#your AU is absolutely amazing and heartwarming

[bruhstation]

HAPPY (EARLY) BIRTHDAY RED @hkpika07​ I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS HUMBLE ART OF YOUR THREE STOOGES

#thomas the tank engine #thomas and fiends #ttte henry #ttte gordon #ttte edward #it takes a railway #senjart #IF YOU GUYS ARE READING THIS SAY HAPPY BDAY TO RED NOW or maybe tomorrow heh #anywho. these three #(cracks knuckles) (cracks neck) #they're so fun to draw!!! especially gordon!!!! heheh #your AU is absolutely amazing and heartwarming #very feel-good! very comforting!!!!! #and it make me realize that at the end of the day no matter what ups or downs the engines go through..... they're family! #connections are very important and as living beings people have to support one another #and I love the personalities and backstories you've given to the characters; especially these three #like they're all just one big happy family!!!! being silly!!! roasting each other but most importantly having each others' backs #they're just. gosh (squishes them all like rubber ducks) #you also have some of the best takes regarding the gresley family in this website lol #I always look forward to whatever you and umi cook for these AUs. it's just that good!!!! #anyways. bruhstation's anniversary is tomorrow and I haven't drawn anything.... tch tch!!!! it's okay if I'll be a bit late I suppose

[il-predestinato]

hello beautiful elle

since it is going to be a long 3 months without our boys could you please recommend some fics that you liked? cause i really like your writings and how realistic they are and i wanted to get some of you suggestions for the break!

love you loads

Thank you, lovely anon, for your very kind message! 🥺 I must admit I have fallen behind in reading fics. I am sure I am forgetting some excellent Lestappen fics/writers, but these are some of my all-time favourites!

Lestappen Fic Recs:

And in the end I will seek you out amongst the stars by mandzilkos (@geeeooorrrge) - rating: G, 22k words

Soulmate AU where you see in black and white until you meet your soulmate, and the world goes back to black and white after your soulmate dies. This is ALWAYS the first Lestappen fic that comes to mind whenever anyone asks for a recommendation, and it is probably my all-time favourite. The fic that inspired me to write Lestappen, if I'm honest.

getting half of you just ain't enough by shybear_styles - rating: E, 20k words

The friends with benefits story that spans the 2019 season. The only thing better than amazing smut is amazing smut with feels. For sure a top 5 fic in the Lestappen fandom for me. Also, this author is simply amazing in general and you should read all of her fics! I haven't given up hope that she will return one day and write more Lestappen. 🤧

you feel the mornin' feel by shybear_styles - rating: M, 3.3k words

Remember that time Sebastian Vettel asked Charles, "Is he [Max] pretty?" And we never got an answer because Charles descended into gay panic? Well, worry not! We get an answer in this fic.

Monaco Malaise by ProngsfootxJily (@cupidskissx) - rating: E, 8k words

Rivals with benefits, takes place after the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix. Yes, this one is delicious smut but also a character study. Both of them are written so well, and it leaves you begging for more. Don't forget to check out the equally amazing sequel! (Don't worry, I have been relentlessly harassing her to write the sequel's sequel.)

algorithm by Anney (@badboy-george) - rating: M, 17k words

In a world where F1 uses simulation-based compatibility tests, five times Max doesn't find the right partner and the one time he does. Black Mirror ("San Junipero" and "Hang the DJ") vibes in the best way. Another one of my absolute favourite fics. If you've read any Lestappen fics, you've probably read "Every Other Sunday." This one is simply a masterpiece by the immensely talented Anney; definitely check out her other fics!

panem et circenses by Anney - rating: E, 13.2k words

Wow - simply devastating, haunting, an ode to these two as drivers, set in a dystopian future AU. The world building is absolutely incredible, but at its heart is such a beautiful story of love and hope. This one doesn't get enough recognition. (TW: implied non-con, not between Lestappen.)

Unlearn by wantinghopingwriting (Tazza1993) (@lightsoutfullhearts) - NR, 45k words

This is another all-time favourite, a must-read. Fake/pretend relationship to lovers multi-chapter story that is ever so satisfying; both of them are so well characterized. Set in a parallel-ish 2022 season. I really cannot recommend this one enough.

the edge of what can be loved by Ledger_m (@the-last-jedis) - rating: T, 13k words

The third wheel fic from the perspective of Max and Charles' various "Steves." It's funny, heartwarming, and everyone on the grid is nosy as fuck.

Charles Leclerc vs Red Bull caps by Ledger_m - rating: T, 6.4k words

Charles is the hero we all need, as he goes on a mission to get rid of all of Max's stupid Red Bull caps. This is REQUIRED reading! Kami is a genius. Go read all of her fics.

If You Don't Play, You'll Never Win by antimonyandthyme (@antimonyandthyme) - rating: T, 4.1k

Post 2021 Monaco Grand Prix. Max wants to take their relationship further; Charles... doesn't. Oh my God, where do I begin to describe how much I love this fic. The language is beautiful, both of them are so well-written, and I feel punched in the gut over and over again in the best way. The ending (well, the whole thing) is so damn satisfying.

all's well that ends well (to end up with you) by stylestappen (@stylestappen) - rating: G, 3k words

Max has a meltdown in the cereal aisle (yes, the cereal aisle) at 3 am when he realizes he is in love with Charles despite the latter's questionable taste in cereal. Dani has an absolutely wicked sense of humour! (Although I don't understand what she has against cocoa puffs 😭.) She also wrote a banger of a Lestappen soon-to-be teammates fic, so make sure to check out her profile.

Max Verstappen: Spotify Extraordinaire by frnndtorres - rating: G, 26k words

Max makes Spotify playlists for the grid. Fluffy, funny, care-free, liberal use of nicknames, with a healthy dose of feels between Max and Charles. A really fun read.

i love the way your green eyes mix with that malibu indigo by altissimozucca (@altisssimozucca) - rating: G, 11k words

Max and Charles spend summer of 2020 together in Malibu and try not to fall in love. Spoiler alert: they fall in love. I feel the urge to explain something: When I first started reading Lestappen, there were less than 250 fics in their entire tag (yeah I know, we are currently close to 3000 fics, which is insane). From 2019-2021, we truly lived off crumbs. So trust me when I say that we owe so much to altissimozucca, who wrote something like 40% of the fics in the Lestappen tag and nearly single-handedly kept us fed in those days. It's so hard to pick one of her fics to recommend, so make sure you check out her profile for more!

#803442 by altissimozucca - rating: M, 1k words

Max and Charles celebrate the end of the 2019 season in a hotel room. So soft, so fluffy, so satisfying.

Bruises by eefiplier - rating: E, 5.1k words

I think of this one as THE Lestappen smut fic. Oh my God, it's 5k words of amazing established relationship smut with all the feels. A classic. I can read this one over and over again.

outside the box by playclock (@endowataru) - rating: M, 6.1k words

Max falls in love with Charles' driving... oh and Charles himself too. They are ultra competitive idiots who are madly in love. There aren't enough established relationship fics out there, but this one is simply amazing. And don't forget to check out this author's profile for additional Lestappen fics. I promise every single one is a banger!

i made it link by link by purpleglasseswrites (@f-ferrari-forever) - rating: M, 4.2k words

Charles and Max try to be kinky, but who are they kidding - they are far too vanilla for that stuff. 🤣 This one is so sweet, and don't forget to read the sequel!

One man's trash, another man's treasure by AzziNow (@track-terror-apologist) - rating: T, 4.2k words

Charles turns into a raccoon and terrorizes everyone except Max. (Well, he terrorizes Max too... slightly.)

Call it madness, call it love… by AzziNow - rating: M, 3.5k words

Ferrari auctions off Charles for charity. No angst, just fluff. Alpha!Max/Alpha!Charles. So I confess that I never read A/B/O fics. There's nothing wrong with it - just not my cup of tea. But I really enjoyed this one. Al has such a chaotic sense of humour.

it all reminds me of you by grandprix (@grandprix-ao3) - rating: E, 3k words

Secret relationship Lestappen with flashbacks. Oh the yearning, the desire, the smut - incredibly satisfying. I must put a plug-in for this author's other Lestappen fics as well. Never misses - make sure to check them out!

burning you into my mind by thightattoos - rating: E, 4.1k words

Porn with feels and possessiveness. You cannot ask for anything more. I must have read this one a dozen times.

an evil plan or two by witchee_writer - rating: T, 5.2k words

Max and Charles are roped into a plan to get Brocedes back together; they come to a few realizations along the way. The only thing better than a Lestappen fic? A Lestappen AND Brocedes fic!

Fine Line by empireoffclouds - rating: NR, 7k words

One of the more light-hearted enemies to friends to lovers fics. I absolutely adore their dynamic here - it's snarky, warm, but also so them. The incomplete sequel is also a super fun read.

Into Darkness Of Thought by flamingosarepink - rating: T, 1k words

After the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix, Charles thinks Max isn't coming back to their shared space.

steal softly under castle walls by untouchableocean - rating: G, 521 words

Max gets home late from Milton Keynes and Charles has already fallen asleep. Short, tooth-rooting fluff of the best kind.

Zoomies by greeny1710 (@maxlambiase) - rating: E, 2.2k words

This one is just hilarious. A (mostly) naked Max walks into Charles' team Zoom call during the COVID lockdown.

...and many, many more that I'm sure I have forgotten! 🙈 You can also check out my AO3 bookmarks (the first few pages are pretty much all Lestappen fics).

Please remember to leave kudos and comments for these amazing writers. The talent in this fandom is absolutely incredible. They all deserve so much recognition. Happy reading!

#max verstappen #charles leclerc #lestappen #lestappen fic #fic recs #elle.ask #anon #a list of incredibly talented people #for reference #fave

[yuri-is-online]

I guess I can call myself a returner of interest in Fyuuture kid au to the masses, and I'm proud of it🏅 the part with other four dorms was absolutely amazing! Thank you! And your reply to my previous message was so heartwarming. My baby boy🥹 Yuu really should beat the magical marshall with a slipper when they meet again, no one touches THE bestest boy😤

It seems like I'll have to write down my questions, cause I tend to forget them in two minutes 😔 but there's the one I remember:

It was discussed in one of the posts (Riddle!Yutu), how does Yutu look like?🤔 I thought he would bear more resemblance with Yuu, so everyone wouldn't quickly (or immediately with some fathers) make conclusions. Does he have beastmen characteristics if his dad's from Savannaclaw? Does he inherit Idia's hair? Can he transform into octopus/eel/dragon form? (In twisted wonderland, I mean, not in Yuu's homeworld. I've read that post💅🏻) Is he as tall as the twins? 🤔 imagine 190 sm or 6ft 3, duckling following you

Have a nice day/evening, take care of yourself!

You should be very proud of yourself annon I am having a lot of fun with this! The Magical Marshall's are a government organization so the image of Yuu charging a fed with a slipper gave me a laugh, but yes they should. How dare they hurt Yutu ୧(๑•̀ᗝ•́)૭

imagine 190 sm or 6ft 3, duckling following you

Hand slipped. Anyway Yutu wears a pretty big sweatshirt sweater dress type thing that obscures a lot of his facial features though I did briefly play with the idea of him wearing a sort of mask similar to an FFXIV ash mask:

The justification was that the air in the future timeline! Twisted Wonderland was so polluted by blot and Yutu was so used to breathing it he needed some magical assistance... I think I also wrote some bullshit about the mask applying a glamour to Yutu so he didn't need to wear the big sweatshirt, but I feel like the mask would be more suspicious than just some guy who wants to keep his hood up.

As for those unique features, yes. With the exception of Malleus! Yutu, all of the non human Yutus found themselves transforming into an entirely different species when they came through the mirror into Twisted Wonderland. It was an extremely painful experience, imagine having your parent basically die in your arms and the next thing you know you are turning into a giant pacific octopus on the floor of a castle in front of a bunch of people. Yutu should be rewarded for not losing his shit then and there. The beastmen Yutus needed some time to adjust to having stronger hearing and senses of smell, the merfolk Yutus basically missed the first few months of magic education getting used to their merfolk forms, and Yutu Shroud had his hair instantly set itself on fire and had a massive panic attack. The beastmen Yutus have to keep their extra features tucked underneath their hoodie, which is very frustrating for Jack! Yutu who has a lot of floof that suddenly has nowhere to go. Lilia! and Sebek! Yutu don't have any noticeable appearance differences (unless you like the thought of him having Sebek's hair color), but I do like the idea of their teeth getting sharper. I prefer to leave a lot of Yutu's appearance up to the reader, but I had a super clear picture of Riddle! and Epel! Yutu as being short, and the more I think about the merfolk... I see Floyd! Yutu as being a sort of middle ground between his parents's height and Jade! Yutu as being about as tall as his dad. Oh and Azul! Yutu is taller than his dad, he is a bulky boy.

Now. Malleus! Yutu. So dragon fae hatch from eggs that can only be created out of love and constantly need to receive magic from their loving parent. That clearly didn't happen with Yutu, so I don't think he can transform into a dragon. He is still clearly inhuman, he has Malleus's eyes and ages much more slowly than other humans, even in your world he looked really young for his age. Think of Malleus! Yutu as sort of playing by half-elf rules, he's going to be living for hundreds of years and as he gets older he will grow tiny horns and some scales around them. He is also the strongest of the Yutus magically speaking, he did get some love from his father after all.

I did have a thought of sorts about the whole egg thing... I mentioned before that I had played with the idea of giving certain Yutu's siblings, and while I am still uncertain of the others I can see Malleus! Yutu having a twin of sorts who did hatch out of an egg, who can transform into a dragon, and who would have been left behind in Twisted Wonderland. I have so many ideas I wrote a lot of them down but this au is already so complicated I don't know if I want to add her. I do really like it though...

#<3 asks #twisted wonderland x reader #twst x reader #future kid au #twst spoilers #the other yutus who had siblings were Jade! Yutu and Trey! Yutu #also sort of Rook! Yutu but i am less sure on that

[its-tortle]

crows fic recs 🐦‍⬛

put this list together for a friend a few weeks ago and thought i may as well share it here. it's mostly wesper :)

without a mouth i can swear your name by @kvothes - 32k - the only hogwarts au i've ever read that was genuinely great. wylan goes missing and the others go on a mission to find him.

the pugilist's creed by bardelow - 123k - post book canon. wylan and matthias are kidnapped and the other have to get them back. this is whump and angst and ahh but i swear it is also comfort.

if you love her by heavenlyshadows - 3.9k - modern au. kanej take their relationship at their own pace. this is just so sweet

dance with me, darling by @demigodbeautiies - 3.8k - a cute and fun and messy wesper propsal fic

somewhere full of bright colors and beautiful sounds by @demigodbeautiies - 15k - an absolutely beautiful marya hendriks character study

the handmaid by maudeelise - 78k - the crows run a con where jesper is to pose as wylan's handmaid. it goes predictably awry. this one is so so slay and has an amazing plot twist and just ?? reading it as it was updating was insane

keep you safe by @aphroditestummyrolls - 42k - in a post-canon au which has elements from the show and where jesper took the parem (it makes perfect sense when you read it i swear) colm shows up in ketterdam looking for jesper. complicated but heartwarming family reunion

big reputations by @downn-in-flames - 61k - the college au chatfic that has become such a core in this fandom for all the right reasons. so so much fun

#i havent read crows fics in a hot minute #so this is not as recent as it could be #but i had it together all ready so i might as well share it here in case anyone is interested #fic recs #six of crows #tortle recs fics #six of crows fic

[aeor-is-for-reccing]

Sickfics: A Shadowgast Rec List

This week, we have sickfics! Check under the cut for 8 fics that depict Caleb and Essek while ill and unwell, and the care and angst that come with that; and don't forget to comment and kudos if you like them!

Of Broken Plans and Places to Be by ThreeGremlinsInATrenchcoat (8856, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek contracts a mysterious illness in Aeor. Caleb worries, and gets intense about it.

Reccer says: Care shown when someone falls ill is one of my weaknesses, and this is a great fic for displaying all of Caleb's conflicting emotions.

in sickness and in health by viciousmollymaukery (1219, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek gets a cold. Caleb takes care of him

Reccer says: I liked it!

The Mind and The Malady by SaltCore (38941, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek comes down with Hanahaki disease, and tries to hide it from the Nein

Reccer says: I'm a sucker for the Hanahaki trope but I love how Essek tries to compentalise what he's going through with his notes. The reveal is just amazing and the hurt and comfort are both amazing.

reaching the starlight by CherryMilkshake, eldritchmochi (86552, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: Discussion of bulemia, mental illness

AKA the Camming AU. Caleb and Essek have separate camming streams, and decide to team up for the views. Then it gets complicated.

Reccer says: There's a lot of depth in the fic outside of the sickness portion of it - a lot of hot porn, a lot of great exploration of complicated feelings, but also the sickness portion unfolds in a slightly different (but very satisfying) way than usual

Overheated by oswinpond (2856, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn

Essek (and Caleb) suffer the effects of too much time in the sun

Reccer says: Hypothermia is more used in fandom, but this is a great whump fic with heatstroke as the illness

i can feel it taking hold (now i am a chemical) by atlasarcana (23739, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Dubcon/Consensual Non Consent, Elements of horror (think: monster chase scene); the ethics of helping your SO through sex rabies

Essek contracts a sickness from a drow poison that makes him go feral and lethal unless he "sweats out" the toxin with sex. This is partly a sex pollen fic, partly a sick fic; both heavily inform the central conflict.

Reccer says: I like how high the stakes are, making it just as angsty and scary as it is heartwarming and a demonstration of devotion and trust. Note that it's the third of a series with an overarching plot.

the hole in the stone by MinnesotaBruja (13243, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: animal/pet death

Shortly post-Cognouza, Essek takes a position as a lighthouse keeper on a remote island north of Eiselcross. These are his letters to Caleb.

Reccer 1 says: It's absolutely beautifully written, with a lot of loneliness and aches and angst before it gets better Reccer 2 says: The formatting is so interesting, and the illness and comfort depiction is just the best

Prompt #13 - kissing someone's forehead by ariadne-mouse (917, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Caleb catches a cold while the M9 are traveling and Essek fusses over him, not being familiar with human illnesses.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Aeor is for Lovers is an 18+ Shadowgast Discord server. The above fanfic recommendations were pulled from our community for this weekly event. All fics, unless otherwise specified, will primarily feature Shadowgast. Have any questions about what this is? Check out the FAQ! Next week, we’ll be back with HIDDEN GEMS

#shadowgast #caleb widogast #essek thelyss #critical role #cr fic recs #fan fiction rec list #aeor is for lovers #critical role fan fiction #cr fics #cr fic #sickfic

[rwrbficrecs]

Readers' Choice Rec List Part 6 of 7

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

confess my truth (in swooping, sloping cursive) by viciouslyqueer

anon: So fluffly it hurts

The Earth Turns by @smc-27

anon: 4 AUs, one for each season. The stories fit the season SO WELL

all that glitters (is not gold) by @indomitable-love

@dot524: This is a beautiful continuation of the book that feels like canon - angst, fluff, and just a great story arc. Loved it!

No Sense or Sensibility by @inexplicablymine

anon: So many… 1. Their first fic ever (what!?) 2. Austen references 3. Idiots to Lovers, need I say more 4. They are dating but don’t know it 5. So sweet it rots your teeth

Route 11 by @welcometololaland

anon: Hilarious and heartwarming and deeply relatable if you've ever spent any time on public transport. The way their relationship unfolds is so lovely!

With So Much of My Heart (None is left to protest) by @kiwiana-writes

@inexplicablymine: The boys as actors playing a genderbent Shakespeare iteration of Much Ado About Nothing on the West End while falling into each other’s beds (and in love). Written to absolute perfection I really don’t need to say more.

Let Me Wash Away Your Worries by beckettbucket

anon: it's just so soft and comforting and one of my go to reads when I have a bad day

do they sew wings on tailored suits? by @formorewishes (WIP)

anon: This is fic is absolutely gorgeous and handles the abdication theme beautifully! If you weren't already sure Henry would abdicate, this fic will convince you.

Wobbles by @hms-chill

anon: I absolutely loved this one, and it shows Bea's character so well. Also, it shows how Mr. Wobbles came to be, and imo everything featuring shelter animals is too notch.

@anticomedygarden: This fic is such a great look into Bea's character! Plus, rescue animals! ❤️❤️

And The Show Goes On by @orestespdf (WIP)

anon: Explores Henry's background in such an amazing way, and the Crown (and high society) is depicted so likely that you have to like it. Also, chapter 8 is one of the best of its kind.

#readers choice #rwrb fic recs #red white and royal blue #firstprince

[l8rs-gat0rs]

we all saw how Steven was just entranced by Layla in the show 😭 so could you do a fic where he emotionally cheats on the reader, so when she finds out and confronts him he’s on his hands and knees begging her not to leave him, but she’s over him and leaves the apartment.

That’s all I got, you can’t choose the ending if you want

(Feel free to ignore if you’re not comfortable writing this)

The Mind Wanders

Pairing: Steven Grant x Reader

TW: Not completely sure, but the subject matter may trigger some people so I'm putting a warning in case because writing this fic did bring up shitty memories from a past toxic relationship.

(But pls don't feel bad abt requesting this anon, I loved writing it! It was so fun to create a story around your request, it really flexed my creative muscles to create a story with emotional depth like this. Also, I kinda played with the prompt a lil' bit, so she doesn't "find out" she knows, but she's in denial. I hope you're okay with that!)

Warning(s): ANGST. Emotional cheating, heartwarming fluff to cure your angsty pain <3 , Set in an AU before the events of the show, Third person, very minimal y/n use. Steven's redemption arc is told through his own POV.

Summary: you find out Steven's mind has been wandering. He's become quite entranced with another woman, and you won't stand for it. After you leave, Steven is determined to do anything, and everything to regain your trust.

Word count: 6.2k

Thank you, Anon for this request!!! <3

And credits to my dear friend Lina for helping me with this fic, and also being my proofreader. I had a little roadblock but she gave me amazing ideas for Steven's redemption arc :) her brain is amazing.

~~~~~~Enjoy!~~~~~~

You've been dating Steven long enough.

Long enough to know his tells.

Long enough to know he was lying when he said Layla was "just a friend" to him.

And that's how you got to where you are right now. Sitting at a bar downtown, drinking your feelings away.

Earlier...

You and Steven were at a coffee shop for a late afternoon coffee and tea that you suggested, just to get out of the house for a little. He was currently talking about the cutest kid that had shown up at his work.

"She was quite literally dressed as Sekhmet, and she was telling me about how she wanted to be a doctor!" Steven explained animatedly.

You smiled at the thought.

"She was absolutely adorable, I'll tell you that." He said before taking a sip of his tea.

"Yeah I'll bet she was," you chuckled.

Suddenly the bell on the coffee shop door rang and you noticed Steven immediately became attentive and sat straight up, staring at the person who just walked in.

Confused, you turned to see who it was and your face quickly turned emotionless with a hard stare. You turned back to Steven after seeing who it was.

"H-Hey, Layla!" Steven said, calling out to her name and waving. 

Layla's head turned and her eyes lit up as she noticed Steven, promoted to make her way to our table.

"Oh, hey Steven!" she said with a bright smile.

You watched Steven's face, he gave her a crooked smile and blush painted his cheeks.

When Layla noticed you, she smiled kindly and greeted you as well, "Hi y/n".

You eyed Steven’s fiddling fingers, nearly forgetting to answer, doing your best to chalk his behavior up to the crowded atmosphere.

"Hey Layla" you replied, making sure to perfectly hide your discomposed state behind a small smile.

"What brings you here Layla?" Steven asked. 

 "I was just in the neighborhood for some archeology stuff and I saw this place, so I thought I'd stop in and grab some coffee," she explained.

"Interesting, what kind of archeology stuff?" Steven asked, looking at her as if she was the goddess Isis herself.

"Well, there were some old Egyptian artifacts recently dug up at a cemetery, so they've called for me to take them and bring them back to Egypt." She seemed excited about her task.

Steven, on the other hand, looked like someone had just kicked a puppy in front of him.

You felt like grabbing him and running out of the store with him, but of course, that would be childish, so you kept your mouth shut.

 "Wait, you're going to Egypt? For how long?" Steven asked with a frown.

"A week." she said.

"Well, when are you leaving?" Steven asked, his disappointment showing through even as he tried to hide it.

"I've got a flight this Saturday actually, gotta take that Sunday to recover from the flight" she laughed.

Before Steven could say anything else, because he practically looked like he was about to beg her to take him with her, you spoke up.

"Wow, Layla that's so great! I'm really excited for you, I know you love Egypt." you said supportively.

She smiled gratefully.

"I love Egypt too!" Steven interjected, causing your jaw to clench. 

Layla giggled, causing Steven to look like he just won the jackpot.

"Yeah, I do love Egypt, I'm glad to be going back. Thanks y/n" she said kindly.

You nodded in acknowledgment, your jaw still locked, afraid that if you opened your mouth your emotions would blow up at Steven.

"Well I've got to go, but it was nice to see you both, I'll see you around," she waved at both of you before getting in line to order her coffee.

You both waved back, Steven admittedly way more animated than you, watching Layla go to the counter to order her coffee.

"Oh she's just the best isn't she? Wow, Egypt!" He exclaimed, turning back to his tea.

"Yeah, it's really cool." you said half-heartedly.

But of course, Steven didn't seem to notice anything was wrong at all, and he continued to talk about Egypt and Layla the rest of the time you were there.

You didn't hate Layla, you knew it wasn't her fault that Steven seemed to be entranced by her. Hell, she seemed as oblivious to Steven's feelings as he was to yours.

Steven had met Layla last month, when she was visiting the museum he worked at, checking out the artifacts in the ancient Egyptian exhibit. Steven introduced her to you that very same day and it didn't bother you at first, how much he talked about her. You knew he was just happy he found someone who shared his interest in ancient Egypt, you were even happy for him. On the rare occasion you three hung out, she was a great friend to you as well. But then you started to see the signs.

The way he would have stars in his eyes when he talked to her, or even about her. The way that whenever he looked at her, he looked at her like she was the only person on earth. When he listened to her speak, he was hanging onto every single word she said.

He never explicitly cheated, of course, Steven would never do that, he wouldn't even hurt a fly. At least not with intention.

He was still charming towards you and the two of you acted like a couple. There was never anything wrong, even physically.

But whenever Layla came into the mix, you became a third wheel.

The two of you left the coffee shop eventually, the sun was setting and there was a chill of winter breeze though the streets of London.

You walked together back to Steven's flat, which you had been living in for around two months now.

You smiled fondly as Steven talked in the background while you remembered the day he asked you to move in with him. It was on your 10-month anniversary, he had been so nervous he was practically shaking. You remember thinking it was a bit fast to move in, but then again,

It was Steven.

so of course you said yes.

He was still your Steven. You turned to him and smiled as he glanced at you, holding your hand with the cutest smile on his face.

The two of you took the elevator up to his flat and you entered together, Steven closing the door behind you, and locking it.

"So what would you like for dinner, lovely?" He asked, pressing a kiss to your cheek before moving to the kitchen.

"Hmmm, I don't know, surprise me." You said teasingly.

"Will do, one special surprise dinner coming right up!" Steven said excitedly, getting to work in the kitchen.

You giggled at how adorable he was as you hung your scarf up with your coat.

"Sit down and relax, I'll do all the work, don't you worry!" Steven moved, putting a pot of water on the stove to boil. 

"Alright Mr.Grant, I'll be waiting right here on the couch." You smiled,  taking your shoes off and plopping down on the couch.

He looked at you with a huge smile before turning back to grab some things out of the fridge.

You smiled and turned on Netflix to watch your current favorite show. 

About 1 episode in, Steven was finally finished with dinner.

"Alright, your special surprise dinner is ready!" He called, waving you over with his hand.

"Ooooo let's see what we have here" you wiggled your fingers after getting up from the couch and turning the tv off.

"Et Voilà!" Steven presented the plates to you.

"Wowww! Spaghetti and meatballs, real fancy!" You mockingly made fun.

"Yeah, but I bet it's the best spaghetti and meatballs you'll ever taste!" He chided.

"Well I'll be the judge of that." You joked, walking toward the table that was by the stove.

Steven moved to sit across from you. He watched you carefully as you got a slice of meatball before wrapping the spaghetti around the fork and bringing it to your mouth.

You chewed in silence for a little bit, hiding your reaction to how good it tasted.

"So? How is it?" Steven asked nervously.

"Mmmm" you looked up at the ceiling, finger to your chin, pretending to think.

He looked at you with hopeful eyes and you couldn't help the smile that broke your insightful thinking face.

"Steven, it's absolutely delicious." You said with a cheeky smile.

His face lit up into a wondrous smile and your heart melted.

"Wow, I'm so glad you like it!" He said before digging into his own plate.

The two of you continued dinner with some light small talk in between bites until you heard Steven's phone ding with a text notification.

You immediately recognized the different text tone and your soft smile disappeared as Steven immediately stuck his hand in his pocket and fetched his phone out.

He unlocked it and his eyes grew into big circles and he smiled.

"Wow Layla just sent me a picture of a gold scarab beetle that was found at the cemetery!" Steven excitedly texted Layla back.

You stared at him in silence as you watched him grinning, followed by a chuckle, and more texting.

Your eyes glanced at his half eaten plate of food and your rage started to boil over.

You couldn't take it anymore.

You threw your fork onto your plate, the silverware clanging loudly, causing Steven to jump and stare at you with wide eyes and a frown.

"Love?" He asked softly as he watched your face cautiously.

"Steven, I can't do this anymore." You told him seriously.

"Do what?" He asked, alarm quickly spreading across his features.

"This. With you. Us." You said.

"Wha- Why!?" He exclaimed.

"Steven, you don't see me! I'm right here, and you can't even see me!" You yelled exasperatedly.

"What do you mean!? I see you!" He said, desperately trying to understand what you meant.

He reached for your hand but you swiped it away from him and got up from the table abruptly.

Steven flinched before standing as well.

"No you don't Steven. All you see is Layla." You said bitterly. 

Tears burned your eyes as they threatened to spill, the words you had been thinking for months finally coming out of your mouth, and you held back those hot angry tears as you listened to them as if you were outside of your own body.

"Wha- I- no!" Steven denied, stuttering between you and his phone.

"Yes you do. I'm sitting here eating dinner with you and you're texting Layla. We're at the coffee shop, you see Layla, and she's all you can talk about. We could be having a random conversation, and you will bring up Layla!" You let out in frustration.

He stared at you dumbly and that made you even more angry.

You made your way to the door quickly, when Steven tried to grab your hand, you looked at him with a deadly stare and he took a firm hold on your arm.

"Let. Go. Of. Me." You said sharply.

"Lovey, please. You're making a mistake!" He begged.

You snatched your arm out of his hands and glared at him.

"Trust me I'm not, and don't fucking call me that anymore. I'm not going to stay in a relationship that I'm not appreciated in. You're already acting like you're dating Layla, so you might as well make it official." Your words laced with venom.

Steven flinched again and you continued,

"I tried to ignore it for so long, but I can't ignore it any longer Steven. I can't ignore the fact that you make me feel invisible!" You vocalized your rage, causing your words to crack near the end. You turned on your heel, putting your jacket and scarf on.

"Y/n please!" Steven sobbed, and you turned around, shocked to see him on his hands and knees.

"Steven get up!" You exclaimed.

No matter how angry you were at him, it broke your heart seeing him like this.

He sat up onto his knees and put his hands into the prayer position, looking up at you with tears in his eyes.

"Please don't go! Please, I promise Layla is just a friend! Y/n please, I need you, I-I can't lose you!" He begged through his tears.

Your heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces.

You turned back around, no longer able to look at him and you reached your hand out, gripping the door handle.

"No! No no no no y/n please don't go! Give me one more chance! I'll be better!" Steven said, fully sobbing at this point.

You gripped the door handle tighter and shut your eyes tightly without giving another glance, only able to think of all the times Steven had made you feel less important than Layla.

You opened your eyes as you opened the door, hearing his sobs, pleas, and shuddering breaths grow louder.

"I'm sorry Steven, but we're over." You said coldly before you walked out the door, slamming it behind you.

You quickly sped down the hallway and got into the elevator.

When the door closed your fully tensed body sagged and you held your head in your hands and sighed deeply.

You wiped your face before opening the Uber app and calling a car.

Presently...

So yeah. That's why you're currently on your 4th drink, looking down into your cup as if it was the most interesting thing on the planet.

Your mind wandered back to Steven, the imagine of him begging you not to leave while on his hands and his knees.

You shut your eyes painfully and shook your head.

There was a time where you believed that Steven could never hurt you. His warm, innocent eyes and gentle, nervous touches made you feel safe.

You opened your eyes and scoffed at your foolishness.

He had just been too good to be true, and you should have seen it.

You glanced at your phone,

Dammit it was getting late, but your stuff was at Steven's apartment, and there was no way in hell you were going back there.

Your eyes lit up as you remembered you kept some stuff over at your best friends Rachel and Chloe's house due to your frequent sleepovers.

You went into your contacts and dialed Chloe's number.

"Hey babes, It's been a while!" Chloe said when she picked up.

You smiled softly at the sound of her Glaswegian accent through the phone.

"Hey chlo' do you think I can stay with you and Rae for a little bit?" You said sadly, embarrassed to even be asking.

"Of course love! RAE! GET THE GUEST ROOM READY, Y/N IS STAYING OVER!" You heard her scream.

"Thanks so much Chloe" you chuckled.

"Of course, you're always welcome here!" She exclaimed.

"And one more thing?" You whispered sheepishly.

"Sure," she said, egging you on to continue speaking.

"Can you come pick me up from the bar downtown that we usually go to? I'm kiiiiinda drunk." You asked, apologetic.

"Oh god, we'll be there in 5" Chloe replied before hanging up.

You snorted and let your head fall against the bar, waiting for them to come pick you up.

You lifted your head for a second to pay and tip the bartender, before you laid your head back down after letting the bartender know you were waiting for your friends to come pick you up.

He took your money, thanked you for the tip, and nodded in acknowledgement, telling you to get home safe then moved on to serve another customer.

Chloe and Rae texted you when they arrived in front of the bar and you stumbled out.

You opened the door, and collapsed into the seat before shutting the door behind you.

You threw your head back and groaned.

"Jesus you look like absolute shit." Rae said, turning around in her seat to look at you.

"Did something happen with Steven?" Chloe asked, acknowledging you through the rear view mirror.

"Just drive," you groaned.

You told them what had happened with Steven during the car ride and they listened sympathetically.

"I told you to break up with him sooner, he's a proper bag of shit." Rae said.

You shook your head and sighed, going quiet for the rest of the ride. Your friends respected your silence.

When you got to their house, they brought you to your room and you noticed they left you a fresh set of clean pajamas to wear.

"God, I love you guys!" You yelled through the door.

"Yup!" You heard Chloe say and you giggled before changing your clothes.

When you came out of the room you saw 3 small tubs of ice cream with 3 different colored spoons in them on the coffee table in front of the tv, Chloe and Rae beacons you over to the couch. 

You plopped down in between them and pulled them into a group hug.

"I fuckin love you guys, you know that right?" You said sincerely.

"Yeah we know." Rae teased, causing the three of you to chuckle.

"Now what are we watching!" Chloe announced once the three of you pulled away from the hug.

....

The next couple of days were rough, but you got through them. You had gone back to Steven's apartment while he was at work and gathered some clothes and your important things. You'd come back for the other stuff later.

Steven surprisingly did not try to contact you but you did notice his flat seemed to be even more messy than usual. You also noted the several crumpled-up sheets of paper that you were pretty sure you knew the contents of. You shook your head sadly, trying not to feel bad for him. He was the one who hurt you, and the best thing for you now was to just move on and heal from it.

You grabbed your car keys, locked the door behind you and picked the boxes up before taking them back into your car, driving back to your temporary residence.

You silently cursed yourself for selling your old flat, but you couldn't keep paying rent for a place you didn't even live at. You thought you and Steven were in it for the long haul.

You got back to Chloe and Rae's place and brought the boxes to your room.

You sat on your bed with a sigh and started unpacking.

Steven's Pov

Steven walked into his flat and sighed at its emptiness. He missed seeing you smile at him and get up from your laptop to greet him and give him a kiss.

It had been approximately a week since you had stormed out of his apartment. He removed his coat and after placing his work bag down, he paused for a second to look around before he realized...

You had been here while he was at work, and took most of your stuff with you.

Tears started to well up in his eyes once again.

He took his shoes off and walked over to his bed with his shoulders sagged, then stepped over the ring of sand so he could lay down.

He remembered the first time you came to his apartment. He had thought of so many excuses to tell you when you would inevitably ask about the sand around his bed, as well as the ankle restraint.

When you finally set foot into his apartment, he went into full panic mode and started a word vomit.

You had stopped him before his head exploded and said you didn't care about anything weird he did because it didn't define him. You didn't care if he had a sleeping condition, or if there were books covering every possible surface of his flat. You promised him that day, you would never judge him.

He stared at his ceiling as the tears rolled down the side of his eyes and into his hairline.

You had always seen him, and you had made him feel that way.

Seen.

He thought back to what you said the day you left:

"Steven, you don't see me! I'm right here, and you can't even see me!"

His eyes were blurry as more tears welled up.

He hated himself for making you feel that way, he couldn't believe he didn't see he was hurting you.

He scoffed at himself,

it's been a week and he's still crying over you.

He sat up, wiping his eyes.

He looked around again and remembered the whole week it had taken for you and Steven to clean up his flat so it could be in the state that it was currently in.

You had told him to stop apologizing over 50 times as the two of you organized all his books so they were no longer scattered over every surface.

You had done so much for Steven without him ever even asking.

His heart ached as he glanced at the empty space in his bed where you used to sleep, right next to him every night.

He hadn't bothered to contact you in fear of you blocking him.

His phone buzzed and he quickly checked it desperately to see if you texted him.

It was Layla.

He frowned and put his phone back down, not bothering to check her text.

He hadn't meant to make it seem like he was interested in Layla, she was just the first person he ever met that shared his interest in the things he was most passionate about.

You didn't happen to be as passionate, but you also shared Steven's interests in Ancient Egyptian mythology. In fact that was how the two of you met, at the museum.

Almost the same exact way as how he met Layla.

His heart felt heavy, here he was, comparing the two of you. He was such a bloody knob.

You deserved so much better.

He could be better.

He furrowed his brows,

but how was he supposed to tell you or show you that?

He had no clue where you were even staying because he remembered you told him you sold your flat after you moved in with him.

Guilt wracked his whole body.

He thought hard about hotels in the area-

Wait.

Your best friends!

Steven grabbed his phone and checked his texts between the two of you.

He scrolled up until he saw you mention them, you had asked him to pick you up from their house when you were drunk.

He blushed heavily as he remembered what happened that night after he picked you up.

There, you had sent him the address!

He copied the address from your text and input it into his GPS.

You were staying only a couple miles from him.

The next day, Steven put on his best button up and went to the shop. He bought a stuffed animal Paddington the bear since he remembered Paddington was your favorite movie, also the reason you moved to London. He also bought a small bag of your favorite chocolates.

As Steven made his way to your current residence at your friend's place, he kept going over what he planned to say to you.

When the Uber finally arrived he was shocked out of his thoughts when the driver announced they had arrived at his destination.

He thanked them and got out, grabbing the gifts and clutching them tightly as he stared at the house that you were hopefully in.

He felt sweaty but he was determined to show you he changed.

He made his way up to the house and gingerly knocked on the door.

One of your friends opened the door.

…Which one was this?

Right, Chloe!

"H-Hello Chloe, is y/n here?" He said looking past her, trying to see inside the house.

She glared at him and covered the open space with the door, blocking his view.

"No, she's not actually, and even if she was, she doesn't want to see you anymore, so don't come here again." She said, whispering angrily at him.

Steven frowned.

"Who's at the door Chlo'?" Steven heard the sound of your melodic voice hit Steven's ears and he perked up, his eyes widening.

"It's NO ONE, just a salesman," Chloe replied, making sure Steven knew he was not welcome.

"Don't come back here again Steven, or you'll regret it." she whisper-snapped to him again.

"Why'd you say 'no one' like that?" Steven heard you say before Chloe shut the door in his face.

Steven deflated and sighed.

He would have to think of something else.

Your pov

"Because, it was no one, now get back to writing, or whatever you're doing. That's what you do for your job right?" she said, dismissing you.

"Okay mom!" you relented, rolling your eyes.

She went to the bathroom to get ready for work, and you quickly put your laptop down and ran to the window to see who was at the door.

Your heart dropped to your stomach as you saw Steven, walking dejectedly down the street holding a teddy bear and what you could tell was a bag of your favorite chocolates.

Alright, maybe it was better Chloe didn't let you talk to him, what would you even say to him?

Even the thought of talking to Steven was too painful for you so you shoved it down and went back to writing.

....

A few days later, you were on your laptop getting some work done. You started to feel hungry, so you decided to grab a snack. Chloe and Rae were both at work, but they would be home in one-two hours, and you would all have dinner together.

Rae promised she was bringing home burgers and fries tonight so you didn't have to cook.

To say you were excited was an understatement.

You carefully gathered the ingredients to make yourself a quesadilla.

You hummed to your current favorite song that's been stuck in your head for a while now as you prepared your food.

Once you were done, you cleaned up after yourself and took your food to your bedroom to eat it. (Chloe and Rae didn't need to know)

You were sitting up against the headboard, scrolling through your phone when you heard a knock at the window.

Your heart was beating in your chest as you heard it again, more rapidly and you turned to look at the window.

There was a shadow of a person behind the curtain.

You slowly put your plate on the side table and grabbed scissors out of a jar with pencils and pens.

You held it in a stabbing position as you made your way towards the window slowly, terror gripping your heart, while the person on the other side rapidly banged their knuckles against the window.

You breathed in slowly and closed your eyes before opening them and quickly pulling the curtain away and raising the scissors in a stabbing motion.

Your eyes widened and you gasped as you saw Steven hanging on for dear life to the side ledges of the window.

You quickly dropped the scissors and opened the window.

"Steven what the fuck!? how did you even get up here?" you shouted, staring at him in shock.

"Well, I did climb up the pipeline but In retrospect that was a terrible idea once I got this far up to your window." he said, looking at you in fear.

He looked down at his feet trying to secure his footing but his foot slipped and he wobbled, his eyes going fully round.

"Oh shi-!" He said, losing his balance,

before he could fall backward your reflexes kicked in and you grabbed his arm pulling him inside your room, causing him to topple inside and on top of you.

You both stared at each other with wide eyes as he was on all fours, hands and legs on either side of your head and body.

Your breathing slowed and you found yourself getting lost in Steven's round puppy dog eyes as the shock wore off.

You suddenly became hyperaware of the position you were in and your body heated up as you started to blush heavily, you noticed the same happened to Steven.

"Oh, uhhh, lemme just-" you started rambling and shifting and he mumbled some words of an apology as he scrambled to get off of you.

Once you got up, you stood a couple steps away from Steven and stared at him as he took the backpack he was wearing off.

You just watched him silently as he took out the same stuffie of paddington and bag of chocolates from the other day.

He held them out to you and stared at you, silently pleading you to take them.

You did, placing them on your bed.

Steven shuffled nervously on his feet and you crossed your arms with furrowed brows.

"Steven, I just, I have so many questions." You said angrily.

He opened his mouth to speak but you cut him off.

"One, why are you here? Two, how did you even know this was my room? And three, how did you know I was even in here?" You asked, exasperatedly.

You could see from his face that a million different thoughts were running through his head before he spoke up.

"Okay, well, I'm here because I need to talk to you. I knew this was your room and you were in here because I came here another time. And I waited till Chloe and Rachel went to work so I could actually talk to you, then I tried to knock on the door but Chloe forgot her bag and came back so I hid, then l heard the two of you talking because the window was open and Chloe said "well, this is your room" and I knew you were in here today because I saw you close the curtains when I got here." He quickly jumbled all of his answers together.

"Oh, and I didn't come through the door because... well... I wanted to surprise you. You know, be all romantic and stuff." He added sheepishly.

You just stared at him appalled.

"A-And I know I probably sound insane!" he said quickly after seeing your reaction.

"Yeah, you do. And you need to leave Steven." You said pointedly.

"No y/n! you need to understand, I did this all for you! because I can't live without you!" he tried explaining desperately.

Your hardened expression softened a bit but you stayed quiet.

Steven looked relieved when he noticed you let him speak, and he cleared his throat to look at you.

"y/n I'm so sorry I hurt you and made you feel the way I did. I didn't mean to, honestly! I was just so excited when I met Layla because she was an archeologist and she was interested in ancient Egypt and she's passionate about it just like me. So excited that I might have been too blind to see how I was hurting you. I'm so sorry that I ever made you feel unseen. I could never love Layla like I love you. These past few weeks without you have been hell. The flat feels so cold and empty. I smell your perfume on the sheets but you're not there when I go to bed or wake up. Your smile used to make my whole world shine and it's been dark ever since you left. And I know you deserve way better than me, I was a total knob, but if you will have me back y/n, I promise, for the rest of my life, I will make it my mission, to make you feel happy every day, even on the worst days. And feel free to tell me to bugger off, I'll understand and I'll never contact you again I promise. You know, if you love someone let them go, and all that."

The whole time he spoke he was looking into your eyes until his last two sentences. He was hoping so desperately that you would hear, see, and feel the sincerity in his words. You could tell. Honestly, you were just surprised he didn't stutter that entire time. But you could tell by the fact that he couldn't look at you when he said it, how painful it was for him to think you could reject him.

Again, you had dated long enough,

Long enough to know his tells,

Long enough to know he was telling the truth about everything he told you just now.

And you knew he was willing to accept the fact that he could lose you.

For you.

He was still the same puppy-eyed man who came up behind you to explain the hieroglyphs on a pillar you were looking at, just to impress you.

He was still the man who apologized to his fish when he bumped into the tank.

He was still, your Steven.

you looked down and your feet and let out a small chuckle at your thoughts.

When you looked back up at Steven, you saw he was positively beaming.

"God I've missed that beautiful melody." He said softly, tears forming in his eyes.

You smiled, your own tears forming as he walked closer to you, slowly.

You smiled, two streaks running down your face as you noticed his tears fall from his eyes.

When he stood directly in front of you, he put one hand on your cheek and held it there. His touch was so fragile, as though he thought if he held you too hard, you might break.

"Can I hug you?" He asked softly.

You nodded and he wrapped his arms around you.

You reciprocated the hug, slowing your breathing, trying to control your tears.

Steven hurt you, and he realized his mistake, nearly too late. But here he was now. doing everything in his power to rectify his mistake, promising you that he would never make you feel that way ever again. Shit, he almost fell from the 2nd floor trying to apologize.

You squeezed him tighter, and he squeezed you back.

"Thank you Steven" you whispered.

When the two of you slowly pulled away from each other, your tears finally stopped, and so had Steven's.

He wiped your tears away gently.

"Don't thank me y/n, I shouldn't have given myself a reason to apologize in the first place." He said with his hands still cupping your face.

After a beat of silence, he finally spoke up.

"So does this mean you'll move back in with me?" Steven asked hopefully.

You laughed, causing a smile to spread across Steven's face.

"Just shut up and kiss me." grabbing his face, you pressed your lips to his.

He gladly shut up and kissed you back, melting into you, you even felt his body press closer to you. You felt the dried tears on his cheeks against your face.

When you pulled away, you were both slightly panting for air, and Steven pressed his forehead to yours, holding your hands in his.

You both closed your eyes and stayed like that for a while.

When the two of you pulled away from each other you turned, looking at the things he bought you.

You held his hand and led him to your bed, sitting down next to them.

You picked up the bear and smiled at it.

"You remembered how much I love Paddington." you said, turning to look at him.

He smiled fondly at you and nodded.

"The little bear that brought you to me."

Your heart practically melted.

You put the Paddington bear down and picked up the bag of chocolates.

"And you remembered my favorite" you grinned at him, holding up the bag.

"Of course, I can never forget the beautiful noises you make every time you eat one of those." he said, blushing immediately after he said it.

"You felt your face heat up as well and you hid your face in your hands, smiling sheepishly.

You felt his hands gently grab your hands to move them away from your face.

You felt yourself get lost in Steven's eyes, the color of them matching your favorite chocolate. Reminding you that coincidentally, Steven had the power to make those same noises come from your mouth.

You were so close you could feel Steven's breath on your lips.

Suddenly you heard the door open and you both jumped back from each other.

"y/n!!!" you heard Chloe call your name, dragging it out.

"We're home! and we bought the food!" you heard Rae say excitedly.

"Shit!" you jumped up from the bed, causing Steven to the same.

"Okay, okay uhhhhh" you said quickly looking around.

"I'll talk to them first, so they don't jump you, and then I'll call you downstairs, okay?" you said quickly with your hands on his shoulders.

"Okay, I got it." Steven nodded.

"Alright great" you said rushing to open the door.

"Y/n!" Steven whisper-yelled your name causing you to pause and turn around.

"Yeah?" you whisper-yelled back.

"I love you." He reminded with a small smile.

You almost physically melted at his cuteness.

"I love you too."

You closed the door softly as you heard Chloe call your name again as she looked for you.

“Coming!”

#steven grant x you #steven grant #moon knight fanfic #layla el faouly #steven grant x y/n #steven grant x reader #fluff #angst!!! #lots of emotions tbh #Sorry this took so long anon! #I hope you like it! #My longest fic ever actually #anon #fanfic request #fanfiction #fanfic #oscar isaac fanfiction #oscar isaac characters #ugh this was so fun to write

[elluia]

My 2023 fanfic recs [1/5]

This is a multi-part series, with a countdown to the New Year!

Navigation

The best of Ike x Soren fanfics YOU ARE HERE

The best of Fire Emblem fanfics (Genealogy, Three Houses, Engage, Heroes)

The best of misc. series (Omori, Long Live The Queen, Stardew Valley)

The Spicy™ best-of (bonk)

My 2023 works recap (Fódlan and Tellius)

Let’s start with the best of Ike x Soren fanfics! To everyone’s surprise, FE blessed us with a lot of Soren content this year (an alt in January in Heroes, a DLC Emblem in Engage, and we finally won CYL!), and I am SO PROUD of the fandom for all the beautiful fanworks and projects I’ve seen come of it 💙 (I’ve finally received my copy of The Devoted zine 🥰)

A long list below the cut (with links!), and that's far from everything ✨ My eternal respect and gratitude to all the creators who made my year 💖

📚 Fanfics

Daylight by Traincat

This is peak shipping. Their entire journey, told through meals as they grow closer. 10/10, would cry again.

Prince of Shadowed Winds by Theia_Eos

An absolutely incredible Prince of Daein!Soren AU. Amazing use of the lore, perfect understanding of the characters, and still very close and respectful of canon. I can’t wait for the retelling of Radiant Dawn! (I’ll admit, I can’t bring myself to read the last two chapters and “end” for now T_T)

Radiance in Elyos by Azure_Aeraki

Incredible plot and storytelling from Emblem Soren’s perspective, and his hope to meet the Emblem Ike of the world he suddenly found himself in. And incredibly engaging story, get it?

Birdhouse in Your Soul by Aisene

The first fanfic I read in this fandom was from Aisene, is it really a surprise that I love her latest work? In this story, Bird!Yune follows Soren instead of Micaiah, and their bond is both hilarious and heartwarming at once.

Flowers Fall by Measured

Happy ending Hanahaki disease in 2023? Yes, please!

My life for yours by emblem_oracle

Also one of my long-time favourite writers for this ship. Soren takes what could have been a mortal blow for Ike, and this leads to… read it and find out?

Lonely Nightmare by SuperDuperStarry

Add Ranulf for the most wholesome of relationships? Don’t let the title fool you, it ends up really sweet!

And the story's all over you by Toothpaste_Fresh

Last but not least, a short angsty fic, and I won’t spoil it for you.

🎬 Video

I had to. It's perfection.

📝 My contributions

I’ll count them here rather than the FE part of this recap, because the ship is very much implied, they’re just not together yet 😉

A Cutting Truth

In the long summer spent in Begnion, the newly formed Crimea Liberation Army hones its skill before marching on Daein. Among them, the staff officer of the Greil Mercenaries makes a baffling choice. To be promoted as sage, Soren picks up a knife.

A look into Soren’s psyche through the second half of Path of Radiance.

The Strong Survive

A (canon-compliant) retelling of PoR’s Endgame, where Mad King Ashnard touches the medallion, and recognizes Soren. And what better way to make up for lost time than a duel to the death? After all… Only one Daein royal may survive.

Stay tuned for the FE fic recs tomorrow!

#fe9/10 #fire emblem #fic rec #fanfic rec #tellius #ike x soren #ikesoren #elluia writes #FE9 #FE10 #path of radiance #radiant dawn #Youtube #soren #ike

[jellfishjellfish]

I found your story this week and I absolutely devoured the chapters in order to catch up. It’s safe to say I’m loving it and you may recognize me as Yoko_Kurama on Ao3.

The heart wrenching story you’re writing about Branch healing from his abandonment and JD stepping up to be the brother that Branch needs is having such an effect on me. The scene where Branch has a flashback as a result of John Dory eating carrot actually brought me to tears. I’m not exaggerating, I had to reapply my eyeliner before I went out that afternoon, because of you.

I also wanna say that I’m living how much John Dory is really trying his best to do right by Branch. He’s there for him when he wakes up in the night. He does his best to cook food that Branch likes. He even address the negative self talk that Branch has ingrained in him. John may not see it yet, but he has become an 11/10 brother since he came to Pop Village.

My one ask I have is are you thinking of tossing in Kismet sometime in your AU? Though they were just a cameo at the end of Band Together, I think it’d be really cute and heartwarming if Brach managed to stumble into a new handful of other misfit trolls. Maybe after he gets his true colors back at some point he would even start singing with them? *Gasp* maybe he’d even sing at Bruce’s wedding?! Ideas, suggestions, speculation, whatever you do I’m sure I’ll love it. You’ve done nothing but blow my socks off up to this point

Hi!! Yessss your comments were amazing!! I’m so glad you’re enjoying it! ✨ I really wanted to explore the trauma and healing in detail, and I’m glad people are resonating with it (I was worried people would be bored of the pace, but I struggled to cut anything out and just decided to include all of it and hope for the best 🙃)

So I have big plans for Kismet! They won’t appear for a little while, but they have their own arc as they have such potential as characters! I’m really excited to write it, and I’m hoping people will enjoy the direction I take it in regarding them! Thank you for your ask, and thank you so much for your comments, they were so encouraging to read 😭

#dereliction trolls #dereliction #ask

[welcometololaland]

This week's theme: Rec a fic that starts with the same letter as your username (or, if you like, a part of your username) - I went with 'L' for Lolaland :)

The rules: Tag a fic that starts with the same letter as your username and describe why it's so good / how it has a hold on you. Then tag some people to see what everyone else is reading. Spread the love! Also, I'll do the round up on Sunday, so if you're still recc-ing on Saturday, no pressure! Please tag me or tag #fic rec friday so I can compile the masterlist.

I'm gonna break my own rules this week and rec more than one!

911 Lone Star

let me take your heart (love you in the dark) by @reyescarlos - this fic is so damn hot and i love that they're so flirty from the get-go. Kim has created straight fire, which is fortunate, because Carlos is a firefighter in this fic and the working together aspect is heartwarming and also leads to some...enjoyable opportunities (for them). I remember going absolutely insane in the comments for this one and there is a REASON for that.

lit the spark (that set a fire) by @reyesstrand - an amazing firefighter!Carlos AU that I only read recently, this one has the incredible transition from acquaintances to best friends to lovers and honestly, the way Maddie describes the best friend component had me sobbing. I think the main thing that stuck out to me is that at every point in this fic, even when TK didn't realise it, Carlos was exactly what he needed at that time.

love me as if i were forever by @rmd-writes - this one is so damn sweet and fills you with all the most comforting feelings. I think Rae describes it as TK and Carlos just loving each other a lot, and it's exactly the kind of vibe that a really good forehead kiss brings. Also, it was gifted to me after a family member passed away so it was SO appreciated at that time.

Red White and Royal Blue

Love is Thai food and crepe paper by @clottedcreamfudge - another ultimate feel good fic. It has notes written to each other, a sweet dynamic that includes the trademark CCF banter, some cute moments with kids. In this AU, Alex and Henry are teachers, and somehow it works SO WELL. Definitely recommend to put a smile on your face.

Open tag as always, but tagging: @rmd-writes @celeritas2997 @strandnreyes @chaotictarlos @fitzherbertssmolder @heartstringsduet @carlos-in-glasses @treluna4 @cha-melodius @pragmatic-optimist @lemonlyman-dotcom @guardian-angle22 @lutavero @ramblingdisaster73 @ramonaflow @neelyo67 @liminalmemories21 @rosedavid @jazzerdoc @firstprince-history-huh @three-drink-amy @thisbuildinghasfeelings @alrightbuckaroo @basilsunrise @actual-sleeping-beauty @sunshinestrand @watmalik

#fic rec friday #911 lone star #tarlos #rwrb #red white and royal blue #first prince #fic rec

[bluedalliances]

Heyyyyyyy, could u rec some nb/queer steddie?

Hell yes! Here are some of my favorite wibbly wobbly gendery wimey fics bc I need someone who will yell with me about them. Also, I'll leave the @ of the people who wrote them (at least the ones I could find), so you can follow them.

she likes the boys in the band (i'm her all time favorite) by @formosusiniquis

Oh, boi this fic. I spent a whole night reading because it was just that good. I regret nothing.

So, Steve and Robin go to see Corroded Coffin at the hideout and somehow fall for Eddie and Chrissy. Oh, also, Steve and Robin can read each other's minds. Ft. she/her/he/him Robin and Steve, HOH Steve, flirty Chrissy, Eddie dedicating songs to Steve and making DnD NPCs based on him, and Chrissy as Steve's cousin. Just, so so so lovely.

50k | Rated T

Also by them, since I couldn't choose between two fics I adore:

if you like this you might also like: me

This is a one shot where Steve works in a library and starts exchanging notes with Eddie, who leaves comments on Steve's recommendations. Not only is soft and amazingly written, but the books they reference are amazing at making the narrative move, I even added the ones I didn't know to my TBR. Gender is not heavily discussed or central here, but that's something I personally enjoy so, yeah. 9k | Rated T

Just like Holy Mary by @hellabifurious

A slice-of-life-ish, established relationship, found family fic where Steve explores gender and everything he was taught about being a man. Ft. Nail polish, makeovers, girl's nights, gender discussions, Steve being very, very loved.

28k | Rated T

took you for a working boy by pukner

Where Eddie tells Steve he's gay and, for some reason, that breaks Steve's heart. Ft. The end of the world, radio host Eddie, mutual crush, gender crisis, nb Stevie, just lots of wonderful stuff.

43k | Rated M

I've seen lots of recs for this one and it's really wonderful, another great fic from the same writer ft genderqueer Steve is: off the beaten path (ongoing series)

the queer kids of hawkins series by @locallmann

I've seen people talking about the first book in this series, L is for linoleum (and nothing else), but not so much for the second one, lady stardust, and it's amazing.

On how the older queer kids in Hawkins find each other, their identities, and love. Ft. Trans Eddie, NB Stevie, side ronance, queer solidarity, mom friend Steve, rocky horror as bonding, it has everything. Also, wonderfully tagged, everything you need to know is right there.

36k + 6k | Rated M and T

sit on my lap (tell me what you want) by kaleinope

Where Steve invites Eddie to spend Christmas on a cabin, and he realizes maybe his crush is not really unrequited. Ft. side Buckingham, game night, stolen sweaters, sweet and not angsty misunderstanding.

11k | Rated E | Do not have unprotected sex, children

Espresso Never Tasted so Sweet (Until I Stole it from Your Lips) by SerpentSunrise

Modern au where Steve is a barista and has a crush on one of the regulars. Here, again, gender is not a central theme. Ft. Steve being a little scared of putting himself out, tease Eddie, and lovely references to Icarus. So so good.

The author also has an ongoing work with trans Eddie, where Steve is touch starved. Check it out!

4k | Rated T

take it easy on me by the wonderful @tak-cajaz

Au where Steve is a kindergarten teacher and has a crush on Max's dad. It's a shame he's married. (No, he's not, don't worry). Ft. Supportive Robin, flirty Eddie, absolute sunshine Chrissy and cute kids. Also, misunderstandings, mutual pinning, overthinking and soft encounters.

Honestly, I'd rec everything by Kat, their writing is amazing and heartwarming, I always love every word on her fics. Check their work <3

8k | Rated T

My Favorite Form of Loving by indelicate

This is the first work in their Steddie dads series. It's Steve and Eddie's kid first day at preschool and they support each other through the anxiety of letting her go, it's really, really sweet. Ft. Trans Eddie, accepting enough community, soft dads steddie, dio references and a strong girl.

3k | Rated T

I hope you enjoy these, if you want more just let me know <3

#steddie #fic rec #go read the fic #ao3 link #gender fuckery #trans steve harrington #trans eddie munson #non binary steve harrington #stranger things fic

[sensitivebish26]

Yandere! Chef Saltbaker x Reader

A/N: it’s finally here! Parts 1 & 2 together!! Thanks for waiting <3

SPOILERS:

This an AU where Saltbaker DOES WIN!

Plus it’s gonna be a mature (18+) story later on

~~~~~

The Inkwell Isles, once full of trapped souls, now free and at peace. It was another beautiful morning, the birds were chirping as the sun slowly shined its way through your window. You sat up and yawned as you stretched your sleepy body.

    "Man, that was a great sleep! I wonder if those troublemakers have anything planned for today." You thought aloud as you got out of bed and started getting ready for the day.

Time skip

    When you finally finished getting ready, you started heading to your best friend's house, Cuphead and Mugman. Once you reached their place, you knocked on the door and moments later Elder Kettle opened up.

    "Oh, hello (y/n)! Come on in, the boys are having breakfast. Boys! You have a visitor!" Elder Ketle declared loudly as you followed him to the kitchen. Sitting at the table were the two brothers, eating up their plates stacked with pancakes.

    "Hey, (y/n)!" They both happily greeted you. You gave a warm smile and a 'hey!' in return. After Cuphead and Mugman finished with their breakfasts, all three of you said your goodbyes to Elder Kettle and headed out.

    "That was a great breakfast! Now we have all the energy for today!" Cuphead said as he raised his biceps, looking full of confidence.

    "Is there something special going on today?" You asked, unbothered by his demeanor.

    "We're going to see a friend of ours who asked for our help for something, not sure what though. But we're going to need to go to Inkwell Isle 4 to do that," Mugman said, "wanna come along with us?"

    "Heck yeah! I've been craving for an adventure!" You claimed excitedly as the three of you made your way to the ferry.

Mini time skip

    As the ferry was arriving to the 4th island, you noticed a young ghostly girl waiting by the dock.

    "Hey, who's that?" You asked.

    "That's our friend we've been talking about, Ms. Chalice! She told us she knows someone who can help her become alive again!" Cups stated. Just as the ferry stopped, Ms. Chalice eagerly greeted the cup brothers.

    "Hey, fellas! It's great to see you guys, and just in time! Here." Ms. Chalice handed Mugman a chocolate chip cookie. He took a big bite out of it and in a flash they switched places! You and Cuphead just stood there in shock. Mugs was now a ghost and Ms. Chalice... alive!?

    "Hey look! It worked!! Now I can finally introduce myself properly. I'm Ms. Chalice, but you can just call me Chalice for short. It's real swell to meet you!" Chalice cheered as she reached her hand out to you. You smiled and took her hand.

    "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Chalice! I'm (y/n). The boys here were just explaining to me about your situation and how you know someone who can help."

    "That's right! C'mon, I'll take you guys to him. You can meet him and I can show him that his cookie works!" Chalice exclaimed as she led you all into the town of Inkwell Isle 4. Arriving at a local bakery, Chalice happily skipped in, with the boys following right behind. You hesitated, something didn't feel quite right... You just shrugged the feeling off, thinking you were just anxious for the adventure, and headed inside.

As you walked in, you looked around. It was a cute little bakery with the most delicious looking sweets on display and the most amazing smells.

“C’mon, (y/n), ya slowpoke,” Chalice hollered to you. You slightly blushed from being flustered and embarrassed as you quickly headed over to the counter, “meet my friend who made this possible, Chef Saltbaker!” You finally noticed the man she introduced you all to, the supposed owner of the bakery. He was a tall, chubby yet muscular man with the most heartwarming smile. He let out a slight, deep chuckle before speaking.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to meet you! And your name is?” You snapped out of your daze, blushing even more than before.

“Oh, s-sorry! I-I’m (y/n), it’s a pleasure to meet you as well!” You gave a slight giggle as Saltbaker just kept looking at you with that smile on his face. The more you looked at him, the more charming he became. But just then, Chalice and Mugman switched back to their original places. Chalice frowned upon this as Mugs and Cups sighed in relief.

“Oh, my! That cookie… the taste is sweet, but the effect is brief. Fret not, though! I’ve come up with this recipe that will allow you to have complete control over the astral plane! The Wondertart! Which also means no more switching bodies.” Saltbaker declared as he held out a recipe. Cuphead took it as you all gleamed with excitement and hope.

“However,” the chef said in a low and serious tone, “these ingredients can only be found where the most fearsome foes around reside!”

“That won’t be a problem for us! We can handle any foe in our way!” Cuphead proclaimed as the other two cups cheered in agreement. Unlike the cups, you were powerless. You were never able to truly help with the battles Cuphead and Mugman dealt with, during their soul-nabbing times, that is. You were always supporting them though, cheering for the boys and giving them both a big ol’ hug once it was all over.

“Well,” you started speaking, grabbing everyone’s attention, “this doesn’t look like the adventure for me. You cups better stay safe while I sit this one out.”

“Aw, c’mon, (y/n)! We just can’t leave you behind!” Cups whined.

“Yeah! You wanted an adventure, too!” Mugman whined as well. The three cups were trying to convince you to go when Saltbaker interrupted.

“Ya know, I’m still perfecting the recipe. If you’d like to help, you’re more than welcome to, (y/n).” You gave Saltbaker a soft smile in return.

“Yeah, let’s do that! Besides, I need some practice with my baking anyway. It’s been a while!” You claimed. The cups cheered and eagerly said their goodbyes as they rushed out, determined to get those ingredients. Once they were gone, you turned your attention towards the large chef. He still had that loving smile on his face. You just couldn’t help but gaze at him some more. You finally noticed that he’s… made of glass?

“Well, shall we get started?” Chef Saltbaker’s deep voice broke the quiet air, snapping you out of your daze once again.

“Y-yes, absolutely! So what do we need to do to get started?” You followed Chef Saltbaker to the back of the bakery. It was a cute little kitchen (upstairs & not the dungeon!), full of sweets and cutlery all around. Saltbaker stopped at a table that looked like a large chopping board and turned around to look back at you.

“Well, first things first. You said you need some practice? We can start with simple recipes for now, if that sounds good to you?” He suggested as he readied himself to do some baking. You nodded in anticipation.

You and Chef Saltbaker began to cook a whole assortment of sweets such as cookies, cakes, pastries, and more! The two of you seemed to have good chemistry and opened up to each other fairly quickly. As you guys chatted, you both started to realize you shared a few of the same interests, baking being the main one. You grew up always having a love for baking, as it was something you enjoyed doing, though it was more of a hobby than a lifestyle. Saltbaker secretly admired you for your love of baking, one of the many things he would soon start to admire you for.

As the hours passed, your worry for the little cups was starting to rise. Chef saltbaker noticed this and gently placed a firm hand on your shoulder.

“Are you ok, (y/n)? You seem like you have something on your mind.”

“O-oh, yeah. I’m ok. It’s just been a long time since the cups left for those ingredients. I hope they’re ok…” you muttered as you glanced up at the clock that was hanging on the wall. Saltbaker gave your shoulder a quick squeeze before letting go.

“You realize it can take the cups days until they can get all the ingredients, right?” Saltbaker said as you looked back at him in shock. But quickly your shock faded to embarrassment.

“Ugh, that’s right,” you groaned as you palmed your forehead, “I totally forgot! They were gone for like almost two weeks last time they had to fight some foes!”

“Well,” Saltbaker chimed in, “it is starting to get late. Why don’t you go on home and get some rest. I can clean the rest up.” The large chef assured you as you nodded in response.

“Alright then. Thank you for letting me help bake, Chef Saltbaker, it was fun!”

“Please, just Saltbaker. Or even Salty for short~” The chef cooed at you. You blushed slightly as you gave a light giggle.

“R-right. See you tomorrow, Salty!” You left and started heading to the docks, already excited for the next day with the chef.

~~~~~

Thank you for reading <3

#cuphead #cuphead dlc #cuphead delicious last course #chef saltbaker #chef saltbaker x reader

[mrspockify]

🙅‍♀️ and ✏️ for the fic asks :D

🙅‍♀️ What is one trope you refuse to ever write?

Probably things like soulmate AUs/Hanahaki (?) disease AUs. I just really don't like those tropes lol

Also self-insert and the like. Respect to x reader writers but I could never 💀💀

✏️ What is your fave fic from another writer?

Yay I'm glad someone asked me this one!! I will not be choosing just one, so have some fic recs:

The Luigi Wasn't Saved AU by head_in_the_clouds13 is absolutely incredible, beautifully written, and so, so, so sad (but has it's heartwarming moments to make up for it!). Genuinely made me cry more than once. Read it. Then read it again.

The Voiceless series by TheAngelofAngst!! Such a great and unique take on mute Mario, so much brotherly comfort and love. Made me gasp and cry and all the things!

Speaking of mute Mario, everyone go read MrsLuigiVargas's fics because they are all great! no words can say how much i care was the first mute Mario fic I read, and it got me absolutely hooked!

Obviously everything peaches2217 posts. He doesn't post all fics to ao3 so also here's her fic tag on tumblr, as well. Incredibly beautifully written every time, amazing Mareach content to keep my heart happy and full.

And I could never not mention Vegebulluv who is single-handedly providing us with the most amazing young Peach content out there, I'm obsessed with the backstory that's unfolding in these fics!

Also some fave 18+ fic recs because there's never enough of them: Safe by salfishersgf, Finally by somethingscarlet13, and Under the Table by DutchSmellsOfMangos.

#feel like there's probably fics I'm forgetting to mention but here are some haha

[ash-and-starlight]

ngl ive been reading all your asks abt swbts and. you’ve opened the floodgates. before i start screaming let me say i absolutely adore your art across all the different fandoms you’ve been doing forever and all the fandoms you’ve only done a few pieces for. now that that’s said let me rant.

FBDHSJSHRBDNAKSKSKFJTJCNC I HAVE SO MANY FEELINGS

SPC HOW FUCKING DARE YOU

i definitely got into the series bc of you so thanks for the emotional damage i haven’t been this fucked up since reading the locked tomb - i was finishing swbts on the way to get a christmas tree and everyone in the car was looking at me in absolute bafflement as i sat there sobbing

your art of everybody is actually so gorgeous i would do anything for your ma and xu da (i love his skater-boyification) but god damn baoxiang. the way you draw him is just so ugh. no words but like 😳 holy fucking shit.

some variation of your art (credited ofc) is my profile pic on pretty much every single thing i have an account on bc its just so beautiful

dont want to take up too much of your time so ill end it here but i just got hwdtw for christmas snd im devouring it and have already cried once

alright bye and hope you have an amazing day :) <3

aaaa thank youuuu it’s so heartwarming to know ppl like my art no matter the fandom it’s for 🥹🥹

NSBDNS SPC OWES US A CARE PACKAGE!!! sorry to hear abt the crying sesh during the christmas tree drive i hope it was cathartic lmao. and aaaawlfksn thank youuuuu!! so happy to hear u like my art (yeah having to reckon with the Truth that wbx would serve lethal levels of cunt in a modern au was a surprise for me too lmao) and that you use it as pfp 🥹🥹🥹🥹 have fun with hwtdw bestie i’m never recovering from that

#i’ll see you on the other side lmao #THANK YOUUUUUUUU #ANSWERING THJS LATE BUT I HOPE U ALSO HAVE AN AMAZING DAY AND START OF 2024!! #ash replies

[just-an-enby-lemon]

Some of My WTNV/DC AU no one asked for:

Janet Lubelle: Then he goes "Janet we can't keep going like that, there's an ethics code for a reason."

Jonathan Crane: What a coward!

Lubelle: Right?! I tried to make him see reason, I went: "Carlos, the pursue of answers should meet no bounds. That what we call ethics are just arbitrary rules created because people are just too emotional over the truth and it's methods" and the absolute asshole just packed his things and left the university! He got transfered to Gotham because his lil baby fewings got hurt. People die all the time. They should be honored they died for science.

Jonathan: Exactally!

Lubelle: Well I couldn't let he have all the fun while not being totaly driven to understand Gotham. So I'm here.

Jonathan: And you want for us to exchange research pappers and text subjects?

Lubelle: Only some of those. Make it peer reviewed.

Jonathan: It'll be a pleasure.

---

Kevin: And the family would never ever stop smiling again, not only because of the scars they carved in adoration but because the Smilling God entered their minds and broke them until they were happy even as their house burn with their grandma inside. The end.

Joker: *amazed and a bit spooked* Say what?

Kevin: Oh! You only heard the end part! This is my favorite childhood fairy tale. Is soo heartwarming!

Joker: I like you!

Kevin: *smilling even wilder* Thank you, newcommer. *points to the bloodied spot in Jokers suit* You have a great taste in clothing!

Joker: Why, thank you. I also like yours. I'm Joker!

Kevin: I heard about you! Your smilex killed some of my followers.

Joker: *ready to fight* Oh bummer.

Kevin: No, no, it was great. I never saw them so happy their smilles were so wide. I had to try it for myself. Didn't work unfortunally. *almost drops smille* But not to fret! The Smilling God knows what He does, they were unable to smile by themselfs. I have no such a problem and need no solution.

Joker: And people say I am crazy.

Kevin: *threatning* This is a mean thing to say, don't you think?

Joker: Oh no, my new friend, I consider madness to be a compliment.

Kevin: Friend? Are we friends? I always wanted a friend. The last one gave me a letter and leaved!

Joker: *a bit too much in manipulative mode but also genuinally impressed with this random new crazy rogue* I would love to be your friend. Nay, your best friend. I'm a clown and it's a pleasure to meet other people focused in making everyone smile. What do you think?

Kevin: YES! *jumps excitedly* Best friends, please!

---

Charles: All I am saying is...

Tim: Look I am impressed you figured out mt secret identy and you're a really nice guy but I don't think Batman needs your help.

Charles: Carlos helps!

Tim: Carlos is a scientist!

Charles: I could help you with cult leaders and mystical stuff.

Tim: How many cult leaders Gotham even has?

Red Hood: Hey, theologist guy, I just found a third evil cult and I might be needing some- Tim?

Tim: Hood?

Charles: Hi. Jason.

Tim: Wait you know Jason's identity as well?

Charles: Yeah. And Robin's.

Tim: And you don't know who Batman is?

Charles: No clue.

Tim: How???

Jason: Can we talk about it after we deal with the new cult leader? We have two of those minor ones with dangerous cults every day in this hellhole and Huntress and I are the only ones dealing with it.

Charles: Is Helena okay? She and Sage were having some relationship problems.

Tim: I give up.

--

Batman: This is an emergency! There is a weird person following me around. They think they are hidden but they are not, they send minions sometimes, others they are there, they aren't tall nor short and dress with things like furry pants and a bow tie, no shirt; a rocking dress with a poncho and other odd combinations and always always has recording equipament . I still don't know the identity of this individual. But it seems to be a new criminal force studying their target and we should be cautious.

Dick: Furry pants and a bow tie? Recording equipament... Oh you're talking about the radio host.

Bruce: Who?

Dick: Me and Babs always listen to his show.

Barbara: I think I recorded today's show just in case we were unable to watch it on time. I'm sending it to you, B.

*recordings*

Cecil: The man who calls himself Batman striked again. Everyday he walks in the night, beats up people and buys a slice of Big Rico's Pizza. No one does a slice like Big Rico's. No one. As of late he again took out a normal family operation on the nightvalean area because apparently the taming and possession of too many antics is "iligal" and "dangerous". Now at first I was a defender of this new guy, yes it is weird he calls himself Batman and isn't visibly part bat but isn't it worse to define he isn't and has no claim on his heritage just because it isn't obvious? And he has a bunch of armed kids! Has Tamika Flyn not showed us we should trust armed heavilly trained kids? But that was then. Now he is attacking our comunity! Arresting and beating up members of our comunity and friends of our comunity. Shame on this Batman and shame on his heavilly trained kids and a bit less shame on his super cute and sexy scientist guy cause he is new and obviously is being tricked because someone as perfect as Carlos would never.

Cecil: On other news Waylon Jones also known as Killer Croc wants to talk with you. He wants to just talk something as friends and to apologize to your neighboor for potentially eating his grandma but also wants to discuss some more important details of your plans, he is going to do it at... my house? *reading* "nanana uh-hu Cecil please keep this friendly get along private" oh listerners, I'm sorry, it appears I was reading my personal text mensages instead of my notes. I'm so sorry. Silly me. The one who is going to visit you is Victor Zsass, he already has a scar with your name and his knife is ready, you know what you did.

Cecil: Finally the neigboorhood concil wants to inform that there is a Scarecrow attack planned for this friday. They recomend you cancel all your apointments and lock yourselfs at home with the aproved gas masks. This is of course the Gotham tradicional protocol. They do add to the protocol however that if you want to be hitted by Scarecrow's fear toxin do not scream degrading things like "Scarecrow hottie hit me hard with your fumes" nor be disrespectfull of his power by being overly friendly, simply go to public spaces and screem "I'm not afraid of you" or idealy scream "please no have mercy". If you are imnune to the toxin decorum also recomends you should pretend to be scared, you don't wanna hurt his feelings, do you?

#welcome to nightvale #wtnv #dc #batman #bruce wayne #janet lubelle #jonathan crane #scarecrow #charles the theologist #tim drake #jason todd #red hood #wtnv kevin #kevin's part was my favorite ngl #joker #dick grayson #barbara gordon #cecil palmer #wtnv au #dc au

[sharki-leftishark]

les mis fic recs

i’ve spent WAY too much time over the past two months diving back into exr and other les mis fic and want to share some of my favorites. it’s been really fun to discover the all of amazing fic written in the past several years since i was last reading in the fandom!

FLUFF/HUMOR

you can't spell confess without con by serinesaccade (7k, T, eponine/combeferre and exr)

a chaotic comedy of errors in which fake confessions are made to conceal real (supposedly) unrequited love. incisive eponine POV doesn’t hold back on how ridiculous everyone is. really fun to read!

Irreconcilable Sartorial Differences by Elenchus (3.5k, G, courfeyrac/marius)

Marius gets a new hat, Courfeyrac gives him shit for it, Courfeyrac regrets it and tries to make amends with the help of all his friends. warm, funny canon era fluff for the soul.

Works of Nature by Elenchus (1k, T, marius & grantaire)

if you didn’t know you wanted to read about marius and grantaire teaming up to find secret messages encoded in “special texts,” now you do. excellent canon era dynamics between this odd couple, plus an enjolras cameo to top it off.

The Twelve Days of Les Amis-mas by PieceOfCait (21k, G, exr)

be gay do crimes read christmas fic in august. enjolras and grantaire are roommates pulling a holiday party together with borrowed decor from their friends, including mistletoe that enjolras keeps finding himself under. pure domestic fluff, a perfect pick-me-up! 

that's your horoscope for today by tothewillofthepeople (5.5k, T, exr)

a discussion of astrology at courfeyrac’s birthday dinner ends up leading grantaire to enjolras’s place. i really liked the more subtle characterizations, and how light and gentle this slice of life fic feels.

call me, maybe by wellavellan (7k, T, exr)

halloween costumes result in mistaken identities, in which enjolras thinks he’s just met the guy in the boba fett costume. cute and fun!

Terms of Agreement by TrollingfromtheBarricade (13k, E, grantaire/oc with exr endgame)

probably the most I have laughed reading a fic?? brilliantly hilarious, wholesomely scandalous. i can’t describe it much without spoiling it, just give a read if you can withstand secondhand embarrassment.

In Service by juanjoltaire (19k, E, exr)

stuck in an elevator: one of those premises that you’d never want to experience irl but makes for delicious fic. i really enjoyed the softer exr dynamics and the evolving chemistry between them.

FEELS

Armillaria by revocableperil (42k, M, courfeyrac/marius)

a ghost AU with all the amis that links canon and modern with incredible tenderness for every single character. this fic has it all: grief, love, death, life, transcendental friendship, and mushroom metaphors galore. it made me love marius and now i am an wholehearted courfeyrac/marius shipper.

overdue by Tegami (9k, E, exr)

grantaire jokes about how he used to be obsessed with enjolras, until enjolras makes them reflect on their relationship seriously, and they find that their feelings are aligned. a more mature perspective than one often finds, refreshing and tender.

The Season Underwater by andtheheir (73k, E, exr)

i’m a sucker for niche aus, and this swim team au absolutely delivers with immersive writing that deeply explores the physicality, the psychology, and the emotionality of swimming.

i’m not the moon (i’m not even a star) by serinesaccade (40k, M, exr)

an amazing mishmash of tropes, heartwrenching and heartwarming by turns. grantaire loses his memory of the past 5 years, including his super hot apparent boyfriend, who describes their relationship as “complicated.” a buffet for mutual pining enthusiasts!

OTHER GOOD STUFF

Second Fitting by revocableperil (4.5k, M, exr)

“sexual tension” is the last tag in the list but it really defines the fic. grantaire is a tailor fitting a suit on enjolras, who he hooked up with last night--who was blindfolded, and doesn’t know it was grantaire. do not underestimate the intimacy of pinning fabric.

I Think That It's Best If We Both Stay by sevenimpossiblethings (15k, E, exr)

enjolras is experimenting with self bondage; grantaire becomes his safety checker. generous, tender, and intimate, lovely to read! 

#enjoltaire #exr #les miserables #les mis #les amis #fic rec #sharki #hello fandom pls talk to me about fic! #and exr and les mis!