#fic: fools gambit

[questioned-quetzalcoatl]

Here's a good one for you >:3

1930's con artist couple Au, with either Kainga x James or Owain. Go wild girl <3

I mean who doesn't love a good harem if you wanna include that tooooooo

'Fool's Gambit'

Rating: T

Pairings: New Zealand/Tonga (Hetalia) Wales/Tonga (IMPLIED MMH)

Variation: 1930s Con artist AU

AN: Curse you Willow and giving me such great ideas ;u;// Also I needed an excuse to have a more fem leaning Kai in a fic, it's a must, it's a need cause they can rock a sexy dress with sexy confidence to seduce their Kiwi dadd- I mean what. This was a joy to write <3

---

They're a delight to watch as ever, prettiest little flapper he ever did see, boyish in figure and yet James still finds himself watching their hips as the Tongan sauntered towards him. A gloved, slender hand sliding from his chest up his neck to around the back of his head would make any man with good taste drop their glass of over priced champagne when they approached.

As if close contact wasn't enough for either of them as James couldn't help slide his rough hands down their hips. The curve had almost been imprinted into his muscle memory, Kainga could feel it against their tight crimson satin dress, a color to match the lipstick they wore. Suspiciously the same color of the lipstick stains on James's collar.

He knew when to stop going lower down their thighs, feeling the hand gun nicked away under the helm of their lingerie and pantyhose. Kainga smirked seductively at him and took off his hand from their waist almost teasingly. "A Sir Owain Marc, will see you now, James."

It's not more than a whisper, a message, an invite. Felt like just for him in that sugared sweet voice that called to him.

Another party, another house brimming with rich foolish men who drank too much and another victim in their little game of conning anyone stupid enough to take part. Kainga will play dumb, act like they're an oblivious piece of eye candy to draw in those who wished to play, something to sweeten the deal if their customer was unsure. There weren’t many who couldn’t be swayed by a kiss from a pretty little lady now. 

James's sharp eyes shot from Kainga's red lips to a man standing across the room from them, through the dense crowd he spotted his victim like a predator through the shrub. Kainga's tender fingers slid down James's tie, slipping them from under his tie, an alluring look and they were leading him along to follow them back over to the unsuspecting Welshman. Their aura of seductive femininity, James almost couldn't wait until the night was over so he could have them all to himself. By this time, they'd been spotted.

"Evening Welshie, can I call you that?" James doesn't wait from an answer from the brunette Welshman, whiskily stealing another flute of champagne from a waiter just passing by. He gave him an imploring look before speaking again. “A man of your standing needs some extra security, does he not?”

At the nod, a shark like grin splits the New Zealander’s lips, a glint in his eyes that the gormless Welshman didn’t notice or lacked the ability to process. Even better, by James’s standing. 

“Me company offers a secure money holding office, with high security at all times. We’ve had reports of con artists in banks just fleeing people of their money and it just breaks my heart to see peoples hard earned cash stolen from them.”

“Well- when ya put it like that, I 'ave been worried that some of me finances have been taken without permission these past few months…”

They picked a good one this time, James leaning back and watching the flapper as the man opposite continued to babble on about some worries the Kiwi, frankly, cared nothing for. While his partner in crime slandered around the back of the Tycoon, brushing against him as anyone would to get through a tough ground. Owain didn't even recognize them from past affairs regarding going to the extremes for this kind of work. He also didn't seem to notice that his wallet had been smoothly plucked from the back of his suit pants pocket.

“How soon would I be able to transfer the money to you, Mr…?”

"Hunter. James Hunter." His mouth was already growing bored with this one, his eyes trailing off back to that red satin dress in the crowd. The wallet was in with the gun, flashing him a quick exposed thigh in lingerie before brushing their dress back and disappearing, leaving him with bedroom eyes to meet them back around. James's eyes shot back to Owain, which clearly unnerved the man a little. His smirk was too charming not to be untrustworthy however. “And whenever yer ready, I could even take some now if ya had it to hand.”

The Welsh Tycoon gives him a safe full of cash, a handshake shared and a quip about how business had been a pleasure, the Kiwi leaving with his tantalizing associate at the hip, which such a little fuss it was as if nobody had noticed them arrive or leave from the dinner party.

---

The lamp on their bedside table flickered before dousing the room in a warm, ravishing light against the darkness

His kisses upon their neck and shoulders are distracting as they count the seemingly endless wads of money, patience never being James’s strong point after another successful job, hands running up her thighs, puling her dress up and off in one smooth sweep. He grunted, allowing himself to enjoy them all to himself for the night once again, truly his favorite part other than laundering riches.

“How much richer are we, darlin’?” He reathes in Kainga’s ear, hands exploring their mostly bare, soft body, teasing them as they moved and slipped between their thighs and finally got to those undergarments they'd teased him with. They softly moaned, oh they were in trouble now.

Kainga barely has time to gasp out they’d conned Marc and Kirkland bros Industries out of near two thousand dollars before they're on their back, his lips on theirs and the sound of clothes before torn off.

They'd truly played off their Fool's Gambit.

[dinogoofymutated]

Hi there! I'm currently watching the original X men series to catch up to 97, and I'm in love with Gambit.

Would it be possible to ask for Remy and reader to be on a secret mission, and the Ole "make out so they don't suspect us" trope comes in, and gambit kinda (obviously) has feelings...?

It could be sfw or nsfw, either is perfect! Thank you for all that you do, I've been trying to find fics for the xmen for a while 🙏🙏

Kinda spicy! Gambit/GN!reader

YESS!! YESSSS!!! I legit had a dream about this situation with remy the day before you sent me this ask and I was cackling in joy when I saw this! I basically hyperfixated on it because I love this trope.

TWS: sexual themes n shit, no explicit smut. As always, reader written while picturing fem! but no specific pronouns mentioned. Semi-public making out and touching. Nipples be touched but size and type of breast not mentioned.

-Ps- reader can see heat signatures for plot purposes. I usually try to keep powers ambiguous but it was a NEED!

"In here, quick!" Remy's thick draw catches your attention, just before he yanks you into an alley. The two of you were in New Orleans, looking for a specific mutant Xavier wanted to talk to. The only downside was that Remy still had a warrant out for his arrest, and wanted posters plastered all over the city from bourbon Street to the garden district.

"Don't worry Cher. You said. NOPD 'dumber than a sack of rocks, you said!" You gripe at him. Remy laughs, tugging you around the corner. The alleyways on Burbon street are mostly private areas, owned and sealed off by the bars that line the storefronts- but Remy knew this city like the back of his hand. However, things had changed since he was here last. That became apperent when the two of you reach the end of the alleyway and there's a brand new brick wall, a dead end.

Remy curses and skids to a stop, causing you to slam into his back. You send him a dirty look as you whip around, eyes adjusting to the brick surroundings. It's hard to make out the figures of the cops through the walls of the busy bar in in front of you, too many people crowding the street for drinks even this late at night. You strain your eyes a bit, but are able to make out the stiff-shouldered men, heat signature slightly elevated from booking it after the two of you. Unfortunately, they're headed towards the mouth of the alleyway.

"Damnit." You mutter, turning back to Remy. He understands what you mean just by looking at your face. He hums, thinking for a moment before he begins to take out a playing card. You grab his arm to stop him, trying to ignore how warm his skin is against your own.

"Don't. The explosion will just lead them to us." You say. Remy nodds, glancing at the corner before suddenly caging you against the wall of the alleyway. You try not to blush as he does so. Remy smirks at you, and you think your heart might just explode. You remind yourself that this is standard Remy behavior, but it doesn't stop your face from heating up. You can only hope it's too dark for him to see you properly.

"Well, there is another way we could fool those pigs." Remy says, quieter than before. You cock an eyebrow at him before looking back over in the direction of the alleyways opening, able to spot the cops as they begin to enter. In your peripheral, you see Remy running his fingers through his hair to flatten it. You open your mouth to ask him what he has in mind, but the sound of footsteps cut you off.

"-Well, if you're going to do something, you better do it quick!" You whisper back at him. Remy pushes you further against the cold brick, his hands drifting down to your waist as he leans over to wisper in your ear.

"Trust me, Cher. I'll take care of you." His words cause goosebumps to rise at the back of your neck, and you hardly have time to react before he's kissing you. Your eyes are blown wide, heart thumping wildly as you start to slowly relax into the kiss.

Unsurprisingly, Remy is a really, really good kisser. It's hard to focus while he's touching you like this, kissing you deeply like he loves you. He nips at your lip, and you gasp, having forgotten about everything else already. His tongue darts into you mouth, caressing the skin he finds there. You let out a small moan as one of his hands drifts lower, caressing your thigh and hiking your leg up just a bit. Your own hands slowly slide up his chest, drifting to his neck.

The heat in your chest is unbearable when Gambit separates from the kiss, a string of spit connecting your mouths before he wipes it away, nothing but affection on his eyes. You're panting for breath while he kisses the corner of your mouth, then your cheek, and then lower. Remy places wet kisses on your neck, sucking and biting as he tries to swallow you whole. You thread your hands through his soft hair as his does so, fully encouraging him to ravage you in whatever way he would like. One of his hands begins to slide under your shirt when a cough startles you out of your heated state.

Your first instinct is to turn towards the noise, but Gambit is quick to cup your cheek and pull you into another heated kiss before your head could move a centimeter. He keeps you occupied as his other hand fully caresses the skin beneath your shirt, squeezing and caressing your chest. You hear another exhausted sigh from the cops. You crack and eye open slightly, knowing they cant see you do so in the dark. One of them begins to raise his voice, but the other smacks him on the shoulder.

"Just another pair of drunks. We've got bigger things to worry about right now." The cop says. You could practically hear the other roll his eyes before they turn to and walk away. Gambit brings your attention back to him and only him when you feel a finger brush lightly against your nipple. You gasp, and Remy chuckles, playfully biting your lip as he pulls away. He's smirking as he looks at you, and you can only imagine what you look like right now.

"Looks like you enjoyed that." He teases, voice low and husky. You can't seem to pull your thought together properly when he's looking at you like that. You nervously look away, hands playing with his collar.

"And if I did?" You ask, glancing back at him to gage his reaction. He looks surprised at first, face morphing into a lovestruck smile before he tries to cover it up with a smirk. Didn't stop you from being able to see the heat rise to his cheeks, however.

"Then gambit thinks we should do this more often."

[spaceorphan18]

X-Men Fic (Rogue/Gambit) : Toys

A/N: Yes, this was inspired by that clip that's been going around of Gambit's VA for XM97 playing with action figures. I cannot believe this is what I'm writing for my first real fic for this fandom. Dear lord, forgive me for the shenanigans... also, unbeta'd. I just wanted to get it out into the world and be done with it.

I'll post this tomorrow on Ao3

Rated: T for suggestiveness

Summary: Rogue catches Remy playing with toy action figures of the X-Men. Shenanigans. Set in the 616 comic verse, but some fun meta-y references to XM97

****

Toys

Upon arriving home, Rogue comes in through the open kitchen window because why bother with stairs when you can fly? It’s been a long day, a long week, a long life… All she wants to do is curl up on the couch with the cats and a trashy book and hopefully Remy’s home so she can get a back massage.  Hell, forget the book, she’ll gamble for the massage first.  Save the trashy for later.  

She grins, thinking about her husband’s warm hands on her skin.  

Remy is, indeed, home; standing at the kitchen island, his back turned towards the window, so engrossed in what he’s doing that he doesn’t hear her come in.  And what he’s doing takes her by surprise.  

The kitchen counter is covered in half open boxes, plastic containers, cardboard, and little zip ties.  There are a good, half-dozen or so action figures all lined up in a semicircle; each one of them a well detailed, classically designed replica of, well… the X-Men.  Oh, dear god, what did she walk into? 

“I’ll take ya down in one slice, bub,” Remy says, holding the Wolverine figurine in one hand, his voice low as he attempts Logan’s gruff voice.  Remy LeBeau is good at a lot of things, Rogue would be first to give you a list, but doing impressions is not one of them.  She bites her lip, fascinated to see how this plays out.  Remy grabs the Magento figurine as his voice shifts to imitate Erik.  “You incels!” Remy screams; loud, exaggerated, and carefully enunciated.  “How dare you try to take down me; the questionably dressed, ego too big for my helmet, Master of Magnetism?” 

Rogue puts a hand up to her lips, holding back an amused snort.  Oh, Remy… 

Remy loses the impression as he lunges the Wolverine figurine at the Magneto one.  The Magneto one floats away.  “You fools! Don’ you remember I control the metal?”  Shaking the Wolverine figurine violently, Remy lets out a feral scream and the figure is flung to the side, landing with a clatter in the sink.  

Magneto is discarded for a moment as Remy picks up the Scott and Jean figurines.  Scott has his hand to his visor while Jean has both her hands on the sides of her head.  “Jean! I seem to have made a tactical error,” Remy cries in Scott’s no-nonsense voice.  His voice then slides higher as he mimics Jean.  “Scott, my telepathy.  It out o’ whack!  Oh, Scott!... Jean!… SCOTT!.... JEAN!!”

Rogue is dying inside.  She holds herself tightly, trying as hard as she can not to burst out laughing.  

Scott and Jean are shuffled into one hand as Remy picks up the Magneto figurine again.  “Enough of this!” Remy says, back in the Magneto voice.  He then lets out another dramatic scream as he tosses the Scott and Jean figurines onto the pile of boxes, scaring Oliver, who had been inspecting one of the twist ties.  

He picks up the Storm figurine next, raising her arms to the ceiling.  “An’ now you deal with Stormy, who will smite you with her lightning blasts.” He jolts the Storm hands into Magneto, making little sound effect lightning blasts as he does so.  “Fool, I am impervious to lightning…  How dat possible? Lightning an’ magnetism are not the same thing!... I can control static electricity!... Dat…still don’ make any sense!... Begone, weather witch!”  

Rogue has tears in her eyes. She’s biting her lip so hard, it’s beginning to hurt.  Thankfully, Remy is so lost in his make believe world that he can’t hear her snickering.  

The Storm figurine is placed gently face down on the counter as Remy picks up the Gambit figurine.  Rogue’s eyes grow wide, intensely waiting to see how this will play out… 

“Ohh, you goin’ down now, mon ami,” Remy’s voice grows low and serious.  He starts making explosion sound effects, as if the Gambit figurine is throwing little playing cards at the Magneto one.  Remy then throws his head back in a villainous laugh as he goes back to the Magneto voice.  “You seriously think a few mild explosions could ever touch me?”  

Remy stops, and grins that cocky, beautiful grin of his.  “Non, but it enough to keep you distracted.”  He starts turning the Magneto figurine around, as if it’s confused.  “See, I always gotta ace up my sleeve.”  

In a quick second, he drops the Gambit figurine, and grabs the Rogue one.  Her arm is out, one leg up, poised to fly.  Remy slams the fist of the Rogue figurine into the Magneto one’s head.  “Howdy, sugah.” 

Rogue tilts her head, amused.  Remy’s imitation of her own voice is so comically off, and yet incredibly endearing.  

“How ‘bout you leave my family alone!” The Rogue figurine crashes into the Magneto one again.  This time, Remy charges the Magneto figurine, causing it to glow purple.  He tosses the charged Magneto figurine up, letting it explode in mid-air with a bang.  The charred remains drop to the counter with a clang before it bounces into the trash next to the counter.  

Remy then picks up the Gambit figurine and brings it in close to the Rogue one.  “Anyone ever tell you how beautiful you are when you’re punching people, chere?...Why don’t you shut up and kiss me, Remy…” Remy starts clicking the faces of the two figurines together, making little kiss-y noises and ‘mwa’ sounds as the action figures ‘make out’.  

Rogue grins wildly, expecting nothing less.  She crosses her arms across her chest, casually walking forward to let her presence be known. “Whatcha doing, sugah?” 

Remy gives a startled jump, the figurines dropping out of his hand with a clatter.  He’s not the least bit sorry he’s been caught, however, a devilish grin quickly sliding onto his lips.  “Jus’ havin’ a bit of fun testing some of these toys that show sent us.”  Rogue picks the destroyed Magneto figurine out of the trash.  “Some of dem defective,” he says slyly. 

“Defective huh?” She drops the figurine unceremoniously back into the trash and comes in close, wrapping her arms around his neck.  She knows the show is a sore spot, no matter how much free merch they’ve gotten from it lately.   “You still salty about all that?”

He lets out a grumble, but still wraps himself around her, just the way she likes.  “Don’ act like you wouldn’t be, too, if they killed you off like dat.   Middle of the first season, too.  What’d I do to deserve dat?” 

“They just knew you were the best one.” She runs her fingers through his hair.  “Who else gonna go out in a fiery blaze of heroism like that?” 

He smirks, though she can still see a hint of sadness in his eyes.  “It was pretty epic, non?” 

“The best…”  She draws him in for a kiss, sweet and gentle and comforting.  “Forget that show, Remy.  That ain’t our life.  This is.” She kisses him again, a little bit harder, grounding herself in his embrace.  He had tortured himself wanting to keep watching that show, but she couldn’t.  She wouldn’t.  She didn’t want to imagine herself going down a path she would never recover from.  “Besides…” she says, trying to keep it light.  “I’m sure season two will have me pulling your pretty ass back from the dead one way or the other.  And if it doesn’t, you best bet I’ll get those writers fired and write it myself.”  

“I ever tell you how sexy you are when pulling me back from the dead?” 

“Shut up and kiss me, Remy.”  He does and they do.  Forget the massage tonight, they’re going straight to the trashy.  She’s hungry to feel him everywhere tonight.  

They break apart once again, breathing heavily as Rogue leans her forehead against his.  “Hey, Remy?” 

“Oui?” 

“Why don’t we leave this mess for later and go play with some of the toys we’ve already got.”

He laughs into another kiss.  “You always have de best ideas, chere…” 

****

Later… 

In the stillness of the night, long after Remy’s fallen asleep, Rogue gets up for a glass of water.  

The kitchen is how they left it hours ago, a mess of trash and action figures scattered around the room.  The cats had gotten into some of it.  Poor Scott had fallen to the ground.  She picks him up, placing him next to Jean, giving him a little pat as she does so.  

She wants to ignore the others.  Wants to ignore the strange sensation it is to have your likeness in toy form.  Still, she’s drawn to the little action figure her. She picks it up, inspecting it.  It’s her old green and yellow uniform, one she hasn’t worn in years. She doesn’t even know where it is, probably having been trashed in some long ago fight.  Unsurprisingly, the boobs are a little too big, the waist a little too small, and the hair a bit ridiculous.  But it’s oddly still her.  A little version her.  

She looks down to the Gambit figurine and smiles.  The trench coat, the staff, the ridiculously abbed pink breast plate.  The cocky little grin.  They got his likeness perfectly.  And yet it doesn’t even hold a candle to the real thing.  

“Love ya, Remy,” she says softly, as she takes the Rogue figurine and gives the Gambit figurine a kiss with it.  She laughs at her own silliness, but still takes a moment to place the figurines together, resting against each other, as they should be.  

She grabs her water and turns off the light and heads back to the bedroom, where she’ll soon curl up against her husband and fall asleep.  

[fandomzwriterk]

We need a continuation to f.r.i.e.n.d.s, I honesty don't know what is going to happen next, this fic was so good

A/N: you ask and I shall provide! Aw shit, here I go again!! Also I was playing Cult of the Lamb when I was writing this so it got a little dark😱😨

Warnings: sorta non-consenty, Remy sorta watching, Hostage Reader and Remy, sorta NSFW under cut, cursing, MDNI

F.R.I.E.N.D.S pt2

“Come on Y/n we have to hide somewhere!”

“Where?!”

“Here!”

It was the warehouse from where they rescued Roberto months ago from those cruel Liberators. You had wanted to kill them yourself, but Scott stopped you. Death was too easy of a punishment for them. So, they were thrown in jail, the Sentinels scrapped and the building being closed for repairs. You both remembered a window that could be opened up on the roof, so Remy lead the way up the side of the building, walking and carefully climbing over boxes.

“Shh. Right here.”

Remy crouched, walking quietly through the window and up into the walkway above. He moved his arm past you, holding up the window as you crawled through. He could’ve easily gone first, but he needed to make sure that you weren’t in view from outside in case Scott was somewhere near you two.

“Brings back good memories eh?”

“Remy now is not the time.”

“Cherié I’m just trying to calm you down.”

“Sorry.”

You bit your tongue, knowing the last couple of months have been confusing for everyone. You fooled Remy into thinking you were in love with Scott, and Scott did the same to Jean. For Scott, it was real though. What was he to you now? An ex? A friend? A… murderer? No. It wasn’t possible Scott wouldn’t… would he?

“I know you’re in here! Come on out Remy let’s settle this like men!” Scott taunted as he rammed down the wall

Remy put a finger to his lips, telling you be quiet so you both wouldn’t be heard. He slowly stood up, but you grabbed onto his arm, making him stop. He kissed your cheek, staring into your eyes as he turned to slowly and carefully walked down the stairs. If you stopped him it would just delay the inevitable, that Scott was going to kill Remy and take you from him.

“Up ‘ere fucker!” Remy shouted as he flung a playing card at Scott’s head while Scott walked into the center of the room

“God I’ve always wanted to beat the shit outta you and your ego.” Scott retorted back as he dodged it

“And I’ve always wanted to put you in your place for hurting my friends.”

Remy and Scott swung fists at each other, Remy dodging to making sure that Scott wouldn’t see you. You noticed his eyes went up to you, him giving a wink to you as a way to tell you to run.

“I know she’s here Gambit.”

Scott was quicker by just a second, grabbing Remy’s throat and slamming him down in the concrete. Remy still clung onto his rage and urge to protect you, desperately trying to take a swing at Scott’s head with his staff. You could see Scott’s grip was iron tight, almost crushing Remy’s throat with his own hands. And that was it, Remy’s eyes glancing to you as Scott did it one more time, as you watched Remy go unconscious in front of you. You hope he is unconscious and not dead.

“Come on out Y/n in know you’re here darling.”

You put a hand over your mouth, seeing Scott drag Remy over to a concrete pillar, leaving him there as he went to look for something. You debated on going to save him, but doing that would destroy the sacrifice Remy made to get you to run away unharmed. You watched as Scott came back, dragging a half ruined chair to Remy, picking him up and sitting him on it. Remy’s hand were tied behind him, and you watched as Scott pulled out a Liberators Mutant Collar and put it around Remy’s neck.

“Come on out Y/n~ Come on out and I’ll let Remy live. I’ll even consider leaving you two alone as an agreement.”

You felt your skin crawl, the hair on the back of your neck rising as you watched Scott kick Remy’s chair over and start to push his foot down on Remy’s neck. You stood up slowly, raising your hands in the air as a surrender. You were not going to let Remy die for your sake. You walked down the metal stairs, making Scott turn his head to face you. His evil smile widened as you walked slowly up to him.

“Let him go.”

“Y/n don’t do it cherié. Don’t ‘cha let him take you!”

Scott kicked Remy, making Remy groan in pain while Scott had a cruel smile on his face.

“Now… come here my darling~”

He stretched a hand out to you, waiting for you to grab it. There was a small hesitance, slowly moving it to grab it. You stopped when your finger tips touched. Your face fell, and Scott didn’t like that. So, he grabbed you, put an arm around your neck and having a hand covering your mouth. You tried to scratch at his arm, but Scott was faster, his grip on your arm almost crushing it with his hand.

“You son of a bitch when I get out…”

“And you won’t. I made sure of that.”

Scott pulled you backwards, your heels dragging on the floor while Remy struggled in his chair. Scott stopped once he had you moved a few feet away from Remy, making him face towards you two.

“You are so dead Scott. I’m gonna make sure you suffer for this.”

You could see out of the corner of your eye, Scott’s eyes glaring and staring at Remy. Then, his attention went to you.

“And now my darling… why don’t I show him who you really belong to.”

Scott’s other hand traced your thigh, slowly going up and tracing your hip, your chest, and then ending with it moving towards your ass. You clawed against Scott’s skin, but he was so much stronger than you. Remy wasn’t happy either. He was pissed and wanted to save you.

“So beautiful darling~”

His hand went back up, reaching your chest. His big hands started squeezing and playing with your breast. You screamed into Scott’s hand, his grip getting harder with each scream and kick against him.

“I don’t want to hurt you but if you don’t listen…”

“I swear to god Cyclops I’m going to fucking kill you myself.”

“Try me mother fucker.”

You were scared, Scott touching you in places even when you were fake dating you wouldn’t let him touch. Hell you never even kissed the man. Only just a hand on the thigh or hand holding. Where did it all go wrong?

“You son of a bitch!” You heard being shouted from above

Logan and Morph came crashing through the roof while Jean flew through a broken window. Scott gripped you like his life depended on it.

“I’m going to kill each and every one of you if you get in my way.”

Jean slowly flew down to the ground. She now knew this wasn’t the real Scott.

“Scott please let them go. They’ve done nothing wrong.” Jean begged

Scott’s other hand was still over your mouth, now his free hand moving up to his glasses.

“Run!” Remy shouted

And just like that, the building came crashing down.

A/N: hope you enjoyed!

[swampbrick]

Y’all have waited so patiently for me to get my shit together and format this post, and for that, I thank y’all endlessly (for not calling me out on my avoidant personality and procrastination xoxo)

Without further ado, I give you…

Swamp’s GhostSoap Recs

PART TWO

(electric boogaloo)

My qualifications to make this post are that I’m neurodivergent and have read over half the damn archive at this point.

If you see your fic featured here and don't want it included in a rec post, just shoot me a dm! Will remove any from the list without question or complaint at the author's request.

Notes: I tried to sort some of them out into some broader categories for easier perusal, however, some fics might touch more than one of these topics. I went with whichever category was the MOST relevant in regard to the fic's content. Fics in italics are under 10K words. Stuff involving religious guilt and heavy religious undertones are marked in orange. Some fics are privated by the author- in that case the link might not work for you if you’re on mobile, so just look it up by author and title once you’re logged into your AO3 account. Happy reading!

Random Fics I Enjoyed and Can't Sort Into Broad Categories

The Wedding Lt. by SomnolentPavana

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Don't be Scared by the Starting Gun by Suliana

Afraid (of Changing) by EmpressCirque

HALO by Cryypticchaotic

Tough Love by The_neurodivergent_nerd

Smooth Sailing on Choppy Water by coderaven

Poison Apple by surveycorpsjean

Punch Drunk by Drolly

Tesco's Finest by Vanemis

If You Don't Stop, I'll End up Believing You by Hochseeperle

Assorted AUs

like the dust (that hides the glow) by ArcadeGhostAdventurer [soulmates]

In My Time of Need by WhisperedWords12 [omegaverse]

lotus flower by exavibus [tattoo artist x florist]

Damaged Goods by Red_Clegane [lawyer x prostitute]

Safety Hazard by Red_Clegane [president's son x secret service]

On Leave

No Reqiuem by ice_hot_13

set your teeth against my throat (give me something pretty to wear beneath my blood-stained clothes) by aetherealmoss

let these hills absolve me by flowersferns (THE SHEERP FARMING FIC SOBBING CRYING)

solemn prayer, poppy in my hair by congee4lunch

A Scottish Bastard's Smile by SnarlingGherkin

The Fairtytale of Manchester by MildLimerence

Injury and/or Discharge

all that's said in the low light by headlocket (my favorite fic of all time actually if you haven't seen my 9000 other posts saying so)

My frozen heart (would melt just for you) by Red_Clegane

Clue by Wispscribbles

I Woke Up Underground by WispScribbles

Vicissitude by crows_and_curses

Yours Sincerely by LeoDoesGames

i'm a fire and i'll keep your brittle heart warm by marviless

Affirmative, Sir by Wixiany

To Drive a Man to Madness by Crypticchaotic

This Is (Mostly) P0rn

After Dark by Sylencia (THE BDSM CLUB FIC WOOF WOOF)

If I ever saw you try to be a saint (I'd be appalled) by Xalethar

Chicago Whiskey by Serpentwyne

Make Me Bad by Serpentwyne

gimme just a little bit (more) by applepieces [09!ghostsoap]

Promise Ring by LXVERSOFFENSE

Want It All by TuxedoHummingbird

A Fool's Gambit by MildLimerence

tame me by MikaelLo

the human condition by bilbhoebangins

All the Sins You Never Had the Courage to Commit by mothbeast

The Worthy Vessel by MildLimerence

Hotline by MildLimerence

Bonus Fic!

Here's a Gaz Centric, Poly141 fic that has ghostsoap in it but does not focus on it heavily enough to go in one of the other categories. This is Kyle's time to shine.

Hand Around My Heart by Grangers_apprentice

[forasecondtherewedwon]

second's (eclectic) masterlist

Hello! Under the cut, you’ll find all the fics I’ve written for these fandoms:

television:

The Artful Dodger ⁎ Bodyguard ⁎ Bridgerton ⁎ Daisy Jones & The Six

Daybreak ⁎ Deadly Class ⁎ Dickinson ⁎ A Discovery of Witches ⁎ Dollface

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier ⁎ For All Mankind ⁎ Gilmore Girls ⁎ Hawkeye

Heartstopper ⁎ The Irregulars ⁎ Loki ⁎ The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Masters of the Air ⁎ My Lady Jane ⁎ Nancy Drew ⁎ Never Have I Ever

Peaky Blinders ⁎ Percy Jackson and the Olympians ⁎ Preacher

The Queen's Gambit ⁎ Riverdale ⁎ Sanditon ⁎ Schmigadoon! ⁎ Sex Education

The Sex Lives of College Girls ⁎ Stranger Things ⁎ Ted Lasso

The Umbrella Academy ⁎ WandaVision ⁎ Why Didn't They Ask Evans?

The Wilds

film:

Avengers: Endgame ⁎ Black Widow ⁎ The Hunger Games ⁎ Inception

King Kong ⁎ Marriage Story ⁎ No Time to Die ⁎ Spider-Man ⁎ Star Trek

Thor: Ragnorak ⁎ Top Gun: Maverick ⁎ Twisters ⁎ Wonder Woman

daisy jones & the six

E / 3k / Eddie x Camila - “Just Like Andy Warhol Said”

T / 1k - “Life and Death in Laurel Canyon”

E / 4k / Karen x Graham - “Typical Wonderful View”

deadly class

E / 5k / Petra x Billy - “Rats’ Waltz”

E / 9k / Petra x Billy x Lex - “We Test on Rats”

dickinson

M / 2k / Emily x Sue - “Another Dickinson”

T / 1k - “How Luscious Lies”

G / 376 / Emily x Sue - “Lands Away”

a discovery of witches (phoebe x marcus)

E / 2k - “Gladly Be a Fool”

E / 3k - “The Night Today”

the falcon and the winter soldier

T / 7k / Sam x Bucky - 3 Simple Rules for Dating a Centenarian

T / 1k - “À la Carter”

E / 5k / Bucky x Sarah - “Chasing Water Pumps”

E / 8k / Sam x Bucky - The Great Madripoorian Snake Off

T / 3k / Bucky x Sarah - “Guest Side Story”

T / 3k / Sam x Bucky - “Never a Gull Moment”

T / 4k / Sam x Bucky - “Stare Enough”

T / 2k / Sam x Bucky - “They're Sayin' (You're Gonna Be My Man)”

for all mankind

T / 1k / Margo x Sergei - “The Bridges of Madison”

G / 286 / Pam x Ellen - “Ode to the Front Porch”

T / 1k - “This Mortal Doyle”

gilmore girls (rory x jess)

E / 11k - Dreams I’ve Yet to Find

E / 24k - You Need Me to Be With You

the hunger games

E / 2k / Peeta x Johanna - “Elevator Pitch”

E / 2k / Katniss x Peeta - “Finally, Finally”

E / 4k / Katniss x Cato - “Lonely at the Top”

loki

G / 1k - “If You're a Robot and You Know It, Clap Your Hands”

G / 1k - “Mr. Second Chance”

T / 2k - “Riding in Cars With Lokis”

my lady jane

T / 1k / Guildford x Jane - “After the Horse Has Bolted”

E / 3k / Jane x Guildford - “Bad Latin”

E / 3k / Jane x Guildford - “Emotionally Stabled”

E / 15k / Jane x Guildford - It's Enough, It's Enough

E / 4k / Guildford x Jane - “Pure Grey”

T / 4k / Stan x Frances - “So, Hey, Check Me Out”

E / 1k / Jane x Guildford - “These Days Forth”

never have i ever (devi x paxton)

E / 4k - “Boy Meets Girlfriend”

M / 2k - “No Harm, No Towel”

T / 4k - “Runaway Ride”

M / 5k - “Swimming the Sonoran”

peaky blinders

E / 15k / Tommy x Grace - The Grand Dream of Things

E / 3k / Tommy x May - “Preferred Pastimes”

percy jackson and the olympians (2023- )

G / 830 / Sally x Poseidon - “but for the grace of gods”

G / 1k - “lullaby for a rottweiler”

T / 1k / Percy x Annabeth - “salt-and-vinegar dreams”

G / 967 / Percy x Annabeth - “soundtrack to a tooth alignment”

M / 875 / Sally x Poseidon - “a tall, tall tale no one believes”

sex education

E / 3k / Ola x Lily - “and the stars (they all aligned)”

E / 2k / Maeve x Isaac - “Please May I…?”

star trek

E / 3k / Bones x Carol - “The Deserted Planet, the Gorgeous Woman, and the Goddamn Torpedo”

E / 7k / Scotty x Jaylah - Something to Fix

stranger things

T / 2k / Steve x Nancy - “Always Mr. Right”

T / 458 / Eddie x Chrissy - “And Here’s to You, Chrissy Cunningham”

T / 1k / Lucas x Max - “The Kate Escape”

T / 1k / Lucas x Max - “The Lovers’ Lake Effect”

ted lasso

E / 8k / Keeley x Rebecca - “Cat Ladies”

T / 1k - “Crimminology”

E / 2k / Roy x Keeley - “The Halftime of It”

E / 3k / Ted x Sassy - “Sass Backwards”

wandavision

E / 34k / Darcy x Jimmy - Hex Life

G / 1k / Wanda x Vision - “Mailbox Blues”

T / 1k / Wanda x Vision - “The Neighbour Never Rings Twice”

G / 1k / Wanda x Vision - “One Papaya, Two Papaya”

T / 26k / Darcy x Jimmy - Only in a Sitcom

G / 1k / Wanda x Vision - “Our Names in a Heart”

why didn’t they ask evans? (frankie x bobby)

E / 2k - “One-Man Chauffeur”

E / 5k - “Sailors’ Hands”

the wilds

T / 2k - “Fourth Coming”

T / 738 - “Interviews by the Pool”

T / 1k / Shelby x Toni - “a verse about expecting the worst”

one-offs

Avengers: Endgame : Dolls' Eyes

Black Widow : “Same Day, Different Jumpsuit”

Bodyguard : “Don’t Ever Let Me Start”

Daybreak : “Garden-Variety Monsters”

Dollface : “Fender Is the Night”

Hawkeye : “An All-American January Christmas”

Heartstopper : “we sum up perfection like a handbook”

Inception (2010) : “Je Ne Regrette Rien”

The Irregulars : “The Sun Is Coming Up (I Think It’s Time)”

King Kong (2005) : “I’m Actually Quite Familiar With Your Work”

Marriage Story (2019) : “the whole night and the next day together”

No Time to Die : “The Blood You Owe”

Preacher : “Lonely, Handsome”

Sanditon : “Finding Georgiana”

Schmigadoon! : “I Fleetly Flee, I Fly”

The Sex Lives of College Girls : “An Abundance of Caution Tape”

Thor: Ragnorak : “In the Arms of the Anus”

Twisters (2024) : “get ya thinkin' (that you need me)”

The Umbrella Academy : “The Park Across the Way”

Wonder Woman (2017) : “Unconquered”

my fic masterlists

10 fics - the artful dodger

10 fics - bridgerton

13 fics - the marvelous mrs. maisel (midge x lenny)

12 fics - masters of the air

13 fics - nancy drew

13 fics - the queen's gambit (beth x benny)

38 fics - riverdale

71 fics - spideychelle

21 fics - top gun: maverick

[an-anonymous-reader]

Welcome to the Show!

Hey there! You can call me Ophelia! Not my real name, however it’s a name that I think is extremely pretty and don’t mind going by! This blog is for writing ‘x reader’ requests! I don’t normally write x reader, however I’m willing to learn and think that it could be something fun for me to do in my free time.

If there's a character you want to see and you don't see them in any of the lists, feel free to ask if it's at all possible for me to write that character, but also make sure that you have a character from the list just in case I am not able to!

My Rules for This:

- Please be Anonymous when sending in an ask! -

- Be aware that I have every right to refuse an ask! -

- I do not tolerate hate on any character, you will be blocked! -

- I am 100 percent willing to write poly characters! -

- If a character is underage canonically, smut fic requests will not be accepted! -

- Lists can and will be updated as situations and boundaries come up! -

- Like above, Characters can and Will change, just like Fandoms will be added! -

- I’m new to writing most characters from X-Men/Avengers, please be patient while I learn! -

- If I write something offensive or if I could have worded something better, please tell me nicely -

Fandoms/Characters I write for:

|| X-Men

- Remy LeBeau / Gambit

- Rogue

- Logan Howlett / Wolverine

- Jean Grey / The Phoenix

- Scott Summers / Cyclops

- Ororo Munroe / Storm

- Jubilation Lee / Jubilee

- Erik Lensherr / Magneto (I go with the Movie version for name typically, please add in your request if you prefer his other name(s) from the comics, as I’m not familiar with the comics yet!)

- Peter Maximoff / Quicksilver (reason as above)

|| Avengers

- Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier

- Steve Rogers / Captain America

- Tony Stark / Iron man

- Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow

- Peter Parker / Spiderman

- Bruce Banner / Hulk

- Pietro Maximoff / Quicksilver (MCU version)

- Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch

- Thor

- Loki

|| Percy Jackson

- Percy Jackson

- Annabeth Chase

- Leo Valdez

- Hazel Levesque

- Frank Zhang

- Leo Valdez

- Jason Grace

- Piper McLean

- Nico DI Angelo (if male/masc reader)

- Will Solace

|| My Hero Academia

- Midoriya Izuku

- Bakugou Katsuki

- Todoroki Shoto

- Uraraka Ochako

- Shinso Hitoshi

- Yaoyorozu Momo

- Kaminari Denki

- Ashido Mina

- Kirishima Eijirou

- Jiro Kyoka

- Asui Tsuyu

- Tokoyami Fumikage

- Shoji Mezo

- Aizawa Shouta / Eraserhead

- Hizashi Yamada / Present Mic

- Kayama Nemuri / Midnight

- Todoroki Touya / Dabi

- Tomura Shigaraki

- Toga Himiko

- Togata Mirio

- Tamaki Amajiki

- Hado Nejire

- Sero Hanta

To Request a Story:

- Female, Male, Enby, or Fluid Reader?

- if you would like neo pronouns of any kind, please know that it’s not something i’m familiar with, however I’m willing to learn and am willing to adjust accordingly!

- Important information about reader character (hair color, any piercings, tattoos, height, personality, typical clothing, ect… Please know everything you want about your character, I am unable to communicate with you to clarify or ask anything! Anything left unanswered will be left for me to decide!)

- What Character?

- Romantic or Platonic?

- Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Smut

- if there is something specific you would like to see, add it here!

- Any Headcanons you want added?

- What is the situation you would like written? (i.e. what’s the prompt/rest of your request)

- Which Style of Reader Fic? (Examples below)

Style of Reader Fic - First Person

I shook my head slightly, watching Remy make a fool of himself trying to impress Rogue again. Logan was trying to encourage him, a glint of feral satisfaction as Morph and Jubilee talked with Storm and Jean. I never quite understood his fascination with the southern woman, though I could admit that she was pretty.

A startled laugh escaped my chest as I watched Bakugou realize that Midoriya had beaten him today, the race to the dorms now over. Kirishima was trying not to laugh, though Denki and Mina were giggling quietly. I rolled my eyes as anger eventually overtook the blond’s face. I had homework to do before meeting with Shinso to train with the capture weapon again.

I groaned softly, turning over and feeling my breath catch in my throat, Natasha was curled up on the other hotel bed just across the room, with an arm under her head. In her arms was the stuffed animal I had gifted her the day before.

There was a sense of dread filling my head as I tried to spot any of my questmates. Percy was missing, again, and worry filled my being as I spotted Nico disappear into the shadows, looking much paler than he had that morning. A startled scream escaped me as something crashed into my side, a glance and I was relieved to see that it was just Mrs. O’Leary.

Style of Reader Fic - Second Person

You were surprised to find that Jean had waited for you instead of heading off with the other girls. Training had been strenuous today, and your back was sore and your hair a tangled mess. A flush appeared when you noticed that she was holding a brush, and was giving you a quiet smile of reassurance.

You sighed as you followed after Tony. The two of you were once again sent out despite the very obvious hate and dislike the two of you held for each other. He was listening to AC/DC on headphones and ignoring your general existence, which was fine by you. By all means he could ignore you.

You were giggling hysterically as you followed after Toga, music running through your head as you tried to decide on what ‘radio station’ you wanted to listen to for the night. You were smiling as Toga glanced back at you, excitement in her eyes. Ahead of her, just barely so, Dabi was ignoring the both of you.

You couldn’t find Annabeth, which would normally be worrisome, however you also knew that she had probably holed herself up in the Athena cabin to study for the exam she would have to take to go to New Rome. You were proud of your girlfriend, just like you knew your boyfriend was. Unfortunately, or fortunately, Percy wouldn’t be joining Annabeth for the first year of collage, instead, he was staying at camp with you to help train the flood of younger campers that had made their way to camp.

[shadowphoenixrider]

Food, Favours and Promises (2/2)

(Previous)

(Second part to this 'morning after' fic. This part gets a little spicy, because apparently Shadow got ideas, and, yeah. Enjoy!)

A couple of minutes after my mad dash from the kitchen, I heard footsteps across the control room's metallic floor towards where I was sitting.

"Forgot ya tea, Shadow." Gambit said softly, setting it beside me. "Heated it up a bit so it should still be good."

"Ah, thank you!" I flashed him an apologetic smile. "Slipped my mind completely." The mug warmed my hands, and I took a cautious sip. It was no longer hot, but still pleasant enough to drink. "Thank you for this. Both this and the food." I nodded towards my now empty plate.

"You liked it?" He asked, stepping closer and gently brushing a hand against my upper back.

"Oh yeah, it was delicious." My smile broadened. "Thank you."

Gambit's answering smile brightened his dark eyes for a brief moment, before his gaze slid to his mark on my neck. He became pensive.

"You gonna be okay wit keepin' dat? Jubilee be one ting, but de others...?" He spoke quietly, guilt clear in his voice.

I touched it again, feeling the weak pain pulse through my nerves.

"Do you want me to get rid of it?" I asked. He glanced away, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I...I don't wanna make it awkward for you, mon amie. Don'...Don't keep it jus' to make me happy. If you feel better de others not knowin', den I can live with it. Long as you happy."

I watched him, my heart fluttering at his words. He was contrite, almost regretful, his usual swagger muted to the point he seemed to have shrunk an inch or two. It tugged hard at my heart-strings to see him like this - I realized I would be happy...as long as he was too.

I considered a moment, looking him over. Although Gambit's gaze was elsewhere, I could see he was watching me out of the corner of his eye, awaiting my decision. His hand dropped away from his neck to fidget with his gloves, and that was when the idea formed in my head.

"Well...maybe I should return the favour." I suggested. He glanced back to me, frowning in curiosity. "Why don't I leave my mark on you, Gambit? There'd be less pressure on me having the evidence of our night together if both of us have a bruise to share."

His eyes widened slightly, pupils dilating. The skin around his cheeks seemed to darken too.

"You can do dat?" He asked inquisitively.

"Oh yeah." I nodded. "I can make the capillaries under your skin leak enough blood to produce the effect of a bruise, minus most of the pain. It'd be pretty indistinguishable from a real traumatic contusion, except yours would heal naturally faster as there's technically no damage to heal - just the pulling of fluids back out of the tissues."

He touched his neck thoughtfully.

"However," I continued, "although I could try and match this bruise, I wouldn't be able to fake it completely - I wouldn't be able to simulate the gradient of colour or the random pattern of a bite mark. It would probably be enough to fool a casual observer, but it might also come across as too fake."

Gambit's eyebrow arched slowly upwards.

"So what're ya suggesting, mon amie?" He asked, his voice sinking into a deeper register that sent a shiver up my spine.

"What I said before; returning the favour." I grinned at him. "After all, the best fakes are the ones you don't have to, right?"

An answering grin slid across his lips, and he took a step closer to me.

"You're a fast learner, chère." Purred Gambit, his eyes dark and hungry.

"I learn from the best." I replied, rising to my feet. His grin widened.

"Come now Shadow, Gambit already down for dis plan. No need to sweeten de pot." I giggled at him. "Jus' one question though. Jubes has already seen dat I don' have a bite. Ain't she gonna know when she sees dis one dat it were added later?"

"Did she?" I smirked. His eyebrow quirked up. "What's to say she missed it with all the excitement of teasing me, hmm? That, and are the others really going to quibble over any other antics we might have gotten up to between our night together and when they next see us?"

His smile was approving.

"Ya make a good point, petite."

"Of course, if you are worried about that..." My gaze trailed slowly down his body, lifting the edge of his top with a finger. "I could always mark you a little lower down and you can change into a shirt that shows some skin?"

"Non, dat would be too obvious it be staged." Gambit shook his head. "Wanna keep de benefit of de doubt, like ya said."

"Well then," I stepped closer, gently pushing the Cajun against the main table. "How about you let me get at that pretty neck of yours...?"

Gambit's eyes darkened, parting his legs to let me close the gap between us.

"D'accord, ma chère," he crooned, flicking his ponytail onto his other shoulder before leaning down to me, presenting his neck. "Gambit is all yours..."

A frisson of electric heat thrummed through me, temptation whispering in the back of my head to take advantage of this brief time together. How far could we go before we were caught, especially here? I leaned in, my breath against Gambit's skin making him shudder with delight, and I couldn't help that shock of fire straight into my chest. Focus, I reminded myself, as Gambit's hand settled into the curve of my lower back.

Pressing my nose into him, my nostrils flared as I inhaled his scent deep into my lungs - spice, cinnamon, soap, cooking grease and the richer smell that defied my ability to describe. I uttered a pleased hum that was dangerously close to becoming a more lurid moan, and I heard his breath hitch, felt his pulse quicken.

Calling my powers, I began to kiss over his neck gently, slowly tracing my way towards where his carotid artery throbbed with each beat of his heart. It was quick, excited, the anticipation humming under his skin as I placed opened-mouthed kisses there.

"Shadow..." Gambit breathed, his hand pressing me even closer to him. Oh, that was a nice noise. Let's see what noise you make when I do this!

And with that, I curled my lips back and bit him. Gambit gasped, the sound flashing heat through me to pool between my thighs, his hand curling into a tight grip of my shirt. Much like he'd done hours before, I sucked at the part of him my jaws had claimed, listening to his cells start a chorus of trilling at my work.

Yet the sweetest sound came from Gambit himself; he all but whimpered in my ear - a noise I'd never thought I'd hear from the man, but one so delectable it took all the discipline I had not to push him down flat and make him do it again. Difficult, when his hips lifted against me, and I swore I felt him already starting to harden.

After a couple of minute-long seconds, I pulled back to admire my handiwork - a deep mauve bruise only slightly smaller than my own now sat right over Gambit's pulse-point. Looking up at the man himself, I saw his face was flushed, eyes blissfully closed, and lips parted, his breathing heavier than before.

Pride bloomed in my chest to see the effect I'd had on him; it seemed I could wrap him around my finger every bit as easily as he could with me. That was a thought I very much liked.

I gently traced the mark I'd made, and...something shifted in me. Something about my mark on him, the fact he'd let me - and that his would stay for as long it took to heal. That he wanted others to know (or didn't mind that they did) that it was my mark, that for a brief period of time, Gambit had been mine. Was that what he'd thought when he saw I'd kept his bite?

Gambit made soft grunt, his eyes flickering open; he looked a little dazed, as if just waking from a dream. Considering the hardness I was feeling pressing against my thigh, I reckoned I kinda knew why.

"Enjoy that, Cajun?" I purred, cupping his cheek and turning him to look at me. For a brief moment, he was limp against me, before he blinked, awareness sharpening his gaze in a way that gave me the shivers. Gambit leaned into my ear, lips brushing against the shell.

"How about Gambit show ya, chère." He growled, and then his lips were on mine, kissing hungrily. I moaned softly, his other hand tangling into my hair to hold me close as I melted into him. A dim voice in the back of my head protested, that we shouldn't do this here, we could be caught at any moment-

I studiously ignored the flash of pure heat that thought gave me, and its attendant implications.

Gambit's teeth against my bottom lip made me gasp, his hot tongue soothing the hurt away.

"Remy..." I mumbled in his mouth, just about resisting his attempts to deepen the kiss further, the hand on my back creeping down to my backside.

"Un peu plus, juste peu plus ma chère..." Was his muttered reply, kissing and nipping at me as if drunk on my taste.

He then froze as a very familiar chime sounded out from behind him; that of a call attempting to connect.

"Duty calls." I sighed softly, stroking his cheek.

We reluctantly untangled from one another, straightening our shirts and trying not to look like we'd been fooling around in a place we probably shouldn't. Just before I sat down, I caught Gambit's hand.

"Hey, if we get some time and privacy today...I'd like to finish what I started."

A smile played on his lips, lifting my hand.

"Gambit would like dat very much too, mon ombre," he spoke huskily. "Promise?"

I arched an eyebrow at the new name for me, surprised he'd never used it before now, yet just smiled.

"Promise." I replied, squeezing his hand, and blushing when he kissed mine. "Alright, now shoo, before Scott really decides to chew me out!"

The Cajun flashed me a cheeky grin before he strode quickly (albeit rather stiffly) out. A part of me wondered if he was going to take care of his own business, before quickly dismissing the thought. Not the time!

"Shadow, there you are!" Cyclops said as I accepted the call, his image appearing from the projector in the dais. "Took a little longer to get through than I expected, is everything okay?"

"Oh yeah, the board's all green here. Sorry, I stayed up late last night reading, woke late, so everything was a bit last minute." I grinned weakly, quickly bringing up the mission status report. "How's everyone on your end? I hate to say it and potentially damn you, but it seemed relatively calm yesterday."

"Yes." Cyclops dipped his head. "The worst appears to be over now, and I think it won't be long before we finish up and return home. Have you heard from Blue Team?"

"Not checked in yet today, but everything was fine yesterday too." I replied. "I might send a message to remind them, but Storm's diligent enough, I'll wait. The Professor and Hank are still out at the conference, but they'll no doubt be on their way back soon too."

"Good to know." Cyclops nodded, fixing me with a steady stare. "And back at the Mansion?"

"Jubilee's fine, and Gambit's...Gambit." I chuckled, lifting a shoulder. "He's been taking care of her and training, the usual."

"And you?"

I stared back at him.

"I'm fine, aside from the hurried start. Been mostly here at my post." I tried to read him through his visor and the flicking image. "Why?"

"You're hurt." He tapped his neck. "Looks like a nasty bruise. Something happen in the Danger Room?"

My heart skipped a beat, but I was ready for the inquiry this time.

"Sure, let's go with that." I replied smoothly. "Just a little accident."

Cyclops stared at me for a long, long moment, and I could tell he was trying to believe the utter bullshit I'd just told him. He turned his head slightly to listen to someone, frowning at them. Definitely wasn't Jean, then.

The image flickered a moment, and then I saw Wolverine's face appear next to Cyclops'.

"Oh hey!" I grinned. "Everything going okay with you guys?"

"We're just fine, kiddo." Was his gruff reply, giving me a quick once over, before he grinned widely. "Looks like you had a good night too."

Despite everything, I still blushed - there was no hiding things from Logan.

"A very good night." Was my reply.

Cyclops looked between us, completely stumped. Wolverine gave a long-suffering groan.

"She's got a love-bite, Slim you idiot!" He growled in frustration. "Nothing in the Danger Room gives neck marks like that unless it's the Cajun himself!"

"What?!" Cyclops cried.

"I'll talk to you guys later when you've got mission critical updates!" I quickly interrupted. "Take care!" And disconnected it before the barrage of questions could begin.

Leaning back in my chair, I had to laugh, touching the proud mark on my skin. Whelp, the cat was truly out of the bag now. It would only be a matter of time before it spread to the others.

I let my gaze wander out of the door and my mind to Gambit, and the mark he now bore. My mark. I found I liked that thought, just as much as I'd liked the new name he'd gave me.

Mon ombre.

My Shadow.

I felt my heart skip in my chest at the thought of it, a familiar joy pulsing through me to the ends of my hair and the tips of my toes, one that I hadn't felt since I'd last loved Tom.

Wait.

Ohh shit.

[partystoragechest]

A story of romance, drama, and politics which neither Trevelyan nor Cullen wish to be in.

Canon divergent fic in which Josephine solves the matter of post-Wicked Hearts attention by inviting invites four noblewomen to compete for Cullen's affections. In this chapter, Lady Samient plays with the Commander.

(Masterpost. Beginning. Previous entry. Next entry. Words: 2,156. Rating: all audiences.)

Chapter 34: Lady Samient's Gambit (Reprise)

“And then, he offered to invite my dear Lady Orroat himself!” sang Lady Erridge, of her encounter with the Commander. “It was so terribly kind—not at all what I had expected.”

Lady Samient stirred her tea in silence; the Baroness shot her a look.

Neither woman wished to tell Lady Erridge that she had been a fool, and that the Commander had played her, because it was not Lady Erridge’s fault.

It was, as far as Lady Samient was concerned, the Commander’s. And that was a grave error indeed.

She was quite sick of the Commander, at this point. It was not as if she cared for whatever injury he might have caused her, but that which he had caused to her friends was unforgivable. And though Lady Montilyet’s attempt to fall on the sword had been admirable indeed, Samient was not to be swayed. This was badly done, and by none other than him.

Lady Samient knew quite what to do, however. The very next day, she went to the garden. As birds sang, and flowers bloomed, she prepared to mete out his punishment.

The chess table was secured. Samient laid out the pieces. A runner was borrowed, and sent to the Commander with word of urgent business. From who? The Ambassador, of course. In the garden. She’d be waiting.

(Not really.)

Predictably, the Commander soon strode out of the Great Hall, eyes scanning for this fabled Ambassador. But he saw no sign of her, amongst the various chanters and visiting nobles who dotted the place. Not amongst the bushes or shrubbery, either. Nor even amongst the columns and brickwork.

But there was the Lady Samient. Sat there. Staring.

She raised a single hand to beckon him. The Commander heeded her summons. That hand came to rest beneath her chin, and purring, she asked:

“Urgent business, Commander?”

An immediate understanding of the situation settled upon him. “Your Ladyship.”

“Always chasing work, aren’t you? Why not sit, hm? Why not relax? Why not play?”

She gestured to the board, and the empty seat opposite. He glanced at both, then back to her. It was clear by his face that he knew this was no genuine invitation, but she had not intended to hide that fact. He was welcome to doubt. He was welcome to fear.

But being the brave, brave boy that he was, he took the seat she offered, and prepared to play.

“Shall you start, or I?” he asked.

“I shall.”

Samient sent forth her cavalry. So did he. Usually, such moves were made to open the back line, and allow more powerful pieces their freedom to attack—yet Samient’s fingers passed them by. She marched her cavalry to the fore.

The Commander took note of this, sliding out his chanter, but stopped short of performing a capture. Samient’s cavalry plodded another hex forward.

“How would you describe your playstyle?” she asked, as the Commander tried to divine hers. “Callous? Brutish? Unfeeling?”

The Commander introduced a Knight-Templar to the fray, and glanced at her. “Is that how you would describe it?”

“No. That is how I would describe you.”

Without leaving his gaze, she moved. Her cavalry. Another step. It abutted the bulk of his force.

“Ah.” His chanter retreated. “I don’t blame you.”

Samient’s cavalry breached his defences. “So you are aware of your own flaws?”

The Commander captured this intruder with ease. “Inescapably.”

“And yet you think yourself deserving of my friend?”

“I never said I was.”

He did not have to say it. Samient had seen enough of his behaviour around Lady Trevelyan to know that the man had designs on her, and was clearly not making them for the sake of failure.

Her attention returned to the board. Her favoured piece now captured, Samient sentenced a different cavalry to the slaughter. The Commander paused, as if there were anything in this game to think about. And yet, all his deliberations seemed to result in was the movement of his own cavalry.

“Why aren’t you playing properly?” he asked.

Samient smiled, and moved. “Because you never did for us.”

The Commander nodded. “Very well.”

Same as he had just done, same as she had just done, he pushed the cavalry he had previously pushed one more meagre hex up. It came face-to-face with Samient’s. Neither could move. Samient simply resorted to her next. He did the same. She moved it forward. He did the same. She repeated the motion. He did the same.

She huffed. “Why aren’t you playing properly?”

“You say I never did.”

He continued his charade. She rolled her eyes. Instead of simply admitting his sins, he would rely upon petulance? She clarified:

“Why aren’t you playing properly now?”

He countered, “You started it.”

Really! The board shuddered and pieces trembled, as Samient thudded down another. “How childish,” she muttered.

The Commander smiled. “As I say”—he took another poor move—“you started it.”

Such arrogance, for a man who did not deserve to think so highly of himself. He would not have the satisfaction. Despite his taunts, Samient continued what she had ‘started’. Another cavalry marched.

The Commander did not mirror her, this time, but selected his chanter, and slid it across the board. Ha. He had fatigued, then, and decided to play at last. Samient took her banal turn.

And then the Commander moved his chanter back from whence it had come.

Samient scoffed. She continued her cavalry’s forward plod. In response, the Commander moved a castle, capturing nothing. His next go, he moved it back.

“Ridiculous,” Samient commented.

“I agree,” said the Commander. He leant back in his chair, and regarded her with intensity. “So why bother with this? The Ambassador says you’re an honest woman, Lady Samient. Can’t you simply tell me why you hate me, and spare us both this farce?”

Samient met his stare, and returned it with contempt. “Very well. I hate you because you are selfish, unfeeling, and you ruined the happiness of my friend. Was that not apparent enough, Commander? Did you really need it explaining?”

“No. But I believe you needed to say it.”

He finally moved his Knight-Templar, and took a cavalry piece. Samient shifted to defend.

“So you think you are doing me a kindness, do you?” she asked, spitefully. “How heroic you are, Commander.”

“I am sorry, Lady Samient, for what I’ve done. I never wished to hurt y—I was ignorant, of how profoundly my actions would affect you.”

“Why apologise to me? It’s not as if I care.”

He took another of her pieces. “Then why else are we playing?”

Oh, how delightful! He actually thought she gave two shits about who he was and what he did! Lady Samient laughed, in the devastatingly haunting way only an Orlesian noble could. This was going to be exhilarating!

“No, no—you misunderstand me, Commander,” she sneered. “I only care about what you did to my friend. I do not care about what you did to me—and I certainly do not care about you.”

He brought out his empress. “I see.”

She took a Knight-Templar with her chanter. “In fact, if you wish me to be honest, then know this: I never cared about you. I was never interested. Nor was my father, who sent me here. This was a punishment for me, Commander, as much as it has been for you.”

He took a castle, his eyes flicking from the board, to her. “What kind of punishment?”

“A mocking one. You are a man of ill breeding, intended as nothing more than a temporary diversion, to cure an apparent inclination towards low-born men.” Samient revealed a Knight-Templar, from her back line. “Though I never had any intention of burdening myself with you, Commander, for I am already engaged.”

The Commander stopped, mid-turn. “What?”

Samient smiled at herself. She’d hid it from Lady Trevelyan, because Lady Trevelyan knew enough pain already. Yet the Commander knew nothing, and to see his shock and insult was so, so satisfying.

“I have been for some months,” she mocked, “to an ‘inferior’ man, whom my father wishes me to forget in your all-consuming presence. I suppose I did try to seduce you, at first—but, Maker, you are so terribly pathetic that you did not even realise what I was attempting!”

The Commander’s face flashed, between surprise, then confusion, then hurt. Yet, it seemed, the wound that Samient cut did not end embedded within him:

“Why would you make advances on a man when you are already engaged?”

The answer was simple. The answer was the reason she hadn’t told Lady Trevelyan. “Because my betrothed is good as dead. My father sent him to the frontlines, when he found out. Try to wound me, Commander. There is no pain I could feel anymore.”

The Commander finished his move, sending his empress to prowl Samient’s defences. “I recall a report regarding Duke Samient sending troops...” he muttered. “But he did so after the truce had been called. I am certain.”

“And?”

“The Inquisition has overseen the cessation of all fighting, and ensured that it has remained so. I have had no soldier reported dead in combat since.”

Samient glanced away. No. She could not let herself hope again. Her only choice, to be able to live, to be able to go on, was to assume the worst. That she would never see him again.

“I have long given in,” she admitted. She pushed her chanter lazily from one hex to another. “All I care for now is to return home.”

She drew back her hair, and revealed her ears. There was little purpose in concealing it anymore. He already knew everything else.

The Commander took in the sight, then returned his attention to the board. His finger hovered above his empress. “If that is all”—he stopped, and knocked over his emperor, instead—“then you ought to have just asked.”

Samient raised an eyebrow. “Ask what?”

“For our help.”

She scoffed. “Is that how you will return to your favourite’s good opinion, hm? By helping me?”

The Commander shook his head. “I hadn’t thought of it that way. But no. I want to help you because that is our purpose—the Inquisition’s purpose.”

“Really? And for nothing in exchange? When doing so would attract the ire of my father?”

The Commander smiled. “Lady Samient, if I may be honest?”

She allowed it.

“I never had any intention of impressing your father.”

Samient could not help herself from chuckling. There was little she would believe coming from his mouth, but that—that she could believe. Had she only known it earlier, they might have gotten along better!

He leant forward, and whispered across the board: “If you wish to be with your betrothed and return to your clan, the Inquisition can help.”

The game was over, yet Samient moved a piece. It can’t have been that easy. Lady Trevelyan couldn’t have been right. This—this wasn’t…

“To which clan do you belong?” he asked.

Samient said it before she’d even finished registering the question: “Sumara.”

“Ah. They were in the Free Marches, last I recall.”

“Yes, Lady Trevelyan said—”

He hummed. “That’s why she’d asked about it. I see. I can find their exact location. Our Dalish agent, Loranil, could travel with you, to aid you in establishing contact.”

He was speaking too fast. Or, perhaps, she was processing it all too slowly. Her mind, like the board, was a mess. So much a mess, in fact, that she spoke the next two words without even thinking:

“And Vichy?”

“Vichy?”

“My betrothed.”

She hadn’t said his name in so long. She missed the sound.

The Commander heard it well enough. “I’ll have Josephine pull strings in Orlais, and conscript him to the Inquisition,” he told her. The concentration on his face betrayed the mechanisms of his mind. Moving pieces; avoiding capture; protecting those who needed it. He seemed to thrive upon it all. “We can send him with a retinue to Jader. You can meet there, before crossing to the Free Marches.”

Was this real? Samient glanced around them, to the garden, to the arcade. People talked, birds sang, the sun broke free of a cloud to shine a little brighter. Signs of life, that she had not seen for months. This was real.

The Commander stood. “I can set things in motion immediately, if you allow me.”

Samient shot to her feet. “Yes. Please.”

“Very well. I’ll see to it��”

“Commander,” she said, before he could turn away, “I am sorry. That I attempted to manipulate you, when we met. I should have asked long ago.”

The Commander shook his head. “It’s all right. If anyone should have been honest from the beginning… it’s me.”

Samient would not deny that.

“I should be going,” he told her, before adding with a smile, “I have urgent business.”

[drarryspecificrecs]

Lights Camera Drarry 2022 : (fics only)

@lcdrarry​ || official masterpost || AO3 || ∑ = 43 works (art, fic, podfic) The Mods : @celilasart​ & @erin-riwen Banner © :

@kairennart's feels like the most important thing in the whole world Young Royals series (2021~)

@sator-the-wanderer's Glowing like a star Stardust (2007)

---

Believe: The Gentlemage's Game by @goblinmatriarch [E, 27k] Ted Lasso series (2020~)

catch a falling star by @flintandfuss [E, 27k] Stardust (2007)

Draco's First Holiday by @resilientkitteh [E, 26k] The Holiday (2006)

embrace the deception by @swoontodeath [M, 13k] Psych series (2006~2014)

Englishman Extraordinaire by @bluesundaycake [E, 45k] Falling Inn Love (2019)

Forever and Always by @minty-petals [M, 3k] Brooklyn Nine-Nine series (2013~2021)

Goodnight, and Have a Pleasant Tomorrow by @phoebe-delia [T, 1k] Saturday Night Live TV show (1975~)

Havin' a Good Time by @bunnimew [T, 4k]   *restricted Shaun of the Dead (2004)

How To Train Your Werewolf by @cluelesspigeons [M, 15k] How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

I have not yet forgot myself to stone. by @elskanellis [T, 3k] Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

i'd meet you where the spirit meets the bones by @devilrising [T, 10k] Merlin series (2008~2012)

In the Bleak Midwinter by @the-fools-errand [E, 105k] Peaky Blinders series (2013~2022)

little fools by @starlightspark [T, 2k] The Great Gatsby (2013)

May the odds be ever in their favor by @nelweensfic [T, 6k] Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Murder For You by @rei382 [M, 30k] Lucifer series (2016~2021)

My Big Fat Weasley Wedding by @slyth-princess [M, 65k]   *restricted My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

Once Upon a Walk in the Woods by @assassinsdragons [T, 15k] Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Our Time by @m0srael [E, 39k] Arrival (2016)

Perdition by @makeitp1nk [E, 21k] Constantine (2005)

The Pirc Defence by @sleepstxtic [E, 10k] The Queen’s Gambit series (2020)

Plausible Deniability by Bearixt [T, 10k] White Collar series (2009~2014)

Prince of Starlight by @quackquackcey [E, 14k] Tangled (2010)

Purge by @gnarf [M, 8k] The Forever Purge (2021)

Recipe for Life by @drarrelie & @janieohio [E, 66k] --- ART by @marinelilp No Reservations (2007)

rumour has it by @epsilonargus [E, 8k] Merlin series (2008~2012)

Rush (For A Gap That Exists) by @sleepstxtic [M, 42k] Rush (2013)

Summer Place by @wolfpants [E, 14k] WandaVision series (2021)

To Be Loyal, Brave, and True by @purplehotmess [M, 41k] Mulan (1998)

Waiting for the hint of a spark by Pineau_noir [M, 14k] The Magnus Archives series (2016~2022)

Welcome! Everything is Fine. by @melociraptor [T, 12k] The Good Place serise (2016~2020)

Woke Up this Morning by @myrtlefics [T, 10k] Russian Doll serise (2019~)

—

✔ other fests in 2022 ✔ fests in other years ✔ Lights Camera Drarry : 2021 | 2020 | 2019

[wordsandrobots]

Falling for a Fool: Afterword

A confession: I cannot get through episode 45 of Iron-Blooded Orphans, properly, without coming to the verge of tears. I have discovered that if I turn the sound off, I can make it about as far as the back half of episode 46 without that happening. Which made it a lot easier to take screenshots, but it still got me, in the end.

And that's exactly why I fell in love with this show.

It's trite, but I think everyone should have the chance to be moved by something, whatever it is and wherever it comes from. Stories, all artworks in fact, are there to make us feel something. To convey emotion and meaning, to play on the keyboard of our minds and allow us to hallucinate meaningful things in safety. A couple of years back, the thing that moved me was an anime about child soldiers in space, produced to sell model kits. It worked. I did buy a lot of model kits. I also got to have my emotions twisted to bits by a superbly crafted tragedy.

I can wax lyrical about the technicalities of that process. I can do the writerly bit, as I've said before, of pulling apart the mechanics of how this show works and why it hits me so hard. That doesn't change the fact it *does* hit me, hard, and that's why I've spent my time since first watching it writing so much about it. It was exactly what I needed to see, when I saw it, and the inspiration it has given me has been absolutely wonderful.

I guess the reason I decided to run back through the imagery of the series, and specifically that concerning Yamagi and Shino's relationship, is that I wanted to check my working. I'm nearly at the end of the huge story I developed off the back of my first fanfic for IBO, the culmination of two and a half years of work. When I post it, likely at the start of August 2024, I will have approaching 650,000 words worth of 'here's how I would do a follow-up' on Ao3. That's a lot. For me, it's a hitherto unheard-of amount of consistent work.

Yet it started, very simply, with this: how do you save Shino?

Because the end to his arc in the show is a moment of deliberate pointlessness. It's got to be, for the narrative to work. But I have a soft heart and more than that, I'd fixated on what precedes the failure of Shino's daring gambit. Those scenes between him and Yamagi throughout episode 45 and the fundamental, unintentional cruelty of asking someone who adores you to enable what is, however much it wasn't supposed to be, your suicide run.

There are any number of ways to save Shino, in the sense of imagining he wasn't actually dead when Flauros was blown off into space in the next episode. It's easy! But which option allows one to best drill into what he and Yamagi are to each other, in that moment where he finally demonstrates he isn't the totally oblivious himbo after all? What is the method that allows them to come together again, not as comet and tail, but something more equal? Something that, rather than just clicking one's fingers and declaring, 'all is well', admits to everything dire and disturbing about Tekkadan.

Because those things are the point. And to me, they are vital to my love of the original work.

So. My apologies for a couple of days of scab-picking on main. I needed it, I think, to look back and see that, yes. What I have done follows (in my own mind at least) from what's on-screen. As much as my fic is essentially a work of reconstruction -- of redeeming love from hopelessness -- the heart of it remains full of rust and sharp fragments, of blood and pain, and a bitter understanding that the world does not care about you in the slightest.

And that the point is to care anyway.

[nullcanary]

ooh, definitely curious about the title "Mechanics of Affection" !

This was a very popular request! Thank you @cinderflower @lamortwrites and @mostly-michaela for the ask!

Mechanics of Affection is part of a Durgetash feelings realization fic I've been tinkering with for a while now. Here's a bit I've written up for Gortash's chapter.

Sometimes it starts with a look – a heavy-lidded gaze lingering far too long; language untangled in the period point of the pupil. Others write that it is found in a touch, the spark connection between skin and skin when one brushes the hair aside or is caught within a solitude-staving embrace. Some find the feeling composed straight from the tongue – the sound of one's name from another's lips or a confession that lifts the veil and the self-sabotaging sense of denial. For a few, these are simply the gambits in which to pull the rein in their favor. 

For Enver Gortash, it had always been the latter. Well known to him was the waltz of charm and enticement. In the grand scheme of burgeoning his way up in the world of the higher class, he understood which shoulders to brush in order to catch them or land in their arms with ease. All it took was a strong impression, an air of mystery, and an inescapable magnetism to draw them in and hold them fast. From there, it was a matter of when to soften his gaze through dark lashes, offer hushed propositions to an eager ear. How promises spilled like coins from a purse soon thereafter. Fools' gold, all of it. Once he had harvested his desired intent, the subtle persuasion came to end the dance. It was a matter of the right words, the proper steps, and he could convince them that it was their decision, their choice to release the hold, and he was off to dip into the arms of other affairs. 

The rules were easy when falling had never been an option for him. Frankly, Enver didn't believe himself capable of becoming like the fools he spooled along his fingertips. Affection was merely a tool, a rung for a boot to step on. A target on one's back. One he had aimed at with advantage many a time. It made even the most calculated falter to complacency.

His mentors had taught him well that love was merely a transaction, that duty and devotion would be reshaped with the weight of enough coin. Their choices had thrust his juvenile sensibilities into the realm of the realistic, led by the quick-thinking, the sharp-minded, and the power-hungry. Dawdling over petty endearment would have only served as a distraction from the demands of his obligations, his ambitions, his Divine Right. What use was sentiment in the venture of sovereignty and gods?

[an-aura-about-you]

tackling the foreword now, possibly more if I think I'm up for it:

-well, we're dropping the g slur on the first page of this foreword. I knew it was in here but that's certainly less than ideal.

-it's mentioned here that the author is Jewish, and the information I have indicates that this is going to be used later to confirm the main character is Jewish. that's just sloppy writing if this is true. but I'm putting it here in case it IS the only time anyone is mentioned to be Jewish before the love interest asks the main character about it.

-"We met in quite an unprecedented way." They met via the internet because they had a common fandom. *takes a look at all of my friends on here, some of whom I've met in person, that I share a fandom with*

-so far the person writing the foreword has talked more about the book SHE wrote instead of the one I'm about to read.

-the foreword is five pages long and doesn't start talking about the creation of the book I'm reading or what it means to her until page four.

-she doesn't start talking about what happens in the book until the second paragraph on page five and she gets some fairly noticeable information wrong in the very first sentence she writes about the book. (she says the main character is from Nashville. this is not true. the main character is from a small town that is CLOSE to Nashville. I don't even know if you could call it a suburb because it's got a population of like less than 300.)

-she says she enjoyed this book more than others in the same genre, but as far as I know she writes in the same genre. granted, I'm primarily thinking of this as a romance book along the lines of fluffy coffee shop au fic and not as any sort of magical adventure. if the person writing the foreword thinks it's the latter, then maybe she likes this book more because it doesn't cleave to the conventions of the genre she thinks it's in.

-"I tend to be a bit snobbish about books." funny, that, because I don't and will gleefully wallow in the trash if it's to my liking. but I can still recognize trash when I see it.

-we get a page with four quotes on it before we kick off on the book proper. now, I'm cool with using multiple quotes in a book to set the stage? in fact, one of my favorite books, The Disaster Artist, uses a LOT of quotes. most of the chapter titles are quotes from The Room since a good portion of the book is about making that movie. in addition to that, every other chapter has a movie quote alternating between Sunset Boulevard and The Talented Mr. Ripley. but this works because Greg's story resembles Sunset Boulevard and he and Tommy going to see The Talented Mr. Ripley was a turning point that led to Tommy writing his script for The Room. it also helps that the placement is at the start of each chapter and not dumped all at once at the start of the book.

-I also get the feeling that I should just. keep my copy of The Disaster Artist on hand. the more I think about it, the more Lani Sarem resembles Tommy Wiseau when it comes to their art and how they perceive themselves.

-oh yeah I should probably mention that each chapter of the book is named after one of the tarot cards in the Major Arcana. not for any good reason, though the placement of the Fool and the World make enough sense. if you want to read something that's actually worth reading with an author who writes well and knows how to use tarot cards in naming chapters, go read the fanfic Persephone's Gambit by Diva from Musical Hell. it is a Phantom of the Opera fic in which Christine offers a different choice to Erik's ultimatum and how that plays out.

-I went to do a quick count of how long it takes from page 1 to get to when the main character's name is finally said for the first time because that is pretty infamous. we, the readers, don't learn our main character's name until we get to the middle of page 7. girl, you are not Daphne du Maurier nor do you have her reason for not divulging the main character's name a la Rebecca.

-the book straight up starts with, "I've always envied those with normal lives." no you don't. know how I know? because your name is Zade. the name you ask other people to call you is Zade. fun fact: one time when I was a kid, I told a kid at the swimming pool that my name was Amy because I didn't want to struggle with someone I didn't really know trying to say my somewhat unusual name. if you truly wanted to be normal, you would probably do something similar.

-"I won't cover everything that has been crazy or unusual in my life." I kind of wish you would because that would probably be more interesting to read.

-"Don't fight it. Destiny will always win." Ok thanks D. D. Drosselmeyer.

-our main character is blabbing on and on about things that truly aren't important, but I will talk about her thoughts on thunderstorms because hey, it's my blog, I'm allowed to be petty and nitpicky. I don't get why she's like, "The nighttime thunderstorms are more magical." That seems backwards. like, ok, I will temporarily allow the author to possess me and spend an unreasonable amount of time writing about why daytime thunderstorms are more magical to me. when it happens in an otherwise clear, sunny sky, it is the unexpected pleasure of a sunshower. but it's even more impressive to me when the clouds roll in and the world is under their dense, turbulent blanket, and the sky grows so dark that it is nighttime during the day only for the sudden sunbright shock of a lightning bolt to blind your senses. but then, I get the feeling my tastes are going to differ a LOT from our protagonist's.

-you see that thing I did where I pointlessly talked about thunderstorms for like 60 words? when our protagonist talked about thunderstorms, she did it for about 180 WORDS. this is what she's burning her precious chapter 0 on and she hasn't even introduced herself yet.

-oh right, it's chapter 0 because the Fool is 0. This is actually something I'm ok with.

-our protagonist's mother is the local fortune teller (and witch who can do legit fantasy magic, but that's not made absolutely clear yet) and she's talking about how people come from all over to see her. like, this COULD be worldbuilding because we don't know how many legit magic users there are in the world or how spread out they might be. but lemme tell ya, if they're going for a spread or to have their palm read or whatever, that's honestly not as weird in the south as she's trying to indicate. yes, there are the churchy sorts who think it's of the devil, but I've been on enough road trips down here where I've passed multiple fortune teller setups. I am not going all the way to Nashville to have her mom fuss over my broken marriage line when I've got perfectly competent locals who know their palmistry.

-she says when she was a kid, the other kids weren't allowed to be friends with her because of her family's beliefs, and I call bullshit on that. again, southerner here, and I've been to enough sleepovers that included a trip to church in the morning to know full well that at least one family would allow their kids to be friends with her for conversion purposes.

-by the way, our main character didn't actually do anything in the book until we got to page 5.

-so, our protagonist is leaving her family home, which she compares to the plantation Tara in Gone with the Wind. and earlier she said her family has owned land in Tennessee since the 1700s. while I get the feeling none of this will matter later, it still merits a fairly big Yikes from me.

-it's so weird when authors spend a lot of time talking about the brands their characters use. it feels like that scene in Wayne's World where they parody corporate sponsors. it's just distracting and makes me wonder if they paid you for the reference.

-gosh, the way she describes what normal people do to those who stand out is so clunky. it's not even worth repeating because it's honestly just painful. there must have been a better way to make that point.

-so wait a minute: Zade says her mother Dela can always tell when she's lying, but then she says she's not good at lying to her mother. the first part of it made it sound like her mother has some sort of power where she can magically sense when people are lying to her. why don't we establish that? it would be some much-needed world building.

-Zade is going to an audition, and Dela makes it clear she knows who the audition is with. I'm gonna just come out with the big twist now because I want to highlight how this book will not hold up upon a reread. Zade is going to audition for a magic show in Las Vegas that's headlined by Charles Spellman. but *Speed Racer announcer voice* unbeknownst to the readers, Charles Spellman is actually Zade's long-estranged father! but here's the thing: WHY don't we know? the book is told from Zade's first person pov and it's clear from the way she and Dela are talking that Zade has some awareness of who Spellman is. this is going to shoot the book in the foot later for a bunch of different reasons, and I can offer two ways to fix it: either write the book in third person limited so we're not in Zade's head or make it so Zade doesn't know Spellman's her father until the very end. (though there would be some other issues with the story if that second option had been taken.)

-"My anger erupted, if she hadn't been my mother I probably would have punched her." much like the taste we get of Zade's love interest Mac from the blurb on the back of the book, Zade is also a violent person. this is only going to get worse as the story goes on.

-also right after that they hug and make up. it seriously goes from 100 to 0 like that.

-I don't care that you got permission to print the song lyrics. that is not what I am here to read.

and that's how we end the very first chapter of this garbage heap. it's amazing how much I could just kind of skim over because so much nothing happens.

[droumack]

ghost/soap??? excuse me bruinsss droumack but how did i not know you are a believer in the most random ship i've ever fallen into (and that is saying a lot). please do you have any ghost/soap recs and/or fics in the work?? because i would die

LMAO YEAH DUDE I LOVE THEM SO MUCH

this is the fic I was referencing:

In a fit of insecure jealousy, Soap’s longterm boyfriend proposes a threesome to help fix their crumbling relationship.

Soap doesn’t think it’s a good idea, but Ghost seems strangely eager to offer his assistance.

If only so he can break them further apart.

~

Soap’s boyfriend hedges his bets, but Ghost’s playing for keeps.

[wedontdeservethestars]

WEDONTDESERVETHEFICS MASTERLIST

UNCHARTED

Rafe Adler x Reader

A Dream's End

To Sleep, Perchance to Dream

Trouble in Paradise

Nathan Drake x Reader

Bad Timing

It Can't Be Love if You Throw It About

Charlie Cutter x Reader

Dating Charlie Headcanons

Elena Fisher x Chloe Frazer

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Nathan Drake x Harry Flynn

Elevator to Heaven

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Time to Kill

Rafe Adler x Sam Drake

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Stardew Valley x Uncharted Pairings

Headcanons about Nate's Dad (& Sully)

RESIDENT EVIL

Karl Heisenberg x Reader

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The Suadade Gambit: Chapter 1

The Suadade Gambit: Chapter 2

The Suadade Gambit: Chapter 3

Spencer Reid x Penelope Garcia x Derek Morgan

Enough

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A Synthetic Shoulder to Cry On

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Even the Stars Need Sleep

Obsessed

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Ninja Mime 5: Fool Fighters

Push & Pull

[domoz]

AU where Hashirama + Tobirama + Madara + Izuna are the ones who died, and their brothers are the ones who lived.

Kou = Uchiha clan head

Kuro = Uchiha clan heir

Togakushi = Uchiha clan sir not appearing in this fic

Kawarma = Senju Clan head

Itama = Senju Clan heir

It is a lovely day, but Kou has opted to have the shogi board set up inside with the fusuma closed.  He's not so dramatic as to darken the room enough to need candles to see by, but the temptation is there -- he likes to set a mood, and more importantly, he likes to prove a point. Waiting for him, kneeling in perfect seiza on the other side of the board, is the man responsible for keeping Kou from total victory over the Senju clan.

He still does not know quite how; he's been manevoring for years and had been quite sure that the daimyo would finally agree to seize their stolen lands and scatter the clan members to the four winds. Instead, somehow, the Senju have survived, have ended up as Uchiha vassals instead of dead, and Senju Itama, with his striking two colored hair, had been the one at court when it was announced. He had bowed deeply to the daimyo and given thanks for his mercy, then had turned to bow to Kou and greet him as his Lord.

In the most infuriatingly move of all, he had insisted that he had been given orders not to take action until he had reported to his clan head, and though he wasn't able to deny the offer to be escorted back to his clan lands, he had managed to politely rebuff any conversations that went deeper than basic barbs and pleasantry quite skillfully.

Now, though, he's spoken to his clan head -- in person, not the summons Kou knows he sent ahead. Senju Kawarama and Kuro are only a few rooms over, discussing the Senju clan's obligations to their new lords, and Itama has no more excuses to deny him a game and a discussion.

The Senju bows at the waist as Kou sweeps into the room, perfectly formal and polite, as is the way he averts his eyes.

Hah. Yes, that's going to be a change in etiquette that will be a pain to force the Senju to accept. Now isn't the time to push it though. Instead he hums, "It's lovely to see you again, Senju-san. And -- ah, what a nice board you've set up for us."

"You as well." Itama has seated himself on the white side and will be playing second -- Kou respects him enough to know it must be deliberate, though to what end he cannot yet say, "And thank you. It was actually grown in one piece by the last member of our clan to hold our kekkei genkai."

Ah, so it would have been one of Itama's long-dead brothers, then. Terrible thing, killing one so young, but it wasn't as though there were many options to deal with someone with the potential for so much disruptive power; not when they were still at war. He could do better now, but it isn't now. Again, Kou is unsure what the Senju is trying to do by evoking the dead, but if a try an emotional reaction, he's not going to get it.

"Interesting." He says, "I hadn't known it could be used for craftsmanship."

Which is a lie, and an obvious one, but Itama does not call him on it. He does, however, stiffen as Kou activates his sharingan. It's not obvious, Itama's composure is very good, but when faced with a sharingan there are some reactions that just can't be hidden. The slight thinning of lips, the locking of muscles, the speed of his pulse hammering in his throat.

"I like to remember the games I've played to go over them later." Kou says with his most disarming smile, "You won't mind."

"Of course not." Itama agrees easily, voice betraying nothing, "I await your move."

Kou slides a pawn forward, faux careless in his selection. He's not one of those fools who believes that one can see into a man's soul from how he plays the game, but he will admit there is some insight to be had. A few moves pass in silence, the Senju going for a traditional, defensive opening, and quickly foiling any chance Kou might have had at a gambit and a quick win.

Ah, well. More fun to play it out, anyways.

"I must say, you keep beautiful gardens here in your clan compound." He says. It's nothing, just probing idle small talk, but the corner Itama's lip curls.

"We do." And then, "If you don't mind me saying so, Uchiha-sama, there's no need to work up to your point. I'm ready to hear it."

That startles a barking laugh out of Kou. What an exercise in contractions Senju Itama is! He's clearly afraid of him, must hate his clan, yet he holds himself so calmly -- he's the only one who has ever truly challenged Kou, politically, yet he speaks so bluntly. How bold!

"Oh you misunderstand." Kou purrs as he captures on of Itama's pawns, "I didn't come here with a point, I simply find myself quite enchanted and wished to learn more about you. That's all."

"Ah. Well I suppose that I'm flattered then. Thank you" Itama replies, voice genuine and his face not twitching a bit to prove otherwise.

Yes, he is good, and if allowed to remain with the Senju clan he will become dangerous. There are many ways Kou could have gone about this, but Itama has postured himself as a man who appreciates directness, so he'll try that first.

"Truth be told, I'd love to take you out of here." He admits, and there is a pause in Itama's hand as he goes to move another piece -- capturing one of his pawns in fact, though doing so doesn't actually improve his position by much, "As lovely as the gardens may be, you must be aware that the things needed to help adjust a clan to becoming vassals are… Difficult. I simply think you'd be better suited elsewhere, with your talents. Somewhere where you might live a bit of a nicer life."

Yes, quite a lot of his clan want to make the Senju live in misery, but if Kou is to let them do that, it will have to be subtle. If they mistreat their vassals, they will look like bad lords, and may even give the Senju enough argument to try and demand freedom again -- given their circumstances, becoming subservient was actually the best protection the Senju could have asked for.

Itama hums neutrally as he appears to study the board. They trade a few quick moves before he asks, "We hardly know each other as yet, what sort of work could you possibly have in mind?" The steadying breath he takes before meeting Kou's eyes is silent, and his gaze is challenging.

"Oh, I'm sure you'd do well no matter what I asked of you, Senju-san, but I wasn't thinking of putting you to work." He glances down only long enough to capture Itama's gold general, "Marriage was more what I had in mind."

He's good, but not that good. That casual declaration clearly scrambles Itama's thoughts and delays his next turn for a long moment before his expression settles into something unimpressed.

The Senju and Uchiha clans are not equals now, not that Kou thinks they ever were, and that demotion is so fresh that there is next to no chance of any marriage between their clans being a balanced one.

Not that Kou was lying about giving him a nicer life! It would not do for the head of the Uchiha clan to mistreat a concubine of his, after all.

"…One of my brothers died defending me from the Uchiha." Is how Itama responds a long moment later, picking up the game again and moving to defend his other general. He speaks evenly, without hostility, despite the subject, "It took me a long time to come to terms with it, but I decided that the best way to honor what he'd done for me was to live my life as freely and happily as I am able."

Itama's eyes remained fixed to the board as they trade a few inconsequential moves back and forth, "So, Uchiha-sama, assuming you are giving the option, I'm afraid I will have to decline." He moves his rook back to the position it was in the turn before, and looks up with a ghost of a smile. "I am, however, amenable to being courted."

Kou almost laughs again. Bold, indeed! A shame he cannot force the issue, or he'll run into the same problems with mistreatment that his clan is certain to complain about in the coming days. He smiles back, knowing that his smirk makes him look cruel.

"Perhaps we can revisit the offer later."

"Perhaps." Itama agrees. Then he takes his turn. Moves a piece, and says, "Ah. It appears we've reached a sennichite."

…A repetition draw. Kou had been more focused on Itama's reactions than the game, but when he thinks back on the past few moves find that the Senju is right. What a blunder on his part, and when was the last time there was someone capable enough to make him do that?

"So we have." Kou agrees, letting his sharingan fade, "I think it's time we check on our brothers then. It was an interesting game, Senju-san. I hope you'll join me for another soon."

He thinks he means it too. Senju Itama is someone he's going to have to keep a close eye on, indeed.