#background relationships

[destinationtoast]

background/future relationship tagging on AO3

I've encountered two opposite critiques/requests* for AO3 tagging of background or future relationships, and I don't think a single perfect solution exists. But I'm curious to see if there are strong preferences.

Scenario (see my tags for why I'm basing this on a specific situation instead of making it more generic): I'm posting a one-shot story to AO3 that is about A/B hooking up for the first time. But also, both A & B used to date C, and A is trying to help B/C to get back together, which seems likely to lead to A/B/C.

*If you're less familiar with tagging dilemmas AO3, here are the two different issues I've seen:

When I've tagged offscreen/potential poly relationships like A/B/C as relationships, I've gotten some complaints because that those relationships weren't onscreen, which disappointed people who were actively seeking out A/B/C.

When I've tagged only A/B, people who only want A/B and were trying to filter out A/B/C were unhappy, because A/B/C is discussed a bunch onscreen.

My opinion about the best thing to do here has wavered back and forth, as both of the above raise valid points. Very curious to see what others think is the best tagging practice!

#polls #ao3 #ao3 tags #ao3 relationship tags #background relationships #future relationships #i thought about trying to be more generic because i think a similar question comes up in far more situations than this #but i decided it's better to give everyone the same specific scenario to respond to #and then i can always run other polls about different scenarios #and i hope nobody who has ever made a request that I tag something differently feels called out #because i think either form of suggestion/critique is reasonable given how people use search and filtering #it's just not possible to satisfy both use cases #unfortunately #but also #you can always explain more in the other tags or summary #so people can back out #so that's good at least #op

[the-24-7-lawlu-library]

As Sunflowers Do by martilla will break your heart over and over again for 14 long chapters, and gingerly but lovingly heal it for 3 more. AU modern setting, Luffy has amnesia.

Hi there <3 Thank you so much for your wonderful recommendation!

As Sunflowers Do by martilla

“How is he?” He asks as soon as he reaches them. “I want to see him.” Chopper sighs and runs a hand through his short hair. “We need to talk about something first.” “No, we don’t,” Law states and tries to calm down. “I want to see him now.” “You cannot, Trafalgar,” Serena interjects. He looks at her with eyes burning with concern. “The situation is not the best right now and you need to listen to us carefully.” Sabo and Ace are not looking at him, Chopper seems sorry and Serena is way too serious for his liking. “Can any of you tell me what the fuck is going on with my-” “He lost his memory,” Chopper blurts out. “The last ten years of his life have been wiped away.”

-Mod Raiya

#lawlu #lulaw #monkey d luffy #trafalgar law #lawlu fanfic #lawluffy #Modern AU #Amnesia #established relationship #background relationships #temporary amnesia #slow burn #explicitly lawlu #aged up characters #angst and fluff #happy ending #unreliable narrator #angst with happy ending

[bloody-bee-tea]

BeeTober 2023 Day 1 - Electric Shock

The start of Beetober 2023!!! Like always, all the thanks goes to my friend @chilassa who made the prompt list for me and this is yet again another year where I'm too tired to come up with fic titles myself so the title is the prompt! I am aiming for all days again, so let's see how far we come <3

Albedo isn’t quite used to human touch. People tend to steer clear of him usually, finding him too uncanny to come closer and less alone wanting to touch. Klee, of course, with her childish excitement, is a very notable exception.

She doesn’t hesitate to run to him, to hug him, to throw herself into his arms and she’s never shy to do so, either.

For a while, Klee was the sole source of human touch for Albedo.

Until Kaeya stepped into his life more firmly.

Unlike the other residents of Mondstadt, Kaeya isn’t shy with his touch. He doesn’t hesitate to brush his fingers over Albedo’s back, nudge him into the right direction with a firm tap to his hip or let their fingers brush whenever he hands Albedo something.

Albedo should have long gotten used to his touch and yet—every time it happens it feels as if an electric shock runs down his spine and settles under his skin.

It’s not—unpleasant, Albedo has to admit that much, but it’s unsettling because he doesn’t understand why it happens. Kaeya is a cryo user; it can’t even be his vision acting up. And the few times Albedo did ask someone else about this, he only got knowing smiles and meaningless ‘you’ll figure it out in no time’s thrown his way.

All in all, incredibly unhelpful.

“Albedo, my favourite Chief Alchemist,” Kaeya announces when he steps into Albedo’s lab and Albedo only barely suppresses the urge to roll his eyes.

“I’m the only Chief Alchemist,” he counters and watches from the corner of his eyes how Kaeya makes his way over to him.

“You’d still be my favourite, even if there were ten,” Kaeya gives back and this—this is new. Now even his voice manages to make a shudder run down Albedo’s back and he can’t say he’s too pleased by that.

Not as long as he doesn’t understand what’s going on.

“What do you want today?” Albedo asks, keeping most of his attention on the experiment currently in his hands but a part of his brain can’t help but to puzzle over this.

“Always so rude to me,” Kaeya drawls out and then slumps over the table in a way that makes Albedo want to scold him, if he wasn’t so very clearly deliberately making sure not to actually touch anything.

Kaeya is strangely considerate like that and Albedo frowns at the warmth pooling in his gut when he notices it.

“I’m busy,” Albedo gives back, pouring the almost glowing liquid into another bottle.

“I can see that,” Kaeya says and lightly taps his finger against Albedo’s forehead. “Though it’s not this experiment that’s keeping you occupied. What’s going on?”

There it is again, that by now almost familiar electric shock, running down Albedo’s back and almost making him spill the liquid.

He gives Kaeya a glare for his troubles.

“Sorry?” Kaeya says, clearly unsure of what just happened but he keeps his hands to himself until Albedo is done with the transfer and that’s really all Albedo can ask for. “You okay?” he then asks and Albedo sighs.

He’s not going to find an answer to this puzzling question himself and asking other people has yielded no insight, either—maybe it is time for Albedo to bring this up with Kaeya directly.

“Not many people touch me,” he starts with, much to Kaeya’s apparent confusion.

“Klee does,” he immediately gives back and Albedo nods.

“And you.”

Kaeya opens his mouth as if he wants to say something—apologize, maybe?—before he closes it again without actually saying anything at first.

“Is that a problem?” Kaeya finally gets out and Albedo shrugs.

“I’m not sure. Your touch is strange.”

“Strange,” Kaeya repeats, clearly lost and Albedo sighs.

“There’s this—it’s tingling. In a pleasant way, I think.”

“You think,” Kaeya whispers and Albedo can see the gears turning in his head. “So, if I do this—” he doesn’t finish his sentence but instead reaches out and puts his fingertips to Albedo’s forearm.

“It tingles,” Albedo confirms. “All the way down my back.”

He sees it, the exact moment Kaeya comes to a realisation because there’s this shift in his whole demeanour and so Albedo isn’t quite surprised when Kaeya leans forward, his intention clear.

Kissing him would probably clear some things up, Albedo understands with a sudden start, but he can’t allow this.

“No,” he says and puts his hand to Kaeya’s shoulder, stopping him in his movement.

The shift in his expression was subtle, but Albedo has seen that look before. It’s the one Kaeya gets when he figures out what someone wants, what he has to give to make someone happy—oftentimes regardless of his own feelings—and Albedo is not going to allow this.

He is not going to let Kaeya kiss him just because Kaeya thinks it will make him happy, not when he doesn’t know if it’s something that would make Kaeya happy as well.

“No?” Kaeya repeats and a frown settles on his face when Albedo takes a step away from him. “This is what you want, isn’t it?” he then asks, and Albedo can tell that he’s getting worked up.

“And what do you want?” Albedo asks in return and sees how Kaeya flinches away from him.

His eyes are wide and panicked and Albedo doesn’t quite understand what’s going on anymore.

It only takes Kaeya a second to compose himself again and Albedo is also familiar with the sneer on his face.

Though it’s usually not directed at him.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” Kaeya almost spits out. “Don’t think you’re anything special. It’s actually kind of pathetic to fall for the first guy who shows you some decency, don’t you think? Makes you an easy target for everyone, just so you know. Now, if you’d excuse me, I have better places to be.”

Before Albedo can find his words Kaeya has already turned around on his heels and stormed off, leaving a bewildered Albedo behind.

He understands that he somehow hurt Kaeya, enough for him to lash out like that, but Albedo can’t quite understand just what he did wrong.

And it doesn’t change the fact that Kaeya’s words leave a nagging feeling behind in his head.

It was said in an attempt to hurt Albedo and to hide Kaeya’s own hurt but Albedo can’t deny that maybe Kaeya might be right. Maybe he does only have feelings for him because Kaeya was nice to him.

That Albedo does have feelings for Kaeya can be affirmed without a doubt now—that split second where he thought, hoped really, that Kaeya would kiss him enough to confirm it—but maybe it’s for shallow reasons.

Maybe Kaeya’s touch isn’t all that special after all; how would Albedo know without knowing any other touch?

It’s enough to get him thinking for the rest of the day, and by the time the sun rises next, Albedo is gone from Mondstadt.

It’s time he does some experimenting.

~*~*~

His plan is to travel to Liyue first, maybe head to Sumeru next depending on how long it takes him, and his first stop is Wangshu Inn. He has a very interesting run-in with the local Yaksha there, and that night he takes the time to get thoroughly acquainted with his own touch.

It doesn’t do much for him, beyond the physical pleasure one would expect and Albedo thinks that maybe a second person might be required after all.

He makes it to Liyue Harbor a day later and spends some very enjoyable days there. He meets Zhongli and knows him for who he really is though he tries to stick to cryo and electro wielders (he did not expect Lady Ninguang and Beidou to be so welcoming), that shudder down his back still so very prevalent in his mind but then he remembers the warmth that usually also curls in his gut when Kaeya is there, when Kaeya touches him, and he resolves to find at least one pyro user willing to tumble with him for a night.

That doesn’t happen until he makes his way to Sumeru though—and only then because Thoma is there with Ayato on official business—and there he also meets his most promising bed partner yet. Albedo sees the way Hermanubis curls around Cyno like a second skin and thinks that if anyone can make him shudder from pure touch alone it might be him.

He backtracks when he notices how the Acting Grand Sage looks at Cyno and he can’t quite hide his surprise when they come to find him that evening.

“He likes to fuck,” Alhaitham tells him in that horribly blunt way he has. “And I don’t, much.”

“We came to the agreement that I am allowed to indulge, sometimes,” Cyno adds with a sharp smile.

“As long as it is understood that it’s a one time thing,” Alhaitham almost boredly tells him but Albedo hears it for the threat it is.

Since that is not a problem for him he finds himself pinned under Cyno that night and while Hermanubis makes his nerves light up like nothing before, it’s still not the same as when Kaeya touches him.

Albedo makes his way back home a day later.

~*~*~

He doesn’t waste time to announce his return and instead makes his way straight to Kaeya’s apartment.

Kaeya doesn’t seem too pleased to see him when he opens the door.

“Can we talk?” Albedo still asks and he missed this, the comfortable warmth that curls in his gut just from being around Kaeya.

“I’m not the one who ran,” Kaeya derisively says but when he retreats into his apartment, he leaves the door open and Albedo takes it for the invitation it is.

“What do you want?” Kaeya asks once the door is closed behind Albedo and his entire posture screams at Albedo to get out.

He must really have struck a nerve back then.

“Kaeya, what is it that you want?” Albedo asks in return, and there it is again, that painfully surprised and confused look on Kaeya’s face as if he has never before been asked that.

“What does it matter?” Kaeya gives back. “Did you have a few good days?”

The way he asks it makes Albedo frown.

“What do you mean?”

“Thoma and I keep in touch,” is all Kaeya says to that and of course. Albedo should have known.

“I see.”

“I’m really that undesirable, huh? You’d rather make your way to Sumeru of all places than to look here.”

“That’s not what that was about,” Albedo immediately says. “I thought maybe you were right. Maybe it was just because yours was the only touch I’ve really known. I needed to verify.”

“Verify. As if all of that was nothing more than an experiment.”

“It wasn’t. Kaeya, I’m asking again: what is it that you want?”

Albedo knows what he wants; knows that it’s only Kaeya who makes him feel like that, who manages to light his nerves up like no one else can but he still remembers that look on Kaeya’s face.

He’s not going to take what he wants if Kaeya is only doing it because it would please Albedo.

“It clearly doesn’t matter,” Kaeya says, and he sounds resigned to it in a way that squeezes Albedo’s chest almost painfully.

“Tell me anyway,” Albedo says and then simply holds Kaeya’s gaze until he crumbles right in front of him.

“I want you to want me,” Kaeya almost yells out before he completely deflates. “I want you,” he adds, much more silent this time and Albedo doesn’t waste any more time. He steps forward and pulls Kaeya into a kiss, marvelling at the way even that contact makes him burn up like nothing else had.

“You have me,” Albedo says when they part and he was not quite prepared for the sad, almost resigned smile Kaeya gives him.

“Your exploits say otherwise.”

“I was trying to figure out what makes you so special,” Albedo explains and he isn’t quite sure how to make Kaeya understand.

“And?”

“And what makes you special is the fact that I love you,” Albedo easily gives back, not quite rising to the challenge in Kaeya’s voice.

“Come on, Albedo,” Kaeya says, clearly not satisfied with that answer. “You only feel that way because I’ve been nice to you. Because I touched you when no one else would.”

“I thought about that, too, when you said it the first time,” Albedo admits and only notices Kaeya flinch because he’s so close. “But I’ve had people touch me now; I’ve had people be nice to me. One even offered to court me properly.”

He still remembered his surprise when Kaveh had offered it in the morning. It didn’t even bear consideration, but it had been nice nonetheless.

“Good for you,” Kaeya mutters but Albedo shakes his head.

“It’s neither of those things that made me fall in love with you, though.” That too, is something Albedo has given quite some thought to during his travels. And he thinks that there are too many reasons for him to name them all speaks for itself. Still, he tries. For Kaeya. “I fell in love with you because you’re kind to Klee no matter what, patient in a way not many are. Because you were the same with me, without making it feel as if you’re looking down on me, like many others did. Because you’re considerate and respect my work place. Because you treated me like a human even though it was so painfully obvious I wasn’t one. Because you expected me to learn and adapt and didn’t coddle me.”

“And because I’m hot,” Kaeya quips and Albedo loves that he knows Kaeya well enough to know that he’s uncomfortable with Albedo’s praise and needs to derail him for a moment. Not that Albedo is going to let him.

“That, too,” he still easily admits. “Though I would still rank the smile you give Klee higher. That one is only rivalled by the one you give me, sometimes. You know, the one that makes your face go all soft.”

 “I don’t have a smile like that,” Kaeya says, almost on reflex Albedo suspects but Albedo doesn’t bother to argue because the smile is right there, on Kaeya’s face.

“Sure,” Albedo agrees anyway. “So, if you truly want me, then you have me.”

“It didn’t seem like that when you pushed me away,” Kaeya says and it’s clear that it’s still eating away at him.

“Because I didn’t know it then,” Albedo explains. “Because you have a habit of doing things for the people you like to keep them happy, no matter what. And I couldn’t—I didn’t want you to do this only for me.”

“This would be something very selfish as well,” Kaeya admits and reaches out for Albedo’s hand.

Albedo doesn’t hesitate to thread their fingers together.

“Then you shall have it,” Albedo whispers as he leans back in.

And this time when they part, Albedo is met with the smile he loves so much.

#bt writes #beetober2023 #genshin impact #kaebedo #albedo #kaeya #getting together #promiscuity #background relationships #hurt/comfort #feelings realization #love confessions #first kiss

[hermitfic-ao3]

While this is technically a long-form series, Midnights by Atherixx is an underrated gem. It is supernatural/fantasy with mumscarian main focus and features Scar as tubbo's adopted dad. Atherixx is still adding books to the series. https://archiveofourown.org/series/3062217

Midnight by Atherixx (Series)

Ratings: NR, T, M

Warnings: Creator Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings, Major Character Death

Series Description:

"Endgame is Mumscarian Featuring Onesided Enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, unrequited love, eventually requited love, Bad Communication, Bad Communication (purposeful), slow burn, heavy angst and a happy ending, because if it isn't a happy ending then what's the point <3 SUMMARY: Grian is trying to flee from something he can’t outrun and stumbles into the world of the supernatural. Mumbo has been alone for a long time and no longer knows how to open up. Scar is all too aware he’s living on borrowed time and acts... accordingly. AU also includes in the background: Clethubs, Treebark, Jleo, Lizzie/Joel, Xisleo, Flower Husbands, among others

Notes:

Content Warnings Heavy angst, mentions of character death, some existential talk in the later stories, there will be violence, author is gonna BS some fantasy magic biology, and there WILL be OCs simply bc I don't wanna make any of the Hermits or the Lifers the bad guy <3 There will also be implied/reference sexual content but at this point I have no intention of posting anything explicit" -Atherixx

#mumscarian #background relationships #hermitshipping #hermitcraft #supernatural au #fantasy au

[f1-disaster-bi]

It is now completed! Get the tissues ready......

Stay (Don't Say Goodbye) - 3/3

Charles wished he wasn't the one with blood on his hands, and guilt in his heart.

Lance would do anything to bring his husband and friend home but grief is a paralytic.

Lando just wished he could tell Lance one last time that he loved him.

or

Lando and Charles get kidnapped by rivals and everyone has to deal with the aftermath

#mafia au #strollis #lance/lando #lando/lance #charles and lando friendship #background relationships #sebson #pierre/charles/esteban

[redconversesandrocknroll]

daily update about my fanfic; Enjoy the Now

-realizing that i switch between capitalizing house and House (referencing gryffindor, hufflepuff, etc). i don’t want to deal with that rn

-the next chapter (12) will be a heavy one (in my opinion). it might take a while to be put out as i want to write it to the best of my abilities

-my shakespeare books that have copies of his plays are being put to use for the first time since my intense english fucking class that i hated (love shakespeare tho)

-the first official romance that will happen will be dorlene (YAY I LOVE THEM!!)

-also also, thanks for 300+ hits! you guys are so cool

#enjoy the now #ao3 #marauders era #marauders fanfic #ao3 fanfic #fanfic #background relationships #the marauders #au #angst #jegulus #wolfstar #marylily #dorlene #rosekiller

[angelwiththeblue-box]

Chase Davenport knew two things the day he met Leo. One, this kid was going to break a lot of things, and two, his life would never be the same.

.

chase davenport character study bc i cannot stop thinking about lrmmef

pairings: lab rats team, ef team, chase/kaz, bree/skylar

word count: 1558

rated: t

warnings: mentions of toxic relationships, childhood trauma,

taglist under cut (lemme know if you want to be added or removed)

@blueskiesandstarrynights @thedragonemperess @depressedtransguy @lab-trash @tronagon @thedrowningpoetofdionysus @genuine-possum @someguyiguess

#val writes #lab rats #mighty med #lab rats elite force #lab rats bionic island #chase davenport #chase davenport character study #character study #hurt/comfort #angst with a happy ending #chase x kaz #kase #background relationships #lrmmef #lab rats fanfic #brylar

[sitp-recs]

Hello! I just saw you reblog that "hymn to apollo" fic and there was the background Drarry tag and....a new hyper fixation achieved!

Do you know, by any chance, other fics where Drarry is a background ship aka chill, happy, in love, tooth rottingly sweet, wise, no drama touches them?

Hi anon! That’s an interesting ask, I’m sure I’ve read many more but sadly I haven’t kept track of those. Here are some recs! Also linking the fabulous Hymn to Apollo. Enjoy!

Galvanize by @wolfpants (M, 1k) - Scorpius/Ron

At Albus’s sudden appearance, Mr Weasley’s hand falls from the back of Scorpius’s neck. He nudges Scorpius’s skinny bicep with a loose fist instead, leans in—thick, floppy red hair, freckled nose, white white teeth, big big smile, huge blue eyes, tall so tall—and winks at him.

Manner of Dress by @aibidil (T, 4.6k) - Ron/Cormac

Cormac wanted his leggings snug. He didn't want them this snug.

Green Light by iota_after_dark (E, 6k) - Ginny/Hermione

What if the best way to get over Ron was to get under Ginny?

Rogue Waves by @lqtraintracks (E, 6.5k) - Ginny/Pansy

A story of living with the trauma, fucking who you want, and maybe finding a little solace.

Dating Potters by @goldentruth813 and Mzuul (M, 7.7k) - Albus/Scorpius, James/Teddy, Harry/Draco

Scorpius and Albus have been together for awhile now and decide it's time to have a family dinner and come out to their fathers. What they're not counting on is the fact that they're not the only ones with secrets to share.

Winning in More Ways Than One by @thebooktopus (E, 8k) - Marcus/Oliver

Marcus and Oliver have always been at each other's throats, that much hasn't changed now that they're thirty and playing for the same team - in more ways than one.

That one time Ron attended Harry's party and didn't enjoy it at all by MelCalder (E, 8.5k) - Ron/Blaise

After his "break-up" with Hermione, Ron crashes at Harry's place and has to attend one of Harry's parties. He doesn't enjoy it all that much, until he does...

Two Quaffles Pub by @thistlecatfics (M, 9k) - Cho/Ginny

Witch Weekly’s Dating Tip #7: On a first date, stick to topics such as hobbies, family, and interests. Avoid topics such as the war, former lovers, and politics.

like the lost lyrics of a song suddenly remembered by @lqtraintracks (E, 11) - Teddy/James, Teddy/Bill

Teddy Lupin, aging rockstar, is making a comeback after his life and career were nearly ruined by an illegal potions habit. Everyone's out to support him tonight. Including the man he's always tried so hard not to love -- as well as the man he's always turned to instead.

Good Intent by @maesterchill (E, 12k) - Teddy/James

It all starts on the camping trip when James gets his dick out in the tent.

The Dragon Tamer & The Snake Slayer by @thebooktopus (E, 18k) - Charlie/Neville

Professor Neville Longbottom has an unfortunate crush on his newest colleague, Charlie Weasley. Charlie, who is pure magic personified, even in a wizarding world. Whose scars and laughter make Neville come undone. Charlie, who could never be interested in Neville... right?

#asks #anon #minor Harry/Draco #background relationships

[zymr6]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Band of Brothers (TV 2001) Rating: Mature Warnings: Underage Relationships: Joseph Liebgott/David Kenyon Webster, Minor or Background Relationship(s), David Kenyon Webster/Original Female Character(s) Characters: David Kenyon Webster, Joseph Liebgott, George Luz, Carwood Lipton, Joseph Toye, Ronald Speirs, Richard Winters, Lewis Nixon, Minor Characters, Original Female Character(s) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - High School, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Friends With Benefits, Miscommunication, Dysfunctional Relationships, Misunderstandings, Angst with a Happy Ending, Mild Sexual Content Series: Part 4 of young blood Summary:

Every time he found himself in his own bed, pinned down by Liebgott’s unforgiving stare and deceptively skinny arms, Webster should have been completely satisfied. Everything he had ever wanted was right in front of him. But when Liebgott spoke to him, that silver tongue tarnished with the absolute filth he was spewing, it was never what he wanted to hear.

Webster would have settled for I love you.

#webgott #band of brothers #hbo war #hope you guys enjoy!! #david webster #joe liebgott #background relationships #winnix #speirton #baberoe #luztoye

[meadowofbluebells]

Fitting Forever Into Goodbye

Summary: Janus loves his son Virgil, which is why he needs to let him go. Now all he has to do is find the words needed to say goodbye.

~~~

There wasn’t time to cry. Not yet, anyway. Janus knew that. He had to get Virgil to safety. He didn’t have time to break down. There wasn’t time to scream, to yell, to beg. His son was the priority. He would simply have to savour the feeling of him in his arms as he ran. He’d have to put all the love he could muster into this final hour. Deep down, he knew that Virgil would be too young to truly remember him. So he could only hope that everything he ever wanted for his son could be said through the warmth of his arms as he hugged the toddler close. If nothing else, Janus hoped the feeling of love remained - protecting Virgil in all the years to come. 

His body was boiling hot despite the cold air whipping past him. He curled his arms tighter around the young boy - sighing as he felt even breaths tickling his neck. He nuzzled his nose into hair as he ran down the streets. Tears trailed down his cheeks as he breathed Virgil’s scent in - smoky with a tinge of their floral detergent. He needed to take it in now so that he’d never forget it. So that, later, when he managed to slip into the shadows, he’d be able to imagine Virgil curled up next to him. He’d lay in bed and play everything he’d be missing through his head - the first day of school, play dates, prom, graduation, college decisions. All the things his little boy would grow up to do. All the things Virgil would grow up to be.

He rubbed his eyes vigorously. There was no time to cry. It was already hard enough to see beneath the midnight sky. He couldn’t risk making a wrong turn due to blurry vision. He gritted his teeth and shook his head. 

“For Virgil,” he said, trying to force confidence into his tone. He looked down at the chubby-cheeked boy laid with his head next to his rapidly beating heart. “My baby,” he whispered. 

His wrinkled coat flapped as he turned around the corner. They’d surely realized he wasn’t at the house by now. He’d barely had time to coax Virgil out of bed and grab his security blanket before tossing himself out of the back window. He would have liked to take the car, but they had found the house much quicker than Janus had anticipated. It was safer for him to carry Virgil - even if that meant he had to race down the streets at break-neck speed. 

His mind floated back to the first time he and Virgil had found their way to their current destination. It had been a sunny spring day. Flowers were starting to bud, and the clouds had looked heavenly as they floated aimlessly through the sky. He had gotten Virgil some ice cream, which the boy had gobbled up. Then, Janus had idly driven them around - enjoying watching the world around them awaken from hibernation. Virgil had been buzzing with energy in his booster seat. Blabbering about whatever his mind could conquer. Janus had been soaking it all in. Marvelling at the growth apparent in his son. 

As he drove down a random street, he saw a child race down the sidewalk with a man in a light blue shirt and round glasses racing behind him. The child’s laughter echoed through Janus’ open window. Virgil’s babbling quieted as he turned towards the noise. His sticky hands pressed up against the window as he watched the two people plow into a yard connected to a two-story house. There, sitting in the yard, was another man reading to a second boy under the shade of a tree. His head bowed as he read to the boy fidgeting next to him. However, their tranquil little bubble popped as the boy being chased veered towards them. Janus watched as the man in the shade shook his head fondly at the two individuals barrelling towards them. He dropped his book and caught the boy as his tiny body flung forwards. The child laughed as the man got to his feet and swung him around in circles. The other boy was laughing beneath the tree’s canopy. 

Soon enough, the house disappeared from view. Virgil babbled the rest of the ride home about the man with large, round glasses. He said that the man looked so happy. Janus had to agree. The man’s smile was the brightest thing there, despite the sunlight that had dappled his skin as he chased what Janus assumed to be his son. In fact, the entire family had looked perfectly happy. 

That realization is what led Janus to make a promise to himself. As his son chattered away, Janus decided that if his past ever caught up with him, he would take Virgil to them. He would be safe with them. He didn’t know how he knew specifically. After all, there are a lot of things people can hide behind a mask. Yet, as he tucked his son into bed that night, laying a soft kiss to his forehead, he was certain he had made the right call. 

That doesn’t mean it hurt any less to put the promise into action within a year of its creation. It doesn’t mean it would hurt any less to let his baby go. To know that he would grow up without him.

Janus pulled away from the memory as he rounded the corner. There, illuminated by the streetlights, was the house. Janus’ hands shook as he gently stepped into the light. His shadow stretched across the pavement. He bit his lip as tears streamed down his face. 

“Virgil,” he whispered as he gently rubbed his son’s back, “it’s time to get up.” A choked sound slipped out as he watched Virgil hazily blink into consciousness - immediately burrowing further into his chest. “No, no, Honey. You have to stay awake for a little while longer.” He slowly made his way up the porch steps - footfalls silent due to years of practice. “Da-Daddy wants to get to say goodbye.” Virgil turned large brown eyes up to him. His head was drooping and his eyes half-lidded, but Janus took comfort in the fact that he got to see those eyes one last time. “You’re going to see the sweet man soon.”

Virgil perked up at that. “The one with the big glasses?” His tiny hands fisted in Janus’ shirt.

Janus tried to chuckle, his son was too cute, yet the sound came out as more of a sob. “Yes, my Darling.” He trailed a finger down Virgil’s face - willing his hand not to shake so that he could take everything in properly. There was a freckle below his left eye. He’d have to remember that. Would his skin stay this smooth? He hoped so. Virgil should never have to look in the mirror and see scars the way Janus did. His son was too pure for that. He was untouchable - Janus would make sure of that. 

Slowly, he lowered Virgil to the ground and arranged his security blanket around his shoulders. Then, kneeling on the ground before his son, he gave a wobbly smile. “Daddy loves you so, so much. You remember that.”

Virgil stretched his arms out as far as they could go. “This much.” He said with a confidence that only a toddler could muster.

Janus’ smile relaxed slightly as he mirrored the boy’s pose. “Yes, Daddy loves you this much.” Then he wrapped his outstretched arms around his son and buried his head into his tiny shoulder. There, with his arms wrapped around his heart, he started to cry. Sobs wracked through his body. 

“Daddy?” 

“Daddy’s alright,” his voice was muffled against the soft fabric of Virgil’s pajama shirt. “I just need to give my baby one more giant hug.” He burrowed his nose against the boy’s neck and breathed in his scent. “Remember to be good.” He gulped as Virgil nodded briskly - his eyes shining in the light. “Stay in school. Drive safely. Marry someone good for you - or don’t marry at all if that’s what you prefer. Live the life you want and not the life you are expected to lead.” He slowly backed away - drawing Virgil’s small hand with him. He leaned down and gently kissed the palm of his hand - smiling as Virgil giggled at the action. “Take care of Daddy’s heart, okay?” His breath stalled in his lungs as he let go. The lack of contact shot through him like a bullet. He tried to steady himself. He needed to get these next words right. They needed to be steady and strong so that his son would never doubt them. “I love you, Virgil.” 

He stood shakily, rang the doorbell, and swiftly turned to race down the stairs. He felt Virgil’s eyes on him the entire time. Those soulful brown beacons were the only things keeping him standing as he slipped behind the tree in the yard and waited.

It took a couple of minutes, but eventually, the lights seen from the front window turned on. A man wearing fuzzy slippers and rubbing a hand beneath his round glasses stepped onto the porch. Janus held his breath as the man looked around before catching sight of Virgil. 

“Oh, hello there, Kiddo.” The man said with a furrowed brow as he kneeled down and picked Virgil up. “Where are your parents?” The man looked around as he stood back up. Virgil giggled at the movement, and the man smiled down at him. He stroked his hands through Virgil’s fluffy brown hair. “Aren’t you adorable? Let’s get you inside. We’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.” Virgil giggled again, and the man rubbed his nose against Virgil’s. His voice took on a childlike quality. “Yes, we will. Oh, Logan’s going to love you.” 

Then, the man turned, and Janus watched his baby slip away. His tiny hands fisted into the man’s bathrobe and his head leaned against the man’s shoulder. Tears poured down his face as the door closed behind them.

 For a while, he stood within the shadows and allowed himself to break down. His hands wrapped around his chest. Numbly, he registered the lack of weight within them. His body shook with the force of his cries. Then, he pulled his coat up to his nose and breathed in - smoke and floral detergent. With his nose buried into his quickly dampening jacket, he slipped away into the darkness. 

#sanders sides #sanders side fic #virgil sanders #logan sanders #janus sanders #patton sanders #logicality #background relationships

[mimisempai]

You’re my best choice

Summary:

Joining his friends and colleagues at the bar, Hank overhears an interesting conversation about him and Connor.

Notes:

Just in case, I write mostly fluff so forgive me if sometimes... I overdo it ON AO3 Rating G - 776 words

Hank sighed before entering the pub. 

A sigh of relief.

This week had been hard -it always was- and the prospect of a weekend of rest with his lover seemed more and more attractive. 

Abruptly raising his hand to open the door, he couldn't prevent a half smile from gracing his lips. 

Connor, Chris, Tina and Nines and that bastard Gavin were sitting at a table talking animatedly, which was the case whenever his group of colleagues were together. They all had a drink in their hand or a beer in their hand except for the two androids, but what warmed Hank's heart was that there was a beer for him. 

Even now, he felt this sort of disbelief at what his life had become since his partner had entered his life.

His coworkers hadn't seen him come in and he stopped when he heard Gavin's surprisingly drunken voice, "Connor, my favorite tin can here..." he pointed to Nines and continued, "Nines is sure he knows exactly when and how you and Hank ended up together, but he won't tell me!"

Connor had his back to him and Hank was not moving forward, curious as to what his answer would be.

"Dear Detective Reed, I don't think Lieutenant Anderson would like me to tell you our little secrets, but the trouble with me not telling is that dear Nines will be quick to tell you just to inconvenience me."

Connor continued, oblivious to the amused look on Hank's face as he watched them.

"I'll tell you the circumstances, my dear Gavin. That night I had a choice between an evening with Tina and Chris who wanted to introduce me to Star Wars and an evening listening to the best jazz music according to Hank Anderson. Sorry Tina and Chris."

Connor gave Chris and Tina a sheepish little smile and they snickered.

To say Hank was surprised would be an understatement, he remembered that night, of course he did. 

The beginning of their relationship. 

But he didn't know Connor had other plans. 

They'd once again fallen out over a case, and it was an impulse due to exhaustion that had prompted Hank to propose that kind of evening to Connor. 

No ulterior motive. Or at least that's what he told himself at the time.

Connor had chosen him. Hank's smile widened and a pleasant warmth settled in his chest.

He saw Gavin put on a knowing look and saying in a fairly drunken voice, "Ooooh... I knew it, you've been following him around like a puppy dog since the beginning anyway... Come on tin can 1.0, we want more."

Connor didn't answer and shook his head gently with a smile.

Nines as always the voice of wisdom in the strange couple he and Gavin were, or because he had just seen Hank coming in, took Gavin by the shoulders, "Gavin, dear... I think you've had enough. It's time for us to go home."

Hank's smile turned affectionate when he saw Connor address Nines in a concerned manner, "Do you need help?"

Nines shook his head, helped Gavin to his feet and led him toward the exit. He nodded and gave a cheeky wink to Hank, who watched them leave.

As he approached where the rest of the group was sitting, Chris and Tina stood up, "You tell Hank we're sorry, but we're exhausted okay?"

Connor nodded.

Tina and Chris went the other way and didn't see Hank.

He continued on his way to Connor.

"Come sit down Hank, I know you're there. Your beer is almost warm." Connor addressed him without turning his head. This didn't even surprise Hank anymore, it had been a long time since he had given up on surprising his lover

He put his hand on Connor's shoulder and kissed his temple before sitting down across from him.

As he picked up his beer and took a sip, leaving his other hand on the table, Connor's hand slid across the table and rested on his, their fingers intertwining in a gesture that was now so familiar.

After putting his bottle back on the table, Hank raised their intertwined hands and kissed the knuckles of Connor's hand.

He said softly, "So, between Star Wars and my questionable taste in jazz, you chose me? That's flattering Con."

He couldn't hide the pleasure the thought gave him. In fact he didn't want to hide it, after all Connor knew him, he would have guessed it right away. He always told him he wore his heart on his sleeve.

Connor replied softly, tightening his fingers around his, "Of course I chose you. I'll always choose you."

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Hankcon masterlist here

#detroid become human #connor detroit: bh #connor detroit become human #hank anderson #hannor #hankcon #hank x connor #connor x hank #post canon #established relationship #reed900 #background relationships

[ut-girl666]

NEW FIC

and for it, I made:

Enjoy!

#thunderclash #rodiclash #background relationships #simpatico #tf nautica #perceptor #brainstorm #transformers riptide #transformers #maccadam #memes #funny #lol #lmao #rodimus #mtmte #my work #tf #ao3 fanfic

[wangxianficrecs]

Proud Author of a New Work

~*~

hi, it's doodlebutt again, would love to share my new fic if possible! it's a figure skating au (and, as i'm a figure skater myself, very very dear to my heart). fully complete, will be 60k total once posted, updating twice-weekly! 💖 @wei--wuxian

all the shine of a thousand spotlights

by doodlebutt (mature, 60k, wangxian, updating twice weekly)

Summary: The thing is, well, it's just that – It's just that actually, Wei Ying might be a little bit in love.  He's known it for a while. Since – well, if he really stops to think about it, if he's honest with himself in the way his teenage self had no idea how to be, since approximately two minutes and forty seconds into their first competition together on the junior circuit at fourteen years old. It took him a while to figure it out. And by then, well – by then he knew Lan Zhan wasn't interested.  Lan Zhan isn't interested in that with anyone, and least of all Wei Ying. Wei Ying is a competitive figure skater at the peak of his career. So is Lan Zhan. This is the season where everything changes.

~*~

(Please REBLOG as a signal boost for this hard-working author if you like – or think others might like – this story.)

#Author boost #Proud Author of a New Work #New Work by a Proud Author #Wangxian Fic Recs #Wangxian #The Untamed #MDZS #I HAVEN'T READ THIS YET #and yes! send in your works for the proud author feature! that's what we're here for! #Figure Skating #Hurt/Comfort #Angst with a Happy Ending #Mutual Pining #Modern Setting #Major Character Injury #Getting together #Background Relationships #Jiang Cheng/Wen Qing #Jiang Yanli/Jin Zixuan #Lan Xichen/Jin Guangyao #Lan Xichen/Meng Yao #all the shine of a thousand spotlights #doodlebutt #long fic > 50k #Mature

[skyewritcs]

Say Goodnight and Stay Together (Wouldn’t It Be Nice?) Ch. 1/5

In the aftermath of their fight against Vecna, things settle into a tentative stagnancy. The town is split in four, but things have quieted. Max and Eddie have recovered, but Robin remains in a coma. Steve and Eddie step into a halting confidence, but Nancy mourns the beginning of her and Robin's relationship.

And then Rob wakes up.

And then she can't remember the last year.

A 50 first dates AU 

 happy @metaldeads day!! 

#[ronance, platonic stobin, steddie, background relationships]

#ronance #platonic stobin #stobin #steddie #background relationships #fic #mine #stranger things fic #fanfic #stranger things fanfic #st fanfic #st fic

[redconversesandrocknroll]

With the War hanging around the shadows, hiding into the dark corners of minds, it creates misery for everyone. Lives are destroyed, families are torn apart, blood is spilled, and the horrors of nightmares become true. Children, barely out of their teenage years, just entering adulthood, bide their lives to one of the sides. Ink gets pressed into skin, a needle digging down deep as it prevents the ink from leaving. Clothes become uniforms, a symbol of honor showing off proudly at the sleeve. Parents read letters, shaky handwriting flooding into their minds as they read their children has passed. Friends die, wounds too deep for saving, lungs already wasted, heart slowly dying. And the day continues, the War needing to be dealt with as trauma stains their once pure minds.

Or.

Wizarding AU turned Muggle. Unrequited lovers, unspoken words, tragedy all around.

#new fic new me #ao3 #jegulus #marauders #marauders era #angst #fluff #james potter #the marauders #ao3 fanfic #au #background relationships #sirius black #remus lupin #peter pettigrew #dorcas meadowes #marlene mckinnon #mary macdonald #lily evans #pandora rosier #evan rosier #barty crouch jr #regulus black #i think that’s everyone #maybe #idk #anyways #everyone’s gay #everyone’s sad #everyone has issues

[vincent-van-bone]

It's been 5 years since high school ended. Momo has since gone her separate ways in order to put all her time into taking over her families company no matter how much she detests her job. She only wants to make her mother and father proud.

Things change when she meets an old friend and she gets roped into the ungrounded music scene. Now she's faced with even more challenges to overcome. Will she continue down her current path or start a new exciting life for herself?

Alternative Universe: band AU and no quirks

Momo x Jirou and Toga x Uraraka focused

#fanfiction #my hero academia #momojirou #togachako #wattpad #background relationships