#imagine i wrote a full 1k list of what they like

[bakugoyelling]

need to make up some kind of ask game or something so i have an excuse to talk about how me and my faves have sex

[moccabunie]

things I've learned after a year writing fanfiction

This is a post from a non-writer who, apparently, now writes (❓) And this is a little crazy to me, considering that a year ago writing less than 1k decent words took a lot of effort. But this year I have completed a +100k project. (It's still difficult, though.)

I found out that the more I wrote, the easier it was to get into the story. So I think that being captivated by my own story has made a lot. I am an eager fanfiction reader, but I had yet to really try to write something on my own.

That was until I got hyper-fixated on three characters and wrote a small story about them sharing a room, and it was one of the funniest and most rewarding things I've done. So I was like "oh, maybe I can try to imagine stories I would like to read?"

(1) story one - a bird told me to wait

The first thing I considered was to make it completely self-indulging. The second was to make it as evocative as possible, not only telling what was happening. I like sensations and emotions, so I really wanted to write things I would like to feel as a reader. I wrote this story, and after that, I added a second longer part because I was enjoying it a lot. I used to doodle about the characters and make small annotations about their dynamics, but there wasn't really a lot of planning here.

(2) story two - beneath the moonlight

My second attempt was a three-chapter story (not so distant from the previous one that can be read as three parts too). But for this one, I wanted to challenge myself because I wanted to explore new themes and tropes, so I made a brief list of the things that should appear here. (but honestly, I just wanted to write a soft mating bite scene lmao, because I was super into a/b/o at that time.) I used keep notes app this time.

I barely showed explicit themes here but I got to enjoy the story anyway. This one wasn't difficult to write because I felt familiar with the characters. It's a light story but these 20k words gave me the courage to take a step further. I said to myself

"stop being a coward. you have enjoyed this. keep writing."

(3) story three - lucid dreams

This one was planned for four or five chapters, quite in the same line as beneath the moonlight. But, and the keyword is planned, it became a full 13 chapters as I developed the story and the characters. If I wanted it to be coherent then I needed to explain the things, build the context, and introduce the world. But it was also an experimental work. I took my notebook and listed the new things I wanted to try, such as - write in past tense - write first and edit later

my process was something like this • imagine random scenarios with pretty imagery as I listened to music • doodling the characters doing things so I didn't forget • open the notes app to write random sentences and dialogues in the middle of the night, I'll find a place for them later • dream about the story and daydream about the story

as for the physical notebook, I have scribbled A LOT there during the writing process.

(a little bit chaotic but functional enough)

One thing I wanted to keep in mind was the evolution of the characters, or in other words, how they were gonna be at the start and the end of the story. And this made things a lot simpler because it gave me an insight that was helpful whenever I had to decide what kind of decisions the characters would make along the story.

Parallelly, I was aware of my narrative flaws, as well as there was a lot of vocabulary and grammar that would escape me in a different language. So I used the notebook to do writing research. Some of my pages were like "how to write action scenes," or "tips for flat scenes." Whenever I felt blocked I read again these pages.

I'm going to copy down here some tips that were useful during the writing block days.

• read another book or fic you like, since sometimes, getting yourself caught by another writer's style can help you to flow through your own. • scroll on pinterest and try to find pictures that capture the vibe of your story, maybe try to describe them or setting a scene in a similar environment that you can see? • changing the setting (for example, day to night, or sun to rain) can add more variants and ambiental tools to play with. • or, changing the character's pov. maybe a scene feels flat because it's narrated by the wrong character. • use objects, not just the characters.

(4) finishing a story

To have an insight into the plot, I wrote the main scenes in really short sentences. That was useful for the first chapters, but suddenly I had 70K words of the story and a lot of details to track. Frequently I had to split chapters into two parts because the "short sentence" became a very long scene. See this comparison: the scenes' guide in the last chapters usually are fragmented into shorter scenes. That's how I avoided losing my mind as I wrote (?)

These are a few tips that were useful to me during this last part.

• write the important plot points as they are mentioned so you can come back to them later and don't forget about them. • keep a scrip to annotate significant things about the characters to make the story consistent. • notion pages is a great place to make inspo boards (usually I added 4 pictures for each scene). During the last chapter, I used the to-do list tool to keep track of the closed story points and the things that were yet to happen • list some of your favourite past scenes, those that have been nice to write, so you can pursue the same vibe again.

The last two months writing the fic I joined the nanowrimo to keep myself motivated but also to have an impulse. My only goal was getting the habit of writing everyday, not minding how many words (usually it was around 400-600 daily). I ended that month with 16k added on my wordcount (to me, that was a lot!). Since I enjoyed that little challenge, I did the same on the next month, resulting in finishing the fic :)

The most important thing during this time was remembering myself from time to time why I am doing this. Let me say I am an utter perfectionist, so I would easily get trapped in making-the-story-perfect, which would end in a writing block. So each time this happened I repeated to myself that I didn't want to write a good story. I just wanted to enjoy and have fun while writing a story, so I should write only things I enjoy. And this simple thing was incredibly helpful whenever I wasn't able to continue a scene.

I think that this is what most writers say, but now I have come to understand that it's true: just have fun. Write what you wanna read.

(5) the next story - requiem of the sleepless

This would be the third part of my first fic. I miss these unhinged boys and I have a little draft of (unholy) things I want to happen to them! Now I want to unlearn everything I know. I want this story to be zero planned, I just want to ~feel~ the characters and make a lot of random things happen. This is about not forgetting why I started, so here I am again.

Being a non-writer writing.

thank you for reading ♡ 

[seikilos-stele]

At one time, I was a prolific writer, now I’m a busy commentator who flings an idea now and then when people seek me out. The one thing that did not change in either role was that I could not work on more than two projects at the same time -possibly three-otherwise, they would begin to influence each other. Perhaps I have a limited attention span.

Today, I opened my in-box to no less then ten of your potential projects, and at least four WIP.

That was today. In actuality, I believe that you have about seven WIP that have been active in the last ten days. I want to know a few things about both the ability and the methodology for managing this many projects.

First, I want to note that while all the WIP & finished projects are of the same Fandom, essentially, that is all they have in common. We have potential TV episodes, AU, OC, Angst, Hope, Illness and so forth. No easy bridges for immediate crossovers.

So what is the trick?

Do you keep each fic logged into your head so that you can pick them up at any moment? Do keep the detailed outlines close at hand, so you can review before you begin?

I can imagine that working on one fic my possibly inspire ideas for another WIP, or do all others remain outside your scope when actively writing? Do you ever conflate multiple WIP (bleed characteristics from one fic to another)

Do the 5X a character did this or that always begin as a group concept, or have you ever looked at prompts a say, “Hey! These ideas all share a them” and decide to combine them.

Finally, one of my absolute favorite collections of yours was the NighThrawn fics. At some point you broke them up up. Were they created originally to be a related collection?

I hope I’m not distracting the creative machine, too much!

Ooh!! No worries, I'm not doing anything creative at the moment 😆 I'm annoying my brother by practicing Louis Armstrong songs over his silent films. (Ain't Misbehavin'....fits really well with Sangue Bleu...somehow).

Um, let's see. I'd say that some days a fic really gets you. The long one I just wrote on Sunday, the 18K oneshot about a political prisoner coming home from the war and making friends with an "enemy" kid -- that's the sort of idea that comes at the right time, when you're in just the right mood, and you can breeze through it in just a few hours. It's like the stars align and everything goes perfect.

But most of the time I just really want to write and I like to have a full stable of ideas to choose from. Like, it's easier if you can just pull up a list, scan through it, and pick one. You can write 1K, and then when you get sick of it, you can pick a different idea and keep going. Spit out another 1K, switch ideas, do another...

I don't keep them logged in my head, I 100% forget all about them as soon as I switch to a different fic 💀 The only reason I get anything done is because Google Docs always suggests your most recent documents to you when you open it up in the morning. As soon as it stops suggesting a doc I basically forget about it forever. I definitely need the outlines to refresh my memory, and I've sometimes had to stop working on fics because I wrote my outline down in two different spots and can't find it or remember where I was going. Very bad memory for that stuff.

Hmm, as for conflating multiple WIPs, or ideas bleeding over, definitely yeah. Sometimes a seed will be planted in WIP 1, develop a little in WIP 2, get more interesting in WIP 3, and then become fully realized in WIP 4. To go back to the political prisoner fic, you've seen how that works. It's like:

What if this character was a political prisoner, and he got rescued, and then later he moved back to his hometown and met--

Oh shit BUT WHAT IF that traumatic incident I mentioned in Chapter 2 actually also involved Character B!

OOH and then what if Character A and B were both rescued by C--

Wait a second back to Idea 1, what if B and his wife were there at the end, and they--

OOH WAIT I really want to write that idea with the kid, back in his hometown, let me just--

Hey hang on a second I could totally finish Idea 1

And why have I never addressed A's abandonment issues? I'll mention that right now, in Fic #1, but I really need to add it to Idea #4 and write that as its own oneshot...

And for now, 6/7 are written, so that's not a bad record. I hope to do the last one soon. It was the same with Thrawn fics, you'd be halfway through a oneshot with a set plot when you suddenly think of a cool touch that you'd love to explore more, so you finish that fic and immediately start another one, where you go really in-depth. Or you think, "I would love it if this horrible whumpy trauma happened, but I really can't justify it with this plot. I should construct a whole DIFFERENT plot so I can write this scene!"

Hmm. I don't think I've actually done a 5 Times fic that started out as separate ficlets. I wish I did that more. It would work better. Usually, I come up with the 5 Times title and then wrack my brains trying to contrive six entirely different scenarios that are still interesting to read.

For the NightThrawn fics -- well, I got really into Thrawn/Pellaeon, but I didn't feel totally at ease with their voices and personalities. So I had a word generator spit out 30 prompts for me, and I wrote one quick and easy Thrawn/Pellaeon fic per day for a whole month. A little while later I realized how few NightThrawn fics there were, and it really upset me because NightThrawn was THE pairing for me after reading Thrawn 2017. I was totally flabbergasted that people shipped him with Eli! So I applied the same treatment, I grabbed a list of 15 random words and started writing. 15, not 30, because I had to prioritize a collab with NadiaYar. (Well, I mean, I love writing with Nadia. Any collab with her takes priority over whatever random time-waster I'm fiddling with for fun XD)

I think I originally posted them as separate ficlets -- then changed my mind and re-uploaded them as a single multichapter collection. And changed my mind again, and re-uploaded them all as separate ficlets XD Back then, too, I was always juggling WIPs. I remember the 30-day Prawn ficlets were coming out at the same time as Signal Lost // Contact Regained, so every day I was writing about 1K for Prawn and then racing to SLCR to complete my daily chapter and maintain my posting schedule. That got really frantic toward the end. I had a good head start but I ended up taking a month or two off SLCR entirely before I regained interest and wrote the ending.

OK I think that's all XD Thanks for asking, I'm really glad to see the Asker's Studio is back. It was a really bright moment for the Thrawn fandom imo and you made a lot of fic writers happy with questions like this. Your brand of insightful commentary and questioning isn't common in fandom these days -- and I'm sure it was NEVER "common", but even less so now, as fandom becomes more mainstream. So thanks again, and I can't wait to see who else you asked, and read their answers.

[alltoolewis]

Twin Flame- Daniel Ricciardo

First imagine from my 1k follower prompt list! Once again thank you all so much for everything! I adore you all so much! I hope you enjoy this one as much as I loved writing it! I haven't wrote any pure angst like this in a while so make sure you grab your tissues!! Please let me know if you'd like a part 2! Love you all!

(I did post this yesterday but accidentally deleted it opps....)

Prompt: "Were no good for each other..." "Why not?"

Summary- Being landos twin sister comes with some perks... one being your secret romance with his teammate Daniel Ricciardo! However, after his management decides to set him up in a fake relationship... leaving you to be the one with a broken heart!

It was never your intention for things to get this out of hand... what started with flirtatious banter between you and your twin’s teammate turned into a whole hidden romance! You both never wanted to hide it from Lando, you knew what you both were doing was wrong on so many levels... but every time you and Daniel went to tell him your plan would crumble down like a house made of cards... Lando wasn’t completely oblivious to your and Daniels ‘friendly’ relationship! Anyone could see from a mile away that you both had some sort of thing for each other... but it was just thought off as a simple friendly gesture between you both... But no one saw the secret greetings, the way your hands get lost between his soft brown curls as his lips capture yours in a moment of complete silence.... where you both felt at peace without the pressure of wandering eyes revealing your secrets... but with any relationship comes complications, and yours was about to come much worse than you ever expected!

“You excited...!” Lando smiled, placing the VIP lanyard around your neck “Your first Australian grand Prix!!” He adored having you around the paddock with him... something about his twin sister’s presence made him work even harder to make you proud! “you’re saying that like I’m the one who’s going to be driving that pile of metal 200 miles round tight corners!” You giggled, still in shock that he would even choose a career that dangerous. “Oh, stop it...” He shoved your shoulder playfully “You of been in F1 if you wanted to... instead you decided to cry the second dad put you in the bloody bumper car!”

Just as you were about to counterattack his playful remark a familiar and very loud voice stopped you... “Oh look who it is my favorite siblings....” Daniel sang, fist-bumping Lando as he gave you a small smirk... knowing full well that he had already greeted you to his home country last night! “What are you two debating about now... who loves me more?”

“As if...” Lando scoffed “We were just saying that-“ “Oh wait I think Zac just waved you over...” Daniel interrupted, pointing over to a direction where a huge cluster of McLaren crew members was. Letting Lando turn his body around for enough time for him to give a quick peck on your cheek, leaving your cheeks burning pink as your brother turned back around confused... “Huh? He’s not even over their mate!”

“Oh sorry...” Danny laughed, shrugging “My bad...” A small smile graced your lips as you looked at the big goof next to you, who was willing to do anything he could to give you the attention you desired. “Anyway, bro... I think we must go for the press!” Lando sighed, giving you a quick hug “You’ll be okay over there while I’m gone won’t you... I think Luisa will be round soon so you won’t be alone for long... we shouldn’t belong anyway unless- “

“Lando...” You sighed, giving him a small smile ruffling his hair much to his dismay “I’ll be fine... I’m not a child!” “But you’re my twin sister, and I must stress about you...!” “And as your teammate, I must tell you to hurry the hell up before you get fined!” Daniel groaned, dragging Lando away from you after another hug...

“I’ll see you later...” Daniel mouthed over his shoulder at you, giving you one of his signature smiles which you happily returned... You wished that in some parallel universe things could have been different for the two of you, both of you being able to live your lives without the fear of hiding it away... but it wasn’t like that & it would never be... not with Daniel’s management in the way! The truth was Daniel’s manager was aware of your relationship, him being one of the main reasons it was still completely locked away! According to him, if your relationship came in the open it would project a negative light on Daniels’s intentions and could even cost him the chance of any success at McLaren! However, they weren’t totally opposed to Daniel being in a relationship... queue where Heidi comes in...

Heidi was any man’s dream! She is pretty, kind, and has an F1 background, everybody in the paddock adores her! She had everything that his management team thought he needed... so for the sake of the cameras and the thrill of Daniel finally meeting the ‘love of his life’ a PR stunt was set up to make Daniel’s name mainstream... apparently fake dating a former F1 stars daughter was more likely to have a positive impact on his career than having a real relationship with his teammate’s twin sister! So, for the sake of his career & like the fool you were you let it happen...

Hours passed after the press conference, spending most of your time with your family and friends as you enjoyed the bright heat of the Australian weather! It wasn’t every day that you got to spend the week in such a beautiful country, watching your brother dominate the track alongside all your loved ones!...

“Why are you keep smiling at your phone?” Luisa teased, obviously catching on the fact you couldn’t pry your eyes away from your screen “You are hiding something from us...” Lando butted in, raising his eyebrow up at you as you shook your head with a laugh “No... I’m not... but I am feeling a bit thirsty tho...anyone wants anything!” Luisa being the only one who wanted one herself, came with you...

Just as you were about to enter the McLaren drinks station, the sound of moaning caught both of your attention... “Who the hell is that?!?” Luisa laughed, giving you a confused look... however the more your ears listened to it the more the sounds became more familiar to you... “Maybe It’s one of the engineers....” You tried to play off your deepest thoughts “I heard Paul had his girlfriend around...”

“Fuck Danny...” Despite the loud noises of the crowd nearby, your ears picked up on the name... your heartbeat so loud you were afraid it was going to come out your chest.... ‘It can’t be’ you thought ‘he wouldn’t’ Trying to block what you had just heard out of your mind, you retrieved the drinks with Luisa, hoping deep down that there was some other visitor called Danny and it wasn’t your Daniel that was making that girl moan... but that hope washed away as you spotted a flushed Daniel and messy looking Heidi appear from where the moaning could be heard... his exposed neck showing off the same shade of lipstick she was wearing as dark purple marks scattered on his collarbone... her hair was ruffled and tangled together, the same yours was last night! Your drink dropped out of your hand as your eyes instantly locked with his, guilt and panic immediately obvious in his hazel eyes!

“(y/n)? You okay...?” Luisa asked concern in her voice as your teary gaze went to her instead “What’s wrong...?” Not being able to speak you nodded your head, looking down at the now smashed glass “Lets go get you another one yeah?”

Noticing Daniel running up to you, you quickly declined “Oh no, it’s okay! I think I’m going to go back to the hotel... I’m not feeling to good!” “Should I tell Lando?” “No!” You said a little to loudly, “I’m sorry, please don’t say anything just say I’m tired & needed a rest it’s been a long day”

“Okay are you sure you don’t want me to com- “

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Lu!” You smiled tearily giving her a quick hug before turning on your heel, speed walking away as the tears now streamed freely down your cheeks.... how could you be so stupid...! How could you think that anything he could just be in a fake relationship with someone that beautiful!

As soon as you made it to your hotel, you slammed the door shut, backsliding against the door as your sobs grew louder... the look on his face after he was caught flashed in your eyes everytime you closed your eyes... there was no escaping it!

A knock interrupted your thought as you cried harder... there was only one person it could be!

“baby... please open the door....” Daniel’s voice cracked through the door, causing your whole body to shake “please we have to talk about this...”

“Just go away...” You cried placing your hand on your knees, wishing the whole floor could cave in!

“(y/n) please... It’s not what it looked like... I love you!”

His words hit you like a bullet as anger flooded you inside, springing up off the floor you pulled the door open with fire in your eyes “Not what it looked like?” You spat, not even caring to hide the obvious tears in your eyes “I am not stupid Daniel! I wasn’t born yesterday to know that you just shagged your fake girlfriend in nearing distance to the girl who clearly loves you!”

Daniel flinched at your words as he cautiously followed you into the room where you sunk onto the bed, hands going back to your face as you tried your best to make a piece of what has actually happened...

“You know what maybe I am stupid...” You whispered, looking up at him again to find him looking down at you confused “You know to actually think you loved me...”

“I do love-“

“No you don’t Daniel!” You groaned, rubbing your eyes “Stop fucking lying to me!!!! If you loved me you wouldn’t of done that to me... not with her!!”

“It just happened... it doesn’t mean anything!”

“Just like we just happened then...” You spat back, nothing but the look of disgust in your eyes “Just like I mean nothing to you!” “You mean the world to me-“

“Oh do I.... Is that you spend all your time with her & not the girl you ‘love’! Is that why you never fought to get your manager to let us reveal our relationship...! What? Was that act I just caught you and her in just for PR was it... was it to create thrill for your career?”

“What the fuck are you on about?!?” Daniel yelled, clearly getting irritated with you “I did everything I could to get us to come out about our relationship... you know she means nothing compared to you!! I must hang around with her just like you must be near Lando!!”

“HE IS MY FUCKING TWIN!!” you screamed

“AND I’M YOUR TWIN FLAME!!!”

“Not anymore....” Your voice cracked as you turned around facing the window... “were not good for eachother Daniel...?”

“Why not?...” His voice sounded more deflated than normal... like something in him popped and all the hope left him “Were amazing for each other (y/n)...”

“Because relationships that start in lies... only end in them...”

“Come on... (y/n) don’t give up on us that easy we can work through this...” “You can’t fix something that is unfixable...”

His heart broke almost as much as yours as he noticed the redness in your eyes, the look of a person who had just had their whole world ruined by his stupid behavior... “I think you should go, Daniel...”

“No please... let’s sort this now!” He begged, getting closer to you as he reached for your arm...Flinching you pulled it away “LEAVE NOW!”

“You heard her....” A voice interrupted... Daniel turned around to see a furious looking Lando stood against the door frame... Luisa running past him to wrap her arms tightly around your shaking broken body “Leave!...Now!”

Giving you one last apologetic look, he left not saying another word, body shuddering as the wooden door of your hotel slammed against him as soon as he stepped out... and he knew in that moment he had truly lost you for good!

“oh (y/n)...” Luisa sighed as she brushed your hair out your eyes, allowing you to lean your head on her shoulder...

Grabbing one of the vanity chairs, Lando pulled it towards the bed where you both sat... a mixture of concern and disappointment in his eyes as he looked forward to you...

“Your going to explain every fucking thing now... & don’t miss anything out!”

[mrs-gucci]

hump day funday masterlist

here’s a list of all the works I wrote as part of my hump day funday event!

(this is an ongoing list that will be added to as I write!!)

a ** indicates SMUT and/or SMUTTY CONTENT.

A Full Examination [1.9k words] (Dr. Charlie Barber x Reader) **

doctor!charlie with a breeding kink??? him just absolutely ravishing you and of course with his medical knowledge he knows exactly which position is best and how to make sure his cum stays oh so deep inside you using his cock

Beneath The Stars [1k words] (mob boss!Maurizio x Reader) **

There’s no way I’m gonna let you wear that in public. - Why not? - Cause it would be a shame to rip off such nice material in front of so many people Wider baby. I said wider. Both for Mob Boss!Maurizio if you can please

Sinner’s Serum [1.3k words] (Jacques Le Gris x Reader—Hogwarts AU) **

You and Hogwarts Jacques agree to try love spells or potions on each other to spice things up during a long weekend. Take it wherever you want! (I would prefer things that don’t have themes of cheating or infidelity and adultery, but I hope that’s not rude to ask! I love your fics!) Thank you for taking requests! 💛

Anatomy Lesson [1k words] (Dr. Charlie Barber x Reader) **

NO CUS BREEDING/PREGNANCY KINK GOING BRRRRR dr. charlie cumming in you, watching it leak out, AND FINGERING IT BACK IN OVER AND OVER IM SO SORRY I HAD TO SHARE BYE

Steam In The Locker Room [3.1k words] (boxer!Flip Zimmerman x Reader) **

Scream for me. I want everyone to know who’s making you feel good. Please for boxer Flip 😍 Or with Tell me how much you like this. Tell me how good I make you feel! Same person for boxer Flip

Returning Your Letter [1.78k words] (Captain Hook!Kylo Ren x Reader)

I would fucking love to read anything with Captain Hook Kylo! I saw this and thought it’d be nice if he wrote some some romantic letter while at sea but instead of waiting for your response, he shows up and takes you away on his ship instead? “Is it fair to say that you read the love letter and that this means ‘yes’?”

I Just Couldn’t Wait (Dr. Charlie Barber x Reader) **

doctor!charlie breeder nonny here okay but the prompt w “look at what you’ve done to me. i’ve had to deal w this all day.” cus reader sent dr. barber a pic of her tummy and he could clearly see the bulge from her dildo. she said she just wanted to be full but he was working:((( and once he gets home he just goes crazy like… something about it just sent him over the edge. 😀 i’m so sorry IM SORRY DOCTOR!CHARLIE NONNY HERE I JUST NEED TO LET THIS OUT the punishment for that pic tho… hair pulling, slapping, spitting like the doc is just so worked up and he cannot stand it. i like to imagine he doesn’t hold back at all. think about it😳like.. c’mon!

Rescheduled (OBGYN!Dr. Charlie Barber x Reader) **

Maybe we get rescheduled with the new hotter than sin obgyn Charlie when the regular doc calls out sick

Natural Insemination (OBGYN!Dr. Kylo Ren x Reader) **

A smut with Kylo who is a doctor, the patient sees him because she wants to get pregnant.. and he is the one to do it 🔥

Phone Booth (mob boss!Kylo Ren x Reader) **

Happy Hump Day! I would love to read Mafia Boss Kylo trying to corrupt Rookie Cop female reader and the shenanigans they get into

This Win Is For You (boxer!Kylo Ren x Reader)

Omg boxer!Kylo would be AMAZING like him just training for a big match later that week & he promises you he’ll win it for you 🥺 and then you go to watch the match and he DOES and dedicates it to you im sobbing

[princess-of-the-worlds]

tldr: I’m back, babey, with a handful of Torchwood fic recs timed perfectly for Halloween! Now, I tried to collect newer as well as older fics, but honestly, the way it worked out, they all ended up mostly being newer. Still, the fics here are a mixed bag in terms of spooky versus creepiness, and you should definitely find several you like!

I cannot sleep warm by Beleriandings (@ultraviolet-eucatastrophe)

“And I love you too. Now... time to wake up.”

(janto | complete | teen | 11.2K)

Nik: Hi! Do you want to cry? Well, then, read this fic! Set in...well, a scenario I can’t entirely describe without spoilers but can say that it involves dreaming, this fic transcends reality - and also imagination - at times. The author - yes, I am proud to call her my friend - is very good at writing surreal stories, and there are just so many angsty layers to this fic. There’s this symmetric beauty to the first chapter that the second chapter just brings into focus. I immensely enjoyed this fic, but don’t go in expecting a happy ending!

The Picture of Javic Thane by thirteeninafez (@thirteeninafez)

The painting was an old Victorian portrait, showing a man sitting in an almost throne-like chair, posture perfect and facial expression stoic. Deep colours swirled from brilliant brush strokes, perfectly capturing the image it was displaying. It took Ianto a second to realise that the figure in the maroon, nearly purple suit (and matching bow-tie) was in fact the same man that was currently holding the painting in the Hub.

“That’s what came through the Rift?” Ianto asked incredulously, trying to ignore the smile that was tugging at the corner of his mouth.

(janto | complete | teen | 22.3K)

Nik: Full disclosure, I beta’d this fic, and holy shit, it’s good and perfectly fits the Halloween mood! This fic is essentially a The Picture of Dorian Grey AU, and the author’s descriptions as the painting changes...chef’s kiss! All team’s perspectives on Jack and how he changes is delightful and enough to make you shudder. If dark!Jack is something you’ve been missing in life, read this fic, but also know that it comes with requisite amounts of angst. (But I guess that that’s to be expected!)

Werewolf of Cardiff by Jackdaw816 (@shejustcalledmeafish)

Ianto's a wolf in the bedroom. Literally

(janto | complete | teen | 0.5K)

Nik: Again, full disclosure, I chattered about Werewolf Ianto to the author enough until she wrote this. So you can basically thank me for this fic! Short and sweet, this fic is essentially the quickest and best fluff you can ask to cheer you up or give you the warm fuzzies! Despite being a werewolf, Ianto’s full characterization still comes through, and the author does a delightful job with pouring on the extra love and warmth into the Jack-Ianto relationship.

Jack-O'-Lantern by AVAAntares (@avaantares)

An epistolary story in which Gwen carves, Ianto objects, Owen shirks, and Jack pays.

(Written for Torchwood Halloween Fest 2020. Prompt: Halloween traditions or celebrations)

(janto | complete | general | 0.7K)

Nik: Another quick fic! This one is entirely amusing with a great team dynamic! Brief emails follow the trajectory of the weeks before Halloween in the Hub, including a pumpkin that falls victim to Gwen and Jack as well as other moments of humor. You’ll certainly find yourself giggling along!

Imposters Among Us by gwendolyncooper (@gwendolyncooper)

The Torchwood team (+Rhys) are out for a night of fun when they end up on a spaceship with no power, no info, and no crew. Known only as THE SKELD, the team tries to fix the ship and figure out what happened to its previous occupants.

But something out there is killing them.

Something that may be someone they know.

(gwenrhys, janto | complete | mature | 9.1K)

Nik: This fic, as gut-punchy and well-written as the writing is, may not for the light-hearted, as you can likely see with the tags, but trust me, it’s worth it and ends up paying itself off! It’s essentially real-life Among Us, but playing it in reality is a lot more terrifying than playing it on your phone, and the team proves that! The plot is intriguing as it builds on the lore of the game, and the emotional beats certainly punch very hard, but the fic lands a bit more lightly on its feet at the end. Certainly a must-read if you love Among Us!

Toil, Trouble, and Trick-or-Treating by moonlightrhosyn (@moonlightrhosyn)

“I know what this is. She planned this. She thinks I don’t spend enough time with the kids. That’s why she’s doing this.” “Doing what, Ianto?” Gwen asked him. “What do your sister’s dinner plans have to do with you?” Ianto heaved a sigh. “She just asked me to take David and Mica trick-or-treating so she ‘can go to dinner’ - she just wants me to spend more time with them, and she’s come up with this.” “I can go too,” Jack offered as he joined them. He grinned. “I love kids!” In which Jack and Ianto take Halloween night off to look after Rhiannon's kids, while Gwen and Suzie coordinate Halloween Watch (and Gwen tries to get Suzie a date, after two years of strategizing).

(janto, gwenrhys, kathysuzie | complete | teen | 2.7K)

Nik: Here’s a canon divergence AU where everyone lives, including Suzie, which means we get some fun team times with Halloween! Ianto is tasked with taking David and Mica trick-or-treating, all accompanied by Jack. It’s sweet, light, and a perfect treat, with great little moments like Gwen trying to set Suzie up on a date with Kathy Swanson and David and Mica trying to conspire against Jack and Ianto for candy. There’s no monsters here! I beta’d this fic - you’re probably starting to see a trend here - and 200% recommend this for a fun read if you’re disappointed about not getting to go trick-or-treating this year!

Treat or Trick by NancyBrown

Five unusual trick or treaters show up at the tourist office.

(janto | complete | teen | 1K)

Nik: The author is an icon of this fandom, but this is one of their lesser-read fics, which is a damn shame. Ianto’s Halloween at the tourist office goes a bit awry when he meets the team, not only de-aged but also tossed back in time. It’s quick, witty, and humorous, everything a fic needs! A must-read!

Going Batty by blackkat

Ianto is a vampire. Cue Owen's obligitory Twilight jokes.

(janto | complete | general | 1.4K)

Nik: This fic is completely crack. Completely. If you’re looking for Dracula-esque vampire!Ianto, this is the perfect fic for you. Taking place from the perspective of Gwen, it explores the mystery of Torchwood’s most reclusive member. But again, it is also. 100% crack. But it’s very, very batty. (See what I did there?)

Erlkönig by engagemythrusters (@iianto-jones)

Something lurked in the darkness. It waited and watched, and it was coming for Ianto.

(janto | complete | teen | 5.6K)

Nik: Now, if you really want spooky, this is the right fic for you! The writing is excellent and dripping with tension and suspense, and the way Ianto spirals...now, this is some well-written horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re looking for answers in this fic, don’t expect any, but that only makes it better. A must-read that was - ironically - written in May. I have many, many questions about how this fic resolves; please tell us, author! (Or don’t, to keep the spooky alive!)

Echoing by Beleriandings (@ultraviolet-eucatastrophe)

Ianto wakes up at his desk in the archives, with no memory of how he got there or what happened before, and no way to contact Jack or Gwen. Turns out, all of that's the least of his problems.

(janto, lisaianto | complete | teen | 7.4K)

Nik: Yes, I know; this author has been on the list twice, but she’s on fire this month, with many, many excellent spooky fics. (Not that her fics aren’t always spooky!) This fic once again hits you like a gut-punch. Written in a very disorienting - in the good way - sense, we as readers follow Ianto wandering the Hub, looking for anyone else. He encounters company who aren’t so solid. By the time you’re nearing the end of this fic, you’ll likely have generated thousands of theories if you’re anything like me, but none of them will hurt as much as the actual truth. Expect some much angst from this. Again, another must-read!

[pitubea1910]

Those days

Pairing: Tom Holland x Reader

Words: 1k

Warning: fluff 

Request: -

Tags: -

Note: it’s not my best work at all but I was on my period and came up with this. I wanted to share it with you so I hope you like it :) Please share!

If any of you want to be on my tag list let me know, but I’ll only add those who interact with the stories with reblogs and/or comments. 

MASTERLIST

You didn’t sign up for this.

It just didn’t come in the contract you signed when you were born. Yeah, you were up for hangovers, headaches, anything… but when had you signed up to be a bloody mess every single month for half of your life?

It sucked. Being on your period sucked in every single way possible. Especially, the first few days of that long ass week. All you wanted to do was staying in bed, eating all the sugary food in the world, watching rom-coms all day and cuddled up in Tom’s arms. Of course, that last part was impossible when he was busy filming.

Going to Atlanta with him while he filmed the second Spider-Man movie had been a great decision. You both had had a really hard time when you had to be away when he was away for so long to make the last Avengers movie. Back then, you had only been dating for a few months and even if he wasn’t gone for too long since he wasn’t that much in the movie, it was the longest months of your life.

It all was different this time. You were together in Atlanta, living in the apartment he had rented for the time you were going to be living there. It had only been three weeks, but you had never been happier. At least until you bloody friend decided to join the party.

“What can I do?” Tom asked at six in the morning when you had left the bed to take some painkillers for the cramps.

“Nothing”, you sighed, cuddling up to him when you went back to bed.

He sighed and wrapped his arms around you, rubbing your back in a soothing way that had you sleeping in no time. He didn’t really go back to sleep since he had to be on set in less than two hours, but he spent all the time he could hugging you, trying to make you feel as comfortable as possible given the circumstances.

Tom knew how bad your periods were since he had been through many of them with you in the year and a half you had been together, but he had never been with you during a whole day, let alone a whole period. It was the first time he saw how bad your cramps were, how moody you were and how terrible it was for you. It made him feel so useless.

“Babe…” he whispered an hour later when his alarm went off and you stirred a bit. “I have to get up.”

“Already?” You whispered back, not opening your eyes.

“Yes”, he said after placing a kiss on your head. “I’m so sorry”. He added.

“Don’t worry”, you said and kissed his bare chest softly. “When will you be back?” You asked opening your eyes a little to look at him.

“I don’t know”, he honestly said. “As soon as possible, but…”

“But you’re Spider-Man”, you sighed. “I know, don’t worry”, you said.

“You’re okay?” He asked.

You nodded with your eyes back closed. He knew you weren’t okay, that you were only saying so to make him feel better, which wasn’t working at all. But he couldn’t stay home, it didn’t matter how much he wanted to. Yet, it took him all his strength to pull himself from you and get out of bed.

He took a quick shower and a quick breakfast, since he always had time to eat some more on set. Before leaving, he went back to the room where you had fallen back asleep. With a small smile, he went back to the kitchen to take a page from the notebook where you used to write the grocery lists and wrote a quick note for you. Then, he walked into the room and put it on his pillow before kissing your hair softly, trying not to wake you up, and finally walked out of the apartment. He was already late.

***

It was 9.30 a.m. when you woke up again. Taking the painkiller had been a big help and it had allowed you to rest for a couple of hours at least, but you still didn’t feel like leaving your bed. Usually, you would do your morning routine and some studying before going to set to have lunch with Tom and spend the rest of the afternoon and evening with him there, but not today.

You rolled over to his side of the bed to bury your face in his pillow, which still had his scent, and smiled a little. It was then when you touched a piece of paper you hadn’t seen. With a curious frown on your forehead, you took it and smiled as you recognised Tom’s handwriting.

“I’ll be back as soon as possible with chocolates and enough candy to feed a country for a year. I love you so much, babe. Tom.”

He really was the sweetest guy you had ever met. You took the phone from your bedside table and texted him: just got up and I’m already craving those candies. Love you xx.” You knew he wasn’t going to text back right away since he was busy filming, so you forced yourself to get out of the bed to take a shower.

***

“You’re distracted today”, Zendaya told Tom once they had finished filming a scene.

Tom had got to set that morning with his mind on you and he hadn’t been able to focus completely on the movie, which was causing a bit of delay. Usually he would pull himself together and do his job, but he felt awful for leaving you alone.

“Yeah, everything okay?” Harrison asked coming over to give him some water, like he used to do when they finished a scene.

“Yeah”, he nodded. “Do you have my phone?”

“Yeah”, Harrison said before giving him the device.

Tom unlocked it to see the text you had sent him a while ago. He smiled a little and texted back immediately. At least, it looked like you were feeling a bit better. Although it was really impossible to know from a simple text.

“Tom, we know you” Zendaya said, her arms crossed over her chest.

“It’s…” Tom sighed and locked his phone. “It’s just that (Y/N) is not feeling well today and I feel bad leaving her alone”, he finally explained.

“What’s wrong?” Harrison asked with a frown. “She was okay yesterday when I left your apartment.”

“She’s on her period”, Tom said with a shrug. “And I don’t know what to do.”

“To be honest, there’s not much you can do”, Harrison said. Tom glared at him. “Don’t look at me like that. You have to work!”

“Actually…” Zendaya said with a look that meant she was coming up with some idea. “You could try and do something.”

“What?” Tom asked.

“Why don’t you talk to Jon and ask for a day off?” She said.

“He won’t give it to me. I play Peter, I’m in almost every scene”, Tom said.

“Do you have anything to lose? It’s not like you’re yourself anyway”, Zendaya shrugged. “Just ask him. The worst-case scenario, you have to stay. But if he says yes, you can go back to (Y/N).”

***

Just like you had imagined, you had spent the whole morning in bed with Netflix on TV. You had almost finished the fifth season of Friends when you got up to go to the bathroom. It didn’t matter if you hadn’t done anything, you still felt exhausted, but it was how you always felt on these days. It was like you had ran the New York marathon without leaving the bed.

Of course, the fact that you had to spend the day alone didn’t help. You would never hold it against Tom. You knew it was impossible for him to stay home, but you missed him so much you wished he was there.

When you left the bathroom, you went to the kitchen to make yourself some tea. It would always relieve some of the cramps. Of course, taking a painkiller would be more effective, but you had already taken one that morning, so you didn’t want to take another one just yet. A tea would have to make it.

As you waited for the water to boil, you looked out of the window. It was a bright sunny day there in Atlanta, not as hot as Tom had told you it could be, but it was still pretty warm. You couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of Tom in the suit. He would be boiling. With a smile, you took your phone from the counter to text him, but you stopped when you heard the door of the apartment opening.

Your face probably was worth taking a photo when you saw Tom walking in with a full plastic bag on his hand. He closed the door, left the keys on the counter next to it and turned to walk straight to the room where he probably thought you were. Instead, he saw you on the kitchen, looking at him like you had just seen a ghost.

“Surprise!” He said with a big smile.

“What?” You mumbled, making him laugh.

He walked over to the kitchen and left the bag on the counter. Then, he turned off the kettle, which was already boiling but you had obviously forgotten about it.

“What are you doing here?” You finally asked.

“I asked Jon if I could have a day off to be with you”, he simply said.

“But… I, I don’t understand”, you said.

With a smile, he got closer to you and wrapped both arms around your waist before kissing your forehead. Then, he told you about what had happened on set, about how distracted he was, his conversation with Zendaya and Harrison and how he had ended up asking Jon for a day off to be with you.

“He didn’t really like the idea, to be honest”, he then said. “But it turns out that Zendaya can be quite persuasive if you ask me.”

“And… so, you’re going to spend the day here? With me?” You asked.

“And I didn’t come alone”, he said pulling away from you, which only increased your confusion.

Tom took the bag he had previously set on the counter and started taking all kind of candy from it. Oreos, gummy bears, pop-tarts, ice cream, cupcakes, chocolates. Indeed, it could feed you for a whole month with what he had bought.

“Everything for my best girl”, he said when you asked him why he had brought all that. “Now… choose a rom-com while I make popcorns.”

“Stupid, Crazy Love?” You asked.

“I knew it”, he winked. You smiled widely and were about to go to the room when he grabbed you by your wrist, pulling you back to him. “I love you”, he said looking down at you.

“I love you too”, you smiled widely before kissing him. “But Ryan Gosling awaits”, you said against his lips and walked quickly towards the room, making Tom laugh.

“When you think of Gosling, think of who brough you Oreos!” He exclaimed.

[twokinkybeans]

Il Ristorante [A Spin-Off To ‘Tempio Di Pietro’ & ‘Jar Of Dirt’]

Summary: It’s midwinter, and Peter feels frustrated that he can’t seem to get into his Cupido headspace now that his Italian island is off-limits. MJ has an idea to help him and Tony out. Or: Tony and Peter have another threesome with MJ. Tags/warnings: Nff, Roleplay, God Worship Kink, Threesome F/M/M (find a full list of tags on AO3). Notes: Lien and I are beyond excited to finally share this piece with you! It’s a continuation of Tempio Di Pietro / a new part of our Ti Amo series (find here). We decided to update this as soon as we hit a 1K Tumblr followers, so here we are!! Thank you all so much for your continued support. We love you <3 ps. Tony and Peter are in an established long term relationship. Their feelings for MJ are purely platonic.

Read this fic on AO3

-

IL RISTORANTE

“Peter…” MJ’s voice trails off and Peter feels his cheeks heat up slightly. They’re sitting on the floor of MJ’s new, but still very much empty loft. After she had troubles with the heating system in her dorm room and Peter overheard her conversation with her racist landlord he knew he had to get her out of there. Tony agreed, and they happily funded MJ’s new home. They just finished taking the measurements of the space and figured they had some time left to just sit and chat before going to IKEA to meet up with Tony there. Somehow, the conversation had drifted to… Well, Cupido. “Don’t you remember the note I wrote to you on your birthday? The one that came with my presents? You can do this.” “I know, I just…” Peter sighs, fiddling with his fingers as he tries to find the right words. He knows that MJ is right, but… “I just don’t want to let him down.”

MJ’s lips curl into a sympathetic smile and she leans in to bump her shoulder into his. Peter snorts, the playful gesture comforting and grounding. Gosh, he wants her to be right. He’s been craving it, but now that it’s winter, there’s no fun in going to the Italian island. Either he waits, or he tries at home. In New York. The thought alone feels wrong. Cupido and New York just… don’t mingle together very well. Oh, how he misses Tony’s sweet devotion sometimes. Of course, he gets his fair share of sex. Tony and he literally can’t keep their hands off each other. Peter loves it. He’s the subbiest sub he knows of. It’s just that being Cupido settles something else, deep, very deep inside of him. There’s something about Tony’s undivided attention and adoration that just feels so wonderfully magical.  “What if…” MJ mumbles slowly. “What if you try it in a nice, Italian restaurant, and-” “But MJ, I-” “No, no. Hear me out,” MJ grins and raises a finger at him. Peter presses his lips together and tries to keep the laughter from bubbling up in his throat. It’s funny how she still holds the reins in all of this. “I didn’t mean one of those cheap pizza places- bless them- but rather one of those classy, high-end spots. Tony would pay for that without having to think twice.”

MJ pauses for a moment and shifts where she sits against the wall. Something about her posture changes and by the gods, Peter realizes what she’s trying to do. Her beautiful, thick curls brush past his lower arm and she leans back slightly.  “Can’t you imagine it, Peter?” MJ’s voice is dreamy and soft. “The warm glow of the lights- almost like the midnight sun sinking into the sea. Lush greenery all around you, accompanied by statues. Lots, and lots of statues. Hard chest, strong abs, but Tony wouldn’t see them as his eyes are focused on you and you alone.” Peter’s breath hitches at her description. He can do nothing but stare at her as she speaks and continues her fantasy. “Soft, Italian tunes in the background. Probably some romantic, passionate but slow guitar songs. Maybe even some organetto songs. You could listen to that while you taste the savory food, rich in texture and flavor and spices too. And Tony? He’d offer it all to you.” “Oh fuck, MJ.”

Peter can imagine it all now. The vision in his mind includes their servant too. He sees Tony’s big, brown, pleading eyes. So loving and full of admiration it has Peter’s heart swell with love and joy every single time. MJ licks her lips and raises a hand to trail her finger over Peter’s cheek. The gentle, barely-there contact sets of a series of shivers down his spine. His mouth opens in a silent gasp and he stares at her. Completely entranced. “H-how do you do this, so… So easily?” He mumbles and tries to ignore the way his cheeks flare up at her obvious flirtation.  It’s almost funny how platonic their love for each other is and yet when MJ’s demeanor shifts he’s weak. “Mmmmh, turn into Aphrodite you mean?” Her voice is soft, yet rough around the edges, a deep, sultry tone that is playful yet ever so serious. “Yeah…” MJ lifts his chin. “Because she’s a part of me. She’s right there, for me to access whenever. Just as Cupido is inside you.” Her hand slides down from his face onto his chest and it rests in the place where he can almost feel his own beating heart pounding within his ribcage. “Close your eyes.”

Peter easily obeys the Goddess’- no, MJ’s- command. He hopes MJ can’t feel his crazy heartbeat. Or maybe, he hopes she does. Something about her gentle fingers is so different when she gets like this. They’re still soft and sweet, yet so demanding. He waits for her to say something, but she doesn’t. It’s just her hand on his heart, and the words she spoke playing in his head over and over again. 

He’s this close to feeling it. Peter knows Cupido is there somewhere, but the God remains ever so out of reach; slipping right through Peter’s fingers. He sighs and opens his eyes again. Slowly he puts his hands over MJ’s and smiles faintly. “I know you’re right, but I just can’t do it…” he mutters. He’s not exactly frustrated. He just doesn’t understand what is keeping him from accessing his godly mindset. It’s- 

Okay, it is a little frustrating. 

MJ hums quietly, resting her head on top of his shoulder.  “You’ll get there, Pete. Trust me.” “Yeah.” He presses his lips together, resting his own head on top of hers. “What time is it, anyway? I don’t wanna keep Tony waiting at IKEA too long now.” “Let him wait,” MJ chuckles, “-just five good minutes of Tony Stark, billionaire, to be seen at IKEA and have people wonder whether it’s truly him.” “You’re a sadist.”

MJ simply smirks.

-

The second Tony’s eyes fall on their designated table, he knows that there’s more going on than just a simple date night with his boyfriend. A fancy place like this would never set a table for three for a couple by accident. One look at Peter’s flustered face is enough to confirm his suspicions that something is off. Something is going to happen. The man glances at his surroundings once more. It’s… Italian. Very Italian, in fact. Tony swallows. “How’d you find this place?” He asks and tries to ignore the way his voice falters. He isn’t sure what’s happening but he’s thrilled. He’s curious. Excited. He wants to… He wants to take care of Peter. Or rather, devote himself to a certain young god. “Google,” Peter quips a little too fast. Tony knows it’s highly unlikely that innocent Peter Parker found a place like this on Google. It’s simply too expensive to show up on the first couple of pages. The white calacatta marble tables with golden lining are the very proof of that. As are the simple, yet rustic grey farmhouse chairs. Clearly high-quality elmwood. The seats padded with supple leather for more comfort compared to a regular wooden chair. The soft piano music fills Tony’s ears and it’s accompanied by the soft splashing of the fountain in the middle of the dining area.

“Mmmh,” Tony hums to counter Peter’s excuse and sits down on one of the chairs, sighing in content as the seat is indeed as nice as he expected. Peter hurries after him and sits down opposite him. The boy takes a deep breath and straightens his shoulders. Tony wonders what Peter is up to. Italy and Italian things, in general, mean something to them, and it has Tony slightly confused. Peter never wants anything to do with that in America. Or rather, is too anxious to try it. Peter isn’t insensitive at all so there’s no possible way that he picked this place by accident. Are they… Trying it again? Tony sniffs. “So, what’s with the third plate?” “What?” “The third plate,” Tony leans back against the backrest and tries to stay clear-headed. He has to wait. Wait and see. Peter presses his lips together. God, he seems so tense.  “Well…” Peter starts. His brows have curled together in a frown at this point and the boy licks his lips nervously. That’s about enough, Tony reckons. He’s already feeling the familiar tingle in his chest so he might as well indulge Peter, even if he’s too flustered to say the obvious. He’s trying. For Tony. So, Tony will help. Tony swiftly gets up from his chair and moves to stand behind Peter, who looks up startled. “It’s okay, Pete, you don’t have to tell me everything.” Tony’s hands creep up to rest on Peter’s shoulders and squeeze softly. “Let me help you.” Peter can only stare at the cutlery in front of him. He gasps quietly when Tony’s hand creeps up into his hair, caressing where he would have his crown if they were in Italy. “Tony?” Peter stutters and his boyfriend leans in to let his neatly trimmed beard scratch the shell of Peter’s ear. “Yes, my Lord?” Peter squeezes his eyes shut and stifles a moan, when suddenly… “I see you’re already getting started without me?” Both Tony and Peter are popped out of their little bubble and they look up, jaws dropping at the sight in front of them. MJ. In what could only be described as a golden dress. Her hair is neatly curled into a half updo, with strands playfully yet purposefully draped to frame her face. Her wrists jingle with the many golden bracelet rings they’re carrying and on top of her head rests a golden crown. Both men feel like there’s no more air to breathe and it’s only when MJ winks and steps closer that they’re shaken out of their trance. “Aphrodite?” The name slips from Tony’s lips before he could think it through and MJ simply smiles. “I’m guessing that’s a ‘yes’ on the outfit?” “Yes,” Tony and Peter reply in unison, breathlessly. “You’re- holy- you’re stunning,” Peter stammers, still staring wide-eyed and only now realizing how deep the V cleavage actually goes. Her skin radiates warmth, as if she’s the sun and her cheeky smile snaps Peter back to reality. “Why, thank you.” MJ nods curtly and opens her small designer bag. “I would say I aim to please… Though, that’s more your job, isn’t it?” She eyes Tony, who sucks in a breath. “Take a seat, Tony. We have things to discuss.” “Things?” Peter questions as Tony makes his way back to his chair, fumbling and stumbling as the mask of the put together billionaire has dropped. “Well... “ MJ reveals a small hourglass from the bag and places it in the middle of the table. She turns to Tony and leans forward, elbows resting on the table. “See, Tony, we have a bit of a problem.” “Oh?” Tony cocks an eyebrow and steals a quick glance at Peter, who shrugs confused. “All of us know he can do it.” MJ bites her lip and her hair dances as she quickly flicks her head to Peter. “But he just can’t get there.” “You’re saying it as if I need Viagra,” Peter scoffs as he leans back, crossing his arms. MJ chuckles. “Petey-boy, I’m trying to be sexy here, don’t ruin the mood.” MJ drops one of her hands on the table and snakes it to the hourglass to toy with it. Peter’s eyes fixate on the sand swirling around as she topples and twists it. “You said you wanted this. For Tony. For you. We will get you there, Peter. By the end of this dinner, you will be our Cupido again.” She bites the inside of her cheek and side-eyes Tony. “Are we all green?” Tony nods, face scrunching together as he swallows with his dry throat. “Green,” he mumbles immediately. MJ looks back at Peter whose shoulders have raised to tuck his head down in shame. He’s uncomfortable. Scared. MJ audibly sucks at her teeth and leans in a bit more, fingers letting go of the hourglass so she can reach for Peter. She pats the table twice, trying to coach any reply out of him, but he keeps staring at his hands in his lap. “Peter?” “Yellow,” he whispers. Tony immediately stands up again to get closer to his boyfriend. “May I?” he asks before wrapping an arm around him. Peter nods and smiles crooked at the warm embrace. “You don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for, okay? We’re just gonna have a fun time and if something happens, it happens. If not, then that’s completely fine too. Okay?” Peter nods again, slightly, and sighs.

“I don’t want to disappoint you.” “When have you ever?” Tony chuckles. “Well, there was that one time with the Vulture-” “Nope, nuh-uh, not doing this.” Tony squeezes Peter tightly to him. “How old were you even back then? Fourteen?” “Fifteen.” “Also, did you hear yourself? ‘that one time,’ huh?” MJ butts in with a smirk. “You never disappoint, Pete. And you won’t tonight. Doesn’t matter whose bed we end up in or what we end up doing. The goal is for us to feel good. Like, good good.” MJ raises her eyebrows playfully as she presents the menu. “All of us.” “I know,” Peter mumbles, taking the menu from MJ’s hands. “Please, don’t get me wrong, I do want this. So much. I’m just… Nervous, I guess?” Tony presses his lips against Peter’s temple in a soft kiss. “That’s okay, Pete. Take all the time you need.” Peter nods gratefully. “Thank you.” He then quickly looks up and straightens his back. “Please, though, indulge yourselves. Maybe… Maybe that’ll make it easier for me to join in.” ...

“Sooo…” MJ sing songs softly. “What are we feeling tonight?” Tony purses his lips and looks at Peter for a second. “Not sure, to be honest. All of it sounds good,” he ponders as he lets his eyes glide over the words. “Not really fancying anything specifically right now.” “Fair,” MJ replies casually. “Although you know these dishes better than either of us. What would you recommend?” She pauses. “What would please us most?” Tony presses his lips together as he scans the menu again. His black slacks are surely loose enough to cover his already growing hard-on, yet the fabric strains around it as well. It’s a nice, warm, tingly feeling that coils in the depths of his stomach. Like a small candle flame. Nothing spectacular, but it could grow into a massive fire if left unguarded. Tony has a feeling he’ll lose himself tonight.

“If I may,” he starts quietly and smiles at his boyfriend who looks at him with familiar curiosity, “-I would recommend you try the osso buco. And for the lady,” he continues and shifts his gaze at MJ, whose smirk is ever so evident. She’s so calm. So gentle. “-I think the cacciucco would suit your taste perfectly. Although if you prefer something heavier, the bigoli would serve you just as well.” “Mh,” MJ reads the descriptions in the menu. “I think the seafood is a good call. You know me too well, caro.”

It’s not soon after that the waiter, who is almost unfairly handsome as well, brings them their chosen dishes. Served with a nice-looking olive and mushroom salad in an earthy-brown ceramic bowl. Tony can’t help the pang of nostalgia unfolding in his chest when he smells the food on his own plate. He did end up ordering the bigoli. As he had every single summer when he was still a young boy. Nothing screamed Italy more than the rich smell of red wine and wild duck- as much as other people might dislike it. To him, it was comfort food. “Buon appetito,” he smiles and carefully takes the right pieces of silver cutlery to scoop up a spoon filled with sauce. He blows, lightly, trying to cool it since steam is still emerging from the liquid, and then he wraps his lips around the silverware and moans. “Oh, this is good-” he mumbles and uses his fork to twist some of the bigoli onto his spoon until the strands no longer threaten to fall off.

“Eager,” MJ teases and brings her own spoon towards her lips. “A little too eager, don’t you think, Pete?” Peter looks up from his plate as if MJ was a teacher catching him doing something he wasn’t supposed to do. He glances at Tony and then back at MJ. “Hm?” “Remind me, how would dining go with you two on the island?” MJ smirks and leans her elbows on the table, breaking etiquette. It doesn’t matter that it would be considered inappropriate to sit like that at a restaurant like this, with the amount of confidence making her skin practically glow. “Oh,” Peter mutters, bringing his first bite down before it could even reach his lips. “Well, we… Um-” He frowns, not taking his eyes from his plate. “Close your eyes,” MJ continues. Peter complies immediately, taking a shaky breath. Why did he feel so much pressure? Why did this make him so nervous? MJ’s voice cuts through his thoughts. She brought it down slightly, rounding it out more. “Imagine you’re there, right now. The warm sun kissing your skin, yet the cool breeze from the shore keeping you comfortable in the heat…” Peter could almost hear it. The seagulls and the waves… “You’re at the temple, your temple. Tony has set the dinner table and he guides you to your seat.” MJ pauses for a second, letting the images flood Peter’s mind. “Can you see it?” He nods faintly, the corners of his mouth curling up at the memories. Peter is surprised to hear a faint, low hum to his left, but it doesn’t take a genius to know what’s going on. Tony can see it too. “Tell me, Peter… What happens next?” Peter licks his lips before he answers, leaning back against the chair. The muscles in his shoulders are finally relaxing a little. “He’d bring the spoon to my mouth first. He knows his Cupido deserves the very first bite. My pleasure before his, my-” Peter cuts himself off and his eyes open wide when he realizes what he said. He gulps, and finds Tony’s gaze once again. “Tony,” he whispers. His fingers grazing at the marble surface of the table in an attempt to keep himself calm. “Amore. She’s right. That was a little too eager, wasn’t it? Aren’t we supposed to be the ones to consume first?”

Tony’s dark brown eyes twinkle in a strange combination between adoration and humiliation when he looks at his lover. “Yes, my Lord.” He instantly puts his spoon down. “Please, would you allow me to…” Tony’s voice trails off and his hand moves forward across the table slowly. He doesn’t want to push Peter. Doesn’t want to go too fast and scare him away. But there’s a familiar fierceness in Peter’s eyes now. Loving and playful, but also more confident every second that passes. Peter nods at his plate. “Yes, you know what to do, caro mio.” Tony gasps lightly at the tingly shiver running down his spine. It’s not quite a command yet, but it’s getting close. Funny enough, Tony now gets why Peter finds it so difficult to do this here. Tony feels it too. It’s not as hard on him, but he too feels a bit more tentative. 

Tony wants this though. So, so badly. He takes a small leap of faith when he grips Peter’s fork and carefully sticks it into a little piece of meat on the plate. He brings it to his own mouth first, gently blowing it to cool off a bit. Then, he locks gazes with Peter and smiles.  “With my sincere apologies, amore, please accept my offering?” Peter chuckles at the smooth line and shakes his head lightly.  “C’mere, I’ll decide if it’s enough once I’ve tasted it.” Now it’s Tony’s time to grin and he brings the fork to Peter’s lips. Careful not to jab the young man’s lip as he pushes it inside. A small droplet of sauce accidentally stains Peter’s chin and Tony frowns- pulling the fork back. Peter’s lips close and he hums in delight, licking the sauce away as he slowly chews the food. Tony can literally see Peter’s expression change as every single flavor sweeps through his lover’s mouth.

“How does it taste, my Lord?”

Peter opens his eyes again and Tony is certain. He is Cupido now- fully. His back is straightened and his chin is up. Cupido blinks slowly, like a content cat relishing in a beam of sunlight, and locks his half-hooded eyes with Tony’s. His stare is deep and intense, and then he speaks, voice low and authoritative. Tony somehow envisions hot, dripping nectar- can nearly feel the image drip on his cock. It twitches. “Divine.”

-

“Holy shit, MJ-” Peter mumbles in complete and utter disbelief as he lets his gaze slide past the beautifully decorated bedroom that MJ created. “This is not how I remember it from last time.” “I’m glad you like it,” she grins. “Ikea didn’t have everything I needed for, well, this.” Peter nods, still amazed. There are fairy lights taped to the wall, the tiny light bulbs casting a warm glow across her room. A tapestry behind her bed showing a summer-y island that doesn’t look like their island in the slightest, yet it’s definitely what they’re all thinking about when they see it. MJ’s sheets are soft, white cotton, while small fuzzy brown pillows are scattered all across it. A few large house plants that Peter does not know the name of clearly breathe life into the room. The flourishing green almost makes Peter forget that it is, in fact, a cold winter’s day.

“It’s beautiful.” Tony simply comments. He doesn’t even try to conceal the pride on his face though. “Money well spent.” “Mmmh, I had a couple of friends so generous to help me out.” “How sweet,” Tony chuckles, but lust drips from his voice. The man still gets off so much to his deities spending his money and they know it. With flushed cheeks, he remembers how Aphrodite had swiped his card at the restaurant as if it were nothing. “You should keep them around.” “Oh, I’m definitely planning to.” 

Somehow, that one sentence completely changes the atmosphere in the room. Aphrodite's eyes darken a little and she smiles. “I have one more addition, but I’ve hidden it. It’s not for just anyone to see.” Mysteriously, she stalks over to her wardrobe and tugs at the bottom drawer. Peter peeks over her shoulder and gulps when he sees the sign she’s picked up. It’s only a small, thin piece of wood. In burnt letters, it says just three words. Three, simple words. The truest proof that words can contain the entire universe if used right. 

Dimora d'Aphrodite

“My Goddess…” Tony whimpers quietly. Aphrodite stands up tall and cocks her head to her right. Peter feels like she’s completely knocked the oxygen from his lungs.  “Tony,” she whispers quietly and beckons him closer, handing him the delicate piece of wood. “Where should we put this up?” “On top of the headboard, my Lady?” “Very well.” She sits down on the edge of her bed. Her golden dress glows in the fairy lights. Twinkling, radiating light all around her. She’s chosen this dress deliberately, Peter realizes. It makes her look so unearthly gorgeous.

And not just her, he realizes too. MJ had insisted Peter would wear a white dress shirt. His wavy hair slick with gel to make it seem more curly and wild, yet still considered appropriate enough for the restaurant. In a moment of clarity, Peter brings his hands up to undo the two top buttons of the dress shirt, revealing a hint of his toned muscles. In the restaurant, he’d been Cupido, but on the car ride to MJ’s home he’d been exposed to New York again. To the high rises and flashing lights and honking cars. He had slipped out of his role. Away from Cupido. He wants him back. Needs him. And now, being in MJ’s bedroom, with the golden glow and smell of her crisp, clean sheets, with Tony’s eyes reflecting the fairy lights; almost a symbolization of his devotion towards them- Peter regains his divinity. He rises above.  “Do what she says, amore. Put the sign up and kneel.”

There. He’d done it.

“Yes, Cupido mio,” Tony breathes. Gentle, building arousal seeping through his rough voice. It only adds to the small fire that’s slowly growing in Peter’s groin. Tony places the sign on top of the headboard. It fits perfectly. Every single time they look up they’ll see it. “Come,” Peter whispers. Tony drops to his knees in front of Peter. The young god sees the small shudder going through the man’s body. “Perfect,” Cupido whispers. He runs his hands through Tony’s soft hair, then, grips tightly. “Oh, fuck,” Tony moans out loud, his face contorting at the sudden rush of pleasure. Peter licks his lips and tilts the servant’s head a tiny bit backwards. “How’s it feel to be on your knees again, sweet thing? Did you miss me, uh?” “So much, so much my Lord. I love serving you.” “I know,” Peter rushes and bites down his lips. He isn’t quite sure to proceed, but from the corner of his eyes, he can see MJ beckoning them closer. Peter grins, pushing Tony’s head down.  “Hands on the floor, darlin’, let’s greet our queen, shall we? We are in her home after all.”

Tony lets out a shaky breath and he crawls towards MJ, his eyes cast down to the wooden floor when he stills in front of her. MJ too, drags her fingers through his hair once. Cupido sits down next to her, boldly pressing himself into her side. MJ simply leans back. Her warm skin burning through the thin material of Peter’s dress shirt. “Your servant is gorgeous,” she whispers. “How lovely to play with him again.” “He’s missed you, Aphrodite,” Peter hums.  “Oh, is that so, Tony?” “Yes, Ma’am,” Tony breathes, still not looking up at them. Peter has to bite back a moan at the sight. He’s so sweetly submissive. So pliant. Soft. Yearning to please and pleasure them both.

“Now, honey, before we fully start. Are we all green to go? Any extra hard limits I should know of?” “I’m green, my Lady. Nothing different from last time.” “Cupido?” “Same here,” Peter states quietly, excitedly anticipating everything MJ has planned for tonight. She promised she’d taken the lead role, to help guide Peter until he felt confident enough to make his own calls. He knows what she’s planned. And it’s deliciously cruel to know that Tony is completely oblivious to all of it.

“Tony,” MJ whispers. Finally, Tony looks up at her, full of adoration. “Undress yourself for us. We wish to see your beauty wholly.”

-

It’s almost embarrassing, how these young, gorgeous beings turn Tony in a babbling mess simply by looking down on him. He’s shamelessly staring back, in awe of their beauty, their essence, their power. And of course, it doesn’t help that Aphrodite is riding him at a pace that cuts off any other thought in his mind. Her wetness squeezing around him is mindblowing at least.  Tony reaches his hands towards her, loving how her hair slides past his arms now that it’s falling out of her half up-do. His fingers trail past her collarbones, and he wants to say something. But the Goddess shakes her head and changes her position slightly, increasing the way his cock drags inside of her. Tony lets out an involuntary groan. “Oh Tony,” Aphrodite murmurs quietly, her voice sweet and commanding all at once. She rises up slightly, only to drop after. Her strong thighs holding him in his rightful place. “You never cease to amaze me.” “Aah-Ah!”  “That’s it, sweet thing. Show me your devotion.” “Always, my lady. T-thank you-” Pleasure builds in his groin, tingling, until it transforms into a scorching fire that consumes every single cell in his body. His eyelids fall shut as she drags another moan from deep inside him.

But, as much as he adores Aphrodite, his heart actually flutters in his chest when his lover leans in and presses a soft kiss against Tony’s forehead. “Cupido…” Tony smiles and nearly blushes at the intense look he’s given by the God. Brown curls framing around the young man’s head, the small, delicate tiara resting on top of it. “Yes, yes sweetheart,” Cupido coos and shifts upwards, crawling on top of Tony. With a whimper, Tony realizes what’s about to happen. 

Strong, muscular thighs settle across either side of Tony’s face. He cranes his neck upwards, no longer able to wait. “Oh!” Cupido exclaims when Tony’s hot, wet lips gently suck at right between his God’s balls. Tony moans happily when he feels the hips above him buck and press down more.  “Yes, Tony, make Cupido feel good. Doesn’t he deserve it?” Tony can only lick a wet stripe up towards Cupido’s hole in response.  “Aphrodite, he’s so good. Makes me feel so good,” the God groans out, tilting his pelvis to give Tony better access. “Good, then he deserves a reward.”

Without a warning, Aphrodite leans forward to press her hands into the cotton sheets for more leverage, and with a staggering rhythm she fucks herself on Tony’s painfully hard cock. He cries out at the soft drag around him.  “Pwease,-” he babbles against Cupido. “Oh, ‘m gettin’ close my Lady- so close.” “Oh no, not yet. You gotta work for it baby, gotta earn it.” Her voice is stern and gentle and the ever so sultry undertone. “Hold out for me, I ain’t done with you yet.” The young woman only fastens her pace even more. Tony’s eyes roll back and he digs his nails into Cupido’s thighs above him in an attempt to keep himself from falling apart right there and then. “I can’t- I can’t!”

Coldness wraps around Tony’s dick and he hisses. The abrupt loss of stimulation leaves him a sobbing mess. His hips rise from the bed, aching to find warmth again.  “Aphrodite, please, I’m sorry. I can hold out. I promise. I promise.” “Mmmmmh’ I know your intention is right honey, but you were so close.” Sharp nails drag upwards along his inner thigh and he groans. “A little… Too close.” Her voice is sweet like dripping honey, wrapping around his brains to enchant him in lustrous spells. If they keep teasing him like this he’ll end up delirious with pleasure. And honestly, he’s looking forward to it. “My lady, I-” “Hush. Cupido, shut him up will ya?”

Cupido grins down at the dark-haired devotee beneath him. Tony looks ruined. Absolutely ruined. Small beads of sweat glisten on his forehead, showing how much Cupido and Aphrodite have used him already. Lovely.  Peter shifts down a little, propping himself up on his knees until he feels Tony’s soft, wet lips wrap around the tip of his cock. “Ohhh, much better,” Cupido whimpers at the gratifying sensation. His cock had been hard ever since they started their main course at the restaurant, and as he had already learned at the island, Aphrodite is the queen of dragging things out. 

The girl in question smiles at Peter gently and leans in, her lips grazing at the skin just below his ear. The small huff that leaves her mouth sends a series of electric shivers down his spine.  “He wants this,” she breathes, “-give it to him. Give him everything.” The words send the young God rutting into his submissive’s mouth. Holding back enough to not hurt him, yet losing enough control for his eyes to screw shut on their own accord. 

“Ti amo, amore,” Cupido groans, digging his fingers into Tony’s sides, rolling his hips down and down again and again. Gasping as Tony’s tongue twirls around the tip of his cock. Peter can feel his balls draw tight, every muscle in his abdomen tense and excited and anticipating the promised high.  “That’s it, arciere,” Aphrodite mumbles and she lowers herself back onto Tony. Peter whines when he feels Tony’s hands tighten around his calves to keep himself from losing it. Tony’s thoroughly overstimulated and needy. He can’t talk though, not with Cupido’s dick in his mouth. “Take it, sweet man,” Aphrodite moans as she rides him relentlessly. “Take everything we give you and you’ll be rewarded.” “Hnngh!” Tony whimpers and sucks even harder. Peter curses under his breath and collapses forward, only catching himself just in time. His legs are trembling, shaking, barely holding him up. “Cavalo! Tony- You’re killing me here. I can’t, fuck, you’re so good. So good. Caro mio. Keep going- don’t stop- don’t stop!” He babbles incoherently. Tony responds by raising his hands until he’s holding onto Peter’s thighs, almost keeping him in place, and craning his neck for better access. Taking him deeper, more sloppily, as if making his deity feel good is the sole goal in his life.

Peter looks up at Aphrodite, and it doesn’t help in the slightest. She looks divine. Unearthly gorgeous. The warm glow of the fairy lights casting a never ending sunset onto her skin. Her breasts bouncing lightly every time she lowers herself onto their loyal devotee. Her eyes are closed too now, the tiara slowly sliding to one side- catching in the hair tie that is barely keeping her up-do together. 

“Cupido,” she moans. “Don’t you think it’s time that dear Tony here gives us his offering?” “Oh God-” he chokes out in response. “You mean-” “Yes, fuck, he’s getting close again. Listen to his moans Peter, he’s so close. So close to surrender fully.” Tony’s entire body trembles at that. Peter knows she’s speaking the truth. He looks up at Aphrodite and licks his lips. They had this planned, in fact, and her asking this means they’re headed for the grand finale.  “Good lord,” Cupido mumbles and takes a deep breath before pulling out of Tony’s mouth. It’s endearing how Tony tries to pull him back in. At the same time, Aphrodite rises up and leaves Tony too. The man reaches up for both of them, not sure where to demand a touch first.

“Stay there, honey,” Aphrodite coos. Tony goes limp, breathing heavily. “Please,” he murmurs, so quiet it’s almost inaudible. “Please, I need to feel something, I need-” “Get on your hands and knees, darling,” Cupido orders him. Tony moans and slowly drags himself up. Uncoordinated, clearly not in this realm anymore. “Cupido, amore, I… Guide me?” “Of course, of course... Caro mio, c’mere, you’re doing so well for us. Make me so proud. You’re beautiful. So, so beautiful.” Cupido smiles as he helps Tony to get all the way up his fours. He leans in, pressing his lips in the crook of Tony’s neck. His hands creeping up to cup the man’s face. “Look at me, Tones.” Tony’s eyes flutter open and he looks up at him. Cupido can’t help but smile back at the adoration he sees.  “Perfect,” he whispers. “Now, do you want to know what we want you to do?” “Yes, yes. I’ll do anything to please you both.”

Cupido hums and beckons Aphrodite to crawl over. She does, gracefully so, and takes Peter’s place. Her legs part and Tony’s nostrils flare. “C-Can I?” “Yes.”

In awe, Cupido watches Tony dive in. The way Aphrodite’s eyes fall shut with pleasure says more than enough. He grins and slowly crawls all the way over until he’s right behind Tony. He reaches for the small tube with lube on the end of the bed- he should thank MJ for that later. She’s a true mastermind, planning all of this out. He squirts some onto his fingers and rubs them together a little, wanting it to warm up. Cupido isn’t actually planning on fucking his lover tonight. No. But that doesn’t mean they can’t have some additional fun. He knows just how much Tony loves being fingered whenever he is in this mindset. Outside of it? Never. But like this? Please. “Caro mio,” Cupido breathes and taps the inside of Tony’s legs. Tony whimpers and spreads them a little wider. “Perfect, Tony.”

Tony obviously can’t answer with his face buried between the Goddess’ thighs like that, but he clearly shows a little more enthusiasm. The girl thrashes in the sheets, grabbing Tony’s hair to guide him to all the right places. Holding him down right there.  When she cries out particularly loud, Peter pushes his first finger inside. It’s magic, the scene that enfolds next. Tony freezes entirely, then, drops his upper body into the sheets. Aphrodite growls and lifts Tony’s chin up roughly. Careful, but forcefully. “You feel that, honey?” “M-mh-” Tony stutters, fingers clawing at the linen while he takes Peter’s finger deeper inside. “Cupido is gonna make you feel s’good. So good you’ll want to come. The thing is, Tones-” she yanks his head up a little higher. Cupido bites down his bottom lip to suppress a dazed chuckle when he sees how it makes Tony’s cock jump. “No offerings until you’ve made me see every single star in space.”

Aphrodite looks at Cupido after that, smirking, and Peter shakes his head. She licks his lips, and abruptly lets go of Tony’s hair again. The man in between them dives right back in, fervent and eager, and Cupido takes it as a sign to curl his finger against Tony’s prostate.  “A-A!” The man chokes out against the Goddess, his poor, tired legs shaking after having been teased for so long. 

Cupido doesn’t stop- pressing a second and a third finger inside. Small, scissoring motions to open Tony up so captivatingly beautiful. Tony doesn’t stop, sucking and licking- making Aphrodite’s moans soar higher and higher. And likewise, Aphrodite doesn’t stop- bucking her hips against the devotee’s face as she comes. Wave, after wave, after wave. “Make him cum, Cupido, take his gift for us.”

Cupido snakes his free hand around Tony’s waist and obeys the Goddess’ demand with messy, rapid jerks. Tony shakes against his touch. His cheek resting on Aprhodite’s thighs- her long, slender fingers drawing circles against his scalp. “Good boy, Tony,” she mumbles, happily fucked-out, “-so good.” “Please, please, il miei amori- A-Aphrodite, Cupi-... Dio. Cupidio,” Tony chokes out. Peter huffs at the small mistake of his name, but he loves it simultaneously. It’s everything he is; Cupido and God combined.

“Come for us, Tony. Come.” Cupido orders and as the obedient man he is, Tony cries out as his orgasm comes crashing down on him. His cock jerks in Cupido’s strong grip, making a big mess into the white cotton sheets. Tony sobs, gasping for air when small spurts of cum keep falling from the tip- dripping all over Cupido’s hand.  The God stills his motions, giving the man some time to catch his breath. Cupido’s face softens and he takes a deep breath. “Ti amo,” he whispers quietly. “Ti amo, ti amo, ti amo.” Tony chuckles bewildered and nods. “Ti amo, Cupido mio.” And with a soft kiss against Aphrodite’s thigh, “-dea mia.”

Cupido hums content, and carefully let’s go of the now softening cock. His hands are wet and sticky, and he licks his lips, groaning as he curls his fingers around his own shaft. He hisses at the eventual pleasure.  It doesn’t even take him long to come all over Tony, and he joins the messy tangle of knocked-out bodies on the bed, gasping to catch his breath.

Cupido, he thinks with a gentle smile. 

Finalmente.

[the-darklings]

—𝗖𝗢𝗔 𝗙𝗔𝗤;

Hello, everyone! So with COA being such a long-running series and new readers finding it constantly, I have come to realise that a lot of questions I get often repeat. So to keep everything easy and clear and friendly for everyone regardless of whether you started COA at the very beginning of the story or just recently found it, I have spent the day relaxing, eating junk food, and compiling this FAQ. Please read through it because chances are the answers are here somewhere. I have sectioned the guide into following: general, story, ships, original squad (OCs), AUS, OC!V and tips/advice. If the answer to your question is not here, please feel free to send me a message and have a wonderful day! <33 - kat.

GENERAL:

when does this story update?

I try to keep a bi-weekly schedule (now usually Sunday updates). But I always let you know when the chapter is done by making a final word count post (pre edits). 

do you have a masterlist?

yes, you can find it here.

do you have a tag list?

not for COA. they’re very time consuming and I’m already really busy sorry :(

are your requests open?

I rarely open my inbox for requests. the only exception being the monthly blurb nights. then I reblog a prompt list and let people send some requests in for any fandom/ship. however, usually due to how many I get, it only happens every few months. that being said, you can still send me ideas/suggestions and if it inspires me, I will write it. that’s how the majority of the AUs have come about. but i’m also a very busy person so sorry if I can’t. 

can I make X or Y for COA and tag you?

yes. yes. yes. please, please, feel free to create whatever for COA (no matter how small or silly) because I consider it a great honour that I’ve been able to inspire someone else. whatever it is, please tag me. I wanna see.

okay, I made a thing and tagged you but you didn’t respond :(

Tumblr is notorious for eating my notifs. whatever it is (art/post/etc) if I don’t respond to it in a day or two, please give me a nudge. you’re not being annoying, I promise. chances are I missed it/tumblr ate it. 

I wanna scream/discuss/theorise about COA with others, is there any way for me to do that?

my amazing readers have set up this reddit page that is full of lovely people, theories, and memes etc. I check it often and interact on there, too, so feel free to drop by.

STORY:

how many chapters will COA be?

25. the last one being a very long epilogue.

have you decided on the ending yet?

yes. from as early as part 2. it's barely changed since. 

will we ever see more of Prague/Naples? hoe, please say yes.

yes. I plan to write both as COA bonus stories after the main story-line concludes.

will there be a sequel? 

depends. on two things: 1) if anyone will even care by that point 2) time. this story has consumed 5 months of my life entirely. i’ve been incredibly strict with myself when it comes to writing it (in a good way) but at best it won’t be finished till the end of august/beginning of september. so likely even if I do, there will be a break for a few months at least. I do have ideas though.

you promised us smut. where is it?

patience is a virtue. ;)

happy ending or tragedy? (please don’t say tragedy, you monster)

I would describe it more as “bittersweet” but whether it leans more towards bitter or sweet you’ll have to see.   

SHIPS:

any endgame hints?

you know more about the ending than you probably realise

can v/s finally go to Paris? for the love of GOD? pLEASE?

no

hector + v? powerful. will there be more of them in the future? 

agreed & yes. hector and v have their own arc to go on. it’s actually one of my favourites in this story. I don’t want to say more than that right now because I have plans for their dynamic so no spoilers. :)

please stop bullying john. give us some j/v content please? 

i, for one, adore john. it’s team S that’s bullying him lol. but wait till parabellum. i’ve always referred to that portion of the story as the second coming of j/v.

does lucien actually have a thing for v or is it a creepy obsession? 

it’s both.

I ship v with everyone :/ is that bad?

the sky is the limit. ship all the things proudly (but seriously, no, it isn’t. I ship all the ships, too, and that’s the fun of it) 

v/elder tho? 👀

🔫🤡

j/v or s/v? be honest.

you fool,,,, you buffoon. ot3 j/v/s is where it’s really at. imagine their POWER.   

ORIGINAL SQUAD:

what do the Elites/Lovers look like/how old are they?

please refer to this

will there be more step??

of course. he’s my baby. :)

will we see more of camorra/learn more about the elite’s and their backstories?

while I would love to take the time and flesh them all out with full backstories, only hector will be getting his backstory explored in the main canon because plot.

does lucien care for mika anymore or has he replaced her with v?

lucien is a messy hoe. mika is his subject of “affection” but v is his foil and equal. he recognises the same hurt in her that he has gone through himself so it’s more of a fixation. with time, lucien would likely destroy v so no bueno. 

I ship our OCs.

I do, too.

can we write about your OCs/V?

so you would have to come to me and discuss this more in private but I’m fine with this sort of thing usually. in fact, a prequel hector story already exists so you’re likely good but please contact me first. 

AUs:

when/how often do you update the vampire!au?

whenever I have time/inspo. mainly time. so this means you can get it daily or not get it for several weeks because COA is priority. I keep you all updated on when I have something cooking tho.

what is the actual pairing for vamp!au?

undecided as of yet. i’m leaning more towards ot3 right now but we shall see.

how often do you update flowing in me?

same as the above. whenever I have the time but I will keep you updated.

how many parts will flowing in me be?

I have 5 parts(ish) planned.

do you have a tag list for flowing in me?

I will. please leave a comment on the story if you want to be tagged in future parts!

will flowing in me feature other characters (john, winston etc.)?

this story is mainly camorra-centric but I do plan for John to appear at some point.

how did you come up with your lore in vamp!au?

to be completely honest....I just wrote a bunch of stuff down and used what stuck. mostly the ideas were pulled out of thin air while still trying to keep within the spirit of the canon material (the high priest, the holy church, the twelve priests, john being the boogeyman etc). camorra as the natural enemy seemed fitting and santino as a vampire prince even more so.

can we send you new au ideas/expand on old ones (manager!V etc)?

yes, always. I always try my hardest to reply but ofc I can’t promise I’ll be able to use them all but thank you in advance.

OC!V:

who is the face claim for OC!V?

weronika spyrka

what is her real name?

clara

how old is she at the beginning of the story and now?

23 beginning of chapter 1, 30 beginning of chapter 4 (current timeline)

will/would you ever write an original story about her?

I have considered creating something original out of COA itself or one of its sister series/concepts (like FIM). since I really started working on COA during last year’s NaNo, that might be the time I create something original this year. 

TIPS & ADVICE:

how do you write so much, so quickly?

I don’t think that word count is really reflective of the quality work itself. I don’t think you should worry how much you write, either. 100 words can be just as valuable as 1k. most of them time I have a deadline breathing down my neck and I do work well under pressure so that inspires me to force the chapters out. I also do very long days because despite what it might look like I’m not a fast writer.

how can I improve my writing?

read and practice. I know it’s dumb and overused advice but it’s how I learned english and found my style (still a mess and WIP) but still this advice does help. 

how do you keep motivated?

spite, your support, genuine adoration for these characters/word, a lot of spite. 

do you plan? outline?

I have a vague story outline with specific scenes in mind as I go along (helps to set up foreshadowing, twists, and those ‘full circle’ moments). I also plan each chapter scene by scene and know what each chapter is meant to accomplish. So yeah in a sense. 

[stevethehairington]

Tagged by: the lovely @scimitar-and-longsword  💕💕

Name(s): my name is Mack, and if this also includes like usernames too then my ao3 is macksdramaticshenanigans and obviously yall can see my tumblr url lol. i have a fandom twitter but i hate twitter so i barely go on it lmao.

Fandom(s): oh boy haha this is a loooong list. as of right now, the main fandoms i’m involved in are The Old Guard and Trust FX, but in the past i’ve written for Skam, Marvel, Good Omens, Love Simon/Simon vs., Shameless, and IT. and ofc there are some fandoms i have not written for that i casually enjoy as well.

Where you post: all my fics are posted on ao3! or are sitting in my wips folder lol. i’ve ocsasionally posted some snippets of writing here to tumblr, but none of those are like full on, proper fics, mostly just me rambling off some thoughts i had about whatever characters in whatever scenarios

Most Popular One Shot (by kudos): Imagine Being Loved By Me (918 kudos) ((so close to 1k holy shit!!!! if it got to 1k i think i’d actually die of happiness omg)) this is my Good Omens smut fic lmfao, crowley is fantasizing and aziraphale makes it a reality skgjsd. i’m actually pretty damn pleased with how this one turned out, and i never expected it to get that many kudos so that makes me ridiculously happy sfjgfg. (and also podfixx made a podfic of this fic which made me INSANELY happy like that is the coolest thing ever)

Most Popular Multi-Chapter (by kudos): I Have Hella Feelings For You (697 kudos) ahhh this one!! this one is actually my very first ever chaptered fic!! it’s a skam fic, and i have the most distinctive memory of me sititng in my dorm bed freshman year of college, furiously typing away at my laptop everyday for a week because i somehow managed to post a chapter every day until it was finished, which meant i was writing a new chapter everyday. like damn, i really peaked with that huh? lmao

Favorite story you’ve written so far: ahh okay not to like. toot my own horn kgfldg but this question is HARD bc i have a lot of favorites. i’m going to pick a favorite from each of my main fandoms i’ve written for because i’m an Indecisive Hoe okay fdjdf.

- From Marvel: Just Called To Say I Love You this one is my wrong number stucky fic and i actually adore this one so much, and also it actually ended up being WAY more popular than i expected it to? like i was lowkey shook by how many people liked it 

- From Skam: If You Love Me, If You Hate Me so. about this one. it’s probably my favorite skam fic that i’ve written. but. it also is the utter bane of my existence bc this is the one and only fic i have ever written and posted that i haven’t fnished gskgjfdlfs. it’s going on soon to be a little over 2 years of sitting on my account as an unfinished wip, but i REFUSE to mark it as abandoned bc i really genuienly DO want to finish it, i just havent written for this fandom in a while and inspiration/motivation is tricky yknow? but anyways. this fic is my soccer au!! it was a gift for a secret santa exchange i believe to a dear friend of mine and i still feel awful that i never finished it but. one day!!

- From Love Simon/Simon vs.: Where I Like You Best i am actually obsessed with this one. is that weird to say about your own fic? i enjoy reading a good soulmate au, but writing them has always been SO daunting to me bc i never feel like my ideas are original enough or like things that havent been done a lot for that trope. but for this one!!! omg i found the BEST prompt for it and it fit these characters SO well and i wrote it and i ended up absolutely loving how it turned out, and i was so proud of myself for writing a pretty successful soulmate au.

- From Shameless: Wooden Floors, Walls, and Window Sills so this one was my second ever gallavich fic, and it’s probably my favorite because i think it’s the best characterization i got of them in all of my fics, and good characterization is one of the most important things to me when i write fic. 

- From IT: To What We Might Do is my favorite reddie fic i’ve written! i definitely projected onto richie a teeny tiny bit in it for some parts lmfao, but yeah idk i just love how this one turned out a whole lot, and i enjoyed how i ended it too (esp since endings can be very difficult for me lol). ((BUT also a special shoutout to my fic Imagine Me and You, I Do bc that one is just pure fluff and i adore the concept of someone being just so absolutely in love with someone doing something so incredibly simple and it just rocks their world)

- From Good Omens: I Want To Know What Love Is (did i use the most cheesy title ever? absolutely. do i love it? absolutely.) anyways this fic is one where crowley the demon experiences love and promptly thinks he’s dying. 

Fic you were nervous to post: ooh, i mean i’m always pretty anxious about any fic i post because i never know if it’s going to be recepted well or if people are going to like it or hate it or if anyone is even going to read it or repsond to it. especially if the fic is a gift for someone, because i just really want that person to like it yknow? but yeah idk if theres one in particular i was more nervous to post than any others... i guess maybe any smut fic? just bc i never know if the smut is even any good lol

How do you choose your titles?: eaaaaasy, i usually pick song lyrics lol, ocassionally i’ve used lines from a poem, and a few times i’ve gone with a pun, but mostly it’s song lyrics. i usually find a song with lyrics that i think will fit, or if there’s a particular song that vibes well with the fic or that i listened to repeatedly while writing the fic i’ll try to pick the best lyric from that one.

Do you outline?: yes and no lol. it honestly depends. sometimes i outline extensively, but other times i just sit in front of a doc and let whatever happens happen.

Complete: on my ao3 account i have 80 works completed (will be 81 once i finally finish that one single unfinished wip i have posted gahhh). but i know in my wips folder i have a at least one finished fic that i have not and probably will not post. there are also some other things in my wips folder that like technically could be conisdered finished too, but it’s not up to my posting standards so until i fix it so it is it’ll just sit there lol.

In-Progress: honestly there are too many to count lol. i have a shiiiiiit ton of wips (as yall will know if you saw that one ‘tell us about ALL your wips’ tag game post that was going around that i did lol). 

Coming soon/not yet started: tbh see above answer bc it’s pretty much the same lol. 

Prompts?: so the thing about prompts is that i would LOVE to take them, but it’s very very tricky bc i’m a super specific kind of gal and if i don’t vibe with the prompt it’s very difficult for me to write anything for it. but then there’s also the fact that inspiration/motivation are fickle bitches and they come and go as they please and so taking prompts is hard bc i never know if the stars will align and all that jazz for me to be in the ~ right mood ~ to work on a prompt. this is the exact reason why i have SO MANY sitting in my inbox right now, and i feel so bad for just letting them sit there but ughhh brain function?? how?? lol

Upcoming work you’re most excited about: sooooo i don’t necessarily have any specific works in progress right now (i’ve been so busy lately that writing has been the last thing on my mind and so i haven’t touched anything in weeks) but. i guess if i can ever get my shit together and finish the primo fic i’m close to finishing i’m pretty excited to post that! or honestly if i can actually get myself to finish any of the tog wips i have i’d be suuuper excited to post any of those bc i have not yet posted any tog fics!!

anways!! if you made it to this point thanks for sticking w me and reading through my long winded rambly answers lmao

Tagging: @peachykoya @wandering-scholar-lad @raynertodd @cluelessheroes @pinesboi @thewolvesrunwild @1derspark 

[hermitreunited]

💜💜Klave Fic Recs!! 💜💜

Surprising probably uhhh no one, I go absolutely WILD for Klaus and Dave, but this list is the restrained edit. It deffff could be longer. This ship means so so much to me, and that is absolutely the product of reading such incredible, beautiful fic about them. I have never before felt as strongly about a fictional couple, which I guess means it’s my first actual otp? So so many thanks to the writers who wrote fic about these two and taught me what longing and love are.

Ten Months by @fanthings​

It makes him sad, sometimes, that in order to find acceptance, Klaus has to travel back fifty years into one of the bloodiest wars of American history. Most of the time, he doesn't care. His family probably doesn't even notice he's missing anyway. --- Dave is looking at him, eyes soft and heavy lidded. “What did you say to that guy?” he asks, head resting on the wall, body turned towards Klaus. “Ah,” Klaus laughs, dropping his hand to take a drink. “Just mouthed off. You know how I am.” “That mouth will get you in trouble some day,” Dave says softly. Klaus looks up, swallowing. “Some people like my mouth,” he says. “I do.”

Rating: M⎜Word Count: 122k+⎜In Progress (10/14)

Fuck. Fuck! I can’t explain how much I love this fic. I’ve gone out of my mind over it. It’s so so good. Covering Klaus’ ten months in Vietnam, and his and Dave’s relationship. It’s so well written and detailed and all the characters even OCs are so well-realized and realistic. Dave is fully fleshed out too, with strengths and flaws and his own person, not Klaus’ prop. It made me realize that Klaus and Dave fighting is my favorite thing, because then they get back together. They always work to fix things with each other and ahhh god I’m emotional just thinking about it I adore this fic.

Oddities Observed, Vietnam 1968 by @charmingpplincardigans​

“There are people who care whether you live or die,” Dave said, because he felt it needed saying. He couldn’t imagine not caring. This man was erratic, but he was also fragile in a way Dave couldn’t quite put his finger on given how he was apparently also indestructible, and deeply intuitive about people and their moods. When he wasn’t as high as the army doctors’ pills and black-market heroin would allow, he was paying attention. Dave knew, because while Klaus was paying attention to the others, he was paying attention to Klaus. “Do you think?” Klaus pulled a joint out of his metal cigarette case, lit it, and took a hit. He offered it to Dave, who didn’t take it. He was always offering his things to Dave, even when he knew they weren’t things Dave wanted. “Yes,” he said. “I do.” (Or, Vietnam, but from Dave's point of view.)

Rating: M⎜Word Count: 17k+⎜Complete (1/1)

An absolute classic. I don’t think I’ve seen it on other lists this week and that’s simply a crime. One of the first Vietnam fics I read and still one of the best! It’s got such a good blend of that lethal combination of all Klaus and Dave fics - on fire with the fear and violence of their situation, but so full of tenderness and love. It’s got desperation, in the best way. It’s beautiful.

the kind of love i’ve been dreaming of by katplanet

“You agreed to be a designated driver,” Klaus says, because of course he’s as good at this as he is at every other thing he and Dave have done in bed together. “All your stupid Varsity Lacrosse friends started annoying you, so you were looking for someone else to talk to. And lo and behold, a sad twink in a crop top, alone on the couch with a half-finished vodka cranberry.” “What’s a twink?” “Me,” Klaus says. “I’m a twink.”

Rating: E⎜Word Count: 6k+⎜Complete (1/1)

The only explicit fic I’ve ever recced? I don’t read too much smut, but this fic. The tenderness in this fic is enough to kill you, and then also there is smut, which is a potent combination! This is the fic that gave me my Klaus and Dave tag, because reading this fic, I cried and came to some realizations about Love.

Slow is in My Blood by @sunriseseance​​

Dave touches him, sometimes. In dances through root systems lit by a diffused moon, Dave puts a hand on his lower back, his arm, his shoulder. To help, he says. Your balance, he says, it isn’t good. I don’t want you to fall. These pits are endless, he says. You don’t like the dark. A touch to help. It helps. A meditation on Klaus and allowing himself to be loved. Dave doesn't die at the end.

Rating: NR⎜Word Count: 1k+⎜Complete (1/1)

It’s so so gorgeous. It’s Klaus making the decision to love and be loved, even as he considers all the frightening ramifications of it. It’s had a huge impact on the way I think about their dynamic. I love it so much.

My night sky by apathyinreverie

The first time Dave sees Klaus, he is wearing nothing but a bloody towel, clutching a briefcase to his chest like his life depends on it and looking up at him with big eyes from where he is sitting on the floor next to his cot. And immediately, Dave is spellbound. Over the ten months they know each other, that doesn’t change.

Rating: G⎜Word Count: 3k+⎜Complete (1/1)

Such a great look at Klaus from Dave’s outside, but smitten perspective. Almost like a character study of him, during a time when he’s going through so much. And it’s so well-written - right from the start there’s a line about Klaus being made of contradictions that has stuck with me for so long.

Bad Habits by @siriuspiggyback

Dave shook his head. “I wasn’t asking you to- I wanted to talk. That’s all. Not-” “Why are you making this so difficult?” accused Klaus. “I made you mad. So I was going to suck you off, so you wouldn’t be mad anymore,” he said simply, like he was explaining something obvious. Or, after a lifetime of sleeping with guys just to get off the streets for the night, Klaus has a bad understanding of consent. Dave isn't okay with that.

Rating: T⎜Word Count: 3k+⎜Complete (1/1)

And if we are talking about things that have stuck with me, this fic is one that I must have read so early on that I just folded it in with my baby developing Klaus and Dave dynamic headcanons, and it’s never left me. I think this is the only one on here that is set in some kind of post-not-apocalypse where they are navigating what a ‘normal’ relationship looks like for them.

I’ll Be Cleaning Up Bottles With You On New Year’s Day by @sunriseseance

Sitting behind him on the windowsill, in a truth that still feels false, is Dave. Quiet, right now. Rubbing Klaus's neck. Kissing it occasionally. New clothes, even, though still only things Klaus saw Dave wear in life. The closest he came to fancy enough for New Year's was the outfit he wore on the night they first kissed. The dates still get muddled in his head. Dave still smells like Dave. Klaus can bring that back, too. The earthy-clean skin, the slight scent of sweat, the cotton of the polo. Something else, underneath all that. Something that Klaus could recognize anywhere, could follow to the end of the world, could die to protect.

Rating: NR⎜Word Count: 1k+⎜Complete (1/1)

I know I’ve recced this and her fics before but this fic is so incredibly beautiful that it really is the perfect fit for being the final one I rec for this event. Reading it feels like warmth. It’s a concentrated dose of the exact kind of happiness that Klaus and Dave share at the best of times. I love it, and I love them, and I love her, and I love everyone in this fandom who is sharing their love with everyone by posting their creations <3

thanks for this week nine days of positivity, @tuafeedbackfest and everyone who participated!

[coffeeandcalligraphy]

👀

send me a 👀 and i’ll post a snippet of art/writing that i never got around to finishing this year (r.i.p)

okay so here’s the tea on all the things that didn’t get finished in 2019!

2019 was the year of abandoning short stories lol oops! Here’s the hit list: :’(

1. Growing Season

This is such a hard hit because who doesn’t want to read a story about a woman replacing her boyfriend with a cactus, narrated BY the cactus?? I’d love to revisit this story because a) it’s told in my fave POV (first person directed to “you”) and b) “you” is an apathetic college dropout who goes for the hard dRAG after a bad breakup with her boyfriend, and c) because a cactus NARRATES it.

I’m at a little over 800 words in this story (it def gives me Sea Life by Eliza Robertson vibes).

2. Phantom Limbs in D Minor

Biggest hit! I’ve been working on this story since March, made good progress in the beginning, and slowly began drifting from it. I’ve chipped away at it sporadically over the last few months, and I’ve made it my goal to finish it over break! I don’t see myself hitting this goal, but I do hope to actually finish this story because I feel like it contains some of the best prose I’ve written and I love the vibe! I’m at over 2k words with a scene of about 1k floating around. I’ve actually toyed with making this story a novel because the scope seems quite large, but I definitely want to finish the short story before I think about that more! We follow chaotic Linda as she stress renovates her childhood home (a past! commune!) after her mother’s death. Linda is so precious to me, and I’d love to give her a story! If New York by Ex:Re was a person, it would be Linda lol. 

3. Anatomy of a Swinging Door

I’m making a statement, and my statement is that this is my designated cult story which means it must happen in the future. This was originally my “test out first person retrospective” story, though I think the point of view isn’t working super well here, but we’ll see! I conveniently wrote a logline for this story when I was trying to narrow down the scope, so here you go: A young woman visits her childhood home on the one-year anniversary of her brother’s disappearance and meets the new (and strange) family who lives there. 

(cult!)

So the second round of tragedies goes toward novels, AKA Houses With Teeth (which I can share excerpts from!). 

4. Houses With Teeth

I really struggled with this book this year, because it came to be in a time where my writing was getting an overhaul (though I didn’t realize it at the time)! I’ve learned a lot about intention in writing over the last year, something the Fostered series has lacked (oops). This led to me being very unsure about where I wanted to go with this book in particular--the same route as all the others (weird contemporary with dystopian elements that haven’t fully gone away yet) orrrr plan out something a bit more literary! I’ve fought with myself over this since April, and still don’t know where I’m going, but I’m missing my chaotic diva narrator Reeve and would love to get back into her head! 

This book has gone through about 3 openings, and I haven’t fully landed on any yet. I’m rethinking how I want to start this book, but taking my time with Moth Work to work me up to the timeline in HWT (which takes place about 8 months after the end of Rewired). I think I’ve shared most of this!

Some excerpts of first person retrospective Reeve (AKA Rachel trying to be Emma Cline looool):

Though the church was only a fifteen minute walk from the apartment, I packed a picnic basket of cha siu bao and a bottle of red wine and wore heels so they would know I wasn’t Christian. The basket wasn’t mine and neither were the bao—these were both things I’d taken from Liu. This wasn’t the first time I’d stolen from her. I’d once taken her fifty-dollar jar of saffron from the pantry because I’d heard it was the most expensive spice and wanted to feel rich. I took her jade Buddha necklace because she’d left it in the back and I wanted to feel cultured in her city, I wanted to become her history. The saffron jar was replaced. She didn’t comment when I wore the necklace at my next shift. This was why Liu and I worked well together. She pitied me so would never fire me, even when I skipped shifts and cussed at the customers. I felt entitled to her things because she was kind to me. I felt entitled to her kindness. 

lol I haven’t read this in months and it made me laugh #valid:

I crossed the street before the streetlight changed because this is how I lived in New York City. The world was unfair and lightless and I was an atheist who believed in God, walking in five inch heels on a busted road in the ghetto so I could get enough holy water to drown the ghost out of my apartment. 

When all else fails, add a dash of mother:

The air that summer was always the same: dense and wet, even on the good days. It clung to my arms and threatened to erode the skin there, even when it wasn’t sunny. I remembered my mother’s insistence of sunscreen when I was a child; before the pool, in the pool, out of the pool, when we weren’t even at the pool. Her hands were always cold and the sunscreen was always liquid—Izzy was never good at temperature or putting things in the right places. She’d put the instant coffee in the fridge and the cream on the counter. She’d cook the eggs too long and the ice too little. My father would criticize her as a joke and she’d threaten a divorce. This was the only thing I knew was true about my mother. Sunscreen was expensive, so I never bought it. 

Reeve bringing out the drag:

“Grab me a pack of cigarettes?” I shifted the picnic basket so it rested in the crook of my elbow.

“ID?”

“You don’t need my ID.”

“I ID every customer. You’re nothing special, baby.”

The man’s mustache wilted in the tungsten light of the variety store, spindly like loose threads. My father had grown a mustache like that once, and it took only two nights before my mother cut it off in his sleep. Izzy was brash like that, and I wanted that too; to find a pair of scissors in one of the aisles and chip at that flaccid mustache. There was nothing special about this man, either. All men in New York City tried to look like that; facial hair like coiled up leeches, a gut they pretended wasn’t a gut, but the fault of an unflattering polo from their wives. I imagined the snip of the kitchen scissors on my father’s upper lip, the same snip I heard the next day when he clipped the evergreens lining the walkup. There was something coarse about how similar it all was—pruning trees, grooming facial hair. I had turned twenty that spring—it would’ve taken only a minute for him to pass me a pack, but this was too easy. I wasn’t biological in New York City; I shouldn’t have been. 

5. Fostered But It’s Magic

So this was never meant to be a full project, though I had hoped to write a bit of it just for fun and never got around to it! FBIM (obvi working title lol) is exactly what it sounds like: the Fostered series but with a magical twist! I don’t write very much genre fiction, nor have I ever written fantasy, but a few months ago, felt drawn to the idea of putting Fostered in a magical world (my comp titles are SHREK 4 meets HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE). 

I don’t have any of this written, but I do have a few notes which I can share! 

I didn’t realize I’d made a tag yourself writing these notes but (I’m Lonan):

Reeve is a magical con artist who runs her own business selling bootleg magic. 

Lonan is absent and part bird

Harrison *believes* he is #magic free but has been recently getting hot flashes during nightmares.

Foster has an in-home herbalism business where he helps mostly the elderly and children. He has a cart that he wheels monthly into town. Kind of a failing business.

The gist is that Harrison (who we’d be following) can’t sleep due to hot flashes and nightmares of his ex (@ Lonan) and is referred to a small business run by a clairvoyant who promises to make all psychological problems disappear—relationship issues, sleep issues, life issues. This clairvoyant is actually Reeve who is telikinetic of some sorts, and doesn’t actually provide magic, but manipulates (usually weak) brains, AKA tricks people into paying her large sums of money when she gives them no magical help in return. We ALSO have a “past” plotline, and this is the very loose logline I’d written down (tho if I ever write any of this, is subject to change):

After being tormented by nightmares of his ex lover resulting in violent hot flashes and an inability to keep up employment, Harrison seeks a magical intervention. When the clairvoyant he hopes will cure his strange ailment turns out to be a con woman—and his old friend—he is thrown back into the past and forced to rekindle relationships he thought he’d left behind.  

Some dialogue I wrote down ft. clairvoyant Reeve being Reeve:

H: Why are you doing this? 

R (reapplying lip colour): Is my lipstick distracting you? The colour is dazzling.

H: It’s bullshit. 

R (abruptly stops drawing on lip colour): The lipstick? 

H: Your work.

My fave interaction tho has to be this bit I’d noted down with pure Foster comforting Harrison after a nightmare:

Foster *reading on couch when Harrison wakes up in #panique*: What happened? Harrison? Do you need some eucalyptus? 

*do u need some eucalyptus*

That’s basically all the writing related things I didn’t finish in 2019! I’d love to explore them all in 2020 though! Thanks for asking. :)

--Rachel

[ashiiblack]

Year in Review 2019

Total word count: 

Total fics written: 24 (a LOT of these are less than 1k)

Fandoms written in: BNHA, Yuri!!! on Ice, Harry Potter, Free!, and MCU

Chronological list of fics (in the order posted on AO3, not written)

Romance at the Roasted Bean (Harry/Draco, T, 1k) - Draco has a secret admirer.

Start With a Cold Brew (Victor/Yuri P, E, 5k) - Coffee Shop AU (this was technically written in 2018 but was in its exclusivity period for Victurio Anthology)

the music plays bitter, plays sweet (Harry/Draco, M, 1k) - Angsty with a hopeful ending of Harry’s marriage to Ginny ending.

The Taste of Something Different (Harry/Draco, T, 1k) - Harry is getting increasingly frustrated with his Auror partner’s inability to get him the right food.

Shining Bright (JJ/Yuri, T, 5k) - Five times JJ fails at asking out Yuri and the one time he succeeds (another 2018 fic in exclusivity for YOI Litmag).

The 80th Floor (Kirishima/Bakugou, M, 1k) - A deleted scene from the BNHA movie answering the question of how krbk ended up on the 80th floor.

Scars You Can’t See (Kirishima/Bakugou, G, 300 words) - Kirishima trying to comfort Bakugou after Kamino.

Strawberries (on your lips) (Kirishima/Bakugou, T, 900 words) - Studying with Kirishima turns into something unexpected.

The Bakugou Problem (Kirishima/Bakugou, T, 2k) - The Bakusquad decide to get Kirishima and Bakugou to date. Chaos ensues.

Fate Can Suck It (Kirishima/Bakugou, T, 3k) - Soulmate AU

I’ll unfold before you (Kirishima/Bakugou, E, 2k) - Post BNHA movie (and a sort of sequel to The 80th Floor)

Morning Light (Kirishima/Bakugou, T, 400 words) - After their first night together, Kirishima wakes up with Bakugou in his arms.

the fear of seeing death without ever loving you (Steve/Tony, E, 3k) - Steve returns the stones to their proper place but can’t help but see Tony one last time.

Truths in Letters (Harry/Draco, T, 5k) - Harry and Draco participate in a Guess the Penfriend inter-house unity game with interesting results. Epistolary fic written with just_another_loser.

Win-Win (Kirishima/Bakugou, E, 1500 words) - Bakugou likes that Kirishima can take his blasts. Kirishima just likes Bakugou.

Dare Me (Kirishima/Bakugou, T, 1500 words) - Uraraka gives Bakugou a dare. Eijirou isn’t sure what to think of it.

First Date (Kirishima/Bakugou, T, 1k) - Going from best friends to boyfriends isn’t the smoothest transition, but Bakugou and Kirishima make it work. (fun fact - this fic is based on @icicle33‘s Sims characters).

so good to be yours (Makoto/Haru, E, 2k) - Makoto visits Sydney while Haru is at a training camp for the Olympics. While things are awkward at first, they find their rhythm together again.

The Note (Kirishima/Bakugou, T, 1500 words) - Kirishima leaves a note to Bakugou on his desk confessing his crush to him. Humor and misunderstandings ensue.

everyday i want more of you (Kirishima/Bakugou, T, 2k) - Seven somewhat connected 300 word drabbles written for Chill November. Basically all krbk fluff.

Out of the Slipstream (Kirishima/Bakugou, E, 15k) - The professional road cycling AU no one asked for but I wrote it anyway.

Beauty, Like the Night (Iida/Aoyama, M, 10k) - A classic example of having to write the fic you want to read. Iida has a crush on Aoyama but it isn’t proper for a future hero to lust after his classmates.

Spark (Endeavor/Hawks, E, 2k) - When what Keigo thinks is a casual hookup suddenly becomes something more.

There’s also a week’s worth of BNHA Fluff Week Drabbles I wrote in June.

From my past year of writing…

My best story of this year: Honestly, probably my Stony fic. I was so raw after Endgame and this fic was screaming to be written. My most popular story of this year (by kudos, comments or notes): Stony again. One of those rare times I agree with stats.

Story of mine most under-appreciated by the universe, in my opinion: Take a chance on The Note? It’s only 1500 words. Most fun story to write: Beauty, Like the Night. Iidayama is my favorite rare ship and I fucking love Iida so much. Hardest story to write: Probably my cycling au. After thinking about this fic for so long, I really got in my head about it and didn’t feel like anything was good enough. Biggest disappointment: My drarry fics have been pretty off as of late. It doesn’t help when I have krbk basically always on my mind. Biggest surprise: Fun fact - I’m not a big fan of soulmate au tropes so I was pretty surprised Fate Can Suck It was so well received lmao. Honestly though I’ve warmed up to the genre since I wrote this one.

Most unintentionally telling story: Probably Stony again. I usually self insert into Tony but this time I went way into Steve.

Favorite Opening Lines: “We have a problem.” The Bakugou Problem

Favorite Closing Lines: “For now, they can sleep.” the fear of seeing death without ever loving you

Reflection time Looking back, did you write more fic than you thought you would this year, less, or about what you’d predicted? I wrote a lot less. My goal was 100k and I ended up just shy of 65k. What pairing/genre/fandom did you write that you would never have predicted in January? BNHA/Kiribaku/Endhawks. I fell pretty hard for krbk at the end of the first season then came the sports festival and their beautiful ship moments just kept coming. Endhawks I have no excuse other than they’re hot af together and so much opportunity for angst with feelings. What’s your own favorite story of the year? Dude idk. A lot of what I wrote was fun ficlets. I’m gonna have to go with either my cycling AU or iidayama. I know I said I struggled with the cycling au but I’m fairly happy with how it turned out. Did you take any writing risks this year? Not exactly. The Stony was definitely different from my usual style. Do you have any fanfic goals for the new year? Gonna shoot for 100k for 2020 again. I’m doing the Tododeku Big Bang and then I have two Kiribaku ideas I’m going to write. One will be a oneshot and the other will likely be a longer fic. I’d also like to do some sort of drabble event because I really enjoy the challenge with a limited word count.

Decade wrapped

If you’re still with me, I want to briefly reflect on my decade of fanfiction. I’ve been writing fic since 2002 but I fell in and out of it through high school. I didn’t really get back into writing until 2010 toward the very end of college. I met @icicle33 thru ffnet at the end of 2011 and she introduced me to LJ events and fests and exchanges and my writing style developed a ton. I fell out of it a bit in the middle of the decade but came back in full force in 2017 (thanks again in large part to Icicle), especially once I joined YOI fandom. In this decade, I’ve written/posted roughly 600k words (I feel like the distinction is important because I also have about 100k of unposted WIP/outline/nonsense). I’ve made friends, enemies, laughed, cried, met multiple fandom friends irl including my darling @phaytesworld and Icicle, modded and written for zines, and so much more. Writing has always been a way for me to explore a different side of myself, to play in a sandbox with no stakes. I can’t imagine where I would be without it. Here’s to another 10 years and you can bet in 2029 my old ass will still be writing. Should the world have ended by then, you can find me in hell writing porn.

[lethesomething]

A writer tag thing

I was tagged by @tottwritesfanfic and it’s an excuse to talk about fanfic. Let's do this!

1. How did you come up with your username and what does it mean?

Uh. Um. Since I am an Old, this username has existed since forever, and acquiring it involved a goth themed IRC chat room and some virtual naked table dancing. The Lethe refers to the River of Oblivion in ancient Greek Underworld mythology, because again, I was Very Goth at the time. I'd… I'ma leave it at that.

2. Which fanfic of yours has the most feedback? (bookmarks/subscriptions/hits/kudos).

That'll be Chocolate Hearts. It's not the one with the most hits, because it's not porn, but it's getting there, considering it was only posted in August. That whole fic was such an incredible experience, because I was getting daily feedback from people as I was writing publishing it.

3. What is your AO3 profile icon, and why did you choose it?

It's Shimizu Kiyoko, because I still mostly write Haikyuu, and because she's awesome (and I, too, wish to be awesome).

Let’s put a cut here because this is Long.

4. Do you have any regular/favourite commenters?

I'd rather not name names, but I met at least one of my friends through AO3 comments. There's also a commenter whose style I liked so much that I started copying it for comments on other people's work. I absolutely notice when people drop by regularly, and I love every one of those people. I try to follow them back. There are few feelings more rewarding to me as a writer than seeing someone like one of my stories, and then go through the other ones I wrote for that fandom.

 5. Is there a fanfic that you keep going back to read again and again?

I don't regularly re-read fics, because I have enough trouble keeping up with fiction I feel like I *should* be reading. In that sense, the ones I keep going back to are the long ones I'm subscribed to. Bell, book and candle is my go-to plane fic for when I'm travelling, for instance. It's a 1k page pdf on my phone and I try to go back and comment on the chapters I finished when I get to a computer (or like three months later, most likely).

6. How many stories are you subscribed to? How many do you have bookmarked?

*Opens statistics page* I don't so much subscribe to stories, as I do to people. And I'm apparently subscribed to 22 people. I have 33 bookmarks, but that's mostly because sometimes I'll go back through my history and bookmarks stuff that I still like a few months later.

7. Which AU do you find yourself writing the most?

Urban fantasy. That seems to be the AU where my mind goes into every single direction and comes back with 60k worth of words every time. Also, a disproportionate amount of characters in my fics end up being bakers or baristas. So, uh, make of that what you will.

8. How many people are subscribed and bookmarked to you in total? (you can view this on the stats page)

Um, I have 36 user subscriptions. 299 bookmarks. And 117 subscriptions to various fics.

9. Is there something you’d like to write about but are afraid of people judging you for it? (Feeling brave? If so, share it!)

Well, there's always stuff you come up with that maybe shouldn't be put to paper. When it comes to very self-indulgent, or very smutty, I try to stay my hand. I struggled a long time with whether or not I should publish any smut at all, because I don't want like… my colleagues to find it. What I ended up with, was several fail safes, and the promise to myself that I would only write… acceptable smut (so no werewolf orgies for you! not that I, uh, would write them otherwise).

10. Is there anything you would like to be better at? Writing certain scenes or genres, replying to comments, updating better, etc.

So, uh, the very specific reason I started writing smut at all, was because that is the hardest thing to do. For me. Sex is, a lot of the time, awkward and funny and feely and there's a lot of emotions and actions going on, and I very specifically do not want to write lifeless mechanical porn sex. Because that's not what I'm here for. But that's difficult. I write to have the kind of stuff I want to Read, and I'm very friggin picky when it comes to smut, so it takes me longer to write 1k of smut than it does to write 20k of teen rated fluff. I wish I was better on that front.

11. Do you write rarepairs or popular ships more often?

It's a mixed bag. I'm pretty sure me and @leeva-art  are the pioneers of all ShinToko content. And I did that whole SugaTen one. Looking through the list, I actually did a fair amount of rarepair shorts. I kinda like writing rarepairs because there's a lot more of the dynamic for me to explore.  But I'm currently writing a series full of popular ships (YamaYachi, DaiSuga, KageHina, IwaOi), because sometimes, those are popular for a reason. To be honest, I think the ship I write most is 'x reader', and I'm fairly certain that's an under-reported popular ship.

12. How many stories have you posted on AO3 to this day (finished and unfinished)?

I have 21 works on AO3 in total. All of those are finished one-shots or multichapters, except the one I'm currently working on. Yes, I'm proud of this :P.

13. How many stories do you have saved in/with your writing program?

Oh god. So apart from the current multichapter one I have… one longish romance story that's been gathering dust for two years (The Aomine. I swear I will finish it one day), and… about four smut shorts in various states of unfinished-ness. And an Aizawa short that is like smut in the sense that it's a lot of action and feels and I'm Struggling.

14. Do you write down story ideas, or just keep them in your head?

I do both. I'm a bit of a daydreamer, so I like to play ideas and scenarios in my head for a while, and then I jot them down when they've grown enough. But I'm also a talker, and anyone who has chatted with me for any length of time probably knows that an Idea can take root in a convo and I basically talk it out and two months later there's a massive fic brewing. My brain is an overexcited puppy.

15. Have you ever co-authored a story?

Nope. It's not that I don't want to, I'm just not sure how that would work practically.

16. How did you discover AO3?

It's all Rin's fault. I pretty much only got into fanfic after watching Free! and discovering the joys of tumblr. Fairly certain I discovered AO3 while looking for Quality SouRin.

17. Do you consider yourself to be a popular or famous author in your fandom(s) on AO3?

Ahahahaha…no.

18. Do you have a nickname or fandom name for your readers?

That would be weird? I'm not Lady Gaga.

19. Was there an author who inspired or encouraged you to write?

I've been writing since I was a little girl. So the first stories I wrote were probably inspired by that one teacher I had when I was eight, that kept saying I was good at this. But I remember in my teens, wanting to write like Anthony Horowitz, and later like Terry Prattchett, or Douglas Adams. As for writing fanfic, that is the fault of Aleramicci and A Shadow so Great. That was the first time I saw someone take that level of world building and lore creation and character development, and spin it into this… epic tale. Because I have always imagined scenarios and characters in my day dreams, I was creating alternate endings for the Three Musketeers at 13, but I didn't think anyone else was willing to read them. I thought fanfic was, well, smut. And she showed me that you can create worlds out of nearly nothing (please remember that 2014 League of Legends Lore was total shit), and do it Well, and write it well, and… ugh.

20. What writing advice would you give to a beginning author?

Ok, where's that meme. I think the main thing is… just do it. You've got stories, you write them. But know that it is work. Like every hobby, it takes time, it takes energy and effort. You need to Make that Time. Very few people can sit down and just have the words flow out of their fingers. For most, it's Work. Once you know that, and you make the conscious decision to do the work, you can get shit done.

21. Do you plot out your stories, or do you just figure it out as you go?

I try to plot up to a certain level but I leave room for a lot of improv. Like especially for longer fics, I'll have a vague idea of where the characters end up and what needs to happen for the finale to… happen. The actual scenes aren't plotted though. I write better when I just let the scene take me where it wants to go. I've learned a lot from the Lock, the Key and the Sacrifice, in that it was my first Very Long multichaptered fic and it was Mostly Improvised. This meant that some character development got lost, and that I had to write myself out of some weird situations but also, some of the best scenes in that fic are complete bursts of random inspiration. Since then, I've gotten a bit more organized. I use OneNote to jot down 'spur of the moment' scenes to slot into stories later, and to make time lines and character profiles and all that. The actual fic is still me opening the Word doc and going 'ok, it's day six in this story, what should happen today'.

22. Have you ever gotten a bad comment on a story? If so, what did you do?

I don't think so? AO3 readers are very nice and disciplined, I think. Either that or I've been very lucky. All I've gotten were a few comments that left me flustered, mostly along the lines of 'when are you updating', when I keep a very tight schedule. That sort of thing. I just leave those be.

23. Is there a certain type of scene that you have a hard time writing? (action, smut, etc..)

See above: smut.

24. What story(s) are you working on now?

Currently, My Girlfriend is a Goddess?!, which is a fantasy exchange gift that ballooned into a very long, multichapter and possibly trilogy book type thing.

25. Do you plan your next project(s) before you finish your current ongoing story(s)?

The Plan is to finish book one of My Girlfriend is a Goddess?! (the YamaYachi, aka the actual exchange gift), then take a break for some one-shots and whatnot, and then continue to book two (the DaiSuga one). So yes, I do try to stay somewhat disciplined. This isn't to say that inspiration can't strike like a vengeful god and I have to rearrange the whole thing. Chocolate Hearts happened while I was trying to work on the TenSuga, and it got written in like a month of furious typing. Shit just happens, man.

26. Do you have a daily writing goal set for yourself?

No. I have a very unstable work schedule, and sometimes I'm just tired. I try to get certain chapters finished on a weekly basis though. I learned with NaNo that when I try to write too much in one go, the output is also not that great. I need to write, and then do a whole bunch of editing, and then write again.

27. Do you think you’ve improved as a writer since you first started?

Things are certainly going smoother now than they did two years ago. It's a certain… confidence? I think? A rhythm you get into. I got wordier, too. Not sure if that's a good thing.

28. What is your favorite story that you’ve written?

This is hard. That is a hard question. For the longest time, my fave story was Balance. But if I read it now, it does show its age. So I'm going to say The lock, the key and the sacrifice. I will always be super proud of that, because that's my first and currently only 'book' and I worked a year and a half on it. Not every part of it is amazing, but there's some Pretty Good Parts and I just felt such an immense relief and… satisfaction on finishing it.

29. What is your least favorite story that you’ve written?

One of the first things I published was an Iwaizumi smut short. It's… ok, but it has some issues that I would iron out if I were to write it again.

30. Where do you see yourself (as a writer) in 5 years?

When I was little I had this Plan to write a bestseller and sell it to Hollywood and then buy a castle in Scotland and basically be JK Rowling, but I sincerely doubt that's going to happen. Goals, tho.

31. What is the easiest thing about writing?

Coming up with random shit that blossoms into big, huge ideas and worlds and complicated plot lines. Like… that happens without me trying.

32. What is the hardest thing about writing?

The bit where you sit down to write through a part you've been struggling with. Those few paragraphs that you need to connect scene A and scene B, for it to make logical sense.

33. Why do you write?

Because I like it. Because I enjoy building worlds and scenes and characters, and sharing them. Because like all kinds of creative work, it has gained me relationships and connections to people I resonate with. Also, ngl, for the kudos and the comments. I get a lot of joy from seeing people enjoying my work.

 The tagging part. Um, I dunno if @skittidyne has done this one yet.  Also the usual suspects: @bsinoranges, @haruhi02 and @thekuroiookami   Consider it a subtle nudge if anyone else wants to do this.

[a-candle-for-sherlock]

Five Stories

@liddrose tagged me to list my five favorite stories. Thank you Liddy! It’s truly hard to pick favorites from my fic babies, but these are some of my loves:

The Trainwreck (1k, gen, Harry POV). I love Harry Watson. We saw nothing of her onscreen, and only a little on the blog, and yet we can tell she’s funny, and brave, and scared, and honest, and she loves her brother, and she deserved better than she got in-show. I wondered what she’d think of finding John and Sherlock in love; and I got this.

Home (30k, teen, John POV). This is my HUGE fic. It’s the plottiest of anything I’ve tried, and I’m not entirely sure the spy stuff works out, but it was fun; and the rest of it was so necessary for me to get out; the tenderness John needs, and the chance Sherlock needs to give it to him; all the ways they deserve to be safe and sure of each other again. The last chapter will forever be one of my favorite things I’ve put to page; Baker Street being home again, and neither of them frightened anymore.

Poets Lie (5k, gen, Victorian, Holmes POV). This will always give my heart a flutter because it’s my first full length Doyle-style fic. There’s so much love and longing between the lines of canon, but they’re written from Watson’s view; I wanted to write from Holmes’ view instead; to imagine what it was like to love and to lose Watson, and get him back, and still be afraid to speak.

The Two Of Us (4k, gen, Mycroft POV). Mycroft loves his little brother, longs to be close to him, but can’t seem to stop hurting him. I wrote this to capture the helpless love for a sibling you don’t understand and can’t save, and confusion of seeing someone else save them instead.

Holmes, Voiceless (5k, gen, Victorian, Watson POV). A Study In Scarlet is set, the bulk of it, three years after they’ve met; Watson’s already fallen for Holmes; he’s already tender and proud and exasperated and intimate in the way he speaks of him. I wanted to write something from the view of a Watson still broken down from war, still baffled and trying to understand the man he’s taken rooms with; unaware of what’s happening to his heart until it’s too late. And then, of course, the fic ran away from me and turned into a love story that spans a decade.

Tagging @sussexbound, @watsonshoneybee, @byebyefrost, @msdisdain, @ancientreader, @mistyzeo, @hudders-and-hiddles, @earlgreytea68 or anyone who wants to!

[rxbxlcaptain]

Rules and Regulations (Acts of Intimacy #2)

Author’s Note: Here’s the second in my responses to the Nonsexual Acts of Intimacy prompts! This one was requested by @vaultfox​. Thank you so much for sending this in! This one is just shy of 1k words, but I hope you all enjoy anyway :) Feel free to keep sending in the prompts, y’all! Check out this post to see what I’m working on next.

Other stories in the series: Previous Work // Next Work

Prompt: ♝: Reading a book together. Or, I guess data-pad in this instance. :D

Words: 992

AO3 / FF.net / Below the Cut!

Once upon a time, Cassian’s room was his safe haven, free of intelligence assignments and other rebels with lists full of recent losses. He could lock the door and no one, save K-2, would attempt to bother him. He used the room to decompress, to compartmentalize horrors he had witnessed, or committed, in his last mission.

Now, Cassian’s room was rarely empty when he returned to it. Far from being annoyed at the invasion of privacy, as Cassian would have predicted a year ago, he found himself enjoying it. He savored the human presence in the room, another set of lungs breathing in and out, another mind churning through thoughts and ideas.

More than that, he cherished the time with her.

Time was a delicacy in the Rebellion, especially for two not-quite lovers who were still learning their way around each other. So, every time Cassian found Jyn Erso, recently named a sergeant in the Rebel Alliance, sitting at his desk or curled up on his bed, he welcomed it. Welcomed her home.

“Evening, Captain,” Jyn calls as his door slid open. She shoots him a smile from her place on his bed, a datapad resting on her lap.

“At ease, sergeant,” Cassian slowly responds, confused by her use of his rank. “You know, you don’t really need the formalities when it’s just us.”

“Oh, yes, I do. It says so, right…” She scrolls backwards on her datapad. “Here. ‘Enlisted and noncommissioned officers should address Alliance officers by title at all times, even in barracks and recreational areas.’”

Cassian pauses, halfway through removing his leather jacket, to stare at her, disbelief coloring his gaze. “Are you reading the Alliance handbook?”

Jyn hums her response, flipping back to her previous spot.

“Who are you and what have you done with Jyn Erso?”

“That’s Sergeant Erso to you, Captain.”

Cassian snorts, draping his jacket over his desk chair before moving to join her on the bed. She shifts towards him without removing her eyes from the datapad, settling on his shoulder. His hands sneak around her waist, grabbing the blanket she had laid over her lap.

“Do you think this counts as fraternization?” Jyn asked, skillfully ignoring Cassian’s lips wandering along her neck.

“Just don’t mention it in an official report and we should be fine.”

“And here I thought you lived your life exactly by the book.”

“I hear a little rebellion is good for you.”

She scrolls a little further. “Now who told you that?”

“You.”

Cassian propped his head on her shoulder as she turned to smile at him. His mouth turned up in response, loving the way her eyes melted as she glanced at him. “I tend to say very wise things.”

“Now you sound too much like K-2.”

Jyn laughed, finally putting down the datapad to face him, her right shoulder still leaning against his left. She gifted him with a quick kiss.

“Really, though,” Cassian continued, picking up the discarded datapad. “What are you doing reading the rules and regulations of the Alliance? I don’t think anyone outside of high command has read this in its entirety, and that’s because they wrote it.”

Jyn turns away from him before she shrugs. “Seemed important.”

“Most people don’t follow half of these regulations anyway, and those that do…” Cassian pauses to consider his next words. “They’re rarely anyone’s favorite members of the Rebellion.”

“It’s just that—“ The words seem to catch in Jyn’s throat. She doesn’t need to finish them, though. Cassian already understands. Jyn Erso, hero of the Battle of Scarif and half the reason the Death Star was successfully blown to smithereens, still has a reputation around the Rebellion. Daughter of an Imperial scientist. Raised by a Partisan. Rogue. Dangerous. Unreliable.

When she officially enlisted, rebels from the High Command on down raised their eyebrows, having expected her to take the offered freedom and scram, never to be heard from again. The idea that Captain Cassian Andor, one of Draven’s best intelligence officers, stood by her side and defended her, helped her integrate into the Rebellion, raised even more. Jyn—by necessity of her life or by personal preference, it was hard to tell anymore—was not a person who enjoyed being followed by stares and whispers wherever she went.

“You want to blend in,” Cassian finished for her. She nodded minutely, eyes focused on the far wall. “You don’t need to prove you’re part of the Rebellion, Jyn.”

“Listen,” Jyn turned back to Cassian, the fire in her eyes relit. “I know I’m part of the Rebellion. You know. I’ve convinced the princess and Senator Mothma. But it makes my life easier if the eighty percent of the rebellion that still doubts me don’t have any ammunition against me. So I’m reading the rules and regulations.”

Cassian nodded. Anything important to her became important to him. “Then let me help,” He cut off the beginnings of her protest. “Trust me, I know the difference between rules that should be followed and rules that just make you look like an ass if you follow.”

“Inside information really is your specialty, isn’t it?”

He grinned back at her. “Perks of being an intelligence officer. Now come here.” He pulled her back to him and turned the datapad back on.

Jyn laughed, a sound much younger and more carefree than she normally made. “Are you going to read to me?”

“Yes,” Cassian settled in, one hand around her waist, one holding the data pad. “’Article IV: Dress Code.’ Most of this is probably completely ignored, honestly…”

Cassian’s room was once his haven of silence, of stillness, a cool reprieve from the hot stress of the rebellion after a long day. But now, having Jyn Erso under his arm in his bed, her body warming him inside and out, her laughter punctuating his snide commentary on the official handbook, Cassian couldn’t imagine why he ever wanted it any other way.