#soulmates rediscovering one another

[sobeautifullyobsessed]

<He couldn't help but laugh at the question because he knew it sounded just as absurd to her as it did to him whenever he thought about it. He shook his head a little afterwards and took her hand in his own but did not answer for the moment as he contemplated his answer and what would be the correct way to word it. There were a lot of variables to consider in this explanation, but he wanted to make it as easy as he could for the moment so as to not confuse her more than she already had become.>

My family ... wasn't really much of anything that was worth talking about. Disappoinment and...tragedy. But that's not a subject for now. Anyone from anywhere can technically come from "magical background", should they choose to take the time to learn and open their minds it. I myself - as you have probably figured out by now - used to be a doctor and in that stage of my life I had no interest in metaphysical knowledge or abilities. But then...well, life finally broke down the walls of the "perfect life" I was building for myself.

<He smiled as he watched her look at the surroundings while he spoke, until the last part had drawn her attention back to him. Slowly, he held up his free hand to show her the scars she had noted on them earlier which were now more of a deep red than they were before due to the coolness of the afternoon air settling in on the Sanctum. He was still self-conscious about them, even years after the accident, but this was his Soulmate, the woman he loved before than even life itself. And if he trusted anyone to not judge him or their history, it was this beautiful woman in front of him.>

I was in a car accident that left me no longer able to perform my job, I was told of a place called Kamar-Taj, where I would be able to gain the ability to use my hands again. It was there that I studied - and continue to learn on many occasions - about the Mystic Arts. It was there that I met my two teachers: The Ancient One, who we lost to battle, and Damon Renner.

<He gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear as he looked into her eyes while he spoke once more. He thought about it and began to realize things now that he hadn't been emotionally prepared for and it made him look away.>

He's the one I was getting the medical books to help when I found you. He's also the one who sent his familiar to me to lead me to your side. He...just lost his Soulmate to a very large battle and is very badly wounded. Of course...of course he would lead me to the one I'm meant to be with.

@sobeautifullyobsessed

*Our paths to here and now couldn’t be more different! Beauty’s heart, connected to Stephen’s through numerous lifetimes, discerned what he left unspoken. An unhappy childhood, marked by a painful loss. A family that may have been at odds with his sensibilities. A loneliness which he sought to fill with a brilliant career and the financial success it granted him. And then a sudden, tragic turn that changed his world—or rather, set him on the path he had been born to travel. She had to wonder if, in all that time, anyone had given him even a bit of unconditional love—whereas her cup of such had been filled to the brim. Surely this was by Design, and she was meant to bring that gift to Stephen’s life.*

I wish I could’ve known you then, Stephen. Not to change the course of your life, but perhaps to soften its edges. I think I had a luxury of kindness given me that I’d have been very happy to share with you…

*Beauty’s eyes reckoned the reddened weals that ran the full length of his fingers, and the slight tremor as Stephen offered her an unforgiving view of them. Even scarred, there was an undeniable elegance to his hand, and she could easily envision his confident dexterity as a surgeon. A mighty blow, that must have been—and his bones must ache as those of her arthritic grandmother’s. Her voice was hushed in soft consideration.*

Do they hurt, Stephen? Can your magic dull the pain? How…how do you manage? And…and how can I help? *she lowered her gaze a moment, carefully arriving at her next observation* Your hands...they’re beautiful despite your injuries, you know. Like something a great sculptor might have made. Those scars just can’t erase their grace.

*He extended that same hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear--a simple enough act, but eloquent in its own way, for its gentleness and familiarity. Something like uncertainty seemed to flicker in his eyes a moment before he went on to explain about his teacher and the loss he had endured. Moving Beauty to her next, natural suggestion.*

But about your friend, Damon—if he’s been badly injured, shouldn’t you be seeing to him now? I don’t want to keep you from where you belong, Stephen. I mean, we’ve lived our whole lives so far without even knowing each other. I can wait whatever time it will take for you to do right by him. I promise I’ll be here when your duty to your teacher and friend is done.

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

[hornyfor-redacted-onmain]

Date Day Pt. 2

Pieces of My Heart - Chapter 17 Stray Kids OT8 x reader, Soulmate AU Trigger Warning: Midly suggestive comment made, creepy behavior, and technical assault (reader gets grabbed)

Masterlist | Next Part

You got a message as you were getting ready. Having just finished taking a shower, you checked your phone to see that it was Sophie, who had sent you some memes and a sweet message asking how you were. You answered truthfully telling her you were good but still getting used to a new place. After a second to consider it, you sent her a photo of your two favorite outfit ideas with a question mark.

She answered back immediately.

Sophie oooh, date night? the first one looks really good, the second one is a little too revealing let me know how it goes :) Y/N yeah, first date. kinda nervous wish me luck!

The flood of sweet messages that followed made you smile. You took the outfit she had chosen (which included a beautiful soft sweater that just so happened to match Felixs’) and put it on. You finish getting ready just in time to hear a knock on the door, and you grab your keys and phone before opening the door.

You pause, and then hold up a finger. “Give me a second.”

For your birthday a year prior, you had been given a polaroid camera. The first few weeks you had been obsessed, taking pictures of everything and anything just to shake the polaroids out and feel cool doing it, but eventually you had gotten over it. The camera had been rediscovered in the process of packing your bags, and you had brought it along on a whim.

The sight waiting for you at the front door felt like the perfect opportunity to use it.

Felix and Hyunjin were both caught off guard when you snapped the first photo, but as you shake out the photo, they quickly get excited. They both pose for the second photo without you even having to ask. You hold up the first polaroid as the second one develops, showing it to the two boys with a smile as they crowd next to you to take a look.

Breathtakingly beautiful, and yet somehow homey, you were surprised that Hyunjin had toned down his date outfit compared to what he would normally wea. He had picked an all-black outfit that wouldn’t stand out so easily but still managed to make him look like a hundred bucks. He had his hair slicked back, and you knew his face would mostly be covered with a mask while out in public, but in the photo you could appreciate his model good looks in full.

Felix somehow managed to look ethereal, even with wide eyes of surprise. His mouth was slightly parted, having caught sight of the camera just before you took the photo. His hair was slightly messy, freckles barely seen with the washed-out coloring of the polaroid, but he looked just as beautiful as always, even though he was slightly blurry.

“Yah, a little warning would have been nice,” Felix said, even though he smiled down at the photo.

Hyunjin was already looking at the second. “Ah, this one came out so good. Do you mind if I take a photo of it?”

“Don’t go posting any photos on social media just yet. You don’t want fans to recognize you,” You warned.

“I know,” Hyunjin said, pulling out his phone. “I’ll post it later.”

You hear another snap and look back at Felix just in time to see him shaking out one last polaroid, and you roll your eyes. He smirks.

“Had to get one of you too. Especially when you look so breathtaking.”

“Hmm, they’d look so pretty in a photo shoot, wouldn’t they,” Hyunjin muttered, glancing at you out of the corner of his eye as he takes a photo of the polaroid. “All the beautiful clothes they could wear.”

Felix eyes the photo he took of you. “I think they’d look prettier if they weren’t wearing anything at all.”

“Felix!”

“Sorry babe,” He said, not looking sorry at all.

-0-0-

You weren’t normally a big fan of museums. The paintings were pretty enough, but they never really spoke to you the same way you assumed it did to more artistic people, like Hyunjin. Still, the instillation that he had brought you two for your date was not only the most colorful thing you had ever had the pleasure of walking through, but somehow also very open in its meaning.

You noticed it from the very first room you three walked in. It was covered in colorful strings, which at first just looked pretty, but from certain points in the room the strings would line up just right enough for an image to form. You spotted a butterfly first, and then what looked like a leaf.

Felix waved you over from the furthest corner, joined by two teenagers and a family of three.

“It’s the cocoon. I’m guessing that there’s a caterpillar somewhere,” he told you.

You looked around until you spotted another small group of people in a spot you hadn’t been to before. After pointing it out to him, the two of you walked over hand in hand to find that it was indeed the spot where the strings formed a caterpillar, and he grinned, leading you around the room to watch the entire process take place. You met back up with Hyunjin at the door to the next room, and he eyed your joined hands with a smirk.

“How are you liking the colors?” He asked Felix.

Felix looked back at the strings with wide eyes. “I’m more surprised they managed to form different images with the same strings.”

“Hmm, I think you’ll like this one too.”

Hyunjin led the two of you into the next room. The walls and sectioned off parts of the floor had what you assumed were cotton, only they were dyed in soft pastel colors that matched the soft pastel ombre of the walls and floors. The cotton in the sectioned of portions had small entrances, where workers would allow small groups of 3 or 4 people walk across the ground barefoot. Felix let out a small sound in surprise.

“Wow. It’s like the colors are … only kind of there, but still there. So white.”

You hummed. “I think it’s supposed to be the sky. Look, it’s mostly blue, red, orange, and pink. It’s like a sunset.”

“The cotton is the clouds,” Hyunjin agreed, taking Felix’s other hand. “Want to go walk on the clouds with me?”

Felix nodded, and the three of you made it over to the sectioned off portion. You had to wait a few minutes in the line to walk across, and the worker warned you all to walk slowly and to be careful, but once you felt the ‘clouds’ under your feet you knew that it was worth the wait. You were also immediately sure that it wasn’t cotton you were walking on.

“It’s so soft!” Felix exclaimed, wiggling his toes.

The boys waddled ahead of you, Hyunjin even reaching down to touch whatever you were walking on with his own hands in awe.

It really did feel like you were walking on a cloud.

The second installation wasn’t as interactive as the first two. It consisted of multiple pop-art paintings hanged around the room, and Hyunjin was more than eager to explain some of them to Felix. You, however, made your way around the room quickly, and with a quick thumbs up from the boys to show that it was okay, you advanced to the next room by yourself.

This one truly stumped you. You weren’t sure what it was, no matter how long you looked at it. It was a large pane of glass that nearly split the room in two, and splatters of paint littered across the glass. There were lots of dark blue and green peeking out in spots, but most of the glass was covered in bright red splatters, like someone had launched buckets of paint right at it.

You must have spent a long time staring at the art piece trying to understand because Hyunjin and Felix caught up to you, Hyunjin wrapping an arm around your shoulders.

“It’s kind of sad, isn’t it,” he murmured.

You blinked. “I don’t get it.”

He pointed out the green and blue splotches on the edge. “It’s supposed to be the earth. The blue and green is the planet, and the red represents … well, I guess you could take it literally as blood covering the earth. But I think it does a good job of representing violence, pain, anger, evil. Its pretty open to interpretation.”

“Oh,” you said, nodding in understanding. “Huh, I never would have thought of that.”

Felix rolled his eyes. “He’s just reading the information packet we were handed at the entrance.”

“You mean the one I stuffed in my bag and haven’t looked at since we got here?” You said sheepishly, reaching for the now crumbled paper.

Hyunjin laughed.

Felix began to wander off towards the other side of the room, but Hyunjin stayed with you as you started to read through the packet, learning about the artists of each piece and the meaning behind them. Hyunjin wrapped his arms around your waist and rested his chin against your shoulder, slowly rocking the two of you side to side.

You giggled. “I can’t read if you keep moving me.”

“You don’t need that anyways. I’ll explain everything to you,” he assured you.

“I’m sure you’ll do a better job anyways,” You said, giving up and deciding you’ll finish the packet back at home. “I love the way you explain things. I love the way you see things.”

“I just appreciate all the little things, the beauty in life. It makes all the big things that much more meaningful.”

“Like what?”

He pressed his mask up against your cheek in leu of a kiss, and you leaned back into his embrace. “Like you.”

“You’re such a romantic.”

“Hmm.”

The two of you stood there for another minute, softly rocking back and forth. You closed your eyes and let his warmth wash over you, the feel of his skin on yours, his chest expanding and retracting as he breathed, his soft humming in your ear.

You smiled. “You mean the world to me.”

He just held you tighter in response.

-0-0-

You had once again managed to wander ahead of the boys. You decided to wait for them in a quitter section, sitting down on a bench and scrolling through your phone as you waited. A family walked through, their chatter filling the small room, but they eventually moved on, and you took a second to observe the painting in front of you.

It was pretty, not as colorful as some of the other pieces you had seen today, but you imagined it had some deeper meaning you didn’t quite get.

A guy a little bit older than you sits down on the bench next to you, and you quickly move you bag closer to your body, scooting to the side with a small nod. The two of you sit in silence, looking at the painting, before he suddenly speaks up.

“It’s amazingly intricate, isn’t it,” he says, voice deep.

“Oh, I guess,” You murmur.

He tilts his head, still staring at the painting. “I’m in awe of the technique. Don’t think I could replicate something that beautiful even if I tried.”

You hummed in agreement.

There was a moment of silence, and then he spoke up again, this time turning to look at you fully. “What do you think about it?”

“Oh, I’m not much of an art person,” You explained. “I’m actually just waiting for someone.”

The man narrows his eyes, nods his head for a few seconds, and then shoots you a blinding smile. “Are you a foreigner?”

You hesitate. “Yes?”

“Your Korean is very good.”

“Oh, thank you.”

“You know, foreigners usually learn a lot from sleeping with Korean men.”

He said the words so nonchalantly, so bluntly, that it took you of guard for a second. You couldn’t even find yourself getting angry or scandalized, because you were just so in shock that someone would even say something like that out loud. It was only then that you acknowledged how uncomfortable he was making you.

You grimaced, standing up. “Right. I think I’m just going to-“

“Yah, leaving so soon?” He says, grabbing your arm as you try to pass by.

The room was empty. There was nobody around, and there was a strange man grabbing you, and it took everything you had not scream. Maybe you should scream. Should you scream? Should you hit him? You began to panic, not sure what to do.

His grip tightened. “Hey, there’s no need to be afraid. I just want to talk.”

“Let go of me.”

You tried to sound authoritative, but you voice wavered. Your heart was pounding in your chest, and it felt like someone was squeezing it. You try to pull your arm away, but the sudden recoil of the action only has you falling towards the man. The second his other hand touches your hip, you jolt past your hesitation and slam straight into outrage.

“Let go of me!” You yell, pushing against his chest with all your might.

The action forces him to let go, and you stumble back. You’re tempted to run, and for a split second you almost do, but then the loud laugh of a kid gains the attention of the man.

Two kids run into the room, followed by a very anxious mother trying to get them to quiet down. The woman and kids seem to be part of a group, and the small room slowly starts to fill with people. You turn around to look for the man, but he’s already gone.

The kids laugh loudly again.

You rush towards the bathroom as you feel your eyes starting to sting with tears, anger making your body feel hot and fuzzy. It wasn’t until you were in the empty room that you realized your bag was vibrating. You pull out your phone, eyes widening at the 4 missed calls and dozen texts Chan had sent you. Before you can read any of them, he’s calling again.

“Are you okay?” Is the first thing he says the moment you answer.

“I’m okay,” You say instinctively, but then you pause. “I … actually, I don’t know if I am okay.”

“What happened. Where are you?”

“I’m still at the museum, I’m fine … physically. It’s- there was a guy, he said something gross, and he grabbed me. He’s gone now, but it just kind of freaked me out.”

You looked down to your arm, which felt strangely cold from the man’s touch. You felt slimy just thinking about his hands on you.

“Where are the boys?” Chan questioned, and you put him on speaker so you could wash your hands.

“I don’t know. I was waiting for them, and this creep just walked up to me.” You took a deep breath. “I think I’m okay. I just need a minute.”

“Take as long as you need sweetheart.”

You scrubbed your arm with soap in hopes of elevating the disgust, but the harder you scrubbed the more your skin began to sting, so you gave up. You dried off and took a second to just stare at the mirror. The anger was still there, so was the fear, but mostly you just felt tired. You shook your head, picking your phone back up.

“I think I’m good. I’m really sorry I freaked you out,” you told Chan.

“Don’t ever apologize for something that isn’t your fault.” He let out a sigh. “Are you sure the guy is gone?”

You peeked your head out of the bathroom. “Yeah, I don’t see him. I think he got spooked by the other people who showed up.”

Chan swore on the other end, in both Korean and English. “Do you think you can find Hyunjin or Felix?”

“Yeah, I’ll look for them. I’m sorry you had to feel that. I’m sure you’re busy.” You wandered back to the room you had just been in, but there was no sign of the boys. “I can call you back later.”

“I mean absolutely no offense to you sweetheart, but you must be out of your goddamn mind if you think I’m hanging up right now.”

You let out a small laugh. “Fair enough.”

It was comforting, knowing Chan was on the phone as you made your way around the museum. Even though you were sure you weren’t in any real danger, and the rooms you walked through were full of people, you knew deep down that you wouldn’t have felt as safe as you did now if Chan wasn’t there, even if it was just him breathing on the other end.

You finally spotted Hyunjin first, letting out a sigh of relief. “I found them.”

Hyunjin looked up with a smile as you ran up to him, but his smile quickly dropped when he saw your face. “Are you okay?”

“Let me talk to him,” Chan said, and you quickly handed over the phone.

Felix wandered over when he spotted the two of you. He noticed the tense atmosphere between the two of you, and he placed a hand on your arm in worry as Hyunjin’s face began to pull down in worry and anger.

“What’s going on?”

You licked your lips and took a deep breath. “Some guy grabbed me, I freaked out. Chan felt it.”

“Wait, some guy grabbed you?” Felix dropped his hand and looked you over in worry. He gently lifted your arm in shock, and you realized that there was a small red mark from where you had been grabbed. “Oh my god, are you okay?”

“It’s fine, I’m just pissed he got away.”

“I’m going to kill him,” Hyunjin said, and he quickly said something in Korean so fast you couldn’t even begin to understand. “Hyung, I’m calling the cops.”

“The hell you are,” you exclaimed, grabbing the phone out of his hand. “Are you insane?”

“This guy hurt you,” Hyunjin argued.

“That guy is a creep, I won’t argue with you on that, but he didn’t hurt me. He grabbed my arm a little tight, but I’ve been hurt worse by walking into a table.”

“He put his hands on you.” Felix said.

“And what do you plan on doing? Looking for him? Yelling at him? You don’t even know if he’s still here!”

“I’ll have the museum security find out who he is. I’ll track him down myself if I have to,” Hyunjin said.

“Right sure, I can see the headlines now. Stray Kids Hyunjin arrested for attacking a man who was a creep to his soulmate.” You smacked his shoulder. “What happened to keeping a low profile?”

Felix grabbed your hand. “Baby, this guy should have never touched you. What he did was not okay-“

“I know. Believe me, I know.” You interrupted. “But he’s gone now. And I’m not going to let you guys expose yourselves just to … defend my honor. He didn’t do anything that would warrant more than a slap on the wrist. It’s not worth it.”

You could tell neither one was satisfied, but something on your face must have convinced them, because they quickly conceded. You only then remembered you were still on a call with Chan, and you quickly brought the phone back up to your face and asked if he was still there.

“I’m still here,” Chan said softly.

“You get all that?”

He sighed. “Yeah.”

“I’m hanging up on you now.”

“Please, be safe.”

You smiled. “I will.”

The words ‘I love you’ burned on the tip of your tongue, begging to be released, but you swallowed them down.

It didn’t feel right.

Not yet.

-0-0-

Even though you tried to encourage the boys to finish the exhibit, they unanimously agreed to cut the date short, and you were secretly relieved. You held Hyunjin’s hand tight as you walked past the security guards, knowing he would be tempted despite your agreement, and managed to make your way out into the warm afternoon sun without any issues.

You were relieved that the boys hadn’t been recognized yet.

“You want to go home?” Felix asked, and you thought about it for a second.

Now that you were out of the museum and breathing in fresh air, the idea of cutting the date short and ending it on such a bitter ending felt wrong. You shook your head.

“What do you want to do?” He asked.

You pursed your lips. “Are there any parks nearby?”

“Hmm, there’s one two blocks away,” Hyunjin said, already looking up the directions on his phone. Then he tilted his head. “If you’re willing to walk a little further, we’re not that far from the Han river.”

“Oh! I’ve always wanted to go to the Han river!”

“Then lets go,” Felix said, eyes crinkling.

You walked in between the two, holding hands with both of them and swinging them back and forth. You felt carefree, a nice change from the exhaustion you had felt earlier, and the wind blowing through your hair swept away all your worries. Even so, you could tell neither boy was completely over what had happened.

You pulled your hands together, forcing them to hold each other’s hands as you moved behind them, giving them a big smile. “You two look good together.”

Hyunjin snorted, wrapping his arm around Felix. “Maybe I’ll steal him all for myself.”

Not one to be outdone, Felix grabbed Hyunjin by the back of the neck. “Who says I won’t come willingly?”

Hyunjin jolted back at that, and the two of them started laughing. You raised an eyebrow, noticing the way their eyes darted to each other and then back to you. You patted Felix on the shoulder as you moved past them, skipping to the corner of the street.

“Come on lover boys. You two can flirt with each other later.”

The three of you continued your walk with less tension than before, the events of the museum only a blip of an otherwise nice day.

Well, relatively nice.

It was hot out, as summer was starting to get closer. The sun was shining bright, and by the time you guys found a nice spot near the river and under the shade, you were sweating. While it wasn’t unbearingly hot, Hyunjin’s offer to get ice cream was a blessing.

He told you he would back quickly, smooching your cheek messily as he left.

Felix decided to wait with you as the other dancer left, leaning back on his elbows and closing his eyes to enjoy the cool breeze. There were kids playing and laughing, couples walking at the riverside, and even dogs running in the grass. It was peaceful.

“I hate it, you know,” Felix said.

You tilted your head in confusion. “What?”

“Having to hide this.” He opened his eyes to look at you. “Not being able to be with you so publicly.”

You eyed his mask still on his face, pulled down only slightly below his nose. Any normal person would have taken it off by now, but even though Hyunjin had led you two towards a fairly secluded area, it was still too risky for his face to be seen in public.

Or rather, it was too risky for him to be seen in public with you.

You looked down. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault,” Felix was quick to reassure you. “It’s what I signed up for when I decided to become an Idol.”

“You still deserve your privacy,” You muttered.

“Would you have done something if we weren’t idols?”

You didn’t have to ask him what he was talking about.

It was silent for a second, wind blowing through the trees above you. Leaves and flowers began to fall around the two of you, littering the grass between you. You grabbed a flower, twirling it around your fingers as you contemplated Felix’s words.

“Maybe.” At the way his face fell, you shifted closer. “Hey, I’m not saying that your idol status was the only reason I didn’t want to get the authorities involved. Like I said before, I doubt they would have been able to do anything more than chastise the guy anyways.”

Felix sighed. “It still doesn’t seem right.”

“It isn’t. But I’m okay, really.”

You reached over to hold his hand, and he gave it a tight squeeze. When he turned his head to look at you, you were already looking at him, the wind blowing hair around and blocking your view for a second. Felix’s eyes shifted to the side, and you turned to see what he was looking at, but you didn’t see anything. You turned back in time to see him pulling his mask down.

His lips were on yours for only a split second, but it was enough to make your face heat up. Felix pressed his forehead to yours, whispering against your lips.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

You smiled, letting your lips press together again. “With you? Always.”

He didn’t say anything else after that. Hyunjin didn’t mention your close proximity when he returned, simply handing over your ice cream with soft eyes.

“Careful, it’s starting to melt,” he warned you, but it was too late. A glob of ice cream had slid off the cone and hit your fingers.

He gratefully handed you a napkin afterwards, and you laughed when his own ice cream began to melt onto his hand as well. Felix accepted his own ice cream more carefully, managing to keep his hands clean.

Without thinking too much about it, you licked the ice cream that had fallen onto your fingers before wiping the area with the napkin. You then licked around the cone edge to catch the melting ice cream drops and avoid more of a mess, finishing off with a proper taste of your actual ice cream cone. You looked up to catch both boys watching you with familiar looks.

You snapped your fingers at them, instinctively speaking in english. “Hey, mind out of the gutter. I don’t put out on the first date.”

Felix laughed at your statement, replying in korean. “Damn, there go my plans for the night.”

“Wait, what did you she say?”

The two of you laughed at the confused look on Hyunjin’s face.

Yeah. You were okay.

-0-0-

“Walking me to my door, like proper gentleman,” You teased.

Hyunjin grinned, slipping the ball cap he had used out on the streets and running his hands through his hair. “Maybe we’re just hoping for the end of the date kiss.”

“So I’ve been told,” You said, giving Felix a side eye. “You seem awfully sure of yourself.”

You turned to open your door, planning on teasing them a little bit more, but Hyunjin pressed himself up against you, leaning on his arms resting above you. You turned back to face him properly, flicking his nose.

“Did you need something?”

He puckered his lips in response, and you laughed. You conceded, reaching up to wrap your arms around his neck and pull him down for a kiss. His own hands dropped down to your waist, his touch warm and comforting as he kissed you softly and slowly. When he pulled away, you were surprised to see him looking almost sad, and you watched his eyes flicker down to your arm where the man had grabbed you.

While it wasn’t noticeable to anyone who didn’t know better, the skin was red and irritated. There was a chance it might bruise slightly.

You tucked your finger under Hyunjin’s chin and lifted his face so you could look into his eyes. “Hey, forget about it. Forget about him.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there,” he said.

“It wasn’t your fault,” You assured him. “Don’t let the actions of one horrible man ruin our perfect date.”

“Perfect, huh?”

“Ahh, don’t let it go to your head,” You droned, pressing another kiss to his lips.

To both of your surprise, the moment Hyunjin pulled away Felix was there, pushing you back against the door and kissing you so hard it made you see stars. He practically devoured you, your breath stolen and lips tingling when he finally pulled away. His eyes were dilated, mouth red and slick with saliva that he licked away, cupping your cheeks in his hands.

“Will you be my girlfriend?” He asked you, and you couldn’t help but laugh.

“What happened to taking it slow?”

“Screw slow.”

Later that night, as you were getting ready for bed, Hyunjin sent a message to the group chat. It was a picture of you and Felix kissing at your front door, and he sent another message after.

‘Nothing in that museum compares to seeing these two together. This is real art.’

[herejusttosufferalong]

Sometimes I even wonder if they ever confessed their love for one another. I always believed something happened between the two of them in Rio (at least a make-out session). However, they have never just been professionals or simply friends (with butt-pinching and holding hands come on), so they could have remained flirtatious without doing anything bold. Nevertheless, we've seen more cheekiness and intimacy since then. Just in case, maybe they never kissed outside of the series, but somehow they became more intimate, as L mentioned they started getting ready together, dancing for Shoes… More Shoes (as you said L, this is your soulmate). I can even imagine they slept in the same bed without doing anything (strong soldiers).

The love glow-up that all of us have witnessed might have come from them admitting their feelings to themselves, but not to each other, waiting for the other to make a move. On the last day of the promo tour, when they were in KISS, Luke agreed that if you're scared of what might happen if you confess your love, just stay in the friendzone, and Nic said: no, chase down the carriage for a while. Maybe that’s why he stayed with A, and the SATC video was shady, but not in the way we (I) thought. That could explain it because we all know he can't stay single for long. Even during the London premiere, they were always looking for each other's hands, but they looked so miserable and uncomfortable at the same time.

Obviously, he should have made the first move—not just because he’s the man, but because someone broke N's heart and made her cynical about love because of that she build high walls around her soul. Maybe he had never been in a position where he had to try that hard. As we all know, L rediscovered SM and season 4 will start shooting (luckily—can you imagine if this had been the end?), so everything will work out as it should.

So literally, guys, don't compromise yourself. Wait for the right person because you’re worth it.

.

[itsnotaphasemomitsanobsession]

My favorite fics of all time

For my birthday this year (I'm turning 30!!!) I thought what better way to celebrate the day I was born but also ✨ the day all my favorite characters died ✨ by giving you all some good fics! Happy May 2nd!!!

Running on Air (T): An oldy but a goody! I remember reading this a couple years ago when I rediscovered my love for drarry! I had spent my formative years on fanfic dot net obsessing over drarry and this brought it all back in one fell swoop.

Way down we go (T): I stumbled upon this one 2 years ago and I've been rereading it ever since. It's silly and lovely and they are in Alabama. What more could be said about it? A fantastic and beautiful story and I love it so much.

A big black sky (M): if I had to pick only one fic to read for the rest of my life, it would be this one. I love everything about this fic. It's sweet and loving and kind and wholesome and so sad and just wretchedly the best thing I've read. I reread this at least 2 times a year. And every reread it just gets better and better!

A pulled down shade (M): this one is newer to my list but I can already say this is a great and phenomenal fic! The author put their soul into this fic you can really tell, the effort and the love and the hard work. Truly an amazing read and an amazing story!!!

Nice things (M): I'm a sucker for an eighth year fic and this one is very good. I love a pot smoking draco something about it really gives me the vibes I don't know why. This whole fic is wholesome and it deserves so much love!

You've got the antidote for me (M): listen. Soulmate fics. I need more of them okay? I need so many. I love them so much they make me physically ill. Read this it's so good and sweet with a touch of sad.

Burn the witch (E): big fan of the bodyguard trope! This one also has Scorpius in it and I love when Scorpius is in things it makes me happy every time! But a good fic, very interesting plot and the characterization is very good and the ocs are super good too!!

I was late (you were early) (E): one of those "if we both aren't married in 10 years" fics and it's so good! There's also one in draco's pov I'll find you again (I always do)! It's a very cute story and I loved it a whole lot!

Everything a word can mean (T): a short and sweet little ficlet! It's of course a soulmate fic where they have names that their soulmates call them written somewhere on their bodies. And Harry's just so happens to be savior.

10:37 PM on the Floor of the Seventh Floor Corridor Near the Dancing Trolls (G): another short and sweet ficlet! Takes place during 6th year outside of the room of requirement! Very good and I love the characterization and I enjoy the authors take on this part of the books!

Say anything (M): professors au is one of my favorite aus!!!! And mic it with a French speaking draco and a secretly French speaking Harry! It only gets better!!

Little Deaths and How to Avoid Them (or Draco Malfoy's Guide to Stop Dying and Start Living Instead) (T): I loved this fic a whole lot and really enjoyed the dynamic between Harry and Ginny in his oddly enough. I thought it was a very real and thought out fic that also at the same time was wholesome and sweet while going over sexuality and desire. I loved it a whole lot and it made my demisexual heart sing when I saw asexual rep.

Nearly lost things, carefully tended (E): antiques dealer draco and home owner Harry! Harry has some weird things for Draco to look at and he certainly doesn't pick the weirdest things he can find just for the blonde. Nah. Read it. It's great and silly and overall very fun!

I can't think of any more but make sure you leave comments and kudos if you like a fic!!

[callmesel]

Okay, so remember the Artist x Muse AU i talked about yesterday?

Well, I had a dream last night (again) with another plot for this AU and it involves Ron.

The dream was that Ron wants to be an artist but he had just done portraits of his siblings. Luckily for him, he is friends with one of the most influential person in the country, aka Harry, so he has the opportunity to see one of the most famous artist of the time, aka Oliver.

So now Ron is in Oliver's door asking if Oliver could take him as his pupil. Oliver is looking at his work with the portraits of his siblings and there is one that cough his attention, as you can imagine, is Percy.

Then the dream goes on with Ron learning from Oliver until Ron doesn't need supervision or something like that, but at the same time Oliver keeps that portrait of Percy and starts to analyse it. It's pretty but is not very well done. It lacks detail while the other paintings are very well done, they look a live. While Percy's has a very stiff face and posture, unnatural even.

Oliver wanted to know why he was the exception so one of his classes with Ron he ask him if he could bring the man in the portrait with him so they can paint him because his was the only one that was kind of bad. Ron looked kind of uncomfortable but he accepts.

When Percy comes Oliver is like wow, he is prettier in person.

So this lecture is Oliver helping Ron to get the proportions right and the details of his freckles and the blue of his eyes. How his hair looks like flames under the sun and how pale his skins looks. And now Oliver is mesmerize by him.

They finish the lecture and in the next classes Oliver ask Percy come again but this time is a night lesson of how the different textures look under the moon and Oliver is just in love with how beautiful he looks. Is like he glows and -insert another romantic descriptions for this man-

He wants to call Percy over more but he know that he can't because his brother is just there and he will notice his obsession with him and that is not good. Also because Ron has to learn more about other types of skin and face structure.

So he ask Percy to model for him outside of his classes with Ron and slowly Oliver can't think of painting anything else but Percy.

Every project, every artwork, is him and even when he has a comission he mamages to sneak Percy into it and no one seems to notice so he doesn't think to mucho of it.

Then one of his artworks is sold to a gallery and is Percy wearing a white gown under the moonlight looking quite angelic.

Oliver has asked Percy if he wanted to remain anonymous and Percy said yes so noone except Oliver and Percy's relatives knew who the model of the painting was.

With time Oliver and Percy slowly fall in love but they are discovered and persecuted for being homosexuals. They burned Oliver paintings, leaving just a few hidden away but their friends.

Years later they are rediscovered and put in a museum. Letters and journals of their story are spread worldwide.

One of the most famous paintings is one that Ron made, is Oliver and Percy dancing under the moonlight even though there was a mob of people going after them. They were happy with each other and they didn't care what the rest of them thought.

In the modern day, a young couple looked at that same painting. Both being a replica of that same couple. They look at each other and smile.

Then there is a scene where you see them leaving and is them once again reunited, in a different time, happy with each other.

And supposedly is their souls that found each other once again and they are soulmates and stuff like that.

I know that I'm my dream there was like a big plot twist between the first painting and their death but I can't remember so, idk

But I keep having theses dreams of them in different situations that I can't get out of my head.

[phanfictioncatalogue]

any 2024 bottom!dan fics?

It’s an endangered breed that i come more and more concerned with as the days pass, anon. Here’s a few I have been able to salvage.

As He Comes, So I Come (ao3) - cloej88

Summary: Dan and Phil have just returned from Chicago, where they finally sorted themselves out. They’ve slept a full ten hours under their own roof, and now they have an uninterrupted afternoon to rediscover one another’s bodies.

Blue Sofa (ao3) - Scuddleduck

Summary: This might be Phil’s favorite place in this house to fuck, he thinks. The beds are nice, and they’ve certainly tested the integrity of the office chairs a time or two, but this blue couch in the nerd cave, it really is his favorite.

in this smoking chaos (ao3) - writingcollective

Summary: Dan bottoms for the first time, not being able to shut down his inner demons that whisper internalised homophobic thoughts into his ear. But Phil guides him through it, somehow.

Not Since I Posted The Cat Photo (ao3) - Absolutefilthimsosorry

Summary: Dan hasn’t been a ‘top bunk kinda guy’ since he posted the catboy photos.

Set after the catboy photoshoot

so I will share this room with you (ao3) - jonsaremembers

Summary: Phil hadn't meant to end up here.

an exploration of the aftermath of meeting your soulmate when you're still so impossibly young

sunkissed (ao3) - ivylakes

Summary: Maybe Phil was made to pour warmth into this man and leave little marks all over his body the way the sun does when it covers his skin with freckles. Maybe everything they’ve ever done and every little way they’ve loved each other has culminated in this very moment, where they can hardly see each other in the low light but are still brighter than the yellow light that breaks through the sky and glitters on the ocean.

Or, Dan and Phil go on holiday, and every photo they take tells a story.

Take a Ride (ao3) - RosannaDrinksToForget

Summary: Dan likes to surprise Phil, especially with sex.

You and Me (ao3) - Scuddleduck

Summary: Birthday sex after Dan's birthday livestream

-Rae

[sufferu]

MASTERPOST

Check the tags for quick and easy navigation. (this will no doubt end up being updated repeatedly lol)

Cool Tags

Reading the Light Novels for the First Time: At this point it’s more like reading the Web Novels for the first time, but it’s basically screenshots of quotes + commentary.

Reading the Side Stories for the First Time: Screenshots of quotes + commentary — this time from the side stories.

Re:Zero Brainworms: Cool thoughts/theories about Re:Zero.

My Inbox: Asks that I have actually answered (I am so sorry to everyone stuck in Inbox Purgatory —)

Fanart: Re:Zero Fanart. And also official art.

Fanfiction: Mostly commentary on popular Re:Zero fabric tropes tbh

My Fics: Completed fanfiction of my own. (Or. Completed chapters.)

My Ficlets: Small snippets of fanfics I am working on. I hope to add to this somewhat regularly.

Fan-made IF Routes

Nameless Wanderer AU: Julius loses his Name in Priestella and strikes out on his own, aimless, only to end up getting dragged along by the mysterious possibly-the-Archbishop-of-Pride named Schwartz who claims to be another victim of Gluttony.

Crusch IF: Reinhard brings Subaru to Ferris after Elsa’s assassination attempt, where he ends up being hired as a worker in Crusch’s mansion. Everything goes pretty well for the first month, until about two days before the Whale is scheduled to hit — at which point Subaru’s mind shatters.

Nect Reveal IF: Julius sees into Subaru’s memories when they link souls during the fight against Petelgeuse, where he 1) concludes that he is a couple months old, as he cannot see into his time from beyond the Great Waterfall and 2) figures out RBD in its entirety.

Housecat IF/Chewtoy IF: Everyone is an animal hybrid and housecat!Subaru has developed a complex where he has started to think that he was summoned here as a domesticated cat to serve as a chewtoy for all the wilder and more dangerous animal hybrids of the Re:Zero world.

Whale IF: Subaru dies during the Whale fight and resets to moments before it begins, where he spends about two months continuously looping in order to get every single person out alive. Everyone figures out that he has some sort of time travel ability behind his back. He has no idea.

Omegaverse IF: Omegaverse.

House Arrest IF: Reinhard kidnaps Subaru alongside Felt due to him being a suspected Witch Cultist.

Amnesia IF: Instead of Joshua and Julius losing their names in Priestella, Subaru loses his memories. Everyone gets a front-seat view to Subaru’s second spiral into madness as he rediscovers RBD, one loop at a time.

Natsumi IF/Homosexual IF: Crack AU where Subaru has internally accepted Natsumi Schwartz before the start of the series but is now consciously repressing her anyway due to fears of how crossdressing might be seen in this medieval-style fantasy world. He is so bad at this that everyone thinks he’s gay. This does not stop him from trying to present himself as a Man at every opportunity and giving everyone — especially the traditionally masculine men he is attempting to emulate — massive amounts of psychic damage.

Kintsugi IF: Reinsuba Soulmate AU where traumatic events show up as golden scars on your soulmate’s body. Reinhard has no idea who his soulmate is or what the fuck could be causing all of these horrifying injuries and he is trying desperately to find out whoever’s responsible.

Feral Subaru AU: Subaru is Isekai’d at ten years old and is immediately traumatized by Capella before being taken in by Emilia. He bites people sometimes.

Runaway IF: Subaru and Emilia have a miscommunication post-Petelgeuse that leads to Subaru (wrongly) concluding that he is unwanted, and for the very good reason of painting a target on everyone’s backs, and so he leaves in the middle of the night and accidentally kicks off a manhunt that lasts for an entire year.

Back to Zero IF: Everyone learns about RBD in its entirety, and then everyone except for Subaru gets sent back to Subaru’s duel against Julius. Chaos ensues.

[girl4music]

One parallel I’ve noticed from ‘Sins Of The Past’ and ‘Between The Lines’ is that instead of Xena being distracted and stuck to the ground by Gabrielle’s failed attempt to fight back and protect herself, Gabrielle (Shakti) is now the one being distracted and struck to the ground by Xena’s (Arminestra) interrupted attempt to kill.

It’s almost a shot-for-shot parallel to show that they’re rediscovering their soulmate connection all over again.

I wonder if it was intended. 🤔

Another thing to ask Steven L. Sears about.

What their reincarnated lives and karmic cycle show us is that even before Xena and Gabrielle knew each other in this lifetime, they were already together in the past life before that just as they will also be in their next life as Aminestra and Shakti. That’s what Naima meant by what she told them. That they have been, are and will be connected by their very soul. No beginning and no end. It’s extremely profound.

You know… if you believe in that sort of thing. I always have. In no small part thanks to this episode I’m sure.

[inell]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers! Spread the self-love 💞

Okay so I obviously can’t count so this is more than five. I meant to do 5 Teen rated and 5 Adult but ended up with slightly more Teen. Oh well. Self love, right? 💜

Teen Rated

Mr. July. Buck/Eddie. Teen.

It’s time for the annual hot firefighter calendar to begin shooting, and Buck and Eddie are surprised to learn that they’ve both been selected to be Mr. July.

Bright Like the Sun. Buck/Eddie. Teen.

A routine call causes Eddie to make some decisions that help him move his relationship with Buck to the next level.

A Promise Made is a Promise Kept. Buck/Eddie. Teen.

When the 118 gets called to a multi-vehicle accident, Buck doesn’t expect to find a familiar face amidst the wreckage, and he makes a promise that ends up altering the course of his life. Fortunately, he has Eddie and his family to help, but he soon realizes that his relationship with Eddie is also changing.

Bullseye. Buck/Eddie. Teen.

After another awful shift with Gerrard, Buck is surprised when one of the captain’s verbal attacks actually bothers him. Eddie offers him support and makes a confession during the commute home.

Sealed With a Kiss. Buck/Eddie. Teen.

When Buck goes to the beach to get away from Abby’s empty apartment, he ends up saving a kid from drowning. He isn’t expecting to meet Christopher’s father, Eddie, who also happens to be Buck’s soulmate.

How Our Story Ends. Buck/Eddie. Teen.

When Buck and Eddie are sent into an apartment building that’s on fire to search for squatters, Eddie finds himself in a situation where he prays that the universe is actually real and listening to him.

Sketches of You. Buck/Eddie. Teen.

After Christopher went to El Paso, Eddie’s had a lot of time to think while also rediscovering his interest in drawing. He’s finally ready to tell Buck how he feels about him in the best way he knows how—through his art.

Adult Rated

Love Dares You to Change. Buck/Eddie. Adult.

After realizing that Abby isn’t coming back, Buck goes to a club to find someone to share his night. He ends up meeting Eddie, who changes his world.

SOS. Buck/Eddie. Adult.

When Eddie receives a SOS text from Buck asking for his help, he isn’t expecting for a sex toy mishap to lead to them admitting their feelings for each other.

Connect the Dots. Buck/Eddie. Adult.

“Let’s see how much we can get away with before they open their eyes and realize we’re together,” Buck says, moving his hand up Eddie’s arm to cup his jaw.

“If this backfires, I’m gonna blame you,” Eddie says, leaning up and pressing a quick kiss against his mouth. “But I’m in.”

Constant Craving. Buck/Eddie. Adult.

Buck and Eddie have recently started dating, and it’s their third official date. While playing a game of pool, they make a little wager, and Buck gets to indulge a craving he’s had for years.

Kindred Spirits. Buck/Eddie. Adult.

Eddie has been a member of Paranormal Research Group for nearly four years after being recruited during one of their investigations. During that time, he’s found a job he enjoys, created a family that cares about him, become an unwilling reality TV star, and fallen in love with his best friend and partner, Buck. The team is traveling across the country filming the second season of their hit reality show, Haunted Case Files, and Eddie’s unknowingly going to find his skepticism challenged when Buck sets out to prove that there’s such a thing as destiny and fate, and that some things are meant to be.

[bluegekk0]

for the whole family, what would you describe as a comfort item for each of them?

Vyrm - I like to think that whatever Grimm's first gift for him was after their reunion would hold special value for him. Generally though, anything that reminds him of Grimm would count as one, his husband's smell always brings him comfort no matter what the item is. But in particular, I think the casual cloak I included in a lot of my recent drawings would be my choice for his comfort item. I love the idea that it was tailored specifically for him at Grimm's request, as a birthday gift (of course it's very hard to determine the day he was born, so I imagine Vyrm just chose the date that resonated with him). It's comfortable, warm, and it carries a subtle smell Vyrm associated with his husband. He changes to it every time he takes some time off, or whenever he feels stressed.

Grimm - years ago, long before Vyrm disappeared, he made a little music box locket in his workshop which he then gave to Grimm as a gift showing his gratitude for being there for him. Since then, Grimm holds it very close to his heart. Listening to the soft music box tune got him through a lot of dark moments during Vyrm's absence, and even though the reminder was often painful, he didn't want to forget about his closest friend, his potential love, his soulmate. Vyrm's return meant that he didn't have to find escape in the tune anymore, but that doesn't mean the locket lost its value. He still listens to it while at work, and especially whenever he leaves Dirtmouth for a ritual, a show or any other reason. On top of that, his babies really enjoy the sound of it, so he plays the tune for them to help them fall asleep.

Hornet - her needle holds a lot of sentimental value for her. It serves as a reminder of her mother she never got to know that well, as well as her childhood. When she was still young, Vyrm often told her about the needle that Herrah gave him, and the promise he made that he'd eventually pass it to Hornet. The training was something she really looked forward to, and she was grateful to her father that he negotiated those sessions with Queen Vespa. After his disappearance, she put great effort into making sure the needle was always in top shape, since she knew he would want her to take care of it. She might have been angry at him for disappearing, but deep down she still loved him, and many of her childhood memories were stored in that blade. To this day she takes a lot of her free time in order to maintain its shape. Another item she finds a lot of comfort in is an old Grimmsteed plushie she got as a present from Grimm while she was still a baby. This one she feels a little bit embarrassed about (especially since she still struggles with accepting that she does in fact view Grimm as a father figure), but despite that, she managed to keep the stuffed toy safe throughout all those years, and it now sits comfortably on top of a shelf in her room. It might have lost one of its eye and she had to patch it in certain areas, but it's still in a pretty good shape, and seeing it still brings her a lot of comfort.

Holly - while they were recovering from their injuries under Grimm's care, he gave them a blanket that would calm them down, which they still own. They don't really get cold, but the soft texture and it's weight help them relax whenever they feel stressed. Aside from that, they were given a little journal by Vyrm a while back, so that they could write down their thoughts as they rediscovered the world. It's been filled since, but they still keep it as they enjoy reading through it from time to time. It's a nice reminder of how far they've come in regards to being more open about their thoughts and emotions, the progression is very noticable as you flip through the pages, and that thought is very comforting to them.

Lewk - he's very close to his parents, so I think his favorite blanket would be a comfort item for him. It smells like them, and so it makes him feel safe and loved, which is something he needs - he might have grown up a lot in those 2 years, but he's still a little pup. And after an entire day of experiencing the world, the sense of comfort is exactly what he looks for. He always brings it with him whenever he feels scared at night and wants his dads to cuddle with him so he can fall asleep, so for that reason he associates it with comfort and safety.

Asta and Milo - I like the idea of Asta having some kind of chew toy Grimm got her. If Milo is the shy and weak one of the two, she is definitely the biter. It's mostly because of her teething, but it also calms her down, so I could see that being her comfort item. As for Milo, it's fairly obvious - he doesn't go anywhere without his Tiktik plushie, which was made by Hornet and Holly but also carries the smell of Grimm and Vyrm. Out of all the little kids of the family, he is the most reliant on them, so he really needs that to feel safe.

Zote - definitely the Life Ender, his nail made of wood. I like to think it's a weapon he's had since childhood, so it would carry a sentimental value for him even if his birth home rejected him. It's a symbol of his mission to be the greatest knight (or at the very least to prove to himself that he's not the failure they called him), so he takes great care of it. Before he was assimilated into the Vyrm family, the Life Ender was his only constant company, so it means a lot to him.

[choicesficwriterscreations]

CFWC Writer of the Month: liaromancewriter

Each month CFWC highlights one of our talented fanfic writers, and this month’s writer of the month is @liaromancewriter ! We hope you will enjoy learning more about her and her work below! The writer is selected at random. More info can be found on the navigation page.

Quick Links: 

Tumblr blog: liaromancewriter Tumblr Masterlist Maxenna Masterlist

Tumblr Blog: 

How do you want to be known on Tumblr? 

Lia or Mal. Both are my nicknames in real life, depending on who’s calling, so I respond to either.

1- When did you start playing Choices? What's the first book you played? 

I first downloaded Choices in August 2020 after being bombarded with its ads on another game. I figured I'll try it and see what it was about. My average track record for mobile games is 2-3 months, and then I get bored and delete the app. That didn't happen here because I quickly realized it's not a game but a library of fiction books in all genres. Two and a half years later, I'm still here reading Choices.

The first book I played (read?) was The Royal Romance. I believe it pre-loaded when I opened the app the first time. I fell in love with the Prince (who I named Aiden as it's my favorite boy name) from the first moment. To this day, I think the first two TRR books are the most romantic stories on Choices. 

Incidentally, I started playing Open Heart at the same time, but mostly to earn diamonds for TRR since medical stories weren’t really my thing (that’s changed now obviously). But Ethan Ramsey was equally irresistible and I had a hard time saving my diamonds when romancing the two.

2- When and why did you join Choices fandom?

I didn't know there was something called a Choices fandom, so it's very happenstance. Unofficially, I joined in November 2020 as a silent reader and didn't have a Tumblr account. Officially, I created my Tumblr account on December 7 and started becoming more active in January 2021. 

I had just finished Open Heart: Second Year and then Platinum (for the fourth time), and was feeling adrift. I was obsessed with Raleigh Carrera and googled him out of curiosity to see what might be out there. I came across fics posted on AO3 and then Tumblr. 

Then, I googled Ethan Ramsey as I was missing OH and just wanted to get lost in that world again. I came across a plethora of fanfics, mostly on Tumblr. I originally started reading them on my mobile browser and still have masterlist pages bookmarked (in order) on Safari for @lem-20 (the first OH writer I read and followed because her pfp match my book sprite), @jamespotterthefirst and @starrystarrytrouble. 

I didn't know fanfiction was a thing, so I was a bit baffled by all of it initially. The more I read, the more I loved the interpretations others were bringing to the story. I was also generally impressed by writers unafraid to write and post their work for the world to read, and that inspired me to want to publish my original stories online.   

3- How did you pick your url name? 

My original intent with Tumblr was to publish my original romantic fiction novel, Happy Ever After. And, maybe in the future write and post more original romance short stories as an exercise to rediscover my fiction voice. 

When I was creating the account, I blanked on what to call it. In a burst of "just pick a username already", I named my blog liaromancewriter to represent my nickname (Lia) and the type of stories I would be posting (romance). 

By the way, my desired account name initially was hopelessromantic, but it was taken. When I was setting up the blog headline and description, I decided to go with The Hopeful Romantic because the phrasing best embodied my perspective of soulmates and happy ever afters.

4- Go back to your archive and tell us about the first post on your Choices blog. 

My first Choices fandom post was a reblog game response on January 11. All posts on my blog before that were chapters of Happy Ever After.

5- How long have you been writing fanfiction?

I published my first ever fanfic, First Impressions, on February 15, 2021. So, about 22 months.

6- What is your favorite Choices book to write about?

I only write for Open Heart, so I would say it remains my favorite as I keep coming up with stories for this extended universe I’ve created for my pairings.

7- Share the first fanfic you wrote with us. Do you still like it or would you change anything about it?

The first fic I submitted to CFWC was Me Before You on April 5, 2021. I think I’d only heard about this blog in March of that year and didn’t know that anyone could submit. 

It’s very much an introspective piece, showing Ethan’s inner thoughts, and Cassie's too. I love writing descriptive stories about what people are thinking and feeling. It’s when my writing is the strongest.

I still like that story. Having said that, the middle of this fic drags a little, so I’d probably want to tighten that up. I also hadn't fully developed my headcanon for their relationship yet. Anyone who reads my work knows that it's like a TV series where everything is connected, and the plot continues along a specific timeline, even if one-shots are posted at different times of the year. 

So the timeline inside the story doesn't quite sync up perfectly with the rest, but I've learnt to let it go....somewhat. 😂

8- What is your favorite fic that you’ve written?

Can I pick two? I’m picking two, one for each of my pairings. At this stage, they’re both equal OTPs anyway.

Ethan & Cassie: Come Undone

Max & Sienna: Unforgettable

9- Do you have a fic that you didn’t expect to be well received, but it was? What about one you expected to be but could use a little more love?

I know that notes aren't everything since there are many silent readers out there. But it's the only metric Tumblr allows writers to use. So, this answer is solely based on that.

It’s not a fic, but a series. The original Maxenna series, Then There Was You, was incredibly popular both in terms of notes and comments and in attracting new readers despite the fact that I wrote it after the series had already ended, and it was a side character (Sienna) and an OC (Max). I’m forever grateful because it’s an original story in every sense of the word, with some nods/references to canon. Despite the fact that it’s Sienna, she’s an OC, too, since we don’t know too much about her in canon.

For the second part of this question, I thought Seeing Red would have been more popular. It's angsty, and has Ethan’s relationship with Louise, Cassie and Ethan fighting (somewhat). So, it was surprising it didn't get as many notes. But then, I also wrote it in 2022, and the fandom isn't what it used to be. So that could be one reason.

10- If you could write only angst, fluff, or smut for the rest of your writing life, which would it be and why? 

Fluff...absolutely 100% fluff. Anyone who knows me for five seconds knows that I'm all about finding and keeping your soulmate. Real life is hard, the fictional world doesn't have to be.

I grew up reading fairytales and love Hallmark movies. When I discovered romance books in uni, I fell in love with the journey of two people falling in love and finding their happy ever after. I also enjoy writing about relationships; while there are angsty moments in those, it's the resolution of finding your way to the light that makes me happy. Happy Endings Guaranteed is my motto. 

11- Do you ever recognize yourself in any of your MCs or in your writing?

I bring parts of myself to all my characters. In real life, I'm more like Ethan and Max; the professional and personal elements in their personalities are based on me and my experiences. 

Cassie's ambition and determination to prove herself are pure me. That's why even in canon, I never gave a thought to why a Junior Fellow was qualified to head the Diagnostics Team. I was running my own department by the time I was 30. It's all about seizing opportunities even if you don't think you're ready. You learn on the job and eventually make it your own.

One other observation is that I’m a champion researcher and accuracy is important to me. So, when I write I bring that accuracy and plausability to all scenarios. My Google history will attest to that. 😝

12- What element of writing do you struggle with most?

I struggle with writing common, every day body gestures without repeating myself. I can visualize the scene in my head like someone wrapping their arms around the other or framing their lover’s face between their hands. But I don’t always know how to write it well or at least have more diversity in the words/expressions that I use. 

13- Do you have any neglected work you really want to finish?

No. I don't do WIPs. Sometimes I'm not happy with a fic, so I'll write the first draft but not publish it for a while. I'll do/write other things and then come back to start editing the fic until it works. Candy Thieves and Postcard Memories are two good examples of that.

I do have a document with about 20+ possible story ideas, but some of those are random thoughts that might or might not have a story in them.

14- If someone you know in real life (who isn’t involved in fandoms) asked to read your work, would you let them? If yes, what would you recommend they read first? 

Absolutely! I mostly share my Wattpad account with them rather than Tumblr as the former can be easier to navigate for novice readers. But my close friends have my Tumblr blog link. 

I always ask them to read Happy Ever After (original work) first since it’s mine and doesn’t require knowledge of canon. But for fanfiction, I tell people to start at the top of my masterlist and work their way down. This way, they’ll get to meet my characters from the beginning and go on the journey with them, even if they’ve never read canon. 

15 - Are there any writers (published authors and/or fanfic writers) who influenced your writing?

I’m mostly influenced by published authors with Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz and Julie Garwood leading the pack. I love how Nora does scene setting and descriptions, and shows relationships between people (romantic and platonic); my approach to storytelling is largely influenced by her. 

Jayne Ann Krentz does a great job of writing spunky heroines who aren’t afraid to take chances, no matter if it’s a modern setting, paranormal or historical. While Julie Garwood’s novels are fluffy with wonderfully memorable characters especially the LI. Aiden Madison remains my perfect guy to this day and I wish he was real. 🥰

I do want to give a shoutout to @jamespotterthefirst whose edits and text fics showed me that there’s another interesting way to tell a story than writing prose. I live in hope she will finish her First Year Pictagram series (hint, hint, Bree 😉)

16- Which one of your stories would you most like to see as a movie/series? 

Maxenna’s original series would make a great Hallmark movie/series. As a student of Hallmark’s formula, I think it has all the elements including a slow burn, delayed first kiss, love declaration closer to the end, swoonworthy proposal and wedding, and of course family.

17- Do you write original stories? 

Absolutely, but maybe not as much recently (unless you count Maxenna). I’ve already talked about Happy Ever After here. I have 2 other completed manuscripts that I hope to do something with one day.

18 -  What other hobbies do you have?

I don’t have a ton of free time, so what I do have is reserved for reading books (my first love). Other than that, I watch a lot of cooking shows on Food Network. At the end of a long and busy day, there’s something very soothing about watching other people cook/work. 

19 - What’s your favorite emoji? 

😂

[chaesonghwas]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

HELLOOOO, i was tagged by the wonderful @wolfiemcwolferson @duquesademiel @golden-fairylights and @your-littlesecret, thank you my lovesssss <3333

1. How many works do you have on ao3?

i have 52 fics up on my normal account and i think 2? on anon

2. What’s your total AO3 word count? 

272868 (i thought it would be more lmaoooo)

3. What fandoms do you write for?

currently just f1, but i have fics up for a couple of kdramas and football rpf

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

a long time (maybe forever) - reddit fic my beloved

hey, brother (there's an endless road to rediscover) - my only non-piarles on this list!! written for hospital playlist, it's an outsider pov from the main character's little sister seeing how the main ship develops over time (as i'm writing this, i realize i wrote that same fic w arthur the other day oops)

we should just kiss (like real people do) - sol's bday fic from last year!!! i love this one a lot <3

i don't want you like a best friend - veeeery smutty soulmate au (this one was VERY hard for me to write so i'm super proud it's up hereee)

you and me would be (a big conversation) - SOCIAL MEDIA AU!!! this one was also a process but i loved every second

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

sometimes i try to but i never know what to say so i clamp up and don't end up answering 😭 so if you're reading this and you've ever commented on my fics just know that i see it and i love you

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

football au definitely has the most angsty/bittersweet planned ending, but i haven't actually written that lmaooo so i'll say and still, your heart beats. it's ultimately hopeful, but it's a tough situation

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

all of my fics have a some kind of happy ending, but i'll go with swear to be overdramatic and true bc i love that universe a lot <3

8. Do you get hate on fics?

i've never gotten explicit hate on a fic, thankfully

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

yesss, and.... whatever i'm vibing with i guess?

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

i've never done it lmao

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

no, thankfullyyyy

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

nope, but it would be an honour!!

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

YEAH BABYYYYYYY!!!! writing w friends is the most fun bc i love my friends a lot <3 currently i have monza proposal fic w @duquesademiel, the Justly Fic w @your-littlesecret and posting the alphabet dating fic w @duquesademiel and @wolfiemcwolferson <3 a couple of other things are also being planned so stay tuneddd

14. What’s your all-time favourite ship?

all-time is a very difficult question, but piarles is def up there

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

football au i love you and i swear i will come back

16. What are your writing strengths?

i feel like i'm pretty good at writing dialogue and i think i'm v good at humor!! making insane situations work lmao

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

definitely lack of planning/getting carried away by the vibes and losing sight of the plot. also i feel like i struggle w longer descriptions

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

i don't love it and i usually limit mine to only a couple of words (say, nicknames/terms of endearment in piarles' case), but i don't mind it in other people's fics tbh!!

19. First fandom you wrote for?

one direction LMAOOOOOO

20. Favourite fic you’ve written?

any of my co-written fics or change my mind, my pwfe gift for sol that i love very very dearly <333

tagging @yukierres @pinkierre @boxboxbrioche @espithewarlock and anyone else that wants to do itttt <3333

[rwby-encrusted-blog]

So I've had this thought swirling around my head, and it all started with me mixing up

"A Hopeless Romantic"

into

"Hopeless Aromantic"

And then the thoughts spiraled out into and entire concept for a story:

Every Episode starts out with an out of focus character in formal wear - clearly for a wedding of some kind, lamenting on the memories from when Person A and Person B were in High school, and A asks B on a date, which B is like "Nah, sorry, I'm not really the dating type" and a goes "Okay Cool! How about we just hang out then, No Romance Needed!" (As the Story Progresses the picture becomes Clearer, the person getting ready to head out.)

And they hang out, become good friends, Person A constantly getting into Romantic Hi-jinks and shenanigans, B covering their ass like the friend They are (Which sometimes means hanging A out to dry) up until graduation, where A moves away, leaving B behind.

Cutting ahead a few years, B is working a dead-End Job, is horribly depressed, alone, and generally done until they get a text from someone- Person A.

A moves back to town, having searched all over the country searching for "The One" and deciding to move home to see people again.

A and B reconnect, and it's almost like High school again, and throughout the series B rediscovers their love for life, and begins to enjoy things again, A supporting them through therapy, and helping them take anti-depressants, and Everything is Great!

A is going on dates, meeting people new and Old, reconnecting with their old life, and B is beginning to Live again!

Then B begins to notice something.

A isn't smiling as much as usual, and when they do it's forced. They claim their fine, that nothing is wrong, but B knows A well enough to tell that they're lying.

Eventually A spills the secret that they're tired of chasing after the one. That They can't keep looking for it, that A thinks they're broken in someway, unlovable somehow, that after so much time no one has made them feel In love.

It's a role reversal. a Hopeful Aromantic and a literally Hopeless Romantic.

And B realizes something about A

"Have you tried loving yourself?"

And A is confused - they don't understand. Of course they love themself, they're smart, and funny and charismatic - Then B asks if they've let themself love Themself. To try and be comfortable with just Their own love.

So A Tries it.

And learns Figures out something.

A Doesn't need another persons love. A can love themself on their own. No need for a soulmate, no need for "The One"

They ARE the one!

A has been looking for a piece they don't need, and having figured it out, feels whole. A is Aromantic. They just didn't realize it.

Then it cuts to a clearly older B clinking glasses with A, surrounded by the Friends they made in their adventures, everyone wearing corresponding Pride-flag-coloured accessories (Ties, Corsage's, cufflinks, Piercing ETC.) with A and B wearing Aromantic accessories.

with the last line being something like "No matter what you are, don't forget to love yourself" or "Sometimes the only person you need to love is yourself" or something like that. Something Uplifting about taking care of yourself and/or others.

The best Title I've thought of is "Cupids Aro" Which is funny, but not quite what I'd want for it.

[madmadder]

Another unwanted presentation for you to read (or not)

TRIGGER WARNING: I mean it's just detail but I do mention non con briefly and just a lot of gay booty

Why hello Tumblr.

Since my brain didn't let me open this app a lot recently for??? Some reason?? I'm gonna take my revenge and do a full presentation about a song I associate with paras. Because that's fun.

Now this isn't the first para song I wrote down, FAR FROM IT, but I really love it okay leave me alone 🥹

It's called ''Middle of a Breakup'' by Panic! At The Disco, tis about a breakup (would you have guessed??) and people having a bunch of sex which is always fun to hear about. I associate it with two of my paras, Stryne and Octavius, who got married recently (*screeches*). Their relationship is very complicated but not toxic and definitely NOT over. The song reminds me of them not because they're breaking up (dear Lord never!! My babies!!) but because they have this unbelievable passion that just. Grrrr

Stryne

Stryne is the prince of a kingdom named Trys'han. He's an elf and rough shit happened to him and my point was he's SUPER badass. Very stoic and calm in most situations even with extreme danger. He has a very strong Laurent of Vere energy (if you read Captive Prince and you should btw), but I made him before I knew about the book which makes me a genius and C.S. Pacat's soulmate. What? It does

Stryne is known to be one of the most beautiful people ever which puts him in a lot of trouble sometimes cause some people just won't respect consent.

Octavius

Octavius is human and also insane. Like super weird. He's the most polite (and cynical) young king you'll ever meet but also he likes to break bones. Yknow. He rules a kingdom named Tarnstrang.

He actually perfectly ignored Stryne's consent when Stryne was caught as a war prisoner but what's weird is that they ended up in this weird ''enemies with benefits'' thing and they actually fell madly in love?? Idk don't ask me I thought it was weird too but now they're in a somehow healthy relationship. Please keep all questions til the end of the presentation.

The song

Now this song is a frickin banger. I absolutely love it. It has a very vintage vibe which always SLAMS

There's such a strong ''I hate you but I want your titties'' energy that you cannot hate. And the LYRICS!!

''You and me don't deserve each other'': true, Octavius is a huge asshole who doesn't deserve Stryne in the first place and yknow Stryne deserves someone better so that works both ways, BUT!! He makes Octavius be and WANT to be better so Octavius feels like Stryne doesn't deserve him or he doesn't deserve to be happy and married blah blah anyway I'm smart

I also particularly love the lyric that says ''feels like we just met''. Like. Okay. How are you so in love with someone that you feel like you're rediscovering them, I mean that is just AWESOME (sorry aro guys I have much love for you too I swear)

Okay, another one: ''I hate those words like destiny, forever and all time''. Sure they're a bit cheesy together (I mean cmon it's sweet) but they've also been through so much they don't believe in destiny and crap BUT they have found each other and that's awesome. They don't feel like they've been Miraculously Chosen, they simply fell in love and made it work. Awesome. (I'm very pragmatic if you couldn't tell 😂)

Plus: Stryne is an elf and he has been raised to speak VERY correctly so he's almost Shakespearean when he talks and it's very awesome because it clashes with this thought he has: no, there's no destiny, just facts. (Plus it allows his husband to make fun of him)

This is them btw

Anyway. That's it. I just needed to share because my brain is going to explode otherwise. I'm now crawling back to my cave ❤️

[statisticalcats2]

Top 5 favorite characters dynamics? In movie, fanfic, book, whatever... Lol

(This is in no particular order)

Happy and Peter P. from the MCU but kinda more accurately from my mindstories fryeihudw. Happy is traumatized Peter's Safe Person in a special way no one else can compare to. I really should talk about my mindstories about this. Anyway, Happy is an uncle/father figure to Peter and is very protective of him. Peter trusts Happy completely and while he knows that he's much stronger than Happy, there's still a feeling of safety that comes from Happy being near.

Steve and Robin from Stranger Things. I usually have little to no interest in the concept of platonic soulmates but these 2 are the exception, idk how I ended up so invested in their relationship. I have quite a focus on not-platonic shipping in fandom and I have such ships for these 2 as well but none are as important to me as their relationship with each other.

Tony and Peter P./Quentin and Peter P. from the MCU. This might be cheating but these are so intertwined with each other in my head I felt like they belonged in the same slot. Tony's importance to Peter, Peter being one of the few people who don't constantly treat Tony like shit and genuinely loves him, all of him. Tony inventing time travel basically just for Peter, with the billions of other Snapped people being a bonus. There's a bit of obsession inherently there on both sides and I love that. And Quentin preying on those feelings, placing himself in Tony's role, filling that empty space left by Tony's death. Really ensnaring Peter and making him emotionally attached (faking a near-death experience that parallels Tony dying as Peter helplessly watches, that is so beautifully fucked up.) Quentin getting more attached to Peter than he planned to. But it's not a redemption, it's a dark obsession.

Slade and Robin from Teen Titans 2003. On the topic of dark obsessions. I'm just recently rediscovering this show but holy heck do these 2 have a dynamic. A two-way obsession that causes the hero to blur morals more and that's exactly what the villain wants. Slade was such a huge focus for Robin, he'd cover his room with news and info on Slade. I feel like Robin probably had an unexpected... emptiness in him when Slade died. The way Robin still keeps a Slade-dedicated box after Slade's death? 👌

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer/Mungojerrie and Demeter from Cats the musical. Another kind of cheating one but they feel connected in my brain regfyidwhu. Mungojerrie discovering love and caring through Rumpleteazer. Rumpleteazer discovering freedom and (kind paradoxically) independence through Mungojerrie. And for Demeter, Mungojerrie's the one who has seen her at her worst but was her one source of comfort and companionship during most of her stay in Macavity's tribe (other than Macavity himself who was both comfort and threat.) They have a similar level of devotion to one another as Mungo also has with Rumple. Demeter has a lot of trust in Mungojerrie and Mungojerrie will always look out for her and her kittens.

[culturevixen]

Let me take you on a journey of rediscovering one of the most loved Nigerian dishes—Egusi Soup and Fufu! Picture this: you’re in your cosy London kitchen, cold outside, but the warmth of palm oil and spicy peppers is about to make your kitchen feel like Lagos/Abuja in the middle of summer.

Egusi Soup: A Bowl of Pure Nostalgia

I remember watching my aunties make this when I was little, but now it’s my turn to revive those flavors. Let’s start with Egusi Soup, the crown jewel of Nigerian cuisine!

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups egusi (ground melon seeds) — this is where the magic happens.

• 500g of assorted meat (goat, beef, tripe)—you know it’s not a proper Nigerian meal without all the meat!

• 200g stockfish or dried fish (trust me, this adds that unforgettable flavor).

• Palm oil—a Nigerian kitchen must-have (or you can put olive oil ify you want to be healthier), about ½ cup.

• 1 onion, chopped—because onions make everything better.

• 3 Scotch bonnet peppers or more (if you can handle it)—for that fiery kick!

• 2 tablespoons crayfish (ground)—this is where we’re elevating the game.

• A bunch of ugwu (pumpkin leaves) or spinach—keeping it fresh and green!

• Salt, stock cubes, and locust beans (if you want to go all out traditional).

Let’s Cook:

1. The Meat Situation:

First, we have to get those meats tender. Season with salt, onions, and maybe a stock cube or two. Let it simmer until it’s nice and soft. Throw in your stockfish during the last few minutes. The smell? That’s the scent of home!

2. Fry That Egusi:

Heat up your palm oil, and as soon as it’s warm, add the chopped onions and let them get all soft and fragrant. Then in goes the ground egusi—fry that bad boy for 10 minutes while stirring. This part is essential! It’s what makes the soup rich and full of depth, kind of like our heritage.

3. Spice It Up:

Now add the blended peppers, crayfish, and locust beans. The aroma? It’s everything! Slowly pour in your meat stock while stirring like your life depends on it (seriously, no lumps!). Add the cooked meat, and let the soup come together for about 15 minutes.

4. Green and Gorgeous:

Time to add the ugwu or spinach! This is what gives the soup that beautiful splash of green. Let it cook for another 5 minutes. Taste, adjust your seasoning, and then let the soup simmer a little longer until it’s thick and luscious.

Fufu: The Soulmate

You can’t have Egusi without its perfect partner—Fufu. This is the part that always brings a smile because it’s the simplest yet most satisfying thing to make.

Here’s How You Do It:

1. Boil Water:

Pretty self-explanatory, right? You want it hot and ready.

2. Mix & Knead:

Slowly pour in your fufu flour while stirring like you’re in a dance-off with your pot. Keep stirring until the mixture comes together in a smooth dough. Knead it to perfection, no lumps allowed!

3. Shape It:

Roll it into little balls and there you go—pillowy goodness, ready to be dipped into your delicious Egusi soup.

The Grand Finale:

Now, sit down, tear off a piece of that fluffy fufu, dip it in your Egusi soup, and take a bite. The flavours hit you all at once—the rich, earthy taste of egusi, the spicy warmth of the peppers, and the tender meat… honestly, it’s like a hug from the motherland.

Each bite is a reminder of home, culture, and history. Rediscovering these dishes feels like reclaiming a part of myself, a connection to my roots that’s so beautifully intertwined with every flavour. So, whether you’re in Lagos/Abuja or London, this is a taste of Nigeria right on your plate! Enjoy, or as we say, “E ku orire!” (Well done!).