#i will not talk about how i view grans view of romance again i will not talk about how i view grans view of romance again i will not talk a

[toestalucia]

Catura: Once we're done eating I'm going to hurt my foot, so I want you to bridal carry me! Choice: You're going to what? Catura: It's one of my other favorite scenes… The heroine hurts her foot during bread training and the boy has to carry her home…

HHADHADHADHJADAVJDJADAD............captain proceeds to just pick her up ofc. man i definitely wanted something else out of caturas 5* (<-guy who read her intro+skill fate eps w a friend & us going wait huh....upon finding out how the ox temple works), havent read the lvl100 eps tho, but im very.........this couldve been a vday unit me thinks.........i also implode whenever i have to imagine djgr Not aging despite meeting the zodiacs Yearly but thats for me myself n i who therefore cannot view caturas(&cidala) feelings toward captain as more than like....babys first crush (or captain treating it as such). yknow. romejuli aging 2 times i miss u so bad come back to me, age up one more time....romejuli3 was such a strong event too....... HOWEVER taking it at the lvl where they want me to take it, i think its a cute uncap LOL the pov change & captain r rly rly cute LOL

Catura: A bouquet of roses… They show up all the time in illustrated stories, but I've never seen one in real life before… Choice: Today is a special day, so… I intended to finish the sentence with, "I wanted to give them to you," but my heart was racing so fast that I'm not confident that I did.

like this is sooooooooooooo cute LOL...it shouldve been a vday unit man....grimnirs vday unit is alrdy a fanfic........having this in the grand uncap when it starts with "in one o the many possible futures"....man.....u couldve put this in any other unit............the 5* uncaps is where u put the COOL stuff.....or discussing the ox zodiac cuz i have THOUGHTS. its a shame but oh well.............

[kyoonqs]

iluso amor ; first part.

↬ summary: Cora has always considered herself elusive, easy to bore and adventurous to the last fiber of her body. One day for no apparent reason, she appears in front of the manager of a globetrotting circus passing through the city where she is temporarily staying to fill her life with magic. Baekhyun, as serious as he is handsome, has no intention of playing a role other than on the main canvas of the circus. He decides to separate Cora from her life of fantasies created by her travels and sets out to show her reality as raw and cruel as he knows it. Or so he believes.

Will time run out too quickly before love and passion devour him and he decides to risk everything for a love that lasts… Forever?

↬ pairing: baekhyun x cora fem!reader.

↬ circus!au ; illusionist!baek x hitchhiker!oc ; strangers to lovers au!

↬ genre: fluff ; romance ; angst ; drama.

↬ length: 2.8 k words.

↬ tag list: @changshapatrol @spacebyuns @fluffyhunnie @soos-goddess @hoho-cham @shadoukiti @sunbyun21​ @mangobaek​ @suhotly​ @pororodks​ @bbhbae​ 

If you’d like to be tagged for future chapters, please let me know! 

↬ masterlist.

↬ author’s note: this is my first time writing a series, hope you enjoy it and any feedback will be appreciated. thanks for reading! ♡

Vanilla, caramel and butter scents invaded her nostrils the moment she stepped on the re-centering and she reminded herself that from now on she should get used to the smell due to her timely madness. Beyond her view, occasionally blocked by some old trucks, a red and yellowish-white circus tent loomed along with several smaller tents and a host of caravans. The largest tent, dotted with gold stars, had a large, deep blue sign bearing the name of the circus and its owner. In addition to a few tethered horses, Cora saw a number of huge cages with animals and all kinds of unsavory people, including some pretty dirty men, most of them encrusted with mud and rust.

She was beginning to regret the moment when she had ripped the worn out brochure from the lamppost and the idea of joining the circus scene rose out of boredom. Yes, that was the case, curiosity had killed the cat and she could not contain herself that late afternoon when she had driven her bicycle past the front of the tents and the multicolored costumes of the artists had simultaneously caught her eye. But now it was not like that, the moment she advanced towards the train car where she was to present herself for the position, everyone stopped what they were doing and fixed their eyes on her. Without thinking too much, she stepped forward steadily as her sneakers sank into the sandy ground and she staggering as she stared at the ticket booth where the same brochure she was carrying was presented.

Away from the scrutinizing stares that once haunted her, she took the steps of the carriage two at a time and froze when she saw him inside. He had hair as dark as molten chocolate and chiseled features that would make his face look too beautiful if it weren't for the firm jaw and menacing frown. Men who possessed that brutal appeal had always attracted her but at that moment she would have chosen someone less intimidating to interview her. She tried to calm herself by reminding herself that she would not have to spend more than a couple of hours with him and that it would all be over as soon as she explained clearly why she was applying for the job, which she was still completely unaware of.

She cleared her throat and began with her introduction, first name, last name, place of birth, previous jobs and reason why she was there - from the latter she omitted boredom as a possible factor. The man in question did not give her a single glance and, of course, did not speak a word. She stared straight ahead, the unyielding lines of that hard profile making her skin tingle.

–“I, I want to learn about the trade...” She swallowed.

–“I'm really interested in the job, whatever it is...” She swallowed again.

–“Bastard.”

Until the man in front of her turned his head and looked at her, she didn't realize what she had said. He arched a dark brow with mild curiosity, as if he wasn't sure he had heard correctly. Her impulsiveness took control and she felt her lips tremble, for it was clear that they didn't share her problems in restraining her inappropriate thoughts.

The metal legs of the chair where he was sitting screeched against the hard floor of the wagon. He stood up, ironed the wrinkles of his pants with his hands and looking into her eyes for the first time, he said in a stern and inflexible voice:

–“You are hired. Meet me after the last show behind the main tent.” And without further ado, he passed her by without giving any other explanation.

She could barely suppress a sigh. She directed a furtive glance at the boy, still nameless and wondered what she had gotten into but an irrelevant part of her was dying for new adventures and without a doubt, he would be the greatest from that precise moment.

–“Ladies and gentlemen, the show is about to begin! Come closer everyone!”

The man who made the announcement was the same man who was encouraging people to buy tickets the day the circus had arrived in town, although now he was wearing a red master of ceremonies jacket. At that moment Cora appeared before the young man in the carriage, leading a black horse by the reins with one hand. It was then that she realized that he was not only the manager of the circus but also one of its performers.

He was dressed in a velvet jacket, a velvet vest with nothing underneath and black trousers tucked into high leather boots that snuggled over his calves. A jewel-encrusted band of all colors surrounded his torso accompanied by fine iridescent chains and some ribbons of razo that fell from his pocket. He also carried a rolled whip hanging from one shoulder. Curious about the skills he would display in the arena –she had gotten one of the dancers to tell her when they would leave and to her surprise it would be the next morning– she followed the man with his eyes. At that moment he saw her. The decision she had made had been too recent to seek a way out and she still did not feel comfortable talking to him. Cora tucked her hair nervously behind her ear and refuse to take her gaze from the horse following him when he began to walk towards her.

–“There are unsavory people hanging around the circus. Until you know how everything goes, stay where the rest of the audience is, always” he told her as he adjusted some rings on his slender fingers.

–“Understood.” She responded, since she had just promised herself that she was going to put forth her best effort and not get carried away by first impressions that day. 

 –“Come in and take a look at the show.” His tone was firm, despite the fact that she was already heading back to where she was previously. 

 –“Wait! What is your name!?” She asked hastily, not realizing that perhaps she had sounded somewhat desperate.

He glanced at her over his shoulder with the corner of his mouth slightly curved. “Baekhyun!” He said, chuckling, and with that he returned to his place in line with the rest of the artists.

She was still feeling hot as she circled the crowd and entered the tent through the back entrance. She found a free spot in the stands. They were weathered white-painted planks of wood, hard and narrow, with nowhere else to rest one’s feet but on the seat of the spectators in the row below. But she quickly set aside her feelins of discomfort the awkwardness when the lights dimmed, a drum roll crescendoed and a spotlight illuminated the emcee on center court.

–“Welcome to the happiest circus in Valencia, welcome to Gran Fele Circus!”

The music exploded, played by a band consisting of two musicians with drums, a synthesizer, and a consola. A lively version of New York, New York began to play and a white horse entered in the arena with a girl who carried a flag with the name of the circus. The other artists followed, carrying colorful banners, smiling and waving to the crowd.

It was the troupe of acrobats that caught Cora's attention; three handsome men and a beautiful woman –whom she identified as the dancer who had helped her earlier– named Laia, dressed in gold sequins, shiny leggings and thick makeup. They were followed by a group of horsemen, clowns, jugglers, and trained dogs.

Baekhyun entered the arena alone, riding his fierce horse, and unlike the other artists, he didn’t wave his hands or smile. As he circled the track, he seemed such a distant and mysterious being. He was no stranger to the presence of the people, but somehow he remained isolated and gave a strange dignity to the colorful display. 

As the show progressed, Cora was amazed at such talent. 

Suddenly, the lights went out and the music died away. A blue spotlight illuminated the master of ceremonies, the only one occupying the dark center court. His voice turned dramatically low and a haunting, folk melody began to play in the background.

–“How many times have we wondered if we were crazy? How many times did someone make us doubt our actions? How many times has someone come before us with the idea of changing our thinking? Sanity makes us useless, many times it is better to be crazy. Life is made for taking risks and if you don't think so, let the next person convince you otherwise...before time runs out.”

The lights began to gradually increase in intensity, the music resounded and Baekhyun entered the middle of a path that seemed illuminated by small streetlights, thin beams of light that danced around him and that were reflected in the small sequins of his suit. With indisputable ease, he untangled the whip dangling from a waistband and sliced through the air in all directions with it. Small particles, like glitter, floated in the air suspended around him. He performed a series of skillfully executed feats that were both daring and dramatic. They had brought a few accessories onto the floor during the emcee's presentation: ribbon targets, fluorescent balloons, chandeliers, and more. Circling the runway, he popped the balloons one by one, and a bright red explosion, like drops of blood, shot through the air with each snap of the whip.

The lights dimmed until only he was illuminated by the spotlight, and he grabbed a second whip and made them pop and dance in all directions with such masculine grace, Cora gasped. The dance was increasing, with faster and faster movements and, as if by magic, the two whips became one. With a powerful twist of his arm, Baekhyun lifted him above his head to set him off in flames. The audience gasped, the lights went out, and the flaming whip danced wildly through the darkness. When the lights came on again, he had vanished.

–“What are you doing here? Hasn't anyone taken you to the motorhome yet?”

Cora roused herself, her eyes snapping open. Looking up, she saw the same deep brown eyes plaguing since afternoon that day. For a moment, she couldn't remember where she was but then everything came to mind: the circus, the manager, the show, his whip.

She suddenly became aware of Baekhyun's hands on her shoulders, it was the only thing that had kept her from falling off the old stool that she had been seated on while waiting for him. She had decided to wait there since it was the most illuminated area around the tent, next to government mandated public toilets where there was still a queue to pass them.

She shifted uneasily under his hands and tried to regain her balance with the idea that he would release her.

–“Could you tell me what time it is? I've lost track of it waiting here for you.”

–“It's about 30 minutes to midnight,” Baekhyun put his hands in the pockets of his coat. Instead of the suit he donned for the show, he wore jeans ripped at the knees and a white t-shirt printed with the word ‘Supreme’ in terms of design. Despite the casual attire he didn’t look any less intimidating.

–“Look dulzura, you will have to get used to my presence, since I will be your guide and housemate from now on”. It wasn’t as if Cora hadn’t tried to do it before, in fact she had been attracted to him the moment she met him, only his personality –and now a whip– had slowed her down. He, at her lack of response, muttered something under his breath and after a sigh, spoke again.

–“Come on dulzura, I'll show you where you'll sleep for the next few months.” He turned and left at a fast pace to where the group of caravans were together, paying little attention to the fact that she had luggage that weighed a ton, the consequence of her idea to buy a memorable garment from each city she had visited until now.

–“Wait!” Her scream had an edge of hysteria, but he seemed not to hear it as he continued walking toward the line of caravans. She rubbed the sole of her sneakers across the ruff, gathering some on the toe of it as she dragged her foot. With a gasp, Cora started walking again. Baekhyun approached two vehicles that were parked next to each other. The closest one was a modern white caravan, it looked spacious inside and on its roof you could see a satellite dish. Next to it was another caravan, dented and rusty that appeared to have been silver previously. She begged to herself that it was the space caravan and not the other.

He stood in front of the ugly rusty trailer, opened the door, and disappeared inside. Cora grunted but conceded since she had stayed in worse places. Perhaps the inside wasn’t as hideous as it looked on the outside. Baekhyun reappeared at the door a moment later and watched as she approached fighting with her backpack towards him. When she finally reached the metal step, he offered her a cynical smile.

–“Home, sweet home, dulzura. Come in and settle”.

Cora had always found the Spanish language something to delight in but this was the third time the nickname had come out of his mouth directed at her and she could swear that the way the word rolled on his tongue and briefly hissed before pronouncing the syllable "zu", surely it was close to the song of the angels that received you when you entered paradise.

She sniffed and climbed the four steps that separated her and...the interior was much worse than the outside. Narrow, messy, it smelled musty and old, with a hint of  mothball. In front of her was a miniature kitchen, the countertop metal, it had spots with peeling paint. To the right of the kitchen, the faded upholstery of the small sofa was barely visible under a pile of books, newspapers, and men's clothing. In addition, she saw an old, medium-sized refrigerator, wooden cabinets, and a bed with rumpled sheets.

Baekhyun stared at her blankly, genuinely doubting whether she had noticed. 

–“It is a small caravan as you can see, but it is comfortable and cozy in the cold. It's all there is and all I have.” 

The bed took up most of the back of the caravan, nothing separated it from the rest of the "rooms", the only thing that seemed to be secluded was the bathroom –which she would make sure to explore as soon as she had the chance. On the sheets there were tangled clothes, a towel, and something she couldn't make out from where she was standing.

–“I think I'll sleep on the couch, it would be better…”

He gazed absently at the tip of his foot, then looked up. She stared into those dark eyes –which depending on the light could be paler or even more blackened– and she felt a chill run down her spine, followed by another strange sensation that she did not want to examine further. 

He slowly raised his hand, adjusting a lock of hair that had been tousled while she was struggling with her backpack, Cora froze and pursed her lips as she felt the softness of his thumb brush the hollow under her ear with something that it seemed like a caress.

–“Do whatever you want, dulzura. I have to go, I still have things to do.” 

Cora gasped when she realized she should have felt danger but her skin had taken the brush of his thumb with pleasure. She felt Baekhyun's insolent hand move away from her hair as he pulled away from her, even though he had left something light on the trailing of her ear. The trailer door swung on its hinges. Baekhyun looked at her and stepped out of it, dropping his gaze from her face to a nonexistent point. Once he was out of sight, she reached for the object that was barely tickling her cheekbone and held the geranium between her fingers with a furtive smile on her face.

↬ This is all for this chapter, I promise to try to write more in the following parts. I will try to update every Saturday. Honorable mention: Oliv (@changshapatrol​) without her this story would be nothing, thank you for your patience and trust in me. I love you, a lots ♡   

[lizacstuff]

Hi there, hope you had a good Christmas. I absolutely loved 24, so many Eda and Serkan scenes.....however I am also confused by it. When Eda said she was going to speak to Grandma at the beginning Serkan reassured her he was nearby and then said he was going home.....dude that is not nearby! When she came to his place and she told his maybe she should go away, he was so gutted that it was so easy for her to walk away from him, I don't know if I am reading too much into this, but he was so sad.

Hello! Yes I had a lovely holiday, I hope you had a great one as well. Sorry it took me awhile to answer this, I wanted to pull my episode thoughts (now posted) together before I read other people’s thoughts. That scene was definitely altered. I talked a little bit about it here.  You’re right that he says he’ll be nearby while she’s confronting Babaane and then clearly they added a line about him going home in post production. That is a huge disconnect right there. Kerem was not on camera, and the audio was obviously recorded as voice over later, not when they shot. This episode underwent some serious last minute surgery.  So bizarre. I would love to know the backstage gossip on this one, because this level of alteration on an episode at such a late stage seems like an extreme action to take. 

jan31 said: Why would he go home in the middle of the day to shave? He's not that type of guy, yes he has changed but he still values his company and a new partner just arrived. While people raved over the shaving scene, again it seemed muted, normally Serkan would be making all kinds of comments and gestures with Eda being close by, but he seemed sad in a way, even though they agreed to be together against Grandma.

I agree with all of this, and talked about it a bit in my full comments that I just posted. The mood in that entire seen was off for me, and I don’t know how to explain it other than the whatever they did to hack this episode apart and put it back together caused inconsistencies. 

(more parts to the ask under the cut)

jan31 said: I love how he noted the change from robot to man with a heart full of love for Eda So many scenes of leaving and staying and fighting that I am in turmoil, I fear Eda will leave or break up with Serkan to protect him after the arrest situation as she realises what her gran can do. On the other hand wouldn't it be lovely to see them fake the break up, tell no one and fool everyone. Now that would be good viewing and some comedy no doubt, which is what we are here for.

I am banking on a fake break up or rather hidden relationship story and I think it will happen no matter what, but we might get Eda sacrificing herself to save him first. We shall see. 

jan31 said: I fear it will be the first option though, even if it isn't in her character to run. She deeply loves Serkan and will do anything to protect him. Hopefully she remembers her father took a brave stand against her and married for love. When Eda went to Serkans and stayed the night it was another strange atmosphere, particularly when she was saying goodnight, he barely acknowledged her. I am not sure if it's make up or lighting but Kerem looked very pale and worn out in this scene.

Honestly, I think Kerem is worn out. He looks tired in much of the BTS I’ve seen lately. This show has kept a crazy schedule for 6-7 straight months. WITHOUT A BREAK. And now Fox has cancelled the winter hiatus, so there is no break at all. The cast/crew are only getting a few days because of the Covid restrictions over New Years in Turkey. On top of his nonstop schedule on SCK, Kerem has done the Hello photoshoot and interview, another cover shoot that was released today, plus he’s been shooting an entire other show on his days off. Aynen Aynen, which is just crazy to me. I hope he gets some rest soon.

As for that scene, agreed. I don’t think Serkan’s mood had anything to do with Kerem being tired, but it was another inconsistency in an episode full of them. In another ask I said:

I suppose the best I can guess is that Serkan knew Eda was confused, he knew he had convinced her to stay under the guise it would be platonic and the "last time." He's always been a gentleman with her. So perhaps he felt compelled, for her sake, to keep it in that place, but seeing her in the bath sent him into overdrive and the only thing he could do is throw himself into work to make sure the situation didn't go any further before she was fully ready?  

However, if that was really what they were going for, they needed to give us a few more clues to how he was feeling. As presented, it was all just so weird. He’s been chasing Eda for weeks and finally she’s in his house, in PJs, about to sleep in his bed, being sweet and flirty with him and he doesn’t even look at her?? WHAT?  Maybe we were also supposed to think that Bulca’s gift sitting there had him so embarrassed and freaked out and that’s why he was being subdued? Idk. Maybe he was afraid of some ‘I told you so’ from Eda? Or a combo of all of it?

jan31 said: Why the hell did he go to Bulges house and what was the purpose of her wrecking the place and I assume having him arrested in conjunction with Grandma. He should of called the police himself 🙄 Did she go to the party with him or to his house? Did she think he would stay with her ?🤣 The bracelet he bought her was amazing and what a lovely scene. But please can they stop showing us the final scene in the fragman Sorry for such a long post, but this episode confused me in good and bad ways

Hmmm, interesting, but I doubt he’ll be arrested for wrecking Bulca’s house. Why would Bulca do that when she wants a relationship with him? Lying about that and pressing fake charges would ensure she would never, ever get near him again. Grandma might want that, but I don’t think Bulca would agree because it doesn’t serve her end goal. Besides that would be too easily cleared up. There’d be the record of her calling him, plus any security footage, plus his reputation and his lack of motive. 

However, I agree that he should never have gone to her house and if he did he should have called the police first. Hopefully, this is the end of him doing dumbass things while trying to be a good, kind person. Give me episode 1 Serkan back when it comes to Bulca, please. She needs to be put in her place. 

jan31 said: The prince arrives next week, I wonder if Serkan knows the plan or grandma tells him he is a client. PLEASE Eda, tell him the plan Should be very interesting and as he is just a guest star won't be around long, pity as he is easy on the eye!! Fifi's interaction with grandma's bodyguard....oooh I am here for more

Oh I forgot about Fifi’s interaction with grandma’s bodyguard. That was interesting. We’ll have to see how that develops. It might be a fun romance, AND useful to Team Edser down the line if Fifi has a way in there. 

The prince is handsome, but not handsome enough to temp me (or Eda) away from Serkan. LOL. I don’t know what guest star means in Turkey. In the US, a guest star might be in one episode or 2/3rds of the season. In Turkey, does it mean just a certain number of episodes?

Anyway thanks for your comments. I really hope the writing situation gets under control. I’m not someone who complains about the writing every time something happens I don’t like. In this case the writing legit has some base level technical problems that need fixing, and I hope the new team is capable of doing it. 

[shymaidxn]

@aaetherius { 5 and 6! }

unasked muse questions

5. What book has influenced them the most?

Diantha would call it cheesy and embarrassing (I would say it’s unbrought up lore / hc) but it was the first chapter book her father ever picked out for her to read when she was a kid. She thought the title was nice, the little synopsis talked about adventures through the never-ending skies with relationships forged and tested, and it was also a very beautiful-looking but also old-looking book that intrigued her. That’s not embarrassing from that outset, but the truth she found out about it was that it wasn’t just an adventure book...It was a romance adventure book~ But the author did such a good job sewing the plot together, and all the character’s motivations and actions are fully realized and understandable in the sense of their personalities and pasts, and the romances (plural yes~) are actually incorporated into the stories very well and had her as invested as the descriptive imagery and stunning action - She could talk on and on about how much she loved the book when she was a kid, and could still probably go on and on about it if brought up. But she’s more than likely to just buy you a copy should she find it or request it from Sierokrate; it’s the one book she’d never lend out because of the sentimental value it holds. She also understands that the sentimentality also hinders her true observance of the writing in a way, but this book both truly inspired her to dream about a world outside of her little island, and to actually view her upbringing and all the goings on around her with a more understanding and objective lens, and, to that extent, her ideal travels away from her past and into an adventure-filled future. It was also the book that interested her in writing, though in main verse that’s only ever seen in her Xolotl book, which is essential a collected biography and not a never-ending fantasy~

6. Do they think there is such a thing as a soul?

“Well...I mean Ferry exists; though, she is more of a ghost than a soul by her own admittance...But there’s also the captain and Lyria’s bond, and they basically share a life, which is like sharing a soul...So there has to be such thing as one if there’s evidence right there, right?”

That would probably be Diantha’s answer if asked directly with not much context, but her own belief, even with that out-loud thought process is unsure at best. With so much magic in this world that could bring back the dead (especially in phenomenons like Ferry and Lyria’s deus ex machina for captain and cagliostro’s existence and *points at your Lucifer and also the wmtsb3 scene; you know the one*), she would very much believe that there’s a presence in every living being (not just skyfarers because again *points at Lucifer and wmtsb3*) that would qualify as a soul. But there’s also the thought that it’s also just magic; an equivalent exchange or strange power born in a person or infused in a primal to heal or resurrect. And with the world she grew up in being so magical she’s unsure if Ferry is a soul or just strangely magical-infused undead; if Lyria and captain are sharing a soul or some sort of magical essence that, with Lyria’s gigantic powers, is just keeping captain alive like a pacemaker would; Cagliostro claims her alchemy, but is that just pure scientific and magical brilliance, or is there a soul fusing to multiple bodies; Lucifer is resurrected via the feather he left behind, but is that truly a part of his soul, or the magical and scientific raising of the undead and constructing of a living being whose admittedly much weaker than he once was? If Diantha thought on this topic too long, her throat would be completely dry from spouting these types of questions, and she would get no sleep before someone would finally tell her “this topic isn’t that important; lay down please”. Luckily, she’s also never really thought about the in depth before (unless Lucifer or Gran wanna hmu with angst/fluff talk of souls and existence).

[caitsbooks]

6 Summer YA Romances!

Click here to view the full post on my blog, or read more to find out more about these books!

Summer is the perfect time to dive into a nice, lighthearted romance. What’s better than reading a cute contemporary on the beach?

So I’ve compiled a list of 6 YA romances that are perfect for the beach or pool!

Read more for descriptions of each book, plus check out my blog to see 6 Adult Romances that are perfect for summer!

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MY LIFE NEXT DOOR BY HUNTLEY FITZPATRICK

Page Count: 394 pages Publisher: Dial Books For Young Readers Release Date: June 14th, 2012 Purchase Options: Amazon, Indiebound, Barnes and Noble

“The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase’s family embraces Samantha – even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha’s world. She’s suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?”

This book was one of the first books that got me into contemporaries. I just loved it so much, and I’m hoping to reread it soon. With themes of family, first love, and friendship, how can you not want this as a part of your summer reading list?

THE SUMMER OF CHASING MERMAIDS BY SARAH OCKLER

Page Count: 416 pages Publisher: Simon Pulse Release Date: June 2nd, 2015 Purchase Options: Amazon, Indiebound, Barnes and Noble

“The youngest of six talented sisters, Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom – until a boating accident took everything from her. Now, the most beautiful singer in Tobago can’t sing. She can’t even speak. Seeking quiet solitude, Elyse accepts a friend’s invitation to Atargatis Cove[…]Christian Kane is a notorious playboy – insolent, arrogant, and completely charming. He’s also the only person in Atargatis Cove who doesn’t treat Elyse like a glass statue. He challenges her to express herself, and he admires the way she treats his younger brother, Sebastian, who believes Elyse is the legendary mermaid come to life.When Christian needs a first mate for the Cove’s high-stakes Pirate Regatta, Elyse reluctantly stows her fear of the sea and climbs aboard. The ocean isn’t the only thing making waves, though – swept up in Christian’s seductive tide and entranced by the Cove’s charms, Elyse begins to wonder if a life of solitude isn’t what she needs. But changing course again means facing her past. It means finding her inner voice. And scariest of all, it means opening her heart to a boy who’s best known for breaking them…”

This book is the epitome of a beach read. Cute romance, strong (and diverse!) characters, and that must-have beach aesthetic!

ALEX, APPROXIMATELY BY JENN BENNETT

Page Count: 388 pages Publisher: Simon Pulse Release Date: April 4th, 2017 Purchase Options: Amazon, Indiebound, Barnes and Noble [ Click Here For My Full Review ]

“Classic movie fan Bailey “Mink” Rydell has spent months crushing on a witty film geek she only knows online as Alex. Two coasts separate the teens until Bailey moves in with her dad, who lives in the same California surfing town as her online crush. Faced with doubts (what if he’s a creep in real life—or worse?), Bailey doesn’t tell Alex she’s moved to his hometown. Or that she’s landed a job at the local tourist-trap museum. Or that she’s being heckled daily by the irritatingly hot museum security guard, Porter Roth—a.k.a. her new archnemesis. But life is a whole lot messier than the movies, especially when Bailey discovers that tricky fine line between hate, love, and whatever it is she’s starting to feel for Porter. And as the summer months go by, Bailey must choose whether to cling to a dreamy online fantasy in Alex or take a risk on an imperfect reality with Porter. “

Jenn Bennett has become one of my all-time favorite YA contemporary writers. Her books are cute, fun, but realistic and not completely lighthearted. I honestly could have included any of her books here, but Alex, Approximately is definitely the most “summer romance”-y of the bunch. However, if you’ve already read it and haven’t picked up any of her other books, I highly recommend them!

SMALL TOWN HEARTS BY LILLIE VALE

Page Count: 336 pages Publisher: Swoon Reads Release Date: March 19th, 2019 Purchase Options: Amazon, Indiebound, Barnes and Noble [ Click Here For My Full Review ]

“Fresh out of high school, Babe Vogel should be thrilled to have the whole summer at her fingertips. She loves living in her lighthouse home in the sleepy Maine beach town of Oar’s Rest and being a barista at the Busy Bean, but she’s totally freaking out about how her life will change when her two best friends go to college in the fall. And when a reckless kiss causes all three of them to break up, she may lose them a lot sooner. On top of that, her ex-girlfriend is back in town, bringing with her a slew of memories, both good and bad. And then there’s Levi Keller, the cute artist who’s spending all his free time at the coffee shop where she works. Levi’s from out of town, and even though Babe knows better than to fall for a tourist who will leave when summer ends, she can’t stop herself from wanting to know him. Can Babe keep her distance, or will she break the one rule she’s always had – to never fall for a summer boy?“

I know I talk about this book a lot, but there’s a reason for it!! It’s an LGBTQ+ contemporary romance dealing with friendships and friendship-break-ups, all in a small beach town. It’s basically everything I ever wanted in a book, so of course, I won’t stop talking about it! You really need to read this one. Trust me.

[ Related: Interview with Lillie Vale, Author of Small Town Hearts ]

YOU’D BE MINE BY ERIN HAHN

Page Count: 304 pages Publisher: Wednesday Books Release Date: April 2nd, 2019 Purchase Options: Amazon, Indiebound, Barnes and Noble [ Click Here For My Full Review ]

“Annie Mathers is America’s sweetheart and heir to a country music legacy full of all the things her Gran warned her about. Superstar Clay Coolidge is most definitely going to end up one of those things. But unfortunately for Clay, if he can’t convince Annie to join his summer tour, his music label is going to drop him. That’s what happens when your bad boy image turns into bad boy reality. Annie has been avoiding the spotlight after her parents’ tragic death, except on her skyrocketing YouTube channel. Clay’s label wants to land Annie, and Clay has to make it happen. Swayed by Clay’s undeniable charm and good looks, Annie and her band agree to join the tour. From the start fans want them to be more than just tour mates, and Annie and Clay can’t help but wonder if the fans are right. But if there’s one part of fame Annie wants nothing to do with, it’s a high-profile relationship. She had a front row seat to her parents’ volatile marriage and isn’t interested in repeating history. If only she could convince her heart that Clay, with his painful past and head over heels inducing tenor, isn’t worth the risk.“

This book is so good. I will warn you- it’s definitely the least summery of the bunch, but that’s mostly because it’s not quite as lighthearted. There are some heavier topics discussed in this book, but trust me when I say it handles them so well. This is the perfect book to pick up if you’re looking for something a little darker to break up your lighter reads!

DON’T DATE ROSA SANTOS BY NINA MORENO

Page Count: 336 pages Publisher: Disney-Hyperion Release Date: May 14th, 2019 Purchase Options: Amazon, Indiebound, Barnes and Noble

“Rosa Santos is cursed by the sea-at least, that’s what they say. Dating her is bad news, especially if you’re a boy with a boat. But Rosa feels more caught than cursed. Caught between cultures and choices. Between her abuela, a beloved healer and pillar of their community, and her mother, an artist who crashes in and out of her life like a hurricane. Between Port Coral, the quirky South Florida town they call home, and Cuba, the island her abuela refuses to talk about. As her college decision looms, Rosa collides – literally – with Alex Aquino, the mysterious boy with tattoos of the ocean whose family owns the marina. With her heart, her family, and her future on the line, can Rosa break a curse and find her place beyond the horizon?”

Confession Time! I haven’t actually read this book yet. I know, I’m ashamed, but it is on my summer TBR!!! Because everyone has said wonderful things about this book, and it seems like such a perfect beach read, I had to include it on this list. I mean, look at that cover? Does that not scream summer??

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Have you read any of these books? What’s your favorite YA summer romance novel?

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[clamshell20]

Black And Red All Over.

Synopsis: After witnessing her best friend and her boyfriend kiss, on Valentine’s Day, Lucy tries to bury her sorrows in the cemetery along with expressing her hatred for the holiday. Until she encounters a certain ginger haired kid who might give her hope.

(For those that support LucyxRocky!)

Leni: OMG! Chaz has given me a photo of us at Dairyland! Why do I look more like a figurine though?

Lori: Leni, that’s a drawn caricature of you and Chaz.

Leni: Oh. Well, I just love it.

Lori: That’s nothing. Bobby has given me a locket.

Leni: Why’s it broken?

Lori: It’s not. It’s one part of two lockets that symbolise your loved one being with you no matter what.

Luna: Dudes, that’s nothing! Me and Luan got cards with romantic sayings in them!

Luan: Mine’s “Like a monkey in a tree, you make me go bananas”. (Laughs) Get it?

Lynn Jr: Well, my team got to share their love via the kiss cam. Hugsies for pals and kissing for your boyfriends!

Lincoln: Well, I got cards from the girls in my class. (His sisters look at him with smug looks) Don’t look at me that way, they like me in a… plutonium way.

Lisa: I think the term is ‘platonic’.

Lincoln: Yeah, that. Everyone had cards from everyone. Even from their friends. Clyde’s was the biggest.

(Card reads “To my bestest friend ever… Happy Valentine’s Day! P.S. Tell Lori I said Hi.”)

Lori: Yep, that’s Clyde all right.

Lana: Same in our class.

Lisa: As was in mine too, I received both a romantic and platonic card from both David and Darcy.

Lori: Where’s Lucy? Mom and Dad said that they were preparing the Valentine’s day themed dinner.

Lola: She's probably moping. She's been doing that since lunch. Apparently her boyfriend was seen kissing her best friend.

Lincoln: Ouch. That must've been painful to watch. Do you know where she went after that?

Lola: Nah. Couldn’t have gone far though.

(We cut to the Royal Woods Cemetery, where Lucy is about to give a sermon)

Lucy: Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to mourn the lost hopes and dreams that involved my past boyfriend Silas Syckle. Who was found today, kissing Miss Harley “Haiku” Haidenku with passion. My feelings for him now are betrayal. Followed with anger, followed with sorrow, followed with tears-

(She stops as she lets the tears fall onto the near dead grass. She sits on a nearby rock and sighs.)

I don’t even like this pointless holiday. A yearly event focused on assorted gougables with the same saying that has turned meaningless and just boring.

Ironically, this is only making me feel worse. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. You shall not be missed. And I shan't be talking with my best friend for a while.

(She buries grave and puts up a tombstone which reads: “To A Love That Died”.)

Sigh. Maybe I just don’t want to be alone. Even on the most pathetic of holidays. At least I have Edwin, shame he can't talk back. Again I feel worse.

(Fangs flies towards Lucy's shoulder)

Oh Fangs! I'm glad you're here to comfort me. Maybe we can spend valentines, looking at pictures of your family. It’ll be better than saying three certain words.

(She walks down to the gates only to be stopped by Fangs)

Lucy: What is it, boy? Have you spotted one of the dead rising?

(Fangs points to a funeral taking place, with a few familiar faces.)

Reverend: We are gathered today to mourn the loss of Rhonda Yolanda Spokewitz, beloved wife, mother and grandmother to all. Who taught us all that life is worth living and that it should be cherished.

Lucy: A funeral? Well, I guess I can watch from afar. Wait a minute. Those two look familiar. Rusty? Must've been his grandmother. Hang on, if he's here than so must be...

(She sees Rocky comforting his older brother since he openly mourns this loss.)

Lucy: My darling Rocky. How his heart aches, how his tears flow and I... I must go to him. Go to him and tell him how much I need him!

(She runs down but stops)

Lucy: Wait, if I tell him now, it'll be considered inappropriate. I'd better see him at his place, that where the wake should be held at.

(She then receives a text from Lincoln.)

"Luce where r u? Mom and Dad are about to prepare the Valentines dinner!"

"I have to let someone know I love him."

"Silas?"

"No, Rusty's brother."

"Ah, I see. Good luck! :-)"

Lynn Sr (off-screen): Lincoln? Did you contact your sister? I've just gathered the ingredients for the blood of Cupid. Otherwise known as Strawberry punch.

Lincoln: Lucy's busy trying to find a lost love to rekindle. Hasn’t confirmed when she’s coming though.

Lynn Sr: Well, she better be here soon cos this is a family tradition where I expect all my children to be!

Rita: Don't worry. I'll try to contact her once I've done making the hearts.  Ow, paper cut!

(Meanwhile, Lucy is walking down with a card in her hand.)

Lucy: Well, a card is a start. With some simple cheery poetry I have written. THE most difficult thing I have ever done, almost threw my guts up. Well, here goes. You might want to leave in case he freaks out. No offence, its just that he's not one to embrace the darkness. Yet.

(Fangs vacates as she arrives at the house, but sees Rocky sitting on the doorstep with a melancholic look.)

Lucy: Oh, um Hi. Rocky. I was just on my way home and I thought I'd drop by to give you some comfort.

(He says nothing as she sits next to him.)

Lucy: Um, I'm very sorry for your loss. You know, I'm here for you.

Rocky:(Softly smiles) Thanks. You know, you're the only other person who's said that to me.

Lucy: Really? Who was the other one?

Rocky: Only my mother said that since my Dad is telling me to be strong as "real men don't cry" and my brother is trying very hard to follow his advice like a mindless sheep.

Lucy: Wow. So deep. Um, so I guess you haven't properly mourned, so to speak? I mean, in my point of view, if one of my bats had demised, I wouldn't hide my sorrow.

Rocky: Well, I'm just afraid that my dad will scold me for being so... So weak.

Lucy: Well, I don't think that's true. Crying should not be a weakness. You know, if you ever need a shoulder to cry on, I'll be there with open arms.

(She places her hand on his shoulder.)

Rocky: Thank you. You don't know how much I need this. I feel safe when I'm with you. My grandmother made sure of that as well. When I was bullied at school, when I was sick and especially when we sang together. I miss her so much.

(He hugs Lucy and openly mourns through sobbing. The door opens and his mother comes out.)

Rochelle: Aw sweetie, its ok. Let it out. If your father says otherwise, let me know. I’ll deal with him. Your grandmother loved you and Russell very much. 

Rocky: Sh-She did?

(She nods and they embrace in a hug.)

Lucy: How heartwarming. Even I shed a tear. And I now learn that Rusty is short for Russell.

Rochelle: Who’s this?

Lucy: My name is Lucy. I'm Lincoln's sister. One of Rusty's friends. I was just comforting Rocky and letting him express his sorrow.

Rochelle: You know, I'm so glad you've done that. It’s best not to keep things emotionally bottled up, unlike my husband. He and my mother never got along. You know Rockefeller, we’re about to reminisce about the good times that we had with your gran. Whenever you’re ready, you can join us.

Rocky: (sniffles) Ok, thanks.

(She closes door behind her)

Thank you so much. You don't know how much I missed her. And how much I missed you.

Lucy: Really? (blushing) Well, since its valentines, I uh -

(She shakily hands Rocky the card, he opens it and smiles at the poem)

It reads:

“To a boy whose hair is red,

red as my beating and palpitating heart.

To you, I say, when I look into your eyes,

all I see is a work of art.

My darling, you may have heard these words many times before,

but I won’t leave you, not ever and I love you forever more.”

Rocky: Was it very hard to write this?

Lucy: (smiles) Definitely.

Rocky: Thank you. It's real sweet of you, I almost forgot today was valentines day.

Lucy: I-I love you, Rocky. I'll always be there for you.

Rocky: I love you too. Well, I'd better share my memories with the rest of the family. I hope you enjoy the rest of today.

Lucy: Thanks. Happy valentines day.

Rocky: Happy valentines day.

(She walks off home with a smile, the same with Rocky as he goes back into his house. Her phone vibrates as Rita tries to contact her)

Rita: Lucy, where are you? Dinner's almost ready and Pop-pop has just come over here with Gran-gran. Something about a surprise.

(What she doesn’t notice is behind her Pop-Pop hiding an engagement ring in one of the courses.)

Lucy: I was just heading back home actually. I gave someone a valentine. Making sure that he feels safe.

Rita: Wow. Sweetie, that's so kind of you. Would you mind telling us more when you get here?

Lucy: Ok. I'll see you soon.

(Fangs reappears on her shoulder)

Lucy: Well Fangs, I've done it. I got to spread my love like a deadly plague after all. Although maybe I should write a darker poem for next time.

(She then receives a text from Haiku.)

"I am feeling grief at the moment. Since your boyfriend is now mine. I hope and pray this doesn't destroy our friendship."

"I forgive you, you and Silas make a good pair. Besides, I have rekindled a romance I thought was lost a long time ago."

"Is it with that ginger kid?"

"Rocky? Yes. What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing. I always thought you two made a good pair."

"Thanks. Have a gloomy valentines."

"You too. :-)"

Lucy: Looks like my friendship with Haiku is still strong. I still think valentines is pointless but I have learned its best to be with someone you love. Valentines Day or not. Ugh, I feel so cheesy. Maybe a cup of Cupid’s blood will drain me of this sudden sappy and icky feeling.

The end.

Well, that’s what I have to show for Valentine’s. I hope you loved it as much as I had writing it!

Have a great Valentine’s!

AMC 2019

(The Loud House belongs to Nickelodeon.)

[jennycalendar]

Always here for Giles/Jenny romance tbh. Like I said, I've hyperfocused on Giles so all my thoughts revolve around him so I'm always happy to have Jenny thrown back at me in response! Now of course, since Edna's shown up, her sisters must follow; enter Lavinia and Sophronia Fairweather, eternally young and hilariously vain. And Ripper's response is to throw his head back and groan dramatically because oh my god. Not my great aunts. Not here. Why. But truthfully they visit solely to see how 1/7

he is because wow his dad is pissed but Edna’s been rather cheerful? Which honestly they had to see what that was about, barely anything can cause those two to fall out, and goodness Ripper look at you! So tall and handsome and responsible! Such lovely taste in subtle punk fashion! But they can’t believe he’s still got that goddamn Citroën, the only thing that consistently works in that car is the radio and he refuses to change it from Planet Rock. Now, as revealed in the Angel&Faith comics 2/7

Vin and Sophie do feel responsible for getting their great nephew shoved into the academy so young since they caused the situation in which he first manifested his magic in front of his father and Gran. So seeing him not only breaking away from that in a halfway healthy manner but with Edna’s approval? They’re thrilled. They also tease and coddle him, which makes the rest of the Scoobies laugh but kinda uncomfortable at the same time, but for all of Ripper’s blustering he does love his aunts 3/7

(don’t you dare tell them) and he does appreciate their concern and their pride but can they please just stop by for an afternoon instead of a week? He can only handle them in small bursts. Also RIPPER’S BAND. Now I can handle Sunnydale being their last tour spot, a smaller thing to wind down as it ends, and while I can certainly see them nopeing straight outta town I also kinda want to keep them? We only saw them briefly in a few panels of the comic but they had such a great dynamic 4/7

with the drummer guy calling Ripper on his half-arsed performance, the bass lady giving him this fond-amused look when he’s horrified to see his unimpressed Gran after assuming it was a groupie, and though the other guitarist laughs along with the drummer about Ripper having a posh Gran he’s also sheepishly apologetic afterwards and they all leave so he can talk with her. I wanna see these guys stick around and be the friends Ripper’s own age he lacks in canon. Maybe they come back after 5/7

(understandably) getting out of there? Because they’re a good band but they know they’re not as good without Ripper and dammit they miss the bastard. Not to mention the fans are super distressed. They do a livestream to show said fans that Ripper’s fine he’s just adopted several kids in fucking Halloween Town ffs man. And they tease and snark at him but he’s comfortable snarking back and it’s this nice easy thing even before various Sunnydale occurences forge stronger bonds 6/7

And actually they do notice that Ripper seems way better than he has been in general? And they do a few more song recordings for youtube and hey look he’s bringing his A game again! And they’re all British too so he’s not the only one and it’s just good because friendship is. So good. If only the cute bassist lady would stop flirting with his maybe-sorta-girlfriend-i-guess, that’d the great. 7/7

there are SO MANY THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THIS so here i shall throw some concepts back at u

1) jenny and buffy immediately interrogate ripper’s aunts for embarrassing childhood stories, bc they’re much easier marks than ripper’s grandmother or his dad (they think everything they’re telling is So Cute and So Sweet). buffy writes them all down. ripper is hiding his face in his hands. jenny genuinely thinks the stories are sweet but tries her best to pretend that she’s making fun of ripper bc. u know. wouldn’t want to look Soft

2) cordelia immediately starts trying to get herself into ripper’s good graces so she’ll let him sing with the band, because they’ve got a bunch of views on youtube and she’s always wanted to be an online personality and she definitely has the looks for it so please ripper please ripper please ripper????? this thankfully ends after she sees one of their performances and decides that they don’t have the right Style for her to make her online debut with them. ripper has never been more grateful for cordelia’s concepts of sophistication

3) the band loves buffy. she tags along with ripper to practice and asks lots of questions and they think her puns are amazing. their music isn’t actually her cup of tea but she really really loves seeing ripper in what she calls his “natural habitat” (read: she really loves seeing ripper genuinely happy & with friends his own age) so she hangs out in the back and does homework with willow.

4) ripper kinda does write a soft acoustic love song about jenny. even tho it’s not directly stated that it’s jenny, the word “techno-witch” is used more than once and there’s a whole verse about big dark eyes. someone in the band finds it in his music folder, tucked under the song he’d been meaning to show them. they all collectively think it’s a really kickass song, somehow convince ripper to play it at one of their gigs, and the scoobies tease ripper MERCILESSLY. xander buys the band’s album on itunes and plays the song whenever jenny walks into a room for, like, weeks. ripper very much regrets writing the song about jenny until he starts noticing how she looks all happy every time she hears it and um. that’s Significant.

5) xander doesn’t Get ripper’s band but they give him a free t-shirt and he wears it around a lot bc he likes looking like he knows what the hip, happening new music is. buffy points out that calling music “hip and happening” isn’t really going to win him many points. xander ignores this.

[sapphicalexaandra]

Impossibility Is a Kiss Away from Reality (8/?)

Pairing: Jace/Alec

Rating: E

Summary: “…New York shooting, the official victim count is twe-”

“Wait, what? What did the radio just say about New York?!”

Notes: Chapter 8 of Sense8 AU. The plot thickens...or it’s just angst, you decide ;)

Real?

“Jace? I appreciate your enthusiasm, but we have customers?”

Jace was yanked away from Alec, only to end up back on his seat behind the counter. Damn it.

Simon was in front of him, glaring at him as a small group of girls tried to stifle their snickers a few feet away.

Jace blinked, before covering up his confusion with a smile. “What? It’s a great song, our customers will surely appreciate it.”

He looked at the girls, and they nodded quickly.

“Yes, of course! You sang it perfectly,” one of them said. “We would…would you please sign our notebooks? We’re huge fans of yours.”

Jace’s smile became Cheshire-like. “See, Simon? Make space for the ladies.”

Simon rolled his eyes, but he did as he was told, and Jace gladly spent the next few minutes chatting animatedly and signing his name on things. That was not why he had gotten into the music industry, but it definitely didn’t hurt. He winked at his fans, making them blush, before they turned towards Simon and asked for his autograph, too. Jace just knew that Simon was going to complain to him, as soon as they left, about this being a “shop, and not your personal office!” That should shut him up, instead. Jace laughed when the girls did indeed leave, and Simon only had a goofy grin on his face.

Simon still stuck his tongue out at him, before welcoming the next customers.

It was a busy afternoon, thankfully. With a bit of luck, the shop would survive another month.

“…New York shooting, the official victim count is twe-”

“Wait, what?” Jace blurted out, after waving away the latest costumer. He looked up at Simon, who was reordering a shelf. “What did the radio just say about New York?!”

Simon raised his eyebrows at him. “That there was a shooting? Twenty victims, plus dozens of others wounded?”

Jace started sputtering. “Wha-wai-w-why the hell did nobody tell me?!”

“It’s not exactly the ideal topic before a major show, is it? And it’s been all over the news since yesterday, we thought you knew! Where the hell have you been, under a rock?”

Jace shot upright, almost knocking his chair over, before he almost ran towards the computer at the other end of the counter. His fingers flew over the keyboard under Simon’s widened eyes, but Jace didn’t care. He had opened countless pages in the next ten seconds, and he was gawking up and down at the articles, at the pictures, unblinking.

The place…the formation of the police cars…the view of the Statue of Liberty…the maniac’s face…

It all fit what he remembered of his hallucination.

“Jace?”

Jace ignored him. His hands had stopped moving, and he was frozen in place. “I – I need to go to the bathroom.”

He could feel Simon’s worried eyes on his back as he made his way, a hand firmly wrapped around his phone in the pocket of his jeans.

He swiftly took it out as soon as the door closed behind him.

Alec Lightwood, he typed on the search bar, New York Police.

And there he was. Tall, dark hair, broad shoulders. There were various photos of him in uniform, often accompanied by the blonde woman Jace remembered from the shooting. He was listed among the wounded of yesterday.

Alec…was real? The man Jace had almost got killed. The man who had shown up in Jace’s apartment half-naked, yelling at Jace that he wasn’t real. The man Jace had sang to like never before, danced with and almost kissed. The man Jace had been in the body of, as they…wanked. Yep, that had happened. Jace could still only think holy shit as he remembered it. And as he remembered all the glimpses he had caught of Alec that entire day, or when he had jumped on Alec’s bed, singing with him without a care in the world because he had been so sure it was all just a fantasy…Jace’s eyes were just about to pop out of his head.

Bloody hell.

“Jace, man, are you alright in there?”

Jace cleared his throat and got out of the bathroom. “Yeah. Sorry. I don’t know why I reacted like this.”

“Yeah, it’s so awful. I can’t believe that it just keeps happening…do you need to go home? It’s fine by me.”

Jace shook his head. “No, I’m fine.”

He needed the distraction of work, or his head would truly explode.

But it didn’t, not even when he finally got home. And the next time he saw Alec, sleeping peacefully on his bed, Jace started paying more attention.

He inspected every inch of the room, he touched every surface, and he catalogued every reaction his body received from all of that. Again, Jace thought he felt the vibrations of the objects against his skin, as if between them and him there was a thin veil that he couldn’t quite pierce…

It still far closely resembled a legitimate touch. He was in that room, for sure. A vision could never be this clear, this detailed…and Alec…

Alec drew him in more than anything else. Jace sat down next to him, and he reached for his hand like he had done at the hospital. But, this time, he didn’t hesitate to interlock their fingers, closing his eyes to focus better on that contact.

A raw energy seemed to radiate from their clasped hands. It flowed up Jace’s arm, until his entire body reverberated with it. Jace gulped, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by the sensation. He felt the need to open his eyes again, but he didn’t want to let go. He studied Alec’s face more closely. How the light danced on his relaxed lineaments…

How was this possible? How could this be real? How could he be seeing Alec, be near him, feel him in that peculiar way he did? And on such an intimate, deeper level than he had ever felt anything else…

Thoughts he’d had before but he had refused to listen to came back to him.

Alec had felt like an extension of himself…a separate being, but tied to Jace indescribably. When they’d danced together, for instance; Jace had, in a way, known Alec’s movements before he made them.  And what about those doubled, multiplied, synchronous sensations that he – they? – had experienced as they…masturbated? In each other’s bodies?

It all sounded impossible, crazy, yes…but if they were both real, and weren’t imagining it…

Jace was no closer to an understanding, but, for some reason, he accepted that possibility; that what had been happening to him was a reality. He wasn’t a spiritual person, he had never been a believer; yet, something was telling him to give this a chance. And for once in his life, he listened.

He would just…treat this as an experiment. He wanted to explore the situation, he wanted to talk to Alec and see if they could make sense of it together. And he wanted to get to know Alec-the-person, as deeply as he already felt to know the…being. A sound plan to get to the bottom of it all.

Doing the part of the infesting pest, after all, was also kind of fun, he had to admit. Alec got more exasperated at his antics than Jace’s grandmother ever did, but Jace could tell, and not because of any supernatural power, that Alec was actually enjoying his presence. Jace wasn’t that delusional to think that this would be any epic, out-of-this-world romance, but he couldn’t deny neither his attraction to Alec, nor Alec’s apparent attraction to him. And if Jace were to approach the subject, Alec couldn’t deny it either, because he had been the one about to kiss Jace.

But that was probably stretching things a little too far.

Experiment. Observation to draw reasonable conclusions. Nothing more. Focus, Jace.

Amongst the things he consequently added to his mental list; according to Alec’s…sister? Alec had talked in a perfect British accent just as Jace did. That was a third party taking notice of something weird, so it couldn’t just be in their heads, could it?

Another factor was that Alec still thought this wasn’t real. That was something Jace wanted to discuss with him. He wanted to tell Alec to just look him up on the internet; literally, it would be so easy for Alec to find proof of his existence, just as it had been for Jace (once he had thought to do it, that is).

Yet, something in Alec’s expression…the way he said, “It’s been two days! I was perfectly normal before, and now I’ve gone crazy hallucinating you! Yes, this isn’t real,” made Jace bite his tongue. If Alec refused to look past the initial improbability to ground all of this in a tangible reality, Jace didn’t feel like forcing him quite yet. It had been two days. And it was not like Jace was one-hundred percent sure himself that he wasn’t living some kind of fever-dream. Better give them both more time to ease into it, he concluded; this could all very well end as abruptly as it had started, after all.

So Jace merely followed Alec – an Alec who, for all his denial, still talked to him and indulged himself in what he thought was a dream, so there was hope for him yet – to the rooftop of Alec’s apartment building in New York, all the way across the ocean for Jace, and he got to know another side of his grumpy companion in all this weirdness. Alec looked truly beautiful under the dim light of the stars, shadows playing a fascinating game on the side of his face that Jace could see. His eyes shone when he looked into the lens of his telescope, and not because of any outside illumination.

Jace didn’t forget to take note that one part of him, somehow, was truly singing in their shop’s garage to get ready for their next big show…but, apparently, his brain had so much space now that he could still give most of his attention to what Alec explained to him. And he could swear he wasn’t the only one being enraptured by it all.

“You’re late,” Imogen greeted him when Jace arrived at her house for lunch.

“Hello to you, too, Gran.” Jace grinned.

“I swear you have baggier clothes each time, aren’t you tired to always pass as a street urchin, my child?”

“I love you, too.”

Imogen’s lips turned upward as she led him inside the house.

“You didn’t tell me that you were filthy rich. Why the hell do you live in a dump?” Alec whispered into his ear, walking beside him with wide eyes as he looked around at all the sophistication Jace’s grandmother surrounded herself with.

Jace raised an eyebrow, before whispering back, careful to put a little more distance between him and Imogen, “I’m not filthy rich, that’s my grandmother. Now back off.”

Alec rolled his eyes, but disappeared.

He returned when Jace sat at the dining room table. Alec simply appeared on the chair next to him, still surveying everything with clear awe, from the rich wooden furniture to the pure silver flatware.

“How is your…business going, dear?” Imogen asked as she put her napkin over her legs.

“I’d say nicely, and we’ve booked a couple of shows this month, as intro for other bands,” Jace answered casually.

Imogen nodded, before looking at him pointedly. “If you have any problems, you do know that your inheritance is always there for you, right?”

Jace sighed. “Yes, Gran, I know. But I’m saving it for bigger things, which does not include,” he quickly added with a sideway glance, “buying a better apartment. I’m fine with this one.”

“Ah,” both Imogen and Alec echoed.

Seriously, why was Alec, an allegedly real person, so similar to his grandmother? Jace wanted to facepalm so hard at both of them.

Thankfully, lunch was served, which shut them all up for a while. As usual, it was a very grand affair of double courses and the best ingredients coming from all over the world. Imogen would literally die if she ever did anything but the best.

Even after all this time, Jace couldn’t deny that he was still a bit uncomfortable with that. He had grown up with nothing, and suddenly finding himself being the grandson of a high-borne diplomat hadn’t been an easy shift. He also knew that he could never be fine if he allowed himself to be dependent on his grandmother’s money. That was simply not who he was, yet at this point it’d be useless trying to make her understand it, if she hadn’t already done so.

Alec, though, was a whole other matter…Jace didn’t usually share personal information with anyone outside of his circle of close friends, yet there was an itch in him that urged him to share all of this with Alec. To make him understand who he was, and why he wasn’t rich.

If he could only truly talk to Alec, instead of them just accidentally finding themselves in the same room while they were doing something else…Jace was sure that if they ever did so, he’d manage to get through to Alec. If he learned more about him, Alec just couldn’t not see this for what it was, he couldn’t not see Jace as a real person!

“So, this is your grandmother…but where are your parents?” Alec asked him as if on cue.

That, however, wasn’t something Jace would’ve wanted to start with straight away.

“Dead,” Jace curtly replied, and Alec’s eyes widened slightly.

“What, dear?” Imogen inquired.

Jace cursed himself mentally. “I – I’m gonna die if I don’t taste that pork immediately.”

“Who’s the terrible liar, now?” Alec asked, but he sounded hesitant, most likely still registering what Jace had just told him.

Yeah, having Alec pity him wasn’t exactly what Jace had meant to go for. He made sure to glare at Alec to express his annoyance...but he felt himself losing all fire as soon as he met Alec’s eyes. They were indeed creased in a sympathetic way, but they also conveyed a warmth and understanding that Jace was surprised to find. Unexpectedly, Jace felt his eyes sting.

“I’m sorry about your parents,” Alec told him quietly.

Alec was a cop, he probably dealt with similar situations on a daily basis, so there wasn’t anything that personal about the honest concern Jace could hear in his voice. And those words had been repeated to Jace all his life, so there was nothing new about them. Yet, if he thought about the fact that Alec believed he was just imagining everything, and he was still this into it… Jace had to swallow down a prominent lump and avert his eyes to not get too overwhelmed by Alec’s intensity.  

He didn’t know whether or not to thank the fact that he didn’t see Alec again until much later. It was probably better that way, and Alec stayed with him either way; Jace could only put on him his sudden implacable need to clean his apartment after a long while that he hadn’t. He had found this place a long time ago, and it had always served him right, it surely didn’t deserve to be called a dumpster!  

He popped up into Alec’s apartment only once all afternoon. When he realized, however, that people he had never seen – Alec’s friends or colleagues, he figured – were visiting Alec, Jace didn’t feel like staying to investigate who they were. Better if he just kept some distance. Alec was already complicated on his own.

He couldn’t pass on family dinner, though. That was not exactly a very unobtrusive way of getting to know someone, but Alec had barged in on his lunch with his grandmother, hadn’t he? It was only right that Jace returned the favor, sitting right next to Alec as who he guessed were Alec’s mother, brother, sister and work partner came over for dinner. What did Jace have to do anyway…he was so not used to go to sleep at a reasonable hour.

He tried to place a name to each face. Mary, no, Maryse was the mother. Mat-Max was the teenage brother. Easy? No, Izzy was the sister, seated next to the blonde, Lynn…Lydia!

“So, let me get this straight, or…gay. Your partner got together with your sister?” Jace asked Alec with a smirk.

Alec reflexively turned his head towards him, and they were on Jace’s bed, Alec crossing his arms as he spoke, “Yeah. Been two years already.”

“Isn’t that a bit weird?”

“Nah…well, it was at first. They even hid it from me, thought I’d freak out…which I kind of did. But I would’ve very much preferred they told me, instead of finding Lydia in my sister’s bed. Literally, I think most things would’ve been better than that.”

They both chuckled. Jace dared to look sideways at Alec’s profile. “What about your father? Not together with your mother?”

“No. But it’s better this way.” Alec’s eyes met his for a brief second, before he averted them, clearing his throat. “I just…I’ll go back now.”

“Wait, Alec.”

Alec froze, looking back at him. Jace took a deep breath.

“Listen, I’m not saying now, but…I really think we should talk. No pressure, no nothing, but we should try to figure out what…”

Alec closed his eyes. “I already said that I don’t feel that talking a fantasy out would really do anything. I must really go back.” And he did, just like that.  

I’m not your fantasy, Jace would’ve wanted to tell him.