Sebastian Nothwell's Blog, page 18
November 14, 2023
Solar Fantasy – Aubrey & Lindsey Retold – Ch. 14 up on Patreon!
Scene 14 of
Solar Fantasy – Aubrey & Lindsey Retold
is up on my Patre♡n! Wherein Aubrey, unaware of Lindsey’s fate, goes to meet him for a coffeehouse date.
~
Artists comprised most of the Keyhole Coffeehouse’s patronage, and as Halloway himself proved by lived example, artists mixed with all classes of society. Thus, Aubrey’s own threadbare wardrobe inspired not the suspicious glares of the wealthy who suspected a pauper had invaded their elite establishment, but the indifferent glance of the demi-monde assuming Aubrey, like so many others before him, had adopted the dress of the impoverished in an effort to make some manner of statement.
~
Did you want more Aubrey and Lindsey – but in a whole new world?
Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them.
A new scene will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]
Currently posting…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm) (90k)
See you on Patre♡n!
~
Artists comprised most of the Keyhole Coffeehouse’s patronage, and as Halloway himself proved by lived example, artists mixed with all classes of society. Thus, Aubrey’s own threadbare wardrobe inspired not the suspicious glares of the wealthy who suspected a pauper had invaded their elite establishment, but the indifferent glance of the demi-monde assuming Aubrey, like so many others before him, had adopted the dress of the impoverished in an effort to make some manner of statement.
~
Did you want more Aubrey and Lindsey – but in a whole new world?
Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them.
A new scene will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]
Currently posting…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm) (90k)
See you on Patre♡n!
November 12, 2023
Solar Fantasy – Aubrey & Lindsey Retold – Ch. 13 up on Patreon!
Scene 13 of
Solar Fantasy – Aubrey & Lindsey Retold
is up on my Patre♡n! Wherein Lindsey suffers a riding accident.
~
Lindsey wrenched his boots from the stirrups as he tumbled out of the saddle. His left foot caught. In an instant, he envisioned himself trampled by his steed, his corpse dragged through the woods by galloping Bellerophon. Then, with a sharp twist, he pulled free and fell.
Eighteen hands high at the withers. A considerable height, taller than Lindsey himself, and furthered by Bellerophon’s mighty leap.
His left side struck the ground. His forearm gave a sickening crunch beneath him as he rolled. A sudden blow halted him, knocking the wind out of him with a crack like a gunshot. Flies clustered in his vision. Stabbing pain came from all quarters.
Bellerophon’s hoofbeats echoed off into the forest.
Squinting, Lindsey glimpsed a confused kaleidoscope of sparkling green. Then a knife in his side forced his eyes shut.
~
Did you want more Aubrey and Lindsey – but in a whole new world?
Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them.
A new scene will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]
Currently posting…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm) (90k)
See you on Patre♡n!
~
Lindsey wrenched his boots from the stirrups as he tumbled out of the saddle. His left foot caught. In an instant, he envisioned himself trampled by his steed, his corpse dragged through the woods by galloping Bellerophon. Then, with a sharp twist, he pulled free and fell.
Eighteen hands high at the withers. A considerable height, taller than Lindsey himself, and furthered by Bellerophon’s mighty leap.
His left side struck the ground. His forearm gave a sickening crunch beneath him as he rolled. A sudden blow halted him, knocking the wind out of him with a crack like a gunshot. Flies clustered in his vision. Stabbing pain came from all quarters.
Bellerophon’s hoofbeats echoed off into the forest.
Squinting, Lindsey glimpsed a confused kaleidoscope of sparkling green. Then a knife in his side forced his eyes shut.
~
Did you want more Aubrey and Lindsey – but in a whole new world?
Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them.
A new scene will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]
Currently posting…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm) (90k)
See you on Patre♡n!
November 5, 2023
Solar Fantasy – Aubrey & Lindsey Retold – Ch. 12 up on Patreon!
Scene 12 of
Solar Fantasy – Aubrey & Lindsey Retold
is up on my Patre♡n! Wherein Lindsey gives Aubrey a token of his affections, Aubrey attempts subterfuge in the workplace, and Lindsey attends a foxhunt.
~
As Bellerophon reached the peak of his jump, Lindsey felt the saddle shift sideways beneath him.
By then it was too late to do anything but fall.
~
Did you want more Aubrey and Lindsey – but in a whole new world?
Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them.
A new scene will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]
Currently posting…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm) (90k)
See you on Patre♡n!
~
As Bellerophon reached the peak of his jump, Lindsey felt the saddle shift sideways beneath him.
By then it was too late to do anything but fall.
~
Did you want more Aubrey and Lindsey – but in a whole new world?
Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them.
A new scene will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]
Currently posting…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm) (90k)
See you on Patre♡n!
October 29, 2023
Solar Fantasy – Aubrey & Lindsey Retold – Ch. 11 up on Patreon!
Scene 11 of
Solar Fantasy – Aubrey & Lindsey Retold
is up on my Patre♡n! Wherein Aubrey and Lindsey reunite with spice.
~
To be something more than a warm body, more than just a means to someone else’s end, was a new and frankly terrifying thing.
~
Did you want more Aubrey and Lindsey – but in a whole new world?
Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them.
A new scene will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]
Currently posting…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm) (90k)
See you on Patre♡n!
~
To be something more than a warm body, more than just a means to someone else’s end, was a new and frankly terrifying thing.
~
Did you want more Aubrey and Lindsey – but in a whole new world?
Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them.
A new scene will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]
Currently posting…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm) (90k)
See you on Patre♡n!
October 22, 2023
Solar Fantasy – Aubrey & Lindsey Retold – Ch. 10 up on Patreon!
Scene 10 of
Solar Fantasy – Aubrey & Lindsey Retold
is up on my Patre♡n! Wherein we have our first glimpse of Lindsey’s mother, who in this universe is alive.
~
“Well,” his mother continued after a short pause. “If he keeps a Wardian case, then he is no doubt familiar with the care and keeping of ferns—and ferns, I think, will do nicely. They thrive in the shade, and the glass protects them from the worst of the smog. Ferns in general indicate fascination and sincerity—which I do believe you feel—and in particular… Maidenhair,” she concluded with satisfaction. “Yes, maidenhair is perfect.”
“A maidenhair fern?” said Lindsey.
“It stands for discretion,” his mother elaborated with a knowing glance before returning her attention to the field.
~
Did you want more Aubrey and Lindsey – but in a whole new world?
Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them.
A new scene will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]
Currently posting…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm) (90k)
See you on Patre♡n!
~
“Well,” his mother continued after a short pause. “If he keeps a Wardian case, then he is no doubt familiar with the care and keeping of ferns—and ferns, I think, will do nicely. They thrive in the shade, and the glass protects them from the worst of the smog. Ferns in general indicate fascination and sincerity—which I do believe you feel—and in particular… Maidenhair,” she concluded with satisfaction. “Yes, maidenhair is perfect.”
“A maidenhair fern?” said Lindsey.
“It stands for discretion,” his mother elaborated with a knowing glance before returning her attention to the field.
~
Did you want more Aubrey and Lindsey – but in a whole new world?
Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them.
A new scene will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]
Currently posting…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm) (90k)
See you on Patre♡n!
October 8, 2023
Solar Fantasy – Aubrey & Lindsey Retold – Ch. 9 up on Patreon!
Scene 9 of
Solar Fantasy – Aubrey & Lindsey Retold
is up on my Patre♡n! Wherein Aubrey and Lindsey enjoy a rendezvous in the botanical gardens. Please enjoy this sneak peek and join me for more.
~
If Halloway intended to blackmail him, he had miscalculated, for Aubrey had put nothing incriminating into his reply to the prince’s invitation. Indeed, Aubrey had composed what was quite possibly the blandest note ever written by human hands. He had nothing to blush at, much less worry about.
Of course, that had never stopped him from worrying before.
~
Did you want more Aubrey and Lindsey – but in a whole new world?
Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them.
A new scene will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]
Currently posting…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm) (90k)
See you on Patre♡n!
~
If Halloway intended to blackmail him, he had miscalculated, for Aubrey had put nothing incriminating into his reply to the prince’s invitation. Indeed, Aubrey had composed what was quite possibly the blandest note ever written by human hands. He had nothing to blush at, much less worry about.
Of course, that had never stopped him from worrying before.
~
Did you want more Aubrey and Lindsey – but in a whole new world?
Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them.
A new scene will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]
Currently posting…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm) (90k)
See you on Patre♡n!
October 2, 2023
Solar Fantasy – Aubrey & Lindsey Retold – Ch. 8 up on Patreon!
Scene 8 of
Solar Fantasy – Aubrey & Lindsey Retold
is up on my Patre♡n! Wherein Lindsey acquires certain property and longs for his mysterious gentleman. Please enjoy this sneak peek and join me for more.
~
With an enthusiasm that bordered on breathless, Lindsey launched into a description of the mysterious gentleman he’d met that evening; the dark and haunting eyes, the features sharp and fine, the splendid rosebud colour of the bow-shaped lips, the intrigue of his conversation, of the mechanical brilliance that whirred beneath his ivory brow, and—well, Lindsey abbreviated much of what occurred towards the end of their singular encounter, though he gave enough detail for Carlisle to understand a liaison of some sort had taken place, one which Lindsey very much hoped to repeat. Carlisle’s eyebrows rose as he understood the allusion, but he made no objection, moral or otherwise. Lindsey supposed the revelation came as no surprise to him. Their constant companionship throughout their adolescence and beyond had no doubt given Carlisle much more insight into Lindsey’s character than Lindsey himself understood.
“And Graves still has not found him?” Carlisle asked, bemused, as Lindsey finished his tale.
“Not yet,” said Lindsey.
“I wish I could have attended,” said Carlisle. “I’d be more help to you if I’d seen the man myself.”
“Doubtless you had more pressing concerns,” said Lindsey, and meant it. Carlisle had inherited a great number of business investments from his late father, and had acquired several more since attaining his majority. The coal mines in particular had proved troublesome of late. Carlisle visited them often. Lindsey could hardly hold his strong work ethic against him.
“Not so pressing as to prevent me from celebrating with you,” said Carlisle, “had I been invited.”
Lindsey’s happy musings came to a sudden halt. “Not invited?”
“No,” said Carlisle. His tone remained easy, if a tad wistful. “Perhaps Lord Graves thought I wouldn’t fit in with his crowd. Or perhaps I do him an ill turn, and my invitation was merely lost in the mail.”
Lindsey, too aghast to speak, failed to reassure his friend as he knew he deserved.
“As to your mysterious engineer,” Carlisle said before Lindsey could begin to express his outrage, “even if you should fail to find him again, I would encourage you not to lose heart. I’m certain you may discover many such admirers, each more beautiful than the last. I’d be only too happy to assist you in that matter.”
Lindsey demurred. He did not think there were many men in the world quite like his engineer—though doubtless Carlisle would understand that as soon as Lindsey could introduce them to each other. First, however, he must find him.
~
Did you want more Aubrey and Lindsey – but in a whole new world?
Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them.
A new scene will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]
Currently posting…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm) (90k)
See you on Patre♡n!
~
With an enthusiasm that bordered on breathless, Lindsey launched into a description of the mysterious gentleman he’d met that evening; the dark and haunting eyes, the features sharp and fine, the splendid rosebud colour of the bow-shaped lips, the intrigue of his conversation, of the mechanical brilliance that whirred beneath his ivory brow, and—well, Lindsey abbreviated much of what occurred towards the end of their singular encounter, though he gave enough detail for Carlisle to understand a liaison of some sort had taken place, one which Lindsey very much hoped to repeat. Carlisle’s eyebrows rose as he understood the allusion, but he made no objection, moral or otherwise. Lindsey supposed the revelation came as no surprise to him. Their constant companionship throughout their adolescence and beyond had no doubt given Carlisle much more insight into Lindsey’s character than Lindsey himself understood.
“And Graves still has not found him?” Carlisle asked, bemused, as Lindsey finished his tale.
“Not yet,” said Lindsey.
“I wish I could have attended,” said Carlisle. “I’d be more help to you if I’d seen the man myself.”
“Doubtless you had more pressing concerns,” said Lindsey, and meant it. Carlisle had inherited a great number of business investments from his late father, and had acquired several more since attaining his majority. The coal mines in particular had proved troublesome of late. Carlisle visited them often. Lindsey could hardly hold his strong work ethic against him.
“Not so pressing as to prevent me from celebrating with you,” said Carlisle, “had I been invited.”
Lindsey’s happy musings came to a sudden halt. “Not invited?”
“No,” said Carlisle. His tone remained easy, if a tad wistful. “Perhaps Lord Graves thought I wouldn’t fit in with his crowd. Or perhaps I do him an ill turn, and my invitation was merely lost in the mail.”
Lindsey, too aghast to speak, failed to reassure his friend as he knew he deserved.
“As to your mysterious engineer,” Carlisle said before Lindsey could begin to express his outrage, “even if you should fail to find him again, I would encourage you not to lose heart. I’m certain you may discover many such admirers, each more beautiful than the last. I’d be only too happy to assist you in that matter.”
Lindsey demurred. He did not think there were many men in the world quite like his engineer—though doubtless Carlisle would understand that as soon as Lindsey could introduce them to each other. First, however, he must find him.
~
Did you want more Aubrey and Lindsey – but in a whole new world?
Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them.
A new scene will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]
Currently posting…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm) (90k)
See you on Patre♡n!
September 30, 2023
FIORENZO!
Fiorenzo is a queer fantasy-of-manners romance featuring secret identities, hurt/comfort, and a happily-ever-after - and it's out TODAY!
Blurb:
Fiore has a plan. Find a wealthy elderly gentleman, delight him until the end of his days, and retire on the resulting inheritance. It’s the best outcome a low-born courtesan in the city of Halcyon can hope for.
And it seems a perfect scheme… until a mysterious masked man upends it.
Banished from university after a disastrous duel, Enzo wanders the city searching for scraps of the affection he’s lost. His public mask conceals private agonies. A single night in the company of a courtesan, however, balms his wounded heart, and he finds himself returning again and again to Fiore, revealing more of himself than he’s ever dared before.
Furthermore, and more astonishing still, Fiore finds he returns Enzo’s affections.
But while Fiore wears no mask, he nonetheless has secrets of his own. And when the ghosts of their pasts return to haunt them, only the bond of trust between them will carry them through.
Blurb:
Fiore has a plan. Find a wealthy elderly gentleman, delight him until the end of his days, and retire on the resulting inheritance. It’s the best outcome a low-born courtesan in the city of Halcyon can hope for.
And it seems a perfect scheme… until a mysterious masked man upends it.
Banished from university after a disastrous duel, Enzo wanders the city searching for scraps of the affection he’s lost. His public mask conceals private agonies. A single night in the company of a courtesan, however, balms his wounded heart, and he finds himself returning again and again to Fiore, revealing more of himself than he’s ever dared before.
Furthermore, and more astonishing still, Fiore finds he returns Enzo’s affections.
But while Fiore wears no mask, he nonetheless has secrets of his own. And when the ghosts of their pasts return to haunt them, only the bond of trust between them will carry them through.
September 24, 2023
Solar Fantasy – Aubrey & Lindsey Retold – Ch. 7 up on Patreon!
Scene 7 of
Solar Fantasy – Aubrey & Lindsey Retold
is up on my Patre♡n! Wherein Aubrey realizes precisely who he dallied with at the party. Please enjoy this sneak peek and join me for more.
~
“Apparently the prince met someone at the party and is absolutely besotted.”
Aubrey, who’d spent the last few moments trying and failing to remember which prince was called Lindsey, felt a growing unease at this. “Oh?”
“Yes. So besotted, in fact, that he failed to learn the man’s name. He’s turned to Graves for help with the matter. And Graves went down the whole guest list, searching for anyone who matches the description Prince Lindsey gave, or anyone who saw such a person at the party. Several people have claimed to, of course, but Graves has discredited their testimonies.”
Aubrey’s stomach did an uncomfortable flip. “What description did the prince give?”
“That’s the funniest part. Small, dark, large eyes, sharp features. Sound familiar?” Halloway asked with a grin.
Aubrey didn’t think it very funny at all, but forced a smile.
“Finally,” Halloway continued, “Graves got so fed up with the whole business that he came to me in desperation and asked if I’d brought anyone particularly beautiful along to the party—one of my models, perhaps? And I told him no, not any of my models, but a gentleman I wish would model for me. And, upon reflection, he almost matches the description. But I cannot for the life of me imagine him taking such liberties—though I suppose the prospect of prince is a very compelling catch.”
Aubrey’s growing dread became an internal scream.
“Anyway,” Halloway said with a dismissive wave, “that’s what I told Graves. Couldn’t possibly be my man, sorry I can’t be of more help, et cetera. But isn’t it extraordinary? The mystery man is a match for you in every aspect save behaviour.”
“What does Prince Lindsey look like?” Aubrey asked.
Halloway’s mirth died on his face.
~
Did you want more Aubrey and Lindsey – but in a whole new world?
Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them.
A new scene will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]
Currently posting…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm) (90k)
See you on Patre♡n!
~
“Apparently the prince met someone at the party and is absolutely besotted.”
Aubrey, who’d spent the last few moments trying and failing to remember which prince was called Lindsey, felt a growing unease at this. “Oh?”
“Yes. So besotted, in fact, that he failed to learn the man’s name. He’s turned to Graves for help with the matter. And Graves went down the whole guest list, searching for anyone who matches the description Prince Lindsey gave, or anyone who saw such a person at the party. Several people have claimed to, of course, but Graves has discredited their testimonies.”
Aubrey’s stomach did an uncomfortable flip. “What description did the prince give?”
“That’s the funniest part. Small, dark, large eyes, sharp features. Sound familiar?” Halloway asked with a grin.
Aubrey didn’t think it very funny at all, but forced a smile.
“Finally,” Halloway continued, “Graves got so fed up with the whole business that he came to me in desperation and asked if I’d brought anyone particularly beautiful along to the party—one of my models, perhaps? And I told him no, not any of my models, but a gentleman I wish would model for me. And, upon reflection, he almost matches the description. But I cannot for the life of me imagine him taking such liberties—though I suppose the prospect of prince is a very compelling catch.”
Aubrey’s growing dread became an internal scream.
“Anyway,” Halloway said with a dismissive wave, “that’s what I told Graves. Couldn’t possibly be my man, sorry I can’t be of more help, et cetera. But isn’t it extraordinary? The mystery man is a match for you in every aspect save behaviour.”
“What does Prince Lindsey look like?” Aubrey asked.
Halloway’s mirth died on his face.
~
Did you want more Aubrey and Lindsey – but in a whole new world?
Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them.
A new scene will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]
Currently posting…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm) (90k)
See you on Patre♡n!
September 23, 2023
Saturday Snippet, 9.23.23
The music resumed. Fiore took a tentative step, balancing on the balls of his feet as Enzo had instructed. He did not fall.
Again Enzo retreated. Again Fiore advanced. But as he swept in to fill the lack, only for Enzo to withdraw, Fiore realized it was no such thing. Enzo did not flee from him. Rather, Enzo made way for him, inviting him to occupy the space he once held but a moment ago, continually welcoming him into his arms as he’d so oft welcomed him into his body, showing Fiore over and over how eager he felt to draw him into his life. And he drew very near indeed—near enough to feel the warmth of Enzo’s heaving chest; near enough for their stockinged calves to brush against each other as they tangled and untangled like they had so oft before amidst the bed-clothes; near enough to behold the smiling gleam in his tender gaze beneath the bauta mask. They twirled across the deck in the tentative embrace demanded by the dance. The music seemed to bear them up and swirl them ‘round in its irresistible current.
Only when the song ended did Fiore recall they had an audience.
~
Fiorenzo is a queer fantasy-of-manners romance featuring secret identities, hurt/comfort, and a happily-ever-after. Coming out September 30th – preorder today!
Again Enzo retreated. Again Fiore advanced. But as he swept in to fill the lack, only for Enzo to withdraw, Fiore realized it was no such thing. Enzo did not flee from him. Rather, Enzo made way for him, inviting him to occupy the space he once held but a moment ago, continually welcoming him into his arms as he’d so oft welcomed him into his body, showing Fiore over and over how eager he felt to draw him into his life. And he drew very near indeed—near enough to feel the warmth of Enzo’s heaving chest; near enough for their stockinged calves to brush against each other as they tangled and untangled like they had so oft before amidst the bed-clothes; near enough to behold the smiling gleam in his tender gaze beneath the bauta mask. They twirled across the deck in the tentative embrace demanded by the dance. The music seemed to bear them up and swirl them ‘round in its irresistible current.
Only when the song ended did Fiore recall they had an audience.
~
Fiorenzo is a queer fantasy-of-manners romance featuring secret identities, hurt/comfort, and a happily-ever-after. Coming out September 30th – preorder today!
