#one of these days i’ll write all these mushy ideas into proper one shots but today is not that day

[cool-and-grizzled]

i cannot get lance and keith painting the walls of their house together out of my head so now you guys also get to suffer with me

just imagine them in paint spotted t-shirts and keith has his hair in a bun and his bangs pinned up and lance has a baseball cap backwards on his head, betting on who can finish their two walls quicker and the loser has to clean up, them trying to slow the other down by flicking paint and stealing brushes and rollers and lance trying to swipe paint on keith’s face but then keith dips his whole hand in paint and pushes lance’s face away and then keith starts doubling over bc lance looks like an uruk hai and he just loses it so then lance goes swipes a line on his forehead like in the lion king and now lance is laughing too

[haechanhues]

since it’s been like over 2 weeks here’s an updated version!

Hyunsuk - too be honest if i were to ever meet him, and if it was ever emotional i’d be kinda afraid to just in case he’d cry. his laugh is an instant boost of serotonin. i love his rapping. he honestly makes me emotional and i’m so proud of his character, his achievements and the way he’s so involved with music and the world around him.

Jihoon - sigh. has my heart and soul. i’m whipped for him. everyone knows it too. they just need to look at my posts and then they’re sorted. the amount of times a particular person has caught me being sappy and mushy over him is ridiculous. i want him to get ink on his arm. i caught myself checking out his thighs and calves today. i feel like a animal stalking its prey. he’s so mean but i love it?!

Yoshi - i find myself watching a lot of his compilations lately. i’m also trying to find a particular video where he’s getting his photo taken and (i just remember jeongwoo and junghwan being there) and they’re all like marvelling about how photogenic yoshinori is. which he is. he made me cry the other day with the letters from mum and i watched the reaction cam for ep 6.

Junkyu - juyoung, the younger brother in true beauty actually reminded me of junkyu in episode 13 (my flattie is watching the series) there’s quite a bit of words that he says that i really enjoy hearing him say? - i love the way he said cockroach in hello82 drawing game, some english words cause he actually pronounces them really well but with like a deepish accent?, love seeing and hearing him laugh.

Mashiho - again, he’s so good at everything. and he’s quiet about it as well. everytime he’s in shot he’s always just looking at someone fondly but never taking too much room or whatever. but when he gets in the zone and he just belts something out or laughs really loudly it’s always impactful in some way like whenever he does that my heart just grows for him.

Jaehyuk - he’s super affectionate and sweet. naww. like the way he acts with teumes and everything naww. like he leaves his traces for his fans to find and i think that’s so sweet. and he’s got a bit of a mean streak too i notice haha. he’s still super funny but also very supportive and tends to take care of the people who may be under the weather or not quite feeling the best which is a sort of person that everyone should appreciate.

Doyoung - the way he can just let go of himself to deliver some of his lines. him basically cry laughing at the secret santa type of video that treasure did is so cute. doyoung deserves every little cuddle and affection. he also kind of just readily accepts others and their strange quirks, and he’s got a sort of personality i’ve never really seen before and i think he’s super interesting.

Yedam - still really fucking talented. i also saw that he does tend to get emotional here and there but he’s honestly the cutest. THE SMILE AND THE LAUGH. There’s one particular video where I just can’t help but coo at him. But a truly beautiful person, I’m serious. I listened to Wayo to bed and I was in that state where I was awake but not really awake. Like I felt like I was meditating and it’s such a relaxing song. I love his voice.

Asahi - I’m so excited to talk about him you have no idea. I’m going through an Asahi spurt so~ But like he actually smiles quite a lot and he laughs a lot and it feels truly rewarding when he does. Like last time I talked about how he kind of intimidated me at the start but now he really doesn’t and I truly think he’s one of the members that instantly calms me down when I see him. Like, I want to have a proper conversation with him because idk I just get the vibe he’s definitely someone you should have a meaningful conversation with if you have the opportunity.

Jeongwoo - He’s not as loud as i thought he would be. I am in love with his voice. I watched a couple fansign videos just because and he does not know how to take compliments aye he gets like all embarrassed and all it’s so cute. I was also watching a TMI (??? I think) where it was like the boyfriend simulation and he didn’t know how to act. I find it so funny that he can be shameless at one point and another he’s all like embarrassed and bashful. It’s so cute. ‘I’m just an ugly citizen’ he says WHAT A JOKE. Him during that web drama though - he suits the character for sure.

Haruto - I find him harder to write this for, I don’t know why he was one of the easier ones to write for last time but I’m really struggling this time. But in general I love how he just exists. I know how it looks like a cop out but I promise you it’s not. His eyes and his hair first of all are so glittery and pretty and man I love his eyes so much. I also find it funny how most of the time he looks like he wants to go home but he always does things in the end and he’s not afraid to say anything. He kind of just adapts to the people around him which I find really cool. Like he’s not just a one dimensional character and it shows. (That was terrible, I’m sorry Haruto) 

Junghwan - That ‘different’ line in Boy. It’s so easy to distinguish it as Junghwan’s voice and idk it makes me really fond of him when I can hear him without seeing him. Like I’ll be on the bus or plane and hear him sing that line and like instant dopamine and serotonin. I want to say the exact same thing I said last time but he’s truly the sweetest and I want to see him smile in real life. I truly regard him as a little angel. His laugh too <3 it’s so dorky but I love him. I’m just too fond of this boy.  

Treasure - In general. I’ve been excited to write this segment all day and yet I’ve got nothing at the moment. I binge watched Treasure Map and no wonder I see a lot of people watching it. It’s so entertaining and every episode is quite different or like the same but with a little added extra. I’m so happy I stan Treasure now though, like truly happy. They’ve made me laugh and cry a lot already and it’s been a total of 2-3 weeks. But they’re all so lovely and I’m starting to really love them all. 

[cosmicbash]

@friendshipfisting requested some grumpy Em at the beach while chatting and I got a little bit carried away writing dorky fluff so-

You lucky heathens are getting a huge prompt drop. Hope you enjoy~

(This is long enough I could post it to ao3 if someone wants to come up with a title ahah)

--

Marshall hated beaches. He always had, they were just always so overcrowded whenever he tried going. And huge clusters of people did nothing but stress him out, even before he got famous and all those claustrophobic fears of a crowd closing in on him suddenly became a reality.

When he was younger and getting absolutely trashed everyday it was easier to deal with. The combination of pills and booze kept him mellow enough that he could even throw himself into a crowd at his own concerts. Helped build up somewhat of a tolerance for whenever he got up on stage.

Outside of performing however? They were still an absolute nightmare that made his stomach twist up into knots. A brief pass through, and maybe a few stops to meet and greet fans he could handle. But actively plopping himself into the hot sandy clusterfuck known as a public beach? That was the furthest thing from fun or relaxing that he could think of. 

Luckily living in the middle of Detroit meant he was mostly free of dealing with said landscape.

So why in the hell was he struggling to get comfortable on some stiff itchy wooden beach chair, with the ocean loudly looming not very far away?

"The wave's are freaking perfect today-" Colson was beaming a smile at him, almost as blinding as the sun resting behind his pretty wet head. The lighting ironically formed a halo around the self proclaimed rap devil. It made Marshall want to snort. "You should seriously come in."

"I'm perfectly fine right here." Under the safety of his umbrella, above the hazardous hot sand. And most importantly far away from the heavy crashing waves. 

Swimming wasn't his best skill either, afterall there was not much need to swim when you avoided the beach. Sure he could wade in a pool and float on his back if needed, but moving, rushing water was a completely different ballgame.

"You're such a drag," Colson's eyes rolled, long legs kicking up sand while he crossed the distance between them. He was still dripping water all over the place, stray droplets splashing onto Marshall's legs when he loomed ever closer to the chair.

Reflexively the older man tucked his notebook away in the nearby bag, knees pulling up so he could resituate himself. Legs crossing indian style to give the brat a place to sit. 

Marshall couldn't care less about being a "drag", he'd been very vocal about his displeasure with the whole idea of wasting a day at the beach. For once he'd taken over the role of bitchy pushover. Spending most of the night before and morning of their trip muttering under his breath, listing all the reasons why it was such a stupid idea. But still going through with the process of booking and reserving a secluded spot for them on some remote beach.

The only reason he'd put up with it at all was for the younger rapper's sake, something which he hoped Colson could actually learn to appreciate. It wasn't common for him to concede like this, but it was only fair. "You enjoying choking on salt water and burning your skin?"

The tall blonde dropped down with a hard plop, legs bouncing to disturb more sand while the beach chair creaked. The bitter question didn't seem to phase his good mood one bit. "Yupp! Loving it. I've missed the beach, I was starting to look like a ghost."

More water splattered against Marshall's ankles, had his skin twitching. "One more big wave like earlier and you might be one-" The brunette was thankful he had shades on, just recalling the moment only a half hour prior when a huge wave had suddenly crashed down and disappeared his partner made his face curl up. It had been a genuinely terrifying minute of watching and waiting for Colson's soaked head to reappear above the water. One that nearly had him leaving his tiny sanctuary to pound down the length of sand separating him from the water. 

Thankfully the younger rapper had resurfaced, farther out then when he'd been hit. Laughter visible even from his distance with the hard shake of the boys shoulders and wide smile. 

"What? That was nothing, you should've seen how big some of the waves over in the Bahama's could get. Now those, those could totally sweep you out to sea."

Clicking his tongue Marshall gave a swift nod, fingers prying open their small cooler to dig out a cold bottle of water. "I'll take your word for it." The last thing he needed was for the kid to get a Bahama's vacation plan into his head. 

Colson sighed dramatically, upper body dropping down to drape over the older man's lap. Inciting a string of curses and half hearted shoves from how the action left water soaking through his shorts. "A little bit of sun and water isn't gonna kill you old man, you look ridiculous all bundled up here in your shirt and hat. Like some horrible undercover pap who's hiding a camera in his beach bag."

The observation was accompanied by a soft laugh and long fingers tugging at the collar of his shirt, trailing up along his jaw to flick his hat.

Marshall's teeth set in a line. "What, you want me stripped down streaking across the beach? Tattoos and dick free for an actual reporter to see?"

The chance of some paparazzo being nearby was slim to none, they both knew that. Marshall had gone out of his way to rent the accompanying two beaches on either side despite the small cliffs between them. There was noone other than their own mix of security teams for miles. The only chance someone was getting a shot of either of them was with a drone.

In theory Marshall could strip down and dance about the beach all he wanted, grab Colson by his skinny waist and fuck him down into the sand until he was choking on a seashell. He was fully confident in his team.

That didn't mean any of that sounded remotely tempting however.

"Maybe not running across the beach," Colson snickered body twisting until he was lying with the back of his head against the older man's crotch. Arms curled up over his head so he could lightly grip onto his sides and stretch the rest of his body out. "A slow sensual walk towards the water sounds a lot better. Would give me something really great to look at."

The harsh tug on wet blonde locks barely elicited a reaction. "If your hoping for a full moon tonight you're gonna be disappointed. News called for clouds-" It was easier to deflect from the brats flirting then reward him with a proper response.

"With how your pants sag I'm guaranteed at least a half moon before sundown." This time Marshall was the one sighing, head shaking while he rubbed his temples. Colson of course looked beyond pleased with his joke, damp hands rubbing up over the front of his shirt to lightly massage his shoulders. "Unless your planning on dressing correctly for once while we walk the shoreline."

"Who said anything about walking along the shoreline? When did I agree to that?"

"What, we're gonna have a beach date and not enjoy the sunset together? It's no wonder you've been divorced twice." The light teasing had Marshall snorting despite himself. Palm pushing his sunglasses up off his face and much to his partner's delight knocking away his sunhat.

"Actually I let Kim's other boyfriends worry about the mushy shit like that, last time I went to a beach with her she left me passed out along the shoreline while the tide was rising." The memory had him chuckling quietly to himself while his gaze trailed along with white shoreline. "Fucking bitch almost let me drown all because I snorted her share of coke."

"Jesus-" Colson's lips burst apart in a laugh. Palms leaving the older rapper's shoulders to cup his neck instead. "Hope she at least cleaned your pockets out before she left-"

The suggestion had Marshall's gaze dropping back down, lips quirking up into a smirk while his fingers raked through Colson's knotted hair. "You'd think so right? Damn bitch swiped my wallet and forgot the motel's key card. Came back to wake my half submerged ass up and bitch how hard of a time I was giving her- like- fuck me for not reminding her it was in my back pocket while I was drowning!"

The outburst had them both laughing finally, Colson's boisterous and expressive was Marshall's was quieter and reserved to a soft shake of his shoulders. A few years ago the same story might've dragged up residual hurt feelings. Colson's soft fingers tickling his throat and heavy body helped keep them away.

"I'll keep that in mind in case I wanna drown your ass sometime soon."

"Probably already have it planned out, why your so eager to get me walking along the shore."

This time when Colson snorted it was followed up with a firm pull. "Fuck, ya caught me-" Large hands curling around the back of his neck to pull him down for an upside down kiss. It was interrupted by panted breaths and light shakes of the younger rapper's head but the action soothed his mood nonetheless.

Colson's mouth was warm against his own and tasted like salty sea water. Marshall even swore he could feel the scratch of sand against his chin but continued to kiss back anyway. The moment was pleasant, helped ease what little stress he had left in his temples.

The broke apart when his back started to ache, fingers tugging softly at the tangled blonde locks until they separated. "If I walk you along the shore like some cheesy hallmark movie can we skip the whole lovey dovey sunset gazing bullshit?"

Colson mock gasped. "And ruin my proposal I had planned?"

Leaning back Marshall moved to uncross his legs, forcing his behemoth of a partner to sit up himself. "If it's another collab idea dragging me out into this ridiculous sun and pesty sand was the worst way to soften me up-"

"Actually I was gonna propose we try fucking out in the ocean. Was hoping the whole weightless thing with the water meant you could hold me up while we fucked." The sleazy wink had Marshall shooting Colson a worried look. It was hard to tell how serious the brat was being. It sounded just like the kind of stupid thing he would actually plan.

"That's one way to break the news to the media," The brunette couldn't help but shake his head and laugh while he climbed back up onto his feet. Hand catching the wide umbrella so he wouldn't knock it over. "Rap God Eminem and rival MGK found naked adrift at sea together. Nude!"

For what felt like the millionth time that day Colson cackled, long neck stretching out while he threw his head back. "We- haha- We don't both have to be naked! Why would you take your shorts off too? You actually wanna skinny dip with me?"

"God no. I don't think I'd ever get the sand out of my ass. Fuck I've been sitting down this whole time and there's some inside my thighs." 

Colson was less graceful when he stood up, full on jostling the umbrella with his head. Fingers curling around the older rapper's abandoned hat to slap it back ontop of his head. "That's half the fun of going to the beach. Getting sand in all kinds of-"Their eyes met in a brief flirty gaze. "Uncomfortable places."

The wink that followed was all the encouragement Marshall needed to start walking towards the beach. Eyes rolling so hard he thought they might get stuck in the back of his head. The sooner they got down to the shore the sooner he could get back to comfort of a nice soft hotel bed.

And promptly screw the blondes brains out.

[blueboxesandtrafficcones]

Queen of Hearts - Chapter 3

Thirty-year-old Rose Tyler’s matchmaking business is doing very well indeed, bringing her clients such as celebrities, athletes, and the now-happily-married son of the mayor.  All of which brings her to her newest client - one whose royal rank is a far cry above her own title as Queen of Hearts.

Ian, King of Gallifrey, calls off his wedding four weeks before the happy day as he realizes he can’t spend another minute of his life with his betrothed.  The catch - he must take a wife before his Coronation, only a month away.  In desperation, his sister and aunt conspire to find him is happy ever after - and it’s going to take a master matchmaker to do it.

-

Based on the Hallmark Movie ‘Royal Matchmaker’.  Chapters will be posted every Sunday.

As always, beta’d by the wonderful @stupidsatsuma​!  @doctorroseprompts

Masterlist  |  AO3

---

Tuesday, April 2nd (continued)

“Did you say ‘matchmaker’?” the King asked, sounding terribly unimpressed.  He crossed his arms, and she swallowed harshly at his glare.

“Yes, Your Majesty.  I own a matchmaking company with a very high success rate.  Your sister has hired me to find you a wife.”

King Ian looked her over, expression only souring further.  “Not necessary.”

This had happened a few times before – someone (usually the intended’s mother) hiring her to find a man the perfect wife without telling him.  She’d learned to lean in when they tried to scare her away.  “I’m sorry, Sir, but the Princess hired me – not you. I work for her.”

“Donna doesn’t know how to keep her nose out of my business.”  He paused, and she could see the wheels turning behind his eyes.  They were a gorgeous ice blue, sharp and clear, and she knew that would be a major selling point for potential candidates.  “Was my aunt part of this little scheme?”

“Yes.”

The king sagged then, shoulders slumping as if beaten.  “Fine.  How does this work?”

Rose almost smiled.  With a client like this, resignation was the first victory.  She could work with that.  “Essentially, I get to know you.  Your habits, quirks, personality.  The things only family and friends see – the real you, the one your wife would know.  Then I take what I’ve learned, and through a combination of proprietary software and my gut instinct – which is almost never wrong provided the client is open and honest, I find a dozen or so potential candidates.  My assistant Mel and I interview all of them, narrow the field to two or three, at which point you meet them and, hopefully, find your Mrs. Right.”

“So long as her first name isn’t ‘River’.  Or ‘Always’.”

It took a moment to get the joke, and she let out a genuine laugh.  “Noted.”

King Ian sat in his sister’s abandoned chair, nodding to himself.  “I will… consider it.”

Rose waited, but when he merely arched an eyebrow, she recognized it as a dismissal.  “Of course.  Thank you, Your Majesty.”  She made it almost to the door before she paused.  “From what Sarah Jane and your sister have said, you love your kingdom and want to serve them well.  The longer you fight me, the greater the chance of running out of time.”

He didn’t look back, instead leaning forward to pour himself a cuppa.  “I’m sure you’ll be paid handsomely to keep that from happening. Which, I suppose, would make that in your best interest.”

Rose didn’t have a reply to that.

She had too much work to do.

-

Trudging back to their suite, she once again considered just giving up and going home, before dismissing it.  Mel was right – she was trapped, and all she could do was make the best of a bad situation and try to pull a rabbit out of her hat.  If she failed, her career was over.  If she gave up, her career was over.

But if she succeeded… If she could pull this off…

Opening the door to the suite she only made it a few steps in before stopping in surprise, taking in the room.  She’d only been gone half an hour at most, but there had been a complete transformation.

Mel was standing behind the desk staring at a corkboard with a map pinned to it, and their early contenders’ pictures attached.  It had been transformed into a proper war room, and she felt a spark of hope.

“Wow!  You… did way more than just unpack.”

Her assistant turned, smiling when she saw her.  “Hi!  Sarah Jane’s awesome.  Also I met Bill – she’s lovely.  Young, friendly, chatty. I’ll get more information than we could need out of her without having to ask a single question.  How was the king?”

Sighing softly, Rose slumped into one of the visitor’s chairs in front of the desk.

“That bad?”

“Well, he had no idea we were coming,” she started dryly, “and doesn’t seem impressed that we’re here.  He seems… resigned.  It’s hard to say.”

“When will you sit down with him, start following him around?”

She shrugged.  “No idea – conversation never got that far.  I have no idea how this is going to work.  You might want to start applying for a new job now – I’ll write you a recommendation while I still have a good reputation.”

Mel laughed, shaking her head fondly.  “You’ll charm him,” she said confidently.  “Then you’ll find him the perfect wife, and they’ll have perfect babies, and you can be godmother.”

“Let’s hope.”

-

Sarah Jane reappeared a few hours later with a thick personal calendar.  “Do you have a few minutes for me?”

“Of course!”  Rose looked up from the profile she was reading, hurrying around the desk to clear the chairs of files.  “Please, sit.  How can I help you?”

The older woman laughed, smiling widely.  “I’m here to ask you that precise question.  I know my nephew can be prickly, but there truly is a soft, mushy side underneath the thorns.  Very, very far underneath, but he’s been burned in the past.  What do you need?  I control his schedule as I said, so what access do you require?”

“Ideally?  I’d like to spend the rest of the week following him around.  Seeing how he behaves in front of subjects, alone, with only trusted people around.  No press.  I need to get to know him, have access, pick his brain.”

“Done,” Sarah Jane said immediately, making notes on a pad.  “At least, in regards to the following him around – even I can’t make him speak on command.”

“Also…” Rose figured this might be her best shot at getting some background.  “I admit to doing a google search – I understand he was already engaged?”

The other woman nodded, sighing softly.  “He had, for better or worse, picked his bride – some woman he’d met on his travels.  Everything was- still is, I suppose- planned for a Coronation Day wedding.  However, on Sunday we woke up and she was just… gone.  No notice, no explanation from Ian.  Finally it comes out she was a bit sharp to my son, and Ian flew off the handle, having her banished.  We did our research, found you, and called first thing Monday.”

Rose winced – that wouldn’t exactly be a selling point to potential candidates.  “Does that happen often?” she asked cautiously.  “The… flying off the handle, making a rash decision bit.”

“Sometimes,” Sarah Jane allowed, “but mostly when it comes to something he’s passionate about.  He can be very understanding – but he can also dig his heels in.  He can be like… like a concrete wall – firm and unmovable, which is a wonderful thing to have at your back but near impossible to get through when it’s standing in your way.”

Some of her worry must have shown on her face despite her best efforts, because the other woman smiled kindly and reached forward, patting her hand.  “At the very heart of him, Ian can be wonderfully warm and caring.  My theory has always been that he’s never had the right outlet for it.  He put his heart and soul into medicine, but when my brother-in-law became sick and we knew it was a matter of time…  I genuinely believe he could be a good- an incredible husband – to the right woman.  It’s just a matter of finding her.”

“The king doesn’t seem keen on the idea of my help.”

“My advice?  Stand firm.”  She smirked at Rose’s shocked expression.  “Trust me – he’ll respect you more if you fight for what you believe in.  If you just bow to his whims and go with the tide, he’ll have no confidence in you.  But stay strong, and passionate, and he’ll come around.”

“Thank you,” Rose said gratefully.  “I really appreciate that – and your insights will be incredibly helpful narrowing our list down.  So he wouldn’t be one looking for a meek and mild ‘yes, dear’, kind of wife?”

“Heavens, no!”  Sarah Jane laughed.  “He might say that, but that’s not what’s right for him.  He needs someone who will agree with him when he’s right and argue when he’s wrong.  He is a king – he has enough subjects and staff to kiss his arse.  He needs someone to be straight with him.  Pull him back when he starts going too far, but cheer him on when he falls short of the finish line.”

“A partner.”

“Exactly!”

Rose nodded, catching sight of Mel sprawled on the floor scribbling as fast as she could, and felt a wave of affection for the woman.  “Would you be able to arrange for us to share a meal soon?  Dinner tonight, or breakfast tomorrow?  I need to start as soon as possible to ensure I can find the perfect candidate.  I’m very good at my job, but I’m not a superhero – even I have limitations.”

“Dinner tonight, then,” Sarah Jane nodded decisively, standing.  “Expect to be taken down at seven – a cocktail dress would be perfectly suitable.”

“Thank you so much, really,” Rose gushed, standing as well and walking her to the door.

Halfway out, the woman paused to sigh softly.  “I love my nephew, and I want to see him happy.  Donna and I are in agreement – we can overlook a… less-than-stellar pedigree, so long as she makes him smile and laugh.  The only way he’ll survive in this job is with support, love, and happiness.  If he feels it, it will flow throughout the kingdom.  If not…”  Trailing off, she waited a beat before disappearing out the door.

“No pressure then,” Rose spoke aloud, and Mel snorted from her spot on the floor.

“It’s already five-thirty – you might want to start getting ready.”

“Right, thanks.”  Ready.  For dinner.  With an actual, real king.

Is this seriously my life right now?

-

Wrapped in a towel, Rose stood in front of the closet biting her lip.  She’d brought every nice outfit she owned plus a few she’d purchased Monday after hanging up with Princess Donna, but still didn’t feel like she had anything right.

“Problem?”

She turned to find Mel lingering in the doorway, watching her with an amused smile.  “I don’t know what to wear,” she half-whined, shuffling through her dresses again.  “What does one wear to dinner with a king?”

“This.”  Mel produced a hanger from behind her back, and Rose gasped in delight.  It was a beautiful burgundy dress, with a lace overlay that covered her décolletage and shoulders.  Simple, elegant, perfect.

“That’s lovely,” she said, fingering the lace as her friend held it up.  “I can’t borrow that, though.”

“Actually, it’s a gift,” Mel grinned.  “And sort of an apology for throwing you into this, though all I did was answer the phone.  I saw it when I was shopping, and it seemed perfect for you.”

“Aww, thank you!”  Rose hugged her tightly, pulling away only to admire it again.  “It’s gorgeous.”

Mel nodded in agreement.  “If I do say so myself.  Now, go do your makeup and put it on – I’ll do your hair while I tell you about a few candidates I’ve already found.”

Maybe I won’t embarrass myself after all.  An Estate girl dining with a king.  Mum’ll never believe this!

-

In hindsight, considering how their first meeting had gone she really should’ve expected this.  Could he be further away and still at the same table?

She’d been led to a dining room capable of seating at least a dozen or more people.  The table was beautifully set, but also terribly long – and they were at opposite ends.  A little poignant, no?  It felt like an accurate representation of their relationship, such as it was, at the moment.

“So, how long have you been playing Cupid?” the king asked midway through the salad – their third course so far.  Rose was already full, trying to walk the line between eating enough to not leave the plate rudely full, but not gorging herself.

“About ten years.”  She paused for a sip of wine the color of her dress.  “I found the profession by chance, worked my way up.  I opened my own company about three years ago.  Why did you choose to become a doctor, knowing you’d have to give it up when you ascended the throne?”

He stopped mid-bite, and she thought he quirked an eyebrow – from a solid twenty feet away in dim lighting, it was hard to see.  “I thought I’d be asking the questions.”

Rose shrugged.  “The matches I make are based on what I know of the person – the more you hide or deliberately mislead me, the more likely you are to be unsatisfied with your options.  The more truthful you are the easier it makes my job, which means I can work faster.  The faster I can find the top candidates, the more time you’ll have to get to know them and make your decision – unless you prefer playing it down to the wire.”

“That’s where the danger and excitement is, is it not?”

“Is that why you’re a doctor?  For the risk and thrill?”

The King sighed, setting down his fork and folding his hands.  “Service was always very important to my mother.  She recognized the privilege and opportunities we would receive, and always made a point of making sure we shared our talents and gave back.  ‘God selected you to be king, Ian,’ she would say, ‘because He knew you would care for and protect your people.  They are your first priority, and your first responsibility.  Always.’  I… took that to heart.”

“She sounds wise.”

“She was.”

They finished the salad course in silence, and he waited until the table was cleared to continue.  “I have always done what I can to help my people. My father was a good king, however, and… had things under control here.  I saw it as my responsibility to use my gifts where the need was greater.  I spent several years working in Africa, trying to educate and heal.  They eventually forced me to return when he became sick.”

“That’s incredible,” Rose said sincerely, impressed, but also feeling a little silly.  Here was this incredible man, rich, an honest-to-God king, who put himself in harm’s way to help others – all she did was set men like him up with a wife.  Her work was important, she truly believed that love and happiness in even a single person’s life would radiate out into the world, but it hardly compared.

“Aren’t you going to ask me what I want?”

“Sir?”

He leaned back in his seat as the next course was served.  “What I’m looking for in a wife, the qualities she must have?”

“No.”  Rose waited until he picked up his fork again to tuck in.  “I just need to know about you – leave the rest to me.”

She could only hope she would be able to deliver.

Who could compete with that?

[sassycassie-s-writing]

All My Fault

By: SassyShoulderAngel319

Fandom/Character(s): DC, BatFam - Damian Wayne/Robin/Batman (it’ll make sense I promise)

Rating: PG-11 (minor blood)

Original Idea: @welovegroot asked me once if I’d ever try a Damian one-shot. So I tried it. I came up with the idea in the shower.

Notes: (Masterlist)(By Character)(About Me) Well, the story on this one is awesome and I’m super proud of it (it is wide open for a sequel), however the characterization is a tad wonky. Sorry. First time writing characters usually is, right? @batboys-and-other-messes

^^^^^

“What even are these things?!” Damian—Robin—demanded, slicing through one of the android-looking things with his katana five yards away.

“I don’t know. But they have organic parts—which means disabling them might be considered killing them. Watch it with the sword,” I replied, ducking under a haymaker.

“Tt. Cloudburst, do you honestly assume that I am incapable of nonlethal combat when armed with my favored weapon?” Robin snapped.

“No. I’m just saying you gotta be prec—”

“LOOK OUT!” an unfamiliar voice shouted. Something slammed into me, tackling me to the ground. There was a loud explosion. A dark figure landed on top of me, shielding me from debris that fell.

“Robin!” I shrieked in alarm.

“Alive and uninjured,” Damian’s voice said in my commlink. I sighed in relief.

The dark figure on top of me pulled up a bit. “Are you alright?” he asked. He wore a black hood, and, in the darkness, I couldn’t see his face. All I could see were weirdly familiar green eyes searching my face. His eyes widened. He said something in a language I vaguely recognized—it sounded like Damian’s Arabic—and then, “Cloudburst?!” he breathed in amazement, climbing off of me. I sat up. He offered me his hand.

“Yeah… who are you?” I returned, taking his hand and letting him help me to my feet. He wore a long black-and-dark-grey trench coat-like getup, the hood over his head obscuring his features and sturdy combat boots on his feet. A wall of debris was separating us from the fight—and the rest of the Bat-family.

He dropped my hand. “I’m Batman,” he replied.

I scrunched my eyebrows. “No you’re not,” I retorted. “Batman’s up on the roof beating the crap out of these things.”

The stranger snickered. “Oh I missed you,” he remarked.

“Do I know you?” I asked sharply.

He flipped his hood down. “Do you really not recognize me, Cloudburst?” he wondered.

He wore a black domino mask on his eyes, but without the shadows of the hood I could see a familiar pattern of hazel flecks in the green. A mole on his cheek that I knew. Glossy black hair and rich brown skin. The jawline was sharper than the one I knew, but the eye and nose shape were the same.

My jaw dropped open. Damian!? I mouthed. He smirked and nodded. His eyes flicked to my ear, where my commlink was. He jerked his head toward it. I flipped the link off. “Damian!?” I demanded. “What’s going on!?”

He wrapped me in a quick hug. “I’m from the future,” he said. “I chased one of these things back here.”

“What are they?”

“They call themselves Time Bombs. A fleet of androids who specifically go back in history to mess things up. I remember this attack from when I was thirteen. There were several nights of fighting these.”

“How old are you now?” I asked.

“Twenty-one,” he said.

My age. And Jason’s age. “Wow. You grew up,” I said. He was taller even than Jason and built like a cross between Jason and Dick’s builds. Dick was slim, lean muscle and fluid lines. Jason was a wall of sheer muscle. Damian was caught between them—muscular and strong, but not bulky. His shoulders weren’t as broad as Jason’s but not as narrow as Dick’s.

“At the age of seventeen I reached a growth spurt. I grew from five-feet-six-inches to six-feet-even in six months. It was the worst pain I have ever experienced in my life,” he informed me dramatically. “However, I believe I have finally finished growing. I am six-feet-three-inches with no desire to grow any taller.”

“And now you’re Batman,” I said, awed and surprised.

That seemed to stoke his ego. He straightened up from how he’d hunched to talk to me—I’d always been short. “Tt. Did you ever doubt I would take up the mantle?”

I shrugged. “Nah. Right now you’re just a little young,” I said.

That appeared to remind him what was happening. “What day is today?”

“July first.”

Older-Damian sucked in a breath. “Oh no.” He swore in about six different languages.

“What is it?”

“This is the day you go missing. July first. I was thirteen. We got separated after that explosion. Your commlink went dead after you shouted to make sure I was okay. Nnn… None of us ever saw you again.” He pushed my stray hairs out of my face like he was trying to memorize every detail. “You were always so kind to me. Treated me like an equal even though I was so much younger than you. You respected me—and it hurt when you vanished.

“We looked for you. Todd in particular roamed the planet in search of you. The Red Hood has more liberty to do that, after all.” Damian sighed and set a heavy hand on my shoulder. “We never found you. It’s been eight years and we never thought we’d see you again. We never even found your body. I’m sorry.” He bowed his head. “We failed you. I failed you. I was the closest to you and I couldn’t—and I’m sorry.”

“Damian,” I said entreatingly, bending my knees just a little to get under his bowed head to look him in the eyes, the noises of the battle beyond the wall muffled. He refused to meet my gaze. “This life was my choice. I chose to do good with my skills. What happens to me is not your fault.” His eyes finally met mine. “Even as Batman, you can’t take the weight of the world on your shoulders. And right now, the you I know is thirteen. That’s too young to be burdened with that kind of feeling.”

He sighed. “You sound like Grayson,” he muttered. I smiled and tilted his chin up.

“Hey. Head high, baby bird. You’re in no way responsible for what happens to me,” I said.

It was bizarre to see Damian at my age while still being my age—like, not consistently eight years older than him. I decided not to say that to him.

He glanced at his utility belt. Then back at me. “May I take you back to my time for five minutes? I’ll bring you right back here to maintain history. But I want the others to be able to give you a proper goodbye—let you all wallow in mushy emotions together one last time.”

I thought for a moment—and nodded. “Yeah. Anything for you guys.”

He put one arm around my shoulders. “Hold on to my waist,” he instructed.

“Glad to see you’ve loosened up a little,” I remarked.

“Tt. I am not going soft, Cloudburst,” he snapped, pulling a strange device—that was glowing green—out of his utility belt.

“I didn’t say that,” I countered as he fiddled with it. “I said you’ve loosened up. Thirteen-year-old-you will barely let me touch him.”

“It is necessary for time travel. Hold on tightly.”

I did. I hugged myself close to him while his arm around my shoulders tightened its grip. His arm holding the time travel device had been cut from the explosion and was bleeding. He didn’t appear to mind.

He pressed a button. Reality melted away like a bad Count Vertigo trip. I closed my eyes and put my face in Damian’s shoulder to avoid the wave of nausea I was certain would come if I watched any longer.

“It’s over. We’re here,” Damian said quietly after a moment.

I withdrew to see the Batcave. Almost exactly how I remembered it, but all the technology was seriously updated. The Batmobile looked like a newer model too.

Familiar costumes milled around the cave.

“Grayson. Todd. Drake,” Damian said louder, letting me go. My arms dropped from his waist. “Someone here to say farewell.”

Dick, Jason, and Tim all whirled around. All eight years older. Dick in his mid-thirties, Jason twenty-nine, and Tim twenty-five. Jaws fell open and three pairs of blue eyes in differing shades widened.

“Cloudburst!” three voices exclaimed.

I got smashed into a group hug from the boys—men. Their arms held me so tight I could barely breathe.

Dick looked at Damian. “You found her?” he asked. Damian nodded. “What happened?”

“I chased a Time Bomb to the night she disappeared. It self-destructed upon landing. I got her out of the way of the explosion. I brought her here to say goodbyes. Once you do, I will return her.”

The men all squeezed me tighter and then passed me around for one-on-one hugs. They told me how much they’d missed me and how happy they were to see me again. I thought Dick was never going to let me go. I assured them it wasn’t their fault for whatever was going to happen to me that caused me to go missing. Dick cried. Tim cried. Jason even cried a little. I held them all in tight hugs and told them how much I cared for them.

“I just feel like we failed,” Tim muttered into my shoulder. “I used the computer to search for you for ages before Bruce finally told us to move on. But we never did. Not really. Whenever we had a spare minute we’d resume looking—”

A rumble shook the cave. We all swayed on our feet. Damian and Tim both caught me to keep me from falling over.

“Earthquake?” Dick asked over the noise.

“Can’t be!” Tim called.

Just as quickly as it started, the rumbling stopped. Damian and Tim didn’t catch me in time to keep me from falling on my face. Luckily I managed to not break my nose.

Damian and Tim locked eyes. “Drake,” Damian said.

“On it,” Tim replied, already moving to the Bat-computer.

Damian and Jason helped me to my feet. “Are you alright?” both asked at the same time.

I nodded. “Fine,” I replied.

“Uh… Damian?” Tim called from the computer. “You’re gonna wanna see this!”

Everyone ran to the computer, including me, and stood behind Tim’s chair. Dick, Jason, and Damian all stared in alarm. But nothing on the screen made sense to me. “Uh… what’s going on?” I asked.

“The Time Bombs. They all self-destructed in the time stream. All timeways have been blocked,” Tim said.

“What’s a timeway?” I asked.

“It’s what we call the highways through time,” Jason said. “Dick came up with the name.”

“Of course he did,” I muttered. “So what does that mean?”

“It means we can’t travel through time anymore,” Tim said. “You’re stuck here, Cloudburst. At least until we figure out how to fix this.”

Damian gasped. “You disappeared… because of me,” he breathed, almost looking like he needed to sit down. “It’s my fault you went missing.”

“A self-fulfilling prophesy,” Jason agreed. “You meet your future on the path you take to avoid it—or change it.”

Damian put his hands on my shoulders. “I am so sorry,” he whispered. “I’ve trapped you in the future. It is all my fault.”

Next Chapter

[choicesfanatic86]

If Only: Chapter 13 (Liam x MC)

DISCLAIMER:  All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except characters unique to my story.  Those belong to me. ;)

PAIRINGS:  Liam x Riley (MC)

SUMMARY:  Andy and Jana are Riley’s best friends, how we they handle the news that Riley went against Andy’s suggestion of becoming “unwed?”

Permanent Tag List:  @umccall71 @drakelover78 @jamielea81 @bobasheebaby @speedyoperarascalparty @hopefulmoonobject @theroyalweisme @gardeningourmet @jlouise88 @hamulau @traeumerinwitzhelden @blackcatkita @mrs-simmy @kaitycole @alwaysthebestchoice @mfackenthal @trr-duchessofvaltoria @pbchoicesobsessed

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06/10/18 - Hi everyone!!! So sorry for the delay in getting the new chapters up.  Work was crazy (as expected), but I am having a wonderful three day weekend, so I’m hoping to get a lot more writing in today so that I can post throughout this week. :)

Tags have been updated, if I missed anyone, just message me! That seems to work a bit better. :) As always thanks for reading!! It’s crazy to think there are so many people devoted to these stories! <3 Thank you guys so much, and if you have any questions or suggestions for future stories or one shots, I’m open to ideas. :)

Chapter 13

“Are you sure you’re ready for that?” She arched her eyebrows a bit worried.  “He isn’t the easiest man to deal with.  It might be best if I do it alone . . . breaking the news to him that is,” she said softly.  “There’s a lot he’s going to need to hear, and I don’t know how he’s going to take it.”

Liam shook his head firmly.  “No.  I’ll be with you.  I don’t want the beginning of our marriage to be fraught with strain due to a disagreement with your father.”  He ran a nervous hand through his hair as they walked out toward the rental car.  “I’ll take all the heat he gives me, because I deserve it.  If we had done a proper courtship, I would have gotten to know him . . . taken the time to ask for your hand in marriage.  We didn’t have that luxury, and I suppose it was wrong of me to disrespect his role as your father . . . but I don’t regret any of this.  I just want to show him that I’m going to take care of you,” he said as he looked deeply into her eyes, his hand caressed her cheeks as he was about to lean and kiss her when they were startled by the annoying blaring of a car’s horn.

“Come on already, get back to the room and do that mushy crap,” Drake yelled from the car window.

Maxwell was smiling broadly in the back seat, while Bertrand sulked in the passenger seat next to Drake.  The newlyweds blushed as they hurried back to the car.  She couldn’t believe that any of this was actually happening.  She still felt as if she were living out some crazy fantasy instead of her life.  The excitement was short lived when she realized she’d have to face the music soon.  She realized that she didn’t just have her father to worry about.  She needed to talk to Andy and Jana.  And they weren’t going to like the fact that she planned to stay married to Liam.  She began to wonder who would take the news worse . . . Andy had been so angry with her this morning that she didn’t know if she’d ever speak to her again.  Jana was at least a bit more receptive of things, but she didn’t know how it would fare when she’d have to explain that she would be relocating . . . out of the country.

“Drake, do you know where this motel is?” Riley asked, pulling up the reservations on her phone to show him the address and general vicinity on her mapping app.

“Not really, but I can probably figure it out,” he sighed.  “Aren’t you and Liam going to be at the Bellagio?”

“I was just about to ask that exact question,” Liam turned to her in confusion.  “Married couples tend to share the same space together, love.”

“Yes, of course,” Riley blushed.  “But I need to let my friends know what’s going on and get the rest of my things,” she explained.  “Especially if we’re going to try and get out on the first flight to New York.  Speaking of which, I should start looking up ticket prices,” she sighed, opening up one of the travel apps on her phone.

Liam laughed a bit loudly.  “Darling, I have my own plane to take us to New York.  We can leave whenever our schedule sees fit,” he explained to her.

She hadn’t thought about that.  She bit her lip slightly, a bit overwhelmed with his revelation.  “Huh,” she said thoughtfully.  “I knew things would be different once we agreed to stay married . . . I just didn’t realize how much,” she murmured, her fingers playing with the engagement ring that sat snugly on her left hand.  “So, if I say we need to head out to New York in say an hour, you could make that happen?” she asked with a great deal of interest.

He smirked.  “An hour might be cutting it a little close, but I could probably make something like that happen, yes,” he nodded.

She felt like pinching herself.  “Wow, okay, that’s pretty crazy,” she said quietly.

“Your Majesty, might I suggest you skip the trip to New York . . . your parents are rather concerned, and it would be ideal to get back to Cordonia as soon as feasibly possible.  Damage control is still underway, and there is the small matter of Duchess Olivia . . .” he trailed off.

“Bertrand,” Liam sighed.  “If you’re so concerned about the state of affairs back home, I can charter a plane for you to head back to Cordonia tonight.  I’m sure my father and Regina will be delighted to have you working on what you’ve called damage control,” he said tersely.

Bertrand pursed his lips in a single, thin line.  “I suppose that may be best,” he said softly.  “Might I suggest that Maxwell and Drake return with me?”

“I was hoping to go to New York,” Maxwell chimed in.  “Right Drake?  Weren’t you just talking about seeing Times Square?”

“If Liam needs us to go back to Cordonia, I’m all for it,” he shrugged.  Maxwell looked at him as if he had stabbed him through the heart.  Riley could see the hurt from the betrayal in his eyes.  She wouldn’t mind if they tagged along.  Bertrand, yes, she most definitely thought that the first flight back to Cordonia would be wise, but the other two hadn’t seemed too bad.

Liam gave the matter some thought before shaking his head.  “Maxwell, it might be better for you and Drake to return with Bertrand.  I’m not sure how long matters will take to settle in New York, and would hate for you to be in a state of limbo until firmer arrangements can be made,” he explained.

Maxwell nodded, a bit disappointed, but understanding none the less.  Drake simply shrugged.  He seemed to be the type of guy to go with the flow no matter what.  Despite not appreciating her initial encounter with him, he didn’t seem as awful as Bertrand.  She was more than happy to get rid of him.  

“Surely you won’t be staying there indefinitely,” Bertrand gasped.

“No, just until Riley is comfortable with leaving for Cordonia.  I’m assuming she’ll have to meet with her employer, her school, her landlord, and of course her father . . . we’ll have much to settle in New York upon her return,” he rubbed Riley’s shoulder comfortingly.

She could already feel the tension be released from her shoulders.  What was it about him that helped her feel so relaxed and safe?  Normally, she erred on the cautious side.  She liked to play it safe and make sure that she had a full understanding of everything that was going on around her.  With Liam, she had allowed herself to literally take a giant leap of faith, and she was enjoying every single moment of it.  The way he took care of her and made her feel so comfortable . . . she had never felt that way about anyone before.

“Where do I park?” Drake asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.

“There’s a guest parking lot,” she motioned toward the side of the building.

“This is how far we have fallen,” Bertrand shook his head in dismay.  “A motel,” he sighed.

“It’s all we could afford,” Riley explained.  “Vegas isn’t cheap, and neither are airline tickets from New York.”

“It’s so . . . small and . . . un-Vegas-like,” Maxwell said thoughtfully.  “Who knew such hotels existed?”

“Well . .. it’s actually a motel, and it’s for people who are on a budget,” she tried to explain it at different angle, but was still met with wary glances.

“It’s for people like me,” Drake motioned to himself, when the two brothers clearly weren’t making the connection.  “Poor . . . not into the fancy pantsy sort of deal . . .” he trailed off.

She didn’t have to look at him to know that he was already sneering.  “What is it now, Bertrand?”

“I’m pondering if our vehicle will be safe here?” He asked seriously.

“Bertrand,” Liam said firmly.  “Enough.”  

The group got out of the car, and headed toward the lobby of the hotel.  They were right of course; it wasn’t anything to look at in comparison to the Bellagio.  The Bellagio was grand, spectacular and just oozed luxury . . . this . . . this did not.  She found it a bit amusing how the brothers Beaumont were attempting not to touch any of the surfaces around them.  As if a single touch would contaminate them with some sort of commoner disease.  Watching them take in the dingy hotel was a nice distraction from the overwhelming thoughts of dealing with her two best friends.  She loved them, and they loved her, and that’s why she knew telling them she didn’t get “unwed,” as Andy has suggested, would be difficult.

“Where on earth have you been?” Jana scolded.  Riley barely had her key card in the door before it has been thrust open in front of her.  “We expected you back over two hours ago,” Jana fumed.

“I know, I’m sorry,” she sighed.  “There was a bit of a complication . . .” Riley murmured.  “Sorry for the trouble.  I just got caught up in everything.”

Jana and Andy froze, staring at the group of men behind her.  “So . . . I have guests,” she tried to sound lively, but was failing miserably.  She was so worried about how they’d take the news, she could feel her anxiety rising.  It was important for her that Andy and Jana support her in this marriage.  They were her best friends, and after all the insane decisions they had made over the years, the least they could do was support her when she went a little off her rocker.  

Andy pursed her lips as she saw the men in front of her.  “Which one is it?” She asked angrily.

Riley shot her a pleading look to behave, and she saw Jana pinch her arm.  At least one of them was trying to be civil.

“Guys . . . this is Liam,” she wrapped her hand in his, looking to him for strength.  “And these are his friends Drake, Maxwell and Bertrand,” she went down the line.  “Guys, these are my friends Andy and Jana,” she motioned to the girls.

All of them gave a tiny wave.  The tension in the room was palpable.  Andy was making it exceedingly difficult for anyone to get familiar with one another.  She and Bertrand could have made a pair.  He looked absolutely devastated about the marriage and looked like he was on the verge of a mental breakdown.

“So, you’re the guy she got drunk with and ended up married to?” Andy accused, pointing at Liam.

Liam nodded uncomfortably, shuffling his feet from under him.  Riley cringed.  This is not how she wanted things to go.  She wanted her friends to see how charming Liam was and how kind he was.  But clearly, Andy was in no need for pleasantries.  She was the clear winner in the “who’s more pissed off about this” competition.

Jana rolled her eyes.  “Give them a chance to sit down before you start bringing out the big guns, Andy.” She sighed.  “Would any of you like anything to drink?  We have a mini-bar with some liquid fortification,” she suggested.

“Whiskey?”  Drake asked, unable to hide his eagerness.

“Of course,” Jana smiled.  “Anyone else?”

“Bourbon?”  Bertrand cleared his throat from behind Maxwell.

“Um, no sorry . . . I do have beer and tequila though,” Jana murmured.

Bertrand frowned.  “I’ll take the whiskey,” he sighed.  “I’ll need it,” he muttered.

“May as well pour me a glass, too,” Andy snorted.  “I’ll need to be drunk to deal with all of this.”

Riley frowned.  Alcohol was the last thing they needed.  She was a prime example of why you shouldn’t drink tequila.  She still couldn’t remember what happened between the ceremony and their wedding night, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to considering Liam told her she had done a lot of celebratory shots with Tequila.  Lord knows what else had happened.  She would happily go decades without remembering that small bit of information.  Alcohol would not help anything in this situation.  If anything, it would make things a whole lot worse.  She needed Andy and Jana sober.  Drunk and angry?  Yeah that wasn’t a good mix.  Not at all.

Riley shot Liam a pleading look and he caught the hint immediately.  “Guys, why don’t we give these ladies a few private moments to chat?  Maybe we can wait here why they speak in the bedroom?” Liam suggested.

“Hey, you know our girl all of a day and you think you can start calling the shots around here?” Andy asked, sticking her finger in Liam’s chest.

“Andy!” Riley scolded.

Liam smiled, clearing his throat.  “It’s not the quantity of the time spent together, but the quality, and the quality has been unforgettable,” he said quietly, giving Riley a half smile before he motioned for the guys to come around him rather than lurking by the doorway.

Riley ushered Jana and Andy into the bedroom, shooting Liam a grateful smile.  

“Smooth,” Jana smirked.  “I kind of like him already,” she smiled.  “His friends aren’t half bad either,” she chuckled.  “The one in denim is pretty hot,” she sighed, fanning herself dramatically.

“Stop,” Riley said firmly, but she stifled a grin while saying it.  

Andy shot her an angry look, to which Jana shrugged.  “What?”

“Stop taking her side on all of this.  This isn’t a joking matter,” Andy said.

“What?” Jana arched an eyebrow.  “Are you seriously back on that again?  What are you talking about?  Because I said the dude is smooth with really hot friends?”

“Yes! He’s not smooth . . . he’s manipulative . . . and his friends aren’t hot . . . not even a little bit!”

“Andy!” Riley yelled again.

“No, I’m sorry Riley . . . I know I said I can’t tell you what to do, but I’m taking one for the team here and telling you that you have lost your fucking mind,” she exclaimed.  “Lost it . . . as in it’s nowhere in Vegas . . . the Riley I know would never do something like this.  Let alone continue with this charade.  She’d have the guy thoroughly vetted before even saying yes to going out with him . . . and then we come to Vegas and you skip the whole dating thing and jump straight into marriage . . . to a complete stranger.  Is he even from here?”

Riley sighed.  “No, he’s not.”  She shook her head.

“Oh my God!” She exclaimed.  “Do you understand how serious this is?  This isn’t a game.  Where’s he from?”

“Cordonia,” Riley said quietly.

“Cor-where?” Andy said, her voice rising even louder.

“It’s a small country in Europe,” she explained.

“Jesus Christ, Riley.  He’s not even American?”

“Andy, calm down.  You’re just making things worse,” Jana interrupted her ranting.

“What does it matter if he’s not American?” Riley asked confused.

“He could be some con artist looking for a quickie green card,” Andy reasoned.  “What if he thinks you’re rich and takes you for half of what you have?”

“I don’t think that’s going to be a problem,” Riley sighed.  “One, because I don’t have anything worth sharing and two, he actually does rather well for himself.”

“How do you know that?  Because he told you?” Andy snorted.

“I believe him,” she said confidently.  “He’s actually a bit of a big deal back in his country,” she explained.

“A big deal?  What do you mean?” Jana asked.

“He’s royal,” Riley exhaled a bit nervously.  “He’s the crown prince,” she added.

“You’ve got to be shitting me?” Andy said her mouth gaping open.  “And you believed that load of bullshit?”

Riley frowned.  “It’s not bullshit, Andy.  Everything he’s told me has been the truth,” she affirmed.

“Riley . . .” Jana said slowly, taking on a slightly different approach than Andy.  “You understand how all of this sounds right?”

“Yeah . . . yeah I do,” she shrugged.  “But if he was just looking to get in my pants, why did he work so hard to help me remember things? Huh?  And why did he come here to meet you guys?  Why is he flying me home to talk to my father?”

Jana looked toward Andy, “Are you sure he’s trustworthy?”

“I mean . . . I haven’t Googled him or anything,” Riley shrugged.  “Do you want me to Google him?  Will that appease you guys?”

“Not really.” Andy snorted.  “Nothing about this entire situation will make me feel better.  What happened to the plan about getting unwed, Riley?” Andy shrieked.

“Look . . . I know that’s what you wanted me to do, but I just . . . I couldn’t, okay?” Riley said desperately.

“Why not?” Jana asked.  “I know you were on the fence about things, but why did you change your mind?”

“Because I fell in love with him, alright?  Is that so hard to understand?” Riley said, tears beginning to fill her eyes.

“Yes, actually it is.  You were wasted Riley.  Completely and utterly shit-faced wasted,” Andy sighed.

“I wasn’t.” She said firmly.

“How do you know?” Jana asked.

“I remembered most of what happened last night . . . and I wanted to marry him . . . and even when we realized there was a problem with the license . . . I still chose to marry him,” she said firmly.

“Whoa, a problem with the license?”  Jana asked, a bit confused.  “Like you weren’t technically married?”

“We’re married,” she said with certainty.  “I just forgot to sign the license, but we fixed everything this afternoon.”

“You’re such an idiot!” Andy screamed.  “You had a chance to forget all of this ever happened, and you go ahead and sign the damn thing?”

“Andy, knock it off.  Ri, you wanted this?”  Jana asked slowly.  “You made the coherent decision to be married to him?”

“Yes, haven’t you been listening?  I wanted this.  I still want this.  Hell, I’ll probably still want this ten years from now,” Riley laughed, tears streaming down his face.  “I’m so crazy in love with him, I can’t even explain it.”

“So you’re just going off to Europe with him?  He’s probably not even a prince!” Andy yelled, ignoring everything Riley had said.

“They can probably hear every single word that you’re saying,” Jana tried to quiet Andy down, but she just wouldn’t listen.

“Good! I want them to hear this.  This is insane, Riley.  Where’s that huge brain of yours?  It’s obviously not working right if you think all of this was actually a good idea.”

“God, Andy! Enough.  I’ve taken enough of your verbal abuse over the last twenty-four hours.  I’m sorry your ex-boyfriend was a scumbag.  I’m sorry he fucked you over.  I really am, but don’t try and take your anti-man tirade out on me.  Liam has been nothing but kind and caring since I’ve met him.  Yes . . . the circumstances surrounding our meeting and subsequent marriage were a bit foggy, but I have since remembered a good chunk of our night together, and really . . . I’m just in love, okay?  I’m in love,” she shrugged.  “And if you can’t accept this and you want to continue berating me about my life choices . . . then fine, but I’m not going to stick around to hear it . . .and you know what . . . we probably won’t see each other for a while, because yeah, I’m going to Europe with him,” she fumed.

“Riley – “ Jana tried to intervene.

“No, I don’t want to hear it.  You two are supposed to be my best friends.  I’ve supported both of you in every stupid decision you’ve ever made . . . and clearly you both thought your ideas were rather brilliant at the time . . . so if I mess this up . . . let me do it and learn from it okay?  Just . . . support me and be happy for me.  Because guys, for the first time in years, I feel like I can breathe again . . . and I just don’t want that feeling to ever go away.”

“You’re moving . . . just like that?” Andy asked, her eyes softening.  “You’re serious?”

“Yes . . .he’s my husband.  I have to go with him,” she said with resolve.

“What about school?” Jana asked.

“I’m dropping out . . . it wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life anyway,” she shrugged.  “Dad’ll be pissed, but whatever . . . it’s my life, and if I don’t want to be a doctor . . .then I’m not going to be a doctor,” she said confidently.

The girls remained silence.  Riley was happy to have a moment of quiet to finally catch her breath and calm her nerves.  She had been so angry at Andy, that she couldn’t stop herself from lashing out at her.  She didn’t want it to get to that point, but she didn’t seem to have any other options.  It looked like her friends were finally accepting the fact that this was happening.  It was real.  The marriage, their love, the moving to Europe . . . everything she had just thrust onto them was going to be happening, and the reality was sinking in fast.

“I’m sorry,” Andy murmured breaking through the awkward silence.  “You’re right . . . I should be more supportive,” she shrugged.  “If this is what you want, then I can’t stop you.  I guess . . . I guess I’m just a little jealous.  I just always thought that I’d be the first one out of all of us to get married . . . Brent and I were together for so long . . .” she trailed off.

“Yeah, but Brent was an asshole, and I’m glad you dumped his sorry ass,” Riley sighed.  “But Liam is not Brent.  He’s decent and funny and really affectionate.  I don’t want to lose this opportunity to be with him,” she said firmly.

“You’re right . . . are you sure he’s being honest?  About the prince thing?” Andy asked.

“Because it’s kind of a bit much, Ri.” Jana added in.

“I’m certain,” she nodded.  “His friends corroborated everything he was telling me, and apparently, things have kind of taken a nosedive back home.  Once I settle things in New York, I’ll be flying back with him.  That’ll be much worse than this, I’m sure,” she sighed.

“Sorry,” Jana said quietly.  “We should have been the least of your concerns,” she said thoughtfully.

“Yeah,” Riley shrugged.  “But what can you do?  You were upset because you care about me right?”

Both women nodded.

“Right, so let’s just move forward okay?”

“Did you want us to go back with you?  To New York?” Jana asked.  “We can help you pack some things up from the apartment.”

Riley shook her head.  “No, finish out your weekend.  Have fun.  I’ll be in touch soon, okay?”

“So this is it?” Andy asked, her voice cracking.

“Not forever,” Riley reached out to them for a hug.  “I just have some things to square away and then I’ll be back for visits,” she explained.

Andy exhaled loudly.  “Okay then . . . okay,” she said skeptically.  “Need help packing up your stuff?” She asked quietly.

“That’d be great,” Riley smiled lightly.

“I’ll get your bag,” Jana said.

The rest of the time in the room was spent in silence, as the girls helped Riley gather the last of her belongings.  Since they were only there for the weekend, there wasn’t much.  She could have easily done it by herself in about ten minutes, but they needed this time together.  It was crazy how there was such a huge rush of emotions flowing through her.  Was it really possible to be happy and sad at the same time?  Because that was exactly how she felt.  She felt excited and happy to embark on this new journey with Liam, but she couldn’t help but feel sad about leaving Andy and Jana behind.  They’d been part of her world for so long, she didn’t know what she’d do without them.  It suddenly struck her that this was probably going to be the last time they were all together for quite some time.  

She hugged her friends tightly once more before heading back out into the other room.  They murmured promises of staying in touch, and Riley assured them once more that she’d be fine.  As she entered the other room, she saw Liam waiting on the couch, but the others were nowhere in sight. “Did you hear all of that?” She asked, pulling her overnight bag behind her.  “Where are the others?” She asked, noticing that their quintet had suddenly become a duo.

Liam nodded, grabbing the handle out of her hand and taking over carrying it down the motel’s hallway.  “I sent the guys off to pack for their return to Cordonia.  We’ll have to take a cab back to the Bellagio, but I just didn’t think it was appropriate for them to hear your private discussions with your friends,” he explained.  “Paper thin walls and all that,” he mused.

“But you stayed?” Riley questioned.

“Well . . . yes . . . you see, I just made these vows to a lovely woman about being there for her for better or worse . . .and quite frankly, that did sound like a worse moment,” he murmured kissing her forehead.

“It got pretty heated,” Riley acknowledged.  “But I think we’re okay . . . or at least we will be,” she sighed.  “They’re going to stay here and finish out the weekend,” Riley stated.  “It’s for the best, New York is going to be a beast in itself,” she said.  She had already been dreading the whole “I married a stranger in Vegas” conversation with her father.  Not to mention, she had the added bonus of telling him “by the way, I’m dropping out of medical school and moving to Europe,” as well.

“Well perhaps once things settle down, we can have them as our guests in Cordonia . . . not right away . . . maybe after the honeymoon period wears off,” he smiled.

“You’d do that . . . for me?” She asked.

“Of course,” he nodded.  “I don’t want to steal you away from your life, Riley.  I understand that you had a wonderful life before me.  They’re a part of that life, and I wouldn’t dare to tear them away from you.  You’re giving up so much for me . . . for a life you really have no understanding of.  Anytime you’d like to go for visits or have them visit us, I’ll arrange it.  The same for your father, unless, that is, he’d like to move with us.  That could be arranged as well,” he murmured.

As they got into the cab, she turned to him, a deeply, loving look in her eyes.  “You’re pretty amazing, you know that?  To do all of that . . . for me?”  Her smile grew brighter.  “How can I thank you enough?” She leaned her head against his shoulder.

“Maybe finish what we started?” He asked, kissing the top of her head.  “As I recall . . . you wanted your memory jogged a bit further,” he said a bit suggestively with a large smirk on his face.  “The couch . . . or the bed . . .” he trailed off.

“That . . .that I did,” she smirked back at him, reaching up to kiss his lips softly.

[moonie-here]

Shaken to the Core-Chapter 1

Fandom: Thomas Sanders/Sander Sides

Summery: Logan and Roman make a mistake with deadly consequences. Can Patton right their wrong before Virgil is gone forever?

Warnings: Angst. Crying. Non-descriptive body horror. General sad feeling. Slight physical fighting.

Pairings: Platonic Moxiety

ao3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/13874427

{°°°}

The cracks first appeared he was alone.

Virgil was sitting on his bed drawing and listening to My Chemical Romance when he felt it.

It was as if someone had taken a sledgehammer to his ribs and mercilessly beating him with it. A scream of pain wracked it’s way up his throat, but was muffled by the sleeve of his hoodie as he threw his hand over his mouth.

Oh god oh god ohgodohgodohgod.

He crawled off of his bed over to the mirror on his wall, small sobs coming from his lips  even with his hand over his mouth as he worked his way over slowly to the mirror.

He took a minute to gain focus and work past the pain before yanking his hoodie off and lifting up his shirt.

When he saw what was there a much louder sob pushed from between his lips.

Cracks.

Starting at his left hip slowly working their way up his abdomen and onto his chest. Something that looked like oil and blood dripped slowly from the newly formed crevices in his skin. Bruises were forming around the edges in shades of black, blue and yellow.

He let his shirt slip from his fingers and sat back on his knees. He finally caught his own reflections eye in the mirror. His makeup was smeared down his red puffy cheeks and exposed the heavy, purple bags under his eyes. His hair was messy from where he had grabbed his head in a state of panic. He looked like shit. He felt like it too.

“So this is how I go huh?” He whispered to the empty room.

...

“Not surprised.”

{°°°}

He figured out pretty quickly what was happening. Patton would avoid eye contact, Roman didn't talk to him and Logan would freeze every time he entered the room.

They didn't tell him. He didn't expect them to. It was supposed to be a secret between the three of them anyway. Why make it awkward?

Oh hey, by the way, I totally know you got Thomas is to take anxiety medication. Yeah, also it's totally gonna kill me. Anyway how's your day been?

Not happening.

Whenever he felt the cracks worsen he simply shut himself in his bathroom for as long as it took for it to stop and to clean himself up. The blood-oil stuff was a mess to clean up so he stopped trying to clean the bathroom after every “attack”. It was gross but at this point he didn't care. He was dying after all.

This happened consistently for a week before it really got worse. The cracks spread rapidly and Virgil spent most of his time in his bathroom, which was now covered in a layer of black sludge. He left only if he knew nothing was going to happen, which was almost never at this point. And despite the fact that Pat had tried to talk to him consistently over the last two weeks he felt...so alone.

{°°°}

Patton missed Virgil. Ever since Logan came to him and Roman with the idea of medication he felt...iky. Roman had been on board right away but Patton wanted to ask Virgil about it and the others wouldn't let him.

He felt wrong. Virgil was his best friend and he hated lying. He had rarely seen Virgil since this entire thing started and when he did Virgil looked on the brink of death. It had been two weeks since they had they had a proper conversation and oh, he just wanted to hug his son right now. He wanted to help Virge with whatever was going on and see if the pills had done anything bad.

Patton was curled up in his bed debating on going to tell Virgil what was going on. He’d tried to check on the other side before but Virge had always turned him away saying “I’m fine,” or “I’m just tired.”

In fact Patton was so wrapped up in his own thoughts he only snapped out when a violent, hysterical scream pierced through the tense air of the mind scape.

He shot straight up, throwing his quilt and several stuffed animals off of his bed. He swung his door open and rushed into the hall looking around widely until another scream pierced it's way into his brain.

His stomach sank.

The scream came from Virgil’s room.

{°°°}

Virgil felt it coming. After about two weeks he could feel it before it hit, like someone would just start slowly squeezing his kidney until pain took over his entire body. The cracks almost covered his body now. Up to his collarbone, forearms and ankles.

This one was different though. He could tell. His stomach twisted differently and his hands shook more than usual. The throbbing all over his body was more intense as well.

This was gonna be the last one.He felt tears gather in the corner of his eyes as he walked shakily from the bathroom to the desk in his room. He didn't want to sit down but his legs were giving out.

He slumped into the chair and pulled out a new sheet of lined paper and his favorite pen. He couldn't figure out what to write to the others. He wanted to say goodbye but he wasn't good at all this mushy stuff.

Fuck it.

He poured out everything he was thinking onto the paper until he had to flip it over for more room. Halfway down the second side the pain hit full force.

He tried to push up to make it to the bathroom but ended up falling onto the the floor, chair toppling right alongside him.

The pain was so much at once. It tore through him. Literally. He couldn't breath, he could barely think. He wanted it to end.

Make it stop oh god oh god please helpme helpme helpme i should have told them i dont wanna die please stop it it hurts

Tears ran down his face as he curled into a ball. He clenched his jacket’s sleeves looking for some release but all he felt was his fingers cracking and slipping on the weird sludge that was now soaking the fabric. He felt a scream claw its way up his throat.

…

Hands.

Hands were on him. Pulling his own fingers from where he clenched the hoodie till it tore. Someone was crying and holding him. Pushing his bangs from his forehead, as he felt tears land on his face. The person was singing to him with shuddering breaths. He wish he knew who it was. He couldn't sort out any real thought and his body was thrashing out of his control, jerking violently in every direction.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You’ll never know dear how much i’ll love you. Please don't take my sunshine away.

Patton?

Virgil open his mouth to talk, only to start hacking up black sludge. The taste of mud and iron worked its way up his throat and passed his lips. I can't breathe!

The coughing, pain and cracking went on for what felt like hours. The presence of two others appeared by his side only to be pushed back by what he assumed was Patton. It took all of his strength but he managed to pull his eyelids apart. He locked eyes with Pat.

“V-virgil? Kiddo-o you with-th me?”

“Virgil, what caused this?” Virgil’s eyes flickered towards the voice even when his body jerked away, curling further into Patton’s arms.

“Not now Logan.” He looked back at Patton who was glaring at who he gathered was the logical side. Patton looked…. Scary. His eyes were red and watery but looked as if they were shooting daggers to kill someone. His entire face a bright pink in the non-blushy way. Sadness? Anger? This wasn't Pat.

He coughed again and all attention was back on him. He whimpered “P-patn?”

“Im here kiddo. Im right here…”

“Hurts...make it stop?”

He felt fingers run through his hair. “Yeah I know kiddo. I’m not sure I can make it stop, but i'm damn well gonna try.”

“I-I think ima die?”

The hand froze and three people sucked in at the same time.

“No. You're not gonna die Virgil. You're my best friend and im not letting you die.”

“I can feel it… I don't wanna die Pat.” His fists worked their way into his polo. “Don't let me die.”

Tears. Everything was blurry as tears ushered down his cheeks making tracks through the black goop that strained his face. He let loose a few strangled gasps as he felt himself crumble.

“NO! COME ON VIRGIL PLEASE! I-I cant l-loose you…”

“M’sorry Pat….”

{°°°}

Patton’s arms were empty now. They had been for an hour. At least what he thought was an hour. He didn't know anymore. He didn't care. His best friend died in his arms and he did nothing but cry.

When Virgil passed it was messy. A mix of dust and black sludge were pooled around him staining everything it touched. The only thing left was Virgil’s hoodie, which Patton had clutched in his closed fists. Logan and Roman were still standing in the doorway where Patton had kept them. He still didn't let them close. When Patton finally moved from his kneeling position, two hours and thirty-seven minutes later, he fell onto the edge of Virgil’s bed smearing black onto the mussed up sheets.

Logan spoke, breaking the silence. “Patton. We... we should clean this up.”

Pat looked up at him from the hoodie in his grip. Mouth opening and closing a few times before he found his voice. “No.”

“Pat this is hard for all if us but surely we cant-” Roman was cut of when a fist connected with the side of his face.

“Patton!” Logan yelled as Princey fell to the floor with a thud.

“NO LOGAN…” He yelled spinning to face the logical trait, and grabbing by his collar. “MY BEST FRIEND JUST DIED IN MY ARMS AND YOU BOTH ACT LIKE IT’S NOTHING!” He spat it out as if it was the most disgusting thing ever to touch his tongue.

Tears threatened to spill from Patton's eyes as he stared Logan down.

“He’s gone…

And it’s because of his own family….”

Pat let go of his shirt, arms swinging to his sides. A sob broke through his lips as he sank to the floor once more, curling up into a tight ball. His whole body shook as he cried loudly into Virgil’s hoodie.

Roman looked on in disbelief. Patton hadn't cried like this ever...not even when Thomas got dumped.

Bile rose in his own throat as he looked over the moral side. He threw his hand over his mouth in order to keep it down. Tears spilled down his own cheeks as he looked up at Logan.

His eyes widened when he saw red blotchy cheeks and shaking shoulders.

“What did we do?” He heard Logan whisper.

“Oh god what did we do…?”

@pattson @anxious-ball-of-sunshine @my-happy-little-bean @ironwoman359 @mirror2thespirit @shadow-walker-1201 @thecrimsoncodex (suffer with me)

[missdaviswrites]

Hi, can I ask what you’re writing process is like? Do you have to outline first or just start writing a first draft and see where it takes you? Do you have to have the ending decided on before you begin? I also wonder what your first draft looks like? Do you bother with descriptive language at all at that point? Or does it look more like a summary such as “jack did this and Jack did that” then going back later to elaborate? 😊

Sorry, I put this off for a couple of days to make myself finish my chapter. I could spend all day answering this sort of question. My writing process is kind of a mess, but it (usually) works for me.

(Minor spoilers for my fic Chaperones ahead.)

I usually have some idea of what I’m going to write, but it’s not a detailed outline by a long shot. I probably know the end, at least generally, but not exactly how I’m going to get there other than “things escalate.”  A lot of it becomes clear as I write. For my longer works, I usually have lots of snippets of scenes and dialogue that I have written parts of, and I try to organize them into what might be the right chronological order. Then I start writing, from beginning to end, though I always let myself skip ahead and jot down bits of future scenes when they come to me. I’m almost never starting a new chapter from scratch without at least a little bit of it already written.

For the Disney fic Chaperones, which is one of my more organized fics, I had a small chart that was like an outline, with each of the 7 days listed and a brief summary of events. So for Monday it said: arrive, Share bed first night. Then Tuesday was: Magic Kingdom. Exhausted, some sunburn. Other kid sick? so S is asleep when J returns, tonight or later? J’s shoulders ache. No pm shown.

But I didn’t even stick with that outline, because I did show them when they went to bed that night and I moved the part with John helping other sick kids to the next chapter. So for me, having a detailed outline doesn’t work because a lot changes as I actually write the story. And writing the scenes helps reveal what should happen next because small details I didn’t expect show up and sometimes have a big effect on later events.

Sometimes, I can write a fairly clean draft that goes from beginning to end without needing a lot of editing. This happens most often with short, standalone fic which is one reason I like doing 30 day challenges, because I can produce a greater number of polished words than I normally would in the same timeframe. With anything longer, it’s usually a multi-part process. First I’ll write a very rough draft. Here’s what a few paragraphs of my current chapter looked like in the first draft:

“So when did this whole thing become official?” Rosie waved her hand between the two of them.  

“Er, yesterday. Yesterday morning.”

“Ah. So Leah was right. She said she saw you kissing in Epcot but I thought she was just projecting because she still wants to kiss Mason. Smile!” She raised her phone; the flash () three times before John even realized what she was doing. (One of them shakes his head and makes her take a proper photo?)  

“(ugh) we’re going to have to tell Mycroft, aren’t we?”

“Oh, don’t worry, Sherlock. He already knows.”

“He most certainly does not.”

“Uh, yeah?” Rosie raised her phone, displaying the photo she had snapped earlier. “He follows my Instagram.”

John squinted at (the photo). 163 likes. Well, it looked like they wouldn’t have to worry about how to tell anyone back home (they were together now).

It’s definitely more than just an outline, but if I get stuck on a word or a phrase I’ll skip it, and sometimes I will just summarize the action and fill it in later.

After I get to the end of the chapter, I have a complete story arc but it needs a ton of work. My first editing pass is the biggest one, where I go through and make the chapter into something another person could read and have a fairly clear idea of the story. Here’s that section after this initial editing:

“So when did this whole thing become official?” She waved her hands at the two of them.

“Er, yesterday. Yesterday morning.”

“Ah. So Leah was right. She said she saw you kissing in Epcot but I thought she was just projecting because she still wants to kiss Mason. Smile!” Rosie lifted her phone; the flash had gone off before John even realized what she was doing.  

“Let me see that.” Sherlock let go of John long enough to take Rosie’s phone from her hand. “No. Try again. Take another one.” He stepped close to John again, and they slid their arms around each other’s waists again. John leaned his weight against Sherlock’s side and smiled; the photo turned out much better this time.  

A few seats opened up in the waiting area and John and Sherlock claimed them—once again, Sherlock slid his arm around John as soon as they were sitting. “Are you going to be a snuggler like this at home, too?” John asked. “Not that I mind.”

“Well, Rosie might object if we’re too (mushy), but we’ll have to do it when Mycroft’s around, because he’ll hate it.”

John laughed and then groaned. “Oh, God, I don’t want to be the one who has to tell Mycroft we’re together.”

Rosie turned around from where she’d been talking to her friends. “Don’t worry about Mycroft. He already knows.”

“He most certainly does not,” Sherlock said. (John felt his hand tense where it rested on his shoulder.)

“Yeah, he does.” Rosie raised her phone, displaying the photo she had snapped earlier. “He follows my Instagram.”

John squinted at her phone. The photo had 163 likes. Well, it looked like they wouldn’t have to worry about having to make an announcement to anyone back home.

I might still have a few spots that I’ve marked where I know I want to change something (like the word “mushy”) but all in all it’s not too far from what the final product will be. Next I go back to the beginning and edit again, smoothing out sentences, fiddling with word choices, and making it sound better. I made probably four or five word changes in the section above at this stage.

At that point I usually have the version I send to my beta. When it comes back, I’ll make any changes they suggest. Then I will go through from the beginning, checking for tone and making sure it sounds “Sherlocky.” This is also when I’ll check for my commonly over-used words, like “just” and “still” and check if I have way too many semi-colons or em-dashes, although sometimes I do that earlier. Then, I usually read through it one more time, not paying attention to what the words say so much as looking for typos, missing words, etc. Then I can post. The number of stages of editing overall can vary, up to as many as 8 or so stages, depending on how rough the first draft is. The first example above is not too rough by my standards.

Thank you so much for the ask! I do love talking about my writing process, obviously! :) @sarah-mcfadden I don’t know why Tumblr decided the ask was anonymous the first time I posted, so I hope you see this answer!