𓍼 The thing about lying for long enough is you forget which parts are true. He's been this person for six years. He knows their sister's name and the way they look when they're almost asleep. He doesn't know, anymore, whether the man who loves them is real or just the most successful performance he's ever given.
𓍼 "You know, don't you," she said. Not a question. He'd been wondering when she'd notice. "Yes," he said. She nodded slowly, like she was rearranging something inside. "How long?" "A while." "And you stayed." "And I stayed." She looked at him for a long time. "Why?" He thought about all the complicated true answers. "Because it didn't matter," he said. "It didn't matter compared to everything else."
𓍼 She'd built this life brick by brick. New name, new city, new everything. Spent years learning to breathe without looking over her shoulder. And then he walked into the coffee shop and looked right at her and said her real name, the old one, the buried one, and every brick came loose at once.
𓍼 He knows three things about himself that nobody in this room knows. He goes to parties. He shakes hands. He answers to a name. He is very good at this and it has never once stopped being exhausting.
𓍼 "Tell me something true," she said. He looked at her across the table. He wanted to. He wanted to so badly he could feel it like pressure behind his sternum. He smiled instead. "I like this restaurant," he said. She looked at him like she knew. She looked at him like she'd always known. He thinks maybe she had.
𓍼 She practices in mirrors. Has done for years. The name, the history, the easy way of saying it like it's always been hers. She's perfect at it. She's been perfect at it for so long that some mornings she looks at her own reflection and for a half second doesn't recognize the woman looking back. She's starting to think that's not the life she was supposed to be living. She doesn't know how to find the other one.
𓍼 "You could've told me," he said. "I know," she said. "Why didn't you?" She thought about it. Really thought about it. "Because you looked at me like I was good," she said finally, "and I didn't want to be the one to change that."
In which a princess born of a hidden kingdom and inherited magic,is forced to flee after a dark sorcerer massacres her family in pursuit of her bloodline, her crown and a binding contract that would make her his. Believed dead by the world and unrecognisable to those who hunt her, she disguises herself as a servant and takes refuge beneath the roof of Uther Pendragon, guarded by secrets, protected by Merlin, and surviving in silence. In Camelot, she hides her name, her grief, and her power, while Arthur Pendragon comes to know her as a nobody. Not realising he is falling in love with a princess who was never meant to be found.
(Enemiesish to lovers, violence, major character death (past), grief, trauma, dark magic, manipulation, threats of forced marriage, emotional distress, slow burn, angst, mutual pining, eventual smut, hidden royalty, loss of home, found family.)
(F1 x Reader | Lando Norris AU | Angst + Drama + Redemption)
Title: Where the Silence Took Her
Chapter 1: Cold Hands, Warm Lies
She was the wife who stayed in the shadows.
He was the man millions adored, yet forgot who he had waiting at home.
Zandvoort was supposed to be his win,
But it became the day she found out.
She brought him his favorite food.
She found him with another woman.
She dropped everything, then disappeared.
———————————————
💬 "Why wasn’t I enough?"
———————————————
Now, she lives in a quiet town far from Europe’s chaos.
No one knows her name. No one knows she’s the one he still aches for. But when fate gives Lando a chance to find her again, he’ll risk it all, even his career, just to ask for her forgiveness.
And maybe, if time is kind, to hold her hand again.
📖 Read now for a journey of heartbreak, healing, and the slow unraveling of a man who had it all, until he lost her.
📝 Note from the Author:
This story is a love letter to silence, to regret, and to the fragile hope of second chances. It’s a slow burn woven through grief and grace, and if you’ve ever loved someone in quiet, or hurt someone in ways words couldn’t fix, this might be for you. Thank you for choosing to walk through the ache with me. Chapter updates coming soon. 🧡
Hazbin Hotel AU where pre-cannon Vaggie -in an effort to repay Charlie for all help when she first fell (and because Vaggie has a crush on her)- "storms" (no one there to stop her) the royal palace to yell at Lucifer for how he treats Charlie.
Basically I want the three of them to get their shit together early. Father/daughter drama (mostly) fixed. Girlfriend drama fixed. Two fallen angels vibing.
Then for the Hotel Charlie makes it clear she doesn't want Lucifer to a big factor in it. Like she wants him there, but doesn't want Sinners there for him.
Enter Imp!Luci!!
Because Charlie wants him to help their people more Lucifer doesn't get to stay at the Hotel (yet) he does visit as much as possible, normally with gifts for his girls. And Angel after they become besties.
And then Alastor happens.
Alastor who was allowed to fix up the Hotel when Charlie told Lucifer no. Alastor who was forcing others to work at the Hotel when Charlie told Lucifer no. Alastor who was acting like he was Charlie's biggest supporter when Lucifer and Vaggie were right there!
Alastor who keep mocking Lucifer like he wasn't the fucking King of Hell and, yeah ok, he was disguised as an Imp so the Sinner wasn't mocking him as Lucifer but still! Mocking him!! And his ducks!!
Giving pancakes in the shape of dead ducks with duck sausage, throwing the rubber ducks he left around the Hotel out the window or in the trash (or that one time his shadow ATE one!!), gave him that dumb "Duck You" mug (ok that one was funny), created a pond outside of the Hotel filled with hellducks... oh Father they were SO CUTE!!!! Yes they were vicious little meat eating monsters, but they were so fluffy!!
Sooner or later someone's gonna question Imp!Luci's relationship with Lucifer is, like why he's so close to Charlie and why he knows so much about Hell's royalty, and Luci points out two other Imps that are close to royalty.
Angel: Yeah, but they're fucking.
Luci:.... *portals out because he no longer has a good answer and is awkward*
All the Sinner: *in shock* They're fucking?! *Alastor staticing in the corner.*
C&V: *face palming in shame*
The misunderstanding continues with Angel and Niffty making jokes, Charlie & Vaggie (and Husk) suffering, and Alastor... Alastor is shiting all over King!Lucifer and getting pissed when Imp!Luci defense his "absent lover".
Boy is he in for a shock when Adam finally shows up.
Y/n never asked for fairy tales. Raised in a quiet town where dreams were traded for simplicity, loyalty, and grit. Her relationship with Jake Seresin—a Navy pilot with a reckless grin and a magnetic charm—feels like the one thing she got right. Their love is steady, built on laughter, shared silences, and the kind of trust that feels unshakable. But Jake Seresin is living a double life.
Known to the world as Hangman, he’s one of the Navy’s finest. But behind closed doors, he’s Prince Jacob Alexander of England—heir to a centuries-old monarchy and a future he never wanted. His time in uniform is more than service; it’s escape. And Y/n, the woman he loves, has no idea until the truth finally comes out.
1 - Anchored in Love
2 - The Crown Comes Calling
3 - Prince Jacob Alexander
4 - Cracks in the Armor
5 - The Prince and the Lie
6 - Jacob or Jake
7 - No Crown, Just Us
8 - King Jake and Queen Y/n
Tag list - just ask to be added @kmc1989 @tallrock35 @frost-queen @elenavampire21 @lover-of-books-and-tea @jssmississippihipie @khouse712 @rootedinrevisions @sparks-and-smoke @andydrysdalerogers @avengersfan25 @itsdesiree86
Lucine pulled her backpack over one shoulder. She grabbed her garment bag and locked her car. It was 6:45 PM, and the dark, twilight sky was fading to reveal the first evening stars.
She walked across the cracked pavement toward the employee entrance. A heavy static vibration bled through the brick wall and penetrated her senses. Pulling open the door, she followed the quiet corridor. It was a massive relief to find the dressing room completely empty upon walking inside. Claiming a stool at the corner vanity, she took comfort in the silence. She needed a moment to center herself before the other dancers arrived.
A warm glow framed the mirror. She plugged in her curling iron and began curling and pinning long, wavy strands of chestnut hair. Once finished, she blended a few drops of a satin foundation over her pale, flawless skin. She leaned a fraction closer to line her green eyes. The distinctive gold rings around her irises were emphasized by the warm light. She was dusting her face with powder when the silence was broken by the sound of laughter.
"—and he’s standing there trying to look tough in front of Eric," Roxie scoffed, pushing the door open. Her long acrylic nails tapped against the wood. "It was so fucking embarrassing, Rio. I couldn't even look at him."
Rio snorted, juggling a duffel bag and a pair of boots. "Please tell me Booker kicked his ass out."
"Definitely. He didn't even—"
Roxie stopped short. She stared at the corner vanity, sizing up her new competition. Dropping her bag at an empty station, her eyes fixed on Lucine. "Didn't know we were onboarding tonight."
"Excuse Roxie," Rio said, sliding onto the vanity stool next to Lucine. "She’s a fucking bitch who thinks she owns the place because she dances on Eric's private stage." He rolled his eyes, dropping his duffel bag onto the scuffed counter. "I'm Rio. What do we call you?"
"Eden," she answered, meeting his gaze in the reflection. "Nice to meet you."
Roxie let out a sharp, condescending laugh from across the room. "I dance on that stage because I pull the highest numbers in the room, Rio. Your locker ain't the only thing dusty in here." She unzipped her tote with a harsh tug.
Rio rolled his eyes instantly and leaned closer to Eden. "Don't let her play you," he murmured, his voice dropping to a whisper. "She ain't pullin' big tips because of her routine. Eric and Pam pass her around after hours. A regular Fuck n' Feed."
His eyes drifted down to the shimmering garment she held in her hands. "Damn, that is absolutely gorgeous. Is it chainmail?"
"Rhinestone mesh," Eden said, holding it up. The crystals shimmered under the warm vanity lighting.
She stood up to slip out of her street clothes, stepping into the liquid-like weight of the dress. It draped low across her chest and split high at the hip. From the hem, delicate rhinestone thigh-chains hung in glittering tiers. Behind her, Rio and Roxie started their makeup, settling into their usual routine. Eden reached behind her neck, her fingers blindly tracing the delicate metal. She fumbled, trying to hook the tiny clasp.
Rio set his makeup brush down, catching her movement in the reflection. He rose from his stool with a relaxed chuckle. "Let me help you with that. Those things are a nightmare to get on your own without breakin' a damn nail."
He stepped back with an appreciative whistle. "Perfect. Now get the heels on. Let’s see the full visual."
She sat back down to slip into six-inch heels. As she stood upright, the clear platforms glinted. They had an intimidating arch, but her natural grace kept her completely steady. She turned slightly to check her reflection.
From her vanity, Roxie scoffed under her breath. "Enjoy the bar stage, sweetie. It's a rough crowd."
Reaching up, Eden slid the bobby pins from her hair, letting the long chestnut curls drop down her back. Rio caught her gaze in the mirror and gave her a supportive wink before picking his brush back up. For the next hour, hissing hairspray and casual banter filled the dressing room. Through the walls, a faint, rhythmic thumping vibrated steadily.
At exactly 8:25 PM, the door cracked open. Ginger peeked her head inside, her messy, blonde ponytail askew. She cast a wide-eyed look around the dressing room. "Pam, incoming," she warned. "She's already on a rampage, so don't be late."
Ginger didn't even wait for an answer before disappearing back down the hall. At exactly eight-thirty, they lined up shoulder-to-shoulder near the bar area. Pam glided over. Her heels clicked sharply against the concrete floor.
She stopped first in front of Rio, her icy gaze traveling down his frame. "Nice," Pam murmured, running her finger over his tan skin to trace the edge of his sheer black crop top. "Your ass looks great in those shorts. Let’s hope they inspire some decent tips in VIP tonight. Try doin' more than just standin' there lookin' pretty. Shoulders back."
Pam drifted to the right, her eyes narrowing at Roxie. "Well, look at you," Pam drawled, reaching out to tug a strand of her bleach-blonde extensions. "Your hair actually looks halfway decent tonight. It almost makes up for that trashy pink leopard print corset you decided to wear. Almost. Keep your energy up on Eric's stage. You're only up there until somethin' more interestin' walks through the door."
Finally, Pam pivoted to face the new girl. "Eden," she said, her eyes sweeping down the glittering fabric. "Now this is an outfit. You’re on the bar stage tonight. Let's see if they eat you alive."
✦☽✦☾✦
By midnight, the club was in full swing. The air was heavy with the scent of cigarette smoke, sweat, and overpriced drinks. Red neon cut through the shadows. The light washed over a pulsing crowd of thrill-seeking humans and predators. A dark bassline throbbed through the floor.
Lounging in his elevated throne, Eric watched the floor with a blasé expression. His gaze casually swept the room, his eyes shifting with subtle precision. Beside him, Pam stood statuesque, one arm draped over the top of his throne.
Up on the bar stage, Eden moved with mesmerizing fluidity. The rhinestones on her dress caught the club lights and fractured into a liquid shimmer as she moved. Her balance was entirely effortless. She commanded the room with a weightless poise that felt altogether otherworldly.
Near the platform, a drunk customer pushed past the barrier. His face was flushed. He lunged sloppily and gripped her ankle, trying to pull her towards the floor.
Eden flinched at the sudden contact. Bracing her right foot, she yanked her ankle back to tear free from his fumbling fingers. He stumbled forward, pressing his palm against the stage. Eden instantly drove her stiletto down, pinning his hand firmly.
"Fucking bitch!" he yelled sharply.
Holding steady pressure, she didn't look down at the man. Her eyes cut straight to Booker behind the bar. A dark blur crossed the floor and he was suddenly there. He hauled the guy off the stage by his collar, dragging him toward the back exit. The door slammed shut.
Eden stepped back into her performance, her body moving effortlessly again. She caught Eric's unreadable gaze from the main stage. Flawless start, Lucine, she thought sarcastically. You'll either be fired or drained.
✦☽✦☾✦
By 3:00 AM, the crowd was gone. The dancers sat at the bar in their regular clothes while Ginger and Booker closed up.
Rio slid a glass of dark red wine across the counter toward her. "A scrappy bitch on night one," he joked lovingly. "I like your style. You didn't take no shit from that asshole."
"Thank you," Eden said, taking a slow sip. The scent of the pressed grapes reminded her of home.
A few feet away, Roxie leaned back against the rail with a snarky smirk. "Well, it was nice knowing you," she chimed in. She was convinced her new competition was getting the boot for assaulting a customer. "First shifts are usually trial runs anyway."
"And how are you so sure Eric's violent ass didn't find that shit attractive?" Rio snapped back, cutting his eyes toward Roxie with a dry chuckle.
Eden ignored her, turning her head as Booker walked up behind the counter to wipe down the taps. She extended a hand toward him, polite and deliberate. "I don't think we've been properly introduced," she said. "I'm Eden. Thank you for your help out there."
Booker paused, his eyes shifting from her hand up to her face. He accepted the gesture with a brief, firm grip. "Booker," he replied. "Seemed like you had him under control. I just took out the trash."
Nearby, Ginger paused her sweeping. She placed a hand on her hip. "You're a badass. I probably would have just screamed," she remarked, shaking her head as she resumed.
Pam strode over from the office.
"Eden."
The room went quiet as she spoke.
"Eric wants to see you in his office. Now."
Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading! I really hope you're enjoying getting to know these characters and exploring the backstage world of Fangtasia. Chapter Three is up next, and the stakes are about to get a lot higher. See you all in Eric's office!
Spiderman Liam who thinks it's his duty to protect every civilian from the human and supervillain threat and more than that he really does love being labelled as a hero but no matter what he says in his defense he cannot get the class nerd, Theo raeken, to respect Spiderman.
Green goblin Theo who is very vocal in his resentment for Spiderman for ruining his reputation in front of the dread doctors but he just doesn't understand why his life long crush, Liam Dunbar, won't stop glaring at him whenever he badmouths Spiderman.
