#i'm going to make these two crawl through their trauma and insecurities before i let them lay their hands on one another again

[florencemtrash]

Shadowsinger and the Inkbird is so heartachingly beautiful, talk about a slow slow burn of soulmates, I think I re read their hug scene maybe 10 times at the very least and then we go right back into the angst,,,,,,Az is going to have to re learn to hold her 🥺🥺🥺 but seriously, this story is so well written and I am so excited to continue reading! Thank you for blessing us with this phenomenal story!

Thank you for reading and blessing my inbox with such a kind comment 🥹. I'm glad everyone is enjoying the slow burn and the hug scene *screeches in pain* — the way I spent literally like three months writing so I could get to that one scene... and now I'm tossing us all back onto the angst bus before they can hug again 😭. Why am I doing this to us? Why am I doing this to myself????

[lokisprettygirl]

Needy (Loki x Female Reader) (18+) Part 2

Read part 1 here

Summary : The dam breaks and you get to share your mutual neediness.

Warning: 18+ ,Sex, Fear of abandonment, past trauma, self deprecation, nightmares

Question: Should oneshots be considered as twoshots if there are two parts ?

As soon as you got to the shared room you cried and then you couldn't stop crying, several bad thoughts filled your head, you couldn't help but picture him with the pretty women out there and your heart kept breaking. He won't do that to you, you knew that very well but the way you felt in the moment made everything worse. All you wanted to do was hide in his arms and never let him go, you wanted to tell him that you needed him and for once you needed him all to yourself but you didn't want to seem clingy again. Guys hated that.

Loki walked back to the party but he couldn't stop thinking about what had just happened. What did he do to make you distance yourself like that? He wanted to ask you but he feared he'd drive you further away and he hated the thought of that, he didn't want to lose you, he didn't know how he'd survive that loss.

After an hour he returned to the room and you were in the shower, he saw the dress on the bed and sighed, the only reason he brought you here was because he wanted to spend some alone time with you, he has been busy lately and he haven't see much of you in the past few weeks and you never complained either.

As you came out he was taking his shirt off and you saw him take the fresh towel out of the closet, he smiled as he looked at you,

"You showered without me" he chuckled and it made you smile too but he seemed sad and you didn't know why. The beautiful mop of curls on his head seemed unruly and you just wanted to brush your fingers through them.

"Sorry I didn't know when you were returning" he hummed as he walked past you to go to the bathroom. Things got awkward in a matter of an hour, it instantly made your skin crawl, you have been here at the same spot before a few times. The awkwardness and the distance always leads to them abandoning you again. Was he going to leave you? Could you even stop him if he planned to do so? You didn't think you could even if you wanted to.

As he came out he put a pair of briefs on and a black trouser on top of it then he sat down next to you on the bed so you smiled but as soon as he grabbed your hand your eyes teared up because of his mere touch. The overwhelming urge to act all needy with him intensified, for once you wanted to cling to someone and not drive them away from you.

"What's going on?" As your eyes met with him, you noticed they were teary as well,

"What do you mean?" You asked him as you didn't know what he was trying to say to you.

"I just.. have I done something wrong? You can tell me princess"

You shook your head immediately as he said that, he has loved you in a way you have never been loved before, you didn't want him to blame himself for your insecurities. He had done nothing wrong, he was just being his adorable self and it were your own thoughts that made you feel otherwise "Am I being too much? Do you need space?"

"Good no loki Nooo " your arms flung around his neck and he placed his head down on your shoulder then you heard his soft little cries. Why was he crying? Before you could question him he suddenly got up and stepped away from you, leaving you even more confused.

"I'm sorry I don't know..I don't know what happened..I didn't mean to act that way" he mumbled as he wiped his tears. He did mean to act that way, he wanted to put his head down in your lap and cry his heart out but he knew it'd be too much. He knew he'd seem too needy..

"Loki baby come sit okay? Let's talk" you tapped on the spot he was sitting earlier on so he complied.

"Why did you run out of the party?" He asked you and you looked down, you knew you couldn't lie to him again.

"I just ..I was jealous" his brows furrowed as he heard that

"Jealous?"

"Of those women talking to you..prettier women" you looked down as you felt weak and embarrassed even just saying this to him "I couldn't help and wonder if you'd rather be with them, I'm nothing special, I'm a nobody in your world and I felt jealous because I love you and I want you and I need you so badly but I ..I don't wanna annoy you or drive you away" you couldn't control your sobs as you finished your words and the tears didn't stop running down his cheeks either, that's when he realized that his issues weren't that different from yours, you had been feeling this way for a while and he wished you could have told him that but then he understood why you didn't, he understood the fear very well.

He cupped your cheeks and kissed your lips softly,

"Princess..ever since I have known you, you're the only girl I have ever wanted in my pathetic life. You're the only thought in my head when I go to sleep and right after I wake, I am so enamored by you that I think about you all the time. I miss you even when you're just a few steps away from me, you think you're the only one feeling this way? I need you every fucking second of my life but I'm too afraid because I don't want to suffocate you darling" you wiped your tears and hugged him as tightly as you could, he let out a soft sigh as he felt your embrace and thats when you realised that your feelings weren't any different from his. He needed you as much as you needed him.

"Suffocate me lo..oh god please suffocate me..that's what I want and crave and that's what I.." you didn't even finish your words, your lips crashed onto his involuntarily, every inch of your existence was burning in the feverish need that you felt in the moment, he was yours and he wanted to stay that way.

He wrapped his arms around you and flipped you on the bed right under him, you pulled his trousers down along with the briefs and he ripped your panties with one flick of his wrists, you gasped as he entered you. He placed his forearms right next to your head, trapping you under his body as his hips thrusted in and out of you slowly, he was so close and you felt his warmth all around you, inside you. Your arms curled around his neck as you pulled him as close as you could, there was no space left between your bodies and that's exactly what you both needed at the moment.

"Babyy..my sweet baby..I love you..never ever doubt that..never..you're the prettiest woman I'll ever know and If I am ever being a condescending ass just grab me and kiss me, I'm all yours I promise..I'm yours forever..and I would belong to you as long as you'd have me, as long as you want me love, as long as you need me in your life" his eyes teared up as he spoke and you could taste the sincerity dripping from his words, His shallow thrusts made your eyes roll into your head, the assurance that you craved he had bestowed upon you, you knew he wasn't lying to you, he'd never do that to you.

"I love you lo and I never want to lose you..you could never be too much or drive me away..never ever I promise I promise" you mumbled softly as you kissed him. As he came inside you he collapsed right next to you, he pulled you in his arms and caressed your back until you fell asleep. He did too but it didn't last very long, he woke up because of a nightmare and he saw everyone of them monsters who had harmed him and they told him awful things, they kept reminding him that he'd never be loved.

You woke up to him shivering, seeming dazed and confused, his eyes were teary so you propped yourself up on your elbows and turned the side lamp on, he looked at you, his lips were trembling as he was fighting back the tears. He has had nightmares before but he'd always run to the bathroom so you won't see him being so weak.

"Lo baby..hey" you cooed gently as you caressed his cheeks with your fingers, he was shaking as he tried to shift back to reality, the thought that he had been alone in this state before hurt you to the core,

"Don't leave pleassse..I'm sorry" he mumbled so you kissed him and then you wrapped him in the tightest most comforting embrace, your fingers scratched his scalp as you tried to calm him down

"I'd never do that lo..shh you're okay baby..you're safe I promise"

"I don't want to push you away, I don't want to be like this" your eyes teared up more and more as you felt the hurt in his voice, he needed you and you would never ever allow him to feel that he was being too needy.

"Like what baby? You had a nightmare and that's okay..you won't push me away..I want to be here with you for everything..not just the good times..you listen to me and believe me okay?" you mumbled in his ears and he sniffled more as he clutched onto you. His sobs died slowly as he could finally sleep again when he realized that he could be vulnerable with you and you won't leave him.

Next morning after showering, you got ready, you had a message from Loki that he was in the resort lounge with other guys so you went there and found him on one of the couches, he smiled and opened his arms so you walked towards him and sat down on his lap,

"I woke up alone" he kissed the top of your nose as you said that and you noticed Thor smirking.

"I'll get breakfast..hungry ..so hungry this fine morning" Thor mumbled as he stood up to leave you two alone and you squeezed your eyes. You two had never been into PDA like this because you both felt that you'd annoy one another.

"Sorry princess, I figured you needed your sleep" he said softly so you kissed him again.

"Are you feeling okay?"

"Yes..are you?"

"I'm good lo, I just..I don't want to be clingy" you looked down as you said that so placed his fingers on your chin to make you look at him.

"Please be clingy to me..you have no idea how much I need that"

"Me being clingy?" You chuckled and he nodded, his eyes seemed different today, they seemed brighter and happier "Well you won't be saying that a few months down the line"

"I can't begin to tell you how mistaken you are my sweet sweet princess"

You chuckled and then spent the rest of the vacation all curled up around him like a cat does with its owner.

He wasn't wrong about you being mistaken. On your 50th anniversary he brought you to the same resort, this time just the two of you. Afterall this was the place where you both had realized that you both were needy but you both loved to fulfill that need of each other.

With him by your side It wasn't a matter of now but forever.

[inthegistoftime]

heyyy, I had a request for Kaz brekker and was wondering if you would write it? it's basically like the reader goes to jesper(who's like a brother to her) and the rest for hugs when shes feeling sad but never to Kaz bcs she doesnt want to force him.. but he gets jealous and a taddd bit insecure about their relationship and one day she feels really sad and goes to jesper but Kaz hugs her first and everyone is shocked but proud? I know it's a bit detailed but it would mean everything to me if you wrote it!!thanks, I love your work💗

Lessss gooooo! Thank you for reading my love 🥰

Just a second longer

Pairing: Kaz Brekker x Fem!Reader

tw: Just soft Kaz and my bad writing 🥰

Jesper had become your go to person when it came to comfort, it had started after a quite distressing heist and now you both were practically siblings, he saw you like a sister and you saw him like a brother.

Kaz knew this. He knew it was nothing more then a loving sibling-like relationship, but the ugly shade of jealousy whispered in his ears, do you see this? a shame it couldn't of been you. He was mad, not at you, not at Jesper, but at himself. It upset him, not being able to provide a sense of comfort for you, he craved the intimacy of holding you close, of running his bare fingers across your skin, leaving behind goosebumps as you shivered under his touch.

The force of something stronger stopped him from acting upon his thoughts. Something toxic and foul crawled under his skin and kept him in place, restricting him from giving and receiving the physical touch of another living being.

He was trying, he was trying for you, to fight against his trauma, despite your protests and pleas. You told him you loved him regardless, and you'd meant it, he didn't need to overwork himself mentally for you. You love him as he is, you love the small acts of intimacy you two had. The small kisses on cheeks and light hand holding had you swooning, you knew he wasn't like everyone else, and you knew of his past, you appreciated how far he'd gone for your relationship and you couldn't of asked for more.

However, Kaz thought differently. The Bastard Of The Barrel craved more and he knew you did too, despite what you'd told him.

So after a mission that left you sore and upset, you automatically sought out comfort. Unfortunately for you Jesper was busy, you didn't want to bother him, you knew he'd drop everything for you, but you didn't want to distract him from his tasks, so you decided to grace someone else with your prescience.

You made your way up the stairs, legs aching and eyes droopy, waltzing into his office uninvited and taking a seat in his desk chair as Dirty hands himself stood near his window, observing the scenery below. He had heard you come in, he knew it was you because none of the other Crows would dare to take a seat in the bosses chair.

"Kaz, my Darling, I require attention from you" You whined playfully, picking up a random pile of paperwork and skimming through it with little to no interest as you leaned back in his chair. The small chuckle that left the mans mouth gave you butterflies as he turned his head to look at you, his lips turned up slightly at the sight of you relaxing into the cool leather of his seat, "Is that so, my Dove?" He teased, you let out a sigh as you lift yourself off the chair and make your way over to him. "Hey, are you okay? This mission was pretty... rough" You asked him, your tone softer then before, as you grab his gloved hand lightly. He sighed as he squeezed your hand, holding it firmly in his, "I've been better" he muttered loud enough for you to hear, "Talk to me, Kaz, please? I'm here for you" you whispered to him, pleading with him as you looked into his ocean blues.

He sighed as he leaned his forehead against yours, his eyes closed as you patiently waited for him to speak, "You got hurt today" he uttered, you bumped your nose against his slightly, "Barely" you murmured back, "Just- please --please-- come to me more" he begged, moving back slightly to look you in your eyes, "You're jealous? Of Jesper???" you giggled, "Also, since when did THE Kaz Brekker beg?" Kaz smirked at you, "Oh hush" he cackled slightly, pulling you into a small hug, resting your head against his chest.

His heart beat was fast, and you didn't blame him, his small wave of confidence had you both surprised, but you enjoyed it, it reminded you that this was reality, he was real and he was all yours, you enjoyed him. His efforts, his real personality, his scent-- no, no, you loved him, the realisation that you had managed to woo your gang boss and had managed to fall in love with him made your heart skip a beat. He loved you too, you knew that, he just wasn't ready to say it yet, but that was okay.

As long as he held you just a second longer.

xxx

[adam-dumortains]

Heaven In Secret - Bryce x MC | Part II

Book/Pairing(s): MC x Bryce

Word Count: Part II - 850 words

Rating: 18+ due to swearing and mature scenes in later chapters of the fanfic.

Summary: This fanfic is based on the imagined scenes after Bryce asks MC to leave separately in the latest open heart: Third Year Chapter. I know that Bryce is back to ‘normal’ in the most recent chapter but a few people liked Part I so!

Category: Mini series, angst and a little bit of fluff. I promise the angst will die down after this!

Warnings / Trope: Swearing, mature scenes

*gifs are not mine

Song: illicit affairs - taylor swift | Make sure nobody sees you leave. Hood over your head, keep your eyes down. Tell your friends you're out for a run, you’ll be flushed when you return. And you know damn well for you, I would ruin myself a million little times.

Casey was ready to go home, crawl into bed and cry it out. She wasn’t one to be upset over a guy. Even if that guy was Bryce Lahela. But this was different. She was ready to go to bed and hope tomorrow, she’s wake up and pray for a miracle that all feeling of Bryce would be gone. That is until Bryce turns up at her door.

tags: @lahellacute @dalishessence - if you want to be tagged, let me know!

Bryce walked into the living room of Casey and the rest of the intern's penthouse. He had been in here thousand of times before, parties, secret meet-ups with Casey, late-night moments when Casey was alone in the house whilst the group were working night shifts. But there was always a catch: he would find himself sneaking out almost every time.

"Bryce, why are you here?" Casey bit her lip as she tried to keep herself together. Looking at him felt as though it physically hurt her chest. Her mind was racing at the reasons why Bryce showed up at her door. Was he going to break up with her? There's nothing to break up, she thought to herself. You aren't even together. "If you're here to fuck with my head some more, just leave now."

Bryce sighed, running his hand through his hair again. "It's not like that, Casey."

"Then what is it like, Bryce? We've been chasing each other for two fucking years. Two years. After everything we've been through... countless nights I spent at your apartment whilst you vented about your family, almost dying and all I could think about was you, then holding you in my arms when you broke down after Danny's funeral?” She winced at the mention of Danny, trying to suppress the trauma from that day. “And this is how you act? Making me leave separately as if I was a hook-up at the hospital, like some dirty little secret? I'm sick to death of being a secret. I don't want to be another girl you picked up at the hospital, have your way with and leave.” A single tear ran down Casey's cheek, which she quickly wiped away with her sleeve as she turned away from Bryce.

“I just.. I don’t want you to get in trouble for mixing your dating life and professional life.”

“Cut the bullshit, Bryce. If that was the case, you wouldn’t have just had sex with me IN the hospital. Stop with the lies or leave. I deserve to know whether you’re going to leave me out to dry. Tell me the real reason. Please.” Her eyes were pleading. If he was going to hurt her and leave, she wanted it to be done with.

"Because I'm fucking in love with you Casey! And I don't know how to fucking handle it,” Casey’s eyes widened as Bryce’s rubbed his forehead. “I've never felt this way with anyone before. But your residency is over in the next few months. You're gonna leave here. You're going to be a brilliant doctor somewhere. You've going to leave Edanbrook behind. You're going to leave me behind. I just couldn't handle watching you leave. So it was easier to act like I didn't care.”

"You don't get to make that choice, Bryce. You don't get to hurt me to protect yourself."

"I know. I didn't mean to. I just... I've never felt like this. I've never had someone like this.. I've never had these feelings for someone. I feel jealous when I see other guys talking to you when we go out, like even Ethan goddamn Ramsey looks at you like you're a novelty." Bryce threw himself onto the couch angrily, shoving his head into his hands. “I just... I’ve always been so sure of myself. But when it comes to someone like you, I just keep thinking that you’re everything someone could want. You could have your entire pick of the whole damn hospital.”

"Bryce. Do you not think I get insecure? You don't think I hate the way nurses talk about you in the staff area when I'm there? Talking about how much they want you? Or how some of them have been with you in the past? How girls look at you all the time? It's because I am in love with you. This is why it hurts so bad. It's why I can't be your secret anymore."

Bryce looked up, meeting Casey's eyes. "You're...in love with me?" He looked at her, his mouth dropping open as if he couldn’t believe what he had just heard.

"Are you fucking kidding me? I've been in love with you for months, Bryce. Ever since you came into the hospital bed and held me when I thought I was going to die. I knew it from then on. The only thing that comforted me in possible death was knowing I was going to spend my last moments with you."

"Case..." Bryce stood up and moved closer to Casey and to his disappointment, Casey took a step back, her eyes closed as she swallowed the lump in her throat.

"I can't Bryce.. I can't shake the feeling that you're just going to hurt me again. Ever since I left the garden rooftop, I can't help but think I'm just another girl you fuck and that’s it, even after everything you just said. You said it yourself, you've never been one to commit. I need you to leave.." Casey went to walk past Bryce, heading for the door to open it for Bryce to leave.

[strangergrove]

× VOL 001 × 04.19.2020 ×

TUMBLR | @bambixxblue AO3 | moonlight_xx

× these hearts adore (every other beat, the other one beats for) ×

WORD COUNT: 10,569

CHAPTERS: 2/?

My Tumblr prompt fics all in one place. Some pining, some angst, but usually always a damn happy ending.

1. peach, curve of an ear, coffee grounds, veined hands, thunder

2. ways to say 'i love you' - 'i brought you an umbrella.'

The writing in this is so exquisite. It feels like cracking open a favourite book on a rainy Sunday morning, when the rest of the world is still asleep. It's comforting and poetic and incredibly heartwarming.

The first chapter takes us along on a sweet little vacation to California, a last hurrah of sorts, before the kids head off to college. It's sweet and peach-soaked and you can feel the ocean breeze against your skin with every passing word. It's the exact brand of happiness our boys deserve.

The second part is an achingly beautiful redemption for Billy. He learns how to let his wounds heal, learns how to let others in, learns how to trust and love. His initial interactions when he meets Steve are so precious and it shows how complex of a person he is, the softness beneath his concrete shell. I will devour any update to this amazing collection.

× the light of day shows me how ×

WORD COUNT: 39,173

CHAPTERS: 7/7

And from Robin, a single picture: the official cast list.

ROMEO MONTAGUE...BILLY HARGROVE

JULIET “JULIAN” CAPULET...STEVE HARRINGTON

Ah, fuck.

(or, Steve and Billy are in ballet school. They're cast in LGBT+ Romeo and Juliet. Featuring mutual pining, angst to fluff, and an Ancient Slavic demon cult. It gets weird.)

This is such a fun read. The spattering of background into the story really carves out the characters so well, choreographing the story in such a way that you fall into their lives without realizing it. You sit down to watch Steve practice his role for Julian and suddenly find yourself wondering if that small stutter you just saw has anything to do with any number of little details you know of his past. You see Billy storm across the studio floor and know that he’s trying to bury something that keeps resurfacing, but he refuses to let anyone help him.

It’s wonderful watching the way the boys play off of each other, pushing one another to better themselves in both their dance and their personal lives. Watching Steve fumble with his newfound and confusing feelings is sweet, hopeful, just waiting, waiting for it to tip over the edge, for the boys to fall into the space they’ve always belong: by each other’s side.

I’ve never done ballet, only watched it here and there in movies and shows, but I fell in love with this story, the way their dances are described, their movements. So if you’ve never been that into ballet, don’t let that deter you from reading this story. It’s so much more than just ballet.

× friends should sleep in other beds ×

WORD COUNT: 13,517

CHAPTERS: 2/2

It isn’t easy being in love with your best friend.

It especially isn’t easy being in love with your best friend if he’s the practical-Godfather of your university.

(or, 'I won't let anyone hurt you; you're safe with me' prompt fill where Steve thinks his love is one-sided but it absolutely isn't. Feat. loving girlfriends and Hawaiian vacations.)

This story is beyond achingly stunning. It’s all whirlwinds and longing and the white-knuckle deathgrip of trying to hold onto something you’re convinced is going to slip away. The deep, binding relationship between Billy and Steve is beautiful and heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. Both characters have obvious trenches of emotional trauma they’ve had to trudge through to get where they are, trenches they’re still slowly crawling their ways out of.

The words are so wonderfully crafted that I felt the sway and break of Steve’s emotions at the same time he did. I felt the longing, the sorrow, the sputtering flame of hope that just refuses to gutter and die. I want to say I wanted more of this story, but I don’t know if my heart could have handled it. No, it was the perfect length, detailing the long harrowing journey of love and friendship, of finding family that doesn’t come from blood, of holding desperately onto things that are worth the bruises they leave on your fingers.

TUMBLR | @cameorabbit AO3 | CaffeinatedBunny

× Life Is Sweet ×

WORD COUNT: 8,676

CHAPTERS: 4/4

Snapshots of domestic bliss, between loving boyfriends.

(This story will be marked as complete but I will be adding chapters as the muses come to me or when I need a break from some of my larger wip)

This wonderful little collection offers us a sweet insight into the boys' relationship. We get small glimpses into the boys' pasts that add layers to the stories. We get to see little snippets of Steve's relationship with his mother and grandmother. We get to see Billy's insecurities. 

Each story has it’s own little theme, if you will, from baking Christmas cookies to battling insecurities in their relationship. Each story gives us a little more, brings us a little deeper into these boys’ lives, adds that next layer to them that has you coming back to see how they’ve developed. I'm looking forward to any future additions to this collection.

× When I run out of road (You bring me Home) ×

WORD COUNT: 5,316

CHAPTERS: 1/1

The road back to Hawkins Indiana is long and tedious with neither of them really wanting to reach their destination; so to distract them both Billy has a plan to make it as pleasurable for both of them as he can.

Uffda. This was a fun read. Now, before I dive into the review, just a heads up: this is a PWP with dom/sub. And apologies in advance for my inability to be eloquent about smut.

The dynamic between the two was a joy to read. Steve's mannerisms as a baby and the way Billy handles him as his Daddy was fantastic. It's not heavy dom/sub here, but you can tell they've had this relationship for a while. They're both comfortable in their roles and both know exactly what they're doing, and how to get a rise out of each other. But between the power play and the drops of backstory, there's actually some beautiful writing here, too. There were a few lines that I found myself rereading just because they sounded beautiful.

Also, I just have to say... The way Billy handles his own cock... Why do I love that so much? Just little things, too, like tapping it against the steering wheel while he's teasing Steve.

× I'll Keep you Mine ×

WORD COUNT: 3,926

CHAPTERS: 1/1

Billy's forged a kingdom and took an empty throne, and he'll burn anyone and anything that tries to take it from him.

(My Dudes this whole story is pretty much the Grumpy Possessive one claims the Sunshine One - Literally. And I ain't even mad.)

Here we get a gorgeously written tale that spins the events of the Upside Down in a different light. I don't want to spoil what that is, as it's not explicitly stated in the summary or tags, so you'll have to read to find out! This idea could easily be fleshed out into a much longer piece, but there's also something about just getting a small taste of an idea that is very enjoyable.

There is this persistent sense of danger beneath all the beautiful imagery. It's in the pacing of the story, in the way Billy needs to claim Steve. We get enough of a taste of this otherness to want more, to want to see exactly how everything unfolds.

TUMBLR | @wickedlydevious AO3 | wickedlydevious

× Weak Hands, Weak Lungs, Strong Heart ×

SERIES: Strong Heart

WORD COUNT: 2,771

CHAPTERS: 1/1

After the events at Starcourt Mall, Billy is recovering in the hospital and bored out of his mind. The only bright spots are when Max comes to visit.

And then Steve Harrington starts visiting too and that's even better.

There is a very beautiful light and warmth throughout this story. Billy's character feels so accurate, and the way he deals with being in the hospital and everything that entails is exquisitely portrayed here. What Billy has to deal with in the wake of the Mind Flayer grates against his entire personality, but it forces him to step outside of his comfort zone, outside of himself, and relearn how to interact with people, namely Steve.

The thing I loved most about this story is that we get to see these different facets of Billy, facets that maybe even he didn't really know were there, ones he never allowed himself to show because of his father. Still recovering, still being dependent on other people forces these different aspects of him into the world, and it's beautiful. It creates this very special sort of relationship between Billy and Steve that is just so pure and heart warming. I'll definitely be coming back to this when I need a spark of joy.

× Weak Backbone, Strong Convictions ×

SERIES: Strong Heart

WORD COUNT: 3,212

CHAPTERS: 1/1

After the events at Starcourt Mall, Steve starts bringing Max to visit Billy at the hospital.

And then Steve starts visiting on his own.

The sweetness continues with the second part of the Strong Heart series. The events of the first part are retold, but this time through Steve's POV. I've always loved the idea of telling the same events from different perspectives and this did not disappoint. The events may be the same, but you feel them differently than when they were told through Billy's perspective. Though the tone of the previous installation is ultimately uplifting, it's clear Billy is struggling. This part, however, is overflowing with hope, which only adds to the already beautiful feeling of the last piece. Don't think that because you already know the events that will take place because you read the last part that you shouldn't read this one. It's beautiful and moving and there are moments added that would be a shame to miss out on. I really hope this series continues, because it is wonderfully uplifting, but it stands strong all the same, just as it is.

× T(h)ree Mistakes ×

WORD COUNT: 4,559

CHAPTERS: 1/1

It’s their first Christmas in their own apartment and Steve reluctantly tasks Billy with getting the tree.

Mistakes are made.

This is a great read for the holidays. Billy's tree-getting adventures brought back so many memories of going to the tree farm down the road from our house as a kid and making a day of trying to find a tree that didn't look like trash and wouldn't break the bank. The feel of the story is cozy and sweet, like a warm and sleepy holiday morning. The kids, now teens, make a short but fun appearance that really makes this story feel like it's about found family. 

This story is like coming home, rounding up all of your best friends you haven’t seen in ages, and making a night of the holidays. It’s sipping eggnog, the lights turned down low, and listening to the sweet croon of gentle music somewhere in the house. This story is comfort and happiness and love. Now I want some hot apple cider...

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