The question came so casually, the attendant might have thought it was meant for nothing more than idle conversation were it not for who it was asking. Bastien knew the footman, though. Knew what the sly smile behind those full lips probably meant, and that was trouble.
So, having secured the parcel of post with the other deliverables, Bastien turned away. “It would seem so.”
“How many is that now?”
“This week?” He hummed. “I’d say just shy of two dozen, but I haven’t been keeping track of the precise numbers.”
The footman gave a snort, but when Bastien looked his way, it was only Christophe’s back that he saw as the man tended to the horses— no doubt thinking to hide his amusement behind the pawing of hooves.
He wasn’t one to give into baiting, though. Not for a footman.
With a snort of his own, Bastien straightened his suit coat. “I try not to meddle with the business of the house. It would be wise for you to keep that in mind.”
“Oui, of course, sir. I meant no offense. It’s just…”
It was too hard to resist those eyes peeking out beneath the long, dark lashes that made Christophe look so innocent, even though Bastien knew everything to the contrary. Everything about him was disarming. Dangerous. Intoxicating.
“Yes?”
“These mystery letters… the parties… one has to wonder what your benefactor is up to, non? Searching for someone… a lover, perhaps?”
Bastien knew how to keep secrets, both in word and expression. He gave a pleasant smile, but that was all. “Alas, it doesn’t seem as though any of the letters were addressed to you, so the chances of you finding out are highly unlikely.”
But instead of being discouraged, Christophe’s smile only grew, gaze getting darker. Hungry. “Oh dear. Your master certainly is working you hard, isn’t he?”
It was unfair just how effective that was.
Or how true.
——————————–
This is a promotion piece for YOI Regency week. Don’t miss your chance to vote for the prompts. Last day 1st of March.
This is the final part of the Barcelona chapters, and it’s so much softer, sweeter, and fluffier than the last few… and it’ll only get better from here on out. :’)
As the Grand Prix Final comes to a close, it seems that the worst of Viktor and Yuuri’s troubles are behind them. Not only have they worked out their incredibly painful communication kerfuffle, but the pair have come to a happy resolution to their personal and professional drama for the foreseeable future. With this out of the way, all that’s left is the gala, the banquet, and… repairing all of the bridges that Viktor has burned over the years.
At least he doesn’t have to do it alone.
#cw: brief slur, mention of violence and assault in flashback #things will get better from here on out #the final chapter of barcelona #lots of fluff #sap #healing #papakov #FINALLY
Never Look Away: a Yuri!!! on Ice series retelling with 100% more Viktor PoV and backstory.
This was my main piece for the @yoiscifizine. I wanted to do a rare pair, one of mine and Mamo’s AUs; a cyberpunk retelling of Cinderella set in a dystopian world so terrible, there’s no Yuuri OR Makkachin??? omg 😱 a nightmare! I included the spread + the individual components.
It’s finally here! Ch 1 of Man on a Wire, @mamodewberry’s fic about Chris and his love story with the mysterious manager~ ooh! This is in the NLA-verse, so it’s a canon compliant inbetweenquel of sorts, with juicy backstory you won’t find anywhere else. 😉
Confidence is an essential life skill. Without it, you are easy prey to the wolves. If acquired, and not tempered, you become one yourself.
Conviction. Self-possession. Credence.
Fame comes with open windows and doors, little can be kept secret. Constantly on display. The symbolism of a costume, the meaning of a program.
Discovering yourself, and holding steadfast in it, is vital. The sooner in life, the better. You’ll be able to combat whatever puts itself in your path to being you.
Mature / 2.5k wip
Finally, a preview for ONE of my pieces in the @yoiscifizine!
In a dystopian world SO TERRIBLE that not even Yuuri or Makkachin exist, can there be any hope of happiness for an orphan Vitya in the Dregs? This sci fi Cinderella fairy tale gets a spread in the zine and more in the extras PDF, so make sure to pre-order today!
All proceeds go to charity in hopes of a much better future, so everyone wins! YAY!
** don’t forget to go for the full bundle so you get the cute Makka towel I designed, too!!! **
Finally, a preview for ONE of my pieces in the @yoiscifizine!
In a dystopian world SO TERRIBLE that not even Yuuri or Makkachin exist, can there be any hope of happiness for an orphan Vitya in the Dregs? This sci fi Cinderella fairy tale gets a spread in the zine and more in the extras PDF, so make sure to pre-order today!
