#the romcoms were right you really do love most the one person you can't have.....

[all-seeing-ifer]

making posts about other uk politics issues to distract myself from the somewhat more pressing problem that i still haven't decided how i'm voting in the genny lec tomorrow lol. currently two equally loud voices in my brain one of them's yelling "hey isabel seeing as the tories are like. definitely getting kicked to the curb maybe you could vote for the party you actually want to vote for this time" and the other is yelling "isabel can you please remember that you literally live in tory central and while the chances of The Current Tory somehow clinging on to his position of mp are very low they are also not as low as you'd like them to be. also tbf your labour candidate seems kind of alright all things considered". neither is emerging as a clear winner. help.

[dreamties]

Polyam! Ghostface Comforting GN! Reader About Their SA

A/N- yeah. hiii. it's billy !! im back. again. plz read with caution- there is no mention of the assault itself (it is alluded to many times; there are no intimate details), still. you know yourself best. stay safe lovelies <33

I tried keeping the assaulters identity neutral- but let me know if i messed up and used he/him pronouns at all and i'll edit the post :3

Billy is unable to understand the full scope of your traumas, however, he understands that it runs deep, that if your anything like he is that you feel it in your bones and the ache of your body.

Trauma is so personal and crushing. He wants nothing more than to take that away from you, endlessly lift your spirits, he wants to make you feel whole again. Loves you too much to see you like this.

He can't do that. As much as he and Stu can do, they can't erase what has already happened. He will be there as much as he can, for whatever you need. He has always been devoted to his loves- it increases tenfold when you open up about your assault.

Stu automatically wants to kill the perpetrator, takes Billy aside to tell him all his gruesome thoughts- until Billy stops him. Tells him, roughly, to shut up. You don’t know what you're talking about, man. Our little love needs to make that choice on their own.

Billy talks about it with Stu beforehand obvi. Billy wants to wait for you to ask them about killing your assaulter, while Stu would go to you and ask straight up if you want to be the one to kill them (if you want them dead. He won't understand if you desire to keep them alive tee bee aich, but he'll honor your choice).

Stu just like. He doesn't get it. He doesn't handle it well at first. He's far too brash and laughing- well. Not laughing, he knows enough to realize that would have been a bad move. Though he seems to not know enough as he's all jokes still.

Both boys are so emotionally stunted- Stu has only had to comfort girlfriends before (which, he was admittedly not the best at. He stole apologies and one liners from movies) and the brief vulnerable moments that Billy allows himself to show. C'mon, give him a pass, okay? He's trying :(

Stu's comforts are all hugs and cuddles and gifts- depending how you react to those things, maybe he won't have to branch out too hard. Either way you'll need more than one source or level of comfort- Stu WILL learn new things for you, though.

He has a hard time if you don't want physical touch! He gets all whiny about it and it pisses you off, you have to give him a stern talking to that it's NOT about him and he has no right to act like that. Psssh whatever . . .

(he's really sorry though. He promises)

He buys you so many things, as if that will ever make what happened okay. He hopes you appreciate it though. He'll get all sorts of comfort items, food and stuffies and stuff that he KNOWS you love. He'll buy it in bulk if he has to lol

For learning things, it's hard on all of you, but he and Billy will try their darndest to be emotionally available (just for you, babe!!). Billy is good at listening, Stu needs to get better with it.

Billy just listens to what you have to say, and I think on really emotional nights he opens up about his own trauma. He opens his wounds so you know he genuinely cares and is committed to you. Regardless of anything and everything. Billy will make himself a permanent fixture in your life, always.

(again really not that Stu wouldn't but it's so different y'all)

ALSO NIGHTMARES OHMYGOD

If you have nightmares they'll stay up with you until you're ready to fall asleep (or at least try).

They make it an all-nighter and pretend they were always planning for movie night. If you want to watch something that's not horror? Yeah, that's okay!

Most of Stu's VHS collection is horror lol

Though he does have some buddy comedies and cheesy romcoms. He owns one or two mysteries cause Billy likes them.

Anyways !!! Have your pick darlin' <333 They won't judge or complain

Admittedly they aren't great with panic attacks. Billy gets anxious- what if he makes it WORSE? He'd hate himself for it. Stu is surprisingly good at grounding you though :D

All in all- it's an adjustment for everyone. They're gonna be there for you forever though, okay? Good luck getting rid of them <3

[coolsosha]

♡♡♡♡HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASMODEUS!!!!♡♡♡♡♡

AND TO CELEBRATE IT, I REDREW MY FIRST EVER ASMO ART!!!

TIME SCREENSHOT AND THE PRE-REDRAW

Happy birthday to Asmodeus, my light of my life and the most amazing character to not-exist irl. If he existed in reality he probably won't even look at me, but he is so amazing that i don't really care. He is so pretty, but apart from that he is also super kind and caring. He is gentle and would never hurt you he is also loving and would smooch you so hard that you can't stand. I love him so much, if he was alive and ever fell for me then i would be the happiest person ever existing and non-existing. I would live with him and we would sleep in one bed cuddling and No lube No protectioning. He would take to the shops and i would sit there waiting for him, my help in choosing clothes would be useless because Asmo is gorgeous in everything even in a potato bag, even without any clothes. We would hang out in clubs and drink some sweet cock tails and after that he will be cutely drunk and i will have to carry him home, but i don't mind, my precious Asmodeus deserves everything. I would love him even if he would be evil, he would make me his cute little human plaything and i would not mind, i love my man so hard that i would sacrifice all my human rights for him. He can do anything that he wants with me and i would like everything. Or, maybe im not good enough for Asmodeus, he is so gorgeous and kind and nice and cute and amazing and im just some stinky human. But if he is a Kadence from that meme, then i would kill illegal amount of people to be his Shining Armour from that meme. If he ever were sad i would watch some RomComs with him, i haye them but he would love it. I would volunteer to be his makeup testing doll and i would be his model anytime when he needs it. I would also let this guy No lube No protection me if he would want to, his body is so hot actually, I don't like guys with muscles, they look like their about to punch me. But Asmo is cutely thin and has nothing close to muscles, and it's so nice. His skin is probably super soft and he might have some soft mini manboobs, aww. Also he has the biggest gyatt in the 3d models and it's sooo cute.Ok so if i wake up to Asmodeus on other side of a bed, i would get a heart attack and would immediately start telling him how gorgeous and precious he is, until this bitch will melt into a embarrassed puddle. He would probably be pleased and would hug me and then we would cuddle while i tell him every single thing that i love about him and then he will fall for me and we will kiss and marry and passionately make our and he would No lube no protection me until im dead and then then uhh then i would become his pet human he would take me on a walks, he would kiss me everywhere, he would love me and uuuh, i would follow him around and will talk only to him and sacrifice all my life goals just to become his plaything and as his plaything he would praise me nicely and cuddle as he wants and no lube no protection as he wants and he can makeuping me and also he can play dress up with me and i would get into the devildom and live in his room until the end of times i would go in clubs with him and i would submit to every single thing that he would say. He can manipulate me or become Yandere but I don't care i would sacrifice everything that i have just to become his favourite human plaything who he would love and cherish. He would kiss me and love me and buy me some cute stuff and take me on a dates and also he would No lube No pro-

[dharmasharks]

Heyyy hope you are good? Have an ask! ❤️❤️❤️ Ignore if interested but saying hi and that you are great!

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! <3

Hello wonderful and great Zenaida! Thank you for asking. I can't seem to talk about my own fics without also talking about myself, which is horrifying! And why I took forever! Anyway!

Here are my personal favorites with just so, so much commentary (all stevebucky because that's what I do here!):

Keep a candle burning

A sweet and silly exes-to-lovers Hanukkah fic that was also a bright spot for me during an otherwise bummer of a time in my life. Basically, for the two straight weeks while I was posting, I pretty much stopped doing my actual job and wrote fic all day, because said job had just majorly screwed me over and I knew I was going to quit after the holidays. I had so much fun writing this to distract myself from dwelling too hard on the existential crisis of careers, what are they, why do I need one, what do I really want to do with my life, oh god, etc. No one was more surprised than me to learn what the fucking ~themes~ of this fic ended up being! Existential crisis avoidance aside, the holiday season can also be a pretty weird and lonely media consumption experience, because "holiday" almost always = Christmas. So sometimes you have to make the cute holiday = Hanukkah romcoms you wish to see in the world.

Always you

Part 3 of my canon-divergent shrinkyclinks series in which Steve and Bucky reunite in the mid-50s. I gave myself all my favorite SteveBucky flavors, ie the things that make me the most unwell about them: Steve n Bucky’s unshakable faith in one another, love as a choice you keep making, and the agony-hope of another chance to get it right. I also decided the best way to achieve all of that was via a nonlinear narrative and an amnesiac narrator, which was…really hard to do! I did not have fun writing this! I did, eventually, have a lot of fun trying to get it just right. It’s my favorite part of the series, so far.

Wanna do right, but not right now

A mid 50s (yes, again) no powers AU about peacetime Steve and purpose and restlessness. And also cheating on your wives at a cookout. I have written a fic for Steve's birthday every year since I started writing for this fandom but hooboyy was I scared to post this one. I'm glad I got over it, because the whole mood just really works for me. The problem though, is that I did all this world building for less than 4,000 words of story, so now I've got the rest of this whole ass world that I obviously find interesting rattling around in my brain forever, I guess! (What did I mean that Bucky was a POW in the Pacific Theater?? Why did I have to bring up the possibilities of stevebucky visiting mid-50s Miami?? Who the fuck is Dot?? Sigh. Ignore me. Ignore me!)

Till there were no more wolves in the West

It's a Civil War Western that I feel like I've talked about way too much already! But I was chatting in the comments of another fic about dealing with the loneliness that comes with toiling away on a historical fic and it made me think of this one. Look, eventually, some people found it and connected to this niche thing I was compelled to write. But in the beginning, I toiled so much, and it was really isolating. Where am I going with this? I have no idea. Writing is very lonely sometimes! But I guess I'm glad I didn't talk myself out of loving this, which is easy to do when you're alone in your google doc wilderness with all your ridiculous research notes.

The art of shadowboxing

Okay, I need more distance from this one to say anything coherent about it. So I'll just mention that the unifying thread of this whole bonkers list is "ambitions that exceeded my skillset, but I did it anyway, even if it took me way too long to figure out." Probably because there's nothing I wouldn't do for boxer violinist Bucky and union leader Steve!! I'm biased, but I think they just turned out so cute and sweet and brave.

[pralinesims]

Hi! I was a first-time anon who had asked about the movie theater story you were working on a little while back (I never got to respond but I always like making people happy, and I'm glad I motivated you to continue it bc I love it so much).

But anyways, I wanted to ask this because I was genuinely curious: if each of your OCs had a Letterboxd, what would be their four favorite movies? Some might be bigger movie buffs than others, probably, but for the ones who are obsessed with them, is there a way they would organize their favorites, or do they just go with vibes?

HIYA and welcome back aaaa ;_; MWAH thank you so much!

Emilio: is totally into action movies, especially loves stuff where he can identify with the main hero. Laughs tears when watching movies like Hangover or other bromance comedy typa shit.

Vale: Give him anything sci-fi, horror or thriller and he'll be happy. For example I feel like he'd be obsessed with The Thing. Also probably enjoys stuff like Mad Max.

Luca: MAJOR MOVIE BUFF ALERT. Enjoys watching indie movies, even if they're a total slog. Also loves the classics from the golden age of Hollywood and things like comic adaptions, think of Batman and such. He'd probably be a very active Letterboxd user. I truly feel like he'd watch every movie out there.

Sharon: Hmm I don't really see her watching much movies. I'd figure she'd rather be into documentary typa things.

Aaron: I think he'd watch stuff like The Matrix, The Godfather, and similar movies which are rather hard hitting? Enjoys a good plot twist. Also The Lord of the Rings and such, he'd love adaptions of his fav books. Genres wouldn't matter much to him I feel like, but he'd DEFINITELY cringe at romcoms.

Gina: Something she can cry her heart out to. I'd figure she'd love dramas. Titanic and other tearjerker kinda stuff. And anything Ghibli!!! I'd believe she'd like the animated kinda type of movies a tad more.

Devyn: Hmm, I feel like he'd be a Fight Club and American Psycho typa guy. Prolly always rewatching critically well acclaimed classics. But also does not say no to sillier movies, and sings along to musicals.

Kaia: She's that kinda girl that probably almost exclusively watches horror movies. Has built up a heavy tolerance over years, so nothing is really shocking to her anymore. Yet she still can't be assed to watch another type of movie for once.

Maggie: Regularly watches the most disgusting, goriest splatter movies you can find, and laughs out loud when people die. Besides these, she's totally into sillier, lighthearted movies, like romcoms or stuff like Mean Girls.

// some whining from me + extra explanation under the cut:

...and to be frank, but THIS is one bigger aspect I kinda struggle with assigning to my OC's, only rarely I directly know which movie fits, bc I simply don't know enough ones. I do know what THEY like. Just no very specific examples. But generally, I am able to assign their preferred genres or type of movie. But really like. oh man. forgive me. I am the absolute WORST person to ask when it comes to movies because I very rarely watch some?

So here have my vague answers bc with this theme, I legit have to base it just around my general feel for it, cause my movie knowledge barely is developed lmao. Nor do I know anything about Letterboxd, but I might update some answers once I remember specific movies I felt like were right assigning to? But so far please have these ones ok!

[mxtantrights]

The Official Sequel

it's been a hell of a ride. I didn't think this story would get seen that much but I am so happy that it did and that everyone really likes it. As always my inbox is open about this series and wherever you all want to take it!

Turning 22 was a big deal, but turning 22 while on set for a heavily anticipated sequel to a blockbuster smash? It's a whole other thing. If you thought you got birthday wishes before, now is nothing compared to that.

When you woke up you had almost the same amount of notifications as when the news dropped you were cast in the movie. This time around you had a bit more because of how many fans and followers you accumulated. And that's not all.

As soon as you step on set you are given box after box, all different colors and different wrappings. A green box from the writing team, a heavy black box from the production team, and a tiny mint green box from hair and makeup. None of which you can't open right now because you have to get to your trailer and get back to hair and makeup. You plan to open the boxes on break.

When you get to your trailer it's crowded with more stuff. More boxes, some bigger than the rest and bouquets of flowers of all sorts of arrangements. You trailer was decorated with praise and love and if you stopped to think about it long enough you might cry.

And of course there is the big one. The big present.

Tucked into the back of your trailer and oddly shaped is something big. It has a bright red bow wrapped around it. You don't know who sent it or how they could have gotten something like that into your trailer unnoticed. But it's there, by the sight of your eyes it's there.

You want so badly to open it. But you can't! Priorities!

When you're heading out your trailer to hair and makeup you point at the oddly suspicious lump in the corner of your trailer.

"I'm coming back for you!" you yell.

Then you slam your door and march to your destination.

You make quick work of getting to hair and makeup. Delores wasn't on set yet. She would be joining midway since she's already signed onto another project months ago. But that was okay, you still kept in contact with her.

With a few quick hellos to the makeup team, you sit down in your designated chair. Even though today's filming was just montage clips you still had to look the part.

Thankfully your makeup won't have to change at all for these scenes. You know the team is also thankful they don't have to pull double work today.

"Hey happy birthday," one of the assistants greets.

You smile, "Thank you. And thanks for the group gift!"

A black cape is draped over you. It's go time. Set in front of you are a bunch of makeup brushes and products.

"Is there a birthday person in here?" a voice asks.

You turn your head slightly, and there he is. In all of his glory is Jason Todd. He looks as good as ever but you are not about to offer that up to him. No his head will enlarge by the second.

God he looks kissable. You're not supposed to say that. Not after you had each other's tongues touching that night in your home. But more so because you most definitely have a thing for him that is undeniable now.

You need to say something normal. Normal. You can do that.

"I don't know." you throw out.

You want to smack yourself upside the head for that answer. What kind of answer is that? It's not an answer.

Jason laughs and makes his way over to you. In your head time slows down like it does in all those romcoms. Then you remember that you're staring in a romcom with him as your costar and certain things can be considered acting while other things cannot.

Watching him walk to you like this, is one of those things. You turn back forward, which prompts your makeup artist to start again.

From behind you hear him.

"Too late I was told there was. I did get you something by the way, left it in your trailer." he speaks.

Your mind instantly goes to the big mysterious package. With the bow. The red bow. Was that him? Did he get that for you- whatever that was?

Get a grip! You need to get a grip and fast or this whole thing would come crashing down around you.

"I'll let you know." you answer.

You watch him in the mirror. He looks as if he's about to say something else. But then he doesn't. He just smiles and warmly rubs your shoulder. It sends you into silent overdrive in the chair. You try your best to appear stoic and calm.

"Jason you need to be in here in about fifteen minutes." one of the makeup assistants says.

"Of course, I won't be late. I promise." he turns to speak to them.

Then he catches your gaze in the mirror. With a small smirk he leans down, hand still on your shoulder, his breath hitting your ear.

"See ya on set hun. Happy birthday, again." he whispers.

You smile back at him. Then he's off. Like he didn't just throw you off kilter with the smirk and the touching and the everything about him. Yeah you're gonna need to go over your lines again before you get on set because all of them just flew out of your mind.

Romcoms are supposed to be easy.

For your lunch break you decide enough is enough and you run into your trailer to finally open that huge present. From the moment you open the door you feel the anticipation set in. You actually run over to the gift and are about to start tearing it to shreds. But first you calm yourself down. You need to know who sent it first. You need to know who to thank.

Your eyes flutter around the gift for a card or a name tag. But as the seconds pass you don’t find one. It couldn’t have been just anyone, not a lot of people have access to your trailer in this way. And the not knowing is becoming more important than getting your hands on the actual gift.

As you step back to try and think for yourself you catch a whiff of a smell. A very distinct smell. One you know very well. One that stayed on your jacket after a night out with a certain co-star names Jason Todd. You two had huddle together in a corner for thirty minutes tops and you went home that night smelling like him.

You take a step forward to the gift and the smell is there again. It was him, it was Jason. 

Now you can finally tear into the wrapping. Your hands and fingers work quickly. Tearing and ripping then throwing wads of paper over your shoulder. Once you begin to finally see what’s underneath you are taken back.

You realize the gift was so lumpy due to the bubble wrap. Once you push it down a bit you cn see what was in need of protecting. A framed poster almost the size of you. It’s the poster to Love in Pieces, but not the one that was released to the public. No there were many posters made and ultimately Dent went with what was right. That didn’t mean it was your favorite. 

Your favorite poster was a picture of you and Jason. It’s a frame from the movie that Dent originally thought could make one of the final posters. You and Jason were helping the design crew out between takes and putting together the bed for that specific scene. 

In the picture you’re laughing, faced a bit away from the camera, with two pillows in your hands. Then there’s Jason on the bed, trying his best to get the corner tucked, which proved impossible because the mattress was too big for the sheet. Didn’t mean he stopped trying though which probed to be a comedy in it’s own right.

You push the bubble wrap all the way down to the bottom and see a card sticking out the corner of the frame. Kneeling down you pick up the card and read it out loud.

“To the best co-star I’ve had,

Here’s to making a great rom-com and to making another one. Happy birthday I hope you get everything you wish for and more.

Warmly,

Your super-hot and super-talented co-star Jason Todd xx”

You hold the card to your chest with a smile on your face. Yeah there was no hope for you. Jason Todd has infected every single vein in your body. 

"LOVE IN PEICES" SEQUEL STARTS FILMING! SEE ON-SET PICS!!

FIRST DAY OF FILMING FOR "LOVE IN PIECES" SEQUEL!

WILL THE COSTARS OF "LOVE IN PIECES" PIECE THEIR FLING BACK TOGETHER?

-

You manager hangs up the phone first. All you can do is stare down at the now black screen. In your head a million scenarios were playing out. The one where you totally tank a project and have to flee Hollywood is always playing on a loop in the background. But alongside it now are a few new ones. One in particular strikes you.

A magazine spread gone wrong. You might come off as privileged and snotty. When that couldn't be farther from the truth- you were working a minimum wage job before this and thinking about going back to school to get a career jump.

Because when you were younger it fell on you a bit to take care of the family and you missed out on normal teenager stuff like prom and dating and stupid school gossip and other stuff.

So to miss out on all of that to end up here and come off as a pinky raised snobby actor would be horrible. Well, your manager could turn it around in a matter of weeks or so. But still the feeling of being made out to be someone you're not, sucks.

"Hey I was thinking drinks at this place a couple of blocks up, I know the owner so we can get a private booth and every-" Jason's voice floods your trailer.

He stops when he sees you. But you try your best to put on a smile. You don't want to cancel your plans with him. Sometimes you felt like he was the best part of being in this business.

"What's wrong sweetheart?" he asks you.

And that's when you feel like absolute trash. This man-jason Todd- is always catching you at these moments. These moments of incredible doubt and weakness where you wanna quit and go back to making minimum wage. He sees them and he helps you, but you have never helped him. This friendship feels one-sided with you being the take and him being the giver.

"Why are you friends with me?" you ask weakly.

Jason, you see him as clear as you can with tears forming in your eyes, come over to your side in an instant. It makes you feel even worse. You feel his hand on your shoulder.

"I can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on sweetheart." he says.

You shake your head slowly, "I'm just being emotional."

"That's okay. We can do emotional. Emotional is good." He answers.

You can't help the small chuckle that tumbles out of your mouth. Jason smiles at the noise. It was just like him to pull you out of a mood.

"I hope you know you can call me." you speak

When you look over at him he looks perplexed. The off-guard look he sends you prompts you to use more words to tell him what exactly you're talking about.

"When you have your bad days, like I do. I always call you, I want you to know you can call me." you explain.

Jason nods his head, "Okay but now we're talking about you. What's going on?"

You sniffle and shrug your shoulders.

"I'm worried that my interview with this magazine might make me come off as some newly minted diva in Hollywood." you confess.

It takes a weight off your shoulder. Not a lot but a considerable amount. You can tell. You haven't solved the problem but you know that Jason knowing means you aren't alone in trying to solve it. Or at least holding the burden of it.

"Was is something you said?" he asks.

"More like something I didn't. And things I forgot." you answer.

"Which magazine is it?" he asks again.

You snicker to yourself, "What are you gonna get your dad to buy the magazine?"

He laughs. It fills your entire trailer. You want to capture the sound in a jar and keep it for days like these when things get bad and you need a pocket of joy to bring you back.

"No but maybe you can ask the writer to make it two-parter. Let the first part come out so you can see what you missed and follow up in the second part." Jason explains effortlessly.

It was like drinking water for him. It came so easy. How he was able to come up with a solution to these kinds of problems really stunned you into silence sometimes.

"How-you just came up with that?" you ask him.

Jason shrugs now, "I've been in this business for a while now. You have to know when to stretch yourself and when to rest."

"Smart. Your'e very smart Jason." you comment.

He gets up from your side and holds out his hand. In this context it's just a friend holding out his hand so you might join him on plans you two have already made.

But in this context its you and Jason. You and Jason who used to bicker back and forth but now it's like talking with an old friend. You and Jason who had a leaked video come out. You and Jason who kissed in your home.

You take his hand. He's warm. He's always warm.

"Private booth?" you ask.

Jason grips your hand. He pulls you up. Now you stand chest to chest with him. Like you were in your home those nights ago with your tongue down his throat. You have got to get a grip!

"Very private. Place even has a back door." he adds.

You want to laugh again at his joke but you settle for a smile.

"Okay, let's have drinks Jason." you say.

TITLE OF "LOVE IN PIECES" SEQUEL REVEALED! CLICK FOR MORE!

ACCLAIMED ROMANCE WRITERS HARLEEN QUINZEL AND PAMELA ISELY HAVE BEEN TAPPED TO PEN THE ENDING OF "LOVE IN PEICES" SEQUEL!

THE GOTHAM GANG: DENT, QUIN, AND ISLEY BACK TOGETHER FOR SEQUEL MOVIE!

-

Having to perform in front of Harvey Dent was one thing. Having to wake up at seven in the morning and stand in front of Dent and Harley Quinn and Pamela Isley to read what they have written for the ending is a whole other ball game.

There's not a lot you can do to prepare for something like this. Breath mints are a definite yes. And clothes that don't scream over achiever but also don't scream lazy actor, another yes.

You check yourself with your phone camera again. For sure you have given your driver, Mike, a real stress test with how you still won't leave the car even after arriving fifteen minutes early.

You shut your phone off. "Alright."

"Alright?" Mike throws back at you.

You chuckle, "I got it Mike. I'm going I know, I know."

"You'll do great. And then I can drive you other places. Since it's my job to, you know, put the car in drive." he jokes.

You open the door and step outside. A bit far away you can hear a faint motor getting louder and louder. You peek your head in to dress Mike.

"I'm pretty sure I pay for the whole PRNDL but sure Mike." you joke back.

You close the door and walk around the car to the door of the building. It was best to keep things such as physical materials on set so the chances of a leak were low. If it weren't for leaks Dent would have sent you the ending to read at home.

But technology was fickle now a days.

And it wasn't only his work on the line now. It was also Harley's and Pamela's.

The roaring engine gets louder until you realize that you spaced out for a bit longer than you meant to. Pulling up in front of you is the motorcyclist. The bike comes to a stop right in front of you.

You want to bark at the audacity this person has. Your feet are mere inches away from the wheels of this bike! But you bit your tongue and wait for them to get off their bike.

When they take their black helmet off it all makes sense.

"Jason?!" You shout.

He leans back a bit at your volume.

"Sorry sweetheart didn't want to be late." he answers.

As if that an answer. As if him showing up on a bike on set is somehow normal behavior. It's not. The closest thing Jason drove in, by himself, was a vintage low top car wrapped in matte black paint. A gift from his dad.

A motorcycle?

"Since when do you ride two wheels instead of four?" you ask.

He puts his helmet away in the seat compartment of the motorcycle. With a smile he makes his way over to you. Or he's already close to you but he comes closer. He has a way of always getting closer to you.

"Since I'm doing a top secret project I needed the practice." he explains.

But not really. It's been like this for a while now. He's on set for the sequel but he's also on set for something else. Something he can't tell you about but something that doesn't cut into the movie schedule. Like at all. He's always on time and he's never the first to leave set.

"How's that working out for you? Working on projects simultaneously?" you ask him.

He shrugs his shoulders, "I get to come to work and see you so it's not that bad-"

"Oh! Jason that was horrible!" you screech with a laugh.

"I'm trying to prepare for our final scene!" he says.

"You don't even know what it is yet." you add.

"True but we're on set for a rom-com what else could it be?" he asks rhetorically.

You nod you head in agreement. Then he offers you his arm, straight out of those period piece love stories. You take his offer and wrap your arm around his.

"Let us get to work my kind sir." you put on a horrible accent.

Jason almost loses it at that but keeps it together, "Thank you my liege,"

The two of you walk arm in arm through the door and down a couple of hallways all the way to the writer's room. The vibe is amazing right off the bat.

You walk through the door and Dent is only on his first cup of coffee. On his right is Pamela who is scrolling through her phone with a big smile on her face. To his right is Harley who is scribbling on post-it notes in pink pen.

When the three of them see you they greet you all. Harley gets up herself to give each of you a hug. Since it's her first time meeting you it doesn't last longer than it Jason's does- she's known him since he was a preteen. She actually based on of her characters in a future book off of him.

Pamela urges you and Jason to sit first. Jason grabs two chairs and sets them down for the both of you. Theres two copies of the ending they wrote on the table in front of you. It's upside down so you can't read it yet.

"Newbie here thinks this is do or die." Jason points to you.

Then he takes his seat. As if he didn't just snitch on you to the most three important people in your career.

You scoff, "Dude!"

You take your seat and hit him across the shoulder. It does nothing to him seeing as you were soft with it and Jason's shoulder is built like a boulder. Yeah he works out really well-get a grip!

"What? I've known all three of them practically my whole life. I couldn't be more chilled out." he says.

"Would you say that if I invited Bruce?" Dent asks.

Jason sits up in his chair straighter, "Let's get the ball rolling here..."

He reaches for the paper in front of him but Harley swats his hand down. He lets out an ouch that is hardly appropriate for the love tap Harley gave him.

"Harls?" Jason asks.

"First we need to establish the vibe!" she speaks excitedly.

”Where do you see your arcs going?” Pamela asks.

Okay you didn’t want to be a nerd but you planned this out. Like you have a journal where you write out things that sound like your character and you have a pintrest board for things your character would like. You’ve become invested in this film more than you’ve let on. 

“I think at the end love is less of a state of mind and more of a state of being.” You answer.

The silence that follows is concerning. You look at Jason first who looks shocked that you said that. Then you look at Pamela who had asked the question and she has the biggest smile on her face. Harley and Dent are hitting each other lightly on the shoulder over and over.

“Did I screw that up?” You ask.

“No no no, that is so good. This is the best vibe you can get!” Harley says.

You let out a sigh or relief, looking over at Jason again. He seems nervous. He clears his throat and sits up straighter in his chair. You don’t know why he’s nervous.

“I think that uh I’ll follow wherever you lead.” He says.

Now you get it. Your eyes widen. Did that just come out of him like nothing? Must be all the books he reads. And the fact you two are working on a romcom. It doesn’t stop you from being shocked. 

“Jay that was so well said!” Harley squeals.

Jason huffs, “I read the script sometimes.” 

“We know, but it’s good to see that you two are on the same page as us.” Dent answers.

Pamela slides over the scripts for both of you. Jason spares you a look you don’t catch as you reach for yours first.

CO-STAR FOR "LOVE ON THE MEND" SITS DOWN WITH IRIS WEST-ALLEN FOR 60 SECONDS. WATCH A CLIP NOW!

PART ONE OF SPECIAL INTERVIEW FOR VANITY FAIR WITH CO-STAR OF "LOVE ON THE MEND"!

LEAKED SET PICS SHOW THE ROM-COM HAS TURNED TO ANOTHER GENERE? CLICK PICS FOR MORE!

-

The room is large. It’s got brick walls and a huge window letting in natural light on the ceiling. The only problem is there is one chair and it’s in the corner. Standing in a room next to Jason being judged isn’t what you had on the agenda. But if this is what it takes, so be it. 

She is the best of the best. I mean you knew that she worked with pros and such. So much so that she’s the pro of her own field. But you didn’t quite understand how Dent got her to come in and help you and Jason.

Selina Kyle is the best intimacy coordinator in the business but she’s looking at the two of you like there is something wrong. It makes you feel like you did something wrong? Could she tell hat your feelings for him were not always platonic? Does she think the rumors are true and you and him are hooking up?

You unfurl your arms from around your chest and placate them at your side. When it came to being looked over like a piece of meat you didn’t know what to do with yourself. You never really knew what to do when people looked at you for too long but it got worse being known.

“Can you two tell me what you know about shooting an intimate scene for film?” she asks.

You, of course, know nothing. This is your second film compared to Jasons’s seventh. You haven’t seen all the things he’s been in but you doubt he knows less than you in this department.

“We rehearse the movements ahead of time so there is no confusion or disagreements. And we talk through everything at length to make sure everyone is on the same page.” Jason says.

That sounded good to you. 

Selina clears her throat, “You two are going to have an intimate scene that ‘fades to black’ as the people say. I want to know now if you are both comfortable doing said scene.” 

You nod, “Yes.”

“Yup.” Jason says.

“Good, and know that you can retract that at any given moment. I will ask every day.” Selina adds.

She rounds the two of you like prey. You would be scared if you weren’t a bit turned on. It was Selina Kyle but you would keep that to yourself. No need to be rude, creepy and unprofessional. You stand still as she makes one lap around the both of you, then a second.

“Selina you’re being a menace.” Jason says.

She laughs, then stands in front of you. With a smile she holds out her hand. You take it without hesitation.

“Your co-star is a sweetheart, Jason. I’m trying to ease her into this.” She answers.

“Well it’s not like we’re shooting something raunchy.” Jason comments.

“True but I like to know who I’m working with. I already know about you, I wanna know about your other half.” she puts easily.

Other half? You look to Jason who just shakes his head. The word choice confuses you for a bit before you decide to let it go. 

“The agenda for today is chemistry without touching.” Selina announces.

Both of you watch as she walks over to the corner of the room. She sits on the chair with a notepad and a pen. You don’t know what to do with yourself. 

“She’s just gonna take notes and see if we got sparks or not.” Jason whispers.

“I mean we got a second movie filming don’t we?” you joke.

Jason laughs, “True. But Selina can sense if the sparks are real and professional and camera ready.” 

That made you nervous. Professional? How were you supposed to be professional when Jason comes in with shirts that are just a size too tight? There was also the time he called you baby, you haven’t forgotten that. And you can’t forget when you and him kissed at your house. All of those things make it so damn hard to be professional around him but you think you’ve been doing a good job so far.

You think.

“Hey don’t space out on me. It’s just Selina.” He whispers again.

“Do you know her personally or something?” You ask.

“Yeah, you could say that…” he trails off.

The way he does it leaves you with more questions. Selina was bit older than both of you but if you were given the chance to even kiss her hand you would take it. And it’s not like Jason hasn’t been the subject of multiple tabloid pieces concerning hookups and such. 

“Are you saying you and she…” you trail off this time.

“What?! No! She and my dad have.” He quickly answers. 

Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle. Wow. You don’t think you’ve ever heard a rumor about them but that just serves both of them well. Bruce is very secretive anyways he doesn’t let anyone know until he’s ready for the to know. And Selina, she’s as elusive as a cat.

They makes sense.

You and Jason carry on talking like you usually do. And you didn’t notice until now how touchy you two are. Besides the whole leaked video thing, you thought that was a one-off. But you find yourself leaning in whenever he reaches out to touch you. Your body just reacts before you can think to not follow where he leads.

The two of you carry on though. Like you’re in your own little world. Selina watches in pure amazement and wonder. She knew the two of you had chemistry when she saw the first movie. She has eyes! 

But seeing Jason like this was different. She has known him since he was a little boy. And for the years she’s known him he’s never seen him look at someone like he does you. Its like the two of you are in your own little romcom. 

And with that she’s seen all she’s needed. Only one note written on her pad.

Circled three times in the red ink from her pen are four words 'dent needs a trilogy’ 

BEHIND THE SCENES OF “LOVE ON THE MEND” WITH CO-STARS! RAIN KISS SCENE?

NEW MUSIC NEWS: STEPHANIE BROWN RELEASING NEW SINGLE FOR “LOVE ON THE MEND” FILM

NEW STUDIO MOVES? FIND OUT THE KEY PLAYERS IN THE NEW MERGER/BUY OUT!

-

You’re walking over to Jason’s trailer. Doing so in a fuzzy white robe might be highly suspect but you had no time to change into something decent. Underneath was just your costume for the day so it wasn't like you were naked!

Right now you’re in between takes and he’s about to leave set for the day, he’s finishing up his second project across the lot. Delores had showed you the thing first. And before she could send it to Jason you told her that you can run over and show it to him.

In hindsight that was a bold thing to say but you weren't think about hindsight you were thinking about Jason.

As you round the corner to his trailer you pick up the pace. So much so that when you get to his door and pull it open you’re a bit out of breath. But you trek on. With your phone in hand you type in your passcode and open up twitter. 

“Jay did you see this edit we’re tagged in? It’s so cool-“ you start.

When you look up you don’t find Jason. No, you find another Wayne family member.

“Hi there.” Tim says.

You wave, “Hi. I was looking for Jason.” 

Tim smiles.

“Funny enough he went looking for you.” he says.

You let out an awkward laugh at his admission. Now you’re starting to think about what Dent said the other day. How one of you are never without the other for too long. Of course Dent could see it he was your director. But Jason’s brother too?

“You’re Tim, the brother who helped with the leaked video,” you walk up to him and hold out your hand, “It’s nice to meet you in person.”

He takes your hand.

“Nice to finally meet you.” he responds.

What did that mean? Finally?

Tim must catch the look on your face because he lets go of your hand and gets up from his seat on the couch. 

“Not in a bad way, in a normal Jason talks about you way.” he explains. 

You nod your head even though that’s a bit worse. You wonder what Jason tells his brother about you. If it was all good things or if he maybe secretly hated you. He’s an actor, he can act professional and friendly around you and be a completely other way when he’s around people he trusts.

You’re spiraling. 

“Thank you again for the video.” you say.

“No problem. I really liked your interview with Vanity Fair.” 

You smile and thank him. And then the silence hits. It’s not too awkward but you can tell he wants to say something to you. For yourself, you know you want to ask him what Jason’s said about you. But you needed to be professional. Jason has his own life outside of you, he’s owed that.

“Okay I’m just gonna ask, Kon would smite me if I didn’t, is there something going on between the two of you?” 

It hits you like a ton of bricks. You were not being low-key at all. Sure you and Jason kept it professional on set. When the cameras were on you two played characters in love and when they turned off you were just two co-stars. But it’s when the two of you are alone when your mind gets fuzzy. You feel like s school child with a crush. No, that’s wrong. It’s more than that. Because while Jason is hot in almost anything he wears and he knows how to charm the pants off anyone, you like when it’s the two of you just goofing around. You like the idea of doing nothing with him. 

You clear your throat, “I um.. that’s really-I mean I can’t really…” 

“It’s totally okay if you refuse to answer. I get it. I’ve just never seen the guy ask for advice so often-I mean he even asked me what arrangement of flowers is best.”

Flowers?

You don’t mean to but you tilt your head to the side in contemplation. There it was again. Delores told you that he got those flowers for someone besides her. Jason didn’t tell you who specifically on set those flowers for and he didn’t bring it up himself. You just thought it was someone else entirely. 

But Tim…

“Oh shit I didn’t-he’s gonna run me over with his motorcycle.” Tim sighs.

“I won’t say anything.” you sputter out.

Tim looks at you now, desperation clear on his face, “What?”

“I won’t say anything. I promise.” You say again.

“Why?”

You let out a breath. There were a million why’s and all of them were valid. 

“I owe you, for the video. So we’re even now.” You explain.

Tim seems to take your answer. Before the two of you can speak any more words to each other the front door to the trailer is pulled open. Stomping in is Jason. He spots the two of you and stops in his tracks.

“I was looking for you.” he says.

“Found me,” you say and turn to him, “but I only had a few minutes.”

Jason shrugs and starts moving again. He walks over to the two of you and stands in front of you. Like right in front of you as if Tim wasn’t even there. As if it were just you and him.

“It’s okay I’ll just find you again.” he says.

You gulp.

Yeah you can’t make this shit up. All the things they write about the two of you in the tabloids and all those pictures they take, it’s not baseless. Not at all. 

“Gotta go now. See you around, bye Tim.” You speak finally.

Then you’re tearing out of Jason's trailer in a storm. The door closes behind you and you let out a breath, again. You don't even know why Jason was looking for you in the first place.

TIM DRAKE VISITS BROTHER JASON ON SET AND SHARES PICS! SEE THEM HERE!

BIG MERGER MOVES: LUTHOR BUYS OUT TWO MAJOR MOVIE STUDIOS. WHAT COMES NEXT? ACTORS UNION TERMINATING CONTRACT.

FULL SOUNDTRACK FOR "LOVE ON THE MEND" REVEALED! HINT AT A THIRD INSTALLMENT? CHECK IT OUT!

-

Filming was on a two week break for summer. You couldn’t be more happy. Yes you loved being in front of the camera and the rest of the cast and crew are amazing. But somedays you needed to not be an actor for a couple of hours. Just try to be normal. And what other day that thins one? It’s very important after all. 

It was only right that you put effort into Jason's birthday gift. The present he got you on set was clearly his way of displaying how much you mean to him. You planned on doing the same.

You started off simple.

At 9 am, which is the time he sets aside for not being busy in the morning, a delivery was sent to his house. Nothing too complicated. Just a sweet treat in a miniature pink box that was baked that morning to absolute perfection! A red velvet cupcake from Queen's Cakes.

This led to him to shoot you a text. Of course it's Jason so he can't just outright ask in fear of being wrong. So he asked how you were, as if it weren't his birthday, and what you were up to.

You answered that you were great and had gone over some possible pieces for a magazine shoot that was coming up. Then you asked him the same.

To which he didn't respond for a few minutes. If you didn't know better you would have thought he left you on read. But you knew that he was taking the time to eat the delicious cupcake. He had a sweet tooth after all.

Then he texted you back.

Jason: if this cupcake I just ate isn't from you I'm gonna be really upset.

You: you eat things that have unknown origins often?

Jason: will you please sedate my worries and tell me it was you

Jason: pleaseeeee

You: maybe it was. was it in a white box?

Jason: no????

You: Jason!

Jason: Wait pls don't say I ate something from someone else

You: was there a note?

Jason: NO?????

You can't help to laugh at his text. In the time it takes for you to stop laughing and peel yourself off the floor which broke your fall from your belly laugh, Jason texted multiple times.

Jason: should've had Roy try it first

Jason: what if I PERISH????

Jason: you're in my will by the way 

Jason: please tell me you're joking.

You are quick to type back a response.

You: why the hell am I in your will? also I'm glad Roy didn't eat the cupcake that I so carefully ordered for you.

Jason: I knew it was you!!!

You: No you didn't.

Jason: shush I knew it was you all along. I wouldn't have eaten it if I didn't trust it.

You: it's not the only thing I have in store for you today.

You: :)

Jason: I don't like that smiley.

Jason: Hello?

Jason: oh you're gonna make me suffer aren't you?

Jason: Low. On my birthday of all days.

It's comical how he kept on texting you throughout the day to confirm which things were from you or your doing and which were not. Never in your life did you think you'd have to deny getting Jason a shirt with his father's cartoon face on it. But you did.

That's how you spent your day. In between calls from you manager and your agent you would get pictures from Jason. When you looked at your phone during breaks from looking at packaged scripts a quick 'from you?' every two hours. If it were anyone else it would be annoying but it's Jason. 

As the day spilled into night you were sure he was going to lose his mind at his final gift. You spent time trying to put it together. It was work and a half trying to do it while keeping it a secret and going on with your work-life.

You didn't do this for any one before. And in your head you knew the reason why you were doing all of this. The way you can't seem to keep your eyes off of him when he's in the room, the way you want to hear his laugh every day. 

You know the reason plain and simple. You worked on two rom-coms it would be remise of you to not know. Doesn't mean you had the courage to say it out loud yet.

Yet here you were at Jason's condo. The final gift hidden behind your back. You were almost late because of traffic. Even when you threw on the nearest clothes you had found to save on time. 

Standing at his door with a black trench coat, purple sweatpants and a white hoodie is not what you thought of when you had this day planned out. But choosing an outfit became a hassle when you threw off every option. Nothing felt right. 

The door opens and there he is. Jason Todd. Shirtless. You didn't think you would be gifted on his birthday but sometimes miracles do happen. You can't help the smile on your face.

"You're on my doorstep." he says.

"Worlds greatest detective, yes I am." you speak.

He smiles now too. But he doesn't move to let you in. No. Instead he takes a step past the threshold of his home, which doesn't mean sense to you since he's shirtless and it's nighttime in California and it's a bit windy but you weren't one to complain. Not when he was this close.

"I think I like this gift the most." he says.

And you skip a beat. Your mind completely blanks and your breath hitches in your throat. You think to yourself that he didn't mean the underlying message of what he just said. But then the logic in your brain turns on and completely disagrees with you. 

This guy got flowers for you-as proven by Tim.

He stands toe to toe with you now. And he's looking at you like-like you were on set. But you're not. This is real life. There are no cameras here. No Dent sitting in a chair ready to yell action or cut. None of what you're used to with Jason usually looking at you like this. 

"You don't even know what the gift is." you whisper. 

You can't help but to whisper. Speaking too loudly might cut this moment short and you don't want it to end. 

Time goes by slowly as it happens. You watch as his eyes travel from your face to behind you. Jason, as luck would have it, is a bit taller than you. So with his eyes gliding behind you, you know that he's seen the gift that is tucked behind you.

Jason looks back at you then. A look on his face. Like he knows now that his words could have held a different weight coupled with the fact that you are actually holding a gift behind you back. A look that tells you this moment is over.

He clears his throat, "Whatcha got there?" 

You swallow the ever present lump in your throat. Was it there when he opened the door shirtless or when he stepped into your personal space? Either way it's there. Oh it's there alright.

"I saw this a while ago and thought of you." you speak.

That's when you bring forth the gift from behind your back. It is now the only thing keeping space between you and Jason. If it weren't there-you can't think like that right now.

Jason smiles down at the gift. Wrapped in a red and green. A yellow bow to top it all off.

As he takes the gift from you, your fingers brush. A little bit of static passes between the two of you. Neither of you flinch. 

"Is this food related?" he asks.

"What? No I literally gave you a food item this morning I can't repeat a gift!" you answer.

He laughs, and damn that laugh, "Okay then good you can join me for dinner." 

At his words your eyebrows shoot up on your face. Not at him inviting you inside his home. But at the mere possibility he might've cooked a meal all by himself.

"Did you cook it?" you ask.

Jason doesn't even dignify you with a response. Instead he holds out his hand for you to take. When you do, he walks over to his door and opens it. He lets the both of you into his home. 

The smell hits your first. It's a mix of tomato and basil maybe? Parsley? You can never quite tell the difference between the two when it comes to smell.

You shut the door behind you. Jason almost doesn't let you because he's lightly dragging you further into his house. You don't miss how his thumb is lightly tracing back and forth on the back of your hand.

The two of you make it to the kitchen and that's when you see it. On his stove is a pot filled with red sauce and pasta. A cutting board on the counter has both parsley and basil chopped up along with some garlic and onions.

"I know a couple of things. Learned from my grandfather." he answers finally.

You nod along, remembering he's told you about him countless times before. 

"Alfred, right." you reply.

Then Jason lets go of your hand. The loss of contact shouldn't effect you as much as it does but it does. You wanted to hold his hand for longer. About a year ago that wasn't something you think you'd say in your mind.

"How about this dinner goes differently?" he questions.

You tilt your head, "How so?"

He shrugs. It's so casual. Like he's didn't just throw you off kilter with that remark at the door and asking for your hand to lead you inside his house. What else does this guy have up his sleeve?

"Tonight we don't eat as co-stars. We eat as two regular people who like the company of the other." he answers.

You snicker, "Jason Todd are you saying you enjoy my company." 

"Have for a while now, keep up." he jokes.

"You didn't even open my gift. What if I got it all wrong?" you tease.

Jason shakes his head, and moves over to the pot. He takes the wooden spoon that's laying near the counter and starts mixing.

"I have a feeling you got it completely right. You have this freaky sense for knowing me really well. Almost like you enjoy my company as well." he says.

All you do is hum to yourself. Which leads Jason to do the same. 

At some point you would have to tell him. At some point you needed to come up with the words to tell Jason Todd that you have fallen for him more than once. 

The night goes quickly. The two of you make a plate of pasta stretch for two hours. Well it's easy when you two talk while eating. And it's easy talking to Jason. That's how you end up sitting side by side on his couch.

He leans back, "You know I usually don't celebrate my birthday."

"Why not?" you ask.

Jason shrugs at that. You start to think you might've annoyed him today. With all the presents and you being here at his house. If he wasn't into all that would he tell you upfront instead of pretending to like it?

Is he telling you now?

"Just not really into the whole big party celebration thing." he states.

You nod your head along, "I mean but today was okay right? Me sending you stuff and being here?"

Jason shakes his head at your words. You watch him.

"Today was amazing, thank you by the way. If I can spend every birthday with you I'll be happy." he says simply.

You keep looking at him. At how he seems so comfortable. How the first time you met him he came off as a cocky actor who knew how good looking he was and knew how to make you squirm. And he did. But now, oh now, you know how to make him squirm and twist too.

"Jason," at the mention of his name he turns to you, "do you ever hear how you speak to me?"

There's a look on his face as he looks at you now. One that is solid and confident. You've seen him nervous and you've seen him happy, you can't quite tell what this look means and what comes after it.

"I pick my words with you sweetheart." he answers.

It was now or never.

"Okay then, were the flowers for me?" you ask.

You watch as his eyes go wide. And then they simmer down as he looks anywhere but at you. You swear you can see a red tint to his neck. Nervous. When Jason Todd gets nervous... it means he cares.

"Yes." he speaks.

The way your heart swells is criminal. It was like you were in a romcom of your own. A million of thoughts were running through your head. What do you say next? What do you tell him? What is he going to tell you?

"Jay?"

He looks at you.

"I liked it when you thought I was your gift on the porch." you admit.

His face morphs into pure glee. He actually leans closer to you on the couch. Being this close you can feel his body heat. You know there is a smile on your face, your cheeks feel hot.

"You didn't have to kiss me that night to prove your point," he starts.

You move even closer now. You're leaning against him now. In the haze of your mind you feel his hand come to rest on your hip. Shooting a romcom with him it usually feels normal. But at this very moment it feels like burning hot electricity.

"But I did." you finish for him.

He lightly laughs at that. The movement causes his forehead to touch yours. And you like the feel of it. You lean forward and press your foreheads together again.

"There's no cameras around here." he whispers.

Your smile widens, "It's not like we're shooting something raunchy."

You both laugh at that.

"I don't wanna rush this. I wanna take my time you deserve it, all of it." he says.

"Okay Jason. We can take our time." you reply.

"Might kiss you before I drop you home though." he whispers.

"Who said you're dropping me home?" you pull yourself back.

Jason laughs at that. Fully laughs with his head thrown back and his eyes closed. You bottle the sound in your mind. You can't believe it, being this close to him his laugh sounds so much better.

"If we are taking our time you cannot stay here. I would suffer greatly." he says.

"I like the idea of that." you joke.

He looks at you, nothing but light in his eyes.

"Wicked. You are utterly wicked." he says.

DAMIAN WAYNE SPEAKS OUT: TELL ALL ABOUT FUTURE ANIMAL SANCTUARY, ROLE IN HIS MOTHER'S NEW COMPANY, AND MORE!

"LOVE ON THE MEND" PUT ON HOLD BY LUTHOR STUDIO BUY OUT! WHEN CAN THE FILM START SHOOTING AGAIN?

SCEEN ACTORS GUILD GETS FULL SUPPORT FROM BRUCE WAYNE, HARVEY DENT, PAMELA + HARLEY, AND MORE AFTER LUTHOR BUY OUT

[mermaidsirennikita]

ARC REVIEW: The Stars Too Fondly by Emily Hamilton

4/5. Releases 6/11/24.

Vibes: everyone is queer, pretty much, grumpy x sunshine, grieving and falling in love, BIG MYSTERY--HUGE

Heat Index: 5/10

Cleo is obsessed with space--which is what leads to her friends accidentally launching a ship towards Proxima Centauri (and it will take... seven years there and back for them to return to Earth; if they survive). But in her defense, she was just trying to find out what happened to the crew that disappeared on launch day twenty years ago! And the the dark matter engine kicked off on its own! Fortunately (?) they're quickly joined by a hologram of Billie, the ship's vanished captain. Unfortunately, she doesn't remember exactly what happened. Or what's going to happen now. Also, she seems to really dislike Cleo--or does she?

OH, this was a lot. Both in terms of genres--it's like, sci-fi with some pretty hard science, I think, knowing nothing about science, plus a bit of magic, plus romcom, plus like... a treatise on loss and loving again?--and plot. This is definitely, ultimately, a romance. And it it's really quite beautiful. Yes, there are jokes, yes there's a mystery that actually gave me a bit of the creeps (in a good way), but ultimately this is about one woman who's gone through this massive loss having her heart cracked open by someone who's sort of given up on everything that seems to matter to her and is trying to ignore that by charging into space.

It bit off a lot. Like, this is a big swing of a book, and it's not perfectly perfect. But it is really good.

Quick Takes:

--This is a textbook grumpy/sunshine book. Billie is a take-no-prisoners alpha bitch, and even in hologram form (to be clear: the hologram is fully sentient, the "real" Billie essentially uploaded her consciousness into the ship right before disappearing) she isn't afraid to boss people around. She has a hard shell, and she's not easy to get through to.

Cleo, on the other hand, is bright and curious and perhaps doesn't take life seriously enough (which is definitely in part a coping mechanism for how badly the Earth is doing... which uh, hit pretty close to home!). Billie puts her in order and forces her to face shit head on; Cleo forces Billie to be a kinder, gentler person and breaks through her walls in a way she really needs. Their love story is really touching, and if you're the type of person who loves to see a hardened person get broken down by falling in love (like me) you'll love this.

--There's so much representation in this cast of characters! The "crew" is made up of an Asian man, Abe, whose partner (also in the group) Kaleisha is a Black trans woman. You also have Rose, who's non-binary, Cleo, who's a Black lesbian, and Billie, a bi woman, making up the primary team. It's all woven in very naturally, and you get the sense that everyone cares for each other and has this sense of solidarity. Just little things, like everyone checking to see if the ship has the hormones Kaleisha needs (don't worry, it does).

I also actually really appreciated the way that Billie was implied to be a woman who primarily dated women and then had her sexuality questioned after she got engaged to a man. Her relationship with the fiance she lost, Neil, is a huge part of who she is--and it's not invalidated by her falling in love with Cleo, or vice versa. In fact, so much of Billie's arc is informed by her grief and pain. She literally ran to space to escape her grief, and it's like--you just can't. And you also can't avoid the reality of moving on, and the fear that comes with loving people you may lose. Oof.

--The mystery was so eerie? Like, the idea of an entire crew of astronauts just disappearing right when they were meant to be launched into space... can you imagine the podcasts?

Hamilton wove this in really well--you get news articles, and especially comms between members of the crew, most of them involving Billie. Which is... man. It feels so sinister, and it also feels a bit separate from the Billie you see in the active present, because this is the "disappeared" Billie, not the hologram. It was a little stomach-churning for me, because, though I knew this was a romance and therefore would have an HEA, I still felt so worried for her and worried about what she was withholding.

--My one critique would be that I do feel like the story goes on a bit long, and could have had the ending shortened a bit. You kind of have this big climactic moment, and then we have to pick up the pieces and hurry to tie up loose ends. Which couldn't be entirely avoided, given the plot of the novel, but could have been a bit tidier. Not a huge issue at all, though, and it was nice to sort of bask in Billie and Cleo's relationship at that point.

The Sex:

So like. Billie is a hologram. Therefore, she can't touch or be touched. Which does put a hold on the physical sex in the novel, but doesn't stop it from being sexy and sexual. I mean, in a lot of ways I found the tension between Billie and Cleo hotter than some of the klutzy sex scenes I've read recently--and that's saying something coming from me, Little Miss Write More Sex.

That said, there is one full sex scene in the book, and it is quite hot. Won't tell you how it comes about, but you won't be dissatisfied. Neither were they.

I am not a sci-fi person. I'm not against it, but I often find it difficult to follow and a bit too cerebral for me to get emotionally involved, even when it's a sci-fi romance. This is the kind of sci-fi that works for me. It exists to serve the characters, and while the science is definitely fairly involved, it's not difficult to understand. (At least for me.)

I keep coming back to this, but I just found the emotional themes of the novel really moving in a way I didn't expect. It felt kind of heartbreaking at points. But thanks to the magic of a romance novel, it comes back to this circle of love and warmth (which really does transcend romantic love, too--the platonic bonds in this novel are great). My heart was full.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[generalluxun]

Fanfic Author 20 Questions

Thanks to @erisluna35 for sending this along! 1. How many works do you have on AO3?

On AO3? Right now 63, soon to be 64(tomorrow probably) and a couple on FF.net

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

1,020,860 on AO3 plus another ~86K fic I never ported over to AO3, as my 'recent' stuff, starting back in 2021

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Mostly Miraculous Ladybug, I did others a long time ago before joining AO3, but that was a long time ago. I've considered a couple others recently too, but nothing yet.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

At The Gala- A Chlonette fic inspired by fanart, and actually the sequel to my #2 by Kudos. This is just a cute series of strange interactions with Chloe from Marinette's PoV, culminating in understanding and discovery on a fated evening.

Slippery slope- Little Chlonette ficlet inspired by a fanart. Very short, it's about how a single unexpected moment can change someone's entire world.

Ever After- A long chapter fic set more than a decade post-canon that looks into the idea that 'Ever After' can be a long time, and that expecting life to be solved at 14 is a recipe for eventual disaster. Yet at the same time life continues to offer new experiences, new possibilities, and new ways to grow. Ships include Adrienette, Chloadrien, and Felinette.

Showing Love- An alternate ending to Queen Wasp, where instead of reuniting Chloé with her horrible mother by highlighting everything horrible about her (seriously, what?) Marinette comes face to face with the reality that a mother really *can* not love a child. Being Marinette she can't let such a thing stand, even if it is Chloé. Marinette&Dupain-Cheng family goodness.

What Do you See?- Adrigami fic that kicks off right in the middle of Kuro Neko. While Adrien is struggling with the pain of giving up Cat Noir, one thing crosses his mind. He can finally give one important person the truth she deserves. After all, he *Was* Cat Noir, not *is*. The two both struggle to navigate the ramifications of this revelation, especially when Plagg shows up once more with the ring. (there's a little bit of eventual Lukanette)

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

I try to respond to most, especially any questions or curiosities. I love engagement.

6. What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Oh heck this is so not fair. I am in love with bittersweet ending, and have a couple of doozies.

I can't decide between three.

What Happened- The 'real reason' Chloé Bourgeois's redemption arc failed. What do you di when you do everything right, only to find out your happiness causes the end of the world, in every timeline?

A Modest Proposal- Marinette is happily impatient for Adrien to finally propose to her. Little does she know, a secret long kept is going to come back to haunt her. It's worse than you think.

The Risk Outweighs- A look into someone else's life during the episode 'Risk'. The courage to do anything finally gives Chloé the strength to break from the cycle. But the Ladybugs must set things right, and a few moments of clarity weigh nothing against a lifetime.

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

Again, lots with happy endings, though I prefer 'open' endings, so...hmmm

Cafe Noir- has an unambiguously happy ending, but I specifically set out to write a romcom so that feels like cheating.

Dog Daze- probably has the most comprehensively happy ending, Adrien's dad even managed to try to parent. They do go through a lot on the way to the happy ending though.

In Direct Opposition- My latest work, seems to end on a solidly happy note for all involved.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Ever After drew some upset people that expected their OTP to be the main ship. I never tried to deceive anyone, but a few people were just really upset.

I also had this weird thing where someone thought I was someone else, and stalked my comments for a while. That's why I use moderation now.

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

I've done M rated fics. I'm not sure 'smut' works for them, even if there's lots of sex narratively, it's usually mentioned rather than being detailed. I did one single 'this will be a smut fic' fic. And even that ended up with like, 5K words mostly plot, and about 2 paragraphs of (I think emotional and important) sex.

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

Nah, I've never had the crossover itch. I generally find each world intriguing enough on their own.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know of...

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yep! I had someone ask if they could translate one of my fics to Russian.

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

Nope. Talked about it before, but never went through with it. Not against the idea. I do a lot of rubber ducking for my friends though, so some of my ideas can end up in their finished fics.

14. What's your all-time favorite ship?

I'm going ot have to go with adribrina, my goobers. I like exploring all kinds of ships, and these two I threw together on a whim but Oh, they're so comfy! I wrote Puppy Love to see how they would work, and then that evolved into Dog Daze, my Largest work to date. I had *intended* for them to amicably break up and Sabrina to be a wing-woman to Adrien in the canon ship of Adrienette.... but they just did not want to break up. Even if they wouldn't admit they were dating, they were just too *comfy* together. These two make me happy. (Marinette ended up okay though, she's happy!)

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

A third fic in my Senti-Sentai AU. 'Worlds Collide'. It was set in 'vague eastern Europe country in the middle of violent conflict' and then that suddenly got too real, too quickly.

16. What are your writing strengths?

Character voice. I write third person limited, and I've been told many times that I do a very good job of writing characters as their canonical selves, just in different situations that bring about different outcomes or changes in them. I consider that a high compliment, because the characters are what I am here for.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Brevity. Even simplistic plots 'enemies to friends road trip' become detailed 'Marinette manipulates Chloé into chasing Adien and Lila across the globe to prevent Lila from wheedling an arranged Marriage out of Gabriel' and then that blossoms into a 98K fic.

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

I feel like my last of understanding grammar and colloquialisms for another language would have me sounding like bad google translate. Singular words used? Viable.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

SWATKats. My first ever fanfic was a 30K fic about that show.

20. Favorite fic you've ever written?

They are all my babies! This is so not fair. I've spoken about some of my favorites earlier though, so I'll use this spot to mention some other ones :)

He's Perfect- Gothic Horror Adrienette! It even has a sequel and an entire AU in my head if I can circle back.

The Orphan and the Marionette- Written to feel like one of Grimm's fairy tales. Chlonette(kind of) with a heavy dose of magic and a surprise appearance from Marianne.

There are so many more but I'll plug Dog Daze again, because I to like how it flows and the alternate S5 we get from it. It also inspired a raft of 'post story' one shots, and I have another chapter fic waiting in the wings to continue the AU. There's plenty of stories to tell here.

@taketwoinink Tag, if you would like to play.

[turtlesocksv2]

Kinnporsche Rewatch 10 Thoughts

This opening is so good. "If it's for the man i love, i'd never hurt his feelings." Vegas isn't even lying but i don't think he knows that himself. It's fascinating to watch him pull the softboy act on Porsche, who clearly doesn't really trust it, but he knows that Porsche wouldn't be able to stand just staying in the cell, unable to do anything. Porsche needs to be doing something, especially if a loved one is in danger.

Chay getting kidnapped is finally linking his story to the main one which was just direly needed. I do not go to the dark mafia store to buy cute teenage romcom, thank you very much.

Pete demanding to know if Kinn trusts Porsche, because Pete does! Pete is willing to go clear Porsche's name, even if he gets captured, tortured and killed for it, because he trusts Porsche! get you a bestie like Pete!

Vegas likes Porsche! He thinks that Kinn has finally gotten some decent taste! That does not mean that he isn't going to use Porsche and fuck everything up, but the does genuinely like Porsche as a person which i think might make how the two of them end up worse.

LMAO can you imagine being Kinn and dealing with all the Tawan and Porsche escaping bullshit and then you get a phonecall from your estranged younger brother who is clearly injured asking you what the fuck happened like he knows something happened??? and then you have to explain to your estranged baby brother, who is a feral cat of a boy, about your ex coming back from the dead and your new boyfriend escaping his jailcell with your most awful cousin? Just what was that conversation like for him. I have to know.

This entire episode, actually this whole storyline, is Pete No. You In Danger, Girl. But we get our first glimpse of Khun Spikes!

Arm, how on earth did you test that USB on a computer connected to the main network!!!! you are supposed to be the smart one!!! local mafia family's cybersecurity a goddamn nightmare.

Big's death is even sadder on rewatch. that man was just trying his best! he just wants love and to protect kinn! he grew to respect porsche! and to get shot protecting porsche from that evil snake tawan that he never trusted!!!! tragic. i refuse. big is alive just in the hospital.

"i don't like myself being like this." Porsche corruption arc still in full swing, baby! he realizes it's happening but can't stop it.

Kinn got that look on his face like "I swear i'm forgetting something....the stove? did I leave the stove on? No, i've never cooked a day in my life. it can't be that." smashcut to poor Pete caught in the torture dungeon! Kinn is the worst boss.

Pete is derranged and I love him. Vegas has no idea what's about to happen to him. "You're laughing. I'm about to electrocute you with a car battery and you're laughing" The intense eye contact. these insane weirdos were made for each other. we must keep the insanity contained, they cannot be with anyone else. And the complete contrast of that with Ken and Gun, Ken begging and apologizing and clutching at Gun's boots.

Tankhun is not afraid of Gun. He sees clearly what is happening! But he does not like being in a room full of people with their guns drawn. This is the most panicked we've seen him yet, and yet he's still holding it together! He's clearly upset but he isn't melting down. Genuinely I think Tankhun is not as broken as Korn presents him as! He probably was, right after the kidnapping, but he's grown up. Kinn and Tankhun are united, but Korn overrules their desire. Getting dangerously close to the sons Unionizing against you, Korn!

Boyfriend runs away with another man after you lock him up for less than a day because you didn't tell him your master plan? Deutsche Bank can help. Boyfriend wants you to apologize for falling for his cousin's lies? Deutsche Bank can help. Deutsche Bank: for all your reconciling with your boyfriend needs.

"it's like i've forgotten something, but I can't think of what" Pete is being tortured, Kinn! For the love of god you lost a whole person!!! how do you not realize the man you sent in to clear your boyfriend's name hasn't reappeared yet!!! TRY HARDER, KINN! if i was Pete i'd be so mad.

[ladyravenjadethe2nd]

Making a Summary for a Fanfiction

Lot of people say they are bad at this so I'm going to help you because I think I'm pretty good at it.

Step One: Do not tell us you are bad at summaries. First of all it is okay to be bad at them that doesn't mean your story will be bad, but the only information you are giving the reader that has skimmed 5,000 summaries and are willing to skim 5,000 more is that your not confident in your skills.

Fake it till you make it.

Step Two: Make sure the language you have your summary in is the same one the story is in. Even if someone speaks both languages that is a jarring change. Not everyone reads the tags even if you have it tagged as that other language. For artistic purposes if you feel the summary must be in another language provide a translation under it still in your summary.

Step Three: Pick what you want to summarize. What I mean is are you summarizing the whole fic, are you summarizing the theme of the fic, the first chapter, your favorite scene, the intro to the main character, etc...

Really you can pick anything as long as it does relate to your story although the more vague you wish to be the sooner you need to make it pay off.

For example Your Summary is 'The truth is that only coffee mattered. It could never leave me, or insult me, or stand me up like this fucking prick.'

Seems like a pretty decent way to introduce a story that involves dating in someway. Your reader expects that at some point there will be coffee, that at some point this character will be stood up, and that Character A has beef with Character B.

You can delay this pay off for a few chapters, but if I've read 5 chapters of a school girl fighting demons and I have no idea who they might have beef with that's a pretty shit summary. This summary leads me to believe this will be a romance focused story or at least that the story will start Character A being stood up and a romantic sub plot is relevant.

If this line doesn't show up until chapter 20 I will have stopped reading by chapter 10 because I feel lied too.

Step Four: If step 3 is too difficult show off. What are you best at? Your descriptions? Your dialog? What do you look at and go 'There! That's were I shine as a writer!' If you just can't summaries to save your life put your very best paragraph in the summary and that's it your done. Congratulations.

Step Five: Assuming you did step 3 and are ignoring 4 now that you have your what your summarizing write it down as boring and bare bones as possible. Your not trying to be good you just want the words down.

Example: Slow burn romance with sassy school girl and mean rival from another school. Cannon fighting demon plot going on.

Step 6: Now your gonna stylist it. Take a bit of what your good at and the genre of the fic and make a line to a paragraph or two at most about the most important part of your basic summary.

For example Your best thing is descriptions of characters. You want a romcom feel to it, but the action is important and romance doesn't start until later in the fic.

Instead of an internal monologue line in chapter 20 about being stood up you should instead describe the love interest though your main character's eyes on the battle field. Have them pay attention to desirable traits, but don't be fully lusting after them. This is a slow burn so only a small distraction is allowed.

You can with the right description tell us both characters personally as well and as you hit on several topics no one is going to be upset if you don't see this character until chapter 20. The sum is also about fighting demons so if that happens chapter one we do not feel lied to.

Step 7: Have fun with it. There is a reason you want to write. Something about the story gives you joy bring that into your summary and you will have an easy or at least enjoyable time with it.

P.S. The place for perfect grammar and spelling is in the summary. Once they are in it a few mistakes will be forgiven.

Pls comment how you make summaries, if this was helpful, or if it just confused you more.

[nickitxrres]

Jemma's Room

where Nicki and Jemma gossip and have girl time! @ijemmaokafor

Nicki Torres

-bounds up to Jemma's door and gives it a shave and a haircut knock-

Ijemma Okafor

-calling out blindly as she finished reading a sentence- Come in! -finally looks to see who it is- Nicki! What a nice surprise, what can I do for ya?

Nicki Torres

-Nicki waits for the invitation before strolling on it- Nice surprise? I think that might be a first. I'm just stuck wandering around town and wanted to see if you were free for some chit chat. I know you're busy being the super badass that you are.

Ijemma Okafor

-snorting in laughter- oh yeah, super badass with my various checklists. I’m down for a chat, though. You going stir crazy or something?

Nicki Torres

Dios, si. -Nicki dramatically steps further into the room- I do not do well with no action. I need excitement. But that's not why I'm here. -she stops to lean against one of the walls- I want to talk about you and Ike. So....how did it happen? I could ask him but he's a guy and never gives all the good details. Tell me everything.

Ijemma Okafor

-giving Nicki a skeptical look- The sex part of the lovey dovey part?

Nicki Torres

Either or. Or both, if you want to share.

Ijemma Okafor

You…would wanna know about that? I know you and Ike have a special sort of relationship too.

Nicki Torres

Yes, I do. Ike and I are fun friends. Love him to death, but what you and Ike have is so sweet and adorable and honestly, I love it. You're good. He needs good, even though he doesn't think he does. So I wanna know! How absolutely mushy gushy was he? Was it like those romance movies? Was it rot your teeth out because it's that sweet sweet?

Ijemma Okafor

-she curled in on herself in delight- It was such a romcom miscommunication moment. He was trying to profess his feelings and I was completely lost. And then when it hit me what he was saying…god, I got all the butterflies. I never thought…I never thought he’d be able to get there, y’know?

Nicki Torres

Oh trust me, I know exactly what you mean. -she was happy - beyond happy for the two of them- For being such a big mouth with no filter, the man struggles with expressing his feelings. If he ever does something stupid, you let me know and I'll go hit him over the head for you. I refuse to let him self-sabotage this because I know how much he loves you and cares about you.

Ijemma Okafor

To be honest, I’ll hit him over the head. I think he’d be disappointed if I did any less. But I appreciate having back-up. Same goes for me, by the way. I don’t get the whole raider camaraderie—I mean, I get it, but it’s not something an outsider can really understand. Still, I respect the hell out of it. And I know it’s a little more free-form, between you and him. But I like that he’s got folks looking out for him in places I can’t be. So thank you for that.

Nicki Torres

Of course. Once he's cleared and everything I'll make extra sure he doesn't do anything stupid. He's coming back every time, I can promise you that. I'm not letting him do anything dumb, and neither with Orion and Ares. We've got his back.

Ijemma Okafor

Aw hun, don’t make that kinda promise. That’s too much to ask of anyone. Just look after each other like you already do.

Nicki Torres

Too late. Already made the promise. Can't take it back. And before you two were a thing I already forbade him from doing anything that could put his life in jeopardy. He's not allowed to go anywhere. -she chews a little bit on the inside of her cheek- I know you probably already are but......you're looking out for him while he's here, right?

Ijemma Okafor

As much as he lets me -she gave her a knowing look—both women knew how Ike could be- That’s part of why we work as well as we do, I think. Listening when the other says to leave something be. But he’s the most important person in the world to me…part of me always has an eye on him.

Nicki Torres

Good, good....so in that case.....have you noticed that there's something off about him? Like.....I don't know, he's missing some of that Ike flair?

Ijemma Okafor

-sighing heavily- Yep. I can get him back to himself if we spend a few hours together just relaxing or goofing off. But the rest of the time, he’s a little…I dunno, desaturated.

Nicki Torres

Oh thank God, it's not just me. -she pushes off the wall and starts to pace in place- There's something bugging him and I don't know what and he insists that he's fine but I know he's not fine. I've seen fine. This is not fine. He came over and he was tired and exhausted and then he said something that set off smoke signals but he shrugged it off and it's been bugging me ever since.

Ijemma Okafor

Smoke signals? What did he say?

Nicki Torres

He said I wasn't allowed to be anything but a raider, which, I mean, isn't all that weird, but then he said something about getting older and feeling it and....I don't know, maybe I'm reading into it too much. It just seems like he's holding something back.

Ijemma Okafor

The scalp injury really threw him for a loop. And it’s getting colder, I know everyone’s bones are aching more. I’d put money on an age-related existential crisis. The bit about you only being allowed to be a raider…that’s weird. Was there more context to it?

Nicki Torres

No, he just said, -she pauses to mimic Ike's voice- Don't go off to be a hunter or security. Ya got to stay a raider. -she returns back to her normal voice- See what I mean? That's just weird. There's something not right.

Ijemma Okafor

-quiet, as she thinks about what it might mean- Might be his version of “don’t leave me.” He’s protective of you raiders. Maybe even possessive. And part of him probably knows that’s not the best way to be. But he can’t help it.

Nicki Torres

-she takes a breath as she stops her pacing- You're probably right. I don't know. I just don't know why he would think I would ever leave the raiders. I've never shown any interest in doing anything else. Where he goes, I go. But there's just something bugging me about it and I can't put my finger on it

Ijemma Okafor

Well asking him outright rarely works, so in lieu of that, we’ll both just keep an eye on him. You think he’s said anything similar to Orion or Ares?

Nicki Torres

Ares, probably not. There's a whole thing with him and Ares that I'll let him explain. Orion, possibly. I haven't really spoken to him about that, but it wouldn't surprise me if Orion's noticed something too. Orion and Ike are pretty close too.

Ijemma Okafor

They’re an interesting pair. I like that they have each other though. I was worried about Orion when he first got here. But he does okay. You raiders are like the Island of Misfit Toys.

Nicki Torres

-Nicki smiles as she puts her hand over her heart- Aww, that's so sweet. And incredibly accurate.

Ijemma Okafor

I am nothing if not a huge sap.

Nicki Torres

I love it. It's perfect. Ike needs that sappiness. Pleae, please, please give him all of the sap.

Ijemma Okafor

Always. I don’t know where else to put it. And he gets all glowy when I pile it on. Nothing beats Ike blushing.

Nicki Torres

You get him to blush? Oh, now I'm incredibly jealous. You'll have to do that when I'm around at some point. I have spent years trying to get that man to blush and all I get is laughter and quippy comebacks.

Ijemma Okafor

Nah, you gotta get him when he’s already feeling kinda soft.

Nicki Torres

See, I rarely get to see him when he's soft. He saves all that soft for you, Jemma.

Ijemma Okafor

-suddenly feeling a little guilty- I don’t know why…but I savor every last bit of it, I promise that much.

Nicki Torres

Because he loves you, Jemma. That's why. He gets to be vulnerable with you. You're his safe place. The bright spot in his dark place. You put him back together.

Ijemma Okafor

I do love him. He’s got so many people that love him though…I don’t know why he picked me to be vulnerable with. I fucking cherish it, believe me. But I’m still not sure I understand it.

Nicki Torres

Because you love him and he wants you to know that he trusts you completely. It's hard to explain but when you come with the emotional baggage that someone like he has, being able to show your belly to something that could easily get you is a huge sign of their trust.

Ijemma Okafor

Oh believe me, I know. And hell, I did the same thing with him. I try to stay pretty even keeled, and I was lucky to be raised without a shit ton of trauma. But if he wanted to, Ike could tear my heart to shreds. Not that I think he’s capable of it. I just…I’ve gone all the way in with him, y’know?

Nicki Torres

All the way in? -She blinks a few times- What do you mean?

Ijemma Okafor

In love, I mean. Handed my whole heart over, jumped in the deep end…pick your metaphor, my sappy ass did it.

Nicki Torres

Oh .... Oooohhhh. -it dawns on her after a moment- he's your person! That's sweet..... what's that like?

Ijemma Okafor

Being in love? It’s like…having a home outside yourself. I don’t know, thousands of years of poets and artists have tried to pin it down, I’m probably not gonna manage it right now. Have you never been in love?

Nicki Torres

Ahhh, yeah, no not really. Not until lately and it's so weird and new that trying to make sure I'm not fucking it up l.

Ijemma Okafor

Good news is, you can't fuck it up. The love part, anyway. I guess you can fuck up a relationship, but the being in love part, that's just...cosmic or chemical or whatever your version of god is.

Nicki Torres

-Nicki ponders on those for a moment - so when I'm with Aries and I can't stop smiling and I feel safe and happy with him, that's being in love?

Ijemma Okafor

-eyes widening- Ares? Oh for real??

Nicki Torres

Yes, Ares. He's.....well, he's sweet.

Ijemma Okafor

-bouncing excitedly as she shifts on the bed- I’ve gathered as much. I wasn’t sure about him at first, what with the group he was part of before. But he seems like a softie deep down.

Nicki Torres

-Nicki is aware and also knows about Ike needing to bring something up more about it with the council but she keeps silent on that matter - He's a good man. He's made mistakes like everyone here. And he saved my ass a few weeks ago. But he's also kind and caring and sweet and....well, I love him.

Ijemma Okafor

-taking both of Nicki’s hands in hers- Oh honey, that’s just the best news I’ve heard all day. The way love keeps cropping up, no matter how messy the world gets. Does he know how you feel?

Nicki Torres

-Nicki laughs a bit and nods- Sí, he told me he loved me too the night of prom. And he technically said it first, which probably helped.

Ijemma Okafor

How’d he say it, how’d it happen?? I wanna know everything.

Nicki Torres

-Nicki laughs as she's shaking her head- We went back to my place to sneak away and were having sex and he blurted it out.

Ijemma Okafor

-downright giggling- That’s so fucking cute. Did it freak you out?

Nicki Torres

A little bit, yeah. I had to ask to make sure he meant it and wasn't just saying it because we were screwing. I don't think he realized he said it until I asked him about it.

Ijemma Okafor

Did he freak out once you pointed it out to him?

Nicki Torres

I think he panicked for a minute. He has this adorable face he makes when he freaks out.

Ijemma Okafor

Those sparkly blue eyes of his get ginormous, huh?

Nicki Torres

Oh yeah, like giant blue saucers.

Ijemma Okafor

Adorable. So adorable. Are you guys…an item? Or just kinda keeping it casual?

Nicki Torres

Ahhh..... -Nicki makes a face as she rocks her head from side to side- Yes and no? We're a thing but also open for other partners. I know, it sounds weird, but it oddly makes sense. At least to me.

Ijemma Okafor

It doesn’t sound weird, that’s how me and Ike are. Maybe Ike more so than me—-laughing-Ike’s about all I can handle.

Nicki Torres

Ike is a lot, I will give you that. But that's what makes him endearing and fun.

Ijemma Okafor

I wouldn’t have him any other way.

Nicki Torres

-Nicki hummed her approval and nodded- I have probably overstayed my welcome and let you get back to....whatever you were doing. If he says anything concerning, can you let me know?

Ijemma Okafor

You're always welcome here Nicki, can't overstay it. But I'll keep you posted. -she pulls her into a crushing hug-

Nicki Torres

See, you say that, Jemma, but you'll be changing your mind when I come crashing . -she grunts as Jemma squeezes her but laughs as she hugs her back- I appreciate you. And I'm happy for you and Ike. I really am.

Ijemma Okafor

I'm happy for you and Ares.

Nicki Torres

Gracias, Jemma. -she kisses her cheek before strutting out the door-

[mdhwrites]

The Most Impactful Story On My Writing

And I can't remember its name but I remember one reaction I had from it that has never really left me.

So first, I do remember the premise so let me set the scene. First: This was when I was just getting into manga as a tweenager, just into middle school, and my sister had a couple books in her room that she'd let me read. One of them was a Shoujo series about a witch getting stranded in our realm after leaving the magical realm and now she must deal with life and boys. During the introductory period, hijinks with her magic happened and then...

They just stopped. For like two whole volumes, you literally could not distinguish it from literally any other Shojo series set in the modern day. The theoretical hook was simply gone as she went through love triangle shenanigans. Then, suddenly, they're making this big deal about her potentially being forced to return to the magical realm and what that means and my reaction was "OH RIGHT! THIS BITCH HAD MAGIC!"

And that moment kind of hit hard for me. When I talk in my analysis about getting annoyed about something abandoning its premise or characters just forgetting who they were, I think this is where that core issue for me began. A moment where I was suddenly wrenched out of everything I was enjoying to go "Oh right! There was an actual concept behind this!"

And that definitely is also in my writing. I'm not going to claim to be perfect but as an example, I did a romcom where one character is a werewolf and it's really fluffy and cute... And yet the curse is still real. Pretty much every chapter has to do with the werewolf element in someway. It is still a CURSE, not just her having dog ears and a tail, even if in many chapters it's allowed to be that way for fluff. It is never left hanging for too long the reminder that I chose to make them a werewolf.

That book is Their Ruff Secrets btw and is my proudest work to this day, even if Crises Girlfriends is even more personal for me.

It by no means is the only one though. When I did monster girls, I made sure not to forget their claws and what they were. When I did traumatized, molded soldiers, they were constantly dealing with their training versus their reality as sudden civilians. Rich Witch is possibly to the point where it's so focused on these characters being nobles and what that means that it's a detriment as much as a plus, but I know I wouldn't really write it any other way because I would never want to feel like I'm just ignoring the premise. Hell, plans for that series include one character acting like they're trying to forget that they're a noble and the PROBLEMS that come with that.

And it all started with a fairly generic Shoujo manga that I can't even remember the name of.

[youareinlove]

I LOVE Emily Henry! I reread them all about 2 weeks ago. I think my ranking is

Beach read

funny story

book lovers

pwmov

happy place

In whimsy romance (what I call romcoms) there is a fine line of too corny to be true and fantastical enough to keep me interested. But ultimately, just because I like a trope, doesn’t mean the book sings. Because I can (and I want to) I’m explaining my ranking. Happy Place has fake dating, shared bed, and second chance but really falls flat for me because I think Harriet was working through a LOT and made 2 incredibly rash decisions at the end of the book. Idk the ending really soured it for me. I also am not a huge fan of the way they lied to the people closest to them like that (even if the friends knew).

Friends to lovers is my absolute favorite trope when done well. But even though they are friends their lives are so incompatible I had a hard time rooting for them. Also uChicago is an incredibly difficult college to get into and neither Alex nor Poppy give the vibe of Chicago students.

I love book lovers, but I fear this book suffers from “I just I like the other 2 more.” Also I don’t think Charlie and Nora are particularly romantic, so there is less whimsy in what I think could be an incredibly romantic small town. I do tend to love the rivals to lovers trope (as you’ll see soon).

funny story - I wonder if this is Taylor’s favorite. Miles reminds me of how I imagine Travis (though physically he’s more wyn from happy place). Feel like her writing really helped elevate this story and made the tropes feel believable. This book has my favorite side plots and location. The resolution to this book feels the warmest because everyone in their lives was also cheering them on at the read-a-thon.

beach read - my first of hers and forever favorite. Grumpy/sunshine, rivals with secret crushes to lovers, and forced proximity. And it’s so romantic. And I love their banter.

spoilers for all of these books ahead

ooh! my ranking is funny story > happy place > beach read > pwmov.

i think a lot of people feel the way you did about happy place and i agree that the ending felt a bit rushed and sudden, especially compared to the slower pace of the book up until the third act. things just suddenly move really fast in a way that's hard to keep up with as a reader, and it makes her decisions seem way rasher than the buildup to them would suggest. when it comes to them lying to their friends, i think it's understandable because the narrative explains why they feel the need to and their reasons make sense, even if they're misguided. but i do agree with your points overall, and most of why i enjoyed this one as much as i did was the friend group dynamic, because i think she did a great job of writing it

when it comes to pwmov, i really enjoyed how the narrative dealt with their incompatible lifestyles because to me, that was what made their arc interesting. figuring out how the characters were going to work through that inherent conflict and watching them grapple with it was a highlight of the plot for me, and i think pwmov actually addressed the "we have fundamentally incompatible hopes for the future" issue better than happy place did. the way poppy and alex settled on a compromise worked a lot better for me as well because their arcs justified the conclusion in a way that felt satisfying and not rushed. can't argue with your point about uchicago though, because i've never been to chicago but i'm sure you're right

haven't read book lovers so i'll have to get back to you on that one

it's so funny to me that you mentioned the similarities between miles and travis because i thought the same thing! they're so similar personality-wise and i absolutely noticed lol. i love funny story and i'm glad you did too

beach read is very cute! i've spoken very highly of it and i stand by everything i've said. i think it's a quintessential example of what makes emily henry's writing so great

[gusgus373]

Forever My Girl

"Sometimes you have to let yourself go, take a walk on the wild side, trust that everything will work out".

Spanish title: Hasta que te encontré.

Year: 2018

Length: 1h 48min

Score (IMDb): 6.6/10

Synopsis:

Country music superstar, Liam Page returns to his hometown to attend the funeral of his high school best friend, Mason Belmont and runs into his ex-girlfriend Josie, who has a daughter, named Billy Ann, after Liam's mother. Liam didn't know he had a daughter as he got nervous on his wedding day, causing him to leave Josie before the wedding took place.

"She's the one"

Opinion:

Although I don't like it I am a die hard romantic, and that I loved this romcom is proof, the movie is based on a book which I haven't read, but after watching it made me want to read it.

There are a couple of things I didn't like a lot, the first one is that for a 7 year old girl she seems very intelligent, she seems to know more than adults, which is weird in my opinion and she also shouts a lot, most of her dialogues are shouting.

The other bad thing I see is that they could have added in that 12 minutes for the 2 hours that people relate more, like for example a scene of Mason and Liam being friends, so we would see that he really cared enough to leave everything behind and go back to his town or why he was so shocked by the news of the death of someone he hasn't seen for 8 years.

Or a scene of Liam recounting the trauma of his mother's death and reliving it with Billy.

Or when Liam's dad went to find him to tell him about his daughter.

Or a deep conversation on the date Josie and Liam had.

Or how fame swept through young Liam to turn him into the person at the beginning of the film.

Or a conversation with his sober father, maybe talking about the trauma he has.

Notes:

I love that the film starts with the first song we hear of Liam saying many times "Don't throw my whisky" as showing how he is at that moment, frivolous, disinterested, in my opinion with some absurd lyrics (almost reaching the absurdity of many currently popular songs) and ends with a song that talks about coming home, that the song tells you, no, rather it conveys a nice feeling like that, coming home.

Another thing I notice that also has to do with the songs is that the second song that Liam plays right after the one I named in the first point, shows us the real Liam, that is inside him or the shadow of what he was, a man in love, who has a wound that he can't heal.

Something nice also is that there are two occasions in which Liam does not show up to concerts, the first is when without caring about anything he goes back to his friend's funeral, but he is disinterested in leaving his fans behind and does not seem to measure the consequences of his actions, and the second is when he abandons everything back but to return to his family, and we see how he did the first to run away from his responsibilities and the second to run to them, which makes us realise how he evolved.

One question I have that I hope is resolved in the book is how Liam changed in such a short time to be unrecognizable to his father, it's like one day he was one way and a week later he becomes someone totally different, although later I remember that my fantasies as a child (15 years old) were something like that too, going away, not talking to anyone, not even my friends, and coming back years later changed, and taking into account that they are 27, at that time and subtracting Liam's 8 years outside they were going to get married at 18/19 which means that Liam fulfilled my teenage fantasy.

A nice thing is that while Billy somehow teaches Liam to be responsible and careful, he teaches her to let go, they teach each other opposite concepts.

I think who would make Jake look like an antagonist, when he makes the rant to Liam, because from our point of view that we saw Liam's memory, we know that he didn't stand by and do nothing because he didn't care, but because he was reliving his mother's death, but for Jake, who was practically a father to Billy, he saw the man who abandoned his sister at the altar standing next to him watching his daughter drown with a poker face, He doesn't know why he stayed like that, but he doesn't care either, and his resentment may be justified, because you can forgive what was done to you (Josie) but it's harder to forgive someone who hurt a person you love (Jake) because you were there when he cried, when he maybe blamed himself and through the whole grieving process and you don't want it to happen again.

[coolsosha]

Happy birthday to Asmodeus, my light of my life and the most amazing character to not-exist irl. If he existed in reality he probably won't even look at me, but he is so amazing that i don't really care. He is so pretty, but apart from that he is also super kind and caring. He is gentle and would never hurt you he is also loving and would smooch you so hard that you can't stand. I love him so much, if he was alive and ever fell for me then i would be the happiest person ever existing and non-existing. I would live with him and we would sleep in one bed cuddling and No lube No protectioning. He would take to the shops and i would sit there waiting for him, my help in choosing clothes would be useless because Asmo is gorgeous in everything even in a potato bag, even without any clothes. We would hang out in clubs and drink some sweet cock tails and after that he will be cutely drunk and i will have to carry him home, but i don't mind, my precious Asmodeus deserves everything. I would love him even if he would be evil, he would make me his cute little human plaything and i would not mind, i love my man so hard that i would sacrifice all my human rights for him. He can do anything that he wants with me and i would like everything. Or, maybe im not good enough for Asmodeus, he is so gorgeous and kind and nice and cute and amazing and im just some stinky human. But if he is a Kadence from that meme, then i would kill illegal amount of people to be his Shining Armour from that meme. If he ever were sad i would watch some RomComs with him, i haye them but he would love it. I would volunteer to be his makeup testing doll and i would be his model anytime when he needs it. I would also let this guy No lube No protection me if he would want to, his body is so hot actually, I don't like guys with muscles, they look like their about to punch me. But Asmo is cutely thin and has nothing close to muscles, and it's so nice. His skin is probably super soft and he might have some soft mini manboobs, aww. Also he has the biggest gyatt in the 3d models and it's sooo cute.Ok so if i wake up to Asmodeus on other side of a bed, i would get a heart attack and would immediately start telling him how gorgeous and precious he is, until this bitch will melt into a embarrassed puddle. He would probably be pleased and would hug me and then we would cuddle while i tell him every single thing that i love about him and then he will fall for me and we will kiss and marry and passionately make our and he would No lube no protection me until im dead and then then uhh then i would become his pet human he would take me on a walks, he would kiss me everywhere, he would love me and uuuh, i would follow him around and will talk only to him and sacrifice all my life goals just to become his plaything and as his plaything he would praise me nicely and cuddle as he wants and no lube no protection as he wants and he can makeuping me and also he can play dress up with me and i would get into the devildom and live in his room until the end of times i would go in clubs with him and i would submit to every single thing that he would say. He can manipulate me or become Yandere but I don't care i would sacrifice everything that i have just to become his favourite human plaything who he would love and cherish. He would kiss me and love me and buy me some cute stuff and take me on a dates and also he would No lube No pro-

Happy Birthday

Asmodeus (15th May)

Obey Me!

[ladyluscinia]

Everything about Izzy Hands makes sense once you say he is literally just a guy from a violent action / drama being genre hoodwinked.

Izzy Hands spent his life as a prominent side character in a violent action drama and he loved it. He got to stand at his captain / god's right hand and enjoy the splatter of blood across his boots from a good maiming. He executed enemies, raided ships, ruled the crew with an iron fist, did anything and everything his captain ordered with a (distinctly horny) satisfaction, and he was rewarded by being Blackbeard's First Mate aka #pirategoals. And then fucking Stede Bonnet gets in a boat and the whole ocean genre-shifts into a romcom.

Idiots and incompetence abound! Wacky hijinks ensue! And worst of all... Izzy's captain, his violent god, the dreaded Blackbeard who he would follow to the ends of the earth, is into it all. Pirate raids and massacres are replaced with dress up games and gay flirting and you expect him to be normal about this??? The world's gone mad!

Of course Izzy just wants to kill them all and get his life back. What the hell else is he supposed to do? Hop into a cute enemies to lovers arc? Izzy doesn't want that. He wants to stab people!

And Izzy must really feel like he's losing it because all his people from the great Before (aka his violent drama life) have been infected with this romcom bullshit too. Edward is the most obvious - suddenly revealing a mushy romcom center that he wants to embrace wholeheartedly - but, like, even Ivan and Fang are softened out. Izzy is the only one who's noticing this is not how the world worked before, and he is fucking determined to fix it. Stede and his crew are the obvious targets because Izzy cannot rationalize how they are even alive with how incompetent they are as pirates. And his conflict with trying to pull Blackbeard out of Ed is literally just him fighting the genre-shift in real time, only in this case it's personal.

Because Blackbeard is betraying him.

I know the fandom is full of takes about how Blackbeard is a persona crafted from trauma and defense mechanisms and this is true... in the romcom universe that we see mostly through Stede's eyes. But Izzy knew Edward a long time. And he's not suffering that drastic of a misunderstanding.

Edward liked being Blackbeard. He didn't kill people apparently (outsourcing the task to Izzy is a safe assumption), but he "enjoyed a good maiming" and burned people alive and fed a man his own toes... There's extensive evidence he was not a miserable performer. The whole plot actually hinges on how much he liked being Blackbeard, because you can't get bored if you weren't having fun originally.

So Izzy and Edward were having a grand time together before the genre-shift, but then all of this bullshit happens and Ed pretty much offers him an ultimatum. Ed decided he likes the romcom universe too, so if Izzy wants to stick together (he does), then he has to get with the new program.

And Izzy says Fuck That.

If Edward likes both and Izzy only likes one, then why the fuck does Izzy have to give up his genre / happiness? Why the fuck does Izzy have to put up with a bunch of morons when he knows Edward still has Blackbeard somewhere in there? Why the fuck is Izzy's opinion suddenly disregarded???

(Obviously it's not that simple, but from Izzy's perspective he really is just getting dropped here. Edward rushed into the romcom genre with abandon, and did not think at all about how you can't just reinvent yourself overnight. Hopefully that will be a crux in a S2 arc.)

Given all the fuckery Izzy is putting up with... Can you blame him???