yourself where Delos rose, than Accuse.

               31

Announced in nets, drest told, with berry-juice? Hers by the hyde the State; but sinking of the brow! One kiss brings hours by hours, wine, sweet pain: a deep grief, away, descried. As fine, then when the joyous tears: there heath and all hearts. The morning Sappho love God, dove-footed, glided in snow: arise from far lands to theyr steads, ylike as thine arms into the great Athenian admiral’s mast? To raise me, nor Mars; mine be some place? Like their Master hearts: then whom they could speak contrast the Indus with the opinion as here! The silver mail, and stricken, so remember, do not morality of Verse.

               32

And the Clouds and Cressid sweet. My soule I dare not married, the Native course as Samuel used up for that? These loads of beaten gold. More been a Briton’s, who dying day’s decay, when practis’d, not to faint degrees, voice, a gesture, and by the Turkey who list, stranger ay I pitied. On flitter- winged guide, until friction come upon a dreary cavern’s mouth. Then we have already lay behind her sex’s antidote. Who serve the songs and Stand; she things, for still, not mine recall? So sweetly to the holy rite forgotten, and wise; for brawly weel he ken’d the bird wings upon thy morrows?

               33

What end is it done if we have life its picture of his lyre; and who were boil’d up with Stella euer deere, stella, should disappear’d quite alone evades contemn; but the pain, had sometimes wakes,—to show it: his Lawfull Issue shall have lain under my heart shall no more, and I see; my foe beheld the wretch an uncorruption leave a vestige of thought the Olympian eagle in my ear circles, and silver snow decks Susan’s clothes and night wind was he to himself: Whoso encamps to take its throat, eye and knocking here is possible in one long: and Viva l’ Italia! Hail, Muse!

               34

Now what a joy to heare and the Christian woman’s breathed, dissolv’d to Ruine had not Roffy could not look into please, to Plots, shall leap, and curls blown. Full faith I have kill’d in more abstruse ecstatics meant but the mavis sang, all nature’s gentle thou wouldst not further. Take me to the historian’s self: I know not if thou callest the dreadful to see her luscious green disparts a dew-lipp’d rose. Is worke is conuenable. So, still, her brother; and the light at Riverside: the morning song of praise my hair’s long lying idle. Have I forget about me there? Hands, and into her passion.

               35

The loved me first strange. Falling from the grave thee, and walked with a thought, a buzzing in his Friends or kind behest, the bark will dare to person with unquestion ripeth vp cause of newe woe, for them dry; and heart such small but Sanherins may be dissolved in rosy wine and Cleopatra—night dreams I slept in tenderly: you have tied them. By blind Orion hungry spell that love be some hungry cheers his short of Men, thus ebbing out, might mean. And like this, they circles, and aware of others would no longer hovering, replies from thy heart from Stellas beames but to me a ring, was all.

               36

Apt emblem of a riot, he might own. When at euen he comes faintly. And to flatter; wives in order grimly flies; now crystal spout-head: so that not such compassion, cruel thing.—Tis so, since Ariadne’s tiar: her head, which i cannot last by the Multitude; but for his last arctic blast has slain my face; his Hand a Vare of electrons heal us o heal us I would not before the gentle limbs, bathing all this roast capon’s fat, and the Laws. And by the work was done it already more strong as the banquet was such that Fate Propitiously full many a darkness and travel.

               37

Deliver me from flesh, men as other turn from this verse when I was so fonde, to leaue of wine! Spoke: some time while swung the Sun; seeking youth, quick, was stung, perverse, with vilest worms thine eyes to wear an unknown—o I do this Curst Return. Your faire Mothers guilt they had obey’d an Idoll Monarchy too much the brighter eyes and my own face I see them suffering! And every word and bear the scaffolds fall confident than at the year; chloris to the darkened, without Title not to fly from a friendly foes and now at earst the cost, for all that it went in reflection was happy plains.

               38

Their Duty bound, they, weeping. A few late cars which the Levantines are ended by the things to break, and set forth her head.— My counterfeit: so subtly is the psalm says, inditing a battery be insisting through unknown had not a misty, jutting here is yellow Autumn pressed, I learn how fashions end! The blame all the ground the Joyfull People all this rider lover, in small intricacies. Let them a whole face of all the stain of love what Meg o’ the Mill has gotten good matter, so I never a vile physician, blabbing the ashes of a Forgiving Kind.

               39

Remains of gold, or all the Blood and Wise, imparts not to be gain’d our art, wee’ll try my gain for unremember sleepe. Friends, said the thorow all your strong Bands, if Bands unseen strew’d flowery glen; in shepherds as to Kings. As I do not sometime teach the was carried all, and the ocean’s swell; such tenderness of Grecian girls, black when sweet thief, whence didst see, bene all sterued with democracy; when shall see; beautie stands by her pleasant darkness, then for their first tis for ever? A fancy which show’d no path to bear, and a’ that; gie me love of your ends: my countenaunce, this Prerogative.

               40

BLood; what may not but weep o’er days will arrived between the state; whereof she sat in front of yore. But that your generous train: from Earthy Vapours rife, but stream. And good at, but ah, poore Night, saw this dry palate in his careless on their birth; let us fly these days, and the same Design, nor I half turn to life nuptial mirth? With his presented the big white Alps alone; while it fed. So, better’d race, as every doubt whate’er might hold to man, proposed bliss. While her lips ill hunt thee know of all this to the stars through all things are ours, beneath the feast until it seem’d stirr’d their tawny brushes.

               41

Doubt you thus? To say, is, that I would humour more nearly to tell, for thee, my life doth bereave my soul and not a man of many han into his men, an’ down yon cup of dole god gave him his tuneless now—You have dismiss’d me; and scatter’d race, if once Divine and full of incense-pillow’d by a Brother region all my time, me lusteth no lenger rotten bought a license and farewel took. Passion, drink but one things to break. When King Victor has Italy’s crowns over the world, and Latin fraud, He did not come, and arts with swift motions, it was for my mare, my sole life?

               42

Lambro, our saint, who plead yours is a Godlike Kings and have shown to him, was God mought pleased my mind; it is but too short armistice with the first, came jasper pannels; then away, descried an orbed diamond balustrade, leading went the philosophic gown: lycius, said fair Lamia’s self, and gave forgotten good nor goodnes take than Life, you know’st, my Julia, that was search with love sparkled on this to slake Thy thirst: so, take away? Those brown from another gloomy arch. Remember and overpowers, and daughter got married? All my clear-eyed fish, golden, green, I roam in pledge o’ his ring.

               43

As all his Person to see. Seasons dancing girl has laid down through the paragon. You tell me by the first streak of snow in a dazzling cool, and in them, were so stunn’d and gentle streamlet o’er the name a person if allow’d, would Steer too night for loue of the less costly. The Solymæan Rout; well Verst of golden through many a less a Stake than to Anointing link of ages; to what something dotage to the Sword, when no more heaven and her eye. And send out their beauty’s pattern to such Talisman— He yet hath fashion all: his muse made perfect I call the draperies, his mind!

               44

So soft blooms divine art thou thy obiect so imbrac’d; where I, who though my heau’nly sway. If I should stab the patience tir’d, the low rational: if Pindar sang her sweet but then might for Agag’s murther wept, but I grow old along winter-sleep. Was made simple reed, Blythe in this wreaths, and farewell; go troubling overhead a vaulted, vaster, some demon’s mistress. And, in their trenches and broider’d delight, and here bent, two legs protesting, person with my dear, the colour’d garbs, as bright or wrong. Tis something i do not bid old Apollo’s hand: our dazed eyes have sucked from his Toyls shall I awake!

               45

And vital feeling passion tires, and lash’d among the love kill’d the Soyl been froze to secure the purest or high, when her tongue still, not a jot own’d the Tenth Intellectual Light is passion. Of all her sapphire column he learns to-day! So comforts while and breast where’er the cars go by. Freckled like a guinea and we touch’d his Youth, thy Fruit must I hence: yet, Corah, thou be dissolv’d by the world in the deed off, calls me with shepherd, in their future stately height: if my Young Samson will love no more, though not quite it out, unless print—that I owe to the fires underground in apple-leaves he spied, and bring relief; you all have life of love: for love of yourself where sighing toward thine harmonious sisterhood. Thus the far bell of vesper makes the Jebusite. Become indolent arms, extended Wand divides the Blood, my Fear: thus she can. Of feelings undefiled.

               46

A pleasure thou art out of which show’d the blushing knives the Frown, committed to the less gone? Wanted them. It chance to go with the Sword of all your Arts, and her eyes upturn’d whither fled Lamia, no, no, no, my Deare, let bee. I conjure the more unseen; unseen a new morn. A flowers upon thy breathless Latmian listening, by degree unknown to the mead, spoilt all her honey cool and dumb presagers of change of life, no light—? Of mine, each in its cruel ray, stealing into Johnson’s way, this presence makes us loud in these thorn! The pang is forced, the Nations of a Forgiving Kind.

               47

Twas Cupid see three I learned Nor Jove, nor bless now, circling about my heauy cheers yon centinel stars; and the shepheards to die without there burst with gages from a true lover, left a thorn, that but they saw— of their secret place of all Command, and, asleep. Hurry and were busy beyond this grown of so complete and ready myrtle bowre of song. What is a dunce—perhaps you there like the Crown.—Even a rag like angels look on the way her animal lovers, a continuous murmuring of the apartment—and appear, nor ever bard: if thou might hath drunk my teares.

               48

Stands severed at last! Late on the ice chest; that test. I have awaked, as its clasp—a glowing knees; her selfe, to shew I am not Good by Force becomes to this. You love. But of seasons and catch hints of old, in Godly Faction while an abstract insight wakes among those who, safe in the caves went! The faces of the planet in the Christ. And knowing, the inflammation of love alone, but rather not the wretch an uncorruption leaves cover thy noble heart nectar-wine, that Lycius from afar: each house receive; ten, who is agonized here, upon the water: how! Both good company a very high remembering of the guests were Useless, alas! An’ ken ye how Meg o’ the longest bear. Freshening starres from burning into the o’erlabour’d to him, as they had he been patriots in the kind be quiet be exalted be a coward blushes: yet some coward!

               49

In mysteriously began to trim their bonds whene’er you will but name, was from a true love’s sake, is more life fleeth afore fainting Vertue stands the fair ladies cough on thy hand from the dead broke. I could, and his one this, from a golden hair, fallen in jeopardy of blank as a piper, kicking a glade of deep sleep awhile! The tables, by hard promises and all Breathless, unfixt in Principles of one brave civic Pair, to sigh for, our sea-solicitor, who have proved we have been, if Destiny had higher aims of a large Soul, not a friend! The glory of many heart rejoice!

               50

And shook the empty and that was mine, ’ he while, there he a Tyrant was dead? Where had I done to one all down like a wild rose the rest, had soil’d the wrought, produced, the solitude. My Guido was dead? Which before the Bravest, and they nould be any manifestations, tenderly: you have you back your feet wide-swerv’d upon the faint repeated he, while another fled Lamia, regal white turn’d—syllabling their country lass: a charm a fusion startled. Of this husband or watery tree. How can that writ it; for serpent of the dearest, since God is wot, their shops of fashionable.

               51

Made close of God, and I grow old along whose days, for who waits in his Highland dress; for the morning’s sun to erase a midnight so happy had his pinions, always been contented still with their summer live, through rude nettle-briar, cheats us into the Frown, commit a pleasure the while, except in your love-sick queen athwart their chase,—he sees! Sic a wife—too pure even th’Offending small intricacies. But I grow old? Eye and heathy wastes one moment, hoverings over Orion’s magic to thee, and the high way, but meeting from the blood fingers tying my heart or head, gained.

               52

Arsenic, arsenic, arsenic, sure, not so; but I grow older. But not good wine ne’er be mine, no voice spake entic’d him by, where your fairest joys give what I could cry when sweet is night: I saw thee sweet wine, will quickly the Greeks avouch’d his forehead, and averaged each love, aside to like, t is not hear. Some of both the mind with stay and, soon or late, some Circumstance, if a husband is gone, dream and rose that themselves think thee forlorn when thousand freeze you, because was stung, perverse, with deepest gloom, and thereon spent, three times anger ay I pitied. Laughed at all, lasts ever, past recall.

               53

How should him coming of splendid names, and if wee would have been patriot’s shame, anothers sank serener palace of venomous worms, that pricke, sayne, other met alone, in forests just washed up. And men in nature to draw the People no Considering me, why have no time threat the fume of popular applause might I Mourn; but Nature suited to travel. What shall my many shall heaven, and rose tiptoe with People might beat like the elect; and in Treason of bliss, an immortality and thence,—a paradox which this, Time’s all- severing wave? And tell thy starry crown!

               54

And still! Behold the prey, light to say, whote cole on her, bade her steep a quill immortality, who has drunk himself: Whoso encamps to take its pool lay, half a Father’s apron. That my Power and she was to Cheat and dost advancing, and tirl’d at the should speak the tree. Cars go waltzing out its way, fretted thereof did end. This rapacious death is gone, Where soil is men grows, fairer than the denial cooings, the very touch, a bunch of blooming stood with poppies, while we live, than earth so red, and fragrant innocence: and gave forfeit on mankind. For he, if he show! With how few! Fool!

               55

The Jews well befits, for without soul to the ground, Sukey is tumbling does usher my joy and feel a certainly he stayed on the solitary dove, nor the gentlemen kirkward shall be their hands. Has buoyed me up till my heart from eating yet it yielded a dearer than I can command, the involuntary power, all best exceed the smoothness rough, fix’d me again! He heard love each love, so well I see them out, not a kiss not me? He sought to sing and of scenes sublime, a thing mute, I must be surely, some kinder casuists are gone in tenderness, full of syllogisms.

               56

’Twas even—the dews of your dimpled arms binding could break, and press tree? But try your own sublimate and we sit on forlorn, in trembling, but it was so fonde, to learn how existence could every charms to dwell. I heard my plants all his Son, for several weeks,—but now he sung, to sounds against the cup. On the pretty pair—their wilinesse? But to perished, and fast she scuds with life of love ribbon, locket, valentine. A few late cars will arrive before mine is buried me deep learned not ask’d the Excursion. Swept smooth white palace is such the stounde, that acquiesce, and did too like.

               57

Shah to whom a hyacinth is dumb. Neuer had shepherd-prince, what I come to move from thy dear life was done its cheeks dry,—a creature might send flowers beneath the naked face has come to him. From every fly from that doen so carefully I flow: fair maid, be pitiful thou art, must, surcharg’d with Chain of Loyal Peers ascend, or the deeds and keen eye would prove the next Successors in the dust where thou hast thoughts of the waves clasped hands of every shape of dazzling spring. Inside her, throbbing throat, cling, strange; for the first time, it is not such a Reign, his Fruitfull Nile, nad Yoak a Servile Train.

               58

Must, surcharg’d, to declaim her winter cave. His sister flowing well that, while Hermes, hast thou Wreathed tomb shall ever bard: if thou watched. Of the love the same clime; marriage rarely wanted like midden-creels, her face and disappear’d quite new; the velvet leaves fall in vain. A poet caught deep in one, who causes my pain! And all look at me the sky and where pride; which wondrous excellence; there rang on his eyes. How can I not save one from the pit, and some one man alone, but in vain; what’s fit for life, the Fighting Warriour, and me never watchful, penetrant, saw Seames of Wine. Fill high to plumb, so passed us walking so far reached, the carefully to feel all thy steep, where are the courteous mien turning hell! They rose along the grasses the watercress so fine to secure the small in his Evidence, this came round supported him—no pulse, that taught that when the dreadful might own.

               59

Must we but blood of Scio’s vine! Lowder caught as butten the gold; the new wine’s foaming forward, said that, had I done things? And noble Stem; him of the cords of civilization has made me a heaven? Though Amaryllis dance weakens his Princely revel seem’d as the west by thy face, bringing sea. Love’s fair unknown to a very pangs. And nowe sithence I saw him, as they were builds a Hell in Heaven is throne: ’twas not, I opine, and pity, for Vice, Opprest with doating car, up went to make the pearly cup meander gave me on Sunium’s marble hue, so threw himself converse.

[soapberryspringsrpg]

Forbidden Fruits

Hello Berries! The nights are getting longer, the air is getting crisper, the lattes are getting pumpkin spicier so you know what time it is. Time for the third ever Soapberry Springs writing prompt!

This prompt is meant to appeal to that part of many of us that once devoured cheesy romance books, thrilling over cliche after cliche so long as the right people ended up riding off into the sunset together. To play along, please choose one of the scenarios under the cut inspired by the brave harlequin romance writers and their specific books. 

You are free to change genders and names, of course; the only two things that must remain as posted are a) the title and b) the plot.

As always there is no time limit and no due date. Players are welcome to write self-paras, blurbs or novellas, poetry, chatzys or threads, to edit graphics, make playlists, etc. All creative takes on the theme are welcome and encouraged! 

Select below from prompts!

Feyness By E.S. Carter In this dark and sexy story, Faye’s cruel, powerful father forces her to marry wickedly gorgeous Cole. She’s convinced that Cole is pure evil — and he’s determined to break her…

Delicious Temptation By Sabrina Sol

After years of keeping her family’s struggling bakery afloat, pastry chef Amara is tired of being safe and predictable. Can she convince Eric, her brother’s ex-best friend, to make good on his bad-boy reputation? A smoldering erotic romance!

An Unconventional Courtship By Scotty Cade

Personal assistant Tristan and his CEO boss, Webber, both struggle to hide their true feelings from each other. But when the pair travel to the Caribbean on a business trip, they discover they can’t hold back their desires forever…

Grayson’s Mate By Tamsin Baker

An alpha werewolf in search of his mate is led to the last person he expected: the handsome stranger he rescued from a car accident. Their desire is undeniable, but can a werewolf and a mortal man find a way to be together?

Make Me Want By Katee Robert

Lucy is a confident, high-powered lawyer — but her ex-boyfriend gave her self-esteem issues in bed. Can her friend Gideon help her realize she has the power to drive him wild?

Bound by Honor By Cora Reilly

To fulfill her father’s promise, Aria must marry notorious, coldhearted Luca. But can she break down Luca’s walls and find the passion within him?

Bad Neighbor By M. O’Keefe

Sparks fly when Charlotte meets her sexy new neighbor Jesse. He’s an alpha bad boy who isn’t afraid of anything — except for his growing attraction to Charlotte, as their desire for each other rages out of control…

London Calling By Clare Lydon

A charming, witty romance: Jess never expected to be moving back in with her parents at the age of 32. But just as things seem hopeless, she makes an unexpected connection with a gorgeous woman. Could happily ever after be on the horizon?

Three Wrong Turns in the Desert By Neil Plakcy

Aidan can’t stop thinking about Liam, the alluring bodyguard he met in a Tunisian bar… When a high-octane chase takes them into the desert, their desires reach a boiling point in this steamy adventure!

Tempting Boundaries By Carrie Ann Ryan

Decker has always lusted after his best friend’s little sister, the woman he can’t have. But when Miranda decides she wants him, he may not be able to resist any longer…

Camp H.O.W.L. By Bru Baker

A sexy shifter romance! When Adrian finally turns into a werewolf — eight years late — Tate, a counselor at a camp for new werewolves, is ready to guide him. But cynical Tate never expected Adrian to be his destined mate…

Roller Girl By Vanessa North

When newly single Tina joins Joanne’s roller derby team, their friendship ignites a steamy passion behind closed doors…

The Shop on Main By Kay Correll

Bella is devastated to learn that she may lose her small shop — and an attractive businessman is the root of her worries. When they clash, can she settle her financial woes on her own and embrace a second chance at love?

The Road to You By Harper Bliss

Serious Katherine and free-spirited Ali have been enemies since college… but fate keeps throwing them together. As the years go on, will they see another side to each other — one they could learn to love?

Road to the Sun By Keira Andrews

When his eight-year-old daughter is kidnapped in Montana, single dad Jason Kellerman enlists the help of park ranger Ben Hettler. Suppressing their burning mutual attraction, the two men begin a wild and desperate hunt through the wilderness…

Captive of the Hitman By Alexis Abbott

When Alicia gets caught up in a dangerous situation, Mikhail takes her captive for her protection. But their sexual chemistry is off the charts — and he refuses to let her go…

Feeling Hot By Elle Kennedy

Home from deployment, Navy SEAL Cash McCoy forms a tantalizing connection with a mysterious blonde. Little does he know that she’s Jen Scott — his commanding officer’s sister! Can he keep his hands to himself around the one woman who’s off-limits?

Professional Distance By Silvia Violet

Heartbroken Thornwell swears off love — until he hires aspiring chef Riley as an escort! Though the two men couldn’t be more different, they begin to fall for each other. Can Riley convince Thornwell to set aside his doubts and live deliciously?

Black By T.L. Smith

Left heartbroken by his first and only love, hit man Liam Black is surprised to find her a decade later. But Rose isn’t the woman she used to be…

Training Sasha By Becca Jameson

Sasha is eager to explore her submissive side, but BDSM club owner Lincoln — who’s also her brother’s friend — won’t admit his attraction to her. Can she convince him to help her explore her sexual desires?

Stalking Buffalo Bill By J. Leigh Bailey

From the moment coyote shifter Donnie spotted buffalo shifter William at his cafe, he was smitten. When deadly figures from William’s past come back to settle unfinished business, the pair team up to ward off danger — and protect their future together.

Dog Days By TA Moore

Apocalyptic weather conditions are wreaking havoc across the globe. But weredog Danny has more immediate problems — including his wolfish ex-lover, Jack…

Dirty Girl By Meghan March

When Greer is drunk one night, she posts an embarrassing personal ad — and now she has thousands of takers! But bad boy Cavanaugh is a cut above the rest…

Tonight’s Encore By Parker Avrile

When Zac returns to his small hometown, he renews his relationship with Reed, who knew him before he became a rock star. But the pressures of fame could tear them apart in this steamy gay romance!

The Longest River By Hildred Billings

After the death of her twin sister, Helen moves to a secluded mountain village to find her independence and heal. There she meets widowed bookstore owner Kiyoko — an introduction that feels like fate…

Dirty Daughter By JB Duvane

Emily is determined to seduce her mother’s former psychologist, Max. But she doesn’t realize that he has his own plans for her — and soon she’ll be locked up in his remote cottage, forced to satisfy his every desire…

Mr. So Wrong By R.C. Stephens

A searing, sexy romance! After finding wealthy bad boy Al caught in a blizzard, Samantha brings him to her ranch to nurse him back to health. She doesn’t want to let anyone close to her heart, but why can’t she keep Al out of her bed?

Tempt the Playboy By Natasha Madison

After arrogant playboy Noah has a one-night stand with Kaleigh, he’s determined to claim her again. But she may not fall for his charms so easily…

One Last Heist By Dahlia Donovan

Partners in love and in crime, Toshiro and Mack plan to get their crew together for one last heist. It was supposed to be easy — but as they become embroiled in a deadly conspiracy, the stakes will rise out of their control…

Little Liar By W Winters

With so much pain in her past, there’s no way Allie should be drawn to bad boy Dean. And yet she can’t seem to stay away from him…

Seducing Cinderella By Gina L. Maxwell

Physical therapist Lucie needs help wooing her crush, so she asks her brother’s best friend, Reid, to teach her the art of seduction. But their arrangement leads to an unexpected chemistry, and Reid can’t give her up…

Tormentor Mine By Anna Zaires

In this “darkly addictive and hauntingly beautiful” romance, assassin Peter comes to torture Sara. But then he becomes obsessed with her…

As Sure as the Sun By Elle Keaton

After a brush with death, retired US Marshal Sacha starts anew in a small town. As he works to restore an old building, he crosses paths with history enthusiast Seth — and discovers a sizzling attraction that may persuade both men to risk their hearts.

The Endgame Duet By Cleary James

When her life takes a turn for the worse, Lisa offers herself to wealthy Grayson in exchange for the money she needs. For seven days he can do whatever he wants with her — but will they be able to control their sensual desires?

The Beat of Love By L. Loryn

In this passionate gay romance, brooding musician Wolfe and handsome actor Miguel court the media by pretending to be a couple. Will their fake celebrity relationship crash and burn — or turn into a connection more powerful than they expected?

The Isle of... Where? By Sue Brown

When Liam Marshall travels to the Isle of Wight to fulfill his best friend’s dying wish, Sam Owens helps him through it. They swiftly develop a connection — but does their budding relationship have an expiration date?

Ruthless By Dani René

Dangerous bad boy Callan always gets whatever he wants — so when he sees sweet Madison at a BDSM club, he must have her. A darkly delicious erotic tale!

Fire and Flint By Andrew Grey

When single father Jordan turns to sheriff’s deputy Pierre with his concerns about a corrupt judge, the two men discover they’ve made a powerful enemy. They’ll do whatever it takes to protect each other in this stirring and suspenseful read.

Entangled by Nikki Jefford

Two months after dying, Gray wakes up in her twin’s body. She’s forced to spend every other day impersonating snobby Charlene — and only warlock Raj notices the difference. Can Gray be saved, or will she fade altogether?

Southern Spirits by Angie Fox

When Verity discovers the power to commune with the spirit world, she teams up with local bad boy Ellis to evict some undead tenants.

Witch Slapped by Dakota Cassidy

Stripped of her powers, ex-witch Stevie Cartwright teams up with the ghost of a sexy British spy to solve a murder case involving a bogus psychic medium.

Issued to the Bride: One Navy SEAL by Cora Seton

Navy SEAL vet Brian has always dreamed of owning his own ranch — so when he’s asked to marry a general’s daughter, Cass, in exchange for a share of her land, he can’t refuse.

Sit… Stay… Beg by Roxanne St. Claire

Garrett, a dot-com millionaire turned dog rescuer, keeps his heart on a tight leash — until journalist Jessie is hired to write a profile on him…

Earthrise by M.C.A. Hogarth

On a mysterious rescue mission, no-nonsense ship captain Reese Eddings commands her vessel Earthrise straight into danger, battling pirates and slavers to save elf prince Hirianthial…

Chez Stinky by Susan C. Daffron

Kat inherits her great-aunt’s dilapidated house, which is filled to the brim with pets and complications. As she adjusts to her new surroundings — and connects with Joel, who’s as handy as he is handsome — will she embrace her new start?

Rumor Has It by Elisabeth Grace

When an embarrassing video goes viral, Ellie Wagner’s reputation pays the price. Her life seems ruined, but a fresh start awaits when she falls for Mason Nash…

Smart Tass by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Hunter has been tormenting his bookish neighbor Tass since they were children. But when she’s challenged to date him — and he needs to take her virginity to win a bet — can a fake relationship solve their problems and reveal their true feelings for one another?

Once Upon a Time by Blair Babylon

When princess Flicka decides to flee her violent ex, her bodyguard Dieter is the only one who can help her. But their irresistible attraction heats up in ways neither of them expected…

Malevolent by Jana DeLeon

PI Shaye Archer takes on the baffling case of Emma Frederick, a woman convinced that her abusive husband is out to get her. Except Emma killed her husband weeks ago…

Club Shadowlands by Cherise Sinclair

Stranded during a storm, Jessica takes shelter in a nearby house. But when she discovers it’s actually a private BDSM club, she begins to explore her fantasies with a sexy dominant…

Stripped by Stacy-Deanne

Baltimore cop Dee Quarter investigates a cult whose charismatic leader, Jonathan Wild, is determined to ensnare her…

Kiss of Fire by Rebecca Ethington

Joclyn just sent her high school bully flying through the air! Could her phenomenal power have something to do with the strange new scar on her neck? Her handsome best friend Ryland holds all the secrets…

Heaven in His Arms by Lisa Ann Verge

Forced to take a bride, André chooses sickly Genevieve, assuming she won’t survive the harsh winter. But Genevieve is not the frail noblewoman she appears to be, and André soon realizes that he needs her more than he ever expected…

In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig

Tired of losing at love, Emily undertakes a research project: she’ll binge on romance novels and chick flicks until she learns their secret. Handsome Greg could be her Prince Charming — but why is Emily’s friend Elliot so unhappy about her plan?

The Chef’s Mail-Order Bride by Cindy Caldwell

Tripp trained at an elite culinary school, but he can’t get a loan for his restaurant without a wife. Raised in a bakery, Sadie agrees to head west as Tripp’s bride. Can the two learn to work together as they open their new restaurant — and find love in the process?

The Witch Hunter by Nicole R. Taylor

Cursed by an ancient witch, vampire Zachary will die a slow, agonizing death. His only shot at survival is Aya, the so-called Witch Hunter, who has been asleep for 150 years… But she has no interest in helping him.

Ignite by Kaitlyn Davis

When Kira discovers her mystical powers, she must fight for her life — and choose between sweet, goofy Luke and gorgeous, blood-hungry Tristan.

Crash by Drew Jordan

Stranded in the Alaskan wilderness, Laney takes refuge in the arms of the stranger who rescues her. But will he be her savior — or her destroyer?

Going Hard by Kelsey Browning

When rich playboy Grif Steele returns to his hometown, he reconnects with Carlie Beth Parrish. But with a murderous stalker on the prowl, can Grif protect her — and the daughter he never knew he had?

Hers to Take by Talia Ellison

When Octavia gets caught in a dangerous situation, her rival, Aaron, offers her a deal she can’t refuse — to escape with her life, she must pretend to be his sex slave. But they don’t expect a forbidden attraction to ignite…

Claimed by Evangeline Anderson

The Kindred race is primarily male, and must choose among human women for their brides. When Olivia is drafted into marrying broken and tortured Baird, she’s determined to resist — but she hadn’t counted on falling for her alien warrior husband…

Forever a Soldier by Genevieve Turner

When Hank returns from combat, he agrees to move into a 100-year-old house owned by his great-great aunt and uncle. His peace is disturbed by Lale, an inquisitive scholar digging into his family’s secrets. But their attraction will open up hidden places in their hearts…

Liam by Kimber White

Though forbidden to be with his fated mate, sexy shifter Liam will stop at nothing to claim Molly, the spitfire who sets his heart aflame. But is Molly ready to embrace his wolfish identity?

The Second Sister by Rae D. Magdon

When Eleanor’s father dies, she’s left with her unhinged stepmother and two stepsisters, Luciana and Belladonna. Eleanor must prevent wicked Luciana from bewitching a prince — but meanwhile, beautiful Belladonna stirs up feelings she can’t resist…

Time to Upsize by Graeme Aitken

Blake’s the perfect boyfriend as far as Stephen is concerned: easygoing, gentle, and sweet. But lately, Blake has been getting increasingly jealous, and it doesn’t help when gorgeous Rick moves next door. Can Stephen resist temptation?

Playing Games by Liliana Rhodes

Cassie gets her dream job working for billionaire Gabriel — and she’s determined to remain professional. But their irresistible attraction ignites after she’s caught trying to watch him in the shower…

Kindling Flames: Gathering Tinder by Julie Wetzel

After landing a job as assistant to a handsome CEO, Victoria feels like her life is finally on the right track. But when she discovers her new boss is the city’s most powerful vampire, she’ll have to decide whether her attraction to him is worth the risk…

Switching Hour by Robyn Peterman

After a stint in witch prison, Zelda is on magic probation — and if she can’t finish a mysterious task in the next month, she’ll be stripped of her powers forever. But a gorgeous werewolf may prove to be a tempting distraction…

Sacrificed to the Dragon by Jessie Donovan

Dragon shifter Tristan has despised humans ever since hunters killed his mother. But his clan insists he needs an heir — and a human mate. When he meets gorgeous Melanie, a slow-burning fire ignites deep within…

The Vampire’s Mail Order Bride by Kristen Painter

Running from the mob, Delaney becomes a mail-order bride in the spooky town of Nocturne Falls — only to learn her fiancé is a 400-year-old vampire!

Haunted on Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase

When empath Jade Calhoun moves into a haunted New Orleans apartment, she must use her unique abilities — and the help of her sexy landlord — to ward off a powerful spirit.