#fic: A Crime Of Passion

[featheredmoonwings]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers (except me because obvs I have done it). Spread the self-love ❤

This is a lovely ask thank you!

Now let's see. 5 of my favorite fics I've written, hmmm.

I know no one asked for explanations but I'll give them anyway XD Here they are (these probably change depending on my mood), in no particular order even though they're numbered:

Lonely Stars Drifting In The Black (gen) Why is it fav? I of course CANNNOT go without mentioning this fic. My first, properly long fic that I finished. I remain so proud of what I achieved here and my commitment to writing it all out and FINISHING it. That used to be something so hard for me to do and I'm so proud of how I managed to write these complex relationships without sacrificing the character's morals. I-m still working on the series that sprouted out of it and I'm STILL so happy about the stories coming out of it. Fandom: Star Wars: Prequels Characters: Jango Fett & Obi-wan Kenobi Summary: It's an easy job, go in, get some information, and then Jango Fett can be on his merry way out of the disgusting Death Watch camp which he has nothing but contempt for. It WOULD be an easy job, that is if it weren't for the chained kid they've got, tied up like an animal… Jango sees red and nothing more. He'll make them regret the day they dared to lay hands on a child.

Of The Old Things Hidden In The World (gen) Why is it fav? I consider this one of my most self indulgent projects and I love it for this XD. It's a crossover but I take myself very seriously with it and that's one of the things I like so much about it. Could be silly but I don't let it be. I took a concept that I really liked (Merlin turning Aithusa human) and then I just REALLY ran with that idea. When I would usually hate miscommunication, this story is filled with it but it's purposeful and no one is being stupid about it. Fandom: Merlin BBC x Avengers MCU Characters: Aithusa, Merlin, Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff & Clint Barton Summary: Merlin and Aithusa have weathered this world together since the long gone age of Camelot. But now Merlin is in grave trouble and there's nothing Aithusa can do to help him. Merlin has commanded him not to follow, not to help. If Aithusa keeps doing nothing at all, it'll soon break his heart, surely. But… this new age has heroes, perhaps they might help. After all, Hydra IS their problem, isn't it? The should be the ones to deal with it.

A Crime Of Passion (gen, but can definitely be read as shippy) Why is it fav? This story gave me SO much grief but since the MOMENT I conceived this story I've loved the idea and at the end (despite all the problems) I keep loving the result I got from it. I got some good narrative out of it and TENSION. Characters being forced to do something they don't want to my beloved. Fandom: Twilight Characters: Carlisle Cullen & Aro Summary: For the life of Edward, Carlisle Cullen must make a bargain with the devil of Volterra himself, the bargain though, is not at all what the Doctor thought it would be. (Canon Divergence from the end of New Moon)

After The Mist (pre-ship but SUPER gen vibes) Why is it fav? This ones OLD and you can see a lot of mistakes in the writing but I LOVE the interactions that I wrote and the relationship I was crafting. I like it so much, love the idea of the story, that I STILL want to finish it and give it the love it deserves. Fandom: Frozen ll Characters: Agnarr & Iduna Summary: After young Agnarr returns to Arendell that faithful day in the forest, there's a grief too deep inside his chest he cannot begin to comprehend it. But there's no time to dwell on it, he's a king now and he must act as such. Still, he is drowning, he's drowning all the time. But there's someone out there who might just understand what this profound pain is doing to him. "My name's Iduna."

Drizzle By The Sea (Gen) Why is it fav? Another VERY old work which I'm still very fond off. It captures one of the things I love writing the most and it's this little pleasures like walking in the woods or getting soaked by the rain. I find the feeling it produced beautiful and it makes me happy so, yeah. The execution is maybe a bit clumsy but I know what old me wanted to transmit. I keep coming back to this sort of writing and I hope I never stop cause it makes me feel alive and like the world is magic. Fandom: Teen Titans (cartoon) Characters: Robin & Jericho Summary: Jericho is a bit... weird. Robin can see in the way the sea captures his attention that there's a natural feeling and a sense of delight that he carries with him. It's contagious.

Thank you so much for the ask @cilil it made me very happy and I did want to answer something like this today. I'm glad for that emotional boost, so thanks again <3

[choicesficwriterscreations]

October MC of the Month: Carolina Miosotys Rose

Please welcome October 2024's MC of the Month: @jerzwriter's Carolina Miosotys Rose

Each month, we highlight one MC or OC on our Meet My MC / OC List. They are selected randomly on the Wheel of Names, and eligibility requirements can be found here. We accept MC / OC profiles on an ongoing basis. Please feel free to send yours in!

Learn more about Carolina below.

1- In your own words, tell us what you like most about your MC / OC.

I love Carolina’s resiliency. She’s been through so much, and she just keeps going. But what I love most about her is that she’s not perfect; her physical and emotional wounds have left scars that she’ll carry forever. They’ve impacted her and changed her, but have never broken her.

2- Do you feel your MC / OC is like you at all? How are you alike or different?

A little bit, but she’s far more badass than me. She’s from the Bronx, and I’m from North Jersey. We both have NYC attitudes and street smarts; we’ve both been through a lot, and it’s made us who we are. But she’s fierce! She’s out there finding mass murderers, and I’m sure not doing that! But we both love the Yankees and good Latin food - though she can cook it and I can’t!

3- What is most important to your MC / OC? What is their motivation in life?

Carolina keeps her circle small. She’s written off most of her family, and she doesn’t let many into her inner sanctum, but those who make it there are all that matters to her. There is literally nothing she wouldn’t do for those closest to her heart. Her motivation? She wants to make her late father proud.

4- What are their biggest pet peeves/dislikes?

Slow walkers (she is a New Yorker…), bigots, gridlock, overpriced coffee, and people who don’t respect her need for alone time.

5- If your MC / OC could change one thing - anything - what would it be?

Free higher education.

[frankiebirds]

so. i love this line.

but i want to talk about her expressions after gideon asks if she's alright:

i dont know. throughout the first season, elle expresses the strongest negative feelings towards sex offenders (reasonable!) and sure, she came from a unit dealing specifically with that and that's her specialty (remember when all the characters had specific skill sets and specialties?) but especially this reaction here seems very personal. and this is pre-randall garner, so she doesn't yet have that connection to being attacked in her own home.

also. the team knows sexual offense crimes are elle's specialty. they know that's where she came from. but her response to gideon when he asks if she's okay after she goes off on scott isn't "i've seen a lot of this and it gets me riled up" it's to get defensive and evasive. if it was anger born of something the team is aware of, why hide it? her response to gideon and her expression afterwards very much read to me as someone hiding something.

[jerzwriter]

Take Me Out

Trystan Thorne x Carolina Rose

In my HC, Carolina was born & raised in the Bronx, and to her, the New York Yankees are a religion. This commission by the magnificent @/artbyainna was inspired by my fic A Celebration, and since some wanted to know how Carolina behaved at the game, the drabble below the break provides some insight. I hope you enjoy it.

Book: Crimes of Passion (Post Book 1, Pre 2)

Pairing: Trystan Thorne x F!MC

Rating: Teen

Words: 1,011

Summary: When Trystan has the opportunity to see Carolina in her element, he just has to steal her away for a moment alone.

A/N: Participating in @choicesmonthlychallenge from the April Challenge: Just want to be with you, sunset, kiss also participating in @choicesflashfics prompt is bolded below.

~~~~

Carolina couldn’t contain her laughter.   She hadn’t felt this way since she was a teenager, perhaps not even then. The wind whipped through her hair as she clutched Trystan’s hand, willingly running behind him as he circled the stadium’s ramps, exuding such confidence you would have guessed he knew where he was going.

“Trystan!” She yelled breathlessly. “You’ve never been here before! Do you know where you’re going?”

“Yes, down,” he answered matter of factly.

“And why exactly are you going down?”

She collided into his back, nearly toppling them to the floor, when he suddenly stopped and turned to her with a devilish smirk.

“Carolina Rose, if I was going down... you’d know it.”

“You jerk,” she laughed, playfully pounding her fist against his chest. “I swear you act like a teenage boy!”

“It’s part of my charm,” he winked. “Here,” he pointed to the entrance of a relatively empty section of the stadium. “That’s where we’re going!”

“Why? Our seats are better than that, and besides, we left Luke and Ruby behind.”

“Yes, we did,” he acknowledged as he leaned against the concrete partition separating them from the field. “I like them very much... but if I didn’t get you alone for a few minutes... I was afraid that I would die.”

Carolina’s lips twisted, a playful gleam in her eye. “You thought you would die?”

“Absolutely,” he looped his arm around her waist and pulled her near. “Do you see the effect you have on me?”

“Really? So, tell me... what put a healthy man like yourself in critical condition? Was it the way I curse the umpires out every three seconds? Or how I put that old man in his place when he dared to question if Jeter held the team’s post-season hits record?”  

“Neither of those,” he smiled.

“So it was the way I surreptitiously threw peanut shells at the Boston fans passing us?”

“No. Though, I’ll admit, that was impressive.”

“Was it when I jumped up and down like a lunatic when Judge hit a home run?”

“No,” his eyes roamed over her body, momentarily pausing at her chest. “Though I must admit, I rather enjoyed that part.”

“So what was it,” she snuggled under his arm. “What made being alone with me a life or death issue?”

“Seeing you in your element. Watching you be unabashedly yourself without a worry about anything, just Carolina, having the time of her life at a Yankee game. It was enchanting... in a gauche sort of way, but enchanting nevertheless.”

“Really?” she chuckled. “And to think I considered toning it down. I know I can get pretty crazy and I didn’t want to scare you away.”

“Please, I’m from Drakovia. It would take much more than that to frighten me away. Besides, don’t ever change any part of yourself for anyone, especially me. I’m crazy about you just the way you are.”

At a loss for words, Carolina was spared when a roar from the crowd turned their heads back toward the field, or at least Carolina’s head turned. Trystan wanted to be interested in the game, but how? Given the choice of watching a multi-million dollar team play ball or watching her... his answer would always be the same. Carolina…every single time.

He brushed a stray hair behind her ear and marveled over her. He knew this game was important to her, and it linked her to her father, who shared the same passion. Knowing another stadium’s tragic role in her life, he was happy to know she could still enjoy this. She blushed when she caught him staring at her far too seriously.

“What?” She smiled.

“Nothing. I just love seeing you happy. You used to come to games with your father, no?”

“Oh, yes!” She beamed. “Whenever we could! As a teen, he didn’t have the money to come, so he got a job selling popcorn in the stands just to watch them play. By the time I came along, he could spring for tickets, only the cheap seats, but that didn’t matter to me. I have the best memories here. That’s why I always wear his jersey when I come.”

Trystan spun her around and looked at the number 23 on the back of her jersey and the name written above it.

“Mattingly. Was he your father’s favorite?”

“Sure was! Donnie Baseball! Dad was crushed he never got a World Series ring.”

“Is he your favorite player too?”

“Oh, no. I love him, but,” she patted the number 2 on Trystan’s back, “Derek Jeter is my favorite.”

“And why is that?”

“Are you kidding? He’s a legend! Besides...growing up, I had the biggest crush on him... the man was freaking hot.”

“Oh, really?” Trystan simpered. “Now I understand why you gave me his jersey to wear. Although I’m sure I look even more attractive in it.”

“Mmmm, I dunno,” she shook her head playfully. “I’d need you to put on the cap to make a fair assessment, and since you refused....”

“And mess up this hair? My true crowing glory! I think not, Carolina.”

“You’re too much,” she laughed, running her fingers through his impressive mane. “Thank you for bringing me here tonight, Trystan. It means a lot to me. But the sun’s setting, and as much as I adore this time alone with you, we probably should get back to Luke and Ruby. We’re trying to keep us a secret for now, after all.”

“I suppose,” he shrugged, “just one thing before we do.”

“What’s that?”

 Without a word, he pulled her into a lingering, tender kiss, causing them to momentarily forget they were surrounded by thousands of people. Yankee Stadium feels downright desolate when you’re kissing the right person.

“There,” he smiled as he pulled away. “Now I can cross kissing a gorgeous detective at Yankee Stadium off my bucket list.”

“Oh, that was on your bucket list?” she chuckled.

“Don’t judge my bucket list, Carolina. I have my kinks; you have yours.”

~~~~~

I totally HC that they were blissfully unaware that they got caught on the "kiss cam." Luke and Ruby saw it all, and Ruby dropped her popcorn as it happened. With their suspicions confirmed, they had a quick debate over teasing them as soon as they returned or playing stupid. They decided on the latter... for now. 😏

@choicesficwriterscreations @choicesbookclub

Tagging others separately

[ladylamrian]

Nightbound • Blades of Light & Shadows • Crimes of Passion

Pairings: F!MC×NikRyder ; F!MC×AerinValleros ; F!MC×MalVolari ; F!MC×M!TrystanThorne

Summary: Principal Liam has an interview today with a new teaching staff. Will they try to impress him and get the job?

Chapter 1 - The new staff - Word Count: 2.8K words - General

-> My complete Choices Masterlist <-

Choices Fanfiction Taglist: @lilyoffandoms ; @secretaryunpaid ; @blackcatkita ; @infactnoimmasitinthemiddle ; @mikaelsrose ; @peonierose ; @jdstar88 ; @hopelessromantic1352 ; @tessa-liam ; @mxdanni ; @mariemarieohcontrary ; @rosepetals1 ; @stars-are-within-me ; @dutifullynuttywitch ; @artbyalz ; @bri1234 ; @thosehallowedhalls ; @choicesficwriterscreations ; @choicesjunechallenge2024 [Theme: Liminality - Time, Punctuality, etc...] ; @choicescommunityevents

Comments via Reblog wholeheartedly welcome

Author's note: It might take a long time till the next chapter releases. I have a lot writing plans, so I hope you understand. Inspired by @a-cloud-for-dreams series: Scholars of B. Lane.

Welcome to The Royal Academy, a place for a prince, princess, duke, duchess and other royal nobilities to study and learn more about their royal life filled with responsibilities, duties and challenges. Led by husband and wife, His Royal Highness King Liam Rys from Cordonia and Her Majesty Queen Riley from Cordonia with their right hand, Duchess Olivia Nevrakis from Lythikos... What challenges await this year? With new students, there will be also new staff available.

King Liam, now Principal Liam was seated in his office in the academy, preparing some important documents for the new year tomorrow. He was the head of the academy and was also expecting a new full-time teaching staff today for an interview since Duke Simon Montjoy and his American wife were expecting a baby soon. Family was one of the most important things for him since he was also a father of three children. His children are very young, that's why his wife was only working part-time for now. The Cordonian friends, Drake, Hana and Maxwell always supportive and on their side to support him and take care of his children.

Sadly there weren't many applicants eligible for this position, so all the hope was that this job interview would go excellent. Time was short. Really short.

"Hey honey, I made you some tea.", his wife, Riley entered the head office which she shared with his husband. She carried a teacup filled with warm green tea and placed it on the wooden table. Liam thanked her without meeting her eyes as he was still focused on his unfinished paperwork which got Riley a bit worried and tried to reassure him.

"Liam, don't worry. You will do great like always."

"It's not that. I'm worried about the future of my new students. I just hope today's interview will go excellent and I don't have to look for another teaching staff anymore.", he confessed and looked at his wristwatch.

It was already 5 minutes past the job interview which should have already started. Whoever the applicant is, is late and it can't be tolerated in the academy. Teaching staff who should be educating young royals about manners, responsibility and to fulfill any task correctly before the deadline... Is late?? Not a good first impression. Punctuality is important.

"I assume the interview won't happen today.", Liam sighted as if he just accepted defeat. But his wife was sure that the applicant would come today and tried to keep up the positive side.

"Liam, people can get late. There must be a reasonable explanation and...", she couldn't finish her sentence as a sudden knock at the door interrupted.

"Come in, please.", Liam commanded the guest inside their office. The door lightly opened a few centimeters, but not more. It stayed still and there was no sight of someone entering. Seated on his office chair, Liam was stunned and so was his wife.

"What was that?"

"Perhaps just the wind, darling."

"Can the wind knock, Riley? I'm pretty sure that we both heard..."

"Excuse me, sir.", a high-pitched voice was requesting for some attention.

"Uhh, Liam, did you hear that?"

"Yes, but I don't see anyone here.", he and Riley were surprised until the same voice appeared again. This time it sounded almost annoyed.

"Pardon me, but would you humans just look down. I'm here!!", a black cat with bat wings flew up and landed right in front of Liam on his desk.

"What the...??!!! What are you?", King Liam panicked as didn't expect a talking cat to appear.

"Awwww, isn't the cat cute?!!!"

"Riley, it's a talking cat and not cute."

"Pardon me, but I cannot handle such disrespect. If the lady thinks I'm cute then please respect her opinion.", the creature annoyingly hissed which frightened the principal.

"Please, leave!! It's a school and people could be allergic to cats like you. Where did you even come from?!!"

"Pardon me, but I'm attending important business here and need to speak to the head of this school. Perhaps even complain about you since you cannot speak to me, Threep Pompedorfin, a wise nesper like this.", the winged cat licked his paw with attitude.

"Wait, you're Mister Pompedorfin??! The new teacher I'm expecting for the interview??!! I... I didn't expect you to be... like this.", Liam was highly surprised about the sudden reveal.

"Meow me? Excuse me, and you are...?"

"Principal Liam, Head of the Academy.", he spoke with confidence while adjusting the collars of his white shirt underneath his fancy, black coat. His introduction shocked the bat-winged cat.

"Purrrr... You're the head of the academy and king of Cordonia? Well, I expected someone more... older and wiser? Pardon me.", Threep licked his paw again, then brushed it behind his ear.

There was a long silence between the Rys couple and their furry guest, trying to progress. Liam's wife, Riley encouraged him to still continue the job interview and give Threep a chance. It didn't take long till the king agreed to it. Folding his arms, his focus turned back to Threep.

"So, Mister Pompedorfin, tell me more about you."

"Of course, I'm Threep Percivacurus Pompedorfin, a very wise, respectful and ancient nesper. And I love food, so I hope the food in the cafeteria is worth it."

"Very interesting. Also, a nesper?"

"Yes, I'm a nesper and so is my pregnant partner, Loola. Nespers have wisdom and the impeccable ability to judge character. So my apologies for that. It is my solemn duty and distinct pleasure to offer aid wherever I can. Even when it means giving life lessons to the young generation because it is them and my wiseness who'll form the upcoming future."

"Well, it's good to hear that you care about the future of my students. And your motivation to teach them some fruitful lessons. Why did you choose my academy?"

"Because my sixth sense told me that I am desperately needed, sir. Wherever people seek my help, I'll be there... Well... And my partner is pregnant, so I need something well-paid to feed her and my unborn babies."

"Awww, such a cute kitty is having baby kittens?!!! Congratulations on becoming a father soon, Mister Pompedorfin. Please, I'd love to meet your wife, and the babies after they're born.", Riley was excited and still found Threep cute.

"Riley, dear, please... Let me handle this. It's an interview.", Liam silently whispered and held her by her shoulder. Threep meowed to get their attention.

"Meow! Excuse me, but do I have the title of Professor and staff member of your academy already? Do you take me? I'd like to know before taking a look into the cafeteria and then flying home."

"Of course, Liam would accept such an adorable face like you, right?", Riley encouraged and patted Threep's tiny head, still amazed by his cuteness.

King Liam pulled Riley towards him and requested their guest to wait outside to discuss this matter with his wife in private. The newspaper did as he wished and waited outside for the final answer. Will Threep be accepted in the Academy or will he immediately be thrown out?

"So Liam? Do we give him the job?", she asked him.

"Honestly, that was... It's not what I expected. I can't believe it. Tomorrow's the first day of school and I can't even arrange a proper teaching staff?"

"What about Mr. Pompedorfin? He's our last chance. We can't pressure the teaching staff we have already more work. At least accept Threep. He knows a lot and seems very wise."

After hearing his wife's words, he stood up from his chair and walked around his office in circles. To think. It took him a few minutes until he stopped walking and finally came to a conclusion.

"Okay, Riley. Fine, I'll hire Mister Pompedorfin. But if he doesn't fulfill his duties properly, I'll immediately start looking for another staff and fire him. Look, I'm normally not like that. Everyone deserves a second chance, but it's also about the future of our students."

"I trust you, Liam. And I'm pretty sure that Mr. Pompedorfin won't disappoint.", she moved closer towards her husband and embraced herself in his arms while he pulled her closer. Planting a tiny, sweet kiss on her bare shoulder, he thanked her for supporting him.

After their sweet little moment, Liam hurried towards his desk and pulled a list out.

"I'll hire Mister Pompedorfin and will hand him over the smallest class of students. Just in case. If he handles this well, then I'll be more confident about him in the future and he'll stay with us in the academy. I already have a few students in mind to put in his class. They're so various, that perhaps he might have already experience with them. I want to take things slowly for him.", Liam warmly smiled, ready to welcome the new teaching staff. Professor Threep Pompedorfin.

After the nesper found out in Liam's office that he got accepted, he was amazed and delighted about the news.

"I knew that you would finally see that I'm suitable for this honorable cause, your Highness. That's the respect I deserve."

"Congratulations and welcome, Mister Pompedorfin. May tomorrow's first day be a success."

"Puuurrrrfect. Now if you'll excuse me, I want to stop by the cafeteria downstairs and ask about tomorrow's menu and if they have something already prepared today that I could taste. Someone has to check. For the students, right? See you tomorrow."

These were the last words of the winged cat before it flapped it's wings and flew outside the office.

"Isn't he adorable, Liam?"

"Why do I have the feeling that many women will get easily charmed by him? Well, anyway... I need to focus on work."

For the next two hours, King Liam, Queen Riley and their loyal friends from Cordonia were seated in the office discussing the upcoming school year. They had often those kind of meetings about the academy and their dedication towards their kingdom of Cordonia. This one was just the last meeting to discuss the opening of the Academy in the new year like they did every year.

Olivia Nevrakis, the right hand of the Rys couple was delighted for this year, especially after she just saw the name of her cousin from Drakovia on the students list. She's also the new head of security in the academy because it was essential to secure safety for the high-elite students.

"Liam, I found two of the best people I could hire to secure the safety of our students and the academy. The parents have nothing to worry about. This year we will have two people for our security and safety.", Olivia, the Scarlett Duchess spoke with high confidence.

"I like our new security standards, Olivia. If you trust them, then so do I. I want the students and the academy to be left in safe hands.", Liam trusted Olivia's decisions and was excited to meet the two, new members. Only a few Cordonian guards are now in the academy, but they are mostly needed in his kingdom.

During his absence, Drake Walker was responsible for the security of Cordonia. His home and where his children lived. His wife, Queen Riley will only support him for the beginning days, then she'll return to their children.

"Have you already made the timetables?", Lady Hana curiously asked, wanting to know her times and which class she'll get. She would be teaching the subjects Art, Music and some Fashion classes. While Lady Kiara specialized in Foreign Affairs, Cultures & Languages.

The rest of their friends, Maxwell, Penelope and Madeline had royal duties in Cordonia to handle like Drake. Plus, Maxwell loved to spend time with the Rys children and take care of them.

Class schedules and lists were now already made. And like Principal Liam decided, the new teacher, Professor Threep Pompedorfin would get the smallest class group of students. He checked all the lists one last time before they were finished. The new school year can come...

Servants rushed in the early morning around the dining room serving the two children their breakfast on their first day of school in the Royal Academy. They bowed as their ruler, their duke entered and then continued their work.

"Good morning, my lovely children. Are you excited for your first day?", he sweetly asked before planting a gentle kiss on their cheeks.

"Yes, father. I can't believe today's our first day and I'm so excited. It'll be just like high school again, right?", the daughter answered while she continued to eat her fresh fruit salad.

"What's high school? Well, never mind. I still think it's not right. Why should we go to a school led by human beings?", the younger brother snorted who definitely wasn't thrilled about going to school.

"My son, I figured that it might be the best. Perhaps this way you would understand the life your sister had among humans and that they're not all bad after all. I love you and just want the best for my shining stars. And I heard that other beings will be there too. You will learn a lot there."

"Tialo, could you hand me over the orange juice? Please, I can't reach it.", the sister was struggling as her hands couldn't reach the filled glass carafe. The younger brother, Tialo didn't care and ignored her request until their father, the Duke, Lord Elric spoke.

"Tialo, help your sister.", he ordered him, then reached for the juice himself to hand it over to his daughter.

"Father, how many times did I tell you that she's not my sister??!!", Tialo almost shouted while innocent Alex was too focused on her meal.

"Enough, Tialo!!! Your mother and I accepted her as our own already. She may be my child from another woman, but I still love her."

"Father, that woman you were together with is a human!!! And so is Alex!!! Humans are nothing. Alex is half fae, half human. A halfling who shouldn't be among us. There's nothing royal about her and..."

"You said enough, Tialo. Quiet now!!! Perhaps sending you to the academy with your sister might be wise, so you would understand each other. Support each other and learn how to get along."

Tialo wasn't thrilled at his father's words and decided to stay quiet, but that won't happen for long... He'll figure out something. Just wait and see.

"Chop, chop, you're getting late for your first day. Hurry up, my children.", the sweet voice of the loving Lady Thalissa, Lord Elric's wife rang across the room as she entered. She rushed towards them and planted a gentle kiss on each of their foreheads. Some fae servants brought the suitcases of Lady Alexis and Lord Tialo already downstairs for them.

"I will miss you two very much. You'll stay away from home. I wish...", the duchess whispered to them and her green eyes sparkled with tears.

"Mother, I'll be fine. Don't worry."

"Yes, Thalissa. Tialo is right. We'll be alright. Don't worry, we're strong. You're not alone, Father is still with you. Please, don't cry.", Alex tried to assure her caring stepmother and squeezed her free hand.

"I know, it's just... Promise to take care of each other, to eat enough, and to behave yourself. Don't forget to drink water and wear clothes that are made for the weather. And...", she got interrupted by her husband.

"I think they understood and we shouldn't hold them any longer. They're getting late."

"But father, we won't make it. It's already..."

"My princess daughter, you're forgetting that we're fae.", Elric answered with amusement and to her surprise, opened a portal that would directly lead them to the academy in the human realm.

And with that, Alex and Tialo met each other's eyes before focusing back on the portal in front of them. Tialo may have been used to fae magic and portals, but his half-sister wasn't. Clutching her suitcase and saying her goodbyes to the parents, she closed her eyes, finally entering the portal along with Tialo. Bright light was all she could see even when her chocolate-brown eyes were closed. After a moment, she slowly opened them again and faced...

"Wow!!! Beautiful.", she happily twirled in front of the gate of the academy. So huge and majestic.

"You find that beautiful, halfling? Poor thing, then you haven't seen our home completely yet.", he spoke in a mocking manner and then laughed at her.

In front of the two siblings, other students entered the gates of the academy with their suitcases, one by one after a proper security check. It was very astonishing to see various students from different places. European, Asian, Hispanic... Even different species which weren't only humans, like elves and even faes like them. Perhaps an Inter-realm Academy?

[hivemindscape]

The waves continued to lap against the shore. Push and pull. Breathe in, breathe out.

“What triggered it?”

The question was quiet, and so out of the blue it took Wilbur a moment to realize Tommy had asked it.

“What do you mean?” Wilbur asked.

“Your panic attack,” Tommy clarified, his hair tickling Wilbur’s cheek again. “Was it random, or did something trigger it?”

"Your Name Is A Triangle" by @bonesandthebees​

song i drew this to alt version under the cut

[amee-racle-ofmyown]

your hands have always held their own

Heist!Mark x reader | Words: 1,063 | read on AO3

Heist!Mark finally asks his partner in crime out on that date.

It was early evening and you and your heist partner sat nearly shoulder to shoulder in your shared living room. The sun hung low, just barely brushing its rays against the clouds, tinging their edges amber and yellow.

Recently, there had been a lot more of these calm afternoons where you would sit together, discussing everything and nothing, perhaps watching TV or whatever videos took both your fancy; sometimes you simply watched the sky until you felt sleepy. Occasionally one of his hands might come up to play idly with your hair (a more affectionate gesture than either of you had ever previously initiated, but you didn't really mind, and neither of you mentioned it).

'This next heist…’ he started, ‘it's supposed to set us up, pretty much for life. And it got me thinking—'

'That's dangerous,' you interrupted.

'Yeah, maybe for you,' he quipped back, eyebrows raised mockingly, but there was no malice in his voice.

'Anyway,' he continued, voice softening. 'I was thinking about the future and stuff. Like, what do we do after this? And as nice as it would be to be able to relax and just enjoy the rest of our lives without worrying about the next spot to rob, I think I would kind of miss doing these jobs with you.'

That got your full attention. He wasn't quite meeting your eyes — instead, a loose strand on his clothes was apparently very interesting — but something about his words and the gentle sincerity with which he'd spoken them took you a little off-guard.

‘...I hadn't really thought much about it. About what happens after.’ And it was true, you hadn't; nothing past the first few wild, exciting dreams that sprung to mind when reading the amount of money the pair of you were being offered for this particular artefact. No real, solid plans.

‘I think I'd miss it too,’ you continued quietly. ‘But I mean, who's to say we can't do a couple more every once in a while, just for the fun of it, y'know? We don't even have to go after anything that valuable. More like just… for old times’ sake.’ You caught his gaze and he smiled, a little fond and a little hopeful, dark eyes twinkling.

‘Yeah, cool… So, uhm,’ he averted his gaze again and you couldn't help but find his uncharacteristic hesitance and bashfulness adorable, wondering what was on his mind that was making him act this awkward.

‘So I was wondering, once this heist is over, if you'd maybe wanna go out sometime?’

‘Sure, is that it?’ you question, oblivious. (Or maybe not wanting to get ahead of yourself. Surely there's no way he meant it like that.)

Your crime partner’s head perked up, eyes wide and looking directly into yours, as if searching for something.

‘Really?’

‘Umm, yeah?’ you say, incredulous. ‘What's got you so nervous? And… surprised? We go out together all the time.’

‘No, buddy, you don't get it…’ he said, sat looking a little like a kicked puppy. The look of disappointment that crossed his face broke your heart and instantly made you regret your words.

His hands returned to fidgeting and oh, you wanted to take those hands in yours and ease the nerves from his palms, thread his fingers through your own, press your lips to his knuckles.

Mark sighed. One of his hands came to rest on his knee while the other carded through his hair. You found yourself wanting to do the same.

‘Listen…’ he began again, eyes downcast while his hand came to rest in his lap. ‘We've been friends for what feels like ages now, working together for even longer. I know we butt heads at times, I can be an idiot and you can get on my nerves but-’ Finally his eyes met yours, and the affection in them made your breath catch in your throat.

The sun was setting by now, casting a gorgeous orange glow through the room and over his features. It made his eyes appear almost golden, and it suddenly occurred to you that no shiny trinket you could steal could ever possibly be worth more than the look those eyes were giving you in this moment. You internally cringed at the thought, but you couldn't deny it was true.

‘You're really important to me,’ he said earnestly. ‘I don't always agree with you but I always trust your judgement. I probably trust you more than anyone else, to be honest. You're my best friend, and maybe I'm wrong, but I think there could be something else here? And I wanna try being more? If that's okay with you.’

‘You mean-’

‘Yeah.’ He took your hand, said your name, foregoing any of his nicknames for you. ‘I love you — I always have, as a friend, but I think I have feelings for you. So, if you reciprocate even a little, let me take you out. On a real date. And if things don't work out,’ (you didn't miss the small flicker of something sad as he added that part) ‘well, we can still work together. And we'll still be friends, right?’ he asked hopefully.

You could feel your heart thrumming wildly, from his words, the intensity of his gaze and the warmth radiating from his hand to yours.

You took his other hand, the one still atop his knee, and replied softly: ‘I'd really love that, actually. To go on a date with you, I mean.’

The smile he gave you was genuine, unlike the typical cocky. It was wide and crinkled the skin beneath his eyes. You briefly wondered whether he could feel your racing pulse through your intertwined hands.

‘Then it's agreed. After the heist.’

‘After the heist,’ you promised.

Inevitably, you would run into problems and possibly danger in your next heist, as you usually did, but you trusted Mark, and you knew you could count on him when push came to shove. You knew that you would follow him anywhere, and the two of you had a better chance of conquering any obstacles you faced if you were together, as you always had.

The sun dipped beneath the clouds, the room was warm, and things felt comfortably the same and yet like this was a turning point for the pair of you.

You were sure this heist would be one to remember.

[aces-and-angels]

Title: Not My Birthday

A/N: what the hell is up, gang? i've been dying to share this one with y'all for weeks and now it's finally here 🎊🎊🎊 please enjoy the thing that's been plaguing my very being for hours on end 🖤 @choicesficwriterscreations

p.s. a big thank you to @noesapphic for helping me out with some of the spanish dialogue

Characters: Xiomara Calloway (oc: @a-cloud-for-dreams), Ryan Cortazar, Amalia de León (oc: @itlivesproject), Beau McGraw, Enid Mendoza, Cameron Rose, Tommy Rose, Gigi Sinclair, Martin Vanderweil, Wind Velez (oc: @oh-so-youre-a-nerd)

Pairing(s): Martin x Wind (not yet official), Gigi x Xiomara

Summary: Set sometime before Magnus gets hired; Wind does their best to get through another birthday.

Content Warning(s): brief mention of blood, language, childhood trauma

Word Count: 3.9K

read below cut or...

AO3 LINK

---

McGraw Byrne, morning…

It’s just a day. A set of numbers written in the margin. Zero three zero two. Yet Wind’s calendar remains flipped to February, its page marked with thick black lines crossing off each date. What they’d give to be able to take a sharpie to the day and scribble it out entirely. But they can’t- not for another 14 hours and 32 minutes. Not like they’re counting or anything. 

Amalia saves them first. 

“Mx. Velez, I know you’re busy with that case for Landon, but can you-”

“Yes,” they say all too quickly. 

Amalia blinks, perplexed by their eagerness. “You don’t even know what I’m about to ask for yet.” 

“Does that matter? You know I’d do anything for one of my favorite paralegals.” Their desperate need for distraction aside, the sentiment was sincere. Without Amalia, completing any case would be nearly impossible. 

“Wasn’t fishing for compliments, but I’ll take it,” she breathes with a hint of a smirk tugging at her lip. “Hopefully, you’ll still hold that sentiment after this conversation.”

“Pretty sure I will. What can I help you with?” 

“It’s a bit… Es una tontería, de verdad,” she warns, absently toying with the hem of her wine red blazer. 

Noticing her nerves, Wind pushes their notebook aside. “Amalia, no te preocupes, puedes decirme lo que pasa.” 

The warmth and reassurance in their tone do something to soothe her nerves, as her hand noticeably stills. “Mr. Vanderweil tasked me with redacting these documents yesterday. Simple, right?”

They nod along to her story. “I’d say so.”

“I thought so too, but then I had an issue with loading the PDFs on my computer, so I…” she pauses, sucking in a breath. “I took an alternative approach.”

“What kind of approach?” 

“Converting all the files to Word docs so I could highlight all the info in black instead of contacting IT like I should have.” Her words fly out of her mouth faster than she can speak, jumbling into a mess of syllables they barely manage to catch. But they do- and oh, how their stomach plummets to the floor. 

Panic cracks through the otherwise calm demeanor they’ve maintained thus far. “Amalia-” 

“I know- I know,” she laments, rushing up to the foot of their desk. “Ryan already told me how wrong that was half an hour ago, which is why I haven’t uploaded anything yet.”

“Oh, thank God,” they sigh, visibly slumping into their chair. “This’ll be easy to fix then.”

“Except it won’t be because Mr. Vanderweil wanted this done before the partner meeting, and he’ll definitely chew me out when he learns that it isn’t.” Whatever nerves were kept at bay came rushing back in full force. Amalia began pacing, her heels scuffing up the floors beneath her with every anxious step. “This is the easiest thing to do, and I found a way to mess it up. It’s no question- I’m gonna get fired. And what respectable law school is going to accept someone who can’t even-” 

Wind jumps from their seat to block her path. Their hands fly to her shoulders, stopping her in place with a firm grip. “Amalia,” they say gently, careful not to agitate her any further. Her dark brown eyes dart around the room, desperate to cling onto something- anything. Wind squeezes her once, steadying her frenzied gaze at them. “Inhala. Exhala.” So that’s what they do. They breathe.

In and out. 

In and out. 

Inhala. Exhala. 

Eventually, the dust settles and Wind’s arms fall back to their sides. “Better?” 

She nods. “Better.”

“Good. Now, how much work do you have left?”

“I managed to fix around half of what Mr. Vanderweil sent me, but there’s still over a hundred pages left to deal with.” 

The wheels in their head spin, formulating a plan. “Okay- here's what we'll do. Forward the files to me. I'll take the first 50 or so, you get the rest. Can Ryan pitch in? That would really speed things up.”

“He’s tied up with logging discovery for Ms. Tanaka. That’s why I came to you,” she grimaces. 

“That's fine. We’ll manage on our own.” 

“Are you sure? Even with help, it'll take some time.” 

The honest answer was that they weren’t. Meetings at McGraw Byrne are notorious for being pushed up at the drop of a hat. There’s no guarantee Martin wouldn’t decide to do just that; he certainly flaunted his authority to do so around the office enough. But Wind knew one thing: they can’t cross today out, but they can redact a few dozen documents. And that was enough. “Positive. Hand the files over- we've got work to do.”

—

It’s a tricky thing- pretending to be fine. Until it isn’t. Their smile is a reflex. Their lies, sweet little things, mask the bitter truth buried deep inside them. It’s almost scary how easy it’s become. 

Almost. 

Gigi nearly crushes them next. 

It starts with a playful hip check by the break room counter. Nothing more than a soft bump that Wind returns as a greeting. “You avoiding me, Velez?” 

“Of course not,” they reply automatically. Not on purpose. 

“Then why is this the first time I've seen you all day?”

The corners of Wind’s mouth pull upwards. “You’re exaggerating. Our offices are across from each other, glass windows and all.”

Gigi scoffs, a fond yet exasperated look on her face. “You know what I mean. How much work did Martin stick you with?” 

Actually, he didn't. I asked for more. And I would've stayed in my office, but I physically can’t ignore the gurgling in my stomach with paperwork anymore. “Not much, really. Guess it’s just been one of those days.” There’s a part of them- the smallest, stupidest part- that wishes she, or anyone, could see through their cheery disposition. Lift the mask they’ve clutched onto for years. 

It’s a hollow victory when she doesn’t. 

“Tell me about it. Linda roped me into working on this painfully boring property dispute,” she complains. 

“Think of it this way: maybe the land is haunted.” They wiggle their fingers spookily, throwing in a few ‘oo’s and ah’s’ for good measure.  

“That would explain the urge to blow my brains out anytime I redraft these contracts.”

“Poor little Millie. She’s just trying to protect her property from the grave.”

Gigi stifles a laugh. “Millie?” 

“Judging me only angers her spirit,” they retort, their own bout of laughter bubbling to the surface. A moment of silence passes between them before they both lose their resolve, dissolving into a fit of giggles. 

“Whew, I needed that,” Gigi says, still chuckling. 

They take a bow. “I’ll be here all week.” 

“Perfect- just enough time for you to join me for lunch.”

“You’re shameless.” Despite their light ribbing, they still take a seat at the nearest table and begin to unpack their own lunch. A small break can’t hurt, right? 

“I just prefer to have some entertainment with my lasagna,” she corrects in a light, teasing voice. 

“You made lasagna?” 

“Xo made lasagna. She's been cooking a lot more since her show wrapped.” The glow on her face at the mere mention of her wife is undeniable. 

“Seems like you’re enjoying a lot more than her cooking lately,” they grin suggestively. 

Her daze sharpens into a challenging glint in her eye, her smirk unwavering. “So what if I am?” 

They raise their hands in surrender. “Then good for you, boo.” 

“Mm, that’s what I thought,” she hums triumphantly as she walks over to the fridge. “Seriously, you’ve got to try some. It’s- oh damn it.”

“What is it?”

Gigi pulls out a large pink box and sets it on the table, slightly miffed. “Beau’s leftover birthday cake knocked over my containers. I told him no one but him likes coconut.”

Wind’s pulse quickened. It’s fine. You’re fine. “It wasn’t that bad.”

“How would you know? You couldn’t eat any because you’re allergic to coconut.” 

They shrug. “It looked pretty.”

“Last time I let a man plan an event. I don’t care if it’s his birthday,” she mutters, more to herself than at them- too occupied with reconstructing her toppled lasagna with a pair of plastic forks. Wind turns their attention to their own lunch, a heaping portion of arroz con pollo, hoping to swallow down their bout of birthday-induced anxiety with each savory bite. It almost works. 

They’re mid-bite when Gigi unknowingly moves in for the kill. 

“I’ve decided,” she announces, sliding into the seat across from them. 

“Hm?” It’s all they can manage to say with a mouthful of rice. 

“I’m putting myself in charge of all birthday parties at the firm from here on out. Who better to plan a party than a party-lover like moi?” She cuts a piece of her lasagna with the side of her fork, still talking animatedly. “Ooh, I can start a group chat to organize any after-work festivities-”

“Mhm,” they hum along, trying to ignore the lump forming in their throat. It’s fine. You’re fine. Their eyes fixate on the grains of rice stuck to their spoon. Three on the front. Two on the back. Three on the front. Two on the back. Three on- 

“Wind? You still with me, boo?” 

Their head snaps up, only realizing now that they had tuned out their friend. “Sorry- can you repeat that? I zoned out.”

Another smile. Another lie. But it’s enough.

“I asked what kind of cake you like,” Gigi repeats. 

“Oh- uh… I’m fine with anything, really. As long as it’s not coconut for obvious reasons.” 

“C’mon, everyone has a favorite. Lemmie guess, you’re a cheesecake girl, aren’t you? No wait- red velvet.” 

They force out a chuckle. “You got me. I love a good red velvet.” 

Gigi’s eyes narrow, assessing them like she would a witness on trial. “You’re just being nice, aren’t you?”

“I-I’m not! I really love red velvet,” they reassure her, but to no avail. She only shakes her head, leaning back into her chair. 

“I’ll figure you out eventually, Velez. Cake preference is a science. And I just so happen to be a mad scientist.” 

“You really don’t have to put that much effort into this, Gi.”

“The hell I don’t! There’s no way I’m going to plan a subpar birthday party for one of my best friends. When is your birthday anyways? Before you judge me for not knowing, I did try. I just couldn’t find it listed on any of your socials.” 

Her determination in any other context would flood their chest with a friendly warmth. But now it pierces through their ribcage, sending their heart into an unwanted frenzy- its beat pounding in their ears. 

It’s fine. You’re fine. 

It’s fine. You’re fine. 

It’s fine. You’re-

It’s-

They stand abruptly, the chair behind them screeching against the floorboards. “I need to go.” 

Gigi glances down, concern etching onto her features. “But you’ve barely eaten anything.”

“There’s a call I’m expecting from one of my clients. Can’t miss it,” they explain, hastily packing away their food. “Let’s catch up later, yeah?”

Another smile. Another lie. But this time, they don’t stick around long enough to know if it’s enough. 

—

Calm. They need to stay calm. Yet the air grows thinner and thinner until Wind is gasping, pulling at their collar in a feeble attempt to ease the tightness coiling around their throat. Everything is too loud. Too bright. Too exposed. 

On their first day at McGraw Byrne, Wind marveled at the grandness of it all. How its name glimmered as rays of golden light shone through the floor to ceiling windows, hitting the platinum just right. How every hallway felt like a brand new world waiting to be explored. But now? Now there is no glimmer. No hallways left to be discovered. Only a crushing weight resting atop their chest.

Forget calm. They need to hide.

Wind shuts the door behind them, then the blinds to their windows. It’s a small shield, so they strengthen their armor. Soft, pillowy cushions cover their ears, silencing the wars raging outside. A dark quiet descends over them. Not quite calm, but numb. Numb lets them breathe. Slow their tired, weary heart from running rampant. Here, underneath a cherry wood desk, they can rest.    

—

The thing about a closed door is that it can always be opened.

So Martin does just that. 

He strides in without any warning, preoccupied with typing out a quick response to yet another email, all while hoping to find a certain report waiting in his inbox. “Velez, I need an update on Landon.” Three more notifications- nothing of any true significance, but it gains his attention nonetheless. 

Eyes glued to the screen, Martin doesn’t register the empty office chair in front of him. “I don’t have all day,” he huffs out, already bracing himself for whatever teasing remark Wind has in store for him. But none come. To his surprise, instead of a toothy grin, he sees a pair of pink heels carelessly kicked off to the side. 

Martin pockets his phone and takes a cautious step forward. “Velez?” 

A pitiful sniffle, amplified by the stillness of the room, hits his ears, freezing him in place. Part of him weighs the merits behind turning around. Then he hears it again- that sorrowful hitch in Wind’s breath- and before he even realizes it, he is by their side. 

Months of working alongside each other allowed Martin to experience the many sides of Wind. Infuriatingly righteous. Overly-energetic. Perplexingly kind. Wind got under his skin- crept inside and made it impossible to stay away. None of that prepared him to witness them like this- curled up underneath their desk, unwilling to even look at him. 

At a loss, he simply asks, “What are you doing down there?” 

A few harrowing seconds pass before they mumble a reply. “Hiding.”

“From whom?” 

“Just… from today.” 

Martin hums in acknowledgement, unsure how to take that answer. “How long have you been hiding?” They give a weak shrug. “Can you at least tell me why?” He waits, more than he should’ve, then sighs. “Go home, Velez.”

Wind snaps their head up. “W-what?”

“I said go home.”

“Y-you… you can’t do that!” 

“I can and I am. Clearly, you’re incapable of-”

“-I’m plenty capable-”

“-You’re under a table.” He chooses not to mention the redness in their eyes or how they shine with unshed tears.

“I- I can…” Wind sputters, their voice no higher than a whisper, “I can do it.” 

“I’d have an easier time believing that if you weren’t mid-cower.”  

“I’m not-” Martin cocks his eyebrow, effectively killing their argument. “This isn’t any of your concern. So just leave me be.” 

“Not my concern?” he scoffs, almost in disbelief. “As your supervisor, I’d have to firmly disagree. I’m responsible for your successes and your screw ups. And I work very hard to mitigate the latter. So, I’m asking you again. What’s this about?”

“It’s… personal.” Martin folds his arms, indicating them to elaborate. But much to his dismay, they don’t. He peers down at them, searching for something. The infuriatingly righteous. The overly-energetic. The perplexingly kind. Something he can work with. It’s surprisingly disappointing when his search comes up as empty as Wind’s chair. 

“Send whatever you have on Landon to Aislinn. She’ll be taking point for the remainder of this case.” 

“But-”

“Save your breath, Velez. You can sort out whatever it is you’re dealing with now or never. I don’t care. You just can’t be here.” 

—

Wind trods through the city past several storefronts and food carts, crestfallen. Their aimless journey eventually leads them to a random dive bar- the perfect location to get good and drunk. Its unassuming exterior paled in comparison to its rich interior. Spacious, yet cozy. 

An unoccupied podium greets them at the entrance. “Hello?” Their voice travels beyond the stacked chairs and strings of exposed lightbulbs casting a golden glow over the room. A few minutes go by before they try calling out again. “Hi, are y’all open?” 

They venture further inside, ignoring the big, bold letters indicating patrons to ‘please wait to be seated.’ A plethora of memories line its walls. Polaroids of patrons captured in various states of inebriation- all in good fun, they figure. Along with those are news clippings throughout the years, most of which feature the NYPD in some capacity.

“I bought every copy of that issue.” Wind yelps, coming face to face with an older man. The faint lines on his bronze skin deepen as his face stretches into a friendly smile. He points at one of the officers pictured. “This one’s my niece, Cameron.”

They take a closer look at the photo. Despite its grainy quality, Wind can see the resemblance between the two. Same brown eyes. Same round nose. Her skin, however, is about three shades darker than her uncle’s. Youthful. “She looks beautiful.”

“I like to think so,” he says, pride beaming from his features. “She’s always begging me to take this one down, but I can’t bring myself to do it. Ya only graduate from the academy once, y’know?”

They nod politely. “Sorry for walkin’ in like this.”

“The sign’s flipped to open, even if we don’t look like it,” he chuckles. “Grab a seat, I’ll be right with ya.” Wind slides into an empty bar stool while he makes his way behind the counter. After rummaging through a few drawers, he pulls out a menu. “Ha! I knew I kept a few back here.”

“Thank you.” They skim through the appetizers, not retaining much. 

“I promise, if ya catch us during our peak hours, we’re more lively. Anyways, welcome to The Drunk Tank. I’m Tommy- owner, bartender, and your server for today. Most of our food items won’t be available till our cook arrives, but I can try to whip up something simple if you’d like.” 

“That’s alright. I only came in for a drink.” 

“Perfect. What’s your poison?”

“Whatever’s strongest. Neat,” they answer flatly.

Understanding flashes through Tommy’s face. He works with silent precision, pouring a long stream of amber liquor into a glass. “Here ya go. Spirits to lift the spirit.” 

Wind raises their drink to him before throwing it back in one gulp. The burn is immediate, slithering down to their chest and warming them from within. “Hah,” they wince, wiping the stray droplets from their chin. “I’ll have another.”

Tommy’s eyebrows jump, unable to conceal his shock, but he complies and slides over another shot. It goes down just as quickly. This process repeats two more times before he finally pulls the plug. “Why don’t we pace ourselves for a bit? Happy hour doesn’t start for another thirty minutes. Save yourself a few bucks.” 

“Money’s not an issue,” they say, their words slightly slurred. 

“Alright, I’ll level with ya. I’m not as concerned about your wallet as I am about any ‘accidents’ I may need to clean up.” 

They huff out a hollow laugh. “I can hold my liquor, promise.” 

“Just indulge me and drink some water.” 

“Fine,” they grumble, taking a tentative sip from a much taller glass.

“Ya wanna talk about it?” 

“Huh?” 

“Ya wanna talk?”

“About what?”

“Anything. The weather- the Yankees- oh, I can show ya my collection of wine corks.” 

“That’s… okay.” They gulp down the rest of their water, casting a hopeful glance at him, then at their empty shot glass. 

He purses their lips, thinking. “Tell ya what- I’ll pour another shot if ya tell me one thing about yourself.” 

Their eyes narrow at his deal, but his face remains steady. Fine, they can play along for now. “My name’s Wind.”

A quiet grin spreads on his face. “I was hoping to hear about a hobby or something.”

“A deal’s a deal.” 

Tommy raises his hands in surrender. “That it is.” He serves another shot, which doesn’t last very long. “I like baseball, if ya couldn’t tell,” he jokes, gesturing to the several pieces of baseball memorabilia displayed.

“You play?”

His belly shakes with laughter. “Not well, I’m afraid. My ol’ man still put me in Little League, though, right next to my brother. I was one hell of a benchwarmer.” 

“How ‘bout your brother?”

“Oh, that asshole? He was a mini prodigy. Bastard went on to play varsity. Won the state championship and everything.” Despite his light, jovial tone, Wind notices the distant look in his eyes. 

“... And now?”

There’s a brief pause before he answers. “He doesn't play much of anything anymore.”

“What happened?”

His lip twitches upward with a smile that’s not all there. Dimmer than the one he first met them with.  “I’ll need a few drinks before ya pull that story outta me.” 

“Sorry,” they apologize quickly, “I didn’t-”

“No- you’re fine. Just felt like talking ‘s all.” He busies himself by wiping down the bar with a towel. “Ya don’t need to tell me anything, but a word to the wise: it feels a helluva lot better when you finally let it all out.”  

Wind stares at him, their thoughts- all the pain, anger, and confusion threatening to spill out of them like a faucet. Kind brown eyes stare back with a patience that says, ‘Everything’s gonna be alright,’ without uttering a word. “Well, I-” 

“Pop some champagne, Tito. I just got promoted!” They both startle in place. A woman strolls up to the bar, carrying a faint scent of ginger and citrus as she approaches. Wind’s eyes immediately flick to the golden snake adorning her neck, drawn by its intimidating beauty.

“Nini! That’s wonderful,” Tommy rejoices, clapping her on the shoulder like an old friend.

“I know. Now, where’s that champagne?”

“Hold on, I’ve got some in the back.” He moves to grab a bottle, but stops in his tracks when he sees them. “Oh- I’m sorry, Wind. You were about to say something.” 

They shake their head. “No- actually, I should head out.” 

“Stay for the toast at least.”

“Are you serious?” the woman complains.

“Yes,” Tommy hisses at her underneath his breath, which to Wind’s surprise, is all it takes for her to stand down.

“Alright,” she concedes, peering at them through her curled lashes. “Enjoy it, blondie. I’m usually not this generous, but today is a celebration. Consider it an early birthday gift.” 

Their body seizes up. “What?”

“Or a late one. Not like I’d know the difference anyway. It’s no cake, but it’ll do.”

Glass shatters. A cacophony of shrieks and curses follows. Wind registers nothing- lost to fragments from the past. Their senses recall the piercing sound of their baby brother’s inconsolable wails. The desperation in their father’s pleas. They remember the cool tile on their knees- how sticky their tiny fingers became with pink frosting as they tried to push chunks of uneaten cake back together, ignoring the shards of fine china mixed throughout. All the while, their mother’s broken voice pounds within their ears. A haunting chant they can never forget. 

“No puedo más- no puedo más- no puedo más-”

“Ya alright, pal?” Tommy’s worry warbles through their nightmarish haze. 

“This fucking idiot got glass everywhere.”

“Ay, Nini- just grab the broom. It’s in the back. Oh- and the first aid kit.” 

First aid kit? They glance down- mortified by the crimson stains on their sleeves. “Oh God-” 

“Hey, take it easy-”

“NO-” Their sudden outburst sends them back several feet. “I- I need to- I need to go.”

“Hold on-”

Tommy’s words fall on deaf ears, or rather, no ears. They’re gone in a flash. No warning. No goodbye.

Just like Mamá.

---

tag list: @choicesmc, @win-chan, @brycesgirl, @stars-are-within-me, @inlocusmads

[the-red-butterfly]

I meant to post this here. All of these answers and things go here (,: but I can never get this ask back SIGH. Oh well, serves me right for not checking which blog I'm posting things from.

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers (except me because obvs I have done it). Spread the self-love ❤

This is a lovely ask thank you!

Now let's see. 5 of my favorite fics I've written, hmmm.

I know no one asked for explanations but I'll give them anyway XD Here they are (these probably change depending on my mood), in no particular order even though they're numbered:

Lonely Stars Drifting In The Black (gen) Why is it fav? I of course CANNNOT go without mentioning this fic. My first, properly long fic that I finished. I remain so proud of what I achieved here and my commitment to writing it all out and FINISHING it. That used to be something so hard for me to do and I'm so proud of how I managed to write these complex relationships without sacrificing the character's morals. I-m still working on the series that sprouted out of it and I'm STILL so happy about the stories coming out of it. Fandom: Star Wars: Prequels Characters: Jango Fett & Obi-wan Kenobi Summary: It's an easy job, go in, get some information, and then Jango Fett can be on his merry way out of the disgusting Death Watch camp which he has nothing but contempt for. It WOULD be an easy job, that is if it weren't for the chained kid they've got, tied up like an animal… Jango sees red and nothing more. He'll make them regret the day they dared to lay hands on a child.

Of The Old Things Hidden In The World (gen) Why is it fav? I consider this one of my most self indulgent projects and I love it for this XD. It's a crossover but I take myself very seriously with it and that's one of the things I like so much about it. Could be silly but I don't let it be. I took a concept that I really liked (Merlin turning Aithusa human) and then I just REALLY ran with that idea. When I would usually hate miscommunication, this story is filled with it but it's purposeful and no one is being stupid about it. Fandom: Merlin BBC x Avengers MCU Characters: Aithusa, Merlin, Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff & Clint Barton Summary: Merlin and Aithusa have weathered this world together since the long gone age of Camelot. But now Merlin is in grave trouble and there's nothing Aithusa can do to help him. Merlin has commanded him not to follow, not to help. If Aithusa keeps doing nothing at all, it'll soon break his heart, surely. But… this new age has heroes, perhaps they might help. After all, Hydra IS their problem, isn't it? The should be the ones to deal with it.

A Crime Of Passion (gen, but can definitely be read as shippy) Why is it fav? This story gave me SO much grief but since the MOMENT I conceived this story I've loved the idea and at the end (despite all the problems) I keep loving the result I got from it. I got some good narrative out of it and TENSION. Characters being forced to do something they don't want to my beloved. Fandom: Twilight Characters: Carlisle Cullen & Aro Summary: For the life of Edward, Carlisle Cullen must make a bargain with the devil of Volterra himself, the bargain though, is not at all what the Doctor thought it would be. (Canon Divergence from the end of New Moon)

After The Mist (pre-ship but SUPER gen vibes) Why is it fav? This ones OLD and you can see a lot of mistakes in the writing but I LOVE the interactions that I wrote and the relationship I was crafting. I like it so much, love the idea of the story, that I STILL want to finish it and give it the love it deserves. Fandom: Frozen ll Characters: Agnarr & Iduna Summary: After young Agnarr returns to Arendell that faithful day in the forest, there's a grief too deep inside his chest he cannot begin to comprehend it. But there's no time to dwell on it, he's a king now and he must act as such. Still, he is drowning, he's drowning all the time. But there's someone out there who might just understand what this profound pain is doing to him. "My name's Iduna."

Drizzle By The Sea (Gen) Why is it fav? Another VERY old work which I'm still very fond off. It captures one of the things I love writing the most and it's this little pleasures like walking in the woods or getting soaked by the rain. I find the feeling it produced beautiful and it makes me happy so, yeah. The execution is maybe a bit clumsy but I know what old me wanted to transmit. I keep coming back to this sort of writing and I hope I never stop cause it makes me feel alive and like the world is magic. Fandom: Teen Titans (cartoon) Characters: Robin & Jericho Summary: Jericho is a bit... weird. Robin can see in the way the sea captures his attention that there's a natural feeling and a sense of delight that he carries with him. It's contagious.

Thank you so much for the ask @cilil it made me very happy and I did want to answer something like this today. I'm glad for that emotional boost, so thanks again <3

[choicesficwriterscreations]

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[alj4890]

Hi I have a Halloween prompt for you. Please feel free to use it if it inspires, and ignore it if it doesn't! 🎃(Any pairing, though you know... lol)

"I'm not going in there."

"What? It's just a Haunted House. Kids are going in."

"I'm sorry, but nope!"

😂 Oh goodness @jerzwriter . This prompt has been my response to any haunted house attraction. I am the biggest weenie out there. When I saw this Halloween inspired request (which I love) I immediately thought of Trystan and Cameron. So for this, I'm having our newly abdicated crown prince and his favorite detective spending an autumn evening deciding what to do for date night. This also goes along with @choicesprompts flufftober prompt of an embarrassing secret revealed.

Thanks again @jerzwriter for this. It helped pull me out of my writer's block ♥️

Masterlist

Nope

"So?" Cameron prodded. "What are we doing tonight?"

"Whatever you'd like." Trystan twined his fingers with hers as they walked down the sidewalk. "Other than having dinner with you, I'd like nothing more than to make this a normal date."

"You know," she teased, "nothing has ever been normal when you're added to the equation."

"That's what you love most about me." He winked at her as he brought their clasped hands to his lips.

Trystan brushed a tender kiss to her knuckles. Cameron normally would have scoffed at such a response but she was too happy at finally having the man she loved free and safe at her side. Nothing could possibly ruin their first night back in New York.

Trystan paused when he saw something that caught his eye.

"What is it?" Cameron tried to see what he was staring at.

A slow smile formed on his handsome lips.

"I think I found our next activity, love." He began to tug her along.

He couldn't help but notice that she seemed less than eager to cross the street.

"Trystan, why don't we do something else?" She pulled her hand out of his. "There's a ton of stuff a couple can do in New York."

"Like what?" He moved behind her and nudged her off the crosswalk.

"Um..." Cameron winced when she looked up at the building that changed every year into something absolutely dreadful. "Whatever you can think of, I'm sure it's here."

"I can't think of anything better to do on an autumn evening than a haunted house." Trystan slipped his arm around her waist and led her towards the line. "It's the perfect way to get the blood pumping."

"I can think of a more interactive way to get the blood pumping." Cameron cast a suggestive look his way. "If you catch my drift."

Trystan leaned down to kiss her. He stopped right before touching her parted lips, smiling at hearing her slight gasp.

"Trying to distract me from our night out as a couple, detective?"

Cameron grimaced over his seeing through her ruse. "No."

"Um Hmm." He chuckled. "We are going to have fun if it kills us." He captured her lips in a much too brief passionate kiss. "Then I plan on spending the rest of the night entwined with you."

Cameron felt heat spread throughout her body. As much as she wanted to distract him from taking her into a gimmicky Halloween attraction, she knew how significant tonight was for them. It was the first time they were able to be alone and have a real date. No sneaking around. No pretending to be just friends. No worries about someone trying to kill them.

She couldn't insist they escape back to one of their apartments.

But, she also knew she couldn't do a haunted house.

"Trystan, I'm not going in there."

"What?" He couldn't believe he'd heard her correctly.

Her voice actually had a slight tremble to it. It was an odd sound to say the least. He'd seen her defiantly dare crazed murderers to come at her. There was no way she could possibly be scared of some cheesey Halloween attraction.

"It's just a haunted house." He reminded her. "Kids are going in."

Cameron knew she sounded ridiculous. She also knew that she did not handle these types of man made scares well. There was only one thing she could do.

"I'm sorry, but nope!" She folded her arms across her chest and averted her eyes from her date's.

Trystan eyed her then the building.

"Why?"

Cameron ran her hands over her face. She hated that out of everything he could pick for them to do in New York, Trystan found the one thing she could not stomach. She also despised the fact that she would have to explain herself.

Can this get any worse?

"Look," she began with an irritated huff, "I don't do well in these things."

"What things?" Trystan asked.

She glared at him. "Haunted houses."

"Why?" He prodded once more.

"Oh my god!" She threw her hands up in frustration. "I'm a former cop! I might not carry a gun anymore but I do carry a taser."

"And?" Trystan still wasn't quite connecting this to her dislike of haunted houses.

"And I'm the person who whips out her weapon at anything that jumps out at me from the dark!" She snapped. "I don't have a flight mode, only a fight one."

Trystan tried to keep from laughing. He really, really tried.

He lasted all of three seconds.

Cameron glared at him while he wiped tears from his eyes.

"So what I'm gathering is..."he snorted with his laughter, "you might tase someone in there?"

"I hit people who jump out at me in these things." She mumbled. "I punched one guy out in a werewolf mask when he came up behind me and howled."

Trystan doubled over. He reached out to grasp her arm to help him remain upright as he laughed over her predicament.

"It isn't that funny." Cameron grumbled.

"It's hilarious!" He managed to get his laughter under control. "I never dreamed this night could be so perfect."

Cameron shook his hand off.

"Oh come on, love." He wrapped his arm around her. "Even you can see how funny it is."

"I don't think it's as funny as you seem to think it is." She mumbled, highly embarrassed."

Trystan began to guide her away from the attraction.

"You are the bravest person I know." He told her, squeezing her close. "To hear you have a weakness is not only surprising, but also gives me hope that perhaps one day I can be like you."

"Trystan," Cameron could feel herself blush over such praise, "you are incredibly brave. Look at all you've been through with your family alone."

"More like I had the flight of fight or flight when it concerned them." He reminded her. "It took knowing you and having you beside me to finally rise up to the challenge of fighting them head on."

She shook her head, wrapping her arm around his waist. She squeezed him tight in a side hug. It baffled her that he never saw the type of man he truly was.

"Would I want a partner who wasn't brave?" She asked.

"We both know my charm and persistence got me that coveted spot by your side." He reminded her.

Cameron laughed. "You might be Prince Charming, but that wasn't it."

"My handsome looks?" He asked.

"Nope."

"My fortune?" He continued.

"Not even close." She squeezed him again. "It was your refusal to leave me alone to face possible danger. You stayed by my side the whole time. That's why you are my partner and one of the many reasons why I love you so much."

"Cameron." He said softly, tipping her chin up for a kiss. "This is one of the many, many reasons why I love you."

"My kisses?" She teased.

He grinned, shaking his head. "You see me like no other."

They shared another tender kiss before continuing on down the street.

"Now," Trystan began again, "what shall we do since a haunted house is out?"

"We could go see a movie." Cameron offered. "That's a pretty normal date activity."

"Can it be a horror film?" Trystan asked with a hint of mischief. "I would like to scare the pants off of you tonight."

Cameron burst into laughter. "Sure. Those I can handle."

"Perfect." His smile grew. "I know just what to do once said pants are off."

[jerzwriter]

A Sparkling Holiday

It's their first Christmas together, and Trystan and Carolina are bringing in traditions from their past, and starting some new ones of their own.

Book: Crimes of Passion (post Book 2) Pairing: Trystan Thorne x F!MC (Carolina Rose) Rating: Teen Words: 945 A/N: Participating in @choicesficwriterscreations Holidays 2023, @choicesholidays it sort of fits "But it's tradition..." @choicesdecember2023 Christmas Thank you for the prompt @inlocusmads. I just loved writing this! I hope you enjoy it, too!

Full Masterlist | CoP Masterlist | Holiday Fics Masterlist

With the workday behind her, Carolina sat back on her couch with a cup of coquito in hand and numerous cardboard boxes surrounding her. Her sweater was covered with bits of silver tinsel, and her smile radiated just as brightly with each ornament she removed. Christmastime. She had a love/hate relationship with the season ever since her father was killed. But she promised that she’d focus on the positive long ago. Not only would he have wanted that, but despite her sometimes hardened exterior, there was light inside of Carolina Rose that fought to shine no matter what life threw her way. If asked, she’d deny its existence, but those who knew her best saw it as clear as day... and one of those people just entered the room.

Having Trystan in her life made finding the magic in the holiday season much easier. A year ago, she would have chastised herself for the stupid grin she wore as she watched him placing his box of decorations beside her. They decided to let the pros decorate his big, fancy apartment, but Carolina’s place was another story.   They'd decorate it together, with items from each of their pasts and a few new things they had chosen.

“What have you got there?” Trystan smiled as he sat next to her.

“It’s a Teddy bear that doubles as a Christmas tree ornament. I bought it for my father at the school bazaar when I was in third grade.”

Trystan took the weathered pale blue bear with a loose button eye from her hands and looked it over carefully.

“I know he’s seen better days,” Carolina apologized. “But he means so much to me.”

Trystan tugged at the string on the button, pulling the eye back into place.

“If you can get me a needle, I’d be happy to fix it. Not that he needs fixing. He's perfect as is.”

“He is?” she queried skeptically.

“Of course! Things that are loved are always beautiful. Take you, for example; you’re simply exquisite... because you’re so loved.”

She threw her arms around his neck with a boisterous laugh. “Trystan Thorne! Are you saying I’m beautiful because you love me?”

“Was my name mentioned anywhere in that sentence? While I love you immensely, you were already well-loved when I came into your life. I can’t take full credit.”

She ran her hand through his hair, mindlessly twirling a long lock around her finger. “And what about you? Are you this gorgeous due to how much I love you?”

“Of course,” he teased. “I was a hideous beast until you came into my life.”

“Not quite,” she grinned. Leaning forward, she took his lips into a soft, lingering kiss, and when she broke free, she decided she must have another. Trystan was too happy to oblige, but she pulled away with a smile when he went in for a third.

“That’s enough, your highness! If we keep this up, there won’t be any decorating this evening... and I, for one, am quite anxious to see what you’ve brought.”

“Well, nothing will compare to this adorable little bear....”

“That goes without saying,” she teased, “but what do you have in your box of Drakovian Christmas magic? Barbed wire? A venomous snake or two?”

“You peeked!” He clutched his chest in mock horror.

“Nope. It’s just a given!”

If Carolina had any thoughts she could be wrong, they were dismissed when Trystan opened his macabre assortment. She was speechless but gasped at one item in particular.

“Is that...please tell me that’s not a skull!”

“It’s not a skull,” he deadpaned. “At least not a real one, just a quality replica. Using the real thing was banned in the early 20th Century.”

“What? Why do you have a skull amongst your Christmas decorations?”

“Because it is a decoration. Every home in Drakovia has one.”

The look of horror in her eyes told him further explanation was necessary.

“It’s a replica of one of my ancestor’s skulls. King Yorick.”

“Please tell me that’s a joke... you did not have a King Yorkick!”

“Nah,” Trystan laughed. “It was King Vyacheslav. I just nicknamed him Yorick because... you know... Hamlet.”

“Yes. I may not have had the best education, but we did cover Hamlet. But why does his skull adorn every Christmas tree in Drakovia?”

“Because unlike most of our monarchs, he was known for his kindness and good deeds. At the holidays, he ensured every child in the kingdom had a gift under their tree.”

“And to commemorate his kindhearted nature... you put a replica of his skull on your trees each year.”

“Precisely.”

She shook her head with a sigh. “Trystan, I will never understand your people.”

“That’s all right,” he agreed. “Neither will I.”

They sifted through the box, through the black feathers, miniature swords, and a few items Carolina was afraid to ask about, and then Trysten suddenly shut the lid.

“What are you doing?” She asked.

“Putting this away. We can start a new tradition... using my childhood Christmas decorations for Halloween. I much prefer the items we purchased this year.”

He pulled two ornaments out of a paper shopping bag. “See! Barbie and Ken, in all their pink majesty. This is more fitting for our tree!”

“I have to agree with you there,” she nodded. “And they’ll make great playmates for my little bear!”

They removed all the new ornaments one by one... each more sparkly and glittery than the last... then they took out one last thing... their bright, golden star purchased on a walk through the Union Square Holiday Market.

“Do you want to put it on, or shall I?” Trystan asked.

“New tradition. I say we always do it together."

"I can agree to that," he said, holding her hand as she rose on her tiptoes to place the star on the tallest branch of the tree.

Carolina stood before the tree, her face aglow with childlike wonder.

"It's beautiful," she cooed.

Trystan reached out, brushed his hand along her chin, and turned her face toward him. "It is," he smiled. "Absolutely beautiful."

~~~~

That got much more schmaltzy and gooey than I anticipated, but they deserve it! (And I deserve the coquito! lol)

Thank you for reading!

Tagging separately.

[moominofthevalley]

the slowburn in crimes 1 WAS FUCKIN TOP TIER but can u imagine?????? if there was like a chapter where they had to do a little stakeout at some random hotel AND THERE WAS ONLY ONE BED! oh that wouldve killed me!!!!

[gaiuskamilah]

has anyone else read spadesofgrass' crimes fics on ao3? stumbled upon them today and i adore them, they mostly focus on the thornes + juliana and the prose is beautiful and haunting and tbh everything i want from crimes fics. check them out pls <3

[choices-ceri]

Y'all there's just not a loyal bone in my body when I'm presented with toxic red flag guys.

Tell me why I've suddenly caught feelings for Sebastyan fvcking Thorne.

[a-cloud-for-dreams]

Meet My MC: Lyra Lexington

I'll edit this to make it cuter and more detailed while I play the story but here's what I have so far!

Nicknames: Ly, Little Miss Valedictorian, Doc, Lady, Queen

Born/Raised: Singapore -> New York -> Los Angeles

Books: Ride or Die, Queen B, Nightbound/Bloodbound, The Elementalists as a well-known Historian, and Crimes of Passion I and II (again, I haven't finished all of these books I just thought of this MC on the go)

Face Claim: Alyssa Raghu -> Naomi Scott/shredz55 (Insta)

Pronouns: She/Her

Sexuality: Pansexual

Zodiac: Aquarius

Fashion Style: "Girl Next Door" with a hint of Bohemian Chic

Love Interest: Trystan Thorne

Past Relationships: Logan, Colt Kaneko, Professor Ian Kingsley, Nik Ryder, Violet Hale (OC) Past Flirtationships: Mona, Cal, Vera

Education/Major: BA in History at UC Berkeley; MA in Anthropology and Ph.D in Archeology at Harvard University; Magic Training at Pendergast College of Elemental Magicks

Family:

Great Great Great Great Great Grandmother: Desire and Decorum MC Great Great Great Grandmother: The Unexpected Heiress MC Godparents: Adrian Raines and Evelyn "Evie" Rouge Father(s): Lord Elric; Detective Antonio Lexington (FC: TBD) Mother: Lilavati "Lila" Solaris (FC: Nayanthara) Half-Brother: Tialo Maternal Cousin: My Queen B OC/The Elementalists MC Children (Twins): Amber Marguerite Thorne and Alice Nayeli Thorne Pet: Arcane (A Perrikin)

Backstory

Lilavati left her extremely controlling family after leaving for college to major in Economics, where she met Adrian Raines, and the two became close friends (she was already dating Lyra's father and unknowingly pregnant). As far as her family knows, she's a Board Member/Head of Business for Raines Corporation. In actuality, she's a witch who eventually started working as a kind of supernatural diplomat to ensure peace between supernatural beings, which ended up being for the NYC vampire clans. She's under the vampire clans' protection (but she associates most with Adrian since they're the closest). She was extremely happy for Adrian when he met Evie and fell deeply in love with her. After Lyra is born, she asks Adrian and Evie to be her godparents. In my head, Evie shows up at some point during Nightbound in the Priya Lacroix scene and mentions how much Lyra reminded her of her mother (it took Lyra a second to recognize who Evie was because it's been a while but she knew Evie was a familiar figure). Antonio blames Adrian and Evie (and the rest of the BB crew) for his wife's death and ensures they stay away from his daughter by moving to a smaller home in LA.

Fun Facts:

She's a very talented Carnatic singer! Her extended family wanted her to continue but as much as she loves to sing, she didn’t want to pursue it as part of her future

She is fluent in English and Spanish but proficient in Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, and Dravokian. She learned Spanish from her father and Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil from her mother. Her parents spoke those languages at home alongside English, but she became less fluent in the languages her mother spoke after she died. And after marrying Trystan, she obviously learned Drakovian

She’s from a wealthy family, or technically her mother was, but she left her old life to have her freedom before Lyra’s older cousins were even born. Lyra herself has an even larger inheritance after her mother died, but her father didn’t feel comfortable using her family money “irresponsibly.” She plans to use that money for her education.