#neil just comes along and wreaks havoc in andrew's life as always

[soapberryspringsrpg]

Forbidden Fruits

Hello Berries! The nights are getting longer, the air is getting crisper, the lattes are getting pumpkin spicier so you know what time it is. Time for the third ever Soapberry Springs writing prompt!

This prompt is meant to appeal to that part of many of us that once devoured cheesy romance books, thrilling over cliche after cliche so long as the right people ended up riding off into the sunset together. To play along, please choose one of the scenarios under the cut inspired by the brave harlequin romance writers and their specific books. 

You are free to change genders and names, of course; the only two things that must remain as posted are a) the title and b) the plot.

As always there is no time limit and no due date. Players are welcome to write self-paras, blurbs or novellas, poetry, chatzys or threads, to edit graphics, make playlists, etc. All creative takes on the theme are welcome and encouraged! 

Select below from prompts!

Feyness By E.S. Carter In this dark and sexy story, Faye’s cruel, powerful father forces her to marry wickedly gorgeous Cole. She’s convinced that Cole is pure evil — and he’s determined to break her…

Delicious Temptation By Sabrina Sol

After years of keeping her family’s struggling bakery afloat, pastry chef Amara is tired of being safe and predictable. Can she convince Eric, her brother’s ex-best friend, to make good on his bad-boy reputation? A smoldering erotic romance!

An Unconventional Courtship By Scotty Cade

Personal assistant Tristan and his CEO boss, Webber, both struggle to hide their true feelings from each other. But when the pair travel to the Caribbean on a business trip, they discover they can’t hold back their desires forever…

Grayson’s Mate By Tamsin Baker

An alpha werewolf in search of his mate is led to the last person he expected: the handsome stranger he rescued from a car accident. Their desire is undeniable, but can a werewolf and a mortal man find a way to be together?

Make Me Want By Katee Robert

Lucy is a confident, high-powered lawyer — but her ex-boyfriend gave her self-esteem issues in bed. Can her friend Gideon help her realize she has the power to drive him wild?

Bound by Honor By Cora Reilly

To fulfill her father’s promise, Aria must marry notorious, coldhearted Luca. But can she break down Luca’s walls and find the passion within him?

Bad Neighbor By M. O’Keefe

Sparks fly when Charlotte meets her sexy new neighbor Jesse. He’s an alpha bad boy who isn’t afraid of anything — except for his growing attraction to Charlotte, as their desire for each other rages out of control…

London Calling By Clare Lydon

A charming, witty romance: Jess never expected to be moving back in with her parents at the age of 32. But just as things seem hopeless, she makes an unexpected connection with a gorgeous woman. Could happily ever after be on the horizon?

Three Wrong Turns in the Desert By Neil Plakcy

Aidan can’t stop thinking about Liam, the alluring bodyguard he met in a Tunisian bar… When a high-octane chase takes them into the desert, their desires reach a boiling point in this steamy adventure!

Tempting Boundaries By Carrie Ann Ryan

Decker has always lusted after his best friend’s little sister, the woman he can’t have. But when Miranda decides she wants him, he may not be able to resist any longer…

Camp H.O.W.L. By Bru Baker

A sexy shifter romance! When Adrian finally turns into a werewolf — eight years late — Tate, a counselor at a camp for new werewolves, is ready to guide him. But cynical Tate never expected Adrian to be his destined mate…

Roller Girl By Vanessa North

When newly single Tina joins Joanne’s roller derby team, their friendship ignites a steamy passion behind closed doors…

The Shop on Main By Kay Correll

Bella is devastated to learn that she may lose her small shop — and an attractive businessman is the root of her worries. When they clash, can she settle her financial woes on her own and embrace a second chance at love?

The Road to You By Harper Bliss

Serious Katherine and free-spirited Ali have been enemies since college… but fate keeps throwing them together. As the years go on, will they see another side to each other — one they could learn to love?

Road to the Sun By Keira Andrews

When his eight-year-old daughter is kidnapped in Montana, single dad Jason Kellerman enlists the help of park ranger Ben Hettler. Suppressing their burning mutual attraction, the two men begin a wild and desperate hunt through the wilderness…

Captive of the Hitman By Alexis Abbott

When Alicia gets caught up in a dangerous situation, Mikhail takes her captive for her protection. But their sexual chemistry is off the charts — and he refuses to let her go…

Feeling Hot By Elle Kennedy

Home from deployment, Navy SEAL Cash McCoy forms a tantalizing connection with a mysterious blonde. Little does he know that she’s Jen Scott — his commanding officer’s sister! Can he keep his hands to himself around the one woman who’s off-limits?

Professional Distance By Silvia Violet

Heartbroken Thornwell swears off love — until he hires aspiring chef Riley as an escort! Though the two men couldn’t be more different, they begin to fall for each other. Can Riley convince Thornwell to set aside his doubts and live deliciously?

Black By T.L. Smith

Left heartbroken by his first and only love, hit man Liam Black is surprised to find her a decade later. But Rose isn’t the woman she used to be…

Training Sasha By Becca Jameson

Sasha is eager to explore her submissive side, but BDSM club owner Lincoln — who’s also her brother’s friend — won’t admit his attraction to her. Can she convince him to help her explore her sexual desires?

Stalking Buffalo Bill By J. Leigh Bailey

From the moment coyote shifter Donnie spotted buffalo shifter William at his cafe, he was smitten. When deadly figures from William’s past come back to settle unfinished business, the pair team up to ward off danger — and protect their future together.

Dog Days By TA Moore

Apocalyptic weather conditions are wreaking havoc across the globe. But weredog Danny has more immediate problems — including his wolfish ex-lover, Jack…

Dirty Girl By Meghan March

When Greer is drunk one night, she posts an embarrassing personal ad — and now she has thousands of takers! But bad boy Cavanaugh is a cut above the rest…

Tonight’s Encore By Parker Avrile

When Zac returns to his small hometown, he renews his relationship with Reed, who knew him before he became a rock star. But the pressures of fame could tear them apart in this steamy gay romance!

The Longest River By Hildred Billings

After the death of her twin sister, Helen moves to a secluded mountain village to find her independence and heal. There she meets widowed bookstore owner Kiyoko — an introduction that feels like fate…

Dirty Daughter By JB Duvane

Emily is determined to seduce her mother’s former psychologist, Max. But she doesn’t realize that he has his own plans for her — and soon she’ll be locked up in his remote cottage, forced to satisfy his every desire…

Mr. So Wrong By R.C. Stephens

A searing, sexy romance! After finding wealthy bad boy Al caught in a blizzard, Samantha brings him to her ranch to nurse him back to health. She doesn’t want to let anyone close to her heart, but why can’t she keep Al out of her bed?

Tempt the Playboy By Natasha Madison

After arrogant playboy Noah has a one-night stand with Kaleigh, he’s determined to claim her again. But she may not fall for his charms so easily…

One Last Heist By Dahlia Donovan

Partners in love and in crime, Toshiro and Mack plan to get their crew together for one last heist. It was supposed to be easy — but as they become embroiled in a deadly conspiracy, the stakes will rise out of their control…

Little Liar By W Winters

With so much pain in her past, there’s no way Allie should be drawn to bad boy Dean. And yet she can’t seem to stay away from him…

Seducing Cinderella By Gina L. Maxwell

Physical therapist Lucie needs help wooing her crush, so she asks her brother’s best friend, Reid, to teach her the art of seduction. But their arrangement leads to an unexpected chemistry, and Reid can’t give her up…

Tormentor Mine By Anna Zaires

In this “darkly addictive and hauntingly beautiful” romance, assassin Peter comes to torture Sara. But then he becomes obsessed with her…

As Sure as the Sun By Elle Keaton

After a brush with death, retired US Marshal Sacha starts anew in a small town. As he works to restore an old building, he crosses paths with history enthusiast Seth — and discovers a sizzling attraction that may persuade both men to risk their hearts.

The Endgame Duet By Cleary James

When her life takes a turn for the worse, Lisa offers herself to wealthy Grayson in exchange for the money she needs. For seven days he can do whatever he wants with her — but will they be able to control their sensual desires?

The Beat of Love By L. Loryn

In this passionate gay romance, brooding musician Wolfe and handsome actor Miguel court the media by pretending to be a couple. Will their fake celebrity relationship crash and burn — or turn into a connection more powerful than they expected?

The Isle of... Where? By Sue Brown

When Liam Marshall travels to the Isle of Wight to fulfill his best friend’s dying wish, Sam Owens helps him through it. They swiftly develop a connection — but does their budding relationship have an expiration date?

Ruthless By Dani René

Dangerous bad boy Callan always gets whatever he wants — so when he sees sweet Madison at a BDSM club, he must have her. A darkly delicious erotic tale!

Fire and Flint By Andrew Grey

When single father Jordan turns to sheriff’s deputy Pierre with his concerns about a corrupt judge, the two men discover they’ve made a powerful enemy. They’ll do whatever it takes to protect each other in this stirring and suspenseful read.

Entangled by Nikki Jefford

Two months after dying, Gray wakes up in her twin’s body. She’s forced to spend every other day impersonating snobby Charlene — and only warlock Raj notices the difference. Can Gray be saved, or will she fade altogether?

Southern Spirits by Angie Fox

When Verity discovers the power to commune with the spirit world, she teams up with local bad boy Ellis to evict some undead tenants.

Witch Slapped by Dakota Cassidy

Stripped of her powers, ex-witch Stevie Cartwright teams up with the ghost of a sexy British spy to solve a murder case involving a bogus psychic medium.

Issued to the Bride: One Navy SEAL by Cora Seton

Navy SEAL vet Brian has always dreamed of owning his own ranch — so when he’s asked to marry a general’s daughter, Cass, in exchange for a share of her land, he can’t refuse.

Sit… Stay… Beg by Roxanne St. Claire

Garrett, a dot-com millionaire turned dog rescuer, keeps his heart on a tight leash — until journalist Jessie is hired to write a profile on him…

Earthrise by M.C.A. Hogarth

On a mysterious rescue mission, no-nonsense ship captain Reese Eddings commands her vessel Earthrise straight into danger, battling pirates and slavers to save elf prince Hirianthial…

Chez Stinky by Susan C. Daffron

Kat inherits her great-aunt’s dilapidated house, which is filled to the brim with pets and complications. As she adjusts to her new surroundings — and connects with Joel, who’s as handy as he is handsome — will she embrace her new start?

Rumor Has It by Elisabeth Grace

When an embarrassing video goes viral, Ellie Wagner’s reputation pays the price. Her life seems ruined, but a fresh start awaits when she falls for Mason Nash…

Smart Tass by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Hunter has been tormenting his bookish neighbor Tass since they were children. But when she’s challenged to date him — and he needs to take her virginity to win a bet — can a fake relationship solve their problems and reveal their true feelings for one another?

Once Upon a Time by Blair Babylon

When princess Flicka decides to flee her violent ex, her bodyguard Dieter is the only one who can help her. But their irresistible attraction heats up in ways neither of them expected…

Malevolent by Jana DeLeon

PI Shaye Archer takes on the baffling case of Emma Frederick, a woman convinced that her abusive husband is out to get her. Except Emma killed her husband weeks ago…

Club Shadowlands by Cherise Sinclair

Stranded during a storm, Jessica takes shelter in a nearby house. But when she discovers it’s actually a private BDSM club, she begins to explore her fantasies with a sexy dominant…

Stripped by Stacy-Deanne

Baltimore cop Dee Quarter investigates a cult whose charismatic leader, Jonathan Wild, is determined to ensnare her…

Kiss of Fire by Rebecca Ethington

Joclyn just sent her high school bully flying through the air! Could her phenomenal power have something to do with the strange new scar on her neck? Her handsome best friend Ryland holds all the secrets…

Heaven in His Arms by Lisa Ann Verge

Forced to take a bride, André chooses sickly Genevieve, assuming she won’t survive the harsh winter. But Genevieve is not the frail noblewoman she appears to be, and André soon realizes that he needs her more than he ever expected…

In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig

Tired of losing at love, Emily undertakes a research project: she’ll binge on romance novels and chick flicks until she learns their secret. Handsome Greg could be her Prince Charming — but why is Emily’s friend Elliot so unhappy about her plan?

The Chef’s Mail-Order Bride by Cindy Caldwell

Tripp trained at an elite culinary school, but he can’t get a loan for his restaurant without a wife. Raised in a bakery, Sadie agrees to head west as Tripp’s bride. Can the two learn to work together as they open their new restaurant — and find love in the process?

The Witch Hunter by Nicole R. Taylor

Cursed by an ancient witch, vampire Zachary will die a slow, agonizing death. His only shot at survival is Aya, the so-called Witch Hunter, who has been asleep for 150 years… But she has no interest in helping him.

Ignite by Kaitlyn Davis

When Kira discovers her mystical powers, she must fight for her life — and choose between sweet, goofy Luke and gorgeous, blood-hungry Tristan.

Crash by Drew Jordan

Stranded in the Alaskan wilderness, Laney takes refuge in the arms of the stranger who rescues her. But will he be her savior — or her destroyer?

Going Hard by Kelsey Browning

When rich playboy Grif Steele returns to his hometown, he reconnects with Carlie Beth Parrish. But with a murderous stalker on the prowl, can Grif protect her — and the daughter he never knew he had?

Hers to Take by Talia Ellison

When Octavia gets caught in a dangerous situation, her rival, Aaron, offers her a deal she can’t refuse — to escape with her life, she must pretend to be his sex slave. But they don’t expect a forbidden attraction to ignite…

Claimed by Evangeline Anderson

The Kindred race is primarily male, and must choose among human women for their brides. When Olivia is drafted into marrying broken and tortured Baird, she’s determined to resist — but she hadn’t counted on falling for her alien warrior husband…

Forever a Soldier by Genevieve Turner

When Hank returns from combat, he agrees to move into a 100-year-old house owned by his great-great aunt and uncle. His peace is disturbed by Lale, an inquisitive scholar digging into his family’s secrets. But their attraction will open up hidden places in their hearts…

Liam by Kimber White

Though forbidden to be with his fated mate, sexy shifter Liam will stop at nothing to claim Molly, the spitfire who sets his heart aflame. But is Molly ready to embrace his wolfish identity?

The Second Sister by Rae D. Magdon

When Eleanor’s father dies, she’s left with her unhinged stepmother and two stepsisters, Luciana and Belladonna. Eleanor must prevent wicked Luciana from bewitching a prince — but meanwhile, beautiful Belladonna stirs up feelings she can’t resist…

Time to Upsize by Graeme Aitken

Blake’s the perfect boyfriend as far as Stephen is concerned: easygoing, gentle, and sweet. But lately, Blake has been getting increasingly jealous, and it doesn’t help when gorgeous Rick moves next door. Can Stephen resist temptation?

Playing Games by Liliana Rhodes

Cassie gets her dream job working for billionaire Gabriel — and she’s determined to remain professional. But their irresistible attraction ignites after she’s caught trying to watch him in the shower…

Kindling Flames: Gathering Tinder by Julie Wetzel

After landing a job as assistant to a handsome CEO, Victoria feels like her life is finally on the right track. But when she discovers her new boss is the city’s most powerful vampire, she’ll have to decide whether her attraction to him is worth the risk…

Switching Hour by Robyn Peterman

After a stint in witch prison, Zelda is on magic probation — and if she can’t finish a mysterious task in the next month, she’ll be stripped of her powers forever. But a gorgeous werewolf may prove to be a tempting distraction…

Sacrificed to the Dragon by Jessie Donovan

Dragon shifter Tristan has despised humans ever since hunters killed his mother. But his clan insists he needs an heir — and a human mate. When he meets gorgeous Melanie, a slow-burning fire ignites deep within…

The Vampire’s Mail Order Bride by Kristen Painter

Running from the mob, Delaney becomes a mail-order bride in the spooky town of Nocturne Falls — only to learn her fiancé is a 400-year-old vampire!

Haunted on Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase

When empath Jade Calhoun moves into a haunted New Orleans apartment, she must use her unique abilities — and the help of her sexy landlord — to ward off a powerful spirit.

#sbsprompt

[badacts]

kid kevin’s first christmas 🎄

Neil is falling asleep beside Andrew on the couch when he suddenly sits bolt upright and says, “Christmas!”

Andrew doesn’t look up from his book. “I know you said you would swear less now, but I presume that isn’t your idea of an alternative.”

“No,” Neil splutters, pointing at the television that is only on for murmuring background noise. The screen is a mess of coloured lights, fake snow and festive music. “It’s nearly Christmas.”

“Your point?” Andrew enquires. It’s the twentieth of December, so Neil isn’t wrong, but he doesn’t know what that has to do with them.

“Kevin,” Neil says. “We should do something.”

“Kevin is ten months old. What would you suggest we do, exactly?” Andrew points out. Kevin may be pretty advanced for his age, according to the internet – he’s taken his first wobbly steps after a very brief period of crawling, and he has a couple of words, notably ‘Da’ and ‘no’ – but he has no concept of Christmas. 

And frankly, Andrew and Neil only have slightly more of a concept. Andrew doesn’t have many good holiday memories from growing up, and Neil never observed a single one until he went to college. These days, they technically celebrate some kind of bastardised winter holiday, though mostly it’s family, friends, and dubiously festive food.

Last year, Nicky made cupcakes that looked like snowmen and Andrew and Aaron didn’t fight, which is the best they’ve done collectively so far.

“We should get a tree,” Neil says, with a kind of fervour he usually reserves for Exy and, well, things related to Kevin. 

“Fine,” Andrew says, because he knows a lost cause when he sees one.

Neil nearly cries when he goes to the mall on December 23rd. At least half of that is because Kevin takes one look at the crowds of people everywhere and shrieks like a tiny demon.

Neil is thankful that he did up the straps holding Kevin in his stroller nice and tight. It means he can pretend to be deaf without worrying about Kevin squirming out onto the floor.

He’s pushing the stroller in front of him and dragging a shopping cart behind him with a fake Christmas tree in it when a woman in her fifties stops him to tell him, “You’re doing great, Dad.”

She doesn’t even look concerned when Neil turns a wild-eyed look on her – apparently that’s normal with parents. She just gives him an encouraging and somewhat pitying smile. He can’t believe he’s at a point in his life where random middle-aged people feel sorry for him instead of crossing the street to stay away from him.

As soon as she goes and takes her shopping cart with her, Neil pulls out his phone and dials Andrew’s number.

“Here,” he tells both of them when Andrew answers, shoving the phone in Kevin’s grasping hands. Kevin pulls the phone closer and squawks into it, and Neil hears Andrew’s calm voice murmur, “Hello, Kevin.”

After that the noise from the stroller is limited to Kevin’s usual babbling and fractured syllables. Neil doesn’t take the phone back until he’s paid for the things in his cart and got out to the parking lot.

“I’m done,” he tells Andrew, tucking the phone between his ear and his shoulder so he can get Kevin free of the stroller and into his carseat. Kevin is tired now, protesting being moved by clinging to Neil while he fiddles with too many straps.

“Congrats,” Andrew says boredly. Neil hangs up on him.

Kevin sleeps the whole way home, and wakes up exceptionally grumpy when they pull in. The only advantage is that Neil can pass him off to Andrew to deal with while he unloads the rest of the car.

He puts the tree up while Kevin is napping. It’s only four feet tall but a pretty dark green, and the tinsel and decorations look surprisingly good. It’s not a bad first attempt.

Also, the quiet amazement on Kevin’s face when he sees the lights go on after he wakes up is worth it.

Usually they rotate the place they meet for the winter holidays, but this year everyone is coming to them even though it’s technically Aaron and Katelyn’s turn to host. This is good, mostly because Neil can’t think of anything much worse than air travel with a baby and Andrew at the same time.

Nicky sweeps in wearing a Christmas sweater that even Neil can recognise as ugly, a more soberly dressed Erik in his wake. “Hello, hello! Kevin! Oh my god, he’s even cuter in real life, Neil!”

Kevin, who is used to Andrew and Neil’s moderate presences, looks shell-shocked by this level of enthusiasm. He promptly shuffles behind Andrew’s legs, hand stuffed in his mouth.

Nicky immediately softens, his face helplessly charmed. “Oh, a shy one. I see how it is.”

“He’ll warm up,” Neil reassures as he shakes Erik’s hand in welcome. Predictably as soon as Nicky sits down Kevin is all over him, investigating Nicky’s sweater with quiet curiosity. 

Aaron and Katelyn arrive not long after. They’ve met Kevin before, and he loves Aaron. Neil would like to think it’s a predisposed soft spot towards short blond men who don’t talk much, but he knows that Aaron is good with Kevin in his own right. He tries to not be annoyed by that, because he’s an adult.

No one outside this group would ever think the cousins could be any good with children, so Neil kind of cherishes their private truth. Watching Kevin squash himself between Aaron and Nicky on the couch and accidentally poke Aaron in the jaw with the corner of the book he wants them to read to him – together – is actually pretty great.

Kevin still doesn’t get Christmas, but he wakes when Nicky does at six AM, burbling quietly through the monitor. Neil is awake long enough to feel the mattress move as Andrew gets up for him and then is out again.

The next thing he knows, there’s an insistent patting at his face with a small, sticky hand. This is familiar enough by now that Neil doesn’t startle, muttering a greeting to Kevin without opening his eyes.

“Fuck that’s cute,” Nicky says from the doorway, which does get Neil the rest of the awake pretty quickly.

“Language,” Katelyn says as she passes down the hall, voice stern.

Nicky winces. “Whoops. Hey, we’re going to do presents and then Andrew’s going to make food, he says you need to get your ass up.”

“Uh huh,” Neil replies, hoisting Kevin onto the mattress before he falls trying to climb up himself. It’s a bad habit – he and Andrew both agreed it was better that Kevin didn’t try to get into bed with them in the middle of the night, for obvious reasons – but it’s kind of hard not to sometimes. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

“There’s coffee,” Nicky says, and then leaves them to it. 

Kevin is content to huddle into Neil’s side now he’s awake, sucking on his fingers again. Neil wraps him in blankets while he gets up and pulls on a t-shirt and sweatpants, and then hoists him onto his hip to take him out to the living room.

The number of presents has multiplied significantly since yesterday. They always get gifts for one another at the winter holidays, and it’s not even the first time they’ve done the whole ‘Christmas Morning’ thing, but usually that’s Andrew and Neil going along with the others, not them instigating it in their own home.

It’s weird, but nice. Neil sits on the couch by Andrew and takes the coffee offered to him, watching as Nicky introduces Kevin to the concept of unwrapping gifts.

It’s objectively pretty funny. Kevin is far more enamoured with the wrapping paper than he is with the gifts themselves, making a complete mess of the carpet as he basically rolls around in it. He opens all of them, meaning the adults have to do a confused handing over of gifts with no labels to their intended recipients once he discards them. Neil catches Katelyn taking pictures and fixes it in his mind to get them from her later.

Neil gets a small cactus from Katelyn and Aaron, and a large flat pot from Nicky and Erik, both of which are meant for his collection of pot plants and terrariums about the house. Andrew gives him a bunch of photos of Kevin from the last four months in defiance of their usual practice of not getting each other anything, which is fine because Neil got him a framed picture of Kevin crying on Santa’s lap from their ill-fated shopping trip and a new sweater. It’s a very dark green, and soft to the touch.

Eventually Kevin tires of wreaking havoc, bringing his two new toy cars to the couch and attempting to crawl up between them. Andrew hoists him up and wedges him in, taking the cars to examine them when Kevin passes them to him. He looks relaxed like this in a way most people wouldn’t assume possible, surrounded by his family and wearing a sweater that looks black but isn’t.

Katelyn takes a few more pictures. Neil is definitely going to need those, too.

#the foxhole court #andreil #kid kevin verse #my fic #christmas #christmas for children and a lot of people who don't care about christmas but do care about family!!! #andrew makes pancakes #aaron helps him #nicky and erik are in charge of dinner and katelyn does dessert #then they crack the bottle of expensive alcohol andrew bought andrew once kevin is in bed #AND IT'S NICE #BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THEY DESERVE