#romance of scarlet era

[aimedbladeatyou]

[abookwormguidetoagoodread]

Marcus’s last words to me were that we’d come back as avenging angels, and we’d make them pay. We’d do it together. But he didn’t come back.

- Scarlet Angel (Mindf*ck, #3), S.T. Abby.

[cheriecoke]

𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 — 𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢 𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨 ♡

when your family finds out about the romance between you and the stable boy, they arrange a marriage with the wealthy earl, nanami kento.

status: discontinued

overall contents. fem!reader, sfw & nsfw, arranged marriage, eventual romance, regency era (1800s) au, slow burn, resentment to love, mutual pining, complicated relationships, historical inaccuracies, nobility, some angst, more tba —

notes. this is the fic that won the wip poll, and i am so so very excited to share it !! <3 since i'm already working on a long fic, i decided to break this up into a series. be sure to read contents for each part for more specific warnings!

♕ of broken hearts. after you find about the marriage arranged between you and nanami kento, you have to find a way to break the news to your lover.

♕ the earl. you remember nanami from the balls you attended in your youth; he's just as unapproachable as he was then.

♕ guilded promises. despite his seriousness, nanami is far more agreeable than you'd anticipated.

♕ novelties. in his attempt to make you feel more at home, kento shows you his favorite room in the estate.

♕ a night at the opera. though you often feel like a nuisance to the busy man, he proves himself to be a good listener.

♕ liaisons. weeks have passed without a word, but satoru finally meets your husband.

♕ rose petals. over a cup of afternoon tea in the garden, you realize something that you hadn't before.

♕ scarlet opulence. your first ball with kento as his wife feels like the first time you've seen him clearly.

♕ portrait of a gentleman. kento admits he doesn't like the way other men look at you.

♕ confessions. a fight with kento leads to words that you'd been too shy to share.

♕ luxury of affections. somehow, you failed to see how lucky you were, to have met nanami kento at all.

— reblogs appreciated & thank you for reading. more parts may be added, but this is all i have planned for now!

[kentstoji]

ㅤ ㅤㅤ‹ CRUEL INTENTIONS.

ㅤ ㅤㅤ‹ 𖤐 pairing. new era! bi-han x gn! reader | platonic! liu kang x reader!

ㅤ ㅤㅤ‹ 𖤐 setting. mk1 timeline.

ㅤ ㅤㅤ‹ 𖤐 type. headcanons. | this part focuses more on reader's relationship with their friends and family than actually adding anything to romance (or in relationships with other yandere). some characters may be ooc, but everything here is for fun and writing exercises.

ㅤ ㅤㅤPART ONE | MEMES | PART THREE.

ㅤ ㅤㅤ— Immortality was not a gift but a curse, a heavy anchor. A cruel burden that Liu Kang, a monk who once felt the relentless touch of time, began to bear after gaining control over the sands of time. Since then, the God of Fire and Thunder was left alone with the stories he wove, his creations, and the ghosts of a bittersweet past.

ㅤ ㅤㅤ— Geras was a familiar face, but not quite the same. Merely a shadow. Liu Kang was, without a doubt, alone in this timeline, serving his own creations. Over time, he came to understand that, despite all his power, fate did not always respect his scripts.

ㅤ ㅤㅤ— It was in that quietude that you appeared in his life: a sweet child, with curious eyes and an easy smile.

ㅤ ㅤㅤ— Loving you was easy. For the first time, Liu Kang could realize the fantasies he had shared with Kitana: he finally had a family. Becoming a father became his greatest honor, and he embraced this role with pride. You were his treasure, an unexpected variation in the code he had written, which made you unique in his eyes.

ㅤ ㅤㅤ— Liu Kang was a devoted father, always indulging your wishes but also knowing when to set boundaries. Beyond that, he was an excellent mentor. You grew up with everything you needed: knowledge, diplomatic training, and physical strength.

ㅤ ㅤㅤ— Johnny Cage, a champion of Earthrealm, would say that your essence was radiant, like a little sun. Inspired by your father's actions, you strove to be kind and strong. Perhaps that’s why it was so easy for you to be seduced by the empty promises of the Lin Kuei Grandmaster. Love, loyalty, honor— qualities you valued and sought in your marriage. But instead, you found a painful betrayal.

ㅤ ㅤㅤ— Sektor was a loyal friend, and although you noticed how her gaze lingered on your husband, she never acted on those feelings. You were always grateful for that. When the monks from the Wu Shi Academy came to collect your belongings, she was the first to try and understand your motivations.

ㅤ ㅤㅤ— Without hesitation and without shedding a tear, you revealed the truth. Bi-Han had made his choice, and you would respect it, even if it was a foolish one.

ㅤ ㅤㅤ“The Grandmaster wouldn’t be capable of such an offense,” Sektor murmured, shaking her head in disbelief, her braids mirroring her movements. “He respects you deeply.”

ㅤ ㅤㅤ— You laughed. The truth was already public. Everyone in the clan had seen what was truly happening between the Grandmaster and Sareena, who now wore the colors of the Lin Kuei, leaving the scarlet garments behind.

ㅤ ㅤㅤ“I believed that too, but maybe I never truly knew the real Bi-Han. And I don’t even know if I want to.”

ㅤ ㅤㅤ— Even so, you were happy. You still had the support and affection of friends. After your departure, Kuai Liang and Tomas found time to visit you, often bringing Cyrax and Sektor along. These visits warmed Liu Kang’s heart, though he harbored a quiet fury. You were his greatest weakness, and any offense against you was enough to awaken the brutal side he tried to suppress.

ㅤ ㅤㅤ— With the distance from Bi-Han, you returned to training and began building new connections. The champions of Earthrealm were captivating companions, each in their own way. Eventually, however, it was inevitable that you would find yourself in your ex-husband’s presence. On one of these occasions, you congratulated him on his victory over the Black Dragon.

ㅤ ㅤㅤ “It was an easy fight,” Sareena replied before Bi-Han. A sharp smile on her lips. “We make a great team, I must say.”

ㅤ ㅤㅤYou laughed, with veiled cynicism. “Of course you do…”

ㅤ ㅤㅤ— Despite keeping up appearances, Sareena’s presence and that of her sisters caused a noticeable discomfort for Liu Kang. But he knew how to hide his feelings. The real tension arose when you and Bi-Han were alone. Your calmness and the innocence he always criticized remained, as if those three years of marriage had never existed.

ㅤ ㅤㅤ— The first direct confrontation came from him, during a gathering that Liu Kang had organized. Dressed in the colors of the Academy, you were cheerfully talking with Kung Lao, exchanging cheeky smiles.

ㅤ ㅤㅤ “Now I see why you went back to your father,” Bi-Han growled, once the meeting ended. “To stay close to that weakling?”

ㅤ ㅤㅤYou paused, confused. “Are you being sarcastic?”

ㅤ ㅤㅤ— It was impossible to forget: he had brought another woman into your home, someone with whom he spent more time than he ever had with you. Needless to say, that night ended in a fight. Kuai Liang had to drag his brother away while Tomas apologized repeatedly to Kung Lao and Liu Kang, who watched the scene in disbelief.

[yurimother]

The 2023 Yuri Guide - Anime

Your ultimate guide to the best Yuri content with over 200 curated titles from every genre and medium.

Adachi and Shimamura

• School • Slice of Life • Romance • Friends to Lovers • Slow burn

Adachi and Shimamura's days of skipping school offer a new world to explore. But as these delinquents bond, unexpected emotions begin to blossom. Now if they could just admit how they feel…

Streaming on Crunchyroll (Sub/Dub)

BIRDIE WING -Golf Girls' Story-

• Sports • Comedy • Drama

Eve is an underground golfer who supports poor street orphans with the money she makes from illegal golfing matches. But her life is about to change forever when she meets a young golfer who's just arrived from Japan...

Streaming on Crunchyroll (Sub)

The Executioner and Her Way of Life

• Action • Fantasy • Isekai • Enemies to Lovers

When Menou, an Executioner of deadly interdimensional “Lost Ones,” encounters a Lost One named Akari who can cheat death, she sets out on a mission to kill the unkillable girl — but her newly stirring feelings might get in the way of her blade.

Streaming on HIDIVE (Sub/Dub)

Flip Flappers

• Fantasy • Action • Magical Girl • Love at First Sight

Cocona’s world is turned upside down with the appearance of Papika. They set off on an adventure in “Pure Illusion.” In the pursuit of the “Shards of Mimi,” obstacles arise, and the shards enable them to transform.

Streaming on HIDIVE (Sub/Dub)

If My Favorite Pop Idol Made it to the Budokan, I Would Die

• Comedy • Music • Multiple Couples • Love at First Sight

Two years ago, super-fan Eripiyo was hypnotized by Maina Ichii and her pop group ChamJam. Now Eri dreams of seeing her favorite group make it big, to the Budokan arena! Her passionate desire consumes money and time—but no cost is too high. This is fandom!

Streaming on Crunchyroll (Sub/Dub)

Inugami-san to Nekoyama-san

• School • Slice of Life • Comedy • Multiple Couples

A mutual friend introduces Yachiyo Inugami, a dog-like girl who loves cats, and Suzu Nekoyama, a cat-like girl who loves dogs. The girls find themselves drawn in by their opposite traits and the most outlandish relationship starts to take form in this wild comedy that will have you barking (and meowing?) with laughter.

Streaming on Crunchyroll (Sub)

The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady

• Fantasy • Romance • Comedy • Isekai 

When noblewoman Euphyllia is unjustly stripped of her title as the kingdom’s next monarch, the buffoonish Princess Anisphia takes it upon herself to right this wrong. Despite being taken for a fool ’cause of her silly antics, Anisphia is a magic genius, and she has a plan to help Euphyllia regain her good name. But little do they know—their encounter will alter the kingdom and the entire world! Streaming on Crunchyroll (Sub)

Maria Watches Over Us

• School • Slice of Life • Senpai/Kouhai • Multiple Couples

Students at Lillian Girls’ Academy become “soeurs” to support each other during their time at school. Shy Yumi Fukuzawa never thought she’d attract a soeur like the beautiful Sachiko Ogasawara, but Sachiko has unexpectedly set her sights on Yumi!

Streaming on HIDIVE (sub)

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury

• Sci-Fi • Mecha • Action • School • Drama • Marriage

A.S. (Ad Stella) 122― An era when a multitude of corporations have entered space and built a huge economic system. A lone girl from the remote planet Mercury transfers to the Asticassia School of Technology, run by the Beneritt Group which dominates the mobile suit industry. Her name is Suletta Mercury. With a scarlet light burning in her pure heart, this girl walks step by step through a new world.

Streaming on Crunchyroll (sub/dub)

Otherside Picnic

• Action • Sci-FI • Horror • Slow Burn

Moments from death, Sorawo is saved by the mysterious Toriko in the world of the Otherside. Entranced by its beauty, she discovers that this dimension is inhabited by monsters once thought imaginary. Joining with Toriko in her search for a missing friend, they set out to explore this nightmare realm and maybe make a little money. What they encounter could bring enlightenment—or drive them mad!

Streaming on Crunchyroll (Sub/Dub)

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

• Fantasy • Magical Girl • Horror • Tragedy • Fated Lovers • Multiple Couples

Madoka Kaname is an average 14-year-old girl who loves her family and friends. One fateful day, this all changes when she has a very magical encounter with a strange creature called a Kyubey. Kyubey have the power to grant one wish to chosen girls. However, in exchange, those chosen must become magical girls and use their powers to fight against witches, evil creatures born from darkness and catalysts of despair. Was this encounter by chance or fate? No matter the circumstance, this will surely change her destiny.

Movies Beginnings and Eternal retell this legendary and dark fantasy story with new and retouched animation and voice acting. The sequel film Rebellion follows Homura, unable to let her memories die, the magical girl continues to fight alone in the world that Madoka left behind, dreaming of meeting that nostalgic smiling face one more time...

TV - Streaming on Crunchyroll/Hulu (Sub) Films licensed by Aniplex of America

Revue Starlight

• School • Action • Drama • Weak Yuri

Childhood friends Karen and Hikari promised that they would one day become the next theatrical stars. Years later, the two finally have their chance during a mysterious audition, but they are not the only ones who have trained for this moment.

Streaming on HIDIVE (Sub/Dub)

Riddle Story of Devil (Akuma no Riddle)

• School • Action • Enemies to Lovers • Multiple Couples • Love at First Sight

Twelve female assassins are sent to a prestigious boarding school to compete against each other in a secret killing game. The winner will be granted anything her heart desires, but only one girl can come out on top. The mission is simple: send fellow student Haru Ichinose to an early grave. The task should be easy for heartless assassin, Toukaku Azuma – but everything changes when she finds herself strangely drawn to her naive target. Her decision to use her lethal skills to keep her new friend alive will raise the stakes of the game and push the girls closer together as the other beauties threaten to tear them apart.

Streaming on Funimation (Sub/dub)

Sakura Trick

• School • Slice of Life • Comedy • Friends to Lovers • Multiple Couples

Best friends Haruka and Yu are about to take their relationship from friendship to something more when they share a kiss! But when one kiss becomes two and three, how will their relationship change?

Streaming on HIDIVE (Sub)

Strawberry Panic

• School • Drama • Romance • Senpai/Kouhai • Multiple Couples • Love at First Sight

Nagisa has just transferred to a prestigious all-girls school that happens to share a campus with two other elite academies for young women. The new surroundings are overwhelming but Nagisa quickly adapts to life in Strawberry Hall with the help of her new friends. However, when Nagisa catches the eye of the mysterious Shizuma, the respected representative of all three schools, both their lives are forever changed. A bond beyond mere friendship develops between the two ladies amidst a chaotic school year full of heated conflicts, petty jealousies, and crossed boundaries.

Streaming on Crunchyroll/RetroCrush (Sub)

Sweet Blue Flowers

• School • Romance • Drama • Friends to Lovers

Fumi Manjoume enters Kamakura's accelerated high school - Matsuoka All-Girls High School. While waiting at the Kamakura station on the day of her entrance ceremony, she runs into an old childhood friend whom she had not seen in 10 years: Akira Okudaira. As their friendship is rekindled and they start falling back into the rhythm of friends again, it starts a delicate love story...

Streaming on Crunchyroll (Sub)

Volicia of Pluto

• Action • Indie • Sci-Fi • Mecha

In 2006, Akiko Hoshigami’s dreams of track-and-field stardom are dashed after a leg injury. She enters high school with her best friend, Ayano Umisoe, and between club activites and meeting new friends, the empty Akio begins to resember her former self. Until one day, Ayano suddenly dissapears.

Streaming on YouTube (Sub)

Yurikuma Arashi

• School • Drama • Sci-Fi • Enemies to Lovers • Multiple Couples

In a world divided between humans and hyper-intelligent, man-eating bears, Kureha attends an all-girls school and holds onto a simple wish—to spend the rest of her life with her classmate and soul mate, Sumika. But after a secret rendezvous ends in tragedy, Kureha vows to never back down on her love and put a bullet in any bear she meets.

Streaming on Funimation (Sub/Dub)

YuruYuri

• School • Slice of Life • Comedy • Multiple Couples

Four students decide to occupy the room of the defunct tea ceremony club, dubbing it the ‘Amusement Club.’ While the Student Council does its best to eliminate this club, their endless energy, happiness, and comedy will keep audiences smiling all season long!

Streaming on Crunchyroll (Sub)

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[alexissara]

5 Years Of Three Houses, 5 Years Of Loving Edelgard.

5 Years ago today, I was first able to enter the continent of Fodlan, I meet Edelgard and from there I fell for a character in a way I never had before. I was already a professional writer with published worked and focused on Character driven work but I was still blown away by what an amazing character Edelgard was. 5 years ago, I got Engaged at a queer con, I was playing my 2nd route of three houses having played from Three Houses. The game was with me at this wonderful landing point in my life, it was there during the rough covid era struggles, when I was deeply, deeply sick, I was sicker than I ever been, not with Covid but with stomach issues and was hospitalized multiple times in one month ending in a surgery. I ran a roleplay inspired by Three Houses in Thirsty Sword Lesbians which I played for many years, I dated one of my exes through the whole campaign and grew a lot closer to one of my current girlfriends through it. I refined a version of one of my favorite OCs Ever Lena to do a Three Houses OC AU version of her for a different roleplay and while that fell through she did end up being used for that previously mentioned TSL game.

I reviewed Three Houses after finishing all four routes, I wanted to be really through and experience every route, every story, every FF romance arc, etc before I reviewed it. I gave the game a 7/10, I think now I'd give it an 8/10 maybe but a review score is what I think of the game as an overall package. The life changing power of Crimson Flower was really the big deal for me. That was 10/10, that was peak, it was just that the other routes were nowhere near as good for me. Edelgard the revolutionary who is happy to cast herself as a villain if that's what it takes to change the oppression in the world, something that was so strong, so powerful that it was reflected into our world. She was so good at being a character who impacted a fictional world, the only reason things happen at all that people to this day get angry about people loving her, discourse about her, cast her off, make up shit, show their political asses, etc. What a fucking character to be hated so strongly, for so long by this rabid group. Keeping love from a small fan base over time is hard but maintaining hate as a fictional character, that's harder especially with a 24/7 culture war of new women to hate. However, she also maintained love, Edelgard is the most popular character in all of Fire Emblem, in the 5 years she's got the most fan art, the most votes in CYL, she clearly makes nearly the most money in the gacha given how often they make new versions of her or rerun her, she is the moment.

Of course, it is not just Edelgard I love but the Black Eagles as a whole from the classic roster to the extended family of Mercedes, Lyesthia, Shamir, Leonie, to the Hopes additions of Monica and Shez. Edelgard stands so tall but she doesn't overshadow her amazing allies in changing the world. Even the men, me a famous not man enjoyer, finds at worst like, kinda boring rather than like repulsive. Plus I really love Hubert and Jeritza both as characters and think they are lovely, brilliant characters I wouldn't want to see replaced.

Three Houses hit me in a way "better" games haven't hit me in. I still think about the characters, the world, the politics, the ideas, the lore, the romances, everything so often, daily. I love so much art, most of this little blog is me talking about art I engaged with and I struggle to think of another piece of art that took me by storm in the same ways that Three Houses has. I'd love to have another game sweep me off my feet and have me giggling like someone who just met their idol but even if it doesn't happen again I am glad it happened with Three Houses.

Then there was Three Hopes and I fucking love Three Hopes, it only exists in the context of Houses but Scarlet Blaze and Golden Wildfire blew me the fuck away. Both routes do a ton for the characters in the series, the plots are fantastic, bringing Monica back and making her one of the best characters in the Fire Emblem series was so fucking great, and I adore the Warriors gameplay. Three Houses was a gift that not only gave itself but Hopes which really just furthered helped put Houses in focus, tie in way more lore, way more context, and way more information. I could explore the world of Fodlan even more honestly, I still hope for Hopes DLC because I just love this game.

It was so amazing to see Edeglard freed of Those Who Slither in the dark and the way her revolution works if she could just have saved her lesbian best friend and probably girlfriend. I loved to see the new amazing paralogues, the way the war shakes out, how she operates free of enemies resting in her house, how the nobles react when Edelgard is a free agent, the way the church fights back in this new time line. It really exciting and it is fun to see how the world once again revolves around the actions and moves of Edelgard and how she sets Fodlan Ablaze with change but now with more time to do things more carefully. It is such a great alterative look.

I don't have enough glowing things to say about Three Houses but I do have some things to say for the future of my favorite video game series. I deeply hope the future of Fire Emblem is more like Houses and not like the games around it. Houses was a return to form and the first story that blew me away since Radiant Dawn. I want more games that have the style and budget and scope and ambition of a Houses. I don't really trust intelligent systems to bring me that kind of story, so I hope they work with Koei again in the future and let their writers do their thing,

I love the smaller scale Fire Emblems but I can play indie games and smaller budget SRPGs and get the scope and ambition of a smaller scale Fire Emblem but only Nintendo money can bring the kind of game Houses is to the table. I really want to see the expensive class system brought back hopefully without the sexism and the big roster of characters and so much of the little things that made houses so charming. I don't need multiple routes but I would like a good political message like Crimson Flower to be in the future. I don't know if I'll ever love a character not made by me or my loves ones as much as I love Edelgard again but I want them try and I want them to pull it off.

Happy 5 Years Fire Emblem Three Houses, you are something special. If you want to see more of me gushing about houses you can read my fics here https://archiveofourown.org/users/AlexisSara/works?fandom_id=23985107

[drconstellation]

All The Colours In Good Omens: Version II

Part 1: Black to Gold

Even when I put together my original big colour meta back at the end of October 2023 I knew things were going to change on it. Over time it became pretty clear we were way off-track with several of the colours, and I didn't have anything for orange, which does actually appear in a significant amount in S2. There was also a bit of effort to try and incorporate the colours seen in S1 with what was appearing in S2, and to see if there was any consistency. Then I wrote the Passion of Jimbriel, and several particular religiously-themed colour-associations kept appearing, so I went on a search for a more biblical-based interpretation of colour. As a result of this, some colours have more-or-less stayed the same, some have expanded considerably in their range of meaning, and some are completely different! But I think you find the results interesting, nonetheless.

Basically, interpreting the colours in the two series is not a simple task. The colours used in S2 differ slightly to S1. For example, in S2 there is a lurid green associated with Hell (for reasons, which I will explain,) that is not used in S1. But there is also a dark green used elsewhere that turns out to have a different meaning that is not associated with Hell at all, so context becomes very important when trying to decide what it means. Rather than try and fit all the colours into one post, I'm going to split things up and take as much room as I need to explain it all this time.

BLACK

Biblical Meaning: Darkness, sin, Earth, affliction, humiliation, calamity, death, mourning

Additional: Suffering, punishment, Satan

Black doesn't automatically mean a relationship with Hell. The demons don't all wear entirely black, they are actually dressed in a lot of colour, but they do tend towards the darker shades. The colours they do wear reflect individual qualities or characterizations. For example, Lord Dagon is dark blue to reflect their fish god avatar, but it also reflects their senior authority and power. Furfur is in shades of dark green with a few tiny red highlights.

Historically black had an association with wealth over time, as it was difficult to obtain and dye black cloth. In out modern era we would tend to associate it with power and authority - or just looking "cool."

One interesting combination to mention is Aziraphale's magician's costume - black, gold and white. It's the only time we see him, an angel, wearing black. Originally it looked like he was clothing himself in mystery, but I would now say its a combination of calamity and humiliation. I've included a GIF set from S1E1 with the duo discussing Warlock's 11th birthday party in the park, plus recall Arizaphale was heckled from the audience in 1941 when his turnip trick failed. (I guess we could argue this one, its still up for debate!)

Black is also associated with the Horseperson Famine, who rides a black horse. Nobody is getting anything to eat tonight here - or the rest of the week, for that matter.

RED

We originally had red a a single colour, but it's more complex than that and needs to be split into two shades, scarlet and the darker crimson. (I will do pink in another post.)

We can still associate it generally with passion, romance, the Left Hand Side (the sinister side or demonic side), goats, sin, and the archangel Michael on the LHS of Jesus.

The Horseperson War and their parallel character Pepper from the Them both wear red as well. War is said to ride a red horse.

RED - Scarlet

Biblical Meaning: Royalty, blood of humanity

Additional: Martyrs, prostitution, wealth, power, revolution

Scarlet is a lighter red than crimson, just to differentiate between the two colours. It's the colour on the back of Crowley's collar.

Jesus was dressed in red during the Passion to mock him as a king, but he when he appears in imagery such as the sign on the Resurrectionist pub below it reflects his future status as King of kings. It also reflects his connection to humanity, through the blood he shed.

Prostitution is connected through the mention of the Whore of Babylon in Revelations, but the connection to revolutions is a more recent one that may be worth including in anticipation of S3. Wealth and power also belong here, particularly in historical connections.

RED - Crimson

Biblical Meaning: Splendor, victory, sin

Crimson is the colour that Shax wears, the darker of the two shades of red. She comes across as being hungry for success and eager for promotion, both of which tie in with the concept of victory. Her darker red is also mixed with black.

ORANGE

Biblical Meaning: Fire of God, deliverance, passionate praise

Additional: sacrifice

Originally I did not have an interpretation for orange, and did not think there was a lot of it present in S2. Then it was pointed out that Maggie's shopfront was orange, she herself wears orange several times, a lot of the extras wear orange and Beezlebub's sash is orange, too!

Yellow and orange have some cross-over in meaning with sacrifice, but I'm going to do my best to separate them and I'll explain where the fuzziness comes into play in yellow, as I think it sits best there.

Both yellow and orange are also associate with fire, as flames are seen as yellow and orange, not red. The "Fire of God" is alluding to presence of the Holy Spirit.

YELLOW

Biblical Meaning: Faith and Glory of God, anointing, joy, presence of God, fire

Additional: Illness/leprosy, God's judgement and anger, sacrifice, optimism, faithfulness in awaiting the return of a loved one

Yellow is probably the most controversial colour of the spectrum. It's the colour of Crowley's eyes, and we know Aziraphale painted the walls of the bookshop to reflect this.

But let's turn all your preconceived ideas on their heads.

It's one of the colours of fire, so it is closely associated with the presence of God, but also the expression of God's anger.

It is the colour of clear olive oil used for anointing.

On the negative side it is associated with illness, in particular with leprosy.

It is the colour that the traitor Judus Iscariot is often depicted wearing in art.

And it is the colour of saffron and marigolds, both associated with sacrifice in more than one religion. Saffron as a colour can vary in colour from pale yellow to deep orange, and so can marigolds the flower. The flower is named after the Virgin Mary, as in "Mary's-gold," and the array of petals are supposed to be symbolic of the the rays of light that crown her head, relating to the giving of her self to the Ineffable Great Plan, so to speak.

Here's Norman, leader of the yellow team at Tadfield Manor, giving his speech that includes the line "...bugger off and tend to your marigolds." I've shown in other posts that there is the allegory of the Great War/Glorious Revolution being played out here, and Norman is the analogue of Lucifer. Right after his speech he runs out and is felled by a shot to the heart: a sacrificial loser, as all the yellow team and demons end up being.

Adam wears a t-shirt with two yellow stripes on it in S1. Combined with the blue, he does appear to be anointed for a larger role in the story.

Aziraphale's hat-bands are yellow after the 1827 Edinburgh incident. Both in 1862 and 1941 his hats have a yellow ribbon around them. While this could be related to a Heavenly aspect, fanon has it that it's part of his expression of his feelings for Crowley. The tradition of using a yellow ribbon to show that one was waiting for a soldier to return from war was started around the late 1700's.

It is confirmed that the name of the colour used inside the bookshop is indeed called Va Va Voom. While it could be many things, the one thing it is not is fear.

Neither is this example - it's more likely to be fire - cleansing fire. Jim is cleaning with it.

GOLD

Biblical Meaning: Glory, divinity, holiness, eternal deity, altar, beauty, precious, kingship, majesty, righteousness

Additional: Trial of Faith

Gold is usually associated with Heaven and the divinity of the angels in Good omens. Most of the time we see the angels with some trace of gold on them. The most obvious examples were the golden collars and trim on the robes in the Job minisode in S2E2. They even wore golden sandals on their feet.

The archangels and Aziraphale all have their golden rings. Here is Michael with their ophanim ring.

We also have the golden lions that occur in several locations in S2, representing the royal house of Judea that Jesus is said to belong to.

The most interesting use of gold has been on Crowley's "throne" in S1. "Nice chair," Hastur comments at one point.

Oh, and I can't forget this one, either:

This series on colour continues in the following posts:

Part 2: Green to Purple

Part 3: Silver/Grey, White & Brown

Part 4: Tartan Colours Review

[bunnycoffeeumcat]

post of the fics I read (wangxian) because they're getting v hard to manage, and also for recs if anyone wants them

also like this is gonna be ongoing forever, cause its mainly for *points to self*

Guys dont be like me, and read tags.

*slowly updating*

ALL COMPLETE UNLESS I SPECIFY OTHERWISE

the GOOD ones

impossibility brought to life series A little harmless role-play for stress relief leads to an impossible fantasy becoming reality and a dream come true that Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian could never have anticipated. 163k

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(dreaming of) being human “Pets are not allowed in the Cloud Recesses.” Lan Wangji stares at the animal in his older brother’s arms. It is his understanding that they went to rescue a group of children, not hunting for...whatever this creature is. Lan Xichen chuckles, strokes the creature’s fur. “He is not a pet, Wangji. He is a person. A Huli Jing.” Lan Xichen moves to take his leave, the door to the jingshi already open when Lan Wangji asks, “What should I call him?” His brother turns back, a few snow flurries catching in his hair and instantly melting. “His name is Wei Ying.” 109k

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A Matter of Time After Wei Wuxian's death, Lan Wangji went insane, doing everything in his power to get back his most precious person. Willing to sacrifice every single person in the cultivation world to reclaim his love. 41k

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love, in fire and blood In which the Sunshot Campaign ends through an arranged marriage to the Yiling Patriarch, and Lan Wangji suffers the mortifying ordeal of falling in love with his own husband. ft immortal wwx 360k

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all i want Wei Ying leaned a little closer. "The conversation we're having right now is about how it turns out I'm a bearer and we weren't careful and I'm not expecting anything from you, but now that you're here you should know that I'm...ah...you know..." "Pregnant," Lan Zhan said mechanically. "Pregnant," Wei Ying agreed. "You knocked me up, Lan Zhan. Sorry." 47k this one is so so good

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silver & gold Wandering through a rather busy night market on the boundaries of Gusu after a successful night hunt, Wei Wuxian with his son and nephew chance on a mysterious cultivator who rivals him at talismans. Curious as to the wares she has spread out over her table, he forgets the simple rule - you break it, you buy it. AKA Wei Wuxian gets turned into a child and because it is Wei Wuxian, no one has any idea what to expect. 161k

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how to be a heartbreaker “Lan er gege,” Wei Ying sings out an old nickname, his lips curving up into a well-rehearsed smile. It’s adorable, and it’s pretty, and he knows it mesmerises anyone who lays their eyes on him. He has done it a million times—bewitching and convincing men who need to be convinced. He just doesn’t expect to hear the hitch in Lan Zhan’s breath, too, and feel the taller man’s grasp around his wrist tightening. He fell for it. A sickening thought suddenly enters his brain, and Wei Ying wonders if he should be so cruel. “Do you want to find a private space for us, Lan Zhan?” 105k

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A Myriad of Blossoms Eight months after surviving the First Siege of Burial Mounds, the Yiling Patriarch, stronger than ever before, asks for Hanguangjun's hand in marriage. To refuse Wei Wuxian is not really an option and Lan Wangji, still recovering from the events of Nightless City, is left learning to live with a man he barely recognises. 56k

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Twelve Moons and a Fortnight the one where Wei Wuxian spends the year before his wedding as Yunmeng Jiang's acting sect leader, and the cultivation world's greatest love story finds its happy ending with the help of three juniors, a teenage romance, and one very involved (and exasperated) younger brother. 290k

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the scarlet lotus a Scarlet Pimpernel-inspired fix-it featuring Wei Wuxian in disguise, Lan Wangji determined to bring the nefarious Yiling Patriarch to justice, and the hijinks that ensue when you accidentally marry your greatest enemy/love of your life. 137k

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MDZS: The Golden Engine  In the modern era, immortals Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxian return to Gusu. New evil and old friends + new friends and old evils. 82k read the tags!!!

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Canon Divergence / Canon Compliant

Little Death The resentful energy thrums within him as he scans the room, whispering all kinds of unspeakable wishes. It wants blood. It wants life. He does not have to take either in strong measures to stave it off. The itch growing inside him will dissipate if he gives it a little of what it wants. A little blood, a little vitality, as one does in acts performed in a place such a this. A taste, and it will be sated. For now. He is still in control, after all. 28k

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inevitable everything The Yiling Laozu demands Lan Wangji's hand in marriage in exchange for his aid in the failing Sunshot Campaign. Or so it seems. Three months earlier, Lan Wangji is rescued from the Xuanwu of Slaughter's cave by a handsome man with a brilliant smile who wields a power he always believed corrupting and uncontrollable as easily as breathing. 193k

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When the Words Stop Coming Wei Ying had been openly declaring his love for Lan Zhan ever since they met at The Cloud Recesses. Confused and emotionally constipated, Lan Zhan rejected him, until everything went wrong, until he lost Wei Ying in the end. 13 years later, Wei Ying cannot trust Lan Zhan with his heart. 7k

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To Love a Lonely God Lan Wangji wasn't supposed to die, but he did, and the Yiling Patriarch will burn the world to the ground to bring him back. 6k

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Post Canon

Far Away You Are Suddenly, it snaps into place. The weary way Lan Zhan has been holding himself is suddenly cast in a new, much more distressing light. Somebody is responsible for it, a real live, horrible, blind, stupid person. The combination of guilt, sadness, and anger that sets in all at once is hard to contain. Lingering wisps of resentment that remain from the night-hunt flock to him, like calling to like. All four boys stare at him with wide eyes. “Wei-qianbei,” Sizhui says. “You look...um…” “Scary,” Zizhen breathes, beaming. “Who has rejected Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian asks. Or; during one of his visits to the Cloud Recesses, the juniors strike a blow to Wei Wuxian's certainty that his feelings for Lan Wangji are one-sided. 17k

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a kind of emptiness Recovery is complicated. 11k

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the absence of hunger  “He told me that you have not been eating.” Wei Wuxian chuckles. This is not the appropriate response. 27k

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Aus

meet me at friday at seven Wei Ying is a romantic and dreams of meeting the love of his life some day. After a string of bad dates he’s set up with a friend of a friend, and when Wei Ying sees a man across the bar with his gold eyes and white ribbon he’s immediately taken with him—too bad it turns out that’s not actually his date. Lan Zhan, Wei Ying learns, isn’t really into dating, but after he runs into him two more times by coincidence he believes, romance or friendship, he and Lan Zhan are destined to be together. 128k

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there's no promised goodbye here Wei Wuxian navigates the trials of living with his ex-boyfriend in apartment 1301. 54k

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leading tone The first time you touch someone you're fated to love, you leave a mark on their skin. If they will love you in return, they'll mark you where you touched them. The deeper the color, the deeper the connection. Wei Ying has no marks at all. 32k

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我的皇后是農民 | sowing seeds in the cold palace  Wei Ying is wed to emperor Lan Wangji in order to save the Gusu Lan empire. But instead of the blissful marriage he was promised, he is spurned and sent to the cold palace—until a chance encounter changes his fate. 84k

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The Last Concubine  Humiliated and taken as a concubine (but not touched) by Wen Rouhan, Lan Wangji is taken to a deserted area of the Imperial Palace and forgotten there, ignorant of all the political changes happening around him. When the new Emperor, Wei Wuxian, finds him, he has to choose between lying to Lan Wangji about everything that has happened and risking his life. 13k

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my memory plays our tune, the same old song Someone moves into the vacant flat adjacent to Lan Wangji. They have a small son who cries himself to sleep every night. Reminded of his own troubles as a child, Lan Wangji takes the music box his mother gifted him and knocks on his new neighbour's door. If the music box was able to help him, there is no reason to believe it won't be able to help another child in distress, right? 15k

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Reluctant partner how Meng Yao ended up being Wei Wuxian's birth partner. 31k

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Closer Than Eternity In a world where immortals keep to themselves, one of them has decided to let himself be seen. 26k

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I'll buy you the moon (I'll buy you two) Wei Wuxian swallows and exhales shakily. Lan Wangji is acting very collected for someone who just spotted a ghost. Shit. If Wei Wuxian survives this, he is going to have to fake his own death again. 28k

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Post Mortem Life is a horror movie sometimes. You ignore all the warning signs. You end up standing there in the final scene, covered in blood, contemplating your life choices. Wei Ying is used to that. But it’s harder when you’re in love with your best friend. 28k

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take me back to a time So, yeah. There’s enough on Wei Ying’s plate already, meaning it’s not entirely welcome when he comes home and finds a man standing in his bedroom. A man in extravagant white robes, a ribbon tied around his forehead, long hair gathered into a topknot, fist clutching a sword at his side, who asks him, “Where am I?” 143k

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other earths and skies Increasingly desperate, Wei Wuxian turns to unconventional means to help the Wens. If one can call trading away a year of his life to live in a secluded estate with a mountain spirit 'unconventional'. Or, the 'east of the sun, west of the moon' one. 53k

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how to fall in love with a catfish: a guide by wei wuxian (disaster rat) Wei Wuxian plots to expose a catfish using strategic memes and turtle pictures while wiggling his way out of family dinner. Lan Wangji just wants companions. 54k if the loml could be turned into a fic, it would be this fic

.

always be closing

During a long overdue divorce and messy custody battle, Wei Ying gets demoted to small business finance. There, he's partnered with a new closer who clearly hates him, until he finds out Lan Zhan is far more verbose—and dare he say flirtatious?—in writing than in speaking. 32k

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finally safe (for me to fall) When he meets his first client, Wei Wuxian, he’s fully confident he can gain experience while also keeping details of his personal life from the caring older man. But as time progresses, and his relationship with Wei Wuxian begins to shift, Lan Wangji can’t stop the lines between professional and personal from blurring. 77k

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Nothing but your heart

Thirteen years after Wei Ying received no response to his letters about their son, he meets Lan Zhan again. 21k

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Smutty filth lol w maybe some plot

to know, to be known series Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian got together, of course. They're still figuring things out. Just gratuitous prn. Sometimes that's all you need.

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plant the seed of your love, let it take root Lan Wangji has moved out of the city and back into his mother's old home in the country, inviting his alpha best friend Wei Wuxian to live there too. Platonically! As Friends! Then, the stay-at-home order hits...Then, his heat hits... 37k

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at your feet Wei Wuxian brandishes his hand, coquettish like an empress. “Kiss my hand, Hanguang-Jun,” he says 2.6k

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crawl on hands and knees until you see the fic where Lan Zhan verbally degrades Wei Ying while fucking him with Bichen, and also loves him very much. 4.3k rip bichen

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A Lesson in Patience  Just a moment ago Wuxian's dearest husband had walked out to take care of something; he requested that Wuxian wait until he was back to do anything. Of course he chose not to listen. What could he say, Wangji was hot when he got mad. 4.4k

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to know that you're mine  Lan Wangji immobilizes Wei Wuxian and fucks him all throughout his normal business day as Chief Cultivator, even with others around. 3.9k

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The Strength to Hold Him  Wei Ying's new golden core has grown stronger. Lan Wangji has some feelings about that. 7.9k

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Thorough Investigation Wei Wuxian makes a minor mistake on a talisman he's testing. Or he makes a "micro" mistake. Lan Wangji is happy to help his husband work out the kinks. Kinks. Get it. This summary is a mess sorry. 6k

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love like a hand at your throat Wei Ying catches wind of his horny, pregnant mate stuck in a meeting for the day. He intervenes. 3.5k

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For Everyone To Hear Lan Zhan fingers Wei Ying under the cover of their dinner table. It leads to bathroom sex and embarrassment. 5.5k

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walk my days on a wire To the rest of the tech industry, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji are former classmates and bitter rivals. But the truth is quite different. During their monthly meet-ups at discreet hotels, they enjoy a very different kind of relationship. One evening, a fantasy spins out of control, forcing them to confront the truth: it's not just sex anymore. They both want something deeper, something serious. 27k

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Tonal Vibration

One too many comments of “tag ur porn” on Lan Wangji’s extremely popular Youtube ASMR channel gets him thinking. Wei Wuxian, a middlingly popular camboy, and long-time fan of Hanguang-jun’s ASMR finds the new smutty dirty talk channel and films his reactions to it. 7k (podfic available)

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Maybe You're the Reason

Lan Wangji clutches his phone in a tight grip. The dial tone drones a steady rhythm in time with his fluttering heart. Suddenly, the cloth of his shirt feels suffocating.

This is a mistake. He never should have written that number down—not from a flyer promising something so shameful. 67k

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The Grandmaster of Dildonic Cultivation

Wei Wuxian invents a new toy. Lan Zhan helps him test it out. 7k

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Curse shenanigans

come to my heart On a night hunt, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji get cursed and stuck in each other's bodies. As you would expect, shenanigans ensue. 29k

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and fall to desire After a nighthunt, Wei Wuxian takes a curse meant for an inadequate husband. Lan Wangji happens to be in the wrong (right) place at the wrong (right) time. 14k

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beneath six layers of silk  While exorcising a haunting, Lan Wangji gets cursed with a brand of honesty, and is forced to speak his every thought out loud. 12k

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with such a suffering, such a deadly life Staring down at their hands, Lan Zhan shakes his head. It's a slow, loose shake, so different from his tight movements of just moments ago. Almost like he's drunk. An uncomfortable thought arises at this apparent level of relief. "How...how long have you been in pain?" Wei Wuxian asks. Lan Wangji is so preoccupied on one of his precious, rare nighthunts with Wei Wuxian that he does not feel it when a tiny, quiet curse latches onto him. 7.1k

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Linger in the Sun "Tell Lan Zhan that I'm weeping uncontrollably," Wei Wuxian says to the juniors. "Tell him I'm truly pitiful and he needs to do everything I say until I'm well again." Lan Congyi is in the middle of carefully holding his eyelids open to check his pupils, but he still obeys, bless him. "Hanguang-Jun, Senior Wei would like us to tell you that he can't stop crying and he'd like for you to do everything he says until he's better." There's a moment of silence, and then Lan Congyi says to Wei Wuxian, "Hanguang-Jun says he already does everything you tell him." -- Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji find themselves cursed, unable to see or hear each other. They figure things out anyway. 39k

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grow “Okay,” Jingyi says, as Sizhui puzzles this out aloud. “Okay! So the demon has been turning its victims into children.” “I think so,” Sizhui says. “To make them easier prey,” Jingyi says. “Yes,” Sizhui says. “So—” Jingyi’s voice cracks here, “this kid is Senior Wei.” Wei Wuxian, still tangled in his own massive robes, blinks politely at them. (Or: Wei Wuxian is cursed on a night-hunt, and the junior quartet rapidly finds themselves in over their heads.) 14k

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moonlight caught in mutton fat It wasn’t bone. It was too smooth. It caught the light like something greased. “A curse,” Lan Wangji breathed, because it could only be such. The Twin Jades of Lan get turned to jade. 45k

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your hand in mine

A curse brings Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji together—literally. 20k

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Others (pov of other characters, humor, other minor ships, etc)

anyway, here's wuji  Lan Jingyi comes of age. 18k

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Losing My Mind On a drunken dare, Jiang Cheng drinks a potion that allows him to hear other people’s lustful thoughts. It’s just his luck that he’s stuck in close vicinity with the guy who is completely and utterly besotted with his idiot brother. 6k

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Bestseller  when Wei Wuxian writes the Xianxia cut-sleeve equivalent of Fifty Shades of Grey, based entirely on his experiences with Lan Wangji, he doesn’t expect it to become the next big hit 7k

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Important Distinctions Father arched an eyebrow and lifted his chin. Jingyi said, “Hanguang-jun would like to respectfully state that he thinks you are a punk-ass bitch.” “Lan Jingyi!” another Lan disciple hissed, horrified. “He said it with his eyes,” Jingyi protested. “It’s Expression 321.” Sizhui fished the book out of his qiankun pouch and flipped through it. One of the Ouyang junior disciples sidled over to him and peered over his shoulder. “There really is a book.” 5.3k

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Model Behaviour  Jiang Cheng watches his nephew attempt the impossible: seducing the purest Lan disciple. If Lans could bet, Lan Xichen would have wagered in Jin Ling’s favour. 1.3k

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you are my chosen family  5 times sizhui and jingyi accidentally call wei wuxian and lan wangji dad, and the 1 time they do it on purpose. 14k

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My heart in my sleeve Wei Wuxian needs a new workshop. Lan Wangji has room in his qiankun sleeves. 2k let lwj spoil his husband

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Audience Of One

that AU where everyone is famous in some way or another, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji have been dating in private for years, and Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng pretend to date publicly for their brothers' sake. 181k

This is XiCheng, Wangxian is bg only.

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Attempting the Impossible

Jiang Cheng gathers up his determination in both hands and goes to the Cloud Recesses to embark on one of the most difficult endeavors he can imagine: Repairing his relationship with his brother.

To his surprise, he discovers he's become an uncle again... several times over.

Wei Wuxian, what the fuck?! 36k

Back to the river (so learn how to swim)

THE Yu Ziyuan fic

[tearyeyedonce-gentlesoul]

glossary (WIP)

i didn't know there was a word limit on tumblr until i made this, so i unfortunately had to remove links that would lead to specific tags and help with organizing on here. also note that this post might be remade in the future

electricpuke/rocklandgame characters: abel, adam, adam whesker, akihiko kojima, akira kojima, alchemy willow, alice (electricpuke), alice carroll, amaterasu, ami, amy, ana (rockland), ana (viral), annabelle winter, arcadian, aria king, ashley kinley, ashton kinley, athena dianoia, audrey, august dixie, avery greyson, axel, baal, cain zeitgeist, callum willow, cassiel, charlie willow, chase knox, chase valentine, christopher “chris” king, circe, damien morningstar, dante stryker, dominick torrero, dylan, edison tekker, elise, elizabeth bathory, enoch, eve, faereighn, farz murphy (electricpuke), foal, freya, gabriel, gabriel lily, grace quinn, hades, hammerclaw, hana, heidi, horus, hunter, itsuki mori, jack buchanan, jason buchanan, jason carmine (rook), jiyun, john, kali, karasu, kaz tyagi, kenny, kiku kojima, kiyoshi, kurt, lachesis chronis, lady yuzu, leo taylor, lilith, lincoln, logan, loki marshall, lucifer morningstar, macey, marco jennings, marcus de la cruz, max, melanie, meredith, mia, michael fitzroy, michael volkov, mio, molly, morgan, morgan le fey, munchie, naoki “nathan” donovan, nicolas flamel, olivia, oswalt morrison, peyton, quinton willow, rai, raizer, raja, ramiel, raphael, raphael sivori, reiko nakamura, ribbon, richter (hotelpsycho), rory stryker, rose martinez, rosey, roy mcnamara, ruby red graves, sally, samael volkov, sanae, sano kojima, sejun, sergio marino, sergio morrison, shane, shiro suzuki, sparrow, sun-mi yeon (scarlet), sydney dixie, teagan buchanan, the engineer, the REAL vincent metzger, thor, tobias reeves, trace, trevor mcloughlin, tsubaki, tyler, uriel metzger, valak, vencil cartier, veni (electricpuke), verak, vincent castillo (electricpuke), vincent metzger, vlad, xander rosario, yeon seong-mi (emily yeon), zero (dollmaker), zero (empire), zeus

gatobob characters: ashe, anthony shore, beg, celia lede, centicat, chamomile, charlie, chastity, chet ichpujani, cry, demon, derek aeron, derek goffard, dirty the possum, dragon, evander hutch, farz murphy (gatobob), farzen, fox, gideon bautista, harold, jack, jaqueline, jedka (facility), jesse, komodo, lawrence oleander, lich, lily talor, machete, marten trell, mason armbruster, mason heiral, matt, mona winters, raid, randall, raven, ren hana, rhodes, richard, roadkill girl, samantha, scream, sid, stan, strade, tom, trigger, veni (gatobob), vincent castillo (gatobob) (gatobob), vincent castillo (gatobob)

other notable characters: a.e.d, ellen klein, izm, lucien rire, rodchester williams, shaun

---

known aliases/blogs:

arioddsandends, askparasitegods, doctor-dollmaker, electricpuke, fuckbyknifepoint, nagakira, nurseharlot, rocklandgames, scarletaegis, scarletmarionette, trentboyett

gatoanswers, gatoafterdark, gatobob, gatobob-spotty, gatoplays-sos, gatxbxb, gurobob, gurpbob, serpulalacrymans

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eras (label for creator universes): altinr, arcane, boyfriend to death, crazy au, dark circus au, devil's night carnival, dollmaker, empire, facility, foxtail, human!au, huntress, inferno, mark of belial, nightclub, of gods and monsters, rockland, route 66, self insert, the artist, the carnival game, the commander, the doctor, the hunt, the misfits, the price of flesh, the puppetmaster, the serial killer, this is not romance, till death do us part, viral, welcome home, yanaki, you kill me every time, zeitgeist

[junibyrd]

Yaaaay It's a Pimpernel post again, I made 3 playlists a while ago and just wanted to share it with my fellow SP fans out there

Warning: yes, they may have songs from the musical but the inspo behind the lists is from the og books, mostly from the first one so there is no love triangle or anything that is not in the canon

I focused on the two lovebirds (and Percy as an individual) and the most important thing: the lyrics - so the music itself is not always in relation with the aesthetic of the book.

The sad list (as I like to call it): This is the pre-discovery era, it's the longing, it's the "where did I go wrong", it's the "I was a fool to trust you" it's the "I still love you though and it's killing me" Fun fact: the first piece is the aria that Margot listenes to during the talk with Chauvelin in the opera box.

The happy-end list: This is the ultimate second chance romance at it's best, it's the "things we didn't say before", it's the "can we start again?", it's the "I was a fool but now I'm here"

The Percy character list: I'm a huge classical music fan so this list is a combination of what I feel Percy sounds like in terms of classical pieces and the usual lyrics-heavy songs

Enjoy, aand I'm also curious - do you have a song or piece that has no connection originally to the SP, but reminds you of it?

Love u💋

[wearethekat]

November Book Reviews: The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Matthews

Fourth in a series of Victorian-set romances about a group of female friends who all loving riding. (Horses.) Stella Hobhouse is ignored by society due to her shyness and prematurely grey hair. Artist Teddy Hayes has been in a wheelchair for five years after a nasty case of scarlet fever in his late teens and doesn't care a bit for what society thinks. Teddy is determined to have striking Stella pose for him as a model—but her priggish vicar brother is also determined to prevent Stella from touching even a whiff of scandal.

I like Matthews for her romances about more interesting people who have different perspectives on history than the usual run of conceited dukes and earl's daughters. The first book was a nicely executed romance of a gentlewoman with an Indian tailor, and I think the fourth book lives up to it. Teddy's disability is neither sugarcoated (in an era before standardized wheelchairs, he genuinely struggles to get around) nor played as a melodramatic tragedy. I also like how both Teddy's and Stella's artistic tendencies give Matthews the opportunity to include a bit about the developing Impressionist movement.

Recommended for people who enjoyed Courtney Milan's or Rose Lerner's historical romances.

[manysmallhands]

Favourite Songs of 2024: 19 - 11

If you've read one of these already you know the drill, if you haven't then it's really not that complicated. Previous entries can be found here, here, here and here. Read on as we approach the ALL IMPORTANT TOP 10...

19. Doechii - Wait

While busily dusting herself down from the wreckage of Katy Perry’s ill fated 143, Doechii found time to make some fantastic music on her own this year. Wait is the kind of slinky neosoul jam that wouldn’t have sounded out of place on Doja Cat’s Scarlet album, combining smooth RnB vocals with tight rapping in a plaintive tale about holding things together. I’m a sucker for this kind of classic era hip hop throwback and Wait is as good as any yr likely to hear.

18. Lizzy McAlpine - I Guess

While she wasn’t able to build commercially on last year’s surprise hit Ceilings, Lizzy made huge artistic jumps in 2024, mastering the kind of wistful retro sound that informs I Guess and helps to make it such a great song. While she's largely remade herself as a 70s folkie, there’s something quite widescreen to the sound here in places that feels more of a piece with a modern production. But her pleading, soft toned voice remains her best attribute, telling a story of desperate dating where the payoff feels more resigned than triumphant.

17. Eminem - Houdini

There are things that absolutely make me wince about this song - Eminem’s current era may be high concept and character driven but it still has a strong “does this offend you yeah?” element to it that made me switch his album off inside 3 minutes. But ropey as some of its schtick undoubtably is, Houdini really is an absolute banger, full of gross out and extremely bad taste jokes of course but also living up to his claims of being a ‘lyrical technician’, as he recaptures the goofy cartoonish energy of his early material while exerting the kind of performance control that allows him to ramp up the comedy, drama or tension at the drop of a single word. 

16. Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department

Taylor’s all conquering *counts on fingers* 11th album was fine but a little too predictable by my reckoning and ran out of steam a bit in the 2nd half (as many of her records are prone to do). But when it did catch fire there were still some terrific songs and the title track was amongst the best of them. It channeled her newly verbose lyricism into a warm, diaristic romance with one of her finest melodies, a song which sparkled and burned with a nostalgic twinkle, as well as the sense of a life being lived that felt a lot more enviable than on some of her other songs this year.

15. Sonny Fodera Ft Jazzy, DOD - Somedays

Chart dance bangers have changed very little in the last 30 years: take a pounding beat, flashes of house piano, some generically uplifting lyrics and you may well have a hit. And yet it’s still possible to make these elements go extremely hard and Sonny Fodera - building on last year’s similarly terrific Asking - is the latest producer to really nail the formula. Jazzy’s vocal has the right mix of pathos, hope and yearning, the tension builds and dissipates in all the right places, but the thing that makes me love this unconditionally are the absolutely pummelling drops that run into the chorus, which blow me away every time this comes up on the radio and have given me life on so many occasions this year.

14. Charli XCX ft Billie Eilish - Guess remix

Possibly the crowning moment of the year in pop was hearing this daft, sleazy club banger crash into the charts at #1, the peak of a glorious ascent which had been rising steadily since the spring. Reminiscent of the kind of forbidden sing-song that you might hear in a school playground, Charli and Bilie’s back and forth adds an extra dimension to the already colossal OG version, spiking it with enough “what if?!” energy to set the internet alight for weeks on end.

13. Tate McRae - 2 Hands

While my Tate fandom has now reached mildly embarrassing levels, late entrant 2 Hands confirmed to me why she's still worth it all. It’s another iteration of her charming ‘tough but cute’ act, with a chorus just as strong as that of 2023 megahit Greedy, but this time as part of a more substantial song that works better as a start to finish listen. The breaks have a loose rattle that drift twds hip hop territory but there’s a space age zip too that feels new for her, adding extra energy to the already punchy production. And yet possibly the most intriguing aspect of all this is the “not one, not three” line in the extended chorus, posing important questions about exactly how many hands Tate’s exes have had?!

12. Beyoncé - Ya Ya

Beyoncé’s project to rediscover country music’s hidden past took a detour with this ramble thru a bunch of fun 60s RnB tropes. Ya Ya ties together Good Vibrations, Genie In a Bottle and These Boots Are Made for Walking as a way of reuniting some lost heritage, in a banging hard times anthem which, crucially, is a catchy song that you’d actually want to listen to (not always a given on Cowboy Carter). One of the most kinetic, powerful and often downright silly records released all year: if only all of her album had channelled this kind of energy.

11. Camila Cabello Ft Lil Nas X - He Knows

2024 was a tough year for Camila and Nas: both iconic hitmakers of the late 10s who made long awaited comebacks, both of which fell flat on their asses. Camila did at least get her album out tho, the flawed but fascinating “C, XOXO”, and this was my favourite song from it: a glitchy, minimalist pop banger where the momentum of two terrific vocal performances pull everything along in their train, the better to show that there was always more to them than star power alone.

[myemuisemo]

With April showers, Letters from Watson brings us the first installment of The Sign of the Four, a prospect that makes me quake. When I was a tot of eight years, reading the library's copy of The Boy's Sherlock Holmes with a creeping sense of guilt because I was not at that time (and have not been at any time before or since) a boy, I found The Sign of the Four... long. Very long. I was obviously too young for the concepts, even though I could make sense of the words. (That sums up a lot of my reading in that era.)

I'm also reeling from last week's "The Man with the Watches," an utter tragedy of "be gay, do crime."

What's striking me this time -- what with the introduction of Holmes' cocaine use and also the watch deduction that raises a wince and a shudder from anyone who remembers that BBC Sherlock happened -- is how Watson is being positioned (and I don't mean "positioned in the path of which bullet," though apparently he got hit by more than one while in India).

Cocaine

Watson is progressive! His objections to cocaine sound so mild to us in the twenty-first century, but in 1890, scientific opinion was just barely starting to turn away from seeing cocaine as a wonder drug. It was used for local anesthesia as well as for general pep. Queen Victoria drank Vin Mariani, a wine fortified with cocaine, and so did the Pope. Coca Cola contained cocaine until 1906. Sigmund Freud was a vocal proponent of cocaine for improving mood and performance, until he botched an operation in the early 1890s while high.

A couple hair-raising reads on this topic are Cocaine: The Victorian Wonder Drug and A Cure for (Anything) that Ails You: Cocaine in Victorian Medicine.

So Holmes' original audience would have seen him as an up-to-date scientist using a socially approved means of moderating his mood. His shooting up a 7% solution of cocaine is about equivalent to a 21st century person taking nutritional supplements that are meant to boost brain power.

After all the "say no to drugs" education in the American school system, that's so hard for me to get my brain around, but there we are. Holmes is doing something no more troubling than pouring a glass of whiskey and much more scientific.

Watson, therefore, can be read either as being right at the edge of shifting scientific opinion or as being a fussbudget.

Tinge it with romanticism

I'm firmly Team Watson when Holmes starts criticizing A Study in Scarlet:

He shook his head sadly. “I glanced over it,” said he. “Honestly, I cannot congratulate you upon it. Detection is, or ought to be, an exact science, and should be treated in the same cold and unemotional manner. You have attempted to tinge it with romanticism, which produces much the same effect as if you worked a love-story or an elopement into the fifth proposition of Euclid.”

The reader is being positioned here to view with contempt the exact features of the work that we probably enjoyed. Poor Watson!

Is it possible that some reviewers commented on the melodrama of the Lucy portions? Yes, and it'd be a valid point. Nonetheless, having experienced a good many math classes, I think the fifth proposition of Euclid might be improved by a rom--

wait.

Doyle, you magnificent bastard.

Flatland: A Romance in Many Dimensions was published in 1884. It wasn't a huge success, but it seems likely Doyle could have known it, and it did, in fact, mention a love story in a discussion of angles. Back when I read it in college (because if you "liked math," someone would inevitably give you a copy of Flatland), I missed the social satire but appreciated the geometry.

Watson is canonically an effective popular writer, and I refuse to denigrate him for that.

The Watch

First, Holmes substantially invents forensic science with his monographs on tobacco and on callouses.

Then we learn that Watson is a second son, which fits with his his training for a profession and choosing the army to help make his way.

Watson was not on great terms with his brother before his brother's death. Holmes doesn't explicitly deduce this, but it's there to be deduced. Holmes knew Watson's father was long dead, which could have come up in any number of casual ways. Holmes had no idea that Watson had a brother, so Watson:

Didn't mention the brother in any context, ever.

Didn't set up any framed daguerreotypes from his childhood nor any modern photos made with the collodion process. Having a posed family photo would have been so completely normal, as would being sent new photos by family members.

Never interrupted his routine to visit his brother while living with Holmes.

Did not attend his brother's funeral (unless it took place while Holmes was away) and did not wear a black armband for mourning in Holmes' presence. Neglecting mourning for a relative would have been a sign of serious estrangement.

Holmes is possessed of some level of tact in not expanding on this topic.

Watson is also nobody's fool: he knows there are ways to fool a mark with apparently miraculous knowledge.

The question in my mind is this: did Watson deliberately distract Holmes from asking what was the subject of the telegram?

[books-and-strawberry-tea]

Why must I gravitate towards series...

(Wrap Up)

Click here for Part 1 and Part 2

I have been wanting to read the series listed in these parts for a long time. Some obviously longer then others.

I want to try all these series next year. I don't have to complete them all. If they suck, then I'll just DNF. Life is too short to not DNF a bad book. Girly, bad books aren't worth your time.

Anyway, here is my thoughts plus the order I am most excited about:

1. The Shadows Between Us

I'm a sucker for Enemies-to-Lovers. But it has to be fantasy EtL. Contemporary EtL is just a joke. Give me the 'I'll kill your entire Empire unless you give me what I want', I live for that shit.

2. The Locked Tomb

I'm gonna be honest, I have not read scifi. Especially since I got back into reading last December. So trying a new genre is just very exciting to me right now. Especially since it's dark. I love dark stories. At least it seems dark to me.

3. Serpent & Dove

I adored The Scarlet Veil. If you know me, you know that fact. So when I found out Serpent & Dove takes place in the same universe and friend group?? Just sign me up.

4. The Roots of Chaos

Dragons and Queendom in peril? Yes please!

5. The Bone Season

I don't know what it is, but this series just calls to me. I don't really know why I want to read it so much. Is it the cover? Is it because it takes place in the future? Gotta read it to find out.

6. Crown's of Nyaxia

Vampires. That's it. I'll read anything with Vampires. Mix in a kingdom with a vampire king? INJECT IT INTO MY VEINS!

7. Empire of the Vampire

I'm a little iffy about this book. I never read books with a male main character just cause I struggle to connect. But I really wanna give this a go cause I've heard amazing things.

8. Gods & Monsters

Just like the last two listings...Vampires. Not sorry about it.

9. Zodiac Academy

Because we all love a school with paranormals.

10. The War of Lost Hearts

Fae, Romance, and a waring kingdom. Sold.

11. Kindred's Curse

Okay I'll be honest...The covers are pretty and all look nice together.

12. Blood & Ash

Vampires.

13. The Lunar Chronicles

A Cinderella retelling with cyborgs...YES YES YES!

14. The Binding Chronicles

Vampires, but also this just sounds really cool and has been sitting on my kindle since I bought it in May.

15. Duskwalker Brides

Monster, cinnamon roll boy with a monster peen. I'm honestly just a girl.

16. Iron Widow

Because Chinese inspired fantasy is one of the best genres I've ever read.

17. Twilight

Again, Vampires. BUT! I grew up in the twilight era. And it honestly scared me. Twilight mums? They were fucking creeps. I also tend to turn away from things that are ridiculously overhyped or overly popular. When I was 17 I wanted to cry with boredom when I finally gave the first movie a go. But a few months ago, I finally properly watched the first movie again...and didn't hate it. So I'm interested in finally giving it a go.

18. Vampire Academy

Vampires and a Academy, YES!

19. Scapegracers

I'm honestly a tad sceptical about this series. I've not heard many people talk about it. But it could be good? I don't have massive hopes. But it's interested me just enough for me to try it out.

Well, that is my wrap up for all the series I want to try. If you have any opinions or comments, please share them!

Click here for Part 1 and Part 2

[sidekick-hero]

Suitcase of Memories

Authors: @legitcookie and @sidekick-hero l Artist: @luna-fortunaa l Artist: @maikaartwork | Beta: @acasualcrossfade | Beta and amazing cheerleader: @yournowheregirl

ART 1 | ART 2 | FIC

In a bygone era, two men overcome all societal norms and find an instant, powerful connection that defies all odds. Their secret love blossoms in the shadows, forming an unbreakable bond. However, fate eventually intervenes, cruelly tearing them apart. Fast forward to the present day, Steve awakens from a startling dream that feels surprisingly real, like he was really there. The memory of it haunts his every waking moment, making him question if he somehow recognizes the mysterious, curly-haired stranger playing his guitar at a street-corner, although they have never met before. Steve continues to cross paths with this enigmatic figure, Eddie, until they surrender to fate and their instant attraction. As their relationship deepens, Steve's dreams become increasingly vivid, detailed, and intense, leaving him with an uncanny sense of familiarity. They also strangely reflect the growing romance and struggles of his newfound relationship. Is it all just a coincidence, or is there a deeper connection that defies the boundaries of time and fate?

Read more under the cut for another sneak preview of Chapter 1!

"How was the rush?" he asks Robin absentmindedly as he goes about cleaning the machines and the counter. There's a dreamy smile on his face, the image of a man playing his guitar and humming softly to himself in his mind's eye.

"Eh, not bad, but - why are you smiling?" Robin immediately catches it, and Steve tries to wipe it off his face for plausible deniability.

"I'm not smiling."

"I have eyes, Dingus. What's up? Did Lisa call you?" Steve looks at Robin, at a loss, before the proverbial light bulb turns on and he just stops himself from snapping his fingers. Right, Lisa.

"Nah, I texted her, but she didn't text me back," he says with a shrug, not really caring. She was boring and self-absorbed anyway, there was no chemistry between them. Not like he thought he had with —

Robin's eyebrows shoot up in surprise at his obvious disinterest, and he knows there's no point in playing dumb. He's been dying to tell Robin all weekend, and here's the perfect opportunity. "I just met someone. Sort of."

This isn't really anything new, Steve meets someone almost every week, but Robin still makes a gimme gimme gesture at him. "Details, please. Drown out the tragedy that is my love life."

Steve snorts. "It's not that big of a deal. He was playing guitar on the corner near my bus stop, and I just... met him." Saying it like that makes it seem so insignificant when it felt anything but.

"What's his name?"

"I don't know."

"So you didn't actually meet him."

"Technically. But it was weird, Robin, he seemed so familiar. Like I've met him before. I even asked him about it, but he said no. Just gave me a line, like I'd be hard to forget."

"It wasn't a line," comes a voice from the customer's side of the table. Steve whips his head around to find his mystery man standing there with a grin on his handsome face. Steve gawks at him and the man adds, "Okay, maybe it was a line."

"Oh, fuck - I mean, shit - hi." He wants to punch himself, hard. Smooth. So fucking smooth. The floor never opens and swallows you when you need it most.

The man cackles with glee and Steve turns even redder, quickly approaching scarlet.

"What can we get you?" Robin the Saint cuts in before he can put his foot in his mouth any more than he already did, nudging Steve in the side to put on his best customer service smile.

"Uh," Cute Guitar Guy begins, his eyes darting up to the menu and scanning it quickly. "Whatever's sweet enough to cause instant cavities."

"You're not on the menu, Stevie," Robin whispers in Steve's ear, laughter obvious in her tone, and Steve elbows her gently. He wouldn't mind being on the menu for this particular customer.

"A mocha with an extra pump sound good?" Robin asks, already grabbing a cup, marker in hand.

"Yeah, that sounds good," the guy replies absentmindedly, his eyes never leaving Steve's. As their gazes lock, Steve has to suppress the shiver that wants to run through his body as the current of electricity hits him again. He can feel it crackling under his skin and wonders if the man in front of him can feel it too.

He hopes he can.

Undeterred by both of their obvious distraction, Robin continues with her customer scheme. "Name?"

Cute Guitar Guy’s eyes stay on Steve as he replies with a sudden weight in his voice, "Eddie," before remembering his manners and giving Robin a kind, sincere smile.

Robin moves away from the counter to start working on the drink, sending a sly smile in Steve's direction as he continues to just stand there looking at Eddie. He's sure she's going to make fun of him later.

"I'm Steve," he tells the guy, desperate to say something, anything.

"I see," Eddie says, pointing to Steve's nametag, and Steve feels like smacking himself again. Fortunately, Eddie seems more charmed than appalled by his inability to carry on a conversation like a normal human being. "I suppose it would be stupid to use another line like 'You come here often?'" Eddie asks, smiling widely at him, and Steve's knees weaken at the sight, wanting to trace that smile with his tongue, especially the newly formed dimples.

Steve huffs a laugh. "You still could. Maybe it’d make you stop by more often if I told you I do?”

“Oh, you can count on that, Steve.”

They grin at each other and Steve thinks that he would take a hundred more fucked up days like Friday if they led to something like this. The thought reminds him to ask, "Is that your regular spot? Playing at the corner?"

Leaning closer to Steve, Eddie rests both elbows on the counter. "What if it is?"

"Then I might have to skip the bus more often," Steve says, mimicking his stance.

He hears Robin snort behind him, but chooses to ignore her in favor of looking at Eddie, who has just pulled out his wallet to pay for the drink. Steve puts his hand on the one holding the wallet and feels another crackle under his skin. "On the house."

Eddie raises an eyebrow at him, but his eyes dance with mischievous delight. "And do all of your first time customers get this kind of special treatment from you?"

Go big or go home, Steve thinks as he leans even closer to Eddie. "Nah," he says looking up at him from under his lashes, "Only the really cute ones."

The smile on Eddie's face softens, the mischief replaced by something more genuine, more real. He pulls a strand of his hair over his mouth to hide it, but it's too late, because Steve knows he's going to fall asleep tonight with that smile on his mind.

Eddie opens his wallet, pulls out a $5 bill and puts it in the tip jar. Steve wonders if it's the same one he put in Eddie's guitar case the other night. "Thanks, Stevie."

The nickname makes Steve smile, liking the easy way Eddie creates a feeling of familiarity between them. He's not sure if Eddie is thanking him for the free coffee or the compliment, but either way his answer would be the same. "Anytime."

They continue to lean on the counter, staring at each other as if the rest of the world has ceased to exist, before a customer behind Eddie clears his throat loudly, startling them both. "Are you two done? I'd like my coffee today, please."

Rolling his eyes, Eddie steps aside and waves his arm in a sweeping gesture at the disgruntled customer.

"After you," he says in an exaggerated voice and gives Steve a wink before walking over to the pickup counter to wait for his drink. Just then, more and more customers begin to pour in, the lunch rush in full swing, and Steve moves to take their orders, help Robin prepare drinks, and hand out snacks and baked goods. He tries to keep an eye on Eddie to see if he's still there, but after a particularly large order from a group, Steve is distracted long enough that when he looks back, Eddie is gone.

His face must show his disappointment because Robin puts a gentle hand on Steve's back and says, "Eddie asked me to tell you goodbye. He really had to go, but he looked just as bummed out about it as you do.”

That's at least something, but Steve still feels deflated. He didn't even get his number.

[nominzn]

The Story Of Us III

— Um amor real, Renjun Huang. Primeiro Ato: You Are in Love.

notas: caras, o tempo tá passando muito rápido. já é o terceiro cap de the story of us! esse romance vai dar o q falar. espero q gostem! <3

SUGESTIVO

No último período da faculdade, o peso de mais uma mudança enorme caiu sobre seus ombros. Desfazer-se das memórias que recolheu no dormitório, mergulhar de cabeça no oceano das possibilidades infinitas do universo adulto. Precisa de um trabalho, mas a área que quer é tão complicada. Precisa construir a própria vida, mas dar o primeiro passo é impossível quando não se sabe aonde vai.

Conseguiu uma entrevista completamente inesperada para uma vaga na equipe de edição na editora Scarlet, a maior do país, que abriria uma nova filial no Centro da cidade em alguns meses. Obra da senhora Hayden, sua mentora.

— Você já se decidiu, senhorita? — Ela pergunta ao final da aula, te segurando por uns minutos com ela.

— Ainda não… — O suspiro que deixa sua boca é de pura tensão. — Até quando preciso dar uma resposta?

— Bem, o mais rápido possível. — Ela tem um olhar severo. — Só existe uma resposta certa, você sabe.

Claro que sabe o que está na mesa: o mínimo de certeza sobre um futuro, um começo estável. Além, é óbvio, de não desapontar a professora experiente e respeitada no ramo literário, que te indicou para esse processo.

— Sim, sim… é verdade.

— Filha… eu sei que é difícil tomar uma decisão. Mas é necessário arriscar, sim? — Ela deposita uma das mãos no seu ombro, e você enxerga além do lado profissional agora. — Talvez você se encontre na edição, ou não. Porém, é o que você tem de concreto agora. É tudo que você precisa.

Concreto. A palavra bate bem na sua mente e ecoa. A mulher percebe uma chave virar através dos seus olhos distantes e aproveita para revelar o tanto que os entrevistadores gostaram de você, além de mencionar o seu talento para a escrita. É bem verdade que você quase não escuta, mas dentro de si, a decisão está tomada. É prudente que faça o necessário e derrube o castelo de cartas no seu interior.

— Eu vou! — Você declara, sorrindo nervosa, mas ao mesmo tempo animada pela felicidade que nasce no rosto maternal da professora.

Os meses seguintes foram preenchidos pelas despedidas e promessas de amizade para sempre, pelo fim de um mundo e pelo início de outro, o mundo real. Mudou-se para perto do trabalho, bem no coração da cidade que se tornou seu lar. O ponto de vista outrora com vestígios de conto de fadas é iluminado pela luz ofuscante da vida extraordinariamente comum.

Escarlate

Dizer que você mudou muito seria te subestimar. No entanto, primeiros dias ainda te deixam agoniada. Chegando no prédio alto e moderno, você já era aguardada por um estagiário que te ajudou no cadastro obrigatório e também te entregou o crachá individual para liberar a entrada cotidiana.

A editora se instalou em três dos andares do edifício comercial, mas você só ganharia um tour pelas áreas depois de conhecer o editor chefe do gênero literário, o foco da nova filial. Seus olhos percorrem todo canto que conseguem, a curiosidade e o senso de observação conduzem todos os seus movimentos. Chegando no escritório, dá de cara com um homem jovem, bonito, com os fios propositalmente desgrenhados moldando o rosto amigável e sorridente.

— Bem-vinda ao time, é um prazer te receber. Eu sou o Kun. — Estende a mão para te cumprimentar num aperto firme. Ele não é nada do que esperava de um chefe, o que é positivo. O olhar terno e descontraído desfaz um pouco do seu nervosismo.

— Obrigada pela paciência, Kun. — Pensou até em chamá-lo de senhor, porém, achou que não seria natural. Ele não protestou, tudo certo.

O líder então libera o garoto mais jovem para voltar ao trabalho e esfrega as mãos com animação.

— Pronta pra conhecer tudo por aqui? — Ele oferece mais um sorriso na sua direção, provavelmente percebendo que está um pouco desorientada. Você assente, tentando corresponder a mesma energia. — A gente gostou muito de você, a professora Hayden falou tanto do seu talento. — Ele abre a porta de vidro, movimentando a cabeça para que entrasse. — A sua função vai ser ler muito, é claro, mas também… — Ele interrompe o caminhar e se volta para você. — ser o meu braço direito.

A expressão na face dele é engraçada, te faz soltar ar pelo nariz numa risada contida. Kun te acompanha, aliviado por ver uma expressão que não a de susto nos seus traços.

— Tudo bem, vou dar o meu melhor. — Você garante, sem mentir. Daria mesmo. Apesar de ser naturalmente desconfiada, algo em Kun te faz acreditar que ele é uma pessoa pura, boa, transparente.

Passeiam pelos dois andares rapidamente, ele explica qual departamento faz o que e te apresenta para alguns colegas de trabalho. No terceiro e último, ele te orienta sobre a dinâmica da divisão da área. O andar era compartilhado com edição e marketing, o que não é comum, mas devido ao ambiente espaçoso, não causaria problemas.

— É basicamente isso. Logo vai ter a festa de…

— CHEFE! — Uma outra voz masculina é ouvida de longe. Girando o corpo à procura do som, veem o garoto correndo de encontro ao par.

Ele chega um pouco ofegante e com as bochechas quentes, quase de cor escarlate. O cabelo curtinho deixa o rosto harmonioso em evidência, e o estilo impecável forma o combo perfeito. Adorável, você repara. Ele mostra um painel para Kun, que sorri em aprovação. Era o que o outro procurava e precisava.

— Ficou ótimo, pode enviar. — Kun bate no ombro do menor e olha para você. — Esse é o Renjun, coordenador de marketing. Meio maluco, mas gente boa. — Eles riem, mas Renjun abaixa a cabeça, tímido.

— Liga pro que ele diz não, só quando for ordem de chefe. — Ele finalmente te fita, disfarçando a piada do outro. — Bem-vinda, viu? Precisar de ajuda, só chamar.

Você murmura um pode deixar bem baixo, ainda meio confusa com a dinâmica dos dois, e também intimidada pela beleza de Renjun. Ele definitivamente notou algo diferente, o sorriso pretensioso denuncia. Quem interrompe a troca de olhares é Kun, dizendo que precisam seguir com a programação do dia.

Não foi muito difícil. Começou a corrigir uma trilogia de fantasia bem gostosinha de ler, então o tempo passou bem rápido. No horário do almoço bateu perna pelas lojas próximas que já conhecia e não foi tão perrengue para ir embora, a maior vantagem de morar perto. A jornada à frente parece mais excitante do que ontem.

Vinho

A festa de inauguração da nova filial é muito maior do que você pensava, mas pelo menos a roupa que escolheu é adequada ainda. Enquanto entra no saguão lotado, repara nas luzes que pareciam gotas de chuva saindo do teto, e é claro que há dúzias e dúzias de propagandas da editora e seus parceiros por todo lugar. Ouve uns amigos conversando ao aproximar-se do bar, eles dizem que todas as equipes de todas as filiais foram convidadas, por isso a quantidade de gente.

Pede um drink leve só para começar a noite, passando os olhos pelo lugar novamente, à procura de um canto menos caótico para aproveitar a festa por uns momentos e ir embora logo — planeja só marcar presença.

Vê Kun apoiado no balcão, seus olhares se cruzam e ele te cumprimenta com um sorriso. Senta-se no banco vazio ao seu lado depois de encurtar a distância entre os dois.

— Em minha defesa eu não sabia que seria enorme assim. — Ele diz, pensando o mesmo que você. Sua cara te denunciou?

— É uma senhora duma festa. Pelo menos tá regada, né? — Encosta seu drink no dele, pegando-o de surpresa com o brinde. — A gente tem que fazer a linha profissional ou…?

— Você pode se divertir já. — O rapaz toma um gole controlado do drink mais fraquinho do menu. — Eu tenho que esperar até a apresentação dos líderes.

Você ri ao vê-lo revirar os olhos, claramente odiando a ideia de estar em evidência esta noite.

— Bom, então eu vou começar por você. — Levanta do banco porque encontrou o lugar perfeito. — Te vejo depois?

Ele assente e também segue outro rumo. Precisa fazer sala para os outros chefes até que a tal apresentação aconteça.

Caminha concentrada em direção ao oásis que te espera, mas então sente algo empurrar seu braço e seu cardigan branco molhar. Mal teve tempo de processar, só viu a mancha vinho na peça.

— Desculpadesculpadesculpa. Mil perdões. — O desconhecido que é, na verdade, Renjun, pede em arrependimento.

— Tá tudo bem, sério. — Já está com calor mesmo, portanto tira o casaco fino enquanto equilibra o copo numa das mãos. Ele parece reconhecê-la, por fim.

— Ah, a gente se conheceu outro dia, né? — Você balança a cabeça positivamente, apoiando o pano no antebraço e voltando a aproveitar a bebida. A mesa do garoto é a vista da sua, desse modo, o vê todos os dias. Ele, porém, está de costas e sempre precisa correr de um lado para o outro. Compreende que você seja só uma memória distante. — Finalmente um rosto conhecido, só tem gente de outro lugar aqui.

— É verdade! — Exclama após constatar que só consegue ver estranhos em volta de vocês.

— Como reparação pela besteira que eu fiz… — Ele entrelaça seus braços e retoma o caminho que você antes fazia. — Vou te dar o presente da minha companhia. — A verdade é que ele procurava alguém para tirá-lo do tédio.

O banco chique de madeira é muito mais confortável do que a meiuca que somente observam agora. Ele é tão bonito que você mal sabe o que fazer, mas tenta puxar algum assunto.

— Você não é daqui, é? — Você indaga, finalizando a bebida e deixando o copo sobre a mesinha. Ele nega com um hm hm.

— Sou do interior, eu acabei de me mudar. — Ele assiste sua reação surpresa. — Meu processo foi todo online. Eu queria outra cidade, mas vim parar aqui. — Ele bebe mais um pouco do vinho que o garçom o ofereceu há pouco. — E sendo sincero nunca fiz nada de muito interessante.

O jeito que ele confessa isso soa engraçado aos seus ouvidos, então você ri. O olhar dele é um pouco confuso, ainda assim se permite contagiar pelo som. Sem querer repousa a mão no joelho do garoto por um instante, o que só contribui para que fiquem mais leves.

— Mas e você, hein? — Se ele sorrir assim sempre, vai ser difícil focar na conversa.

— Eu já morava por aqui, mas tava na faculdade. — Cruza as pernas e ajeita o cabelo discretamente. Por Deus, é só a segunda vez que se falam. Por que está gostando tanto da atenção dele? — Comecei o processo e vim parar aqui. — Copia a fala anterior de Renjun, que acha graça.

Conversam sobre mais coisas aleatórias, engatando um tópico no outro. O espaço entre os dois já é praticamente inexistente, foram se aproximando quase naturalmente.

São interrompidos pela voz alta no microfone, chamando os líderes para o palco. Renjun e você não movem um dedo, apenas assistem as outras pessoas se amontoando perto dos holofotes.

Então, Kun sobe cambaleante e anda até a posição que lhe era marcada. Ele está alegrinho, se divertiu demais, ao que parece. Os olhos do chefe estão brilhando um pouco mais sob a luz forte, e vocês não seguram a risada chocada.

Quem ri por último, ri melhor. Depois que finalmente foram apresentados, Kun perdeu a linha de vez. Ao passo que o saguão esvazia, vocês dois precisam convencê-lo de que já é hora de ir para casa. No táxi, ele não para de rir. Não consegue nem explicar do que está rindo.

A sorte é que Renjun sabe o endereço dele. O caminho é familiar, e você começa a suspeitar, após uma curva específica, de que sejam vizinhos. Assim que entram na sua rua, checa o GPS no celular do motorista. São mesmo.

Nada é tão ruim que não possa piorar, disse Edward Murphy.

Não são apenas vizinhos de prédio, o apartamento dele é colado no seu. Amaldiçoou-se por não conhecer nenhum dos moradores, foi pega desprevenida.

Kun não parava quieto dentro do elevador, até que ficou zonzo por causa do movimento para cima. Tirou as chaves do bolso com muito custo e te entregou para que abrisse a porta, o outro o ajuda a se equilibrar.

Você espera na sala enquanto eles vão para o quarto. Rapidamente Renjun volta, rindo por causa da situação constrangedora. Não é todo dia que você precisa levar seu chefe alterado para casa. Kun é maravilhoso e tudo, mas ainda é um superior.

Ao chegarem na sua porta, a nuvem embaraçosa ainda persegue o desenrolar da noite.

— Você… — Você começa, sem jeito. Será que ele entenderia errado o convite? — Você quer entrar?

Ele te encara, abre a boca algumas vezes, sem saber o que responder. Ele quer, é claro, mas…

— O cara tá me esperando lá embaixo… — Ele coça a testa, desapontado consigo mesmo, e também meio desconcertado. — E tá meio tarde… — Não queria que você achasse que ele tinha interpretado outra coisa.

— Não, claro. Eu entendo. — Você sorri, abrindo a própria fechadura.

— Mas outro dia? — Ele pergunta antes que você entre, esperançoso.

— Isso… outro dia. Boa noite, Renjun. — Só dá tempo de vê-lo acenar.

Você vai direto para o sofá, soltando o ar que prendeu sem perceber. Algo nele tinha mexido contigo, não consegue parar de repassar as piadinhas e de pensar no sorriso solto do menino. Não queria confundir as coisas, mas garotos engraçados te desmontam fácil.

Ele, por sua vez, mal podia acreditar que realmente tinha recusado a oportunidade de passar mais um tempo na sua companhia. Tudo bem. O que tiver de ser, será.

Depois desse dia, Renjun nunca mais te deixou. Os meses se apressaram enquanto ele vagarosamente se tornou essencial. Fez questão de ser o seu confidente no trabalho, quando o calo aperta é para você que ele corre e vice versa. Ele começou a passar um pouco mais de tempo com a cadeira virada para sua mesa, só para te olhar. Por vezes, tomava o celular para enviar uma mensagem boba e te ver segurar uma risada alta. Ficava ainda mais orgulhoso quando você encontrava os olhos dele e sussurrava “você é um idiota, Renjun Huang”. Seria idiota por um longo tempo se fosse para ter sua atenção.

Borgonha

Renjun ficou preso num projeto e perdeu a noção do tempo, leva um susto ao notar que o computador indica 23:45. Não, não, não. Não mesmo. Logo trata de se espreguiçar, aproveitando para alongar as costas. Inevitavelmente espia sua mesa, interrompendo os movimentos ao ver que você ainda está ali também. Parece tão compenetrada, mas não deixaria que você passasse mais um segundo sequer trabalhando.

— Tá doida, mocinha? Pode desligando isso. — Ele ralha, se apoiando no vidro que rodeia sua mesa.

A voz te alarma, porém você relaxa e sorri preguiçosa ao ver Renjun. A verdade é que o livro que está editando é simplesmente a melhor fantasia que já havia lido, te prendeu tanto que nem viu a hora passar.

— Fiquei imersa na estória… Meu Deus, quase meia-noite! — Você boceja, notando que o menino está com dificuldade para abotoar os botões do próprio casaco.

— Ah, para. Todo mundo sabe que você tá querendo se mostrar pro chefinho. — Ele ironiza, rindo provocante, ainda tentando resolver o problema.

— Melhor querer impressionar chefe do que não saber abotoar a própria roupa. — Você se levanta para ajudá-lo. Resolvido em segundos.

— Touché. — Ele passa a mão pela sua e a segura. — Escuta… bora comer? Não queria ir sozinho.

— Hmmm não. — Fala séria, e Renjun revira os olhos. Murmura um pelo amor de Deus em reprovação. — Mentira, bora sim.

É um hobby muito divertido pilhar o garoto porque ele tem pavio curto, apesar de nunca admitir. Ele tagarela durante o caminho curto até o restaurante 24 horas que disse que era ótimo, o que você duvidou de propósito somente para vê-lo retrucar com as opiniões fortes dele sobre o lugar. Para pior a situação, está vazio. Óbvio que é pelo horário, mas sussurra um “xiiiii” que arranca um grunhido indignado de Renjun. Como é bom vê-lo assim, enfezadinho por nada.

— O que você recomenda que eu coma aqui? — Faz uma expressão duvidosa, contudo Renjun ignora porque fica animado com a ideia de te fazer pagar com a língua.

— O quiche de queijo daqui é bom pra cara… Desculpa. — Ele diz, e você o questiona com uma sobrancelha arqueada. — Ah, foda-se. É tu, né. É bom pra caralho o quiche.

— Hmmm, tá. — Usa um tom desconfiado, recebendo um aperto leve na sua cintura. Infelizmente sorri, o que dá confiança para ele. — Vou querer o quiche, então.

Ele pede o quiche do maior tamanho para a atendente, que bate o pedido no computador. Algo mais?

— Cê gosta de chocolate, né? — Ele pergunta quase brigando, você balança a cabeça. — Me vê um brownie com calda quente também. Vai beber alguma coisa?

— Vou querer um tranquilidade de pêssego, por favor. — Você responde direto para a moça paciente.

— Um americano gelado pra mim. — Renjun finge não ver seu olhar de julgamento. Sem nem pensar ele paga o pedido e te leva pela mão para a mesa mais próxima. — “Trinquilidide di pissigo pir fivir” treco ruim. — A sua cara é de puro assombro, a imitação terrível quase te ofende.

— Tá falando isso só porque sabe que eu ia reclamar de você tomando café essa hora. — Desafia o garoto, colocando as duas mãos sobre a mesa. Ele se rende, fingindo estar intimidado.

— Já falei que isso não funciona pra mim, eu durmo que nem anjo.

O pedido chega logo e vocês dividem o garfo para amassar o quiche. Pela fome, terminam mais rápido do que o normal. Teve de dar o braço a torcer, é realmente delicioso. O brownie não fica atrás, a calda quente é a coisa mais maravilhosa que já experimentou. Renjun não joga na sua cara, todavia. Fica bobo te vendo fazer uma dancinha feliz ao comer.

Apesar de cansado, insistiu em te levar em casa e fazer o trajeto a pé. É menos de vinte minutos, além de que nada paga saber que você chegou bem.

O vento é gostoso, revigorante. Espalha seus cabelos para trás, permitindo que Renjun sentisse o cheiro do seu shampoo tão familiar a essa altura.

Há algo que deixa Renjun mais bonito esta noite. Talvez o rosto tocado pela luz do luar, ou só o sentimento crescendo no seu coração. É tão estranho que até evita olhar para o garoto no trajeto, e é claro que ele repara, não é nenhum bobo. Sabe o que vem acontecendo, também sente a mesma coisa. O problema é que ele ainda está inseguro, não sabe se tomar uma atitude agora seria invadir sua privacidade.

Diminuem os passos em frente ao edifício, ele acena para o porteiro que já o conhece. O silêncio que paira não é ruim, mas o garoto o abomina. Esquenta as mãos no bolso do moletom, te encarando na esperança de que o olhe logo. Não o faz. Ele segura um riso, olhando para o céu.

Faz tempo que não vê as estrelas assim, parecem perto demais para ser verdade. Ele admira, boquiaberto. Você ainda olha para todo canto, menos para quem está na sua frente. Morde o interior das bochechas, como sempre faz.

— Olha pra cima. — Ele segreda, cortando seus pensamentos. Hm? Renjun se aproxima, apoiando seu queixo com os dedos e levanta seu rosto delicadamente.

— Nossa, o céu tá perfeito! — Você deixa escapar através do sorriso encantado. Ele não fita mais as estrelas porque quer capturar cada expressão sua.

— Eu ia fazer uma piadinha agora…

Abaixando o olhar, nota a proximidade maior. As íris do garoto te prendem, e o seu peito fica pequeno demais para o ritmo das batidas do seu coração.

— Injun… — Sai mais como um pedido do que como um de seus típicos protestos contra o engraçadinho.

— Esse céu só não tá mais bonito do que você. — Não é uma piada. Era para ser, mas foi tão honesto que não teve nem coragem de trazer o sorriso arteiro aos lábios.

Você costuma ter uma resposta na ponta da língua, então por que está calada agora? Apenas o mira, os olhinhos brilhantes passeando pelos traços de Renjun. Prende a respiração quando ele se aproxima do seu ouvido. É verdade, ele sopra.

Ele quer tanto te beijar, mas se limita a te dar um beijinho demorado na bochecha. Primeiro porque ele adora provocar, segundo porque só te beijaria quando tivesse certeza do seu querer também. Um arrepio percorre seus braços escondidos pela jaqueta, e é quando você percebe que é real: está apaixonada.

— Amanhã a gente se vê. — Despede-se quase encostando as pontas dos narizes, torturando a si próprio. E então ele vai embora, te deixando confusa e pensativa.

Dormir não é fácil quando tudo que se faz é pensar em Renjun Huang.

Tantas coisas aconteceram ou deixaram de acontecer por causa de insegurança sua, não ouviria o próprio instinto desta vez. Faria diferente com ele porque ele é diferente.

Vermelho

No dia seguinte você aparece no escritório absolutamente decidida a confessar seus sentimentos. O frio que sente na barriga aumenta à medida que os andares passam, entrar pela porta de vidro nunca foi tão complicado. Enrola antes de abrir, anda de um lado para o outro, calcula as palavras, ajeita os cabelos. Respira fundo e entra de uma vez.

O quê?

A mesa de Renjun está vazia, nada fora do lugar também. Tudo exatamente como deixou ontem. Isso é extremamente esquisito, ele nunca se atrasa. Não tem outra alternativa a não ser esperar.

Uma hora depois, ainda nada. Será que tinha acontecido alguma coisa? E se ele estivesse precisando de ajuda? Ele chegou bem em casa ontem? Meu Deus.

Sua mente começa a girar com as possibilidades negativas. Pensa em perguntar a Kun se ele sabe de alguma coisa, porém o vê atolado de papéis enquanto fala ao telefone. Você encara as janelas do prédio da frente sem ser capaz de se concentrar na edição do livro que te espera. Talvez você só esteja pensando demais, com certeza ele está bem.

Começa a corrigir os erros automaticamente, a estória não te interessa mais. Escreve sugestões como observações, mas seu olhar está focado na porta, esperando que ele entrasse.

Três horas depois, não consegue mais se conter. A preocupação te faz tremer de nervoso. Pega o celular escondido e manda algumas mensagens para Renjun, notando que não estão sendo entregues. Ligaria para ele agora mesmo, mas não tem como fugir da mesa agora.

Não pode perdê-lo, não estando tão perto. Não gostando tanto dele. Sussurra para si mesma palavras positivas, ainda checando a entrada de cinco em cinco minutos. Toda vez que sente o celular vibrar é uma tortura. A notificação que aguarda nunca chega.

Novamente no elevador, descendo para ir almoçar, pondera duas coisas: se está sendo louca, ou se deveria procurá-lo. A calçada lotada de pessoas andando apressadas te causa tontura por um instante, sente até vontade de chorar.

Nem percebe a direção que toma, apenas segue o fluxo, se viraria depois.

Renjun vira a esquina da editora quando finalmente se lembra de ligar o celular. O escritor mais filho da puta de todos os tempos fez questão de marcar uma reunião desnecessariamente longa para discutir o conceito da próxima capa de seu próximo livro. Ele odeia autores de fantasia criminal por causa disso, os caras são malucos.

Você interrompe os movimentos abruptamente quando vê que ele está ali, sorrindo para a tela do aparelho que tem nas mãos. Como se sentisse alguém o observando, ele levanta o olhar e aumenta o sorriso quando te reconhece. Aperta os passos para se aproximar mais rápido, sem nem notar a sua cara séria.

— Eu vi suas mensagens agora, tava até te respondendo, olha. — Renjun vira o telefone para você e logo o coloca no bolso novamente. — Cara, pior manhã da minha vi…

— Eu tava preocupada, Renjun. — A familiar ardência no canto dos olhos ameaça, e você inspira devagar. Não sabe dizer se é alívio ou nervosismo.

O garoto finalmente percebe seu estado. O cenho franzido, os olhos quase transbordando, a postura assustada.

— O que houve?

Renjun mal teve tempo de completar a frase porque você o agarrou pelo pescoço e uniu os lábios com toda ternura que percebeu ter guardado todo esse tempo. Ele não demora a retribuir o beijo, suspirando na tua boca ao te envolver pela cintura. O quanto ele queria isso não está escrito.

Nem pensaram nas pessoas em volta, elas só se desviam do casal para seguir o caminho. Algumas até sorriem pelo gesto romântico. Sinceramente, não ligam para mais nada. Só consegue se concentrar no lábio macio do Renjun se moldando ao seu como se fosse feito para isso. Aprofunda o contato ao conduzir o garoto pela nuca com as duas mãos, que se perdem nos fios agora desalinhados.

O dia de trabalho ainda não tinha terminado, e quase se arrepende de tê-lo beijado nas horas seguintes. Ele não te deixa em paz nenhum segundo.

Começou com os quinze emojis de beijinho que ele te enviou assim que voltaram ao escritório. Você fingiu ignorar as mensagens, ele odiou.

Insatisfeito, manda um e-mail. A notificação te faz revirar os olhos. Óbvio que ele sabia que você não abriria, por isso, escreveu no assunto: vai me beijar aqui também? Estalando os lábios, esconde o rosto nas mãos, tentando conter a vontade de gritar.

Olhando na direção de Renjun, repreende-o com a expressão mais dura que consegue fazer. Ele ri, mandando um beijo no ar. Não suficiente, cantarola várias músicas sobre beijo baixo o bastante para não ser repreendido.

Ele resolve, então, ir até sua mesa. O sorriso convencido te causa estresse, e ele não tá nem aí. Apoia-se na divisória, te olhando em silêncio.

— Uma foto dura mais. — Você murmura entredentes. Ele segura uma gargalhada, é tão bom não ser o pilhado para variar.

— Bom, já que você me beijou antes que eu pudesse te chamar pra sair…

— Você planeja me deixar em paz algum dia? — Finalmente gira a cadeira, ficando de frente para o garoto.

Ele inclina o corpo, o rosto bem na altura do seu. Só não rouba um selinho porque ainda não ficou maluco.

— Só se você aceitar jantar comigo. — O tom é desafiador, borbulha seu sangue.

— Só se você cozinhar. — Impõe a condição porque não quer ficar para trás. Ele perde um pouco a compostura quando percebe que encurtou um pouco mais a distância entre as faces.

— Combinado então.

Às cinco horas em ponto Renjun já está com tudo guardado e pronto para ir embora. Enquanto você se ajeita, ele limpa sua mesa e organiza tudo como você faz para poderem partir logo.

O apartamento é bem a cara dele. A essência doce se espalha por toda a decoração simplista e sofisticada, nas plantas bem cuidadas, na cheirinho de lar que invade as narinas assim que chegam.

Renjun te apresenta toda a casa, te guiando pelos cômodos de mãos dadas. É linda e aconchegante. Logo partem partem para a cozinha, pois ele não para quieto. Inventou um risoto meio maluco que jura ser a especialidade dele. Você oferece ajuda, dizendo que pelo menos deveria cortar os vegetais, só que ele é teimoso e não aceita.

O clima é gostoso, leve. Enquanto ele prepara o prato com muito carinho, conversam sobre milhões de coisas como de costume. Ao mesmo tempo, tudo parece ter mudado. A forma como se olham, como se dirigem um ao outro, os toques…

Ele dá o braço a torcer e te deixa colocar a mesa para a janta, o que você faz com maestria porque é a única coisa que teria de fazer. Ao finalmente provar a comida cheirosa e bem apresentada, se surpreende. Além de bonito, inteligente, engraçado e independente, Renjun também é bom cozinheiro. Ele sorri genuinamente feliz pela sua reação surpresa ao gosto impecável do que havia preparado. Comem num silêncio confortável, as mãos entrelaçadas e os olhares tímidos falam mais alto do que as palavras.

— Quer mais vinho? — Renjun pergunta enquanto você caminha até o sofá, se acomodando logo em seguida.

— Só um pouquinho, nem metade. — Acompanha-o despejar a bebida na taça. Ele te mostra a quantidade, você confirma com a cabeça que está perfeito.

Ele segura as taças, levando as duas com cuidado para a sala. Ele se senta bem perto, trazendo suas coxas para cima das dele.

— Brinde? — O menino sugere, o sorriso disfarçado te dá calafrios. Lá vem. Você encosta as taças meio desconfiada, esperando a besteira que ele falaria. — Um brinde ao beijo da calçada e ao da sala.

— Que sala? — Você procura algo em sua mente que a faça compreender.

Ele ri, deixando a bebida na mesinha de centro após um gole que tinge a boca um tanto mais. Antes que pudesse protestar, ele tira a taça de suas mãos e a coloca ao lado da outra. Acaricia as pernas que cobrem as dele ao mesmo tempo que te puxa pela nuca com delicadeza. Rouba um selinho demorado, molhado, dos teus lábios.

— Essa sala aqui. — Renjun sussurra, finalmente iniciando um beijo mais intenso. A língua molha teu lábio inferior, tirando seus sentidos com a troca que começam. A gola da blusa já está completamente amassada entre os nós dos seus dedos.

Para recuperar o fôlego, ele separa brevemente os lábios, mas beija o canto da sua boca, a bochecha e desde a mandíbula até a orelha num ritmo deliciosamente devagar. No pescoço ele se perde, mordendo os lugares certos, sugando levemente só para te deixar molinha no enlaço dele. Agora que pode, ele quer te dar tudo que tem.

Pouco a pouco sente a mão subir da coxa para o quadril, onde aperta a carne com vontade. Num movimento rápido, você se ajeita no colo dele, colocando uma perna de cada lado da figura. Os olhos escuros esbanjam desejo, as digitais masculinas passeiam por cada canto que consegue.

Ele te beija outra vez, mais acelerado, desesperado, bagunçado. Te incendeia por inteiro. Renjun finalmente levanta a barra do vestido, queimando a pele com os dedos curiosos. Guia os seus movimentos contra o quadril que te precisa mais que nunca, chiando sôfrego entre o beijo.

Ao despir suas peças, lançando-as em qualquer lugar, Renjun também despe os fantasmas do seu passado. Na força do amor, faz marcas de felicidade, de cura, de coragem. Por horas a fio te ama absolutamente, cada parte sua. Quanto a você, mergulha de cabeça no oceano que ele é, que ele será. Explora cada mistério escondido.

Antes de adormecerem, Renjun deposita um selar na sua testa, te encara daquele jeito apaixonado que faz seu peito estremecer.

— Que foi? — Segreda curiosa, risonha. Ele acha graça da sua inocência que retorna.

— Você… — Suspira porque não sabe expressar tudo que o coração fala. — Você é minha. melhor. amiga. — Enfatiza cada palavra, esperançoso de que compreendesse tudo que elas continham.

Fora de contexto, não faria sentido. Mas porque são vocês, tem sentido demais. Um eu te amo não seria bom o suficiente, você entende o que ele quer dizer. Sem medir, sem pensar, só de ouvir, você sabe tudo o que Renjun deseja passar. No silêncio, no escuro, na guerra, onde for, entende Renjun. Porque está incondicional e irrevogavelmente apaixonada por ele.