#I think my favorite part was alex but it’s all gold

[fritzes]

I need everyone to see this

#I think my favorite part was alex but it’s all gold #chris is such a nerd (affectionate) #ben shelton #jj wolf #frances tiafoe #chris eubanks #thanasi kokkinakis #benoit paire #alex michelsen #max purcell #denis shapovalov #marcos giron #Youtube

[halfmoth-halfman]

do you have any headcannons about designer dress you can disclose? every now and then i create some of my own, but it's great finding out about the "official" ones, like why did you choose canary as mc's moniker? are we going to find out more about laswell and price? maybe gaz's mom? she seems important... what about farah's relationship with john? and some tidbits as well, like why blue? why valeria's "day job" is fashion designer? sorry the questionnaire, any piece would be great! i'm just in awe with the whole ambience you've created. much love! xx

oh i’ve got plenty of headcanons. some i won’t go into too much detail about because it would dipping into spoiler territory, but here ya go:

gaz was a big momma's boy as a kid, and when she died so soon after his father it left him with a lot of big, confusing feelings for an 8-9 year old

he was angry at price for a long time after his parents' deaths and it wasn't until well into his teenage years that he started warming up to price

farah was adopted after gaz, when her parents were killed during price's and the 141's first go around with makarov when they were both building their "empires" (we'll go more into that in the next few chapters)

gaz and farah took to each other easily, often finding comfort in their similar struggles and complicated feelings for price

price does everything he can to help gaz and farah remember their parents, mostly out of respect and love for them and their parents, but also due to that quiet guilt that he's the reason their parents are gone

gaz goes back on forth on calling price dad, but always refers to farah as his sister

farah does not call price dad, it’s always either old man or price

farah does think of gaz as a brother, but can’t bring herself to actually call him that because it makes her think of hadir

farah and gaz are best friends through and through tho

price cannot visit their parents' graves with them, he doesn't feel he has a right to, and if he goes with one of them he’ll wait in the car until they’re done to go to the grave himself

price has talked about canary to gaz’s dad’s grave

i hc price's favorite color as blue in general, hence all the blue he puts his women in

there is a difference between the blues when he gets canary a dress vs when valeria makes her one

valeria's come in various shades of blue while price's are always the same shade of blue as his eyes

he is absolutely doing it as a way to mark his territory

graves loves his women in gold and jewels and designer, it's a way to show off his wealth and status and how much he spoils them

it's all part of a carefully put together show to make himself look good

makarov does not give a fuck about any of that

his women are on display as a way to taunt and tempt his enemies because they know better than to touch what's his and he drapes them in blood-colored fabric as warning

price had a playboy phase after his (amicable) divorce from kate and it only got worse when gaz’s parents died

he never loved or really cared for any of his significant others, knowing most were just after his money, status, or bragging rights - they used him and he used them as a stress relief

when gaz moved in to the manor, he tried a few short-lived relationships that never lasted more than a few months

he stopped completely when farah moved in

price tried dating once or twice when gaz and farah were older and things were more stable but it was never anything serious until canary

price has never been in love until canary

price, nik, and gaz's dad were bffs with farah's dad joining later, and nik loves gaz and farah like his own

at one point, shepherd was included in that little group

alex and farah had a romcom-esque meet-cute at a 141 gala where alex was a guest of kate's

alex fell first, farah fell harder

price, and the rest of the 141, are good friends with kate's wife, but they don't see her often since she's not involved in their business

kate tries to keep her wife separate from that side of her life for her own safety

roach, könig, and horangi live in a three-bedroom apartment because the third bedroom was originally ghost's

outside of soap, ghost is probably closest to roach and sees him as a younger brother

no one except ghost knows how old roach is, he changes the answer every time someone asks him

roach was not born mute, it happened during a bar fight where he shielded ghost from someone with a broken bottle

ale/val/rudy have known each other since they were kids

rudy always had feelings for alejandro but never said anything, content to be friends

alejandro and valeria dated first, they broke up when valeria and alejandro disagreed with how to run the vaqueros

alejandro and rudy started dating in that time, but rudy broke up with him when valeria came back and rudy felt like alejandro wasn't over her

it was a lot of drama and feelings being shoved down that culminated in one night of drinking, arguing about emotions, and eventually a threesome

the three have been together ever since

alejandro and rudy do not necessarily approve of what valeria does with her own business - she takes a very jason todd approach to it all (aka "you can't stop crime, but you can control it") - but she does get positive results so the arguments are few and far between

rudy is a doctor first and foremost, but he's always enjoyed cooking (something something cutting into meat the same way he'd cut into a body something something) and it was his own suggestion for him to be the club chef

valeria never intended to do fashion design, but she enjoys the finer things and has specific tastes for how she wants to look

since every tailor/designer she had hired eventually ended up disappointing her, she took up the job herself

running a club was nik's idea, and it took him a few months and a lot of badgering to convince price to go along with it

price agreed only because 13-year-old gaz mumbled that "it'd be kinda cool" one night at dinner

the singer position at the club was made specifically for farah because she found comfort singing songs her mother used to sing to her and hadir when they were little

on special occasions, soap will take over at the bar and alex will get on stage and play guitar alongside farah as she sings

soap was gaz’s friend that he introduced to the club and he became fast friends with everyone

eventually price hired him after recognizing how smart and perceptive soap was

soap is in his position for a reason, the guests are more than happy to ogle the handsome server with too many buttons undone and not notice that he's watching them back with a far sharper eye

soap and ghost were supposed to be a one-time thing meant for stress relief but ghost caught feelings and kept coming back

it took ghost ages to admit he cared for soap and when the realization hit, it scared the hell out of him but roach convinced him to talk it out with soap

soap is the only person ghost would ever disobey price for, but he would never admit that

alex gushes to gaz about farah nonstop and talks about how he knew he was going to marry her the moment they met

gaz was happy for them, but he never really got it...until he met tabby

nik sometimes gets too drunk and reminisces about his wife back home

no one knows if he actually has a wife, or where “back home” is, his stories are all the same, but the little details change every time

könig and horangi were together before they joined the 141, and könig moved in with roach and ghost completely unaware that they worked for price

the 141 refers to kortac as "könig's people" because it's a far more complicated system of contacts and connections that would take a week to describe

ghost’s entire spine pops when he gets out of bed in the morning, and it freaks soap out

roach was a track star in highschool

price has the highest kill count in the 141, soap and valeria have a not-so-friendly competition going for second place

canary got her nickname from her father

graves did have romantic feelings for canary at one point, but that quickly got overshadowed by his want for adler to recognize and approve of him

adler only approved canary and graves’s marriage because canary asked him to - the contract was his one condition for that approval

russell adler died two days after canary and graves got married

graves only has two preferences when it comes to his women: rich & powerful

price cares about his people, but it borders on a possessiveness that he keeps very well hidden

price has built a very strict set of rules about who his people kill and how far they can and cannot go

he will end business relationships if someone steps out of line

valeria has come close on several occasions

makarov does not care - he will kill men, women, children, old, young, pregnant, etc. blood is blood, it doesn't matter who it comes from

that’s not say price wouldn’t do what needs to be done to protect his people

price cares about family above all else, and he will go scorched earth on anyone who would dare to threaten or hurt them

#anon #moth answers #answered #cod ask #private

[bigassbowlingballhead]

okay, i'm a little nervous.

With all the fics I've been reading lately, my own ideas have started forming in my head. It started as an innocent conversation with @eusuntgratie about Orville Peck and TZP. Next thing I knew, I had written over 2k words about Alex getting the golden bronco costume as a surprise for Henry who had recently become obsessed with the masked troubadour.

Thought I'd share a bit, just to put it out there. It's the first time I've written anymore than a tumblr post in over a decade.

That’s when he sees it, new on display a shiny gold mask with two angular eye cutouts, stars delicately stitched on to the sides. There are long golden corded tassels that drape down to cover the mouth, chin, neck, and part way down the chest. It’s beautiful. Alex paused. That’s when the idea struck. Alex’s ideas tend to be really really good or get him into trouble. This was one of those he hoped would be both. Alex liked both. He picks up the mask, grabs some of their favorite lube they’re running low on and some rope for good measure, this might come in handy, he thinks. He brings his hauls to the sales associate, pays and leaves.  When he gets back to the car he takes the mask out of the bag and looks at it. It really is a work of art. But it’s not enough. He has to do more, he wants to really blow Henry out of the water. He’s been so stressed writing and really just wants him to relax, and he thinks he knows just the thing.  He’s seen the look in Henry’s eye whenever he puts the album on. The lingering glances from the album cover to Alex. He can’t really blame Henry, Orville Peck is hot, like really fucking hot. Especially on the album cover, he’s studied the cover multiple times, he’s practically committed it to memory. A slender man stands in front of a black bronco on it’s hind-legs in a black cowboy hat, a golden vest exposes the man’s tattooed and toned chest and shoulders and biceps, gold pants that hug the man’s crotch leaving very little to the imagination, his large hands hang next to his hips like they’re resting on imaginary holsters, a single finger raised as if ready to pull the trigger, a large golden belt buckle emblazoned with a star connects where there’s clearly a gap of skin between the vest and pants, black boots complete the look. He wonders if it’s the man or the mask that intrigues Henry. Alex pictures himself standing in front of that bronco, shit, he would look hot.

#this is shameless and self indulgent #i hope others might enjoy #immmm just gonna hit post and get it over with #be kind 🤠

[cultofsappho]

To celebrate the RWRB movie coming out (one more week!!!!), I wanted to compile my personal favorite, classic, RWRB fics

🇺🇸 RWRB Fic Rec Friday 🇬🇧

If you've been around the fandom for a while, you'll probably recognise a few of these. Several are well loved on ao3, and there's some hidden gems in here too.

Under the cut, because this got long quick! But I have 108 rwrb bookmarks on ao3, So... this is honestly the most edited-down list I can make!

In no particular order:

all that glitters (is not gold) by indomitablelove Words: 111,753. Post-Canon

Alex Claremont-Diaz has it all. His mom won the election, he’s got the perfect boyfriend. He gets to love Henry out loud. Everything is great. Perfect.

Except for the itch under his skin every time he goes outside, and the tightness in his chest when he goes online, and the fact that he can’t fucking sleep.

But it's fine. He's fine. Really.

— Or: after the emails, Alex Claremont-Diaz isn’t fine.

.

a goddamn blaze in the dark (and you started it) by orionseye Words: 4,612. Outsider(ish) POV

“You had a thing with who?” Spencer asks, cocking an eyebrow.

“No one. It’s nothing.“

“Oh c’mon. We finally get to the juicy shit and you won’t tell me?“

Liam bites his lip, stifling a laugh. “I had a thing with my best friend. All through high school.”

“I thought you had a girlfriend?”

“I did! I thought I was a proud heterosexual until I came here and figured shit out. We–we just, didn’t talk about it. Somewhere in our minds, the whole “making out for an hour” thing was, like, straight or something.”

a.k.a, liam and spencer’s adventures through the tendency of a famous ex-boyfriend to cause international scandals.

.

How wonderful life is (while you're in the world) by mlvdybug Words: 34,959. Post-Canon

The corner of Henry’s mouth. It’s disappeared now, covered by the oxygen mask fixed securely around his head, but if Alex concentrates hard enough, he can see it sprawled out in front of him. Every ridge, every bend and edge and turn of it.

He knows Henry’s heart. And that’ll be enough.

(or: the one where henry gets shot and alex is a goddamn mess.)

.

(baby) don't make me spell it out by extasiswings Words: 2,074. Post-Canon

One night near the end of first semester 1L finals, just a few weeks before the two-year anniversary of their first kiss, Alex finds himself looking up from his desk with its messy piles of color-coded notes and tabbed textbooks to see Henry asleep on the couch, clearly having dozed off waiting for him to come to bed, and unbidden he thinks, God, I’m going to marry this man.

It startles him, the spike of adrenaline that floods through him waking him up and bringing the parts of his brain turning over concepts like proximate cause and strict liability to a standstill as he stares at Henry.

I want to marry this man.

.

Two Sides of the Same Coin by bibliosoph Words: 86,895. AU

Alex has spent his whole life feeling out of place and paranoid. Growing up in a small village with a massive secret, he had to learn how to keep himself safe from harm and away from other people. Until he meets Henry.

Henry is the Prince of Camelot, though he despises the title and all that comes with it. His brother, the King, is a tyrant and makes Henry feel like he isn't enough. He's all but sworn away true love or anything of the sort. Until he meets Alex.

Brought together by magic and circumstance, the two find themselves constantly in the other's presence. But what will happen when that rocky relationship turns into a friendship? Will it then become something more?

Loosely based on Merlin.

.

The Royal Wedding by DracoWillHearAboutThis Words: 51,577. Post-Canon

HM Queen Mary is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Henry to Mr Alexander Claremont-Diaz.

The wedding will take place in the Spring or Summer of 2025, in London. Further details about the wedding date will be announced in due course. 

Prince Henry and Mr Claremont-Diaz became engaged earlier this week during a private holiday in Paris. Prince Henry has informed The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince Henry has sought and received the blessings of Mr Claremont-Diaz's parents.  The couple will live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace. 

.

Bear It All by Bri_Cheese Words: 26,383. AU

Bear: verb. Endure or expose.

Eighteen months after an assassination attempt buries a bullet in his spine, Alexander Claremont-Diaz has to attend the Royal Wedding.

.

A Picture on Your Corkboard by bleedingballroomfloor Words: 23,087. Amnesia/50 First Dates AU

It happens on a random morning in May when Alex, age fourteen, pads into the kitchen to greet his mother and steal a waffle from June's plate and sees a man sitting at their breakfast counter, reading a newspaper, a cup of coffee raised to his lips. Like he belongs. Like it's the most natural thing in the world. June doesn't seem to give the man a second thought. She merely flicks Alex on the forehead and takes back the waffle. Ellen isn't worrying, either. In fact, she's talking to him. Asking what his schedule is like. Making plans for dinner.

Alex has never seen this man before in his life.

.

say you'll see me again (even if it's just in your wildest dreams) by coffeecatsme Words: 21,331. Trans AU

“You should ask her to dance.” She nudges Alex, and Alex pretends there isn’t a flush rushing up to his face. He opens his mouth to mention every single fucking reason dancing with the blonde is a bad idea—she looks about a foot taller than Alex, objectively uncomfortable for some fucking reason, and Alex is against royalty on, like, principle—but then June nudges him again with widened eyes. “Come on. You know you want to, and I’m sure she’d appreciate it. None of the other fuckers are asking her because of how tall she is.”

For a moment, Alex glares at her. Then, he downs his champagne, shoves it in June’s face and tries to smooth his jacket. “You fucking owe me, June,” he says and ignores the brilliant smile that appears on her face.

“Don’t act so fucking upset about it.”

Or, 5 times Henry is too scared to come out to Alex and 1 time Alex gives him the courage.

Or, 6 times Alex slowly falls in love with Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor, for exactly who he is.

.

Hetkeksi by Neuqe Words: 13,131. Magic AU

Alex is a rich noble who comes up with ridiculous reasons to see their new court healer, Henry

.

you are my heart, and it's beating too fast by DancingChupacabra Words: 1,117. Post-Canon

The night Alex's secret service detail expires.

Or, as it turns out being outed is very traumatic.

.

The Beginner's Guide to Floristry by clottedcreamfudge Words: 19,293. Hanahaki AU

As if there's anything romantic about it; as if it's not the most humiliating death Alex can imagine. This is why he doesn't do relationships. This is why he never will. The risk, as far as he fucking sees it, is too great.

Hanahaki Disease is a fictional disease where the victim of unrequited or one-sided love begins to vomit or cough up the petals and flowers of a flowering plant growing in their lungs, which will eventually grow large enough to render breathing impossible.

.

to repair a hollowed heart by coffeecatsme Words: 28,952. AU

Alexander Claremont-Diaz, the young ruler of the Underworld, the presider of souls that have passed away, has been banned from Olympus his entire life, on account of bringing death and destruction wherever he goes. His seat in the highest council of gods has been left permanently empty until someone sees all that he is and still falls in love with the man behind.

It's been twenty centuries since the curse has been put upon him, and Alex has long since given up on finding the right person.

Or, a Hades and Persephone AU no one asked for

.

And, a little shamless PWP becasue this fandom has some amazing ones. If i had to pick only one, I couldn't, but i'd pick this series:

Alex Claremont-Diaz is a Sub by demigodbeautiies

A series of PWPs surrounding the fact that Alex Claremont-Diaz is, without a doubt, a sub.

.

holy god that was long. There were so many others I want to rave about, but I'll try to edit myself for once

I hope some new-er rwrb readers find something to love here! I'm calling a lot of these "classics" becuase they are well loved in the fandom, and rightfully so!!

#rwrb #red white and royal blue #god i love these all so much #i've reread all these several times #i love this fandom so! much! #ao3 #fic rec friday

[misscammiedawn]

Would you like to share any opinions on RUSH? You get extra points if they’re hot takes.

*HIGH PITCHED SQUEEEEEEEEEEE*!!!

Penny? I love you! Thank you for unleashing my thoughts!

VERY WELL! Let us begin!

I'm gonna list them in random order

- Time Stand Still is best music video and anyone who disagrees is being a grinch!

- Our favorite album is Roll the Bones and our favorite Live CD is A Show of Hands! I think Rush in Rio and Permanent Waves are the *best* though!

- They should just release the Different Stages live recording. It's pretty much out there as extra features on the other DVDs!

- The Clockwork Angels book and graphic novel are pretty average but are worth it for making Seven Cities of Gold not suck. The worst song is the best chapter of the novel

- I would buy a Blu-Ray that is just the backing videos for the live videos and I hate that the only backing vid that exists in full form is By-Tor from Rush in Rio (as an Easter Egg)

- Emotion Detector is the most underrated Rush song and I would have preferred Tom Sawyer or YYZ not get played in one of the tours to accommodate it in a concert! Only 44 songs have never been played live before and of them the only one that I think deserved to be played more is Vapor Trail because it is the ONLY title song of an album never played live (after Presto was pulled out for Time Machine)

- It is pronounced Why-Why-Zed. It is spelt Vapor Trails. The American spelling of Vapor is essential to the song's message

- Analog Kid is Alex's best song, Ghost of a Chance and Between The Wheels are second and third-- though live versions of Working Man are up there

- Geddy's solo at the end of Leave That Thing Alone (Time Machine Tour) is the exact peak of Rush, that was their highest point as a band!

- SARS Fest concert kinda sucked? Spirit of Radio with Paint It Black intro was amazing but the equipment was shot and they gave Alex a hot microphone. They also cut off the "encore" which just sucked. I am also a little salty that Rush were an opening band for the Stones *in Canada*.

- Tom Sawyer is overrated and they're not even Peart lyrics. Limelight and YYZ off of the same album are better.

- Neil's Ayn Rand period is a valid part of Rush history and provides so much extra context to The Garden. The same pen that wrote "begging hands and bleeding hearts will only cry out for more" ended his life with "the measure of a life is a measure of love and respect, the way you live and the gifts that you give, in the fullness of time it's the only return you can expect" - a man with a storied life as Neil with as much tragedy as he endured ended with him completely giving and loving in his heart when 35-40 years prior he wrote empathetically that "you don't get something for nothing"

- La Villa Strangiato is in my opinion not just the best instrumental but it is in contention for best Rush song period. I would never give it that title because it lacks Peart's lyrics and I find that people who say that have an irrational dislike of Geddy's voice... but it's still a valid take. Natural Science would get my all around best song badge. But best and favorite are not the same in my world and even still I mean *technically proficient* mixed with lyrics. I'll change my mind, likely. But that's my feeling right now.

- Geddy didn't get vocal training until before My Favorite Headache (2000) and Neil didn't get jazz drumming instruction until Burning For Buddy (1994). Both artists were just fine as they were but they perfected their arts and I prefer late era Rush because of that. The band never stopped evolving.

- I would have liked to have heard one of the solo album songs live (I Am The Spirit, Promise or My Favorite Headache) or have Bob and Doug do Take Off for a charity event like the South Park or Hawkings concerts last year. I *still* want that. Neil wasn't involved in the solo albums. It could still happen.

- I want a Jukebox Musical of Rush music so that The Body Electric isn't the only piece of fiction scored to Rush.

- Alex Lifeson could have been a comedian. He's one of the funniest humans on the planet.

- Peaceable Kingdom is better for having been the only song where lyrics were written after the music. Vapor Trail has amazing lyrics in general but I feel the limitation had positive impact and I wish Neil and the band did this practice more than once.

- Rush's improvised and last minute songs when they are running out of studio time are the best. Malignant Narcissism was the result of the album director seeing Geddy warming up with a vintage fretless bass and said "put that on the album" so they composed around the improvised riff, Force Ten was literally a last minute addition to Hold Your Fire. La Villa is said to have been recorded in a single take (I do not believe that legend as it wasn't in any of the biographies I have read). Rush just work best with limitations. They're a bunch of goofs and giving them a time limit makes them go into a Saitama style serious mode.

---

I could write tons more. But I'll call it there.

I like Rush.

A lot.

More than you think I do.

#cammie asks #rush posting #rush is a band #rush #okay it started as Cammie asks #but the Rand line was pure Camden #the first constant

[lookwhatyoumademedohaha]

Sweet Nothing - Morpheus x Reader

They said the end is coming Everyone's up to something I find myself running home to your sweet nothings

Outside, they're push and shoving You're in the kitchen humming All that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing

Summary: Morpheus finds tender reconciliation and sweet beginnings of something beautiful with you. 

Pairing: Morpheus x Goddess of Hope Reader

Warnings: Pure fluff, angst, humor, toxic family

A/N: Hi everyone! First of all, let me start with a huge thank you to everyone who has given so much love and support for Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3  and Part 4 of this fic.

Hi everyone! I am overwhelmed by the love you have given to this fic. You have no idea how much your support means to me. I apologize for taking such a long time to come up with Part 5 but I was working on making it perfect and beautiful, so I hope you like it. I hope this story makes you happy even though it is slightly long because I wanted to reflect and highlight Morpheus’ and Hope’s characters and feelings at this new point in their lives. 

So here’s Part 5 of   it’s time to go ! It’s a bit long but I promise you it’s worth reading until the very end! Please do read it until the end and let me know what you think!

Thank you so much for your love, encouragement and support - you all are wonderful and amazing and keep me going! I’m very nervous about writing Morpheus so please let me know if you like this story that I worked hard on because your feedback means so much to me!

I love you all!

Part 1 -  it’s time to go

Part 2 - Meet Me in the Afterglow

Part 3 - Forever Winter

Part 4 - Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve 

Part 6 - Bad Blood

Morpheus cautiously stepped into your home, to your own private world under your watchful eye with bated breath. He hadn't known what to expect but as he was greeted by the warm, elegant, polished and rich tapestry and furniture, glittering chandeliers, beautiful art and vases of flowers especially an eye catching red roses and white bellflowers in a particular vase.

He didn't know what to expect but it certainly hadn't been this. He had expected anything except rich, snobby and posh house that was very well maintained from you. It reminded him too much of the elegant and grand house of Roderick Burgess and Alex Burgess that he had been trapped in as he breathed evenly wondering why you would  choose to live in such a place.

“Welcome to Wishheather Manor. On no account touch or break anything, everything here is precious to me and do not go to the West Wing.” you said briskly as you took off your purple coat that was now stained with black blood and dirt that you wrinkled your nose at because this was one of your favorite coats. 

Morpheus raised his brow at the last few words “Why?”

“Because of the panthers.” you replied smartly “They’ll eat you alive. Leave the West Wing alone.”

Morpheus was looking at you as he remembered his time trapped in the basement when you seemed to understand his disbelieving expression “Look, there’s nothing dangerous there. It’s just very personal to me and I need you to respect it.”

Morpheus remained silent as he observed the rich and grand house and felt himself go back to the darkness of the basement, the loneliness and fear haunting him in his cage that was hidden in a beautiful house. 

Your gentle voice interrupted his horrified memories “This is my favorite coat I’ve kept in perfect condition for centuries and they have the audacity to tear it... I should send it to them to mend it - Lord Morpheus, are you alright? You’re shaking.”

You pushed him gently onto the sofa as your eyes flared gold and the fireplace crackled into life giving warmth into the room and you immediately placed your blood stained hands on his shaking hands firmly, trying to stop it “Morpheus... look into my eyes. Do you feel my pulse?”

Morpheus felt surprised as he began to hear and feel the beating of your heart as he touched your wrist, your hand upon his as he looked into your steady and warm eyes. He felt the beating of your heart in sync with his as you both lay in silence that felt unfamiliar yet soft and safe. Safe... thought Morpheus. You felt safe like a lighthouse in a storm as he clung to onto the beating of your heart that felt reassuring and comforting as he tried to save himself. 

Safe. You felt safe. 

He hadn’t felt safe in a long time. 

“I can feel you.” Morpheus rasped as he held onto the beating of their hearts calming him down as he listened to your heart beat with such melody as your eyes widened slightly in surprise but you didn’t let go of his hand. 

You squeezed his hand softly and gently as you drew little stars on his palm “You’re not captive anymore. You’re safe. You’re free. You’re here with me.”

Morpheus couldn’t stop looking into your dark and warm eyes that had such a magnetic effect on him because he was so drawn to your certainty and safety you exuded “You don’t have to be afraid but it’s completely okay if you are. The bravest of us are scared all the time.”

Morpheus felt himself calm down as he felt your pulse, your heart beat and looked at you curiously “Even you?”

“Are you kidding me? I’m the one that runs away.” you replied with a bright grin light - heartedly but your eyes had lost its glimmer as you squeezed his hand comfortingly making him feel the beginnings of a smile within him. “Is something the matter?”

“This reminds me of the beautiful house in which basement I was trapped in. The memories haunt me making me small and insignificant even though I am a powerful Endless.” said Morpheus quietly the words escaping his mouth before he could think them through and you stiffened but your hand remained upon his “I didn’t expect you to live in such a grand and rich estate as the same I was trapped in. It does not fit you.”

“Well, I am have a special place in my heart for this beautiful house. I am fond of this house... even though I don’t visit it very often.” you replied quietly after a long moment as your eyes grew wistful and reminiscent and your lips grew to a small smile and Morpheus felt his struggle and haunting thoughts calm down.

You had the strong urge to question and interrogate Morpheus about who captured him and what happened to him but considering his exhaustion and agony, this was not the time or place. You would find out and discover on your own what truly happened to your husband. For now, as much as you disliked him, you felt your heart go out to him and you knew he needed a distraction from the haunting memories and good rest. 

“Come. It’s absolutely mandatory for you to clean up that stench of hell because I won’t have that stinking my house and then eat and rest really well.” you said suddenly feeling the overwhelming scent of ash, smoke and blood of your friends on your skin and you felt bile rise up your throat. 

Morpheus just magicked himself of all the ash and dirt of Hell, looking impeccably clean as if he hadn’t survived a battle in Hell with Lucifer and you rolled your eyes “Well, isn’t that convenient for you.”

“I’m going to take a bath. You - um - watch TV or something.” you said quickly switching on the TV for him because you felt the bile rise in your throat and you needed to go to the bathroom immediately. 

Before Morpheus could remark in concern about how pale you had grown, you had immediately vanished into thin air and he looked around in confusion as he heard a door slam in the above floor. Morpheus felt concerned for you but he felt it would be best to leave you alone as he looked around the house in intrigue and interest.

Morpheus observed the house keenly and carefully. Even though it exuded grandeur and elegance, it had a sense of the warmth and love of a home. Morpheus observed the greenery surrounding him with different plants and flowers of beautiful colors giving the cold elegance, an air of warmth and coziness. He caught himself smiling at the plants as he remembered the memory of the ridiculous conversation that he had, had with you about Gaia and his sister when you were completely in love with him and he was beginning to feel something warm bloom in his heart for you. 

Morpheus looked at the greenery suddenly feeling a lump of emotion grow in his throat. What would his life have been like if he had let himself love you instead of running away from his true feelings for you? What would their marriage have become if he had been brave enough to act on the impulses of his heart and to express the feelings of warmth and affection that had begun to grow in him for you? 

He only knew how much deeply he truly loved you in all those years of captivity waiting to be freed, waiting to see you. He had heard you summon him over and over again with determination, slight fear and helplessness giving him hope that you cared enough to look for him and powerlessness that he could not answer your summons as he clung to your beautiful voice each time with helplessness.

It was when he realized no one in the universe cared enough about him, no lover or family of his cared so much about him to find him except the woman he had given hell through the years of their marriage. 

Morpheus felt tears prick his eyes as his eyes swept through the paintings on the walls. They were exquisite and beautiful, each one different and full of life of a story of passion and pain, love and sadness that was bought to life beautifully and tragically. Morpheus was absorbed in each one, admiring each masterpiece with awe and admiration as he looked at each one that some were of vivid colors and themes and others were of dark colors and themes but each painting left mystery.

Lovers holding hands with each other running away. Lovers dead next to each other as their cold, dead hands trying to reach for each other as death did each other apart. A little girl running away. A happy family. Friends hugging each other. Landscapes of beautiful meadows and busy streets and cafes. 

Morpheus was drawn toward the painting of a dark harsh and snowy night where a Weeping Willow stood in its mourning of pain and heartbreak and as he looked closer, he saw two shadowy figures standing together near the Weeping Willow, one a gentleman and another a lady but they were merely shadows, fleeting dark strangers meeting each other under the Weeping Willow in the snow storm. 

Morpheus didn’t know why he was drawn to this particular masterpiece. Perhaps it was because it felt as if it was real and raw. 

His universe starlit eyes filled with curiosity moved toward a portrait of a handsome impeccably dressed aristocrat with a kind and charming smile, with dark hair and lively and kind warm brown eyes. It felt as if he was taken back in time to be introduced to this man who was stepping out of a portrait with such friendliness and warmth that could even melt the darkest of hearts. He exuded elegance and charm but he was full of life and kindness as his dark eyes sparkled with good natured laughter and adoration as he smiled with genuine devotion and affection at.... the artist. 

There was no title under the portrait but it was beautiful and raw and real. 

It felt as if the artist had devoted their whole soul in capturing the essence of who the man truly and sincerely was. 

Morpheus had to admit this artist was truly and wonderfully talented and a gift to the world as he searched for a name on the paintings but there was no name. It seemed like the artist wanted to remain anonymous to the world, a mystery that would leave the audience wondering and wanting more of them just like their art. 

While Morpheus was examining the household, you were vomiting your guts into the bathroom toilet as you tried to catch your breath. 

It was disgusting, vile and horrible just like you were. 

“It’s not personal.” you mumbled as tears ran down your cheeks amidst the heaving of the contents of your stomach at remembering the screams of your childhood friends as you killed them “It’s not personal... it was my duty... a sacrifice for the Realms, for my subjects... to keep Morpheus safe.”

But it was hard to keep on to that, as you remembered the happiest memories of your long lost childhood with your childhood demon friends spent in Hell. You remembered the laughter of when you were just children, exploring the depths of Hell with such adventure and daring, running through the fields of silver ash and blood, playing devious and amusing games in each other’s company, spending hours learning in the library about everything in the universe and engaging in combat practice under Mazikeen’s watchful eye. 

You vomited as you remembered how one of your friends had dared you to climb the tallest and thorniest bloody tree in Hell and you had accepted that dare arrogantly as you had nearly reached the top avoiding extreme injuries when you had fallen down from such a height but luckily used your transportation skills to land very bumpily on the ground. You had earned yourself a scar on your torso and your friends had earned a very frightening scolding from Lucifer who had nearly punished them but had been stopped by you. 

You vomited as you remembered the mischief and mayhem they had created in Hell together giving Lucifer heart attacks and amusing Mazikeen. The festivals of Hell they had attended together in amusement and happiness as they sang and danced and drinking and fought. You remembered how you all had discovered little places that was somewhere only you all knew as you spent hours drinking, laughing, learning and talking about the future. You vomited as you remembered how you all would plan devious heists where you would distract the sellers in the bazaars of Hell and steal whatever they wanted on occasion. 

As you flushed the contents of your stomach down the toilet, you stepped into the shower. You scrubbed yourself clean wondering where it had all gone wrong. Why did they betray you? 

You knew that you were not one of them but as you thought over each memory, it had all started to change when Lucifer had taken you closer toward them to teach you how to rule and then decided that you were ready to be Regent of Hell. It had surprised you when Lucifer had proposed it but it was such an honor to be in a position to serve Hell. Lucifer had announced and crowned you as the new Regent of Hell to all the demons but your friends though they congratulated you, did not seem happy. You had chalked it up to them been shocked back then but now you saw it was resentment and bitterness as you remembered the times you were slowly excluded and left out even though you were with them and they were willing to follow you around. 

Perhaps it was your power and sovereignty, the trust Lucifer and the rest of the demons placed in you as the Regent that had threatened them. 

What had started out as innocent childhood mischief of their gang grew into devious troublemaking that other demons complained about and bought to the attention of Lucifer and you. You had not been aware of this since you had been excluded out of such cruel plans because of your privileged position.

 A few of your friends had been bought to Lucifer for judgement by the other demons who wanted them banished. Lucifer had suggested quite a cruel punishment for their cruel behavior that had resulted in grief among their subjects and looked at you. Your friends were begging for mercy from you, begging you to not punish them because they were your closest friends. You knew you had two choices:  to exempt them from the laws of Hell by showing favor because of personal friendships which you really wanted to do or to punish them fittingly according to the Laws of Hell and the judgement of the Lightbringer. 

You had said nothing as Lucifer had gazed at you calculatingly waiting for your response. 

You had replied that they had broken certain rules of Hell and therefore the final punishment rests with the Lightbringer. 

Lucifer had beamed with pride.

Your friends were looking at you as if you were someone they could not recognize. 

You had learned what it meant to be a leader. To not listen to the voice in your own heart that wanted to give into personal kindness and favor but to be the leader who was impartial and calm putting duty before friendship. 

It hurt you as you wondered whether you had made a terrible mistake.

Lucifer must have sensed it for they had praised you after the trial “It takes everything in us to put aside personal indulgences and give first priority to duty. I am proud that today you did not make the mistake of having preferences. You showed me today that I made the right choice in selecting my Regent because you have the quality of a leader. Dedication to duty and sacrifice.”

You had done your duty to the Realm of Hell but perhaps you had betrayed them first. 

But they deserved to be punished for their crimes in any context. If you had been part of their crime, you would not want to be exempt of the law. 

And yet it stung as you found yourself sobbing for all you had shared with them, all you could have shared and would have had shared, had they not resented you and betrayed you. 

The Devil’s Regent may not afford the luxury of feelings but Y/N had a beating heart that mourned for the loss of your friends and loathed yourself for murdering them even though it was meant to be.

Even though they had betrayed you first. 

As you sobbed your heart out, tears and water running down your cheeks, you felt cold and empty and alone more than ever. 

Morpheus was growing concerned when you transported in a blink of an eye back downstairs startling him. He had to get used to that since he had not seen you use that power before today. 

Morpheus saw that you had taken a shower, your long beautiful hair dark and damp from the water, all the traces of blood and ash vanished as you wore a white sweater and jeans looking comfortable. In this space, suddenly he was very conscious that he had never been with you like this. He had never lived and stayed with you in a setting where you were comfortable and calm, a place you were at ease. 

You looked at him realizing the same thing. You had never really been alone with your husband for centuries. When you had been alone, it was always fights and arguments, screaming and crying so gradually it just became normal for the both of you to live separately but you felt cold and alone without his presence. But now, here he was standing in one of your fondest homes looking at you with such tender concern and curiosity that made your heart ache with loneliness and the fear of falling for him again. 

“I -” both of you said at the exact same time awkwardly to break the awkward silence. 

You both smiled painfully and then chuckled as you said “Go on. You first.”

“No, I apologize. Please unburden what is on your mind to me.” insisted Morpheus tenderly as he looked at you softly thinking how beautiful you looked, different from the leader you had been. You looked relaxed and comfortable though you were holding back with a certain tenseness that Morpheus knew his presence was causing. 

“I would like to apologize. For being insensitive to your pain.” you said after a long moment as you took a deep breath and gazed into Morpheus’ eyes softly and sincerely “I am mad and angry and hurt at you and I want you to suffer just like I did but no one deserves... the pain of captivity, the torture of being trapped in a cold, dark, icy, loveless tunnel with no light, no love, no hope of ever escaping.” 

Your eyes had grown distant and reminiscent at the last sentence and Morpheus had a deep, sinking feeling that you were not just talking about his captivity but believing their own marriage to be your own cold and cruel captivity of loveless and hopelessness from which you could never escape from as you suffered and bled for centuries under his icy frozen heart. Morpheus’ felt tears prick his eyes and a lump of emotion form in his throat as he stared at your soft and pained expression grateful for your apology yet knowing that he did not deserve such an apology from you of all people who he had hurt over and over again with such thoughtlessness and carelessness. 

“I failed myself. I failed to see your own pain by being utterly blinded by my own rage and suffering against you that is completely justified but most of all I failed by being unkind to you after you have gone through such suffering. I should of all people know that kindness goes a long way to those who have suffered in captivity of a dark and hopeless cage.” you said passionately and kindly as Morpheus listened to you in disbelief and shock feeling the tears grow in his eyes for he did not deserve such goodness and kindness in his life within you “So... I am truly sorry for being unkind and insensitive to your pain and suffering, Morpheus.”

“Thank you.” replied Morpheus in a wavering and trembling voice full of emotion as he met your eyes with surprise and gratitude “But I should apologize to you. For all those years of captivity I kept you in a dark and hopeless cage of our marriage. When I was trapped, all I had plenty of time to think about a great many things in my life. And many paths of my memories led me to you. Of how you had been my constant and faithful companion and how I had been a cruel and unkind husband to you.”

You looked away because you couldn’t bear the aching tenderness and sincerity of his beautiful expression as you swallowed a lump of emotion and saw him staring at you earnestly “I apologize for being an unfaithful, heartless, thoughtless, insensitive husband who only made your life utterly miserable and dark to such an extent that you did not feel hope or love.”

“I’m sorry for losing my temper all those nights that you would beg me to love you and offer you encouragement. I’m sorry that I left you with no support, no encouragement and no light in your life. I’m sorry for being so cold hearted and dismissing your beauty and kindness that you offered so freely in our marriage because I couldn’t bring myself to admit that... that there could be a happy ending for me.” began Morpheus sincerely and earnestly, every word pouring out of his mouth as if it had been unlocked out of his chest and would not stop as he stared at you who was frozen, stunned and speechless as you listened your heart beating wildly. 

You sharply inhaled as Morpheus took a step toward you, his eyes burning with such dark intensity “I am sorry for tricking and deceiving you into this marriage. I am sorry for being unfaithful and disloyal to you, for all those days and nights I would cruelly neglect your needs and wants and selfishly think only of myself. I am truly sorry for treating you like a weak, fragile girl who I did not care for at all. I’m sorry for leaving you and breaking your heart while you patiently waited for me.”

You couldn’t stop the tears springing into your eyes and you gasped as Morpheus’ dropped down into his knees with shame and remorse, his eyes full of tears that begged for forgiveness “But most of all, I’m sorry I didn’t understand that I loved you when I began to feel such affection and adoration for you. I am sorry I hid away my true feelings because I was scared to be happy again because of the pain of my grief... I am sorry I didn’t tell you I loved you when I knew I did. Most of all, forgive me, please forgive me for giving up and leaving our marriage when you never stopped fighting for us and what we could have and should have been.”

You were terrified. You were shocked to your core. You were speechless and stunned. 

You had dreamed of this moment. You had waited for this moment for centuries, dreaming of this impossible and brilliant moment knowing that this apology was just a longing fantasy of a foolish girl who believed in happy endings. 

But here Morpheus was, begging on his knees, apologizing sincerely and truly to you with so many revelations that surprised you. Had he truly loved you? Had he... had he truly had feelings of affection and adoration for you but hidden it in fear? 

But your spite and anger roared at you telling you not to believe the apology out of Morpheus’ mouth. Men were experts at pretty lies. Morpheus had hurt and humiliated you in the worst possible way. You were adored and loved by so many and yet when you looked in the mirror, you saw nothing pretty or worthy of love until you had met your human companions who had slowly began to show you that you were worthy of love. And yet that lingering feeling of unworthiness and hurt still stayed with you even until today. 

But you were tired. You were exhausted. 

You had fought long enough. You had hurt and fought and killed and hurt and torn down the banners of your marriage, loving the thrill of wanting to grant Morpheus the same pain as you had suffered. But you were exhausted of pain and humiliation. As you thought everything through, Morpheus seemed to have gone through enough humiliation, pain and suffering in his centuries of captivity and his battle with Lucifer who had exquisitely made Morpheus taste true agony and cruel misery. 

They both had gone through enough pain and suffering. 

You smiled softly as you opened your eyes and felt your heart accept the apology sincerely “Thank you. I hope never giving up on people isn’t going to be my downfall.”

Morpheus looked at you with such tenderness and awe as his lips twitched into a small knowing smile “It’s why you are an amazing Queen and a Goddess. You’re always there for the people who love you love, the people who need you even when they don’t deserve you.”

You suddenly felt too hot and exposed as you realized he was talking about you helping him in his battle with Lucifer as you shrugged nonchalantly “I did my duty.”

“You did more than that.” whispered Morpheus devoutly in soft affection and adoration as he stepped toward you and you sharply inhaled because he was closer to you than he had ever been “Why did you come for me? You came for me, to save me from Hell when you promised me you’ll kill me on sight.”

“Oh don’t flatter yourself, I still want to kill you.” you retorted smartly and sassily as you rolled your eyes trying not to show your husband that perhaps part of the reason you had arrived to Hell is because you were worried about his well being “I arrived to Hell for my own purposes and duties.”

“For the duty of being the Devil’s Regent?”

You were startled by this oncoming question but you were exhausted as you remembered vivid flashes of your actions and your eyes darkened “To calm the storm before it destroys everything I care about and handle everything with tactful diplomacy and graceful discretion. A useful skill that you should think about mastering if you wish to live.”

Your voice had grown cold and detached, and Morpheus felt that your duties as the Devil Regent were not a topic you wished to discuss with him. And yet, Lucifer was his immortal enemy who had subjected him to excruciating torture, who had plans up their sleeve to take him down and who he despised the most. And you were their beloved and valued Devil’s Regent trusted above every other being in the universe to keep Lucifer Morningstar’s throne warm. 

Morpheus wanted to be your husband in this moment but he was the King of Dreams and Nightmares who had come back after centuries of imprisonment and entrapment. He could not afford disloyalty and new enemies and new traps to walk into. 

You were to be questioned.

“You could have taken care of your business in another manner.” replied Morpheus calmly and quietly trying to keep the suspicion and betrayal that was aroused within him the moment he had seen Lucifer treat you with respect and devotion never afforded to anyone else. 

What was so special about you?

You realized that Morpheus was implying about your actions regarding the demons in the arena where you had killed the traitors “Lucifer wanted me take care of the traitors and threats to our sovereignty. It was for the greater good of the Realm of the Hope and the Realm of Hell.”

Morpheus was still shaken up at the images of you killing the demons with a maniacal and unforgiving glint in your dark eyes, smirking ruthlessly and it was then, he had seen your true power and capability that you had been hiding from him with innocence as he replied “You could have persuaded Lucifer Morningstar to condemn them to imprisonment. You didn’t need to resort to violence.”

“Lucifer gave an order and gave me any means necessary to get things done.” you flinched at Morpheus’ words but remained wonderfully calm as you stared back at him with no hint of remorse or guilt. 

“Right. For some reason that I cannot comprehend, Lucifer Morningstar, the fallen angel, the most powerful being next to the Creator, trusts your decisions enough to keep their throne warm.” replied Morpheus with a hint of darkness and frustration in his voice because you were not responsive to him. He could not figure out where your loyalties were. 

He glared at you as he send the jab spitefully “But they have always hated me.”

“Because you are arrogant and prideful, heartless and careless with the things you take care of.” you replied calmly with a hint of bitterness and hurt knowing that he was implying that your loyalty was not steady and unwavering towards the Dreaming and he was not certain of trusting you. 

“If you have a question... spit it out instead of playing games with me.” you said with a bright smile but Morpheus felt the air grow cold and your voice grow cold and dangerous as your eyes grew dark and icy “Don’t think you can play games with me. Don’t ever, ever do that.”

Morpheus took in a deep breath as he looked at you “You are the Devil’s Regent of Hell, the Right Hand of Lucifer Morningstar, my immortal enemy who I despise and yet you failed to disclose this secret to me. You have betrayed and humiliated me. Where does your loyalty lie? I know that you are the Devil’s Regent but I would like you to place your loyalty to the Dreaming above all.”

“Lord Morpheus. I am always ready to show you my loyalty to you as long as you deserve it.” you crooned sweetly, your honeyed voice dripping with a poisonous dangerous warning “And I will take a lecture on betrayal and humiliation from many but never from the Dream Lord who spent years being unfaithful to me and betrayed everything the principles of marriage stood for to make his Realm strong and then disappeared, leaving me to take care of his Realm. I will not stand here and be accused of disloyalty from you who failed to heed my warning and journeyed to Hell and almost died but was saved because of my intervention and then apologizes to me and not a moment later, accuses me of betrayal.”

Morpheus suddenly realized that in trying to protect his Realm and himself, he had humiliated his wife who was trying to appear very strong but he heard a crack in your voice as Morpheus said “I’m sorry. I did not mean to hurt - forgive me, I wanted to protect my Realm and in turn, I - it’s -”

You ran your hand through your hair and strangely that gesture calmed down Morpheus who took a moment to collect his thoughts realizing that you were not yelling at him but giving him a chance to explain himself “Lucifer is my immortal enemy. I have hated them for as long as I remember. And you are the person that I have come to realize throughout the darkest centuries trapped that I love the most. And seeing you two together, so friendly and devoted, seeing you obey them and seeing them trust you, it made me feel frustrated - angry - betrayed that you were the Devil’s Regent and I did not know. I felt - betrayed but it’s my fault.”

You were silent for a moment as you contemplated on his words and sighed “I understand. But you never cared to find out who I was in the first place. And I swear, you need not doubt my loyalty to you. Who do you think kept Lucifer from waging wars against the Dreaming Realm and stopped the ideas of nefarious plots against a certain Dream Lord?”

Morpheus was shocked as he raised his eyebrows at you in amazement and astonishment “You did that?”

You smiled lightly as you ran your hand through your hair again and Morpheus was still shocked trying to find the right words and settled “Why? You hate me. You could have taken revenge.”

“I hate you. Not the Realm you govern. I pledged a duty of care toward it at my coronation and I intend to keep it.” you replied with a shrug as you felt your head throb with a great pain 

Morpheus stared at you in bewildered wonder and amazed admiration as his heart swelled with unimaginable affection for the woman in front of him who he truly did not deserve as he whispered softly and tenderly remembering how you had being there every step of the way, every precious memory of you giving him strength to fight on “I truly am sorry for doubting your loyalty. Thank you for helping me today. In more ways than one. For being my hope and strength.”

You suddenly felt too much because Morpheus was staring you with tenderness, wonder and softness making you feel as if you were sacred and precious to him.

You cleared your throat as you tore your eyes away from him and he seemed to realize that you simply were feeling too much as he cleared his throat as well and nodded at the dinning table “I thought today was heavy for the both of us so I made dinner for you.”

Your brain took a few moments to process his words as you turned towards the dining table and saw a feast of warm food and drink with flickering candles and bouquets of flowers decorating the table. Your stomach grumbled in hunger as you saw in delight and surprise that there were many spicy foods among the feast. You squealed happily as you ran toward the table when you saw waffles, your precious waffles that you lived for. Morpheus’ lips twitched into a happy and gladdened smile at your childlike joy as he watched you sink into the chair and take a huge bite of a waffle with great satisfaction.

His heart bloomed with joy at doing something that made you happy and Morpheus was about to sit next to you when you raised your eyebrows at him sassily “I didn’t say you could sit.”

Morpheus glared at you and rolled his eyes at his wife who was trying your best not to laugh at his exasperated expression and then after a few moments of mock heavy contemplation that further infuriated Morpheus, you smirked “Fine. Sit down and eat.”

Morpheus did not need food for sustenance but since he had arrived back, he had dreamed of having dinner with you. And now, his dream was finally coming true as he looked at you who was indulging in spicy chicken wings and had conjured vodka and poured into glasses. 

You passed the vodka to Morpheus with a small smile “I think we both deserve a drink. What do we toast to, My Lord?”

Morpheus fingers curled around the glass as he looked at you waiting in relaxed anticipation for his answer and realized this would have been something that he could have enjoyed in his marriage freely had he given everything. Perhaps, the relaxed and calm demeanor of his wife was only for tonight where you drew a truce for both of them because you were tired and exhausted but tomorrow Morpheus feared they would go back to fighting each other and losing each other.

He didn’t want tomorrow to come. 

He just wanted to live in this moment. 

Morpheus felt too much all at once, gratitude, affection, remorse and heartache as his hand leaned towards yours, and your eyes widened “Morpheus, what are you doing?”

“I know tomorrow you’ll hate me for everything I’ve done to you. Tomorrow, you can go back to hating me and I’ll try to show that it doesn’t hurt me. But just for tonight, let me pretend you are mine.” Morpheus whispered softly and tenderly, as your heart raced at an uncontrollable speed as he looked at you with sweetness and longing in his dark blue eyes 

You could not breathe. You couldn’t think. You felt as if you were walking among the clouds, lost in a hazy magical dream that you didn’t want to wake up from. Your heart was shivering with unhealthy happiness at Morpheus finally calling you his. You knew the logical thing would do was to push him away and scream but for some reason, you didn’t want him to go and you couldn’t pull your hand away... you wanted him to stay holding your hand in his forever. 

“If it’s easier for you, for tonight, you can stop hating me and believe the truth of my heart.... that I am only yours.” Morpheus whispered huskily as he placed a soft fleeting kiss on the palm of your hand that made you gasp at how sweet and soft his lips felt on your skin “You can believe that I’m just Morpheus who saw you laughing at a ball and was forever changed and that you want to be mine.” 

This was torture. This was pure torture. You knew you should stop him but your voice came out in a strangled haughty gasp “I will not.”

Morpheus smirked as he stared at you and brushed another soft kiss on the knuckles of your hand as you shivered under his touch that you had not felt for so long “I understand. Deception is not a talent you possess.”

You knew he was riling you up but you still felt your confidence and pride stung as you retorted fiercely “How do you know? You’ve never cared to know my long list of wonderful talents.”

Morpheus raised his eyebrows at you as he squeezed your hand with a small smile at your fierceness “Go on then, Y/N. Tell me I’m a good husband who makes you happy and that you love me with all your heart. Make me believe it.”

“Dearest husband.” you crooned with a voice as sweet as honey, with a charming gleam in your dark eyes “Do you know I have the extraordinary talent of reading futures in the stars?”

Morpheus let out an amused huff of laughter as he looked at you with delight “I did not.”

“I have seen your future in the constellations. You will rebuild and strengthen the Realm of Dreaming, be happy and content and have a brood of stubborn, badly behaved children running around and the your glory will be told throughout the universe through song and legend.” you crooned sweetly and softly as you cherished the newfound warmth of Morpheus’ touch upon your hand that you didn’t want to lose after such a long time, feeling heat creep up your neck at how intensely he was looking at you. 

Morpheus smiled at you with admiration but you felt there was something heavy weighing upon him as you squeezed his hand gently as you said with all the conviction you had in yourself “Everything will be alright. Even in the darkest times, you will find a way out of it. Do you believe me?”

“Yes.” nodded Morpheus gratefully as he brushed a soft and tender kiss upon your knuckles that made you feel dizzy and looked at you with admiration and affection “See... we’re already becoming good at this.”

You knew this was dangerous. But for some unknown reason, you couldn’t pull away from him. 

You felt dizzy as you raised your glass “Cheers.”

Morpheus let out a small chuckle as he raised his glass and watched you drain the whole glass in one whole go. He was impressed and disturbed at your tolerance as you poured yourself another drink, and looked at him “Eat your food or I’ll eat it all.”

His lips twitched as looked at you eating the chicken wings easily while devouring vodka. Morpheus took a bite of the spicy chicken wings that he hadn’t tasted before and immediately wished he had kept it out of his mouth. His mouth was aflame with the hot flames of hell and his eyes were now filling with tears much to his mortification as he tried to swallow a cough back. His chest was burning with the suffering of a thousand sinners. 

He looked over at you who was indulging in chicken wings as if it did not hold the Realm of Hell inside it “Ah, this is really good. I haven’t had this in a while but when I do, I really love it.”

Morpheus choked back on a cough as his taste buds were now being incinerated and he reached for some water. If this was your favorite meal, he had no doubt why you had become the Devil’s Regent of Hell. Because only someone who was a demon could consume such a spicy, hot, flaming food that was now tearing him apart and setting him on fire even though he was the invincible King of Dreams and Nightmares.

You looked up at Morpheus as you drank your vodka “Some people can’t handle the spice so they hate this. Is it to your liking?”

Morpheus absolutely hated this spicy chicken wings that was truly torturing him by setting everything in him on fire but he could not disappoint your beautiful and earnest eyes looking into his as he breathlessly choked out “Yes. I love spicy food.”

You smiled pleased and Morpheus felt the burn in his chest, brain, tongue and literally vanish for a moment until you bit into another chicken wing and shook your head in slight disappointment “This won’t do. It’s not spicy enough. Here have some more hot sauce.”

Morpheus choked “What?”

But before he could stop you, you had loaded hot sauce all over his chicken wings as before he could say it was fine and then poured hot sauce all over her portion and ate it like it was nothing “Ah, that’s much better.”

Tears sprung into his eyes at the sight of the hot sauce mocking him as he reluctantly but bravely bit into the chicken wing filled with hot sauce. This was absolute torture. If it had been bad now, it was absolutely agonizing torture now. This was his punishment and suffering for hurting his wife all those centuries ago. He thought it was a fitting punishment and felt angry at being defeated by a mere chicken wing while you were happily eating it carefreely unaffected by its deathly heat. He should not be subject to such lethal and deadly torture after the deadly battle with Lucifer. In fact, Morpheus was certain that this food should not exist at all for it only bought suffering and agony.

He looked over at you eating peacefully.

Oh, he would suffer this for your sake. 

Morpheus took another bite but it was all too much as he reached for the jug of water but you had reached for it already pouring yourself a glass of water, leaving Morpheus in misery “If it’s too spicy for you, you can have something else.”

“It’s delicious.” retorted Morpheus, his pride stung, too arrogant, strong and prideful to give up now even though it would stop his suffering. “I’m not like those people who can’t eat spicy food. Just eat.”

“Oh that’s good.” you replied cheerfully with an easy smile as you poured more hot sauce on Morpheus’ chicken wings making him almost tear down in agony and he glared at you “I’m really glad you’re enjoying the meal.”

Morpheus nodded even though it was far from the truth and focused on trying to finish his chicken wings, not seeing the mischievous gleam in your eyes. 

You hid your amused smile as you finished eating your chicken wings and started on your waffles. In the silence, you realized that Morpheus had created this dinner for you while you were upstairs. And now you were eating with him and had not yet strangled him. It felt too intimate, too blissful, too domestic... something only shared between real married couples. 

You eyed Morpheus who was sniffling and blinking back tears unsuccessfully as you began to grin “Are you crying because of the spicy chicken wings?”

“Crying? No, my eyes are sweating. It’s an after effect I have after journeying to Hell.” replied Morpheus lying through his teeth, too proud to admit that he was suffering in the deepest and hottest pits of Hell that came in the form of chicken wings. 

You grinned widely in amusement, the tears and red face of your husband who was suffering because of chicken wings amusing you to no end as you mocked him teasingly “My goodness! Look at you, looking like an absolute mess from trying to stick to your pride.”

Morpheus only replied by glaring at you as he drank his glass of water while you laughed. At that moment, an envelope on fire arrived exasperating you as you grabbed it immediately knowing who it was. 

The fire stopped the moment you took it into your hand and the overwhelming scent of roses and candle wax consumed the room as you scrunched your nose in disgust as you rolled your eyes knowing who it was “Ah, I’ve been expecting this.”

Morpheus raised a quizzical eyebrow at you as you tore open the envelope and saw you look displeased and scowled fiercely as refilled vodka for yourself. 

Morpheus was concerned for you as he asked “Is everything fine? Is it something regarding your duties?”

“No. It’s worse than that.” you said as you gulped down the vodka as you stared the beautiful writing on the letter and then looked at Morpheus as if you had been subjected to the greatest tragic news in the world “My sister, Love, is getting married again and she wants us to attend her wedding. She sent me the invitation officially after sending my brother as the messenger.”

You took another refill of vodka alarming Morpheus as how you consumed alcohol as easily as you breathed and you scowled “I don’t want to go but I have to attend out of obligation. It will look bad if I don’t go but it is equal to spending an eternity in Hell when I’m there for a week celebrating her wedding in her stupid presence. I’ll have to endure all the compliments about how impressive and wonderful and beautiful she is.”

Morpheus tried to hide his smile but his lips twitched into amusement “Forgive me, Y/N... but I seem to sense that you are not fond of your sister, Love. Why do you dislike her?”

Morpheus had expected her to give a light - hearted answer about sibling rivalry but to his surprise, your eyes darkened with anger and pain and your face clouded with painful reminiscence and quiet rage as your fingers gripped your glass so tightly that your knuckles grew white. It was the same darkness and rage Morpheus had seen in you when you had killed the demons vengefully and skillfully making him wonder what history you had with your sister. 

But then you relaxed, the rage, darkness and pain disappearing making Morpheus wonder whether he had seen it at all as you replied easily “Why do you dislike Desire so much?”

Morpheus tensed because Desire was not someone he preferred to talk about “Desire only seeks to destroy me. Desire and I do not get along with each other. They hate me deeply and I loathe them equally for trying to destroy me many times.”

“I don’t personally care about Desire either. But I don’t think Desire is really seeking to destroy you.” you replied quietly with a small knowing smile that made Morpheus roll his eyes at you. 

Morpheus looked at you with exasperation as he replied “I know you like to see the best in everyone but you don’t know Desire like I do.”

“Then what is their greatest desire?”

Morpheus was silent as he had a feeling you would tell him, your eyes twinkling with knowledge “I don’t care.”

“Don’t you think it’s strange that out of all the Endless, Desire has always tormented you the most? I’ve always found it funny, personally.” you said with a small laugh and laughed a little bit more when you saw when Morpheus glare at you “It’s not really an enemy wanting to destroy another enemy. It’s a little child throwing a temper tantrum wanting their big powerful brother’s attention.”

Morpheus suddenly felt his chest grow tight with something that was quiet and contemplative, struck down by this new revelation. Morpheus was tempted to laugh it off but the more he thought about it, it seemed real. But something in Morpheus refused to accept it. He could not accept it. Because accepting it meant... what did it mean?

“You see, Desire’s greatest desire and hope is to be loved and accepted by their big brother Morpheus.” you explained gently and quietly to a stunned and shocked Morpheus who was speechless at how you had shed a new light to his bad blood with Desire “But even they don’t know it.”

Morpheus finally found his tongue as he looked at you coldly “I don’t believe you.” 

His cold look did nothing to scare you as you tossed your hair proudly “Of course, you don’t. Because if both of you accept it, then you will have to face the fact that perhaps there can be a new beginning to establish a bond of goodness and friendship between both of you and leave the bad blood behind. And both of you are too arrogant and proud to leave the history behind because pain and grief is all you both know.”

Morpheus’ eyes darkened as he tried his best to control himself for you did not know everything about him��“Before lecturing me on the strong bonds of siblinghood, perhaps you should mend the fractured relationship you have with your dear sister.”

You smiled but Morpheus saw that it was one that was unforgiving and dark “Oh no. I think we are way past apologies and second chances. What was once there, it cannot be built again.”

Morpheus wanted to know more about why you would not give a chance to your own sister. You were firm and unmoving on your decision and disapproving of her. At first Morpheus had thought it was just sibling rivalry with a dash of spite and arrogance but Morpheus felt that it went deeper than that as he observed that this was a powerful history filled with innocent and bright smiles that had turned into wicked and hateful smirks, joys of childhood converted into weapons pointed at each other’s deepest hurt.

And that’s why he said even before thinking “Very well, we shall attend.”

“What? You don’t have to come with me.” you replied choking on your vodka as you started spluttering and coughing much to Morpheus amusement and concern “I mean - I’m fine on my own. I’ve handled these before.”

“She has invited us both and you will be alone and in agony during a week of celebrations. I cannot abide the thought of you suffering in the presence of your sister.” said Morpheus in concern and graciousness and his lips twitched when you chuckled “I shall accompany you as your husband to keep you company.” 

“Your duties -”

“This is important for you. I want to be there to support you.” replied Morpheus earnestly and sincerely as he looked at you honestly “You should be there for your sister.”

“Thank you.” you said after a long moment of silence accepting his offer because it was more tempting and inviting than going alone and enduring the taunts and insults of your siblings “I know... I shouldn’t hate my sister so much. I should be happy for her. We’re all on our own journey.”

“What? No. Who told you that nonsense?” retorted Morpheus completely taken aback at the stupidity of those words shocking you because you had not expected that from him as he continued with a gleam in his eyes “I’m suggesting that we need a plan so you can impress and shine at the weeklong celebrations and win this rivalry with your sister.”

You grinned unwillingly and involuntarily because you hadn’t expected Morpheus to have a mischievous streak to him “I like that. Thank you for not trying to make me a better person.”

Morpheus let out a small huff of laughter “You’re a better person than I am. You’re a hero to many.”

It hit both of them that this was exactly what they had been missing in their lives, in their marriage at each other. They didn’t have this warmth and friendship, compassion and understanding for each other in their marriage and yet here they were smiling and teasing, talking and confessing certain secrets as they let their guard down brick by brick with each other in the warm dining room while the night fell around them. The world suddenly began to make sense and they realized that this was beautiful like they had never experienced. They felt short of breath, sitting next to each other, their eyes connecting intimately full of things they wanted to say to each other and wondered whether risking everything they had and letting their walls cave in was a good idea even if it hurt once again. 

This was what could have been. And this is a taste of what can be if they just give each other a chance without waging a bitter war with each other. 

You looked away from Morpheus as you smiled quietly “I am not a hero. You saw what I did today. They were my friends. It might have been the right choice but it didn’t feel right. I cared about them.”

“They betrayed you and nearly threw your Realm into a savage war with Lucifer Morningstar” reasoned Morpheus logically but his heart ached as he saw the heavy sadness and pain that your fragile heart carried “Sometimes all the choices we have are bad ones. But we still have to choose.”

You lowered your head as you tried to shake off the guilt and pain, trying to forget the screams as you drank the vodka “Well, that’s fine for the sovereign. But where does that leave me?”

Morpheus knew that there was nothing he could say for your loss. He saw that you had shared deep bonds of friendships and now felt raw pain and sorrow at the fact that you were the one who had killed them and eliminated them for the safety of the Realms. What could he say to comfort you when you were hiding and grieving so much?

Morpheus reached out as he curled his hand around yours and squeezed it gently and kindly, the warmth of his hand seeping through and protecting yours as he tried to think of something to distract you and make you smile once again “Do you know my favorite story?”

You were intrigued as you looked at him with interest and Morpheus’ lips twitched as he continued “It was one Death would tell me repeatedly before I got married. It was the story of the Saint of Light and the Cruel Prince.”

Morpheus saw you stiffen slightly but your eyes were sparkling in interest and intrigue as you looked at him allowing him to continue “Once upon a time, the handsome Cruel Prince was a lost wanderer, created only for the purpose of feeling and inflicting cruelty and pain. But one day, he met the beautiful Saint of Light who changed and saved his life forever. The Saint of Light was completely different to him, a princess born into royalty with purpose but lonely and powerful, kind and good. They met as curious children and as time passed, they spent their time with each other chasing each other, caring for each other and learning from each other. It was said they were inseparable, always together. The Cruel Prince would visit the Saint of Light and the Saint of Light would always make his visits joyous and happy. The Cruel Prince cared about no one except his Saint who saved him.”

Morpheus observed that you truly were listening attentively to this story as you waited for him to continue “There was a curse that the wandering Cruel Prince would always be subjected to. His creator who he cannot remember had promised that his heart would only beat when he found his one true love. He had not been lucky in that regard but the more time he spent with his beloved Saint who was gathering more popularity, he found himself growing feelings of alarming affection that was more than friendship.”

“But then one day, the Cruel Prince betrayed their friendship by attacking the Saint’s kingdom. He had only wanted to save the Saint from the pressures of being the princess and possess her as his own but the Saint fought against him.” continued Morpheus with a thoughtful expression as he looked at you who was wearing a saddened and pained expression “The Saint was heartbroken but fierce as she protected her kingdom. As they fought, the Cruel Prince’s heart started to beat. He realized the Saint was his one true love and confided this to her. Begged her to forgive him.”

“In return, the Saint ripped out his heart killing the Cruel Prince for betraying her even though it saddened her. The Cruel Prince died in his arms and the Saint became the hero who saved the day.” finished Morpheus with a small sigh not knowing why this was his favorite story and saw that you flinched at the ending, your eyes turning thoughtful and sad. 

After a very long moment, you found your voice “Everyone in the universe knows this tragic story with a sad ending, Lord Morpheus. The Saint sounds awful. The kind of woman who should be punished in Hell. Why is it your favorite story?”

“Because the Saint did everything necessary to keep everyone safe even if it meant breaking her own heart to kill her own friend. Everything in her must have hurt to kill her own friend. And it must have broken the Cruel Prince to be killed at his own true love’s hand.” replied Morpheus fiercely protective of the character and he saw you smile softly at him. 

Your soft smile turned into a teasing one “Don’t tell me you admire the ridiculous Cruel Prince?”

“No. I - well - “ began Morpheus blushing and stuttering as you leaned forward in interest and amusement “I did fancy the Saint of Light, though.”

You grinned widely at that little fact and Morpheus groaned when he saw you begin to chuckle in amusement “Are you serious? Oh, this is priceless!”

“She’s just fiction. A story that’s not real.”

“Stories are not true but they are real. Stories are where our memories go when they are forgotten.” you replied solemnly with a soft and quietly smile, all traces of laughter vanishing from your face as if you were speaking from experience. 

There was a long moment of silence and Morpheus asked a question he knew that would break the comfort of the moment “How did you learn to fight like that?”

“My father, Lucifer and Mazikeen trained me. Lucifer and Mazikeen’s training gave my a merciless edge. But my father was ruthless too. He wanted the perfect Gods and Goddesses. If no one passed his tests, they would be... punished.” you said quietly with a small smile as you looked at Morpheus who was not amused and found nothing to smile about “I received training in everything. Combat, diplomacy, strategy, history, literature, language, magic... you name it. When I was fifteen, I was given my duties and allowed to accompany my father... the first of my siblings to do so.”

“That’s impressive.” said Morpheus truly impressed but he felt that he didn’t like the intense pressure and punishment upon you to do what you were meant to do “But, you shouldn’t have been punished.”

“That’s what those who act without thinking about the consequences deserve.” you replied coldly “I was not good enough for him so when I was punished, I became better. Everyone was punished.”

Morpheus couldn’t stop the bubbling anger within him because suddenly the charming and beautiful Goddess he had met with such great power seemed like a curtain and a mask to hide the truth of who you were as he replied “But that isn’t right!”

“No. But it is what it is.” you replied nonchalantly but the memories stabbed you “Forget it. It’s stupid stuff in the past anyway.”

Morpheus couldn’t forget it because it wasn’t stupid to you. It was important to him that you had been hurt in the past by your father who was supposed to protect you but had done the opposite and he felt a mountain of guilt that he had broken your heart and hurt you for centuries and you had endured it uncomplainingly. Morpheus realized that you had wanted to escape all that suffering and start a new life with him when you had married him but instead you had fallen into another trap full of pain and misery. Morpheus felt a mountain of guilt crush him at hurting and breaking you and hated himself for being so cruel and unkind, he hated your father for not protecting you and wished he could do something to take away your childhood misery. 

Morpheus looked at you softly and sincerely as he said “It’s not stupid. You should be angry at your father for hurting you. How aren’t you angry?”

“Angry? I’m furious. I’m just used to it by now.” you replied with an exhausted smile as your dark eyes gleamed with the ghosts of your past. 

“Do you want me to torment your father with his worst fears and insecurities in the form of nightmares?” asked Morpheus solemnly and seriously because he already had new ideas for nightmares to torture and torment your father that he would beg for mercy and scream for sleep. 

“You can’t do that!” you laughed in complete amusement knowing that Morpheus wasn’t serious and then saw that he was “Oh heavens, can you?”

Morpheus smiled at your shocked expression “I can do anything you wish me to.”

“It really is a tempting offer.” you said feeling the offer inviting to accept it as you thought of your father suffering and screaming and hurting as you smiled wickedly “Well, one nightmare won’t hurt him.”

Morpheus chuckled as his eyes glinted in delight for you were not like any other and he was going to give more than one nightmare to your father but you didn’t need to know that. 

You stood up as you saw that Morpheus was done with his dinner and you snapped your fingers as the plates disappeared. 

You looked at Morpheus feeling drowsiness tugging at your eyes “We should rest. I’m tired. And don’t give me the nonsense of not needing to sleep. You just went through hell. So you’re sleeping.”

Morpheus did not want to argue with you because he liked this new feeling of being comfortable with you. He followed you through the long corridors as you finally led him to a large and elegant room with an enormous and comfortable bed and opulent lavishness that exuded welcoming warmth. 

You had tensed as you gestured at the bed “Seize your chance to rest. Good night, Your Majesty.”

It suddenly felt too awkward for you too linger in the darkness of the room illuminated by the light of the streetlights outside with Morpheus who was your husband and you were suddenly keenly aware of the fact that you had never shared chambers alone together with each other. All you wanted to do was run away as far as possible from him because he was staring at you with such intense adoration and tenderness making you feel awkward. You wondered whether he felt the same as you did. 

You turned to leave but Morpheus who realized you were leaving panicked instinctually as he called out “Wait!”

You spun around feeling goosebumps prick your skin as you heard Morpheus’ soothing and calm voice hold a hint of panicked pleading “Yes... is everything alright? Is the room to your liking?”

You berated yourself. What were you doing? You wanted to leave now. You should bite your tongue, tell some falsehood and go to bed leaving Morpheus because you had played this dangerous game with him for too long. You had revealed intimate secrets to him and it now felt as if you were walking an unknown line in a territory that felt terribly familiar yet unexplored. 

Run! Your brain screamed at you with all logical thought. 

But you stayed rooted on the spot. 

“Yes. It is to my liking. It’s beautiful.” said Morpheus swallowing nervously as he suddenly felt anxious, the room feeling enormous than it was and in the darkness, he felt that intimacy and distance that had been created. 

They had never shared a bed but now as he saw you standing in the light, he wondered how it would feel to run his fingers through your hair and kiss your collarbone and hold you in his arms as they slept together. Morpheus felt a dangerous and alarming feeling of dreams and hopefulness bloom within himself and he pushed those thoughts away. 

But it wasn’t just the craving for you. Morpheus didn’t want you to go because he was afraid. He was afraid to be left alone in the dark again with his thoughts. He had been trapped in the loneliness and darkness for years without light or hope. Now he had escaped but for some silly reason, he was still fearful and scared of the dark like a little child. But he was the Endless with power, the King of Dreams and Nightmares who should not be afraid of the dark. You had gone through enough for him. So, Morpheus made up his mind that he would not beg his wife to comfort his silly fears. He would not find a way to keep you talking to him, distracting him from his dark thoughts. Morpheus would not tell you that he was afraid of the darkness, afraid to be alone by himself. 

Morpheus swallowed as he replied curtly “Good night.”

You looked at Morpheus who had walked toward the bed and you turned to leave because really you needed to go. 

Why? Why was the universe fucking with you?

Why did you feel like leaving him alone was committing the worst sort of crime? Why did you feel like staying with him at night was your responsibility? Why did it feel like leaving a little child alone with their worst fears and nightmares to haunt them? 

You could not bear any more of it. You were his wife in name, not in his heart. Tonight was only a game to him. Tomorrow, things would return to normal. 

You could not wait for tomorrow. And yet you wished that somehow you could stay in this moment if things had been different with Morpheus. 

Morpheus looked at the empty space in his room as he sank into the bed where you had left him without sparing a look and sighed. He clutched the blankets tightly, unwilling to close his eyes and sleep because he didn’t want to remember. And yet even with his eyes wide open, he could remember the lonely suffering of entrapment in the fish bowl of a cage, where he felt keen grief and pain and loss and wished that he could have been someone different.

Tears were in his eyes as thoughts of dark entrapment messed with his mind when the door in his room opened startling him. He looked to see who the intruder was and his jaw dropped in shock and amazement. 

It was none other than his wife. Morpheus couldn’t believe you were here and wondered what you were doing here. But his thoughts of loneliness and darkness had disappeared as his blue eyes skimmed in amazement and shock at his beautiful wife who wore a nightdress with cobwebs of gold silk that flashed like lightning when the light struck the sheer fabric just right. 

He was struck speechless as he stared at your divine beauty. You raised your eyebrows at him and he blushed violently, as he immediately looked away. Even in the low light, you could see the pink dust of blush color his cheeks. Despite your exasperation, you couldn’t help letting out an amused huff of laughter at the fact that the Dream Lord might be flustered by you. 

You sink on the bed next to him as you blissfully sigh and his head snaps immediately towards you “What are you doing?”

“Sleeping. A rare luxury that I do not often get.” you replied lightly even though you felt dizzy and overwhelmed by the fact that you were lying next to your husband even though you had kept a fair distance from him. “You’re the Dream Lord. I’m certain you know better than anyone what sleep -”

Morpheus was absolutely annoyed and irritated as he retorted “I know what you are doing. Why are you sleeping in my bed?”

“Because it’s very comfortable. And legally, it’s my bed since I own this property.” you replied smartly and coolly as your lips curved into a small smirk not needing to open your eyes to see that your husband would be glaring at you in annoyance. 

Although you were acting calm, inside you were anything but that. You were dizzy and shaking, your heart racing and flipping in anticipation. All those centuries you had occupied an empty chamber and slept at night in a lonely bed where your eyes leaked tears into your pillows because of your husband who had broken your heart. Now, here you were lying next to the very man who had made you suffer centuries of cold loneliness and emptiness in your very own bed offering him... what? Friendship? Comfort? A new beginning?

You shook that last thought of your head. The last thing you needed was to wonder about how it would feel if you let yourself sink into this wonderful warmth and companionship and fall in love again with Morpheus. It would only end in heartbreak and grief. 

Morpheus knew he couldn’t win as he harrumphed in annoyance as he sank back to the bed with a scowl. But the heat crept up his neck as he sneakily gazed at you lying there, your dark messy hair upon the pillow, your bronze skin glinting where the light illuminated and his eyes crept onto your collarbone. He was lying next to his wife for the first time in a bed together in their marriage. It felt impossible. This had never happened before. Morpheus hadn’t expected you to sleep with him because their marriage was absent of intimacy and companionship but he had been surprised when you had arrived to sleep with him.

And though he had protested, when he lay down next to you, Morpheus felt relieved when you slept next to him. It was a strange sense of safety knowing that he was next to a warm blazing fireplace that burned brightly to keep the demons of the dark away at bay. 

But lying next to you who was keeping a distance from him felt like absolute torture. The universe was punishing him and laughing at him for wishing that he could truly have you as his own when every inch of him burned for you. 

Morpheus knew he had to shut his eyes for he was dangerously distracted by you but after a few moments of silence, your soft voice spoke through the darkness “Why are you scared of being alone in the dark?”

Morpheus felt as if you had looked into the deepest parts of his soul easily and looked over at you in shock and saw that you had opened your eyes, smiling at him softly and he snapped “I am not scared of the dark. I am the Lord of Dreams.”

You chuckled knowingly at his lies as you looked up at the ceiling “You know, you had that look in your eyes. The very look my brother would have after my father would lock him in the House of the Haunted.”

Morpheus was about to remark what an awful man your father was but then you looked at him solemnly “The look of someone who is terrified and afraid of being alone with the ghosts of the dark.”

Morpheus felt a lump of emotion rise up in his throat and he couldn’t speak because you were reaching to save him from the darkness and for the first time since his captivity, you had see what he hid deep down from the rest of the universe. 

“Fear used to scream and scream for help but our father showed no mercy. He said my brother should master fear, and then only will he be worthy of his Godhood.” you said with a solemn and dark look as you thought back to your childhood remembering how you would grit your teeth in anger every time your father would isolate Fear in the Haunted House “I couldn’t bear it so one day, I sat with him in the Haunted House. My father never knew and I left every time before he could catch me.”

Morpheus smiled affectionately at the thought of a little mischievous Y/N disobeying her father’s orders just to keep your terrified brother company without abandoning him. He felt intrigue and admiration stir through him for the wonderful goodness and kindness you had possessed from the very beginning. 

“It was horrible. Dark. Full of ghosts and terrors and mirrors that we didn’t want to face. But I held his hand. And he held mine in his. And we both faced our fears. We both learned to master it.” you finished quietly and softly remembering how you held onto a crying Fear tightly and comfortingly once upon a long time ago as you looked over at Morpheus who was listening attentively as he looked at you tenderly and intensely. 

Morpheus’ curiosity grew as he wanted to hold your hand but tamed himself “Were you ever locked in the Haunted House alone?” 

“Yes. For hours and hours.” you said your face darkening as you remembered how you had screamed for help but no one in your family had come to help you as tears streamed down your eyes “But eventually, I learned to control my fears.”

“How?”

You looked at Morpheus with a reminiscent and kind gleam in your eyes “Sometimes, it’s easier to face your fears with a hand to hold and ear to listen to them.”

Morpheus heart lurched at the thought of confiding his shame and fear to you because a part of him did not want you to be burdened by this knowledge and another part of him feared your reaction. But you were here next to him, inviting him to open his heart to you and ready to listen to his fears, completely free of judgement and anger. This was rare and pure, blissful and intimate that Morpheus felt shaken by how real it felt. 

He had been alone and afraid for so long. 

He didn’t want to be alone and afraid anymore. 

As he looked over at you, he knew there was no one else he would trust his fears with as he whispered “Because I remember it all. My captivity by the amateur human magician Roderick Burgess. Where I was trapped in a glass cage for over centuries in his basement unable to move, to leave, to escape with no hope.”

You listened quietly with widened eyes as you stared at him in soft understanding and pain as you saw his broken expression, his tortured dark blue eyes looking into yours “I can’t forget it all. The grief and rage I felt, still feel because of the pain they put me through because of their greed for power and lust to get back a son that had died.”

“It hurts. I thought when I finally escaped, I would be free but these memories follow me, haunt me and I cannot forget no matter how much I want to. And the worst part is, there were times, I believed... I had hope I could escape. I am the Endless but I have never felt more humiliated because with all my powers, I could not answer your summons. They killed Jessamy -” the words were slipping out easily but he could not continue anymore as a strangled sob broke out of his throat, tears rolling down his cheeks. 

Morpheus expected you to laugh. Or perhaps even say that this was what he deserved to feel after all the years of subjecting you to such pain and suffering. 

But he did not expect you to gently brush his tears away with a quiet and soft look in your eyes that made him feel safe. For some reason, that small, simple gesture made him cry harder even more because he did not deserve your softness. 

He felt your silent comforting presence beside him as he cried his heart out to you. If you had said that you were sorry or something equally sympathetic then it would have hurt him more but your silence was comforting and understanding and your touch was warm and gentle.

Morpheus didn’t know how long he had cried but when he quietened, he realized you were still there with him, looking at him with something that had not been there in your eyes before. 

Morpheus looked away from you because something about the way you looked at him made his heart ache as he scoffed “Go on then. Laugh at me.”

You caressed his cheek so gently that Morpheus gasped at the kindness and warmth of your touch and looked into Morpheus’ eyes as you replied softly “Why would I laugh at you?”

Morpheus cleared his sore throat and sniffled “Don’t I sound pathetic? Don’t I deserve it?”

“No.” you said with such resounding resolve in your voice that Morpheus was surprised as he stared at you, his breath shortening at how firm and true you were. “You didn’t deserve any of the pain and humiliation you were subjected to.”

Morpheus was full of disbelief at the truth and goodness you exuded as your thumb drew stars on his cheek absentmindedly “You don’t understand how it feels.”

There was a long moment of silence as your thumb stopped drawing patterns on your husband’s cheek. Morpheus regretted his words as your face grew cold and you withdrew your hand from his cheek, the warmth of your touch immediately being craved by Morpheus who wanted your hand on his cheek.  

“I do know how you feel. You see, once I was in love with this beautiful, wonderful, amazing King of Dreams and Nightmares. He was my dream. I loved him so much and I felt loved by him. I dreamed of having a family with him. So I married him because he was the one for me.” you began with a small reminiscent smile tugging with pain and hurt of all the memories as you remembered the the naïve girl you had been and you felt Morpheus stiffen next to you “Turns out... my dream was a true nightmare. He wasn’t in love with me... I was just his solution to fix his reputation and the Dreaming.”

Your voice cracked a little and you were glad it was dark as you blinked back your tears staring at the ceiling. You didn’t want to show weakness to Morpheus. But it was too late now. You just wanted to show that he was wrong. That you of all people understood how he was feeling better than anyone. 

“What I’m trying to say is that... that I understand feeling absolutely, completely, utterly useless, insignificant, unworthy, humiliated and small as possible and how it can hurt in every crook and crevice of yourself. And it doesn’t matter how hard you try to forget by drinking the strongest booze with your friends, or starving yourself or how many parties you host, you still go to bed feeling lonely and cold... humiliated beyond compare... going over every single detail in your head, wondering what you did wrong or how you could have not seen it coming and how you feel that your entire existence is just ruining his life.” you said reminiscently and gently with a heavy sigh, your voice heavy with the burden of humiliation, heartbreak and sadness that ran through your veins and weighed you down.

The tears rushing into your eyes and you shook your head at yourself as you tried to speak through the emotion, your voice breaking “And how in the hell you believed in those brief beautiful moments that you were so happy with him. And he finally makes you understand the damned cruel truth you’ve tried to escape your whole life from the very beginning... that you’re on your own... you always have been.”

Morpheus didn’t know why but he was crying along with you as his heart broke for her as you realized the depth of the intense amount of damage he had inflicted on you. Morpheus knew that he had hurt you and broken your heart but it was now he was fully beginning to understand how much you were hurting as you cried and sobbed in front of him, letting down your guard as you showed the humiliation, pain and heartbreak that you had bravely endured throughout the years and finally tried to leave behind. 

But it shocked and amazed Morpheus that after everything he had done to you, you would choose to be beside him brushing away his tears and comforting him without laughing at his fears but instead confiding your own fears and insecurities in him. It felt intimate and real, something that they had never had between them and something that was special and beautiful. 

“And, after all that pain and heartbreak... you’ll escape and go somewhere new. You’ll meet people who will make you feel happy and worthwhile and that they love you for who you are. You’ll be free to do things you didn’t have the chance to do before. You’ll smile and laugh again.” you whispered in a soft and broken voice but you smiled softly at the memories of how you had begun to piece your life together after Morpheus’ disappearance with the support, companionship, friendship and love of your human and divine companions who loved and adored you for who you are. You remembered how you had started to heal slowly and opened up to people who made you feel happy and worthy and smiled at the memories of the adventures with them. Each of them were beautiful and bright, shining in your memory.  

Morpheus was short of breath as he stared at how tears rolled down your cheeks, as you smiled quietly at the new beginning you had despite the pain and you immediately wiped away your tears and looked at Morpheus with a brave and knowing smile “And little pieces of your broken soul will come back. And all those years of your life where you were captured and tormented in the nightmare, that won’t be forgotten... it will be there... but you will learn from it.”

Morpheus saw you wipe your tears away as you smiled “You’re going to be heal. There are people who love and support you. And there is a world out there for you, that will welcome you. And if you want to talk, I’m here.”

Morpheus wanted to thread his hands through your silky hair and embrace you and whisper that he was sorry for everything. But how much could an apology fix? He did not deserve such goodness and beauty in you. 

Morpheus averted his eyes because he did not want to know how you would feel “What if - if I wish to seek vengeance?”

“I might be inclined to stop you... depending on how far you plan to go.” you replied lightly but there was a warning to him not to go far and hurt people “But if you do need assistance, do contact me.”

Morpheus let out a huff of laughter feeling lighter as he looked at you who was beautiful and kind “In my time of captivity, I  thought of you every day. I grew to love you more in your absence. And now, I am wondering how it is that you can make me fall more in love with you than I had been?”

You blushed, your cheeks turning hot and your heart skipping in anticipation as you retorted trying to distract him “What made you love me more in your absence?”

Morpheus raised his eyebrows at you in slight exasperation “Really? That’s your question?”

You grinned mischievously as you lay back feeling heat rise in your cheeks at the intense, adoring manner the Dream Lord was gazing at you “Everything. Your intense loyalty and love for me even when I wasn’t worthy of it. I’d think of you often... when it was getting hard for me to be brave.”

You were quiet for a moment as your lips quirked into a small smile “Because you seem to think of me as brave?”

Morpheus met your eyes that were sparkling in amusement and wondered why you were constantly belittling yourself as he raised his eyebrows knowingly with a quirk of his lips “Don’t be modest, Y/N. Everyone knows the stories surrounding your legend. You left your home Realm when you were young, conveying to your family that you were determined on making your own destiny to create a powerful Realm of your own that would not be challenged without their help or blessing. That alone must have taken a great deal of bravery.”

Morpheus knew the stories of Y/N. Everyone in the universe loved and knew the brave and wonderful stories surrounding her myth and legend. Morpheus had learned about it after they had met from his siblings, from the awed whispers and rippling rumors among the Gods and Goddesses, every creature in the universe who revered her. Y/N... the Miracle Child of Chaos who descended into the Bastard of Disgrace in your family’s eyes when you disappeared from home for quite some time until there were stories of how you slipped deeper into the magical arts and pushed the boundaries farther than they have ever been pushed, traveled extensively, the goddess who didn’t need permission to do anything from anyone and finally settled down to create a glorious Realm that was powerful and adored by everyone. 

“It’s an awesome story. One of my favorites I love to tell people to entertain and amaze them with my heroics. Absolutely fabulous story.” you said with an amused mischievous smirk as you ran your hand through your hair at how you used this story to allure and gain admiration of many in the universe. 

You smiled softly at Morpheus, your heart tugging with sadness at how seemed fascinated and intrigued by you “But the truth is a little bit different. The truth is less heroic... and hardly wanted to be known by anyone.”

Morpheus raised his chin defiantly with a calm glint in his dark blue eyes looking into yours with intense curiosity and wonder because he truly did want to know all the truths you hid in the crooks and crevices of your soul. 

You contemplated on whether you should tell Morpheus the truth that was hidden well as you hesitated nervously because sitting in the dark with your husband feeling the intimate connection, taking the risk of letting your guard down felt dangerous but you took a deep breath “The truth is I didn’t want to write that letter. I didn’t want to leave. My father made me write that note. He made me leave.”

You did not see Morpheus’ eyes widen in amazement and shock as he gazed at you but you simply leaned back feeling the emotions of the old memories flood back with such intensity and you looked at Morpheus at last again “My father gave permission to the rest of my siblings to create their Realms. But my father believed that I did not deserve a Realm of my own to govern, therefore denying me his blessing.”

“My father reminded me that all I was good for in the end of day, even with all my power... was being attracting a powerful suitor with my charming demeanor and lovely looks. Marriage. If no one powerful married me, I wasn’t worthy of love. Or good enough.” you said softly, sadness and bitterness echoing loudly with each word as you smiled wistfully at Morpheus who was absolutely stunned, his heart pounding in hot red anger and protectiveness. “Suffer the thorns for the sake of being a beautiful flower.”

“All I wanted was to be his daughter and for my father to accept me for who I am.” you sighed berating yourself for being a stupid and naïve girl who wanted to be loved by your father as you shook your head with an exhausted and dark look in your eyes “But on my birthday, it all exploded.”

“It was a cold day. All my siblings were busy with their duties, therefore they couldn’t attend but Fear and Grief sent their tokens of birthday wishes.” you said with a light - hearted smile as you remembered the pretty and thoughtful presents, lovely iced cake and sweet treats your sister and brother sent you with their gushing letters of love. 

Morpheus smiled softly at the kindness of the only two siblings you seemed to be fond of and care about in your family built on foundations of pain and trauma. He wondered what set you apart from your other siblings and made you closer to Fear and Grief who seemed the unlikeliest companions for the symbol of Hope. 

“I made it clear on that day that I was ready to create and govern my own Realm but he made it very clear that he would never give me his blessing and that I should give up my quest for my own kingdom. I could conduct my duties but never be the Queen of the Realm of Hope. I was sick of being constantly belittled and underestimated. We had an argument about his rules that were constantly ruining the life I wanted to live and he yelled at me to get out.” you said quietly with a dark and haunted gleam in your eyes as you remembered the violent argument between your father. 

It had been cruel and nasty, violent and venomous with hurtful remarks thrown from both sides ending with tears from a daughter and unwelcoming cold hearted loathing from the father. 

Morpheus blinked in shock, processing everything that he heard “Get out? Of the room?”

“The room. The palace. His Realm. My home. His life.” you replied coldly meeting Morpheus stunned gaze as the violent and painful words your father had yelled at you rang loudly in your head like gunshots in the war. 

Morpheus could not believe what you were saying as his jaw dropped in disbelief and his dark blue eyes widened in amazement “And you took him literally?”

“Indeed.” you replied lifting your chin confidently, meeting Morpheus’ gaze coolly and proudly without any shame and regret because your father was a God who never took decisions he didn’t mean and you realized you were not wanted at all. 

Morpheus could vividly picture your younger self gazing with the same cool and proud gaze with the confident and proud demeanor at an equally proud and stubborn father, not willing to let him win at any cost. 

Morpheus felt his heart break into a million pieces as he truly saw the pain and grief in your vulnerable eyes filled with tears as you tried to look strong but your voice cracked slightly “You don’t know what it feels like to walk out of the home you grew up and hoping with all your heart that someone will call for you to turn back and come back. I walked out hoping they will apologize. Hoping that they will say they want you to stay with them.”

“But no one did.” you said softly with a pained and grief-stricken grimace as you met Morpheus’ eyes with your own eyes that were suddenly brimming with tears that you tried to blink back. You tried to stop speaking but it felt like an old wound had opened and there was no sealing it back. “No one cared.”

“I sat in the garden in front of the door for hours in the thunderstorm hoping my mother and father would relent and come back for me. I saw my mother crying from the window. Then she left and had a grand banquet with my father. I heard them both singing something cheerful after dinner. Then they went to bed and I was left all alone in the cold, drenched and miserable... all alone.” you finished quietly and softly as tears rolled down your cheeks feeling your heart clench with unbearable pain and misery, hating that deep down you still felt like that cold and lonely child sitting out in the rain, unwanted by everyone. 

You looked at Morpheus who was gazing at you in soft empathy and pain, tears brimming in his dark blue eyes as he felt angry at your family and at himself for neglecting you so cruelly and vowing to do better and you smiled through your tears that you wiped away “Are you disappointed with the unlikable truth?”

“No. I like the truth better than the fabulous story.” said Morpheus softly and earnestly as he gazed at you with such intense admiration and tenderness that you felt your heart pound loudly. 

Morpheus’ eyes flitted to a live tattoo of a golden phoenix rising from a crown surrounded by thorns and fire and you saw his attention diverted to it as you grinned changing the topic “Fabulous, isn’t it? I had Apollo adorn this with a new flourishment every time I kill my enemies.”

Morpheus raised his eyebrows at you “Really?”

“No. That’s some story I tell people when I first meet them to see if they will fall for it.” you replied easily and breezily with a bright grin making Morpheus roll his eyes at your casual nonchalance. 

“And do they fall for it?”

“Generally, yes they do. After all, I am the image of a fierce murderess.” you replied with an amused twinkle in your dark eyes. “But it’s just a memento after a very drunk night out with Loki, Apollo, Fear and Grief where Loki just ended up demonstrating his artistic skills in a petty competition with Apollo to prove that he was better than the God of Art.”

Morpheus felt amused at the thought of the picture you painted but felt a rush of jealousy at Loki and Apollo having time of their lives with you, close enough to you and laughing with you when Morpheus wanted to have the same easy camaraderie and connection with you. But he knew that he had to work hard to earn the trust and love that forged such an unbreakable connection. 

Morpheus’ eyes darted toward you with curiosity as heat rose up to his cheeks when his eyes skimmed the collarbone of your neck as he queried in unbridled curiosity “The necklace? A memento from one of your reckless endeavors or late night parties with your friends?”

You froze as you remembered an endless night of meteor rain that you wished would last forever, breathless wonder and awestruck enchantment, promises were made and innocent wishes were quietly whispered into the sweet air as the silver diamond comet shaped necklace was gifted to you by a reckless storm that looked at you with belief and understanding. You had truly forgotten that you had worn this necklace carved as a comet for so long and now when Morpheus bought it up, memories of wild laughter and warm conversations flashed through your head, as you remembered everything all too well. 

“It’s from someone who made a beautiful moment last forever.” you whispered softly, smiling reminiscently at a time that was incredibly long ago as your dark eyes grew wistful and longing as you unconsciously touched the necklace “We had a pact. Every star in the universe, we were going to see them all.”

Morpheus was morbidly curious as it bubbled within him because he could sense this friend was someone incredible, enchanting and held a very special place in your heart "And did you two ever see the stars together?"

“Stories are earned, Your Majesty. I believe you are trying to trick me into telling my deepest secrets so you can understand me better.” you said with a smirk as you tucked a strand of dark hair behind your ear “You have not yet earned my stories.”

Morpheus smiled at you tenderly “I believe you found me out. But in time, I will know your heart and you will know mine.” 

“Keep telling yourself that, Your Majesty.” you replied, your eyes glittering in amusement as you blushed and leaped out of bed because you were not going to spend your night with Morpheus sharing the same bed with him. “Good night, Dream Wretch.”

Morpheus suddenly felt a sense of emptiness and loneliness as he watched you get out of bed and leave. He didn’t want her to leave him, he was sorry to see her go because he enjoyed your company. But Morpheus who knew you wouldn’t keep him company all night, still felt disappointed when you rose to leave him because he felt that the darkness would be sweeter and happier with you by his side as he gazed at your divine beauty. 

You grinned and suddenly Morpheus forgot all the pain as your fingers traced the darkness and suddenly through the darkness, silver horses, golden suns, pink snowflakes, blue irises, gorgeous bursts of flowers, dancing figures spinning around and around, emerald stars bursting into colorful fireworks appeared into light. It was all too much and all too wondrous as Morpheus stared at the stars glittering and fireworks bursting, the golden, unimaginably colorful and divine beauty you had created illuminating the darkness. 

“Now, it’s not so dark anymore.” you whispered as you looked over at Morpheus who was gazing at your masterpiece of a sky in awe and admiration. 

Morpheus looked over at you in admiration as waves of strong affection and adoration overwhelmed his heart for you. You had created something beautiful and inspiring out of the darkness that did not seem lonely and painful anymore to him but full of life. 

You were what his dreams were made of.

Outside everyone was pushing and fighting each other. There were wars and empires rising and falling, lives ending but it all seemed so pointless when you were there with him in the darkness alit by your beautiful creations, looking at him with a certain sincerity in your eyes that didn’t want anything from him. 

It felt sweet and hazy, full of nothing to ask and everything that could end in a second if he dared to utter a word to disturb this sweet nothing. 

It was not in Morpheus’ nature to beg. He had never begged for anything in his long life. He certainly had never begged from his lovers to stay with him and never found excuses to keep them company. But the thought of you leaving him in the dark with your masterpiece

“Stay with me tonight.” whispered Morpheus softly, pleadingly because his heart ached at the thought of sleeping in an empty bed without you tonight. 

You froze in shock at the words uttered by Morpheus, feeling breathless as you felt your heart pound and you managed to reply “I need to take another bath again. I smell like hellfire and blood.”

“You smell like jasmine and ruthlessness.” said Morpheus drowsily as he tried to reach out for you and you couldn’t help but smile involuntarily at how adorable he was. “You always do. What can I say to make you stay with me forever?”

You felt every emotion of sadness, love, pain, grief, shock, confusion collide violently and crash as you gazed at him softly in disbelief, wanting to truly confess that you wanted to hear him say that it was more than a guilty conscience and worry that makes him speak these words. You wanted him to tell you what those words would mean if Morpheus wasn’t an unfaithful husband who came back to you, and you weren’t a foolish girl who was risking your heart. But you didn’t say it out loud because truthfully you didn’t want to hear it. Sweet romantic declarations belonged to those who lived in fairytales, for others in other lives... it didn’t belong to the ruthless Queen who would spill blood to defend your Realm and a broken girl with wounds bleeding in your soul. 

You had seen this film before. You knew the ending. It was not a happy one.

You let yourself become soft and sincere for a moment as you let your guard down for a dangerous moment to indulge in a sweet nothing, brushing a sleeping Morpheus’ hair from his forehead as you pressed a soft kiss tenderly on his hand and whispered “I would stay forever if I could.”

He wouldn’t remember anyway. 

Taglist

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#morpheus x reader #Morpheus x Y/n #morpheus x yn #morpheus x you #the sandman x reader #the sandman x y/n #the sandman x you #dream of the endless x reader #dream of the endless x y/n #dream x reader #dream x y/n #dream x you #sandman x reader #sandman x y/n #sandman x you #dream of the endless #The Sandman #sandman #the sandman imagine #morpheus imagine #dream of the endless imagine #sandman netflix #the sandman netflix #taylor swift writing challenge #taylor swift #morpheus #dream lord #lucifer morningstar x reader #lucifer morningstar x you #lucifer morningstar x y/n

[littlemisskittentoes]

Year in Review: Favorite Lines

thank you for my darling @happiness-of-the-pursuit for the tag! this was so much fun, it was so lovely going back to some of my earlier fics!

RULES: there are no rules! I am quite literally making this up as I go so please don't take this too seriously ksjhdkh. feel free to share your top three/top five/however many favorite snippet(s)/line/quotes/paragraphs from your published fics (or wips, I don't care!) and don't forget to share the link of course! see below for an example.

from boxing with no gloves

“I can’t… I can’t handle us being my parents, H. I don’t know how to not be in love with you. I don't want to have to learn.”

from i'd be smart to walk away (but you're quicksand)

Alex is responsive and giddy under Henry’s mouth, back arching against his hand. Henry wants to preserve it in the empty champagne bottle. Alex’s skin is burnished gold, stark against the white of the sheets beneath him. Henry wants to paint it, memorialize it in an ornate frame. Alex’s head tips back and his mouth spills moans into the quietness around them like holy water. Henry wants to drown in it.

from you paint dreamscapes on the wall

Henry studied Alex like he was his new favorite book. Like the fall of his head hitting the pillow when Henry bit into his skin held some sort of secret woven between the lines. Like the rush of Alex’s breath into the air around them was a new kind of sonnet, painstakingly crafted to the right meter and rhythm. Henry knew him inside and out.

from you call the shots babe (i just wanna be yours)

Henry thinks he’d untangle his own veins from his muscle, reknit them into something intricate and beautiful, and offer them to Alex with bloodstained fingers and a plea in his smile if it meant Alex would take it from his hands. He thinks he’d cleave himself apart and string up the tattered parts if it meant keeping Alex’s attention on him. In the grand scheme of the things Henry is willing to do for Alex, jostling himself into his lap almost seems like cheating.

from i know heaven's a place (i go there when you touch me)

It’s filthy, stupidly hot, something entirely vulgar. Still, Alex knows there’s a hum in every one of their combined muscles. A mutual understanding between them all that this is something good. A sacrament and a homecoming rolled into one. 

from many times, many ways

They fall together in a billow of sighed laughs and greedy grabs for one another. Henry holds him close, and Alex kisses him back like he’s something prayerful. And this… This is celebration too. 

and a few fun nuggets from upcoming wips!

from don't you call him baby

But the thing about loving Henry is that he understands now, too, that Henry had planted ivy in his chest, something consecrated in whip smart jibes and soft touches, that Alex never realized his body was capable of growing. It has branched out of him, expanding his muscles and lengthening his bones, covering every inch of who he once was and fostering something more in its place.

from it always leads to you (in my hometown)

For Alex— How should I tell you that I have never known myself better than when I see your tells woven through my mirror? That I’d never recognized  my own laugh until it bled  at your pry? How is it possible, that even now, with this foreign age  oaked into your eyes  and your unmistakable drawl  resurrected to something new, your phantom fingerprints  along my skin are still  the only part of myself  I’ve been able to bear loving? Maybe a better man would  find away to love outside of you.  But, darling, the chance of your heart against mine has always made me reckless.

i would LOVE to see your favorite lines! @matherines @affectionatelyrs @inexplicablymine @read-and-write- @gayrootvegetable @rockyroadkylers @wordsofhoneydew @anincompletelist @songliili @hgejfmw-hgejhsf 💖

#kittentoes writes #fic: don’t you call him baby #fic: it always leads to you (in my hometown) #rwrb #rwrb fanfic #red white and royal blue #firstprince #rwrb fic #ao3

[roseapothecary]

happy nice ask day!!! I finally thought of one I can ask!!!

what's your favorite thing (or things) about henry, and is it a common trait with some of your other favorite characters?

Aww, this is such a good question.

You are going to deeply regret asking it.

[clears throat]

My favorite thing about Henry is his heart — my sweet prince born with his heart outside his body. Tbh, that letter to Alex in the book might be the moment that really solidified Henry as blorbo:

Once, there was a young prince who was born in a castle. His mother was a princess scholar, and his father was the most handsome, feared knight in all the land. As a boy, people would bring him everything he could ever dream of wanting. The most beautiful silk clothes, ripe fruit from the orangery. At times, he was so happy, he felt he would never grow tired of being a prince. He came from a long, long line of princes, but never before had there been a prince quite like him: born with his heart on the outside of his body. When he was small, his family would smile and laugh and say he would grow out of it one day. But as he grew, it stayed where it was, red and visible and alive. He didn’t mind it very much, but every day, the family’s fear grew that the people of the kingdom would soon notice and turn their backs on the prince. His grandmother, the queen, lived in a high tower, where she spoke only of the other princes, past and present, who were born whole. Then, the prince’s father, the knight, was struck down in battle. The lance tore open his armor and his body and left him bleeding in the dust. And so, when the queen sent new clothes, armor for the prince to parcel his heart away safe, the prince’s mother did not stop her. For she was afraid, now: afraid of her son’s heart torn open too. So the prince wore it, and for many years, he believed it was right. Until he met the most devastatingly gorgeous peasant boy from a nearby village who said absolutely ghastly things to him that made him feel alive for the first time in years and who turned out to be the most mad sort of sorcerer, one who could conjure up things like gold and vodka shots and apricot tarts out of absolutely nothing, and the prince’s whole life went up in a puff of dazzling purple smoke, and the kingdom said, “I can’t believe we’re all so surprised.”

Henry is just so soft. He was instructed to build a wall around his heart and keep his childish fantasies about love and happiness hidden behind it, but that's the thing, right? He didn't abandon those parts of himself or change them. Despite everything he has been through, despite all of the pain he has endured, despite the pressure that's been pressed onto his shoulders, despite, despite, despite... Henry built defenses around the tender parts of his heart, and then he never let anything touch them. He didn't let that cement leak into his fortress and cause the gentleness to harden while he was building. He protected that tenderness. Kept it safe. Kept it warm.

So, when Alex came along, someone who proudly wore his heart outside his body — someone who probably wasn't even born that way, someone who actively ripped his heart out of his chest and put it on his shoulder, deliberately — all Alex had to do was tear down a couple of those bricks. ("Give yourself away sometimes, sweetheart. There’s so much of you.") Once Henry was surrounded by people who believed his heart was his strength and not his weakness, Henry eventually learned he didn't need those walls. His heart is indestructible, after all. Who needs walls?

Like.

He's just.

He's so... [gestures wildly with hands]

That said, I do think that's a common trait among my favorite characters. David Rose and Stevie Budd, both with such tenderness hidden behind their armor... Evan Buckley, who never learned to build that fortress and gives and gives and gives... Scott McCall, who outright refused to touch that cement... Lito Rodriguez, who learns "we'll all be judged by the courage of our hearts..." Ugh, and y'all don't have the privilege of knowing my best friend's OC, Jody, but he also follows this pattern and he's truly the sunshine of my heart.

Idk. I guess I have a fondness for characters who, at their very core, are kind when the world tells them not to be — for "the gentleness that comes not from the absence of violence, but despite the abundance of it."

#ask #lilythesilly #henry fox #nice ask day

[multifandominfj]

A New Beginning: A Supergirl 6x20 Re-Write

Chapter 13: A Night To Remember

Lena had managed to sneak out with a garment bag and the ring just before Kara had gotten home. Part of the plan for tonight was to not get ready at Alex and Kelly’s place, but to make sure Kara was pampered before the party. Just before Kara got home and she left, she decided to leave a little note.

“Hey Sunshine,

Sorry I didn’t catch you when you got home. Alex and Kelly needed a last minute sitter for Esme for their solo crime fighting date. Don’t worry, I got you a little something to pamper yourself before our date night tonight: your favorite chocolates, your favorite wine and spirits…and a little something for our anniversary…”

That something, a simple gold necklace with Celtic Tree of Life as the adornment to be around her neck. It was Lena’s way of telling Kara they balance each other, and that they work harmoniously together.

“I know I didn’t have to, after lunch today, but I wanted to thank you for helping ease my fidgeting and nerves. You always know how you settle whatever uneasiness that plagues me. You may be National City’s Girl of Steel, but your my precious Sunbeam. See you tonight. Xx”

Kara had been out with Nia and Brainy, taking out the bad guys with ease and finesse, per usual. When she got home, the first thing she saw was the basket full of goodies Lena had left. Reading the note, she couldn’t help but feel giddy and excited. Seeing that she had a good few hours before the “party”, she decided to relax and pop open the wine Lena had got her, and decided to watch a new show Alex had introduced her to about an All-Girls Baseball team during WWII.

“This show better be all Alex said it would be.” Kara plos down on the couch with her wine chocolate. “I was promised fruits.”

*National City Suburbs*

Meanwhile, at Alex and Kelly’s place, the rest of the Super Friends we’re getting ready, finalizing plans and making sure everyone on the guest list makes it to the restaurant.

“You going to be okay with a panicked Lena while we finalize everything?” Kelly asked as she finished strapping on her black heels with gold studs. What she was wearing was a black lace jumpsuit with a gold belt to emphasize her muscular curves with her luscious black hair swept and pinned to one side.

Alex came out wearing a dark, almost like she was wearing hellfire itself, mahogany suit with a charcoal lace bodysuit underneath. Her short hair was in loose curls and pinned at both sides. Her black booties gave her a couple inches, making her slightly taller than Kelly. “I think she needs me. She was in full blown panic mode the moment she got her. Maybe a sister-in-law, heart to heart is what will help.”

As Alex was talking, smoothing out her suit and checking to see if she looked put together enough, Kelly was eyeing her in the mirror, like the snack she was.

“What?”

“Nothing…you just look…” Kelly comes up from behind to hug her around the waist, resting her chin in the indentation between her neck and shoulder. “You look stunning.”

“So do you.” Alex took one last deep breath before turning around. “You think things will go according to plan?”

“We have to hope they will. Even if they don’t, it’s Kara and Lena. They could be having this party in the middle of nowhere, and it still would be an amazing night.” Kelly reassures with a comforting hand squeeze.

“Guys.” Nia pokes her head in after knocking. “Hate to break up the clearly cute moment you two were having, but we should probably go pick up everyone to bring them to the restaurant.”

“Go.” Alex gives Kelly a kiss. “Keep me updated.”

With the others out the door, Alex knew a trick that would work. With two cold glasses of Bourbon, she headed to the room Lena was getting ready in. “Lena? You decent?”

“Come in Alex.” Lena was sitting at a vanity, finishing the final touches on her half up/half down style. She was wearing a two piece navy suit with a white blouse with a built-in ribbon bow tie. The pearlescent copper makeup with dark garnet smoky corner on her eyes really made the ocean blue tones really pop. And she was wearing her mother’s pendant, just as an extra good luck charm.

“Lena.” Her future sister-in-law took her by surprise. “You look.”

“A mess?”

“No, you look…radiant.” Alex hands over the second glass of Bourbon. “But I figured this glass of liquid courage could help.”

If there was one thing Lena learned, it is that her soon to be family was very good at reading people. Graciously accepting the glass, she nursed the drink so as to not get tipsy before the biggest night of her life. “I just want tonight to go well, Alex.”

“Hey, you have nothing to worry about.” Alex didn’t know how wrong she was at that moment. “And even if; that’s a big if, you know Kara isn’t going to care. Even as a kid, if something with our plans went wrong, she would be the one to offer an alternative. And anything she did offer…turned out pretty great. Whatever happens tonight, it’s going to be great because you two will have your whole support system there to celebrate you.”

Finishing the last of her Bourbon, she takes a deep exhale to herself before standing to swing on her blazer. “I really appreciate our talks, Alex. Looking back at how far our relationship has come…”

“Past me wouldn’t have believed it either.” Dusting off the shoulders of her future sister-in-law, she then tied the ribbon into a bow around Lena’s neck, the final thing, in her eyes, that would cement their bond. “Lena, without a doubt, you have been the best thing that has happened to Kara. Because of you, she’s been able to love every part of her life again.”

“The feeling is mutual.” Lena blushed, a shade of pink that was near identical to the shag rug beneath her feet, that seemingly took away the rest of nerves just by standing there.

“Come one, let’s get you and my sister engaged. I’ll even drive you.”

“Alex, you don’t have to.”

“Lena, I’ve got time before I have to get to the restaurant to help with the rest of the preparations. Plus…it gives you time to text Kara.” With a wink, she shut the back door of the car, and then drove off the building where they would take their helicopter ride over the city.

*National City — Big City Eats*

Kelly had taken up the mantle with getting the restaurant ready for the party. The atmosphere in the place was hectic but filled with excitement. Kelly had made sure the bar was fully stocked because she knew not only Alex would be partaking, but Sara and Ava would be as well. Her main priority: everyone was relaxed and having a good time.

Nia was put in charge of the Photo Booth area, getting all of the silly props and paper party favors together. Did she get this idea from Mariah and Tessa’s engagement party on Young and the Restless, and show that clip to Lena who also ended up loving the idea? Absolutely. She was a sucker for the cheesy moments in life, and she wanted to make sure Lena and Kara had plenty to look at fondly in their future.

Brainy was surprisingly in charge of the music. Having learned a little bit about what everyone’s tastes were, and with Nia’s guidance as to what was “hot” and “not”, he had a pretty equal balance. He was certain there would be a 100% chance this playlist would be the reason why the engagement party was a success.

Catering from not only the restaurant, but Big Belly Burger and Jitters was called in ahead of time. Food and refreshments were the easiest part.

J’onn was in charge of getting all of the guests. And with a pool pitched in from everyone, they sprung for the swankiest limo ever. When he pulled up, the party guest flowed in as follows: Sam, Ruby, Esme, Sara, Ava, Cat, Barry, Iris and Lois.

However…one thing did end up going wrong.

“Kelly.” J’onn had discretely waved her over.

“By the way you just waved me over…something fell through.” Kelly sighed, feeling her heart break for Lena.

“The Helicopter pilot Lena booked had accidentally double booked. I tried to convince him that tonight was important, but he wouldn’t budge.”

“Lena’s going to be crushed. But we can’t lose hope. I remember Alex telling me that Kara would always find a way to fix hiccups.” Kelly, forever the optimist.

As soon as she said that, Alex entered. “Okay, Lena’s dropped off. Kara should be showing up any moment. That’s going to be a ride over the city they will never forget.”

“About that…” J’onn began.

“What happened? I was only gone for an hour. Something can’t have failed already.”

“The Helicopter pilot double booked and wouldn’t budge.”

Alex had a light bulb moment, smiling to herself. “Kel, this might just be a blessing in disguise…and everything is going to be fine.” Leading them to their friends and Esme, they mingled to pass the time until the two Love Birds showed up.

*National City—Rooftop of the Lena Luthor Foundation*

Patient, but nervously waiting for Kara to arrive, Lena began to pace which was something she rarely did.

“Where the hell is this bloody helicopter? I swear if this idiot double booked…”

The rooftop door opens to reveal Kara in a black suit with flowers embroidered all over, cream colored blouse that made Kara’s tan glow as bright as the sun, her golden beachy curls pinned into a braided crown with a few strands framing her delicate yet chilled features, patent leather pumps, and the Celtic Tree of Life Lena had gifted her. To supplement her “glasses”, she went with a Smokey Amethyst eye look; she knew that would get Lena’s attention along with her outfit. Before even announcing her presence, she had to take a moment for herself to drink Lena in. There before her was the most beautiful woman in National City. She was also right about Lena being worried from before.

“It’s about time you sho—” Lena couldn’t even finish her misplaced sentence when she saw Kara. Having clutched her chest after feeling her breath physically leave her body at the sight of Kara, she couldn’t help but stare. “Showed up. Kara, you are an absolute vision.”

“You’re looking glorious yourself.” Beaming at her girlfriend, she crossed the helipad pavement to place a gentle peck to her temple before rubbing the small of her back. “So, what exactly are we doing up here? All you told me was it was a surprise.”

The exasperated sigh was all Kara needed to hear from Lena that the surprise was ruined. “Well, I wanted to do something special for our anniversary. And from the lack of noise of a whizzing propeller…The helicopter isn’t coming.”

“Woah, wait. You got us a helicopter?”

“I just wanted us to have a special ride over the city before we went to go have dinner and—”

Before she could even finish her sentence, Kara captured the rest of her worries with a kiss, then a kiss to her palm to reassure that the microscopic inconvenience didn’t upset her. “Lena, do not worry. The fact that you planned all of this, and kept it a surprise from me…the gesture alone means the world.” A touch to the forehead accompanied with brushing her stray hair aside was the final sign she could give to show it would be fine. “Besides. I have a better idea…”

“What do you—”

Kara started to float off the ground, sweeping Lena into her arms. “This is better than any ol’ helicopter anyway.”

Lena just stared in amazement. Her girlfriend wasn’t even bothered by the fact that part of the surprise was ruined. Instead, she offered a far more romantic way to travel. “Here I was, thinking I would be surprising you.” She fibbed. “Turns out you continue to surprise me every single day.”

“Keeping you on your toes is fun.” And she took off towards the restaurant where she would have the biggest surprise of her life.

The chapter before the BIG question! Chapter thirteen is a good one, enjoy! 🙏🏻

#supercorp endgame #supergirl cw #supergirl #supercorp #katie mcgrath #lena luthor #kara danvers #melissa benoist #my otp #i miss them #they own my heart #fanfiction #fanfic #future writers in the writers room #author in the making #queer writers #all of the fluff and cuteness before the angst #i love proposals

[alittlefrenchtree]

I'd like to know your thoughts on the scene of the first time in Paris 😊

A Scene Walk-Through by yours truly, Alft 🌳

I think this post is going to be a compilation of many things from objective observations to very personal opinions and from technical points to subjective feelings. 

I’ve talked about this scene a few times here and there but most of the time through a different topic and never in great details from start to finish. Since I’m kindly asked now, it’s a pretty good time do it. I have a feeling that it’s going to be a freaking long answer, so go grab a snack and a glass of water if you feel like staying with me for a while. (This is future me speaking, this thing is 1.4K words long).

First thing first,

The scenes leading to the scene :

Last previously said, the scene in the coffee is one of my favorite. I like how warm it is, how right the energy is between them and I honestly think it should have been longer. More shots of their hands hovering above the table, searching for the other's but never touching, all the tension between them building up not only through their eyes but through their bodies as well without release. But we get another scene instead.

The first time I’ve watched the movie, I thought there was a time gap between the two scenes, and that we were getting snap shots of different dates and them getting to know each other through weeks and months. First reason to that is because the park they wander through looks nothing like Paris so obviously I thought they weren’t in Paris anymore. Second reason is because the colors are so cold, and even more in contrast with the warmth of the previous scene. I could have known with the clothes but I didn’t notice during the first time watching. I know the tone of the scene is colder because of the more serious conversation they’re having, talking about Henry’s family and life. But in the treatment of the colorimetry, it confuses me about the time and it was a bit in the nose for me I guess. Having Henry open up in the warmth of the previous scene, feeling safe in Alex’s warmth would have been so beautiful and to my eyes, a better transition to the following night scene, staying in the warm feeling of their blooming relationship.

The Actual Scene

So my first feeling of the scene was obviously confusion. I had that *oh we’re still in Paris* second, going back to the previous scene for another second to finally understand that all of this was the same day and then actually focusing on the scene. Clearly not the most ideal transition. And then the problems begin.

The Scenery

I feel like only Parisian people will understand the problem but. The golden Eiffel Tower through the golden window with the golden champagne with the golden lights and the golden wallpapers and the golden pillows and the golden…ZZZ.ZzzzzZZZzzzzzz…………………… On top of all the gold, the whole decor of the room was kind of underwhelming for me. I guess we should ask to non-french and non-parisian people if this specific aesthetic for Paris works for them and made they feel romance but for me it felt mostly cliché and outdated. And not really Paris coded all together. Which could have worked for a romcom but it doesn’t feel like it was right for this romcom that is rather fresh and modern to my eyes.

The Blocking of the Foreplay

I’m not the biggest fan of the framing of the shots for the first part of the scenes but I wouldn’t know how to phrase it so let's roll with them. Up until that moment, 

Let’s say I’m good. But then there is a time gap and we jump to this,

And the cuts feel too harsh? I do know that realistically, you have back and forth when you’re intimate with someone and not everything goes smoothly from point A to point B every time. But, I also know that sometimes it’s best to negotiate with realism for the sake of your storytelling. And there, you left them undressing each other and not being able to be an inch apart while having barely started and the next frame they’re completely naked but so far away from each other. I feel like it doesn’t make much sense. The scene is about two people making love for the "first" time with each other, there is no uncertainty (about wanting it i mean), no fight, no doubt in them so the logical thing would be for them to be closer and closer through the whole scene, which is obviously not the case here. Maybe they should have been less close in the first part and a bit closer in the second so it would feel more logical regarding of the story telling.

Plus I’m not the biggest fan of how the standing-naked part was filmed. Having shot, then reverse angle shot, then shot again, it increases how far away from each other they seem, in that case. And it isn’t really exciting as a directing choice, I guess.

But, of course, I understand why the second part is there. It’s their first time really taking their time, seeing each other completely naked, admiring each other body and feeling everything. So for me, it’s not about the writing but about the blocking and maybe a few shots that should have been added or put together differently or something.

The Main Event

Actually, I think it’s a frame from this scene that really decided me to watch the movie. Because I saw a gif of taht kiss and for a second, I thought it was a gif from Queer as Folk. And I still can’t unsee it and knowing a bit more about Matthew now and about the references he put in his movie, I’m pretty sure there is a something here? I mean come on.

So yeah, all of the first part of the bed part, I was there. Their acting is beautiful, the chemistry is there, the close up on their faces are beautiful, that hand of that lower back is beautiful so, yes, obviously, yes. Nothing was missing. Except for that key to slide between those sinful lips but who am i to ask for what the world rightfully deserves?

But then the hands.  

First time I’ve watched the movie, my first thought seeing these shots was exactly: "oh so this is the cutaway shot they probably made two days after, probably chewing on a slice of pizza at the same time". And then I’ve learned that the said shot was indeed filmed on another day (probably while chewing on a slice of pizza) and I obviously couldn’t unsee it. It’s supposed to be a beautiful shot, and in a sense it is and we all understand the symbolism of it but it’s too disembodied to my eyes? I’m not sure how the word translates in English but it feels cut off from the rest of the scene and the rest of them. Just hands and arms without the bodies they belong too.

The other hands shots are a bit more embodied but still feel a bit more catalog-y than natural. Like they had a list of shots they took from the "how to film a sex scene" manual and checked all the little boxes : hand in hand ✅, hand on shoulder ✅, hand through hair ✅. And it doesn’t feel right for this scene and it’s actually something that can be also seen through the whole movie. 

It isn’t always a bad thing but more like a characteristic that is specific to the genre, and to the targeted audience, and to the market the movie has been made in. And to this specific story as well. There are lots of cuts, not a lot of time to sit a bit in the scenes and feel and sometimes what feels like a bit of a lack of unity in the whole story. If you scroll through all the scenes, you realize that, apart from Alex’s room, Ellen’s office and Zahra’s office, they’re always in a new location or a different room. Obviously the story also asks for this but I missed how actors can own a location because they’ve been working in there for a while and how their characters grow to belong in that place. And I hope we’ll be allowed to have that. With a sequel. And a brownstone. It would change everything.

So yeah, here is that. I’ve answered the question and add some more so I hope it’s ok. I hope it’s at least half as interesting to read as it was interesting for me to write. 

Thank you for asking 💜

#alft asks #red white and royal blue #rwrb movie #rwrb

[fuckingyrs]

100 fic rec 2: electric waterloo!

Happy 3rd Anniversary rwrb! i wanted to do a follow-up to my 100 fics rec list, because i spend a large amount of my time reading fanfic and i have so a strong love for it. fanfic authors are one of the staples of any fandom and the rwrb fandom is no exception. in my first rec list, i covered 57 different authors, today i present you with another 100 fic rec list with 61 authors, 39 of them not previously mentioned. thank you to all the authors that make this fandom what it is. i love y’all.

warning: there are now over 2200 fics in this fandom, i could not possibly get all my favorite fics into one list… or two…

key: [general tag, rating*, word count, chapter count]

* G - general audience, T - Teen and Up audience, M - mature, E - explicit; 18+

(mostly) everything from this point onward is in alphabetical order!

here are five fics from a few of my favorite rwrb authors!

captainegg has thirty-six rwrb fics and has been posting fics within this fandom since september 8, 2020!

like cherries and wine [June/Nora Meet-Cute, T, 640, 1/1]

spell my name with her tongue, like (uh) [June/Nora Smut, E, 2.5k, 1/1]

Venus [June/Nora Sexting, E, 2.5k, 1/1]

words left unsaid [Unsent Love Letter, T, 279, 1/1]  

your mouth is a hurricane [Musician au, E, 3.5k, 1/1]

clottedcreamfudge has seventy-eight rwrb fics and has been posting fics within this fandom since april 4, 2021!

And they call it—  [Magical Realism - Talking to Animals, T, 10k, 2/2]

Never Truly Leave [Letter - Canonical Character Death, T, 2k, 1/1]

The Beginner's Guide to Floristry [Hanahaki Disease, E, 19k, 1/1]

Want you stealing my time [Friends to Lovers, M, 5k, 1/1]

yrs. faithfully (if a little early) [Smut, E, 1k, 1/1]

coffeecatsme has thirty-eight rwrb fics and has been posting fics within this fandom since july 28, 2021!

on a Wednesday in a café, I watched it begin again [Coffee Shops & Cafés au, T, 14.5k, 6/6]

one single thread of gold tied me to you [Soulmates au, T, 9k, 1/1]

think I know where you belong (think I know it's with me) [Childhood Friends to Lovers, T, 6k, 1/1]

to repair a hollowed heart [Hades and Persephone au, E, 29k, 5/5]

uncle alex [Marriage Proposal, G, 1.5k, 1/1]

DracoWillHearAboutThis has nine rwrb fics and has been posting fics within this fandom since april 14, 2020! eight of the said works are completed.

Little Secrets Grow Up To Be Big Lies [Alex doesn't know Henry is a Prince, G, 4k, 1/1]

My Only Wish (This Year) [Divorced Father Henry au, G, 26k, 7/7]

So No One Told You Life Was Gonna Be This Way [Inspired by the TV Show Friends, G, 4k, 1/1]

The Royal Wedding [Wedding Planning, E, 51.5k, 12/12]

Waiting in the Wings [Arranged Marriage au, E, incomplete (12.5k as of now), 4/?]

everwitch has thirty-seven rwrb fics and has been posting fics within this fandom since october 21, 2020!

Am I the asshole? [College Roommate au, E, 9.5k, 1/1]

Faster, Higher, Stronger [Olympics Figure Skating au, E, incomplete (28.5k as of now), 5/7]

If you feel the way I do [High School + Soulmate au, T, 2k, 1/1]

Just Say Yes [Wedding Planning, G, 3k, 1/1]

The darkest part of the forest [Fantasy au, G, 3k, 1/1]

railmedaddy has fourteen rwrb fics and has been posting fics within this fandom since june 23, 2021!

Behind a Locked Door [Wedding smut, E, 3k, 1/1]

Everybody needs good neighbours [Neighbor au, E, 14k, 5/5]

heart & home [Post-canon fluff collection, M,  10.5k, 4/4]  

this life, this love [Fluffy Morning smut, E, 945, 1/1]

to the victor, the spoils [Lawyer au, E, 19k, 6/6]

softcinnamonroll has fourteen rwrb fics and has been posting fics within this fandom since april 15, 2021! thirteen of the said works are completed.

a perfect way to start forever [Marriage Proposal, T, 2.5k, 1/1]

he was my frog (you are my prince) [Hurt/Comfort, T, 3k, 1/1]

in sickness, and in health [Sickfic - Appendicitis, T, 2.5k, 1/1]

put me back together again [Sickfic, G, 1k, 1/1]

this close, forever and ever [Marriage Proposal, M,  3.5k, 1/1]

viciouslyqueer has twenty-two rwrb fics and has been posting fics within this fandom since november 11, 2021!

a new name (or two) [Domestic Fluff, G, 900, 1/1]

his soft touch [Emotional Hurt/Comfort, T, 1k, 1/1] (check tags for trigger warnings)

it’s not them (it’s never been them) [High School au, T, 2k, 1/1]

just say you won’t let go [Roommates au, M,  2k, 1/1]

the world hurts less when I’m by your side [College/University au, T, 14k, 1/1]

weather_stained has thirteen rwrb fics and has been posting fics within this fandom since september 28, 2021!

say you're forever mine [Coffee Shops & Cafés + Bookstore au, T, 8k, 1/1]

take me out, and take me home [Roommates au, T, 12k, 1/1]

the rubble or our sins [Gladiator au, E, 14k, 2/2]

you could call me babe for the weekend [Holiday Vacation au, T, 15.5k, 3/3]

(you might be) someone I could love [College au, E, 16.5k, 5/5]

elleterates Lastly in the author section: me! i have twenty rwrb fics, eighteen of which are completed and two being posted as it’s written (and one of them I’m writing with a couple of my friends<3). i started posting rwrb fic may 1, 2020 and still do to this day! :)

and we will walk together [Domestic Fluff - Slow Dancing, T, 1k, 1/1]

i'll always wear the crown that you gave me [Medieval au, M, 36k, 15/15]

nightmares are dreams too [Soulmate au, T, 2.5k, 1/1]

next time he'll think before he cheats [Post-Canon - Fun, G, 1k, 1/1]

remember when we felt like the only two alive [Amnesia au, M, incomplete (13k as of now), 5/?]

here are five fics from a few random categories!

angst

- as with any fics on this list, please check the tags before reading. in the fandom, about 22% of fics are labeled angst. some may be categorized as angst but not even tagged it. it’s a popular tag in every fandom, and rwrb is no exception. we can’t allow ourselves to be happy apparently… please be safe!

I'm Fine With My Spite and My Tears (and my beer and my candles) by Megg1223 [Break up/Post-Break up, E, 7.5k, 1/1]

Exit Stage Left by ifigo [Alex and Henry’s child gets cancer, M, incomplete (56k as of now), 8/21]

One Wild and Precious Life by SprigsofViolets [Canon Divergence - Arthur was in a coma, T, 26k, 12/12]

With All The Air In My Lungs by acciolove [Alex gets shot, M, 9k, 1/1]

With Flowers on Her Chest by Bri_Cheese [Nora gets cancer, T, 9.5k, 5/5]

alternate universes

- set either in an entirely different world than our own, or simply in on different than canon, alternate universe fics place our beloved characters in situations, unlike anything they’ve experienced.

A Long Way From the Playground by allmylovesatonce [Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers, E, 96k, 25/25]

Down For the Count by LolaLand (Lola_di_Penates) [Casino/Poker au, E, 40k, 5/5]

for you alone by fel24601 [Non-famous + Traveling to London au, E, incomplete (20k as of now), 6/?]

Hit (My Love) Out of the Park by bleedingballroomfloor [Baseball/MLB au, E, 49k, 10/10]

Lay Me Down in Sheets of Linen by He_is_half_my_soul [College au, E, 14.5k, 1/1]

atypical formats

- every author has their own sense of writing style. some authors write grand, five-act structured stories that arch over 100k words, and some write heartfelt ballads in one shots in under 1,000 words. these authors tried something different than the typical a paragraph filled story, and it’s amazing.

FirstPrince/The Super Six: social media interactions by graveground [Canon-Compliant Social Media au, Not Rated, Written through images - no word count,17/?]

If I tell you who I am (can I still call you baby?) by roselyheart [Wrong Number - Texting au, M, incomplete (2.5k as of now), 3/?]

That Stuff You Said in the Text You Deleted by nancynotruth [Wrong Number - Texting au, T, 2.5, 1/1]

To the world we dream about (and the one we live in now) by totheworldwedreamabout [Post-Canon Social Media au, Not Rated, incomplete (4.5k as of now), 9/?]

21 FirstPrince Moments That Prove We’re All Settling In Our Relationships by princehenryisabiscuit [Buzzfeed List, T, 2k, 1/1]

collaboration fics

- these are fics with two or more credited authors. it can be difficult to write a story on your own, and it’s a completely different endeavor to write a story with others, but these authors did it wonderly!

Hell Was The Journey (But It Brought Me Heaven) by Al_in_the_air and schmulte [Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers, M, incomplete (9k as of now), 4/?]

Henry has no clue by pawprints_on_the_moon and slytherinnbitch [Aftermath of the first kiss, T, 7k, 3/3]

Magazine Posters by Chrystie and kate882 [Post-Canon Fluff, G, 1.5k, 1/1]

The Duke Who Loved Me by annesbonny, demigodbeautiies, Inareskai, and schmulte [Bridgerton au, M, incomplete (43 as of now), 7/8]

The Taste of Your Love by JustAnotherNerd1820 and lemondropss [Coffe shop & Cafés au + Soulmate au, T, 4.5k, 1/1]

collections  

- this category is filled with fics that a set over different sets up time, each chapter or section focusing on a different event or time. this may be a collection of oneshots, a 5+1 things fic, or anything alike.

A Love Letter to Love by soshesighs [Canon Compliant - oneshot collection, T, 79k, 19/19]

every little thing you do, i do adore by peppermintpatties [5+1 Post-Canon, Not Rated, 3.5k, 1/1]

i give you my heart (just to watch you waste it) by villiageidiot [5+1 Childhood Friends to Lovers, T, 4k, 1/1]

Shards of Glass by Tay (taydrawrs) [5+1 College au, T, 11k, 1/1]

To Feel Seen by stardisnight [5+1 Missing Scenes, E, incomplete (17k as of now), 5/7]

fluff

- sweet, heartwarming, and typically wholesome. fluff. gotta love it. it’s the tag to choose when you don’t want pain and you just want is to see your favorite characters happy.

Déjame Ver Cómo Es Que Floreces by 14carrotgold [Family Fluff, T, 2k, 1/1]

fill my lungs with sweetness by brittadit [Reminiscing, G, 1.5k, 1/1]

Per Aspera Ad Astra by springair [Birthdays, M, 4k, 1/1]

The Royal Swans by notquiteascrazy [Fun/Crack fic, G, 811, 1/1]

would you just- (lie here with me) by GodOfGlitter [3+1 insomnia, T, 3k, 1/1]

hurt/comfort

- do you like angst but want to feel good at the end? hurt/comfort is the place for that. commonly paired with the angst tag, you know these fics will break your heart and attempt to fix it again.

hell was the journey but it brought me heaven by alec_rhee [Misunderstanding + Smut, E, 3k, 1/1]

nobody knows where they might end up, nobody knows by lowercase_be_wilde [Canon Divergence - Email Leak, T, 3k, 2/2]

Powerless by floatingaway4 [Marriage Proposal, T, 3k, 1/1]

put all your faults to bed by Flowerparrish [Sick fic, G, 638, 1/1]

we'll never be lonely by serenamarisa [Henry gets hurt + kidfic, T, 13k, 10/10]

Non-firstprince fics

- not all fics in this fandom are about alex and henry. they may be include in the fics below, but they are certainly not the focus. whether you like junora or sibling centric fic, we have them.

A Best Friend You Can't Get Rid Of by plumeria47 [Big sisters/Sibling Realtionships, T, 4k, 1/1]

all he can do by 8glassesofmilkin3minutes [Pez and Henry friendship, T, 1k, 1/1]

don’t wave no goodbye by dingletragedy [Henry and Bea, T, 5k, 1/1]

Nora and Chanukah by adreama [Nora Centric - Judaism, T, 14k, 8/8]

what are the odds by indomitablelove [June/Nora Coffee Shops & Cafés au, M, 7.5k,1/1]

referential title names

- whether the title references the title of the book, or a quote, it is sure to catch peoples eyes. bonus points for puns!

some closet, huh? by makeamends [Alternative Scene, T, 7k, 2/2]

Hashtag History, Huh?: A Queer Eye Netflix Special (2021) by loveonpurpose [Reality TV, T, incomplete (12k as of now), 2/4]

many names in history by limehoneytea [Henry Character Study, T, 1.5k, 1/1]

red, white, blue’s in the skies by mrsonmyr [Post-Canon, G, 639, 1/1]

Red, White & Ocean Blue by bibliosoph [Little Mermaid au, E, 46k, 18/18]

smut

- please note that all fics under this category are rated E for explicit content. Please read all tags in the ao3 tags before reading.

Anything You Want by somuchworse [Trans Henry, E, 5.5k, 1/1]

Dreaming of you by DemonPoxHerondale [Post-Canon Hand Jobs, E, 2k, 1/1]

General Incivility by cmere [College au + Truth or Dare, E, 13.5k, 1/1]

one place lightning hits the ground by silox4 [Pre-Scandal sneaking around, E, 4k, 1/1]

Satisfied by WooHoo92 [Edging, E, 48k, 11/11]

#rwrb fanfic #rwrb fanfiction #red white and royal blue fanfiction #rwrb fanfic rec #rwrb #red white & royal blue #red white and royal blue #all stats are from 5/14/2022 #please don't promote anything in the comments #i started this MONTHS ago #i've been working on this forever so i'm so happy i finally get to share it!!! #tumblr pls post this i've been fight with you for over an hour i'm TIRED #sorry for any typos or format issues. tumblr hates me

[kaylinalexanderbooks]

Favorite Line Tag

Thanks @27fanficlilies for the tag! I haven't done this one yet!

Rules: a line you think you've struck gold with in your WIP(s)

Tagging: @gracehosborn @theelfauthor @queerfox-tales @annetilney @jamieanovels @mr-writes @rehnwriter @rogueyami @writingpotato07 @writingmoth @missinnoccent @oli-vander19 @fantasyfillsmysoul @myhusbandsasemni @minutiaewriter @falesiacatwrites @leighvalentin @living-dead-girl515 @elizaellwrites @saltysupercomputer @nailamoonsi @localtorispring @ladydarkphoenix-blog @thyroidhormones @garthcelyn

I'm gonna be honest, I don't think there are a lot of banger one-liners in either TSP or SOTL, and more full scenes that I'm proud of. However, I picked a few out I liked a lot.

The Secret Portal Part One:

From Carla's perspective, aged seven at the time, after witnessing her mother die. She says this of her younger brother, who did not witness it:

Maybe I would have to be one of the grown-ups for him.

The Secret Portal Part Two:

From Rose's perspective. I just think this perfectly captures what it's like looking at someone you're in love with:

I wasn't sure about that, but I let Alex keep talking as I tried to balance my gaze on her and away from her.

School of the Legends Year One:

I haven't written much of SOTL, but this is a line in the first chapter that I think captures what a lot of people struggle with in school:

“I did my best,” he murmured to himself. “And that’s all they should be asking of me.”

#tag game #favorite line tag #favorite lines #the secret portal #tsp #teaspoon #school of the legends #sotl #wip #my wips #wip excerpt #writing blog #writers on tumblr

[shinahbee]

BL Semes Tier list

Okay this is inspired by my last post on un popular opinions on BL characters and some one decided to make a tier list for ranking the “Semes/ Tops” lol. I decided to rank mine with only ones that I have read, there are ones that I know the character through osmosis but I haven’t read it at all so I won’t be including those.

there is also a Uke tier list so I might rank those too!

again if you are offended by people talking crap about your favorite character maybe not read any of my posts cause that can’t be avoided here.

but let’s be real for a sec...the actual challenge is me remembering all these people’s names LMAO.

so how I ranked my list was red flag to green....lol not really but it turned out that way. the highest tier is the spicy-nice tier and if you have followed me for a long time I have named my favorites “ spicy- nice “ because they are neither bad boys or good boys entirely and they have that extra something that makes you go...huh? 

Spicy-nice tier:

dooshik -Pearl boy

hyunwook- Secondo piatto

taekyeom- Omega complex

wolfgang- kings maker

Giovanni - Hold me tight

hyorung- don’t get me wrong boss

yoonseul - the third ending

Like I said they all have that extra something that separates them from the next ranking of just being the “nice guy” they have parts of them that are imperfect but does not let that affect the relationship with their partners.

----------------------------------------

Good personality but need more development:

woowon- the pizza delivery man and the gold palace

sunyul - Love tractor

jinseng - path to you

seheon- No moral

woon - between the stars

yohan - liveta

jekwon- butler

sunghyun- the origin of species

Dahyeok- killer crush

Hoin- Lucky paradise

Taejun- Unintentional love story

inhyun - insatiable man

reok- willow love story

seowoo- seeing double

holy crap I forgot some of these characters names and even the title, lol its been so long since then. but hopefully these are all right. But these character are great in personality but I feel as though they don’t have a lot of character development yet or was not expanded, which is what disconnects me from them and if that is explored later on they might moved up in rank since I would know them a lot better.

------------------------------------

Don’t feel one way or another:

Howon - runway hit

byeol’s brother...lol. I dont know his name I think its hesung..- Between the stars

Jaeyoung - semantic error

jiwoon - my suha

seongho- painter of the night

Jaeshin- the ghosts nocturne

tsukiyama... lol. I’m kidding but I forgot his name for real - Dine with a vampire 

cain- your to claim

taekung..I think lol- Love or hate

Jaewoo -seeing double

so as you can see I don’t feel one way or another, this is due to the fact that I either prefer one character over the other in the same series or in most cases I dropped the entire series and I don’t care about any of the characters. If I don’t know thier names I usually give them nicknames lol. 

--------------------------------------

looks better than their personality:

wooyeon - Love history of willful negligence

Ilay - passion

Nakwon - beware of the full moon in march

Jaehyuk - limited run

sehan- shadow realm

ajusshi - dangerous convenient store

like I said 10/10 for looks 4/10 for personality. some of these protags are really shitty and I’ll talk about some of them in my monthly favorites but they just have that personality that I hate (ajusshi is an exception, I just don’t prefer his personality, he isn’t bad ) even though they are good looking fellas.

------------------------------------------

NOPE:

juwon- Love or hate

yoojin - Turn off the camera

Yawhi- Yours to claim

sungyeon - even if I don’t love you...forgot the title

Jaekyung- jinx

ilmo - blind play

jiwon- BJ alex

seoreok - Chess piece ( not that he is bad, I just don’t find him attractive lol)

I don’t think I need to explain really but no means no and sometimes these characters would not take no for an answer and sometimes do despicable things, physical and mentally assault either their partner or people in general...yeah not the most ideal type, but some people love them like their lives depend on it and I worry for them.lol.

the thing that separates the not so good personalities from the nope tier is that there is something about those characters that motivate them to do the things they do..even if it makes them despicable eg. wooyeon is a good example of a sociopath that does not understand peoples actions and feelings towards him which makes him able to get away with punching someone in the face with a smile on and just walking away like nothing just happened. some of the people they do that to are worse than scum...so who is bad person here? 

-------------------------------

anyways, that was fun, I need to do an updated BL tier list soon cause I have read more since that time and let me tell you...rankings have changed.

hope you enjoyed and if you feel the same let me know. 

#bl manga #bl manhwa #boys love #yaoi manga #yaoi manhwa #shounen ai #tier list #bl tier list

[berlinini]

🚨🚨🚨 new ask game alert 🚨🚨🚨

drop your favorite lyric from each fitf song and let us see if you have taste or not!

and tag whoever you want to do the same!

Thanks anon and thanks @louis-in-red and @polaroidplanets for tagging me!

I'm tagging @bbrox @ellabellami @otb-mp3 @random-hot-mess @quetzal28 @icarusfallsforwalls @pianolouis @chewsdays @biggerthanmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Answers below the cut :)

The Greatest

Your face reminded me of a love you cannot hide

WAOYF

When we're finished saying nothing

SAYING. NOTHING. !!!!!! He's a genius

Bigger Than Me

I didn't read the signs Walkin' different lines I know I took a left Tryna make it right

I love the play of words with left and right. It's clever!

Lucky Again

You give and give until it's gone away

Face The Music

I don't wanna face the music, but I still wanna dance with you

Explanation here.

Chicago

Just because it didn't work doesn't mean it's meaningless to me It just wasn't meant to be

This is so simple, so direct, so hearbreaking. I love the repetitive use of the negative. He could've said "it didn't work but it was meaningful to me". But he said it wasn't meaningless. It had meaning even if it didn't work. Chicago has so many layers and interpretations, it's driving me insane. But I'm happy with the mystery. But it's so fkg sad :(.

All This Time

It's late now I'm tryna find the words to say for ages Just have patience It's not how you spend the time, it's if you waste it

Love the reference to Defenceless and the image of wasting time when thinking about the theme of change on the album.

And I keep on building mountains hoping that they'll turn to gold

I have no idea what this line means but it's beautiful.

Out Of My System

Slowly, I never wanna go slowly I only wanna go faster Towards disaster every time With me, I know you wanna come with me Take anything you can carry And leave everythin' else behind

Headline

Sometimes, I wake up and I hear you through the silence

Someone needs to make a compilation of Louis writing about silence and not finding the words to express himself

Saturdays

I'm gazin' at the floor Somebody's got your trainers on The ones that you wore When you walked out the door

I'm starin' at the door Somebody's got your trainers on The ones that you wore But you're not here anymore

I LOVE the repetition of this verse with the changes. I think it's some of my favourite lyrics of the album because it's so simple but relatable. He uses a simple object to bring up the image of the break up (walking out the door) and then uses that word again in the moment (starin' at the door) and conjuring the image of absence (you're not here anymore). You're not here anymore and you will never be here again. All of this from a stupid pair of SHOES he's insane. (And if I say: 'And all that's left of us is a cupboard full of clothes').

Silver Tongues

You said grass was a dirty drug You like to preach with a vodka in your mug

Louis writing this and Alex Turner writing 'Whilst wondering if your mother ever think of me' are the best things that happened to the world of lyrics in 2022. Kings of shade.

SIBWAWC

Surrounded by light, surrounded by light

TBHC I don't know any of the lyrics to this song, I'm just no thought just vibes! And this part has the greatest vibes!

Common People

I came from a good home A house full of terrace dreams That was enough for me

Angels Fly

I'm on my way with some time to borrow

Holding On To Heartache

I still have dreams about it The moments as they came The moments never shown to us Because we faded into darkness

I can still hear your silence I can still hear a clock that's tickin'

Nothing's ever easy To be honest, I'm not easy on myself

That's The Way Love Goes

Remember when you told me I should give it time? Well, here's the chance for you to take your own advice

The reference to Miss You!

#answered ask #anon #tag game #louis lyrics #saturdays.mp3

[somethingelseishere]

HALFWAY BETWEEN ALICE SPRINGS & GHAN

The small white van screeches to a dead stop, slams into reverse and shoots back about twenty yards - then stops again.

“I’ll get it.” offers Alex, Rod’s fourteen year-old son. “NO, I will! You keep watch.” Rod counters.

Alex grabs the .50 cal rifle and climbs from the back seat. Rod leaps from the still-running van and speeds to the rear, throwing the back doors wide open. Alex stands guard, scanning the barren red surroundings.

Rod claims the newly found roadside item, quickly crams it into the van and jumps back inside. They race away as though it were a crime scene.

“Thank you daddy!” Milly says beaming. “No more stops.” Rod replies bluntly.

The tiny, blonde six year-old fumbles in her dirty, tattered pink purse in search of his reward. Found it!

“You get a gold star.” she says sweetly, placing it onto his left wrist. “Thank you.”

They barrel past a sign that reads GHAN 107 km.

“What’s going on?” asks Beth, Rod’s wife, rousing from some road-trip shut-eye. “Puttin’ miles behind us.”

There was an unexpected calm in the vehicle. An acceptance of sorts - not only of the situation at hand, but of the many potentially unfavorable outcomes.

Beth returns to her nap. Milly carries on singing a jingle from her favorite cartoon. Alex stares vacantly out the window. On the face of it, you’d never know they were running for their lives. Then it happened - one of those unfavorable outcomes.

The van starts knocking - the old spit & sputter - a few more knocks and it dies.

“Fuckin’ Christ!” Rod yells, pounding both fists on the dash.

Beth sits up in the passenger seat.

“What’s wrong, why are we stopped?” “Daddy said a swear.” Milly declares quietly.

“We had enough gas, goddamnit!” “You think it’s a leak?” she asks. “I don’t know. That or the fucking gauge is off!”

Milly reaches forward from the back seat.

“You lose your gold star.” she says with a grimace, removing the sticker from her father’s wrist.

“Where are we?” Beth questions. “Imanpa.” Alex replies.

“So how much further?” “Two-hundred fucking kilometers!” Rod shouts, punching the dashboard once more.

“We will never make that, not out here.” she says with a tremble. “We got no choice. We’ve got to try.” Rod states solemnly.

A quiet few moments pass.

“We’ll take as much as we can carry. Only the essentials. Let’s move."

On his command, they exit the vehicle gathering at the rear. He opens the back doors and is greeted by an almost forgotten gift.

“Looks like Milly just saved us.” he announces.

That roadside item she pleaded over - a rusty little red wagon. It had seen better days but was still intact and functional. This meant they could transport their few remaining supplies. Not to mention the five gallon water jug - which was still nearly full.

Rod and Alex load the wagon. Beth fills two backpacks with most of what’s left. Milly makes sure to pack her purse with all that will fit. They save the important things for last.

Rod tucks away two handguns and grabs the flamethrower and fuel tank. Alex follows suit, sticking a pistol in his pocket, then taking up the rifle. Beth hands Alex one of the packs, slings the other over her shoulder and straps a sheathed machete to her back, keeping one in hand.

It was time to march.

"Killing Fields" - First in the four-part series 'Chimera'.

Mixed media on plywood. My 131st painting.

#abstract art #mixed media #writing #fiction #acrylic painting #textured art

[jmrothwell]

Writer Asks! 11, 15, 30, 49

Thanks agains Ash!! <3 (Long answer is long, so I'll put a read more after the first one. On that note I'll link the question list here: questions for fic writers)

11. Are you partial to a certain character/pairing or are you more equal-opportunity? If you are partial to any character/pairing, why do you think that is?

I am very partial to Reggie (82 of my 99 fics are tagged with him, granted a lot of those are prompts but STILL. Plus I don't know if it's because other picked up on that too or not but like almost every time I open up prompts Reggie is almost always the top requested character)

I adore adorkable, rays of sunshine. Like I have 3 go to charcter types (two personality based ones, and then dark haired/light eyed characters) and like my wife picked up on Reggie being my fav before I even said anything to her, because he fits 2 out of the three.

It's at the point where if Reggie's Jam(or Now or Never) comes on in the car and the GPS interrupts the song, she just automatically restarts it knowing I'm going to anyway because HOW DARE.

He's a Star Wars fan with musical chops, he's a little airheaded bt he's got a heart of gold. And there is so much you COULD theorize and speculate about his character just because of what's been revealed and how he was played and I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!!

15. What’s your favorite AU that you’ve written?

AAAAAAH! OMG!! but I have so many!!

I love my Supernatural Romance AU's (Feats of Crimson, We Run Together(it may only have the one fic but that is the verse name), Closest to Heaven, and Devil Searching For Redemption)

So those are definitley my top 4 but I don't know if I can rank them beyond that! They're all so good for different reasons!!!

30. Have you ever written something that was out of your comfort zone? If so, what was it, and how did it affect your approach to writing fic thereafter?

Sink Your Teeth was out of my comfort zone regarding the intimacy. I am bad at writing action and being intimate is a type of action I hadn't really attempted before. (In fact prior to Slices of Summer-Fireworks I hadn't written that much in the way of kissing scenes, I think I'd only written one other kiss before then and it practically amounted to 'and they kissed')

I had a similar issue with I Could be the Monster with the Alex POV section because that one had a lot of action (It originally was supposed to have more and be MUCH more detailed but I think it flows fairly well with how it ended up.)

In each of those cases I struggled and wrote and worried and ended up sharing/posting thinking this will surely be hated/flop because all I could see was all the ways I could improve, or how it was envisioned in my head. And every single time the almost exact opposite happened.

Which just keeps reminding me A: to stop doubting myself, B: it's ok to take risks with my writing(I won't improve otherwise), C: Allowed me to sort of mentally give myself to pursue MORE stories like that.

49. What are you currently working on? Share a few lines if you’re up for it!

Right now I am actively working on a few things atm, The next chapters of While You're in the World, Can't Get You (Out of my Mind), and I'm almost always slowly pecking away at my rulie fake/convenience marriage fic. Here's a few lines from each of those!:

.

R: luke

R: I’m serious

R: if ur not up I’m leaving ur ass

L: you wouldn’t

L: but don’t worry 

L: I’ll be up

Luke was absolutely right, Reggie didn’t leave him behind when he wasn’t awake the next morning. However, the dark haired boy had no qualms against pummeling Luke with a pillow until he did wake up and got dressed. 

.

“That’s a bit of a story.” Luke’s voice sounded over his shoulder, where Julie’s eyes drifted to. Reggie hadn’t thought this part of their plan through. He’d so quickly become accustomed to Luke’s vibrancy he almost entirely forgot he was dead, and very much looked it. 

He braced himself as he watched the shock overtake Julie’s face, at this point he had almost been screaming. Reggie’d also forgotten how much Julie liked to unknowingly defy his expectations. 

“I’m dreaming,” She exhaled as she turned away from Luke and himself.

.

WTF!?

JULES IS THIS YOU?!

Julie squints down at her phone, as a tension pulls inside her chest. The thoughts that had been swarming around her head like a beehive clear away only slightly as she tries to piece together what Flynn is going on about. She clicks the link to the video that was sent and immediately her stomach drops to her feet.

It’s not a very long video nor is it very clear, shaky and obviously taken by someone at a bit of a distance. However, she recognizes the building in the shot, the very same chapel she and Reggie had been at earlier that day-yesterday? What time was it?

Julie doesn’t care about the time soon enough as the video zooms in and focuses on Reggie, his broad smile only briefly obscured by what must be the back of her head, her dark braids falling into cascading curls. Julie forgets how to breathe as her chest collapses in on itself. 

She remembers this exact moment and watches in a sort of distant horror, nausea building in the pit of her stomach, as Reggie laughs before linking arms with her. There is no denying she and Reggie very clearly, very soberly, very deliberately, walk arm in arm into the chapel.

.

#ask me things??