lateonthereylotrain

[lateonthereylotrain]

In general the way people talking about women owning sexuality and expressing sexuality has always rung a bit hollow. For me, personally. I lack the exhibitionist streak that seems present in a lot of women attracted to men I express my sexuality more like a man does.

[lateonthereylotrain]

Manuel Bujados (1889-1954), “La Esfera”, October 1915

[lateonthereylotrain]

if I were angel I would also have angsty sex with my cancelled wife darla

[lateonthereylotrain]

let's speculate wildly about langdon's marriage, shall we!

a needlessly thorough breakdown of a single scene from 1x02 and what i think it might say about langdon, his addiction, and the state of his marriage

under the cut bc i get rambly!!

so a lot has been said about frank and abby's marriage based on the hints we get here and there in the first half of the season. i've even gone as far as saying they have a canonically bad marriage, which may be a little harsh, but i don't think anyone watching with a keen eye can say in good faith that the langdon marriage has been presented to us as particularly healthy or uncomplicated.

he works a physically and emotionally demanding job for long hours and mediocre pay, and we can infer that she either works from home or is a stay-at-home mom to their two young children. he clearly feels some measure of guilt about the way he preforms the roles of husband and father, trying to make up for his shortcomings with gifts and grand gestures, while ultimately being shown to be ignorant, almost to the point of contempt, of his wife's needs.

and this is all before we (and abby!) find out that he's been putting his life, liberty and livelihood in jeopardy with his substance abuse.

so, i think it's fair to say that we can expect langdon's marriage to be a significant point of contention when we pick back up for season 2.

of course, almost everything that we can say about abby langdon at this point is pure speculation. we haven't met her! we don't even get to hear her voice on the phone! we're only getting bits and pieces of this woman, mainly filtered through langdon's unreliable flawed perspective. so if we want something based in canon to say about the way langdon thinks about abby, his kids and his marriage, we'll have to look at some characters we actually get to see on screen.

we may not get to see abby and tanner, but we do have amanda and tyler:

(and also drew, but he's kinda whatever to my points here.)

tyler is the four-year-old boy from episodes 1 & 2 who comes in lethargic and unresponsive—mel asks for langdon's assistance on the case, and they find out that tyler is sick because he ingested some of his dad's pot gummies. this causes a lot of tension between tyler's parents, amanda and drew, who get defensive when they find out they've been reported to the department of children youth and families (pittsburgh's version of CPS/DCFS). the parents argue, robby breaks it up as the Voice of Reason, mel frets about potentially tearing apart a family, and langdon with his "fellowship in cynicism" argues (correctly) that they're white and therefore won't face drug charges or have their kid taken away. we find out later from kiara that tyler is going to be fine, but that his parents "might need counseling."

and the shift from hell continues!

(side note: i'd actually forgotten, but the STEMI with me, mel moment comes right on the heels of kiara updating mel about tyler!!)

so it's a relatively 'easy' case, and it comes very early in the season, the first time we see mel and langdon working together one-on-one. it's almost forgettable compared to everything that happens later, and it's only after what we learn about langdon's addiction that the last scene with tyler and his parents starts to feel thematically important.

basically, langdon's reactions in this scene are really interesting.

it all starts normally enough with mel and langdon updating the parents on tyler's status, and answering amanda's questions about the potential long-term affects of THC on her son's brain. on my first watch, i was mostly attuned to mel, and her reaction (that langdon totally clocks!!) to amanda's derogatory worries about her son getting autism. but on rewatch, it's what comes next that really stuck out to me.

langdon starts the interaction very polite and professional with both parents, but when amanda gets upset about the mandatory reporting, he immediately gets very defensive, taking on almost the kind of tone we later see him use on santos. he starts talking to her like she's crazy, escalating the situation and making amanda even more upset. he even reaches out in a kind of placating move and she tells him to keep his fucking hands off her, leading to this shot:

which. yes. is the basis of this whole post. but come on. this isn't zoomed in by me, this is the shot as it appears in the show. a mom justifiably angry about her husband's drug use and the way it's endangered her child, juxtaposed against a defensive langdon's wedding ring and the bracelet from his own four-year-old son. you could write a fucking thesis on this shot alone. i mean, i basically am. but never mind.

and langdon's reactions to amanda only get more tense when she starts going off on drew, telling him to stop speaking for her child and that he needs to "get a fucking hotel."

look at the way this is blocked! poor mel is running off to get help, but the guys in the background are framed together in opposition to amanda, and they're both looking at her like she's crazy. in fairness, she is very much freaking out here, but she's also scared for her son, she no longer trusts her husband, and she's just been told that the police may be getting involved. langdon doesn't know it yet, but he's getting a little sneak preview of what his night with abby is gonna turn into!

and when robby comes in to play moderator and calm everyone down, langdon is again alone in the shot with amanda, making a series of increasingly freaked out/guilty expressions as she tells robby that she wants to stay with her son instead of her husband because she doesn't want him around:

patrick ball's acting in this whole scene is so subtle and nuanced as langdon low-key wigs the fuck out in this situation. he is visibly shaken after everything goes down and has to physically psych himself up to get back in the game as robby leaves.

so much about the way this is shot, acted, and edited feels vitally important to langdon's characterization in retrospect. and the defensive way he reacts specifically to the woman in this situation leads me to believe that, at least in the immediate aftermath of abby finding out about everything, langdon is gonna be a fucking nightmare. and while i don't think it would be fair to assume that abby is gonna react exactly like amanda does in this situation, i do think the similarity of the names (abby/amanda & tanner/tyler) and the fact that the boy is the exact same age as langdon's son does invite us to draw a comparison.

long story long, i love that while we get to see first hand how langdon's addiction makes him react defensively and lash out at santos and robby, the show also gives us this glimpse into how langdon and his wife will react to his addiction becoming public in his domestic sphere.

[lateonthereylotrain]

Angst

Updated 19 December 2021

Rest of the Masterlist.

(bring you) peace by ebongawk (makeshiftcandy) (AO3 2021  Rated M Complete, 4 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: “Are you family, sir?” a nurse asked. “I–” Ben faltered, looking at her again… When her own eyes opened, they looked around wildly, confused and searching. Searching for him, he somehow knew. I don’t even know her name. “Yes, I am,” he finally managed, and the nurse nodded.) A Dinner For Two by Ayearandaday (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When Finn gets caught while hacking for the information about Rey’s parents she agrees to spend an hour every day doing whatever Mr. Ren requests to save her friend from prison. But what could her mysterious employer want from her?) A Life Made Right by Flaignhan (AO3 2019  Rated G Complete, 5 Chapters, Canon AU, Quick Synopsis: Snoke was dead, to begin with. A Christmas Carol in Star Wars.) A Marriage of Rebellion Sequel: A Marriage of Defiance by Zoa (AO3 2021  Rated M Complete, 2 Chapters, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: The sequel to ‘A Marriage of Rebellion’) A Reylo Christmas by Biekewieke (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 8 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: So when Leia Organa asks her Personal Assistant Rey to join her on a family vacation in Mon Torri for the holidays and highlights a big bonus, what is she to do? Only catch… Leia’s son is coming along… Ben Solo is the enfant terrible of the family. Broody, sullen and with a huge chip on his shoulder, the young man is notoriously difficult.) A Scandalous Match by Musickat18 (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, 18 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: Despite a very poor first impression, Rey has found herself forced to wed the mysterious and intimidating Ben Solo, Duke of Ren. The marriage is deemed highly scandalous by society as Rey is no more than an orphan living on the good graces of Mr. Unkar Plutt. Rey, now Duchess of Ren, finds herself forced into a role for which she has no training, with a husband who does not even seem to like her.) Across the Stars by nite0wl29 (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 20 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: A Reylo re-telling of Beauty and the Beast where Rey falls in love with Kylo Ren without ever seeing his face. In the beginning learning the curse could be broken had given him hope. Yet as he grew more reclusive that hope faded to cynicism. He snorted to himself at the memory, pushing away all of those ridiculous thoughts of hope that someone could ever love him like this aside. A hideous masked monster. He looked like a monster. No. I am a monster, he thought to himself. No one in their right mind would ever look at him and think twice to even consider the option. For who could ever learn to love a monster?) Adrift by HeartSabers (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 16 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: The A/B/O, You’ve got Mail, environmentally engaged AU no one needs and no one wants.) America’s Asshole by monsterleadmehome (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 3 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo is a critically acclaimed (but widely despised) movie star. Dubbed “America’s Asshole” by the press, he has recently finished a stint in an anger management facility after punching his last agent in the face. Rey Niima is a top talent agent and is outraged to find out she has been assigned to be Ben Solo’s newest victim. ) Amortentia by JGoose13 (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One Shot, Harry Potter AU, Quick Synopsis: In which Rey finally finds the source and explanation of the scents she smells when near an Amortentia potion.) And Closer Still Is Never Enough by lovefrompluto (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben has an arranged marriage to Rey but what happens when he starts to court the wife who is a stranger to him?) And Your Kingdom Too by vuas (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Fantasy AU, Quick Synopsis: Her kingdom sells her hand the moment his thunderous black horse arrives at the border. Nobody fights for her honor like in the stories she’s read. There is no duty-bound, brave knight in possession of sparkling eyes coming to save her. There’s only the Red King and his bloody sword.) Baby, It’s Just Biology by Polkadotdotdot (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 32 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: For Rey Jackson, trying to finish your degree in Biomedical Science at Harvard is difficult enough when you’re one of the few Omegas on campus. It’s made even more difficult when your Professor is the one to trigger your heat. You can’t help it, it’s just your biology. An Alpha Omega love story.) Bearers and Builders by AverageEpaulet (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 10 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: In which Rey needs a nanny for her daughter Hazel and Ben happens to be the just right for the job. TW: previous infant death.) before we go. by AquaWolfGirl (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Medieval AU, Quick Synopsis: On the eve before the battle against their enemies, General Rey Jakksun seeks out General Kylo Ren. There are others she could have gone to in their camp, sure, but of all the men there, she decides to ask him to teach her pleasure – something she’s never known and wants to experience once before she dies in the morning.) Believe it or not by P_Dunton (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 8 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Everyone can see their soulmates when they sleep. Except for Rey Niima. When she closes her eyes, there’s never anyone there. Most say this happens when the other soul partner doesn’t sleep. After years and years of this, Rey has given up on ever finding her other half. Ben Solo is an angry, bitter shell of a man. He tries to stay awake as long as he can, using whatever means possible to avoid dreams. Because his soulmate is dead.) Beloved by MelodeeKS99 (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Fantasy AU, Quick Synopsis: In the world of Gala, when someone is marked with “The Symbol,” it is said that person has a soulmate in their world. Once they come together, they can never be parted. But when the the symbol appears on young Rey of the Scav tribe, connecting her to someone in the Order, she knows she must hide the mark, or she won’t live long enough to know of the love destined to find her.) Bleed Me Dry, I Don’t Mind by AttackoftheDarkCurses (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Four times Rey wasn’t dating Ben, and four times Ben knew he loved Rey.) Blooming Flowers Stained in Blue by NightSen (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 28 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: “We accept the love we think we deserve.”) Both Telling Lies by GreyForceUser (ReyandKyloforever) (AO3 2020  Rated E Incomplete, 1 of 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben and Rey run into each other at a club and meet in the bathroom at 12:05. They may be something, but they can never be friends.) can’t turn off what turns me on by audreyii_fic (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 13 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey uses a heat-sharing app to find an Alpha to help her. She finds virgin Ben Solo who is a bit broken, and Rey’s broken. And maybe these two broken people can help each other?) Chef’s (Uns)Table by TheAlchemistsDaughter (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Kylo Ren is a high-powered chef with an explosive temper. Nevertheless, Rey likes him. To get him to come out of the kitchen, she and her friends try to wind him up. When someone asks for ketchup, it works a little too well.) Children and Other Wild Animals by Virginia_Tradescant (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 30 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: After a harrowing undercover assignment, FBI agent Ben Solo decides to take on an “easy” witness protection case that turns out to be anything but. Inspired by the timeless romantic classic, Kindergarten Cop. But with heaping cup of swearing. And a half cup of smut. Add a teaspoon of inspiration from Witness. Plus a heavy dash of Bodyguard. Simmer on low for about 18 chapters, then bring to a roaring boil until done. Enjoy!) Connection Interrupted by Thea_Annette (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, 18 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Soulmate bonds are a precious (and occasionally fragile) thing, and something that Ben Solo was beginning to believe he would never have. That is until a voice in the back of his head wakes him up one morning worrying about a math test.) Convergence by kuresoto (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Not everyone had an Other, and the only way to find your Other was by saying their name. When that happened, memories of their life, where they grew up and the steps that led them to you, would be condensed into a single flashback that passed in a blink of an eye. The fact that someone had said Rey’s name and didn’t bother approaching her hurt, especially since she had a good idea why. Her parents tossed her aside when she was barely five, so she shouldn’t be surprised that her soulmate had done the same.) Crystal Crowns by altargaryen (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, 10 Chapters, Royalty AU, Quick Synopsis: Princess Rey Palpatine was a sprightly twelve year old the day her very best friend in the whole world left her. She is a women fully grown the day he returns, six years later, on the verge of taking up her own crown half a world away. A best friends to lovers, royalty romance.) Dark Carols by Nyx_Fedra (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 3 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: CW: Suicidal Ideation. Ben Solo wasn’t liked around the office. He had outbursts of rage, and he was generally rather unpleasant, harsh, difficult to get along with. He seemed to despise others and to be disinterested in anything anyone talked to him about. Rey didn’t like him very much, their few encounters had been difficult, some even shouting matches. To her eyes, he was spoiled, ungrateful of the privileges he’d been granted by life. He refused to join Resistance enterprise for a long time, working for Snoke instead, he was harsh with Leia and Han, hostile with Luke…It all changed two months before Christmas, when they entered Resistance enterprise headquarters to find Holdo dishevelled, alone when Leia never missed a day, and she informed them that Ben Solo had almost succeeded in committing suicide the night before. Rey’s world tilted upside down. ) Day Follows Night; Dark Follows Light by LyricalRiot (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, 41 Chapters, Canon CD, Quick Synopsis: Supreme Leader Kylo Ren is distracted, leaving him vulnerable to dangerous plots from within the First Order itself. When death comes for him, he’ll have to face it alone — unless the Force can convince one new Jedi to save him. Difficult choices and uncomfortable reunions lie ahead. They’ll have to navigate carefully if they have any hope of any tentative alliance between them. But hard as it may be, both know that neither can walk away again.) daylight by sparklylulz (sparklyulz) (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, 4 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Coffee shop employee Rey has a run in with one of the difficult professors. Thus starts a very turbulent friendship until Ben needs a fake date to go with him to see his parents, the first time he’s seen his parents in a while.) Designs on you by ReyloBrit (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 14 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: CEO Ben Solo has a difficult reputation and trouble hanging on to his assistants. But his latest one, Rey Sands, he certainly doesn’t want to lose, even if he’s not sure his feelings for her are entirely appropriate. This new job will be Rey’s first step to becoming an architect. But can she put up with her temperamental new boss long enough to gain the experience she needs and to pay off her debts?) don’t forget me, i beg by hi_raeth (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, 5 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: The one in which Rey travels back to her college town for Finn and Poe’s wedding, only to stumble upon the café she always dreamed of opening and the ex she never quite got over.) Dreaming of Hope by adamsackleriskyloren83 (AO3 2019  Rated M Complete, 2 Chapters, Canon AU, Quick Synopsis: Kylo Ren goes to bed one night only to awaken as Rebel Pilot Ben Solo. Discovering that not only is Rey his wife, but he is also the father of a toddler(s) son/daughter.) Dumpster Dive Into My Heart by commandercrouton (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Inspried by a tweet from Reylo Prompts: My art professor told us a story about how he hated all his art and threw it out at a dumpster by his campus and then a little while later he went to a girls dorm (who is now his wife) and she had it hanging on the wall :) Faithfully by Enigma_IM (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey finds out the asshole at work is her soulmate.) Fated and Inevitable by Kyriadamorte (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Canon AU, Quick Synopsis: Padawan Ben’s life gets a whole lot more complicated when a group of Force users on Jakku demands he marry one of their own before offering aid to a floundering New Jedi Order. He refuses, of course. At first.) Fireproof by SpaceWaffleHouseTM (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When Rey’s home is overrun by a wildfire, she has to evacuate with little time and no warning. Then she saves the life of Ben Solo, the neighbor she barely knows, on the road and he offers her a place to stay in the aftermath.) for love or money by KiKi37 (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 30 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: The loss of a scholarship has left Rey Niima in a financial bind, with only a few months until graduation. Her friend Rose might know of something that could help.) Get Over a Man, Get a Dog by PortPowerhouse (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, 5 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey tells her best friend Ben she loves him. Ben was raised in a household where he was taught “I know” is an acceptable response to “I love you”. Rey gets a dog to help cope with her heartbreak because the real best way to get over a man is to get a dog.) Gilded by TearoomSaloon (AO3 2016  Rated M Complete, 4 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Everyone had two marks, one for class and another to identify a soulmate. She only had one: green rings on her finger, proof she was part of the laboring class. It made matters lonely, but never unbearable. Until she met him. He had two sets of marks—had a soulmate—and she did not.) Good Fences Make Lonely Roommates by Morlemia_R (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: For the past five months, Rey and Ben have successfully managed to avoid each other (and their feelings) by spending most of their time outside their new, shared apartment. However, after COVID-19 forces everyone to stay home, the two may finally have to confront what they’ve been running from.) Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday by CaliforniaQueen (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 20 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Celebrating finishing school and getting a teaching job, Rey Jackson and her friends go out for a night of drinks and letting their hair down. When she meets the beautiful stranger at the bar, she decides tonight she’s going to break a rule and be the bad girl for a change. Their one night together turns out to have disastrous consequences for everyone involved. But is being tied down as bad as Rey thinks it is, or is she just afraid to let herself be happy?) heart-shaped sunglasses by SecretReyloTrash (BadOldWest) (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 3 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and her sugar daddy Kylo have their arrangement all figured out. Until he proposes.) How Much Can Kylo Ren Endure This Christmas by reylology (AO3 2017  Rated M Complete, 10 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: As the CEO of the number one commercial enterprise in New York City, Kylo Ren would think that bringing home a girl for his parents to meet should be the least of his concerns. But when a phone call with his mother takes an absurd, aggravating turn, he finds himself shoved headfirst into a lie. Desperate to prove his parents wrong, Kylo would do anything in order to see the shocked looks on their faces. Even if it means seeking help from the random girl that had just walked into his office for a job interview.) I don’t want you like a best friend by irridesca (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: It’s not like she hadn’t seen this coming—Rose reminded her weeks ago that he was invited. It was an inevitability Rey was always going to have to face, but she didn’t think that Rose would be so merciful as to also give every guest a plus one. But Rey can’t really be upset—and she is totally, unequivocally not upset—that he’s bringing someone because, well. She is, too.) I just called to say by hi_raeth (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey’s world comes crashing down on a Wednesday afternoon, and if Ben could just answer one of her twenty calls so that she knows the secret love of her life is not trapped in his burning office building, that’d be great.) I Was Lost (For You To Find) by LadyReylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 19 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: “On Friday we received a visit from a man and his lawyer.” Mr Kenobi opened the folder on his desk. Rey instantly recognised it, her eyes widening, dread filling her. “What… what do you mean? What is going on?” She said, her tone firm. Whatever this was, if it involved her son, she needed to know the truth now. “His name is Benjamin Solo. And he claims his son was illegally put up for adoption eleven years ago without his consent.”) I’ll Pick You by greywilde (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey broke off her no-strings arrangement with Ben to move to the big city and broke his heart (and her own) in the process. Three years later, a trip to an apple orchard has her falling - literally - into the arms of the man she left behind. His feelings haven’t changed, but have hers?) If You Can’t Beat Em’…..Join Em’ by PrinceofDarkness15 (AO3 2020  Rated E Incomplete, 4 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: “I really fucking hate you.” She grits. “Oh, sweetheart believe me.” says Kylo with a sensual smirk that makes her cunt clench. “The feeling is entirely mutual.”) if you’re not made for me, why did we fall in love? by aldeeraan (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 16 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey had been in love with her foster father’s nephew for as long as she could remember. Ben Solo had harboured the rare soulmate mark on his inner wrist. Rey, however, did not. Meaning he was made for someone else but why did she still continue to feel this irrevocable pull to a man who didn’t belong to her? A pull which seemed to continue to exist years after she was ripped from the only place she has ever called home.) In Sickness And In Health by Theyna_Shipper (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, 8 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey knows it’s not an ideal situation, but it’s a situation thousands of people are in. It’s not like there’s much she can do about it right now, anyways. She can go a little while without health insurance. Until she gets breast cancer. The treatment will be simple if she can get it. But she’s worried she can’t, until her old co-worker Ben offers a solution: “We could get married.”) In The Warm Light by Nyx_Fedra (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: It was supposed to be simple, an outlet for their frustrations with one another, like scratching an inch and maybe, maybe, Rey had thought, a way to torment him as much as he tormented her during the day. But it feels as if the only thing they’ve archived is to bond with one another in a way neither of them seems to fully understand.) In the Woods Somewhere by Verdantsolstice (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, 5 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Hikers Ben & Rey meet on the trail when they’re both lost. Hours of walking lead them to a convent in the woods. The sisters are very friendly, but refuse to let them both stay unless they’re married. TW: Mentions of ICE and immigration.) It Feels Like Christmas by juniorstarcatcher (AO3 2017  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When Rey discovers she’s not the only one staying alone in her dorm during Christmas break, she tries to share the holiday spirit with the intimidating and solitary Ben Solo.) Java Empire And The Rebel Café by fairytalesandfolklore (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: A Reylo Coffeeshop AU. Rey works for the Solo’s coffeeshop and finds out their son has gone to work for the competing corporate chain. She tries to get him to reconcile with his parents but a misunderstanding makes him push her away.) Keep You Warm by thereyoflight (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Canon AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey is shivering when she falls asleep in the Falcon’s pilot seat. The force bond connects. Post-TLJ.) Kiss me and tell me it’s not broken by kyoloren (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: People don’t touch Ben Solo. It ranges from a serious pinch to a full blown seizure, but every person who touches him gets hurt. He’s a master at avoiding everyone. Until her. She’s dancing on the street and smacks right into him… and nothing. She even smiles. She’s immune.) Laid Between Words by jeeno2 (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 15 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey is nearing the end of her temporary work Visa. Her friend Ben offers to marry her so she can stay in the U.S. She says yes.) Left Handed Kisses by Ever-so-reylo (Ever_So_Reylo) (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 5 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: A modern AU in which Rey is an Assistant District Attorney working for Leia and Ben is an evil (?) criminal defense lawyer.) les amoureux des animaux by reylomami (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey leaves her job in a whim after a quarter-life crisis. With too much time suddenly in her hands to rethink her life and her identity, Rey finds money-making respite in a pet-sitting job from Pawshake. A Reylo Pawshake AU with poor time coordination and fluff out of meet-cutes and mournings.) Lessons on Loving A Poet by TheWoman (reyreyalltheway) (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey keeps seeing mysterious poems written in her old books and college notebooks.They make her reminisce about the first, and only, person she had ever fallen in love with, who currently lives worlds away as a highly successful author, and really, why would she even think about texting him first? It’s not like he’s got time for nobodies, like old college friends…or, the one where she wants to know who could have written all these old poems, and everybody wants to know about the girl in all of his.) lie with me and just forget the world by hi_raeth (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: For Rey Solo, the year is 2016. She’s just woken up in the hospital, she’s recovering from a car crash, and she’s wondering where the hell her husband is. For Ben Solo, the year is 2021. It’s been two years since the divorce, since the worst mistake in all of history, since the day he walked away from the love of his life. Sometimes, the universe has a weird (and potentially fatal) way of bringing people back together.) like my heart longs for an ocean by hi_raeth (AO3 2018  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Within minutes of meeting, Rey Niima and Kylo Ren immediately confront each other for having the audacity to be biologically compatible. Within weeks, they start exploring that compatibility. Within months, it turns into something more.) Love Makes Fools Of Us All by Darkcat18 (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 5 Chapters, Victorian AU, Quick Synopsis: Poe Dameron and Armitage Hux take their friend Ben Solo to Madam Natal’s high end brothel so that he can be rid of his virginity. Ben, though nearly thirty, has no desire to lose his virginity to a whore. When he sees Rey, laundress and cook, he strikes a deal with Madam Natal to spend the night with her. Rey agrees after he offers her a very large sum of money, to be paid directly to her. What neither realize is that this deal will change the course of their lives.) Love me the way you did (before you slipped through my fingers) by riseofskyloren (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When Ben loses his memories, he isn’t ready to face Rey- the wife he had forgotten. But months had passed, and now it’s time to meet again.) Love’s a Game by darthswift13 (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 5 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Complete strangers Rey and Ben enroll in couples therapy as an academic experiment. How long before the therapist realizes it’s all a ruse?) lucem ac viventis by neonheartbeat (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 17 Chapters, Beauty and the Beast AU, Quick Synopsis: In the midway of this his mortal life,/Poe found him in a gloomy wood, astray/gone from the path direct: and e'en to tell:/ it were no easy task, how savage wild/ that forest, how robust and rough its growth,/ which to remember only, his dismay/ renews, in bitterness not far from death/–Yet to discourse of what there good befell, /all else will he relate… discover’d there. A Star Wars take on Beauty and the Beast. Tale as old as time, in a galaxy far, far away.) Make Me Over by Hellyjellybean, Twisted_Mirror (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo is a man with a past. The famous actor has used everything from drink to sex to try and fight his demons but maybe all he really needs is the love of a good woman? Rey Johnson is excited to have been appointed MUA to the lead actor on her first film set. From the moment she meets Ben Solo, she’s a goner but does he feel the same?) Making Love Out Of Nothing At All by LoveofEscapism (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and Ben are roommates who are also friends with benefits. Ben knows Rey doesn’t want a relationship but he can’t help but fall in love with her.) more everything by caisha (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: He was arrogant, condescending, and an asshole. And he didn’t have a mark on his wrist.) My Dad Will Not Date Miss Palpatine (But Maybe He Can Marry Her) by AnneAnna (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Annie Solo is perfectly happy with her Dad and brother and the last thing she needs is her dad’s high school sweetheart coming to town and ruining everything. But maybe just maybe Miss Palpatine will be far better than she expected.) My Heart Always Belonged To You by JGoose13 (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 12 Chapters, Modern Persuasion AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo might be stuck in a rut, but at least he believes he’s solved his dad’s financial struggles. After renting out his childhood home, the young Solo has a chance meeting with a ghost from his past. A ghost created by his own inability to resist outside persuasion.) My Sandwich by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Someone took Ben’s turkey sandwich at work, he is infuriated and eager for revenge, until he finds out it was Rey then those feelings no longer exist.) my soul / tie it to yours by andabatae (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Canon AU, Quick Synopsis: She’s radiant across the fire, even with tears in her eyes. Kylo feels like he’s seeing something special, like her armor has been stripped away to reveal the fragile flesh beneath. He’s sick with wanting her, even though he knows it’s futile. She hates him, and she isn’t his soulmate, anyway. He doesn’t have a soulmate, doesn’t deserve one.Soulmate bonds form at the exact right time for two people to fall in love, and if there was ever a right time for someone to love Kylo Ren, it was long ago, when he was a different person.) Nerd Table by tasu7 (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, 9 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben, one of the nerdiest nerds at his high school, is completely smitten with the new girl, Rey. She plays board games, loves videogames, and is even better at robotics than him. And somehow they’ve become friends. The problem is she doesn’t like him like that. And Ben can’t just tell her how he feels.) New Year Miseries by allie_wishes (AO3 2018  Rated M Complete, 8 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Modern AU where Rey and Ben date in High School and then his band gets signed and his new manager, Snoke, convinces him that she is holding him back so he dumps her. 8 years later, at a roof top New Year’s Eve concert where her band is performing, he may just get a second chance.) Nocturnal Studies And Other Peculiar Magic by WaterlilyRose (AO3 2017  Rated E Complete, 6 Chapters, Harry Potter AU, Quick Synopsis: Hogwarts was the first home Rey ever had. Now she has a chance to return as a grown woman to be the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. She cannot tolerate the Potions Master and former Death Eater that she duelled and scarred so many years ago. Yet unity must be upheld. Gryffindor and Slytherin will unite in ways never before.) Nominis by Oh_Snapcrackle (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 8 Chapters, Harry Potter AU, Quick Synopsis: When Professor Skywalker partners Rey with the notorious Ben Solo for occulmency lessons, something goes wrong (or very right) and now their minds are bridged. Between sharing thoughts, inconvenient astral projections, and bedsharing Rey starts to learn that while Ben Solo deserves the reputation he has built, he also deserves the opportunity to change.) Not Delivered by Erulisse17 (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and Ben are neighbors who have been pining for each other for a year. Rey decides to move out of state as she thinks her love is unrequited. That’s just the kick Ben needs to get him to confess his feelings.) Not Quite a Fairytale by Crysania (AO3 2021  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey lets a stranger use the phone of the café she works at late one night. It changes the whole course of her life.) Of Penmanship and Discourse by INTPSlytherin_reylove97 (AO3 2018  Rated M Complete, 35 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When Rey Kenobi’s professor and advisor, Luke Skywalker, refuses to give constructive criticism or facilitate workshops for his students, she decides to seek help else where. Ben Solo (or if you read his published work, Kylo Ren) is on the brink of insanity. The literary magazine he is editor for is racing off in a new direction– and is leaving him questioning both its morals and his love for writing. To find his intellectual and creative needs met, he decides to turn to the internet. A PenPals AU no one asked for.) Off guard by TheReadingNook (AO3 2019  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: The last thing Rey is looking for is love. As a single mom, her plate is as full as she wants it to be, but her son seems to think otherwise. And when he sets out to fill that void, they learn some interesting things about life, love, and the bonds of family and friendship.) One for Hoping by AverageEpaulet (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 6 Chapters, WWII AU, Quick Synopsis: The war is over and Ben is a soldier, looking for the nurse who treated him after suffering a crippling injury.) Out on the Moonlit Floor by SpaceWaffleHouseTM (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 5 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben was born with a peculiar ability — anybody he kisses will instantly fall in love with him. He’s never wanted to kiss anyone as much as he wants to kiss Rey. But he can’t kiss her because he knows her love wouldn’t be right. Wouldn’t be real. Wouldn’t be true.) Practice Makes Perfect by violethoure666 (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 3 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Grumpy Ben Solo gets asked out by Jessica Pava, the hottest girl in the office. The only problem is that he’s a 29 year old virgin who doesn’t wanna make an ass of himself with the aforementioned hottest girl in the office. Rey offers to help him get all the awkward and embarrassing stuff out of the way before his big date. Everyone can definitely stay cool and not catch feelings. No big deal.) Sabotage by CaptainMarvel42 (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 10 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: After learning Ben’s role in Finn and Poe’s breakup, Rey plots her revenge.) Saving What We Love by naboojakku (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 18 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: In which Ben and Rey are voluntarily quarantined together for two weeks. Includes: copious amounts of fluff, discussion of mental illness, and way too many hours of Animal Crossing. Feel-good read during these batshit crazy times.) Say It With Feeling by amybeegood (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 18 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Meet Rey, the Maid/Escort who really needs a solid day job and Ben, the reclusive, virgin billionaire who doesn’t have a clue about real life or how to hire household help.) Say it With Sugar by fettuccine_alfreylo (AO3 2016  Rated E Complete, 20 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo is the owner of his family’s small chocolate shop. Rey Kenobi is a talented chocolate maker he hires. They both share the same passion for chocolate. Unfortunately, they share the same kind of anxiety, too.) Scrooged at Crossroads by apisa_b (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Kylo Ren is a workaholic Grinch with anger management issues - until his life is changed by falling in love and being visited by a ghost.) secret garden by hi_raeth (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: In a world where love physically manifests as flowers on one’s skin, Rey spends a decade hiding a garden’s worth of blooms from childhood friend Ben. (And maybe, just maybe, Ben’s hiding a few flowers of his own too.)) Shadow Song by SageMcMae (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 12 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey was scared of the monster she found at Plutt’s Salvage and Tow – the monster who was now living under her bed – until she realized the monster was protecting her. The shadow demon, Kylo Ren, was scared of his own darkness – a darkness he had been tainted by since birth – until he found someone to light up his existence.) Sip the Honey Sweet by dietplainlite (AO3 2018  Rated G Complete, 8 Chapters, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Spring, 1902. It’s Rey’s first day of teaching at Chandrila school on Prince Edward Island. Her perfectly planned morning starts off on the wrong foot, setting her on a completely unexpected path.) So-called “soulmates” by radioactivesaltghoul (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 16 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Most people are excited to meet their soulmate, whose first words to each other are marked on their bodies when they turn sixteen. But most people don’t have insults marked on their skin. Ben Solo has always thought that the concept of soulmates were bullshit, and Rey Jakkusen has been doing everything in her power to avoid a situation where someone might utter the words to her.) Something About This Place by SevenBetter (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 5 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey stands just next to the tracks, a week’s worth of clothes and her laptop bag resting atop a salt-crusted mound of snow at her feet. She stares up at the immobile train.She has no idea where she’s going to go. No idea what she’s going to do. Before she can come up with even half a solution, her phone starts buzzing. Lady Gaga’s Edge of Glory blasts from her pocket. She glances down at the screen. 'KYLO NYC SEX’ stares back at her. On the last ring, her finger swipes across the cold glass. “Uh, hello?” A story that takes place during COVID-19.) Something Wicked by violethoure666 (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 10 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: In the early 2000s Ben Solo and Rey Kenobi were America’s sweethearts. Stars of the hit show Something Wicked, they took the world by storm, partying across a gritty Los Angeles landscape and making every headline. By 2017, they aren’t speaking, in fact Rey despises Ben and when they are cast together in a rom com, all hell breaks loose. Jumping between the early 2000s and present day, this is the story of two people who found each other, lost each other, and found each other again.) Stay Hungry by jeeno2 (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 11 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and Ben are researchers who have maintained a rivalry through email. Rey is at a conference when she smells the most enticing Alpha next door. It turns out, that the smell is coming from the Ben.) Sunshine and Gunpowder by rightforlife (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 8 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: She’s a teacher who would do anything to protect her student. He’s a glorified hitman with a heart of black gold.) Sympathy for the Abyss by Telcontarian (AO3 2021  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Hades/Persephone AU, Quick Synopsis: Hades/Persephone retellings where Persephone broke into the Underworld and won’t leave. Hades is begging her to go because she’s eaten all his snacks and Cerberus likes her more than him.) Symphony of Darkness by Hartmannclan (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Everyone looks forward to the day they start seeing visions of their Soulmates life. Rey is scared when all she sees is darkness.) Talk Nerdy To Me by andabatae (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Grad student Rey is addicted to watching nature documentaries narrated by the mysterious Kylo Ren. In fact, listening to him recite animal facts is her favorite masturbation inspiration. One day, the poetry class she TAs for has a guest lecturer: Ben Solo, a large, cranky man with gorgeous hair, adorable glasses… and a very compelling voice.) tell me how this story ends by hi_raeth (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: In a world where you have to earn your soulmate, Rey has spent the last two years waiting for the day she and Kylo wake up with each other’s marks, waiting for the day the universe tells them they’re meant to be. The mark never shows up, but even the knowledge that they’re just not meant for each other doesn’t make their break up any easier on Rey.) The Background by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: He draws her every week. He draws her looking at him smiling, thoughtful, or truly magical, He pours his heart and soul into these drawings. Every Sunday he comes to the hospital room, hoping to meet her eyes. But she’s not waking up. His hope is fading. Today…) The Mating Service by AlbaStarGazer (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 36 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: A sceptic of the leading mate finding service, Rey decides to sign up after too much wine and years of loneliness. She never expected to find her match within days of submitting her samples. Join the two as they are separated by an ocean, Rey in England, Ben in America as they explore their situation. Can Ben convince Rey that he wants his omega for her and not simply their biology and change her mind about the reliability of the mating service?) The Prince Diaries by sunshineflying (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, 10 Chapters, Princess Diaries AU, Quick Synopsis: Just weeks before his eighteenth birthday, Ben’s father drops a bomb on him: his grandmother – whom he hasn’t heard from for most of his life – wants to speak to him. What she has to say has the potential to turn his life upside down.) The Trail Bride by SecretReyloTrash (BadOldWest) (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 47 Chapters, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey Niima finds herself in a perilous situation when her husband dies at the start of their journey West. From the few bachelors on the trail in her party; she attaches herself to the best of her options. That option is the mysterious Banker Ben Solo.) The Unicorn by xtenn (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 9 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Where Rey tells her friends of a very good and a very, very bad sexual encounter, while Ben calmly cooks dinner and totally doesn’t freak out or lose his cool. Ha, yeh, nah, sort of not really, not at all. Not that he cares. He doesn’t!) The Unintended Consequences of Single-Seater Cockpit Designs by ItsALilah (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, One Shot, Canon CD, Quick Synopsis: After Crait, Rey vowed to never, ever stick her head out for Kylo Ren again. Unfortunately, she’s got marching orders from Poe Dameron of all people to save the Resistance’s newest ally, who just happens to be Kylo Ren, and of course, those rescue plans predictably go to Hell. Meaning Rey’s not just stuck with Kylo Ren, but sharing an uncomfortably confined space with the newly deposed Supreme Leader. A space that was definitely not designed to fit more than one person.) The Ward by dreamingspires (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 18 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: An angsty, Bridgerton-ish/Alpha/Omega/Smutty mash-up, Ben rescues Rey and ends up her guardian.) Those We Love by Everren (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 6 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and Ben used to be friends, best friends, until one night and some bad news changed everything. Now, after not speaking for months, Rey is about to make the hardest day of Ben’s life take a turn he could never have expected.) To Have and to Hold by bunilicious (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 5 Chapters, Medieval AU, Quick Synopsis: “Your husband is gravely injured, my lady.” The envoy’s words should have pleased Lady Rey. After all, her husband was one of the dreaded Norman barons who invaded her beloved country and claimed the lands in the name of the bastard who now called himself king. Ben Solo had stormed her uncle’s keep, killed all the men who opposed their new conquerors, and claimed the stronghold for his own. He took the keep, he took the surrounding lands and, at the new king’s orders, took Rey to wife. Rey should have hated him. But, in the six months following their hasty and undesirable marriage, Rey found that hatred for her new husband was the furthest emotion from her heart and mind.) to live and to love by blessedreylo (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: A Me Before You (2018) inspired Reylo AU (with a promised happy ending) Young and quirky Rey Niima moves from one job to the next to help her family make ends meet. Her cheerful attitude is put to the test when she becomes a caregiver for Ben Solo, a wealthy young man left paralyzed from an accident two years earlier. Ben’s cynical outlook starts to change when Rey shows him that life is worth living. As their bond deepens, their lives and hearts change in ways neither one could have imagined.*NO MAJOR CHARACTER DEATH*) Twisted Joke by LadySkywalker77 (AO3 2021  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben confesses his love to Rey, she laughs in his face because she assumes he is joking because she’s been in love with him and didn’t think it was reciprocated.) under thy own life’s key by galvanator (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben and Rey share a bed on a trip and everything is totally normal and nothing is weird.) Unmarked by professnerdiness (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 3 Chapters, Soulmate AU, Quick Synopsis: Reylo Soulmates AU - Hidden Soulmark.) Us or Them by MandyCandy (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 12 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and Finn accidentally witness the Final Order clearing up a distribution issue at Plutt’s Automotive. To make matters worse, Finn is recognized, Rey got it on video, and Kylo Ren is out for blood. Now they have to go into witness protection. Separately. Thankfully, due to the high value of Rey’s testimony against the Final Order, a highly decorated FBI Agent, Ben Solo, is going to be taking care of her by playing house and pretending to be newly weds. Or is Kylo Ren going to *take care of her* first?) Wash Over Me by Twisted_Mirror (AO3 2021  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: This fic was based on a real life inspired prompt where a guy had posted about an experience with his girlfriend of tender intimacy and healing after past unhealthy relationships.) We Only Live Once by P_Dunton (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 16 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Betrayed by her best friend and boyfriend, Omega Rey finds herself friendless and homeless for the first time in years. Thank god for her amazing boss, Maz who lets her crash above the auto repair shop where she works. Sad and lonely, Rey lets herself be talked into paying the First Order to locate a compatible Alpha Mate for her. As if her year didn’t already suck, of course she would match with the famous Kylo Ren, second in command of the most powerful suppressant production company in the country.) what once was lost by hi_raeth (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Hades/Persephone AU, Quick Synopsis: “CERBERUS (THE MIDDLE ONE BITES). IF LOST, PLEASE CALL 666-666-666”. Alternatively: the one in which a three-headed puppy reunites our star-crossed lovers.) what you take with you by irridesca (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 16 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When Rey’s former boss, heartless defense attorney Kylo Ren, is shot in the head, she’s asked to return to her position as his assistant to oversee his recovery. The only problem? When he wakes up two days later, he has no idea who Kylo Ren is. According to him, his name is Ben Solo.) when I look to you by blessedreylo (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 7 Chapters, Harry Potter AU, Quick Synopsis: Best friends since Year Three, Gryffindor’s Ben Solo and Rey Niima navigate their final year at Hogwarts. When exposed feelings and unrequited romance get in the way of their friendship, they wonder whether they’ll survive the school year.) Why can’t we be by MeadowHayle (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 5 Chapters, Magical AU, Quick Synopsis: When old Maz forsaw a dyad, Rey never thought it would be a soulmate bond between her and the First Order coven member Kylo Ren. Desperately trying to undo her connection to the enemy, she seeks out ancient texts and meets Ben, a bookshop owner and crafter. While being bound to another Rey slowly but steadily falls in love with the quiet man, unknowing that he is the one she dislikes so passionately. A modern magic take on pride and prejudice.) why do we have to go and make things so complicated? by WellDoneBeca (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 29 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: TW: traumatic pregnancy. Flatmates Rey and Ben dance around the bush too much, and never reach anything. So one night, when they are too drunk and sleep together and he pretends it never happened, Rey takes the rejection like an adult and tries to move on; but when she falls pregnant and the only possible father is no other than Benjamin Skywalker Organa Solo, there are some hard decisions she has to make. How long can someone hide a pregnancy from their flatmate and colleague without getting caught?) Worth the Wait by LadyBrettAshley (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: After being cheated on by her fiancé, Rey decides not to wait til marriage & decides to lose her virginity to known scoundrel Ben. “Scoundrel” Ben begs her for a dinner with him, worships her in bed and trails after her like a lovesick puppy. Rey is confused.) Would You Still Love Me by Armayra (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben and Rey have a massive fight and she leaves him. That same night she gets into a car crash, resulting in the loss of her memories. Ben decides that Rey will be better off not remembering him. Rose has other ideas.) You are (not) a Monster by Saoirse7 (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, 8 Chapters, Werewolf AU, Quick Synopsis: On a full moon night, drunk Rey mistakes a werewolf for a stray puppy. She coos at him and takes him home, feeds him, even washes off the dried mud (blood) on his fur. The next morning, she finds a naked man built like a fridge sleeping on her bedroom floor.) You Need a Tutor by castles_and_crowns (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, 28 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey is an engineering student who finds herself struggling with calculus. Desperate, she goes to the math tutoring center on campus for help. Meanwhile, Ben Solo is a grad student who’s required to work a certain amount of hours in the math tutoring center. When Ben reluctantly offers to help Rey with her work, a relationship forms between them that neither are expecting.) Your Body Was Black and Blue by 5wans_Kenobe (AO3 2021  Rated M Complete, 20 Chapters, Canon CD, Quick Synopsis: Unable to remember his path through time, Kylo Ren cannot fathom why a worthless scavenger is trying to heal his broken body.) Your Half by Celia_and (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 4 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Classmates Rey and Kylo get off on the wrong foot. Too bad they’re partners for the whole semester…) Your Pretty Little Heart by Ever-so-reylo (Ever_So_Reylo) (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 15 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Modern day AU in which Ben is an Alpha, Rey is an Omega, and they are way better at having sex than at communicating with each other.)

[lateonthereylotrain]

Maybe this is a hot take but the number of tags on your ao3 fic should be proportional to the fic’s length

[lateonthereylotrain]

[lateonthereylotrain]

when you're in a gothic novel and the girl you have a crush on tells you that she wishes you were siblings: 😳

[lateonthereylotrain]

How to spot a covert manipulator in creative spaces

It’s been over a year since the unmasking of Freydis Moon but they are not the only manipulator walking among us. As a retrospective, I created a checklist consolidating all of their tactics. I hope it can help empower victims and educate bystanders on how to root these people out.

Weaponised Intellect & Morality

They know all the right buzzwords, champion the right causes, and support the right movements. They like to cite the importance of community, accountability, and ethics until they’re held to those same standards. Then it’s deflection, evasion, and moral amnesia.

Calculated Empathy

There’s a pattern of withdrawal whenever conversations become emotionally charged or accountability-focused. They resort to stock phrasing or strategise responses based on group consensus. There’s nothing earnest or vulnerable in their contributions, only courtesy.

Withholding & Evasion

They can never answer questions directly. You’ll either get defensive humour, redirection or silence. It’s a method to slowly erase your confidence until you’re overthinking yourself or feeling self-conscious and hypersensitive.

Group Management

Publicly, they’re charming, easygoing, even self-deprecating. If conflict arises, they triangulate, isolate, or try to manipulate narratives to maintain control of how others perceive you. Oftentimes, you don’t see the damage being done until the well is already poisoned.

Social Mimicry & Values Mirroring

They co-opt the values, principles and beliefs of their peers without doing the inner work. It’s an emotional sleight of hand to make you let down your guard. Their actions frequently betray a strategic disregard for said values when it’s convenient.

Psychological Hotboxing

They dodge questions, give half-answers or gaslight you into thinking you’re interrogating them unfairly. If you find yourself constantly doubting your memory, your responses, or your instincts more than once, asking yourself if you’re the crazy one, you’re probably not.

Intellectual Posturing as Defense

They may respond to emotional truths with abstract hypotheticals, moral philosophy or performative reflection. It feels like a conversation, but it’s deflection. They aren’t connecting, they’re shadowboxing while manufacturing a false sense of intimacy.

Controlled Presentation

They are very sensitive to social hierarchy and shift gears depending on their target, cycling between cordial apathy or simpering affection. In private, they become distant, withholding and reframe your attempts to connect as invasive or overbearing.

Sensitivity to Loss of Power

If they encounter someone who sees through them or challenges their control, that person becomes an immediate threat to neutralise. They’ll become cold or hostile under a cloak of passive aggressive civility. The target is always framed as the aggressor.

[lateonthereylotrain]

Adriana Tarábková as Princess Anna in Kráľ Drozdia brada / König Drosselbart / King Thrushbeard (1984) dir. by Miloslav Luther.

[lateonthereylotrain]

my favourite discourse of the day is that anglosaxon guy on twitter and ciao darwin  

[lateonthereylotrain]

when you're in a gothic novel and the girl you have a crush on tells you that she wishes you were siblings: 😳

[lateonthereylotrain]

I Want You To Quiet Down by Patrica Grullon

2011, acrylic and ink on wood

This got taken down for violation, even though it’s a perfect example of what is supposedly allowed. So I’ll put it back up for the three minutes it’ll be allowed up. 😴

[lateonthereylotrain]

frociaggine in onore del franci 😔

[lateonthereylotrain]

cardinal zuppi you communist festival too tough. your wired earphones swag too different. your bike too bad. they’ll never make you pope

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Natalia cara,

ogni volta spero che non sia l’ultima lettera che ti scrivo, prima della partenza o in genere; e così è anche oggi. Bisogna continuare a sperare che finiremo col rivederci, e tante emozioni si comporranno e si smorzeranno nel ricordo, formando di sé un tutto diventato sopportabile e coerente. Una delle cose che più mi addolora è la facilità con cui le persone intorno a me (e qualche volta io stesso) perdono il gusto dei problemi generali dinanzi al pericolo personale. La mia aspirazione è che tu normalizzi, appena ti sia possibile, la tua esistenza; che tu lavori e scriva e sia utile agli altri. Questi consigli ti parranno facili e irritanti; invece sono il miglior frutto della mia tenerezza e del mio senso di responsabilità. Attraverso la creazione artistica ti libererai delle troppe lacrime che ti fanno groppo dentro; attraverso l’attività sociale, qualunque essa sia, rimarrai vicina al mondo delle altre persone. A ogni modo, avere i bambini significherà per te avere una grande riserva di forza a tua disposizione. Rivedere facce amiche, in questi giorni, mi ha grandemente eccitato in principio, come puoi immaginare. Adesso l’esistenza si viene di nuovo normalizzando, in attesa che muti più radicalmente. Ho ripensato, in questi ultimi tempi, alla nostra vita comune. L’unico nostro nemico (ho concluso) era la mia paura. Le volte che io, per qualche ragione, ero assalito dalla paura, concentravo talmente tutte le mie facoltà a vincerla e non venir meno al mio dovere, che non rimaneva nessun’altra forma di vitalità in me. Non è così? Se e quando ci ritroveremo, io sarò liberato dalla paura, e neppure queste zone opache esisteranno più nella nostra vita comune. Non ti preoccupare troppo per me. Immagina che io sia un prigioniero di guerra; ce ne sono tanti, soprattutto in questa guerra; e nella stragrande maggioranza torneranno. Auguriamoci di essere nel maggior numero, non è vero, Natalia?

Sii coraggiosa.

Leone

Ultima lettera di Leone Ginzburg alla moglie Natalia (Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli)

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Adriana Tarábková as Princess Anna in Kráľ Drozdia brada / König Drosselbart / King Thrushbeard (1984) dir. by Miloslav Luther.