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seleneprince · 1 month ago

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A Court of Shadows and Blood Chapter 4

He’s not accustomed to failure.

He definitely has had his bad moments over the years, specially the last fifty of them, but not even an eternity could've prepared him for this kind of failure.

The iron chains bite into his wrists, bruising him, and the fury that surges through him is an unfamiliar, unwelcome thing. That human filth. It dawns to him he doesn't even know her name, didn't bother to ask. Pets don't need names, after all. They're supposed to go by whatever their masters call them.

But of course, nothing about his pet is remotely conventional. Or predictable.

The improvised cuffs press against his skin when he pulls, an angry growl escaping his throat. ¿When did she learn to do these cursed knots? It's embarrassing that such a simple trap by a mere human has him struggling like this.

It doesn't help her scent is all over the room: fear, anger, desperation. It clings to the air like a mocking reminder of her audacity, mingling with the faint aroma of jasmine that has lingered on her since he found her in the woods. Not even a bath could wash it away, it seems.

Talons grow from his fingers and grip the chains, his body slowly drawing in magic. The iron clatters to the floor in broken pieces, shattering the heavy silence with its sharp, echoing clamor.

He doesn't waste a second in wrenching himself free of the chains she’d dared to shackle him with. He sits up, massaging his wrists as he processes the situation.

A human—a weak, pathetic human—has bested him. A creature so insignificant, so beneath his existence, has somehow outwitted him.

He forces himself to breathe, to quiet the chaos roaring in his chest. He rolls his shoulders, shaking off the phantom ache of the uncomfortable position he's been trapped in, and straightens to his full height. His eyes go to the door, the one she slammed behind her when she escaped.

He's tempted to winnow whenever she is and drag her back by the hair, but he pauses. Her scent has left a faint yet traceable trail, probably not for other faeries, but obvious to him. It's how he usually tracks down people, by following the scent.

His mind conjures a much better idea. His feet move in slow, measured steps to the door, forcing it open with such force the hinges creaked.

Let her think she has won. Let her believe she could actually flee from him. He'll give her some time to rejoice, to harbour some hope, and then he'll appear in front of her like her worst nightmare, and tear her hopes apart.

That human will learn soon enough what it means to defy the High Lord of the Night Court.

Yet…there's something else. Something that gnaws at him as he stalks through the corridors, shadows trailing him like loyal sentries. Her scent still lingers faintly in the air, a whisper of her presence leading him through the labyrinthine halls beneath the mountain. She's clever; he’ll give her that. The chains have been a surprise, a calculated move, but her fear had betrayed her as much as her defiance had fueled her.

What had Amarantha said? 'Humans are awfully predictable.' Rhysand agreed with her then. Now he only wants to laugh at the statement.

As he rounds another corner, his focus sharpens. The shadows whisper to him of faint disturbances in the hidden veins of the mountain. Smart human. She found the passages carved long ago—ones only a very selective group of Fae knew of and used. He smirks, the expression devoid of warmth.

But then the scent shifts. A second trail—familiar, acrid, and infuriating—weaves through the air. His eyes narrow.

Eris Vanserra.

The Autumn heir is many things—conniving, vain, a pain in the ass—but he wouldn’t have pegged him as reckless. For all his posturing, Eris rarely plays games without a clear path to victory. And yet, the fact that the human have vanished toward his direction can’t be coincidence.

He doesn’t bother masking his approach. Let Eris know he's coming. Let him prepare whatever barbs or jests he think can deflect his wrath. It won't matter.

He finds Eris in his chambers, lounging near the fire like a contented cat, his auburn hair gleaming in the flickering light. The scent of blood lingers faintly, though Eris’s immaculate clothing shows no signs of injury.

"Vanserra," He growls, stepping inside without invitation.

Eris glances up, his lips curling into that familiar, insufferable smirk. "Oh my, this is a surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company, Lord of the Night?"

The shadows curling around Rhys’s shoulders darken, their edges sharper. "Don’t play games with me, Eris. Where is she?"

Eris tilts his head, feigning confusion. "She? You’ll have to be more specific. I’ve entertained many guests tonight."

Rhys’s temper flares, his power surging in a pulse that rattles the nearby furniture. "Don’t waste my time. You know exactly who I mean. The human. My human."

Eris raises an eyebrow, having the nerve to look at him as if he’s saying something foolish.

"Sorry, but I don’t have the slightest idea what you’re talking about," he replies—slowly, carefully, mockingly—as if speaking to a disgruntled child. "Are you sure you’re not just tired? I know she’s been keeping you busy lately..."

Usually, he reminds himself that Eris is nothing more than a child compared to him. That this male, this brat—no matter the rich silks he now wears or the lethal fire running through his veins—is beneath his notice in terms of age, power and experience. That it's beneath him entertain his games and jabs.

But right now, he has no patience for brats.

"Spare me your bullshit, Vanserra." He relishes the faint flicker of surprise in Eris’ eyes at the growl in his voice. It’s unusual. He shouldn’t be losing control like this, not in front of a Vanserra... but he’s too fucking angry to care. "I can smell her here. Where. Is. She?"

The heir of Autumn blinks at him, expression frustratingly unreadable. But he can still sense the undercurrent of fear just beneath the surface of his mind.

Eris rises to his feet slowly, his eyes locked on the High Lord before him. He moves carefully, like he’s watching a predator poised to strike—or a wounded animal ready to lash out. Clasping his hands in front of him, he tilts his head at the older male.

"Who exactly is 'her'?" His smirk is infuriating. "I don’t understand... Oh!" He chuckles. Oh, how he wishes he could rip that sound out of his throat. "Are you hiding something from us, Lord of the Night? It must be quite important if our queen doesn't know yet."

The shadows curling around his shoulders hiss, their edges growing razor-sharp.

"I’m warning you, Eris," he grits out, fists clenching. "I’m losing my patience here. Tell me where the fuck she is right now, or you can say goodbye to you and your miserable family before tomorrow."

Eris’ smirk vanishes. His voice, when he speaks, is deadly serious. "Keep my family out of your filthy mouth."

The threat in his tone is surprising, but not entirely unexpected. Eris has his own buttons that can be pressed.

"They have nothing to do with your personal messes. If I were you, I’ll be more worried about Amarantha finding out. I wonder what she’ll think of her whore keeping a human pet under her nose—without her permission."

Something snaps.

A guttural growl rips through him as his power surges, lashing out and shattering the furniture around them. His fist slams into the wall beside Eris’s head, cracking the stone. His knuckles ache from the impact, but he barely acknowledges it. The feral darkness inside him roars, swallowing the room whole.

And he doesn't care.

"I'm sick of your games, Vanserra." His voice is low, lethal. The rage dripping off his mouth. "I don't like when people tamper with my things. Tell me where you hid her, or I'll fucking slit your throat right here. How would your mother fare mourning another son?"

For the first time this night, Eris flinches. It’s subtle—just the briefest flicker of something sharp and almost vulnerable flashing through those amber eyes—but Rhys still catches it. The reaction only fuels his bloodthirst, makes the shadows coil tighter around him, hungry, eager to rip the truth from Eris’s throat.

But the heir of Autumn recovers quickly. His lips curl into something that’s not quite a smirk, but not quite a snarl either.

Rhys can feel Eris's pulse quicken, can sense the way his body tenses just slightly, poised between fight and flight. The amusement has drained from his features, replaced by something cold and calculated.

"Careful, High Lord," Eris murmurs, voice dangerously smooth despite the way Rhys has him caged against the wall. "Threatening me is one thing. But bring up my mother again, and we’ll see just how much you enjoy having your insides burned to ashes."

The tension crackles between them, thick and volatile. His patience is razor-thin, but Eris’s tone gives him pause. For all his flaws, he knows the Autumn heir isn't bluffling. He's his father's favourite for a reason, and the land chose him as Heir for the same. The power that runs through his veins is enough to reduce armies to ashes, among other more painful and twisted things. He might not rival his shadows, but he knows better than understimate him.

Eris is a player of the long game. Just like him.

Rhys exhales harshly through his nose. He doesn’t have time for Eris’s dramatics—not when she is still out there, running, slipping further from his grasp with each passing second.

The air shifts subtly, a faint rustle in the shadows. Rhysand freezes, his sharp senses attuned to every nuance of the moment.

The passage. A whisper of movement. A misstep.

His entire body stills.

His eyes snap to the archway just beyond Eris’s shoulder. The scent is faint, barely there beneath the thick autumn spice of Eris's presence, but it’s unmistakable.

It's her. The human. His pet.

She’s close. So close he can almost hear her frantic mortal heartbeat, can almost taste the delicious fear clinging to her skin.

Eris shifts slightly, as if realizing what Rhys has picked up on. The smirk creeps back onto his face, lazy and sharp. "Oops."

Rhys nearly slams him back against the wall again, but it’s too late. The slight rustle of fabric, the near-silent exhale of breath—it’s all he needs. The realisation strucks him.

"You helped her. You kept me distracted so she could escape."

Eris smirks. "Well, after the stunt she pulled to get here, how could I not? She’s impressive—for a mortal. I'd hate to see her wasting away in the hands of a brute like you."

He tilts his head, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Poor thing was so terrified you’d find her. It pulled my heartstrings. I couldn't help it."

His blood goes ice-cold.

His fingers twitch, the shadows coiling tighter around his frame, reacting to the fury clawing up his spine. He should be the one toying with her, dragging out the inevitable, savoring her fear. Not Eris. Not Eris fucking Vanserra.

"You shouldn’t have done that," Rhys grits his teeth, voice deathly quiet.

Eris chuckles again, the weakened torchlight casting sharp angles across his smirking face. "Oh? And why is that?"

He takes a slow step backward, each movement controlled, precise. The type of control that still exudes violence. "Because it's none of your damn bussiness, Vanserra. And trust me, you don't want to make this personal. Not with me."

Eris clicks his tongue, rolling his shoulders with an air of infuriating nonchalance, fixing his clothes as if he hadn't been pressed against the wall and threatened to death. "You’re overestimating how much I care for you. I was simply curious. That’s all. Last time I saw a human was...when? A milenia ago, I think." His smirk sharpens, eyes gleaming. "And she was dressed like one of your people. You can't expect me to not be interested."

The shadows creep around his feet.

Eris moves away just as fast, sidestepping them as flames spark at his fingertips. "My my, what a temper. Can't even make jokes anymore." he tuts, the flames licking dangerously close to Rhys’s shadows, just enough for them to feel the challenge. "You really want to do this, Lord of the Night? Start something you can't finish?"

"You think I won’t?" I can squash you like a miserable bug just with a flick of my fingers, brat. Don't test me." He snarls. The air is crackling with raw power. "You think I won’t rip your spine out of your throat for meddling in something that doesn’t concern you?"

Eris only smirks. "Now that," he muses, "would be amusing to watch. But unfortunately, you’re simply wasting time." The mockery in his voice drips like venom. "Because every second you stand here posturing is another second she’s slipping further and further away from you."

That makes him still.

The realization is a blade to the gut.

The human is still running.

She is getting away. From him.

Eris leans against the wall, watching the calculation flicker through Rhys’s eyes with thinly veiled amusement. "You could fight me, of course, and you'll probably win," he says, inspecting his nails. "Or you could go after your little pet before she finds her way into real trouble. The kind that won't be as forgiving and understanding as me." He raises his gaze, amusement melting into something more serious. "Because we both know, Rhys, there are worse things than you lurking in these halls."

He doesn’t need the reminder.

He moves before Eris can utter another word, shoving past him and heading straight for the passage. But then, a thought gnaws at him.

He halts. Turns.

"You just helped her escape. Risked your sorry neck for it. And now you're encouraging me to chase after her again." His voice is low, dangerous. "Why help her in the first place, then?"

Eris just watches him, the flickering torchlight playing over the fine angles of his face. His smirk is still there, but it’s thinner now. Less twisted. Less arrogant.

Rhys tilts his head, waiting. Why help her? Eris isn’t the type to throw himself into any kind of risk unless there’s something bigger to gain. Doing reckless moves like this, without a clear benefit for him, is unnatural in the male.

A heartbeat of silence stretches between them. Then, the heir of Autumn exhales, long and slow, and shrugs.

"Like I said, I was curious. That's all."

Rhys narrows his eyes. He can tell when Eris is lying, has had fifty years to know him—except right now, he isn’t. Not entirely, at least.

And it doesn't sit right to him.

A smirk flickers back onto Eris’s lips, a slow, lazy thing. "Besides, you already had your chance to keep her locked up, didn’t you?" His voice is all arrogance, all amused cruelty. "Seems to me like you fumbled that opportunity quite spectacularly. I can't imagine how awfully humiliating it would be for you if this failure became public knowledge."

Rhys’s jaw clenches, shadows hissing around him.

"She’s human, Eris." His voice is ice. He's not letting his brat get under his skin. He won't. "A weak, mortal human with no allies, no power, no place in this world. And yet you—" his eyes narrow, suspicion blooming like ink in his gut "—you helped her anyway."

Eris doesn’t reply immediately. Instead, he moves leisurely to his desk, pouring himself a glass of wine from a decanter that looks worth more than anything that's served in this hellish mockery of a court. He swirls the liquid absently before bringing it to his lips, taking a slow sip.

Then, finally, he says, "Perhaps I simply wanted to see what she was made of."

Rhys doesn’t move. Not even a twitch in his expression.

Eris glances at him over the rim of his glass, something unreadable in his gaze. "And she showed it to me. Quite impressively, I might add."

Rhys’s teeth grind. "That’s not an answer."

"No, it’s not," Eris agrees easily, setting the glass down with a deliberate clink. "But it's not like you would understand the truth, either."

Rhys studies him for a long moment, the gears in his mind turning. There’s something here. Something he’s missing.

And then it hits him.

The way Eris's posture has changed when it came to her. The way he had spoken about her.

The realization slams into him like a punch.

Eris isn’t just helping the human.

He’s testing her.

But why?

Rhys exhales sharply, a quiet, humorless laugh escaping his lips. "You’re playing a dangerous game, Vanserra."

Eris leans back against the desk, arms crossing over his chest. "Aren’t we all?"

Rhys doesn’t have time for this. He doesn’t have time for Eris’s cryptic bullshit or his...whatever it is with the human.

His shadows curling at his heels, slowly engulfing his form.

"I hope you got everything you wanted from this," he murmurs. "Because when I find her, it’s over."

Eris chuckles. "Oh, I’m counting on it."

Rhys doesn’t wait for more.

He turns and disappears into the dark, his mind narrowing to a single purpose.

Hunt his pet down.

He's been in this passage enough times to memorize the dents in the walls, the texture of the rock, even the tiny pests that call it home.

Yet every time, his skin prickles with disgust.

Now, his mind is too focused on the task at hand to notice the dust and dirt around him. He's in tunnel vision, his nose honing in on the familiar human scent.

There's a moment when she's just within reach of his shadows—just one swirl, and he'll have her. He'll drag her back to him, engulf her in his presence with no chance to resist. She can't kick shadows away.

He reaches out, his essence surrounding her, blocking her senses. He still can't quite brush the surface of her mind, but he has other ways to trap her. He feels the warmth of her skin and the rapid beating of her heart, so loud in the heavy silence around them. His shadows caress her, soaking in her fear and confusion.

Just as he's about to seize her, he senses something amiss.

A stinging pain surges through him—a burn, as if he just laid his hands on flames. Instinctively, his shadows recoil immediately.

"What the hell...?"

What was that? It felt like...

He reaches out for her again, but then a door creaks open—a hidden latch in the wall leading to another room. And she slips through, closing it behind her.

Silence settles over the passage once more, broken only by the faint rhythm of her heartbeat from the other side of the wall.

That sting—he knows it well. Too well.

It’s been a millennium since he last felt it, but it’s something he could never forget.

Ashwood.

His jaw tightens. Where the hell did she get her hands on ashwood? She didn’t have it when she left him in the chambers, and there was no way she could have come across casually it while running through the hallways.

Then how—?

A low growl rumbles from his throat.

Eris Vanserra.

Because of course.

Again, he wonders—what game is he even playing? There’s nothing to gain from helping a mortal. In fact, he has far more to lose. He’s already treading a razor’s edge, one wrong step away from pissing him off enough to get himself killed.

But before he can follow that train of thought, something else catches his attention.

A scent.

It halts him mid-step.

Salty, like the sea, but tinged with damp earth.

She’s crying

He can almost taste it on the air—a bitter mix of sweat, tears, and damp earth that now clings to her scent. For centuries, he used to torment mortals without a second thought, driven solely by his own whims. But this…this raw display of vulnerability unsettles him more than any of her antics ever has.

He wanted to break her. To see what she hides behind her walls and have her submit to him, willingly.

He should feel triumph, but instead, a disquiet gnaws at him—a dangerous curiosity about the depth of her defiance, mixed with a pang of something he’d long thought dead.

He presses his lips together, his mind racing in the silence. A mortal with the guts to cry out in despair… and manage to run with that fire still burning in her eyes just as fiercely. She’s more than a pet to be recaptured. She’s a challenge. An enigma he never anticipated.

He scowls into the darkness, anger and confusion warring within him. He should not care about her tears, should not feel any pity for the weak and fleeting nature of mortal sorrow, specially from the one human that has been nothing but an unsufferable pain for him.

And yet...he's not moving. He's not capturing her. He's standing there, in the silent passage, listening to her sobs.

He groans, shaking his head. Enough of this. He will not be distracted. He tightens the grip on the shadows and readies himself to resume the pursuit, his mind sharpening once more to the singular purpose that has driven him since the moment she slipped away. Since she outsmarted him and left him chained to his own damn bed, like a fool.

This human must be found, and she will pay dearly for her insolence—and no amount of tears and begging will save her. But for now, he'll let her think she's safe. That she has escaped him. Let her wallow in her relief before he rips it away from her.

And then, just as suddenly as it started, her tears are gone. She stops.

Her emotional control is fascinating for such a young mortal. Despite his rage, his curiosity still remains underneath all of it. ¿What else is she hiding? How far can she be pushed before breaking?

Only one way to find out.

...........

She doesn’t know how long she’s been running.

She doesn’t know how long she’s been here.

Every hallway looks the same.

Every single corner blurs together.

She doesn’t know where she is. Or what’s going to happen to her.

And worst of all—she still hasn’t found Feyre.

The sharp clicks of her heels against the stone stairs echo in the empty halls, the only sound reaching her ears. Her heavy, ragged breaths have melted into the other white noise thrumming in the background of her senses.

At some point, she had to shove the knife Eris gave her up her sleeve—she needed both hands to steady herself.

She’s tired. Hungry. Thirsty. Scared.

And yet, none of it overshadows the anger burning inside her.

It’s the one thing driving her forward. The one thing that always has.

Then, she hears her mother’s voice.

"People respect anger more than tears, Nesta. If you must feel something, feel angry. Hold on to it. Use it. Don’t ever let anyone see more than that."

Her grip tightens, her jaw clenched so hard it aches.

As soon as she finds Feyre, she’s dragging that idiotic brat back home. She’ll lock her up in their bedroom at the cabin. Tie her to a chair. Break her legs if she has to—just so she can’t run off again.

And then, she’ll stab any cursed fae that dares try to take her away.

Yes. She likes that idea. She likes it a lot.

Suddenly, something curls around her feet mid-step. She trips, barely managing to grip the banister before she crashes to the ground.

Just as she steadies herself, movement flickers ahead.

Then—footsteps. Slow. Measured. Drawing closer.

She pushes herself upright, breath unsteady. And as she lifts her head, she sees it—

A tall, dark figure standing in her path, blocking her view.

No. Not a person.

A monster.

"Found you."

A shiver runs down her spine. Her knees threaten to buckle at the sound of that voice. That awful, terribly familiar voice.

Her breath stutters. Every instinct in her body screams not to look. Not to meet his gaze.

But her eyes lift anyway.

And there they are—those inhuman, violet eyes, gleaming with nothing but twisted intentions.

Before she can turn away, his hand clamps around her throat in a flash. His grip is tight—just enough to cut off her breath for a second.

"Did you have fun, little thing?"

His voice is a purr laced with cruelty. He’s so close she can feel his breath ghosting against her lips. His fingers engulf her entire neck like it’s nothing, locking her in place. She knows—if she so much as twitches, he could snap it in an instant.

"I did," he continues, his smile sharp, almost feral. "It was so fun watching you run around like a headless chicken."

His voice vibrates with a low growl, the edges of his words dripping with amusement and, worse, anger.

Nesta trembles. She claws at his wrist, digging her nails into his skin.

It’s useless. She knows it’s useless.

But she doesn’t know what else to do.

"Well, I'm afraid we're putting an end to the chase now."

His grip tightens. Nesta can’t breathe. She’s choking, clawing desperately for air.

Dark spots bloom at the edges of her vision. Her body grows weak…

"Time to go back to your cage."

The words echo in her head like a sentence passed down by fate.

And then—darkness swallows her whole.

The last thing she feels is his arms catching her. Holding her close.

Like a trap snapping shut.

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greensagephase · 1 year ago

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ALONDRA I’M SCREAMING!!! NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION PART 12 IS JUST-THE PLOT HERE??!! READER STAYING WITH MIGUEL??!! I LOVE THIS PART!!!! and before I get into this I might (no I did 😭) have written so much and I tried to brake it into separate parts but theres so many scenes I love and needed to discuss!! Have to start with Peter though… every time he’s included I’m like yes Peter’s here!! But then i get emotional too 🥺 you get me every time!! These small flashbacks provide so much to say about how he was, such a loving person 🥺 And when reader dreams of Peter, only for him to wake her up, almost like warning her from the fire 😭 he’s watching over her!!!!, the way Peter still has such a huge impact on the story is a huge testament to how important is really was, really is!! Ok this line is towards the end but this right here!: "You turn to the sky, thinking that if it wasn’t for him, you wouldn’t be here now. Even in death, Peter has guided and supported you throughout the years." 😭😭 I love Peter!! I just- this was beautifully written.

And when reader was clearing out everyone from the building I was on edge!! I felt the sense of urgency as the scene played out and when the flames break out I swear- freaking out, only to find the juxtaposition of the next scene being Miguel sleeping peacefully with readers sweatshirt??!! 😭 AND THEN I FREAKED OUT WHEN HE SENSES SOMETHING IS WRONG, ALREADY KNOWING ITS READER Alondra, you really did it, THE PARALLELS AGAIN??!! And Miguel being so concerned the whole time while reader is still evacuating everyone from the building- retracting and extracting his talons because of the stress 😭 you know it’s crazy that you even hinted in the previous parts that this would happen because I remember reading the New Years’s one-shot when reader was overhearing two people discussing not leaving their holiday lights on and the landlord saying not to leave the lights on- still not over your ability to plant ideas like this throughout your story, how do you manage all these ideas??!! Also, I was worried that readers apartment would be damaged but I’m glad she was able to get important items like Peter vinyls and photos!! (with the rest of her things later) But the fact she just redecorated it too 😭 I’m actually really sad that this happened to her apartment, as I’ve imagined it so vividly in my mind and the memories she’s had there with Peter… 😭

Okay but when Miguel suddenly shows up and IMMEDIATELY offers reader to stay at his place??!! THIS. MAN. Alondra!!! I can’t, he’s so caring for reader 🥺 he is so concerned for her well being and seeing if she was injured in any way- and when he says he just sensed her being in danger. I swear, this special connection they have just makes their whole friendship (and future relationship 🤭) so much more interesting and AHHH loved this aspect sm when you first introduced it! (Especially with the fact Miguel doesn’t even have spider senses!) and will continue to love it and see just how this connection shows between them! AND THE FACT MIGUEL IS NO LONGER AFRAID OF IT AND ACTUALLY EMBRACES IT AFTER SOME TIME!?!? no omg and when Miguel compliments reader and tells her she’s amazing, got me blushing too 🤭 but the fact it also reminded her of when Peter said the same thing??!! (With Miguel thinking he may have said something wrong when reader gets sentimental about Peter 😭) Alondra, you’re hitting me right in heart with these parallels between Peter and Miguel 😭

Okay… Alondra, I swear how long have you been planning this idea for reader to stay in Miguel’s apartment because I wasn’t expecting this and AHHHHH!!!!! SCREAMING!!!!! Okay I knew reader would have an influence in Miguel’s apartment now that he’s actually there more and adding personal touches, like the record player and her sweatshirt but the fact SHE HERSELF is there now??!! 😭 the fact Miguel was so adamant on reader staying as long as she needed to!! reader is also so caring for Miguel in this moment too, wanting to make sure he is really okay with it. I have to mention just how proud I feel of Miguel too, his character development in this story- I love seeing his caring side as he opens up with reader 🥺 (he’s always been this way, reader just brings it out the best in him!!)! omg the way Miguel wanted to help reader with the rest of her furniture and asking if she packed up some clothes for a few nights at least for a few changes AND makes sure reader is the one who holds Peter’s record player 😭 I love him!!!

This line right here: "He’s especially caught up in the words you said just now - how you don’t want to disturb his peace and space - and thinks to himself about how this penthouse only truly feels peaceful and homey when you’re here." 🥺 it still makes me so sad how lonely Miguel was after losing so many loved ones, reader has brought him so much peace in his life. I just- I started tearing up here, and I always say it but their friendship is just so special, one that you only hope to have really 😭

OK WHEN MIGUEL TRAILS OFF IN SAYING READER COULD STAY DAYS, WEEKS, MONTHS, implying YEARS??!! ALONDRA- SCREAMING!!! Ok right here: In fact, Miguel realizes right now that he’d be perfectly happy with it, which makes his cheeks feel hot. He clears his throat gently. “What I’m trying to say is that - My home is your home,” AHHHHHH!!!!!! I can’t!!!! THIS MAN!! I’M GONNA KEEP SAYING IT!!! I LOVE HIM!!! He’s just so loving, I mean, the fact he doesn’t want reader to worry about anything of the sort- WHY IS’NT HE REAL??!! 😭 but yes at the same time reader would absolutely do the same for him too (ok we all would 😭) but they both- these two I love them sm!!!

Everyone at Miguel rn:

And I have to mention this little moment with Lyla when Miguel is cooking breakfast and he says “Hm, didn’t know she had that term in her vocabulary,” when Lyla says reader to please rest and Lyla mentioning she only uses that word for special members 😂 omg the way Miguel thought about the top five members and the fact spider-plushie might be up there 😭 Will never not bring up how much I love how you write Lyla’s quips and their banter!!

AND EVERY TIME Miguel cooks for reader now, it brings him so much joy 🥺😭 HE. LOVES. HER. i mean, AHHHH!!! I’m here in my room screaming!!! I mean right here!!: "His face softens at the sight, and he’s suddenly overwhelmed with a feeling he’s had ever since you first stepped foot into his home this morning, and one that has stayed with him. He feels the need to stay here with you, to work from home so he can keep an eye out for you while you rest. He doesn’t want to tell you this though." WHEN HE SAYS SAYS HIS HOME IS HER HOME??!! AND WHEN HE USES WE WHEN SORTING THINGS OUT FOR READER??!! When reader tells Miguel just how thankful she is for him AND ok I’m not joking when I say I cried when reader mentioned how she could hug him, this made me so sad because they respect their boundaries so much. When Miguel thinks about if they actually tried They are- okay I need to calm down here because I just love them!! If not for Miguel helping reader now her circumstances would be quite different, and vice versa. Their mutual understanding, genuine care, and respect they have for one another, it’s just beautiful. It’s things like this which make me love your story!! Ok I have to just highlight this part: “Dios,” Miguel whispers as he stares down at his hands. He can feel a tingling, almost as if his own hands are asking - begging - him to go and feel. I can’t imagine holding back on physical touch for so long after so much loss, to feel comfort physically, the warmth it brings 🥺 when he checks in or reader sleeping, I just know the look on his face was so full of care and love for her, a softness that he has just for her 🥺 and when his index finger reaches for readers cheek and pulls away, because he has so much respect and is just a gentleman I just-

And when the gang is so concerned for reader as well 🥺 I love how reader has truly found a group that truly cares about her and wants to support her!! Such a contrast to the years before, I’m just so happy for reader!! And when Jess and Peter B. already knew what Miguel would ask them and tells him to go and check on her😭 WITH THE KNOWING LOOK THEY GIVE EACH OTHER?! Ok in the gang, I wonder if all of them just talk about Miguel and reader’s friendship? like, you know they know 😭

When reader wakes up and hears billie holiday’s “blue moon” play on Miguel’s record player 😭 and she feels embarrassed when she remembers what she told him- and he feels a rush of ternura rush through him 😭 and when he actually talks about physical touch with her and is trying 🥺 SO MUCH PROGRESS ok ok and let me calm down because… WHEN MIGUEL INTENTIONALLY WRAPS HIS PINKY AROUND READER’S, INTENTIONALLY??!! No loopholes anymore!!! I’M SCREAMING!!! CRYING!!! THE ENERGY WE HAVE HERE??!! THIS WHOLE MOMENT, AS HE SLOWLY MOVES CLOSER, HIS EYES ASKING IF IT’S OKAY??!! This moment- A HUGE MILESTONE!!! And you know the size difference… totally normal about it (no I’m not) the way I took my own pinkies and tried to recreate this as it was written 😭 THE WAY THE TIP OF HIS FINGER IS ENOUGH TO WRAP AROUNDS YOURS??!! I’m fine, I’m fine 😭 AND HIM BLUSHING??!!-indirectly calling himself her friend 😭 I have to stop or else i’ll never finish typing!!! But the spider o’s reference!!! thank you for tagging me and including this little detail in!!! 🥺 I got so excited reading that!!! i’m just so happy these little ideas get put into your writing!! Thank you!!!

Ok when they were investigating the fire in reader’s apartment, I can’t help but wonder with the name of the tag being “OBRN” on the wire, and that this will lead to something more in the future- the name that popped for me was Norman Osborn with the letters being very close to his last name but I’m still thinking- I’m suspicious 🤔

I’m just so happy that reader got settled into Gabriels room quickly, having all her things laid out and making that room feel like hers 🥺 and the pictures displayed on the floating shelves, some with Miguel in them 😭 ok and the fact Miguel planned out a little rooftop dinner after she comes back from her patrols in her universe 😭 and of course he orders a few of each and didn’t want to disturb reader on her patrol and surprise her with this because it’s him, and he loves her!!! 🥺 and the fact he got tacos because being in Gabriels old room reminded him what his brother used to say about tacos (and agree, tacos can cheer anyone up!!) and their whole conversation about reader having the gang and him to help and support her, (their friends, their little family 🥺) with Miguel even thinking back to her time alone, wondering about things like if she ever gotten sick and that there was no one there to comfort her 😭 I keep saying it but I feel they were destined for one another, and it makes me so sad seeing Miguel think about wanting find her universe sooner. But when reader said she wanted to negotiate some terms, and Miguel not wanting her to worry about anything like paying rent or buying groceries 🥺 also, I have to mention how realistic you made this conversation, and bringing forth that communication like this is so important!!! They’re so cute, I can’t!!! Their whole relationship is rooted in so much deep understanding and care for one another’s wellbeing!!!!! AHHHH!!!! I CANT BELIEVE WE’RE STAYING AT MIGUELS PLACE WHAT??!!

I always sound like a broken record when saying this but THANK YOU AGAIN FOR WRITING SUCH AN AMAZING PART TO NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION!!! I always freak out when I see the next part posted, and I’m still so happy you took the time to take a break from social media and writing!!! (Please rest and take breaks and take care!! 🥺 I don’t want you stressing about posting at all!!) I’m just so thankful you’ve continued to develop this amazing story as it holds such a special place in my heart, no other story has made me so invested and I just love your writing!! (I’ll never stop saying it!!) 🥹❤️ it makes me wonder if you’ve ever thought about publishing books because that would be amazing!, I mean it, I think you’re an amazing writer!!! Also, I meant to write sooner but time slipped by with school and other things this week and I wanted to make ample time to read this thoroughly and talk about it because I always love to talk about my favorite parts with you and discuss the story as it progresses!!!! And AHHHH!!! Still obsessed with the official playlist you made for NC!!! I saved it right away and have been listening to it when studying and working!!! Did you also draw the cover art for the playlist? Because it looks amazing!!! THE SIZE DIFFERENCE WITH THE HANDS??!! AND THE SAGE GREEN BACKGROUND WITH THE COFFEE CUP??!! The aesthetic matches the story perfectly!!! I hope you get to rest well, friend!!! Especially with posting this and being busy with other things!!! I loved reading it so much!!! I’m really not gonna stop thinking about this!!! and I’m already adding to the (long) list of scenes I want to draw!!! 😭 (I’m fighting the urge until I post the older sketches I’ve been meaning to share I will, I promise!!) I’m so in love with this story, and how much you give so much care and attention to your writing, and also how much care you put into writing these character we love so much!!! It’s crazy how much Miguel and reader have come, almost 2 years has passed??!! I have such an attachment to them, and Peter too!! 🥺 Have an amazing weekend and also an amazing month as we head into February, friend!!! (I hope it isn’t too cold still where you are still, but if it is stay warm and safe!!) Always wishing you the best and rooting for you!!! ❤️🥹❤️✨

Hii @sunsetdoodler !!! I want to start off by saying I’m sorry for how long it took me to answer your ask!! I got caught up with some things like cleaning up, family events, and reading a new book that came out last week. I also wanted to make sure my response was not rushed with everything going on, so I took my time. I’m going to try and keep it short because I know you’re so busy with school right now (mission failed successfully, I'm sorry!!), but I'M SO HAPPY YOU LOVED THIS CHAPTER!!!

I love that you still enjoy all the little parts that include Peter!!! I love including them every single time!! It's actually amazing because I swear I thought that at some point I'd stop including him or mentioning him this much, but here we are! 🥺 I find myself thinking about him and little details (like, little bits of his and reader's lives. I don’t know why I make myself sad with that 😭) and coming up with ways to include him more, even if it's just a little mention, but it really does add more to his story and he just continues to develop as a character!! 😭 I never imagined that would happen, but I’m so happy to be able to include him!! And omg, this quote: “You turn to the sky, thinking that if it wasn’t for him, you wouldn’t be here now. Even in death, Peter has guided and supported you throughout the years." Let me tell you!! When I wrote that, I was trying so hard not to get emotional but failed!! 😭 It really is so amazing to have the opportunity to include Peter, even if he’s gone, and see how much impact he still has in the story and in reader’s life, so you're absolutely right!! The fact that he's still playing a role in the fic, shows how important Peter is, and will continue to be!! About the dream - I was inspired by @faretheeoscar to include that portion as a hint/nod for future purposes, but yes, Peter was warning her about the fire - he’s just so!! 🥹 I truly loved including him here and talking about him smiling, his scent, and his warmth - ugh, I miss him so much (and he’s not real, why?)!! He really won our hearts!! 🥺❤️

I’m so happy that the evacuation scene and the flames jumping out had you feeling on edge, hehe!! That's the energy I was hoping to achieve! I've said it before with Miguel's own action scene in part 8 - I don't feel confident with these scenes. I personally believe that I need more improvement with action scenes (especially for future writing goals outside of fanfiction, I'll talk more about this later on in my response), but I felt more confident with this one as I had part 8 under my wing! But no, I'm really happy you felt the sense of urgency and feeling on edge - I can say “mission accomplished!” Okay when the flames break out and then it cuts to Miguel sleeping peacefully with reader's sweatshirt but waking up and sensing something is wrong, his heart telling him it's about you and finding out it is - I've been waiting to include this parallel since part 8 with reader sensing Miguel's trouble!! 🤭 I had it planned since then and I’ve been dying to include it!! Miguel's talons extracting and retracting while he keeps an eye on reader - it's my headcannon that he does this unconsciously when he's under a lot of stress or anxiety, and I decided to include it here as a sign of how much Miguel cares for reader and how worried he was!! About the hinting of the short circuit - once I made up my mind about writing the one-shots, I realized they were the perfect way for me to drop some hints about it so that it could save me from having to figure out how to put those hints in part 12. Plus, it was so nice to leave hints there and then have you guys realize (if you read the one shots) that those possibly unimportant details turned out to be important!! I was plotting! 😂 As to how I manage the ideas, I have a piece of paper (all my notes and chapter outlines are always on paper; I like the feeling of paper and a pen) where I write interconnecting ideas so I don't forget them (though sometimes I do forget to write them, so I just keep them in my head and hope I don't forget it)!! About reader's apartment - it never crossed my mind to have it become damaged!! I'm going to be honest, it's a fictional apartment, but I'm very attached to it 😭 I think it's because it's where so much with Peter happened. Also, I think reader would be so devastated to lose one of the few physical objects/spaces linking her to Peter, if that makes sense. I think she loves this apartment for what it is, even if it's a little older and rundown in some areas, she finds its flaws charming, so that aspect alone would make her very sad, but to lose a space in which she shared and lived so much with Peter would be devastating and I couldn’t have reader go through this when things are going so well for the first time in many years. I didn’t and don't want to take this away from her, even if she'd gain some growth from it. I just - I refuse! 🥺 As to reader saving Peter’s belongings, this made the most sense to me!! I just imagined in this situation, nothing else would matter to me but preserving those items!!! Also, I'm sorry for making you sad about reader’s apartment and the fire 😭 I promise her floor is okay!! The fire didn't reach it and the building isn't falling apart (I have no plans for that to happen either!). The worst is the smoke smell but according to some small research, most of the things should be okay once the apartment is aired out (this was one single Google search, so I could be wrong, but I'll be searching further to confirm. It's really funny the things I had to research for this chapter though! I learned of the many ways an electrical fire can start; how to overload a circuit; how smoke moves through a room; when fire alarms were invented and required in buildings; how long people have to be prohibited from entering the building; what if it was arson and the rebuilding/reconstructing; and even the position reader used to drag the firefighter out! My Google search was weird for a few days lol) but don't worry!! Her apartment is otherwise fine!! She might have to replace a few items but at least the most sentimental items are safe!

Okay - Miguel showing up and immediately offering his place and checking reader to make sure she's not injured!!!! I LOVED writing this part!! It was a moment in which Miguel could finally express everything that he was feeling and show his support after standing by and letting you do your thing at your request!! Miguel admitting that he woke up because he sensed the danger, can we talk about how he even admitted this? I think the Miguel of the past would've been afraid to admit this but he did it 🥺 but I love this concept as well!! I think it's so interesting, too, because of the fact that Miguel doesn't have a spidey sense and yet, Miguel sensed this situation because of this connection between him and reader. It really is a special bond, and AHH I'm so happy that Miguel has embraced it much more. He's not as fearful of it as he used to, which is just another sign that Miguel is moving forward, and more open to being close with someone. 😭 I'm also very excited to explore how this connection develops and shows in their friendship and their relationship later on!! 🤭 Ok and Miguel complimenting reader!!!!! I was like - let me add this right here (this was such a treat 🤭) because I need Miguel to show his admiration for reader! I also wanted to give a little nod to Peter and how supportive he was of reader all the time 😭, and of course, make the parallel that Miguel is supportive as well!!! Also, Miguel worrying about offending her and questioning if he said or did something wrong (I was like “you did nothing wrong!!”) - and apologizing !!!! He's just so!!!! HE’S SO CUTE AND THOUGHTFUL AND !!! But then him saying he’s sorry that Peter isn't there with her - the way they care for each other so much!! This little part had me emotional fr!!! And I'm sorry about hitting you right in the heart with the parallels!! I'll go ahead and apologize for any other future parallels because 😭😭

Regarding how long I've been planning this idea for - let's just say, a while and I've been ready for it 🤭 but omg, yes!! The way reader has had a bit of an influence/presence in Miguel's penthouse and now she's there!! I'm not gonna say anything else about this, but I've left some clues in previous parts regarding this topic!! 👀 and Miguel being so adamant about reader staying there!! He really wants reader to be comfortable and safe, even if he knows she can take care of herself but this man just cares so much about her that he can’t help but worry because he’s just a big softie!! 😭 and then when he indirectly says that he’s offering his place because “you know what we are” - every time I write this I scream internally, I swear- but he’s trying so hard to say that they’re friends, and this is what friends do!! Miguel just wants to be there and support reader however he can!!! And reader, as always, trying to make sure that he's comfortable with this!! They really do have so much respect and care for each other!! 😭 I'm so proud of Miguel, too!! He’s really opened up so much and has allowed reader to see this sweet, caring, and soft side of him (because yes, he's always been like this, he's only being through so much that he's being hiding it 😭)- I’m so so proud of him!! Ok, and Miguel asking reader about packing clothes - you know Miguel noticed reader hadn't packed that stuff, so this was a gentle reminder for reader because he cares about her well-being. Also, the fact that he had reader hold Peter's record player!!! He knows how important it is to reader and he never wants to mess with it!! He's so understanding and respectful !!!!!

The line "He’s especially caught up in the words you said just now - how you don’t want to disturb his peace and space - and thinks to himself about how this penthouse only truly feels peaceful and homey when you’re here." The way I was so sad writing this line and really, the entire part of him talking about his "lonely peace" - like why did I do that to myself? 😭 I was just hurting myself imagining a lonely Miguel in this big place that used to feel like home because of Gabriel, and even because of his mom, whilst also comparing the home he had settled into at Gabriella’s universe - and now only having this place that feels so big and empty, so cold and void of loved ones - it makes me so so sad but I feel happier when I remember that he has new happy memories attached to this place now. He has the old memories with Gabriel and his mom, ones that in my head, he has been blocking because they’re too painful, but little by little, he’s been "unlocking" them again. There's also the moments with reader and the Thanksgiving dinner with everyone. And... I can't give spoilers, but he will make many more happy memories that will make his penthouse feel like a home !!🥹❤️

OK MIGUEL REALIZING HE'D BE "PERFECTLY HAPPY" WITH READER STAYING WITH HIM FOR YEARS, BASICALLY LIVING WITH HIM INDEFINITELY- no, it's like SHSSJHAH the fact he's open to the idea?!?!?!?! Almost makes me wish they somehow became roommates fr, but I don't see reader leaving her apartment (again, she’s so attached to it, I just don’t see her giving it up right now), and also, for some reason, I've always imagined her apartment being a one bedroom apartment, so Miguel can't move in (unless I changed my mind about that? I’m thinking here but- I don’t know), but ahhh, imagine them being roommates!! This would be so cute, I can’t!! Also, the way he says his home is her home - I'm not even joking when I say that I screamed, blushed, and giggled and kicked my feet when writing that line every time he said it because you know he MEANT it!!!!! His home is her home, period and now I want to cry but they’re happy tears, of course!! And then him not wanting reader to worry about anything else!! I just - THIS MAN, WHY IS HE NOT REAL?!!! And yes, omg, the way we would all do the same for Miguel if this happened to him!! You know it's true!!! We wouldn’t even debate it, it’s done, he can stay at our place for however he needs to if he feels comfortable with us!! Hahaha the "in conclusion: we're getting married" meme - REAL!!! Like, he's so sweet and caring, and I’d MARRY him!!!!

Haha, the short scene with Lyla when Miguel is cooking breakfast was so short but so fun to write!! Their little banter always makes my day when I get to include her! I told you, I was going to try to do it more and this was such a good time to do it and lighten up the mood after the fire scene. I loved Miguel's response tho and him wondering about the other top five members (spider-plushie is definitely top 5 for Lyla!!!) And even having guesses, haha!!! Maybe those guesses are his own preferences? Reader would def be #1 and we also have to include Lego Spider-Man somewhere in there, I think. The other spots could be his guesses? Maybe? 🤔🤣 but thank you!! I'm so happy you enjoy their little banter and Lyla's lines, haha!!

Every time I write Miguel cooking for reader is just - 🥺🥺 HE REALLY DOES LOVE HER!!! I swear, I never thought that I was going to have this scenario repeat so many times after the first chapter when he cooked pasta for her, but here we are because this is a way for Miguel to express his feelings - and yes, I get so emotional about it!!! Also, Miguel wanting to stay home to look after reader - having this need from the beginning 😭 this was my way of hinting back to part 11, I think (or was it in one of the one-shots? I can’t remember), when reader reflects on the fact that Miguel has made progress regarding his sleep with going home and resting and taking breaks but acknowledging he still goes to HQ on the weekends and that she doubts he’ll stop any time soon unless there’s a big, important reason or some big change in his life… and then, this happens! Miguel stays home on a week day for HER!!!! And the way he didn’t even want to be gone for that one hour but he did it because he knew reader wouldn’t want to “disturb” his schedule, or avoid sleep and work with him from his penthouse - I’m okay, really, I’m just fangirling about this little point because AHH!! And omg, I loved having Miguel say “we” when he was talking about sorting things out!! Again, the CARING!!! Miguel wholeheartedly loves and cares for reader so much!!! And the moment when reader admits for the first time she wishes she could hug Miguel !!! I loved this part because I felt like it was a realistic moment, having someone that’s so exhausted in many ways (mentally, physically, and emotionally) and just being unable to filter your words the way you normally would but it being such a genuine and pure wish!! The fact that reader’s situation would’ve been so so different without Miguel and the Spider Society - the thought alone makes me so sad, but I’m so happy reader has Miguel and the gang (and that Miguel has them, too!!)!! I’m just so happy they have each other and that they have changed each other lives so much!! 🥹 And then Miguel feeling like his hands are begging him to go feel - I got myself with that one!! You already know that I believe Miguel’s primary love language is physical touch, so just imagining how long it has been for Miguel without it, and continuing to hold back because of his loss but still yearning for that feeling, for the warmth and the comfort not only in receiving but also giving - I’m unwell 😭😭 but it’s so amazing that Miguel is now thinking about it, yearning for it so much more to the point he would’ve probably initiated or offered physical touch if he had found reader awake!! Also, the fact that he didn’t brush reader’s cheek with his finger because as always, he’s a gentleman and AHHHDHH - just thinking about Miguel being a gentleman always makes my heart speed up !!!!!

About the gang - I love including them so much and incorporating the found family feeling !! It really is so much different for reader. Her lonely days (and Miguel’s) are over!! She has this amazing support system that’s always there for her!!! And omg, Jess and Peter B. knowing what Miguel was going to ask - you know they could sense and see it in Miguel’s face - this man wanted to be back home ASAP!! And, of course, they know how close Miguel and reader are so they just wanted reader to have someone there with her during this hard moment. And the knowing look between Jess and Peter B. - they know!! As to the whole gang and whether they talk about Miguel and reader’s friendship - I want to say, yes, they do!! I want to say some of the gang members see it for what it is right now - a friendship, but the others… they see something more and probably won’t be surprised once Miguel and reader… you know!! 🤭

Omg that entire part from the moment that reader woke up to find Billie Holiday playing to the pinky squeeze - SO MUCH PROGRESS!!!I l loved this entire scene so much!! The way that reader apologizes for what she said, feeling so much embarrassment and worry from possibly making Miguel uncomfortable but Miguel feeling ternura and telling reader that he’s honored she wants to embrace him - to touch him!!!! THEM!! 🥺 The fact that Miguel actually talks about physical touch - making it the first time he’s ever addressed it - I’m so proud of Miguel!!! And not only does he take this step forward - which, once again, I felt like this was such a big step for him - but, he also initiates physical touch without loopholes!!! The fact that he asks for permission - I can’t!!! Once again, he’s A GENTLEMAN!!!!! THE SIZE DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!! I’m perfectly normal about it (no, I’m not 😭😭)!! Omg you recreating it with your own pinkies is literally me!!! Every time I’ve written a pinky squeeze, I always pause my writing to try it out and just imagine what it would be like (why is he not real?)!!! Okay Miguel blushing about it and then him indirectly calling himself reader’s friend when he says “your other friends” - Miguel is slowly working himself up to admitting it out loud, believe me!! 🥺 About Spider O’s, ABSOLUTELY!!! I told you so long ago that I LOVED your idea and that I wanted to include it in the story at some point. I decided to introduce it in this chapter, and it’ll make another appearance in the future, hehe!! Thank you so much for the inspiration and again, for drawing that beautiful fanart that I still think about (I think about the fanart all the time 🥹 ) !!!!

Regarding the “OBRN” tag… I cannot say anything!! 🤐 But I’d love to hear your suspicions on this!!

Reader getting settled into Gabriel’s room and making it feel more like hers - and Miguel encouraging it - I’m gonna cry!! I think she’s going to make it more hers in the following weeks, but we’ll see!! Okay and this amazing moment (the way this one scene was my motivation to get through the fire scene because as I’ve mentioned, I’m not too confident with action scenes) with Miguel getting tacos and agua de horchata and planning that little rooftop dinner!! I’m just gonna say it - I would marry Miguel right on the spot, not even joking!!! I’d ask for his hand in marriage so fast!!! 🤭🥺 But yes, the way he didn’t want to disturb her and also wanted to surprise her, so he ended up buying of each kind of taco!! Again, I would marry this man right there and then!! He really does love her!! Also, the little bit of Gabriel saying tacos cheer everyone up was a spur of a moment idea and I’m so happy with it!!! It’s not much, but I really do love the little character building I’ve given Gabriel in this fic, and I hope to do the same for Gabriella in future chapters because of how much they mean to Miguel!! 🥺❤️ But back to the tacos (I want some now fr), I do wholeheartedly believe tacos can cheer anyone up and it sounds like such a Gabriel thing to say, too (at least in my fic!)!! Their conversation about reader having him and the gang - this was a little moment for Miguel to once again indirectly state that he’s reader’s friend and that he’s there for her just like the rest of the gang!! Their little family !!!! I’m growing so emotional over this omg 😭😭 they deserve this - a little family!!! Okay your comment about reader and Miguel being destined for one another has, once again, made me emotional!!! I like to think so, too!!! The way they have impacted each other’s lives so much is just so beautiful, and their friendship - it really is the kind of friendship one can only hope to experience in life!! Also, Miguel thinking about the previous years with reader being alone!! I swear I get so sad thinking about these years for both Miguel and reader. It just breaks my heart so much, but I’m so happy they have each other and the gang, their little family!! And as I said earlier, their lonely days are over!!!! 🥺🥺 Also, thank you, I’m so happy you found their conversation about groceries and bills, and reader’s terms, realistic!! It was so important for me to include that conversation for various reasons. I really wanted to have Miguel show that he doesn’t care about any of that - he’s not looking for reader to pay back because all he cares about is reader’s wellbeing and again, they’re friends!! But then, there’s reader and how independent she is, and also not wanting to make this situation uncomfortable for Miguel or make it seem like she’s taking advantage of the situation!! Then, back to Miguel understanding reader so much he knows she doesn’t want to not do something, so it really just shows how much they care for each other, and how much understanding there is between them!! Also, I know I’m the writer but I can’t believe we’re staying AT MIGUEL’S PLACE, too!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH @sunsetdoodler !!! It means so much to me!!! I’m so happy to see that you loved this part and I always appreciate your support and lovely word!! It means the world to me!!! 🥺 And I’m very happy I took that little break, too!! Thank you for convincing me, too!! I probably wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t for your words and encouragement!! I realized I really did need it and because of it, I’ve been taking it easier and planning better so I can give the writing my 100%!! And aww, I’m so thankful I’ve been able to continue and further develop this story, too!! I wish I could post more often so I don’t keep you guys waiting for so long but hopefully with my new plan, I can still rest and post more often!! But it truly has been such a pleasure and honor to write and to share my writing. Especially since the last time I was writing this consistently and posting online was when I was 16, so it’s been a while. I’ve always loved writing (since I was a teenager) and in the past I’ve always left it in the back burner to focus on other things like school, so this journey has been so fulfilling to me!!

About publishing books - YES!!! I have thought about it, too many times!! As I’ve mentioned, I’ve loved writing since I was a teenager (honestly, probably since I was like 11, haha! I think that was the first time I wrote a story) and I dreamed about becoming a writer but essentially went into another career that was “safer.” Anyway, I do have a few original works, most are incomplete because I always get a new idea and I start writing that, lol. But the one I’m most proud of, in terms of it being an original everything story (Nonviolent Communication is my pride and it holds such a special place in my heart; this story is my baby, I swear!!), is a fantasy genre story that I hope to write into three parts. It’s this story that will require me to improve my action scenes since there’s kingdoms and battles, and all of that stuff. So yeah, I do need some improvement for this story but so far, I’m really proud of my original characters and the worldbuilding I’ve done!! I truly hope to one day finish it and hopefully publish it. It would be a dream come true!! And thank you so much for the lovely words on my writing!!! It really does mean so much to me, more than you realize!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!! 🥹❤️

Also, don’t worry about writing sooner!! I totally understand, so please don’t worry!! I hope your schooling is going well so far and that it’s going smoothly!! But yes, don’t worry about it!! It doesn’t matter when your ask arrives, I’m always so so happy to read your thoughts on the new chapter and what your favorite parts were!! It makes MY DAY!! About the playlist, omg, yes!! I had been thinking about it and then a reader said they always looked forward to see the music I listened to because they like the vibes for it, so that was my push to do it, hehe!! I hope you’ve been enjoying it so far!! Also, I didn’t draw the cover :( I wanted to but the hands would’ve not turned out good, so I made it with Canva lol but I had a lot of fun playing around with different designs until I came up with this one! THE SIZE DIFFERENCE - the way I was giggling to myself adjusting it to make Miguel’s hand bigger, I was blushing and everything!! And haha the sage green background was an immediate need! I knew I wanted to include the color and coffee somehow (I also thought of including a record player but I couldn’t through Canva without it looking weird. Drawing it out would’ve definitely been better for this kind of layout but maybe I’ll try to bring my original vision to life later on with more practice!) - since coffee is such a big theme in the story (it’s really funny how I made coffee a big statement in this story but I guess it’s not surprising since I love it so much), and then sage green, well we know it’s one of my favorite colors so it just felt natural to go with it!!

Thank you, friend!!! I’ve been resting and relaxing after posting this chapter!! I was really motivated to post the chapter because I wanted to update in January, but I had another motivation to post! A book that I had been waiting for like two years came out Tuesday and I knew I was going to get lost in the reading as soon as I got my hands on it, so it was great motivation for me to get through the editing and publish!! So, I’ve definitely been relaxing and resting, and got to read my book as a reward (I’ve finished it already, three days after getting it Tuesday. Now we wait two more years for the next one 😭 I’m okay, really) but thank you for your well wishes as always!!!! And omg, I’m so happy that you have added new ideas to your long list of drawings!! I’m so so so ready to see everything you’ve drawn!!!! It always makes my day, and I’m just so thankful to you and everyone that has drawn fanart for this story. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this happening!! It makes me so HAPPY, and I’m so honored that this story has been worthy of fanart!!! I’m never going to forget this - EVER!!! And as this story goes, I promise I’ll continue to give it my 100% and give these characters love through my writing because they deserve it!! Also, yes, I was thinking about how much time has passed in the story and it’s insane that we’re at two years now (almost)!! I’m like where did the time go? It feels like it was just yesterday when I was writing about Miguel showing up at reader’s apartment and finding her celebrating Peter’s birthday on her own (crying about this but at least she has Miguel now!!) and now they’ve done it twice, and are close to celebrating it three times!! It’s insane but also so comforting to think that they’ve had each other for this long (the way tears actually formed in my eyes just now because of this!)!! Omg, thank you @sunsetdoodler - seeing you saying that you’re attched to Miguel, reader, and Peter makes me so happy!! It makes me feel like I’ve done a decent job with these characters’ growth and their stories, so your words truly do mean so much to me!! I’ve said it so many times but THANK YOU!!!!

I hope you’ve had an amazing week and that you get time to relax this weekend!! I also hope February has been treating you well, friend!!! It hasn’t been too cold here where I live (we actually had a week of high 50s F and some rain, but we’re supposed to have another wave of cold next week, so yayy (I actually don’t mind the cold except when it makes driving conditions dangerous)! Hopefully we don’t have warm weather until May because I can’t take the heat lol! But I hope you’re doing well, and that it hasn’t been too cold for you! If it has, I hope you’ve been able to stay warm, safe, and cozy!! Thank you for the well wishes, friend!! I’m wishing you the best as always and rooting for you!!! And I’m sending you a warm virtual hug, friend!!! ❤️🥹❤️✨

#thank you for always sharing your thoughts with me about the new chapter!!#I swear it always makes my day seeing your asks and reading everything!!#I hope you're doing well and that everything with your school is going smoothly!! wishing you the best of luck as always!!#and don't forget I'm rooting for you!!!! 🥹#nonviolent communication #asked and answered

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