#so as awful as parts of it are there is genuine good in it

[mythicmanuscripts]

The first time Aemond realizes his political marriage could be more than that. Reader and him are in the gardens or library just passing time and they seem genuinely interested in what his favorite flowers, books, and things to do are.

This is such a good idea!! I love this.

Nothing NSFW or explicit here so no cut, enjoy!

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Aemond had always known that one day his parents would make a match for him and he would be forced into that political marriage as part of his duties to his family. Of course he knew this, but that didnt mean that he wasn't unhappy about it. When the day finally came and he was told a match had been made, he just sort of shrugged and asked when the wedding would be.

He was determined to hate you from the very start. He denied all requests to meet you beforehand, wouldnt even answer any letters you sent him. He knew his duty was to marry you and father children and he would do that, but he was determined to not do anything more than that.

This proved to be so much more challenging than he thought. He wasn't expecting you to be kind to him, and he certainly wasn't expecting you to go out of your way to respect his boundaries. That was the first thing that made him pause and reconsider things. He had always thought marriage and intimacy would be akin to what happened to him at the brothel all those years ago. He had assumed his wife would just start it, remove his clothes, tell him what to do, leave the room after and then wait a few weeks to see if an heir had been made. If not, the whole thing would have to happen again.

He felt like the wind had been knocked out of him the first time you showed this unconditional respect and care. He had finally had too much of his mother's demands that he do his duty and so he had you summoned to your marriage chambers, that neither of you actually stay in at this point. You know why he's called you at first, but even so you decide to take things slowly. You cupped his cheek, and then raised your other hand to his face. Aemond was about to recoil, thinking you were about to remove his eyepatch, but then instead you actually fix his eyepatch? You gently unwind the hair that got stuck on the rope of the eyepatch and then pulled it down slightly to fit better around his head, ensuring it wouldnt fall off.

Aemond is speechless. He just stands there in shock, trying to process how you just did something so kind for him without a second thought?

Of course that instant isn't enough for Aemond to change his mind about your marriage just yet, but it's the moment Aemond first considered that you might be different than he expected.

The next time he sees this is a few days later when you're being having to endure some fancy dinner with some rich and utterly insufferable lords to ensure they keep their oaths to the king. You were originally supposed to sit opposite Aemond at the table, but you moved before anyone else arrived and sat down next to him instead. He's confused at first, until one of the lords starts telling a story about his hunting escapades and you lean towards him a bit more, whispering in his ear that there's no way this lord has killed a single animal, nevermind the insane deeds he's going on and on about.

You can see the way the corner's of Aemond's mouth tilt up ever so slightly to form a small, amused smile that he has to try and hide from the lord who still hasn't shut up. The comments slow easily from there, whispering to each other or making gestures only the other could see. Aemond couldnt remember s single thing about the dinner or the plans made by the end of it. He was far too busy whispering to you and listening to your comments.

(Later on, after you have been together for a long time, that whispering to each other so soft you can barely hear a sound becomes something you and him are known for.)

It's after that that he has to begrudgingly accept that you might not be the awful bride he had imagined. At its very best he was hoping for a wife that didnt make his life hell. He in no way expected even the possibility of someone who actually seems to understand him and enjoy his company? For a few weeks he's constantly trying to reel himself back, try to keep up the cold act with you but it was failing quickly.

Interestingly enough, the thing that throws him over the edge is actually overhearing you speak to others? Aemond had been on his own for so long, for his entire life really. Not literally of course, but he was never treated like the other children. He was never given the same care and safety as everyone else. He had just assumed you would be more on his mother's wife than his.

One day he's walking in the castle and hears your voice, then more specifically hears your voice saying his name. He stays hidden against the wall just before the doorway and listens to the rest of the conversation. He's speechless when he hears you tell off someone, reminding them that Aemond is your husband and you will never, ever betray him. He doesn't know what he did to get this loyalty. If he was being completely honest he's ben a useless, lousy husband for the entire duration of his marriage thus far and yet there you are, still defending him despite it all.

Once Aemond realises he may have found confidant in you, then the entire dynamic changes. Everything about how you speak to and about him help him realise that he may finally have someone on his eyes.

The two of you start to have dinner alone most nights in your shared chambers. You're supposed to have dinner, try for an heir and then both go off to your respective private quarters for sleep, but none of that follows dinner for a long time. Instead, you ask Aemond about his day and offer advice and quips alongside letting him complain and rant in a place where he knows his words won't be used against him.

He's never had a bond like that, never had someone he immediately thought of whenever something happened and he wanted to talk about it or complain about it. It stops being about politics after that.

(Sidenote: i do think there could be some angst when Aemond realises he wants more of a true partnership because there will inevitability be a rough period where he wants do desperately to be with you more but also thinks you still just consider the marriage one of politics)

[myreallovelymind]

Friday Date Night

We matched the day after Christmas. He’s different than other guys. He texts me in the morning, he asked me out pretty early, gave me a date and planned the whole night for us. He was up North in England over the holidays so I had to wait a week.

A week is both good and bad. More time to chat but also, I was worried both of us were going to imagine someone in our heads and be disappointed by the other when we actually met.

He gave me a restaurant to meet at. A dumpling place in China Town. He got us a pre-theatre menu where you get two baskets of dim sum and a cocktail. I look up the place, it looks pretty basic but he might know that the dumplings are amazing!

Turns out, right before I leave, he tells me we aren’t going there but he wanted to surprise me with where we were actually going. Surprises are both fun and not fun for me. So I do some investigating and figure out where we are actually going. Super stalker, I know!

I turn up, he’s all wrapped up because it’s cold but he has a hot man bun! We get up, I’m nervous. I want him to like me but I want to like him! I don’t believe in masking and pretending I’m someone I’m not so I’m just me. A little silly and weird but me.

We chat and eat. The drinks are great! Mid way through, he realises I’m quite competitive and tells me that he wants to see me again and if I did to, he had an idea for our second date. Clear communication or what??

I’m very dry in my humour so tell him absolutely not and I’m having an awful awful time. We have another drink and then he tells me he has more planned. He doesn’t tell me where we go which causes me stress but it’s quite fun. The meal was like 100 quid and he just pays. I feel bad but it’s also kinda hot.

He takes me to this Irish pub which is in a chapel. It’s really cool! We get two baby Guinness (which I had never had)and he orders me a whiskey & ginger beer. I insist on paying because equality, which I know he really appreciates (brownie points for me). It’s super busy and loud so we have to stand. That’s when I know I want him to kiss me or touch me.

I’ve said it before but my body tells me if I like someone or not. If I want them to touch me, especially in public, I know I fancy them. So I lean in a little and we laugh and drink. It’s so loud, so he decides we should go to stop #3.

It’s a fun gay bar. We get hot toddy’s and sit outside. We talk about our lives. The good and bad parts. Our knees are touching and he sometimes strokes my thigh with his hands. I’m getting really turned on. He chat until midnight and that’s when we get kicked out.

He likes to plan and the plan got derailed because he expected them to be open until later. I see him panic and asks me if I want to still hang out as he doesn’t want this to end. I obviously agree. So we end up going to a Jazz bar which is quite famous in London. There’s a long queue but he tells me we can cut in. He is a member so gets free entry for us.

It’s amazing there. We get more amazing cocktails and we get a seat. We are right next to each other and our legs are touching. We listen to some great music and chat some more. Then he tells me he wants to kiss me. He puts his hand onto my cheek and we kiss.

He can kiss! I find it’s either great and I want more. Or I know I don’t want to see them again. I also hate PDA but I want him to kiss me. We chat, watch and kiss periodically. We stay there until 2/3 am! Then he says he doesn’t fuck on a first date but he would love to keep chatting to me if I wanted to come over. I say only if we can continue kissing.

We get an Uber to his place where he lives alone which is always hot for some reason. I genuinely don’t think he expected to invite me back because his place isn’t spotless. It’s messy but not dirty. He makes me a tea and we chat about music as he put different tiny desk sets on TV.

We make out a lot. I’m straddling him as we kiss. Dry humping like virgin teenagers. I can see the conflict in his eyes but I keep telling him there’s absolutely no pressure from me. I’m teasing but I respect his boundaries. We get to bed at 5 am after chatting. He gives me a t shirt and honestly, getting changed in front of him freaks me out a little. It’s so much more vulnerable than being undressed mid sex.

I get into his bed and we cuddle. I never stay over. Since starting dating, I’ve done it two individual times. That’s it. We cuddle and before you know it, I’m straddling him and we keep kissing. He asks me if I wanted to fuck as he needs me. I say yes. I jump off and he gets a condom. I ride him. Fuck he feels good. He says he’s worried about finishing too soon as he’s still quite drunk. I don’t care. Never have. The tease of just a few minutes of being filled feels amazing. Probably linked to the denial. But he lasts. He’s grabbing my hips and I’m grinding.

I never quite realise I’m loud. I don’t fake, I just feel. He tells me I need to be quiet so he puts his hand on my mouth. I grab his hand. I love it. Then he asks me if I want I be gagged. Yes please. He gags me and I look at him. He tells me how hot I look and we just look into each others eyes.

He is getting close as I get lost in it. He holds onto my hips and cums hard. I collapse. We hug to sleep.

He comes cuddle me at 8:30 am. 2/3 hours after we sleep. We kiss a little and then it gets more and more intense.

Before you know it, I’m on all fours and he’s fucking me. He says I look way too hot and he’s going to cum. Quick fuck but again, I love it.

We cuddle. He orders us Mc Donald’s in bed. We go into the living room. I’m just wearing his t shirt with no underwear as they are soaked. I am super dehydrated and hangover so I’m not as wet as normal but it’s still wetter than the average gal as he mentions it.

We eat and watch TV all morning. I need to leave in 45 minutes but I need another fuck. I get back into bed and 10 minutes before I need to leave, I start kissing him. He fucks me from behind, pulling my hair and holding me. It feels amazing. Then, he tells me to ride him and calls me a good girl. I get so close to cumming, I need him to stop. He hasn’t quite understood denial or the extent that I need it. He tells me he would like me to cum but it’s okay if i don’t want to. I shake my head no, and we keep fucking. He’s getting close and I beg him to cum. It’s raw and sweaty and hot. He feels amazing. He cums, I jump off and get ready to leave. I make a joke about doing a shag and dash!

He kisses me goodbye before I run off to go meet my friends.

He likes me, I like him and he’s invited me to watch the NFL tonight at his ✌️

[meelusinee]

ITALIAN FOR DINNER? | R.B X READER

word count \ 2.8k | fluff and stuff | slash / regulus black x reader

in which regulus takes you out on a date to a local italian place

A LITTLE LOAF SERIES MASTERLIST

ITALIAN FOR DINNER? | REGULUS BLACK X READER

Regulus had never felt more nervous in his life than what he did right now.

He had faced a lot of things. He had faced his father’s and mother’s weath. He had faced Sirius leaving. He had faced death over and over, either his friends or ones he might’ve done. He’d even faced the Dark Lord himself, no speck of fear shown in his face. 

The Dark Lord himself called Regulus Black a brave man. One of his bravest.

So why was he so nervous now?

He had changed his outfit about ten different times before Kreacher had gotten sick of his pacing and chose one for him. A black sweater with a black denim jacket on top, different patches of paint covering the pockets and back. He had on work pants similar to yesterday, the ends flaring out. Kreacher had also handed him jewelry to wear, gothic necklaces and rings each.

Even though he wasn’t sure, he didn’t have much of a choice in the matter anymore.

“Kreacher doesn’t understand why Master Regulus is freaking out this much.” he grumbled, shaking his head and ticking his tongue. “Kreacher never freaked out this much when he was with his wife.”

“Because I feel obsessed with her,” Regulus stated simply, grabbing an eyeliner pencil before blinking. “Wait, you have a wife?”

“Oh yes, Kreacher has a wife!” he said excitedly, clapping his hands before standing on top of Regulus’ dresser while he did makeup. “Kreacher’s wife was sold to a different owner though. Kreacher hasn’t seen her since.”

“Maybe you should try and find her.” Regulus said. “Could you do that?”

“House elves have magical bonding to each other once they are together, yes.” Kreacher says. “It is how Kreacher knows she is still alive and well. We can communicate through the bond.”

Regulus blinked at that, having not known that was even possible. “Like telepathy?”

“Yes, like telepathy.” he smiled. “Think of it like a matching bracelet with a partner, with a part that buzzes your bracelet each time they press it. Whenever Kreacher thinks of her, Kreacher’s wife will feel it, and visa versa. No thoughts though.”

“You know,” Regulus mumbled, blending his eyeliner out to make a more faded look. “I’ll be gone for this date for a while.”

“Master could not possibly be suggesting what Kreacher thinks he is.” Kreacher muttered, almost in awe.

“You deserve so much more than her, Kreacher.” he said, patting Kreacher on the head. “You deserve the world. And I think finding your wife is a key to that. Go get her.”

Kreacher smiled happily at that, agreeing on the condition that he would help Regulus first. 

Regulus decided that he needed to stop worrying. That thought didn’t stop him from worrying, but the thought counted at least. He also decided that he was going to buy you flowers. Magnolias seemed to be a staple in your relationship now that he had talked about them yesterday, so that was what he was going to get.

He walked to the park about an hour before your date was meant to happen, spending about 20 minutes magically ensuring that the flowers were of the best quality. He made sure to cloak his magic though, not wanting neither Muggles to see or the Ministry to track him.

He had flowers. Now was the time to get to your house.

Your house that he didn’t know.

You were currently panicking in your room, dress laid on your body.

You really wanted to impress Regulus. Sure, you didn’t know Regulus all that well, but there was something about him nonetheless. He seemed genuinely nice, like a true good guy.

Which is why you had bought this dress just for him.

It was a purple mermaid dress with spaghetti straps and a black lace overlay. You thought that he might like it, it gave you a vampiric aesthetic kind of vibe. You thought he gave those too.

But would he like it? Would he think you’re doing too much?

You sighed, hands rubbing your forehead as you tried to think. You seemed to know about him, but you also felt like you knew nothing at all. He talked, but not about him. He mainly talked about you, if he was being honest, which made you feel extremely guilty now that you thought about it. Would he only talk about you once you got to the restaurant? Would your dress even hold up in the weather on the way to the restaurant?

You were dragged out of your thoughts when your phone rang. It was Regulus.

REGULUS: I planned on picking you up for our date, but I realized that I don’t know where you live.

REGULUS: Do you want me to come to your house, or do you want to meet at the restaurant?

You felt a flush growing even harder on your face as you read that. He wanted to come to you? Was that a thing that you wanted? 

Your heart had immediately said yes.

YOU: i really don’t mind either way, whatever u want to do!!!

YOU: i live just above the bakery, it’s a two story building. the stairs are in the back, tho it’s a bit of a climb

REGULUS: That’s fine, I don’t mind.

REGULUS: Do you have any vases?

Vases? Was he bringing you flowers? Did you even have vases?

Your eyes darted over to your kitchen counter, looking at the island counter. You had a vase when you first moved in, though gave it away after a month or two for a friend.

YOU: no vases :c i’m sorry reggie

REGULUS: That’s fine, don’t worry. I’ll see you in about 10 minutes then, is that okay?

YOU: that sounds lovely! i’ll see you!

You sighed softly, looking down at your phone with a lovesick smile. You were already so done for.

Regulus showed up to the bakery with a smile, going to the back and walking up the stairs. It was a bit of a long climb, though he didn’t mind.

He hummed after he knocked on your house door, the Magnolia flowers in a red vase. His hair was a bit tousled from walking, but he hoped that would add to an appeal of some kind. There was a flush on his face, smiling softly as he waited.

“Coming!” you called out, your voice echoing through the room behind the door.

Regulus smiled at the sound of your voice, hand tightening around his vase as you spoke. He held it even harder when you finally opened the door, almost dropping it out of shock.

How was it possible for someone to look so good?

There you stood in your magnetic glory, the purple dress you wore quickly becoming his favorite sight. 

“Are those Magnolia flowers?” you asked him excitedly, gently grabbing the vase. “From the tree that we saw yesterday?”

“Yeah,” he stuttered out, clearing his throat. He wasn’t sure if he was dreaming or not. It all felt like a fever dream. “You, uhm, you look good.” he muttered with a blush. “Really good. Truly.” 

You giggled softly, holding the vase of flowers in your hand. “Let me put these up, okay?”

“Okay.” he whispered breathlessly, smiling dopily as you walked off. He felt his heart beating out of his chest, his face flushing bright red.

You came back outside just as quick, the large smile on his face making his heart beat even worse. It suited your face so perfectly, a sight that he wasn’t sure he could ever get out of his mind.

You looked perfect.

“Are you ready?” you asked him. 

He nodded, a small smile growing on his face. “Yeah, I’m ready.”

The walk to the restaurant was calm and serene; which helped your beating heart for just a moment. Then it made it worse. A lot worse.

Your hands were swinging together peacefully as you walked in silence, though you found the silence comfortable. You wanted to learn more about him, but you found this silence gave you more about him than things he might say instead. 

Regulus was a quiet man. He liked the silence, and didn’t like talking about himself much. Even still, he seemed caring. Like a man who cared too much but was never allowed to express it. 

You wanted to show him that it was okay to do that. 

Regulus held your hand as you both walked. He practiced the sidewalk rule. He bought you flowers, held doors for you, and did anything one could imagine for a partner to do. He was absolutely perfect, though you weren’t sure if that was a good thing or not. 

“Here we are.” Regulus said, smiling at you with an expression that just screamed love.

You wanted to see it every single day.

“It smells delicious.” you sighed softly, smiling as you inhaled the scent. It smelled like a lot of things. Bread, garlic, sauces that mingled so well together. “What do you think you’re going to get, Reggie?”

“Probably something light.” he muttered quietly. “Spaghetti?”

“We could share!” you said excitedly, arms wrapping around his. “We could have that scene from the Lady and the Tramp.”

“The what?” he asked curiously, looking over at you.

You grew a bright flush on your face as you realized what you just said, stammering as you looked down at the ground. He had a small smile on his face, though it also looked rather confused about your reference. “It’s, uh, it’s nothing. I mean, it was stupid.”

“I want to know.” he whispered, tilting your chin up to look up at him. “C’mon pretty girl, tell me.”

You flushed wildly at that, your stammering getting even worse as he spoke. How could one say things like that so casually? He was like a character from a romance book, or someone from your dreams. Someone you never thought you would meet in your life.

“It’s just a movie reference.” you mumbled quietly. 

Regulus smiled softly at that, caressing the line of your jaw. “What was the reference?”

“Well, the two love interests,” you muttered, stuttering out your words as you spoke. “They were eating pasta, and they had the same piece. So they, you know, ate the piece. Together?”

“You want to kiss through pasta?” he smiled knowingly, raising his eyebrow.

You pouted at him, crossing your arms. “You hush.”

“My lips are sealed.” he chuckled quietly, hand moving down to your waist as he guided you inside of the restaurant. “C’mon.”

You felt your face flush with every step as you both sat down, your fingers fidgeting with each other as you sat across from him. Your heart was beating out of your chest wildly, so fast that you were sure that it wasn’t forming any contraction.

The waiter came over and you ordered, though your date was mostly a blur because of your emotions. You felt everything all at once, warmth and fuzziness running through your veins.

He was so kind and caring. You got to talk about yourself. He talked a bit about himself, enough to keep you coming back for more. Maybe that was his plan all along, but you found yourself too hooked already to truly care about it.

There was something magical about him, something you couldn’t quite place. It was a feeling that felt so familiar to you, like the feeling of home.

Maybe that’s why you liked him from the beginning. Because he reminded you of home.

“Do you want a to go container for your food?” he asked quietly, pointing at your half eaten pasta. You had eaten quite a few breadsticks beforehand, which made your stomach rather full by the time the pasta came around.

“Maybe, yeah.” you smiled. “Thank you.”

He waved his hand mindlessly, calling the waiter over for a container and the check. You didn’t know how much it cost, since he took the check before you could even look at it.

“Are you sure you don’t want to split it?” you asked.

He shrugged simply. “I have money,” he said, putting cash into the folder. “Plus, I felt you’d want to focus your money on the bakery.”

You flushed brightly, smiling softly. “Thank you, Reggie. Really.”

“You're welcome.” he smiled. He grabbed your container after standing up, holding his hand out for you to hold. “Walk home?”

“Walk home.” you smiled softly.

Your walk home was absolutely perfect. The sun was setting down and created the perfect ambiance, although the air was still cool. The park was full of small children running around for their weekend play, images of your future ones running around with them.

God, you were being delusional.

But how could you not be? Regulus was the perfect man, the best one you had ever met. And so far, he had no issues with you either. He talked about himself when you asked, he let you talk about yourself whenever you wanted.

He was the definition of perfect.

Which is why you felt destroyed by the time you reached your apartment.

“I suppose this is goodbye for the night.” Regulus whispered softly, a small frown growing on his face.

“I think so.” you whispered. “I wish this night could last forever.”

He smiled softly, his hand squeezing yours. “Me

too.” he whispered. “But I read that having some time apart is healthy. I can stop by the bakery tomorrow, if you’re working?”

“That sounds amazing,” you giggled softly. “Thank you, Reggie. I really loved this date.”

He smiled softly, hand squeezing yours again. This time it was a bit harder. There was a blush growing on his face as well, though you decided not to comment on it.

“I did too.” he smiled softly at you.

You smiled softly, the both of you standing there for a couple minutes. There was no sound or movement that you felt could distract you from this moment, eyes locked on each other.

“I have to get back home.” he whispered under his breath, though he didn’t move a single inch.

“You do.” you nodded slowly, still holding onto his hand. “But I’ll see you tomorrow, right?”

“Of course.” he smiled softly, still standing there. He busted out into a small chuckle after a moment, looking down at the ground. “I know I said that it’s important for us. But I really don’t want to leave.”

“I don’t think you should.” you grumbled with a pout, before sighing. “But, you are right. We need our alone time each.”

He smiled softly, nodding. “We do.” he said.

Your hands finally separated as he looked up at you, his eyes looking down at your lips before up at your eyes again. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

You smiled softly at him, though it didn’t reach as far as it could. Did he not want to kiss you?

“Tomorrow.” you smiled.

He nodded, a large blush covering his face as he nodded you goodbye. His hands fidgeted with the other as he walked back, and you watched him walking away down the street.

You smiled softly. It was probably too soon to kiss him anyways. So, you made your way back inside your apartment.

The flowers were still on your kitchen counter when you walked in, the scent of the flowers permeating inside of the house. It reminded you of him.

You felt your purse buzz, most likely your phone going off. Your hands reached down to grab it, smiling brighter when you saw Regulus’ name.

REGULUS: I wanted you to know that I really loved our date today, Y/N. It was truly amazing.

REGULUS: I’m sorry for not being very expressive, or for not kissing you before I left.

REGULUS: I wish I did.

You felt your cheeks flushing as you read his messages, anticipation building higher and higher the longer you watched those three bubbles type.

YOU: i really enjoyed our date too!!! it was really nice, and refreshing? idk if that makes sense

YOU: and u can always come back for a kiss <3

You smirked proudly, feeling very proud at your successful teasing. 

You decided to change out of your dress, changing into a sweater and some shorts you had lying around. You were about to start a movie when your doorbell rang, feet carrying you to open it.

“Reggie?” you asked quietly, a small squeak coming out of your throat as his hands grabbed your face desperately. 

The kiss was perfect. Everything felt perfect with him, if you were honest. His hands were grabbing at your cheeks, thumbs caressing them gently as his lips hungrily kissed yours. 

“Jesu,” you chuckled breathlessly as he pulled back, taking a moment to catch your breath.

Regulus panted softly, looking down at your lips. “They felt better than I thought they would.”

“Really?” you asked breathlessly. Could he get any hotter?

“Really.” he smiled, kissing your forehead. “Thank you for that. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

You sighed dreamily, giving his lips one more peck. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

AUTHOR'S NOTE

thanks to everyone who's read this! i loaf all of u guys frfr (i have written so much that i have no regular people words)

AS ALWAYS - please like, comment, and reblog!

[fellshish]

genuinely, how do you write for yourself fully?

while i write for myself and post what i want etc. i always get suck on feeling kinda sad afterwards cause i barely get any interactions on tumblr, which i suppose isn’t that bad, but the 50/60 hits on ao3 and only like 5 kudos make me sad. i truly don’t think my writing is awful, like it’s a work in progress especially since english isn’t my native language, but i just always find myself a bit discouraged.

i feel you, anon. it’s rough out there. and it feels so random. like sure i have worked hard on developing my writing the past few years and on kind of building an audience, but i recognise there was also a whole lot of luck involved and i still remember what it was like to receive very little kudos and feeling sad and discouraged. (i will say the feelings of self doubt etc might never fully leave, but that’s a different matter altogether).

i’ll say this: ‘write for yourself’ as a slogan is an empty one if you fully think about it. the only person who truly writes for themself is the one who never publishes (and even they might entertain some kafka fantasies of being discovered after death). the core of ‘write for yourself’ however holds some truth: if you get joy from the act of writing more than the act of receiving positive feedback, you are invincible. if you write what you want to read, and you can look back on your progress? that’s a reason to be proud of yourself, no matter how much engagement you got. you created something out of nothing, you put something out in the world that nobody had put out there before. amazing, right?

but this is fandom. it’s all about engaging, and i don’t mean that in an annoying content creatory way but as a way of human connection. a part of the joy of sharing your art, for free, is making that connection. getting that comment, that kind tumblr reblog. it’s not shameful to admit you like compliments. every fanfic author has a praise kink.

both are true: we write for ourselves and for others. we live in a society etc

now that that’s out of the way, here are my thoughts on getting more readers, more comments, more kudos, and more reblogs — which i think is the core issue of your ask.

to start quite generally: there’s been a decline in reblogging fanworks - including fics - on tumblr, and i think we bear a collective responsibility here to make this a reblogging website again.

and of course your ao3 statistics depend on how big your fandom (still) is. on how good you tag your works, too, because that’s how a lot of readers find fics. on how good a summary you write, on how popular certain tropes or pairings are that you’re into, if you use a sufficient amount of paragraphs for easier reading etc.

also, you say your native language isn’t english? neither is mine. i found it helpful to work with beta readers, some of whom have now become close friends. they improved my english and the content of my fics, and we boost each other’s works. win-win.

i’ll give you the advice i was given a few fandoms ago: engage, too. by leaving comments on other writers’ works, you can build friendships and might get them to click your ao3 name too. by joining discords and reading the fics of the writers there, or by reading a tumblrina’s fic and reblogging it with kind tags, or by signing up for a bang, by writing holiday themed fics if that inspires you, or a fic inspired by an artwork, … basically, by engaging in fandom and making friends and having fun, but also: leaving comments will sometimes mean getting comments in return, too.

to be clear i’m not saying ‘engage with other fans to get comments’. no. engage to experience the absolute joy of fandom, and more kudos / comments / reblogs etc might become a fun side effect.

[theartofcollapse]

what about Alex Cabot x fem reader who just sweeps Alex off her feet with her words and charming demeanor and Alex just can’t get enough😫

reader is really a lover girl and maybe Alex isn’t used to that

ps: I love your writing you’re a great writer!!

a/n: thank you so much!🤍 and thank you for requesting. summary: read it above pairing: Alex Cabot x female reader warnings: none word count: 1K

masterlist

Princess Charming - Alex Cabot

The New York air was crisp as the late evening settled over the city. The buzz of Manhattan outside the courthouse windows was a constant hum, but Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot was immune to it. She was a woman who lived by her schedules, her rules, and her carefully curated walls. That is, until you waltzed into her world like a burst of sunshine cutting through the rain.

It started the first time you testified as a key witness for one of her cases. You were eloquent, sharp, and undeniably magnetic. Alex was used to dealing with hardened individuals and cut-and-dry cases. But you? You carried a warmth about you that made her almost forget she was in court. Almost.

The first time you spoke directly to her outside of cross-examination, she knew she was in big trouble.

“You were brilliant in there, Ms. Cabot,” you said as you lingered in the corridor after the trial. Your voice was smooth, warm, and honeyed, like it held secrets meant just for her.

Alex adjusted her glasses, unsure why she suddenly felt flustered. “Thank you. It’s, uh, part of the job.”

You smiled, tilting your head. “Still, doesn’t make it any less impressive. I’m not sure if I should be more in awe of your legal mind or the fact that you kept your composure while Benson and Stabler’s suspect nearly imploded on the stand.”

Alex tried to suppress a smile, but you caught the faint quirk of her lips.

“You seem to have a knack for making people unravel,” she retorted, her tone teasing but professional.

You shrugged, stepping closer, just enough to close the gap while still respecting her space. “Maybe. But I’d much rather spend my time unraveling mysteries like you.”

Alex blinked, and for the first time in years, she felt her polished exterior crack just a little.

From then on, every interaction with you became a challenge for Alex to maintain her trademark poise. You had a way of slipping in compliments that weren’t overtly flirtatious but still left her heart skipping beats. You’d offer to grab her coffee during breaks or drop by her office with case updates that weren’t necessary, just excuses to see her.

Alex wasn’t used to being pursued so openly, and she certainly wasn’t used to the kind of unabashed affection you offered. Yet she couldn’t help but look forward to the way your eyes lingered a little too long on her or the way you’d always find something genuine to compliment her about.

One evening, after a long day in court, Alex found herself exiting the courthouse with you by her side. It had become somewhat of a ritual.

“I don’t know how you do it,” you said, turning to her. “Balancing the weight of justice, holding your head high, always staying ten steps ahead. It’s extraordinary.”

Alex stopped walking and turned to face you fully. “It’s not extraordinary,” she said softly, her usual confidence momentarily replaced by something raw. “It’s… exhausting.”

Your expression softened, and without hesitation, you reached out to gently touch her arm. “Then let me be the person to remind you just how incredible you are when you forget.”

Her breath hitched. No one had ever said anything like that to her before. People admired her, respected her, even feared her. But you looked at her like she was something precious. Like she was worth more than the cases she won or the sharp edges she projected.

“I’m not very good at… letting people in,” she admitted quietly.

“That’s okay,” you said, your voice as steady and warm as ever. “I’m good at sticking around. And I don’t mind earning your trust if that’s what it takes.”

Alex couldn’t help the small, genuine smile that broke across her face. It was rare for her, but with you, it felt easy.

Over time, you made good on your promise. You became her safe haven in a world full of chaos. Whether it was bringing her takeout during late nights in her office or sending her playful texts to make her laugh during grueling trials, your presence became something she craved.

And Alex? She found herself doing things she never thought she’d do. Leaving work early to meet you for dinner, letting you distract her with ridiculous stories when she was stressed, even falling asleep on your couch after watching an old movie she pretended not to enjoy.

It terrified her how easily you swept her off her feet. But it also thrilled her.

One night, as you stood on her apartment balcony overlooking the city, she joined you, a glass of wine in her hand. You turned to her with that soft smile that always managed to disarm her.

“You know,” you said, “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite like you.”

Alex raised an eyebrow, amused. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“Not at all,” you replied. “It’s just unexpected. You’re this powerhouse in court, but when you let your guard down? You’re gentle. Kind. Beautiful.”

She looked at you, her heart racing. “You make it sound like I’m some sort of romantic hero.”

You laughed, and the sound made her chest feel warm. “You are to me, Alex. You don’t have to believe it, but I’ll spend every day proving it to you if I have to.”

For the first time in years, Alex felt her walls crumble entirely. Setting her glass down, she took your hand in hers and pressed a kiss to your knuckles.

“You already have,” she whispered, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions she felt.

And with you by her side, Alex realized she didn’t have to face the world alone anymore.

[uncanny-tranny]

So, so many queer people, I've noticed, can put themselves in precarious situations wherein they feel accepted by people and the queer person would do anything for those who accept them, even if it is harmful to them, even if it is scary. It feels like you are indebted to those who accept you because you know that isn't the case for every person you meet. To so many queer people, they are afraid to upset others who accept them (or "accept" them) because they are so scared of rejection. This is completely human and completely normal. But that doesn't mean you deserve to be taken advantage of. You deserve to be treated as an equal because you inherently are an equal - to everybody.

Please know that the people who truly, truly respect and care for you will understand when you can't do everything. They will still respect you, because you are a human being. Saying "no" is neutral at worst. You deserve to honour yourself, too.

[skitskatdacat63]

Re: this post (since you can't reblog with videos)

I've been obsessively listening to this piece and have progressed to watching this recording in awe. AND oh my god, the cymbals player's reaction to getting his time to shine is SOOOO CUTE 🥹

[cookinguptales]

pmdd has you crying in bed like "and the fact that I cry for like three days every month is another reason why no one will ever love me!!!"

patently ridiculous illness

[a-sketchy]

the thing about yosuke’s shittiness around here (up close and personal, the campout) is that the vast majority of it isn’t doing literally anything for his character. i completely think yosuke’s shittiness is important to his character, but it’s by and large reflections of his own insecurities and flaws. he’s insecure about his masculinity and sexuality, he’s lame, he’s selfish, he’s obsessed with the idea of women, his mouth moves faster than his brain, he doesn’t like himself, and he cares way too much about the societal ideal of ‘normal’. but it’s really important that he’s self-aware! he knows when the things he says are shitty, he knows he’s lame, he knows he’s selfish, he knows he’s putting up a front of being carefree and normal. but there’s absolutely no self awareness here, there’s no recognizing he went too far and apologizing the next day, there’s no regret, there’s not even any self-deprecation, and there’s absolutely no compassion or empathy like he has in serious moments. a lot of what he says is just mean for meanness’s sake, in an execution incongruous with previous behaviour. it’s not even funny!

[itsalwaysdark]

i like overthink everything now it makes me feel so dumb. i used 2 be able to just talk 2 ppl but nowadays every single thing im like Is that actually going to make them hate me. Yes probably. and then i just dont respond which makes ppl hate me. this is how it is

[blonde-and-cat-suc]

If Adora and Catra both did crap to hurt each other then why do I never see comics abt Adora feeling like crap and feeling bad for hurting Catra

[sapphicautistic]

if you write a book with a cool idea but you do a bad job of it somebody should get to just take your exact idea and try again but better. actually wait even if you do a good job and it makes me want to read another take on the exact thing somebody should get to do that too

[cowboy-robooty]

imma be real with u guys i actually unironically love danganronpa but only the source content i hate 99.99999% of fan content so fucking much.

LISTEN THIS IS A HETALIA BLOG NONE OF US ARE BETTER THAN DANGANRONPAERS AND EVERYONE WHO IS UNAWARE NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND DANGANRONAPERS TREAT KOKICHI THE WAY HETALIA FANS TREAT ENGLAND. EXCEPT WORSE. SOMEHOW 100000x WORSE

[omgsomeonesomewhereonearth]

Link to the artice: https://www.vqronline.org/essays-articles/2018/03/male-glance

[cescalr]

he was having such a time of it (bad)

[novelhater]

currently reading a bl that i don't care very much for but i keep hitting next chapter because the readers all vocally loathe the ml yet all still diligently show up in the comments section to rant about him every single time like they're clocking into work. you hate him so much but you're still here...