fragile foxes - fantabulous fan fic

In The Blood Epilogue Teaser

2010-04-12T21:13:00.006-05:00

The end is here. Thank you so much to everyone for reading. This has been a wonderful journey and Fragile and I are both humbled and thankful that you've trod this road with us. Without further ado, here is the final teaser:

Everyone gathered in Emmett's loft, and Rosalie and Emmett sat on the couch, her legs draped across his lap as he massaged her feet. They were the picture of domestic bliss, and only their burgundy eyes indicated the violence that existed within them.
Emmett had been teasing Rosalie about her pick for the World Series, and she was in the mood to needle him in return. "So, Emmett, you never did tell me why Angela looks at you with those big puppy dog eyes every time we visit Edward at his office."

Bella, sitting in Edward's lap on a huge blue bean bag chair, stiffened. "I think maybe Edward and I..."

"Not a chance, love." Edward laughed, tightening his arms around her waist. "I'm dying to hear this story."

Emmett shook his head. "You really don't want to know, dude."

Rosalie wasn't giving up. She straddled him, pinning him to the back of the couch. "Spill, now."

The playlist for the final chapter of In The Blood is Let It Be by the Beatles:

In The Blood Chapter 24 Teaser

2010-04-05T00:00:00.005-05:00

Wow. I can't believe we're finally here. The penultimate chapter. And after all the angst our lovers have been through, don't you think they deserve just a little more loving? Yeah, me too! Enjoy!!

“Do you have a better idea, my champion?” Her eyes were challenge and lust and black thirst, and for a moment Edward wondered if there was another hunger he should be attending to.

“I do, but you haven’t fed in some time, Isabella. I should take you out…” his voice trailed off as he saw the stubborn look in her eye.

“I told you my favorite meal was always going to be copper-haired American boy.” She pressed her body against his and he knew this was one battle he wasn’t about to fight. They would be together and nowhere near humans. She would be safe.

“It just so happens I know exactly where you can find such a dish,” he purred into her ear as his hands reached down to pull her more fully against him.

“I was hoping you might be able to help me out.” Bella arms were about his neck, pulling him back down toward her when she realized they had some place they could go and be alone. She leaned back suddenly and the kiss Edward had been about to place on her lips fell awkwardly on her neck. Not one to be deterred, he simply adjusted his angle and began to run his tongue along the soft skin of her throat.

“Edward,” her voice came out as a moan. “I want something.”

“I’m trying to give it to you,” he smiled into her flesh, not willing to stop worshiping her.

“Something else,” she giggled back and Edward straightened up, willing to play along with anything that might please her.

The playlist song for this chapter is "Let It Grow" by Eric Clapton:

In The Blood Chapter 23 Teaser

2010-03-30T00:06:00.000-05:00

Now that the rogue had been dealt with, Edward and Bella must decide how they will spend their forever. Will Edward be horrified by Bella's violent dispatching of Jane? Will their families support them or try to tear them apart?

Approaching the Cullen estate, Bella lowered her shield, hoping Edward would hear her.

I'm here. It's over.

No sooner had the words rushed through her mind than she saw Edward and Rosalie rush through the door and down the steps. Their parents stood in the doorway, warily watching the scene unfold.

Bella froze twenty yards from her lover, watching his stunned reaction as she let him see in her thoughts that the rogue was truly gone. As Emmett ran past her and into the arms of Rosalie, Bella remained in place, Aro's hand on her shoulder.

Now that he'd seen how vengeful, how calmly lethal she could be, she wasn't sure he'd still want her. She may have sworn off the hunt, but she would still kill without remorse. For him. For her father. For her new coven.

Edward walked slowly toward her, her shield still lowered to allow him to know her doubts and her nature. When he reached her and placed his hand on her cheek, she looked down, waiting to hear the reaction she could not bear to witness.

The playlist song for this chapter is "Let It Rain" by Eric Clapton.

In The Blood Chapter 22 Teaser

2010-03-22T00:00:00.005-05:00

I know you were all waiting for fragile's chapter last week as much as I was. And now we've FINALLY gotten to the promise land! Edward and Bella have hashed out the past, they've made some plans for the future, they've been reunited in the best possible way...

So what's left? Well, there is that pesky, homicidal vampire on the loose with the grudge against Bella. We'll get to Jane eventually, but for now, let's get to this week's teaser:

In less than a second Edward was behind her, pinning her back against his chest, his mouth by her ear. “And what if I want all of it, Isabella?” He held her body flush against his, letting her feel just how much he wanted her, now and for always.

“It’s yours,” she breathed out huskily, then twined in his arms to face him. Her eyes sought his out and he could see the sincerity in their burgundy depths. “Everything I have is yours, Edward.”

He leaned in and took her lips hungrily, marveling that no amount of time together was able to decrease his need for her. The opposite seemed true: the more he had her, the more he kissed her, touched her, made her cry out for him; the more he seemed to need. It was endless and he felt the enormity of it keenly. But it was a pleasurable thing; to feel so intensely again. He wouldn’t deny it for the world.

His hands roamed down her back, slipping under the waistband of her jeans to cup her body and even though his eyes were closed he could feel the electricity between them arching out all around them in reds and oranges and bright white lights. Then suddenly Bella’s lips were gone. Edward’s eyes blinked open in confusion only to find Bella had flitted over to the chair next to his desk and was pulling on her boots.

"If we start that again,” she smirked, “we’ll never get downstairs and I for one don’t relish the idea of putting on a peep show for the Volturi guard.” She walked over to his closet and tossed a pair of khakis to him. Edward caught them with a laugh.

“No. That’s certainly not something I want either.”

I for one wouldn't say no to a naked Edward peep show, but that's just me. *wink*

The playlist song for this chapter is Livin' For You by Al Green

In The Blood Chapter 21 Teaser

2010-03-15T17:43:00.000-05:00

Edward has swallowed his pride and confessed his love to Bella. In return, Bella has dropped her shield allowing Edward to see the horrors that have shaped her. What will Bella do now that Edward understands?

Wrapped in Edward's arms, Bella felt safe and complete for the first time since Adam found her in the meadow and took her life. Edward's touch, his embrace, and his lips on hers were all things she never thought she feel outside of her tender memories. Having his arms surround her, even after the horrible things she'd shown him, was surely a dream, some twisted fantasy she'd created since he found her to preserve her sanity. His gentle kisses over her face were real, though, and she slowly allowed herself to believe he loved her.

Still, there were things that needed to be said, things he needed to understand. Otherwise, they would never be happy.

Pulling back, Bella gazed into the golden eyes she'd feared for almost two centuries. "I need to tell you about your change."

Edward's eyes clouded over briefly then were bright and clear again. "We don't have to do this now."

"Yes, we do. We finally do."

Edward nodded slowly then lifted Bella onto his lap until she faced him, straddling his hips, her back against the keys of the piano.

The playlist song for this chapter is "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green:

In The Blood Chapter 20 Teaser

2010-03-08T00:00:00.001-06:00

So we've brought our lovers together. Everyone's under the same roof even. Things are looking up. And while Emmett and Rosalie are getting to know one another, Edward and Bella are finally getting some alone time of their own. But as much as they're eager to get to the fun part of their reunion, and who isn't?, they still have a few things to hash out.

“Please don’t blame Aro for this, Edward.” Her eyes were fierce as she spoke of the Volturi leader and Edward could see she cared about the man deeply. “You have to understand. He considers me his daughter and he would do anything to protect me.”

“From what? From love?” Edward didn’t want to quarrel with her but Aro’s deception had wreaked such destruction on both of their lives, had made them both so unhappy for so long. It rankled that she could forgive him so easily.

Bella’s shoulders slumped a little, wearily. “When you were in Volterra, did you hear what others think of your kind? Of those that follow Carlisle’s…lifestyle?”

Edward’s pride was pricked. Yes, he had heard what they thought of his father, of him. How they took the respect that Carlisle held for all life and turned it into something perverse, considering abstaining from the murder of humans to be an abomination. Not trusting himself to keep the rancor from his words he simply responded with a curt nod.

“Then you know how strongly other vampires feel about the way you live. When Aro realized that you were living with Carlisle, he came to Chicago to witness for himself if you were truly committed to this way of life. When he saw that you were…” her words trailed off. They both knew what Aro did next.

“And what gave him the right to decide this for you? Even if he is your sire, Isabella, you are a grown woman with a mind of your own. You don’t care that he treated you like a child?”

“Edward,” she sighed, clearly not sure how to explain her point of view to him. “Aro’s not my sire but it’s because of that, because of what he knows of my early years that he wanted to spare me the choice. He didn’t treat me as a child,” she emphasized. “He treated me as his child.”

If Aro truly thought of Bella as his daughter, how could he so blatantly disregard her free will? Edward tried to imagine Carlisle if the situation had been reversed but he couldn’t imagine his caring, loving father taking the choice out of Edward’s hands. His father had too much respect for him for that. Bella must have seen the lack of understanding in Edward’s eyes because she began to chew on her lip in worry. Then suddenly her eyes lighted with wary inspiration.

Can she make him understand? Here's hoping so! Because I, for one, am ready for our erstwhile lovers to reunite already!

The playlist song for this chapter is Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen:

No you didn't miss it...

2010-02-26T13:55:00.011-06:00

Come on! You know you can't be mad at a puppy!

It's true. Chapter 19 of In The Blood did not post this week. It wasn't a fanfic.net alert fail or anything like that. The truth is due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, the chapter got delayed. We profoundly apologize and fervently promise that it will be there, come hell or high water, that we'll post it this coming Wednesday, March 3rd or earlier should the Almighty decide to stop treating fragile like the 21st Century Job.

In the meantime, I have this message for my co-author:

*ahem* Hello? Fragile?
This is Doctor Lemon.
I know you've been under the weather.
So I'm giving you a prescription.

Take two of these:

and go to bed for the rest of the night.
Heck, take the rest of the week, baby!
With two of these bad boys, you're going to need it!
*wink*

Feel better soon, fragile!!!!!!!!!!

In The Blood Chapter 19 Teaser

2010-02-23T21:21:00.001-06:00

Edward called her ISABELLA!!!! *squee* Okay, now that I've gotten that out of my system, here's this week's teaser:

Standing over Edward's crumpled body, Bella was terrified. She knew what Jane was capable of; she'd seen Jane wield her dark weapons time and time again. Regardless of how Edward now felt about her, if she'd been too late to save him she would never forgive herself.

Bella fell to her knees at his side and, unable to suppress the need to touch him, brushed the disordered hair from his face. "Edward," she whispered.

Clasping her hand in his, Edward closed his eyes. She expected him to shove her away in anger, but she gasped as his soft lips kissed each of her fingertips. She'd dreamed of his lips for 91 years, of their tender touch and the electricity that resulted from it. She never thought she feel the overwhelming sensation again, yet, here she was, drowning in it.

So, if the teaser is B & E, why is the pic above Rosalie and Emmett? Oh, you'll see...*evil grin*

The playlist song for this chapter is "Killer Queen" by...well...Queen:

In The Blood Chapter 18 Teaser

2010-02-15T00:00:00.004-06:00

While Emmett and Bella are learning just how innocent (or NOT) Angela is, Edward's getting some life lessons of his own.

This image is of an actual chair
that you can buy, should you be so inclined,
on eBay

As Edward crumpled under the weight of Jane’s torment, he barely registered being picked up and flying away from his house. Jane made sure he was incapacitated throughout the entire journey. As Jane’s torture burned through him, Edward had no way of knowing where he was being taken. His mind, normally able to focus on multiple things at once, was completely incapable of processing anything other than the agony he was in. When it stopped abruptly, Edward found himself sprawled out on a dank cement floor in a dark and musty room. His eyes fluttered open to see a tiny pair of black, lace-up, steel toed boots standing in front of him.

“Don’t move or I’ll do it again.” Jane’s voice was almost bored as she turned her back on him and walked toward a chair she had set up in the center of the room. The way the room was laid out reminded Edward of something, but he just couldn’t quite place it in his hazy state. When Jane twisted around to sit on the ornate, gold-adorned piece, it finally clicked into place. It was a throne. This dark, desolate place was Jane’s throne room. And, as he might have expected, it was but a hollow shell of the glory she sought. For a moment Edward felt very sad for the tiny child-monster before him. But only for a moment.

The playlist song for this chapter is Contact in Red Square by Blondie:

In the Blood Chapter 17 Teaser

2010-02-08T21:21:00.000-06:00

Jane's on the warpath, and Bella is on her way to Edward's office. Who does she find? Why, innocent little Angela, that's who.

Closing the distance between herself and the moaning girl, Bella winked at Emmett over Angela's shoulder. "My, aren't you a pretty little thing?" Bella cooed, threading her fingers through Angela's silky hair. "I bet you taste so sweet."

"What the hell are you doing here? Get your hands off her!"

Bella turned her head and looked straight into Edward's blazing eyes. Smirking, she tugged Angela's hair, giving Emmett access to kiss her exposed neck. "Well, hello there, Edward. Emmett and I were just playing with your little toy." She laughed as she watched his jaw tighten. "So, how did your grudge fuck go?"

Edward's eyes widened then narrowed into angry slits. "You two...my office...now!"

Bella and Emmett shrugged as they pulled away from a panting Angela and followed Edward into his office. Once they were seated in the guest chairs, Edward slammed the door soundly.

The playlist song for this chapter is "Heart of Glass" by Blondie:

ITB Nominated for an Indie!

2010-02-02T10:55:00.009-06:00

Could you all HEAR me squeeing? Because when I got the email from fragile last night that In The Blood was nominated for not one but TWO Indies I squeed louder than a tweenager at a Jonas Brother's concert!

That's right! In The Blood has the distinction of being nominated for an Indie Award in both the Best Love Triangle (WIP) category and the Canon or AU story that knocks you off your feet (WIP) category!!!

We are truly grateful that our readers enjoy this story to the point that they would nominate us for this awesome award. And the competition is quite stiff! But we truly are just happy to be nominated. You guys make our day...everyday!

Thank you so very much!

PS - is it crass to mention that voting begins on February 20th? It is? Oh, well then...nevermind. *wink*

Congratulations afragilelittlehuman!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-31T20:11:00.009-06:00

text graphic from textspace.net

I just got back from being without an internet connection all weekend and I am THRILLED to see that fragile won in both the Steamiest Smut and the Judge's Choice categories in the PPSS sponsored An Officer and a Gentleman contest for her story The Possibility of You!!

And, if I may brag on my co-author for a minute (and seriously, why else have this blog if I can't?), here's what the judges said of Fragile's awesome story:

Lieutenant Edward Cullen is a dedicated fireman, but, when a new probie joins his crew, he struggles to keep things professional. Will he be able to keep himself in check or lose his heart to the possibility of love?

Reading through the entries for this contest I realized how many great authors there are. There were a lot of great o/s and it made choosing really hard for me. Still, reading through them all was a pleasure. My pick is The Possibility of You by afragilelittlehuman. This o/s has not only FireWard but Firella as well. What I really enjoyed was having a Bella who was treated as an equal, regardless of sex or sexiness...though that didn't keep the guys from fantasizing about her sliding down the fire pole. Being employed as a fire fighter equals tough situations and loss of lives; some unknown and some friends. There is an especially hard part when Edward wants to comfort Bella after the death of men from a nearby firehouse...but can't due to the circumstance. I could feel how difficult it was for Edward to deny his desire to help a woman he was no longer just "in lust" with but had deeper feelings for. Besides being realistic with the day to day life of fire fighters, afragilelittlehuman wrote the UST so well that I was dying with the wait for them to get together. Her Edward is sexy in his uniform, all sweaty and dirty. Her Bella is tough yet still feminine. And the smut? Well, I'll just say you need to read it to appreciate it. I could definitely go for more of this to see how a relationship will work out between two people who risk their lives at work on a daily basis.

Way to go fragile!!!! Very well deserved!!!!

A hiccup in the schedule

2010-01-31T16:56:00.000-06:00

Usually, we tease a new ITB chapter on Monday and post it on Wednesday. Because of the general chaos that is my RL, the next chapter will be postponed a week and posted on 2/10/2010. While I think Greta is the only one whose entire Wednesday is planned around a new chapter *wink*, I'm sorry for the delay.

In The Blood Chapter 16Pictures of Jane's Chicago digs

2010-01-27T00:00:00.005-06:00

When I was trying to figure out where Jane would be hanging out while in Chicago, I came across the following pictures of an actual, abandoned firehouse in the midst of the old stockyards. I've lived in Chicago almost my entire life, I even worked in a warehouse in the stockyards as a teenager, and I never knew this house existed. Thanks to I, Splotchy for the find and the amazing pictures.

The interior I found was of an abandoned NYC firehouse, but I still think it works.

In The Blood Chapter 16 Teaser

2010-01-25T00:00:00.001-06:00

So seriously...who else cheered when Bella told Emmett they were going to pay Edward's office a visit? Uh, oh, Edward! Bella's tired of taking all the blame. And let's face it...that boy has some explaining to do. Fortunately for him, he won't be called upon to account for his actions in this chapter. Well, let me know if at the end of this chapter you think he should feel fortunate, because an old 'friend' is coming to town: Jane.

That's right girls and boys, this week's chapter is from Jane's point of view. Here's the teaser...Enjoy!

Silently Jane turned, making her way back to the main part of the castle and to her chambers beyond. Upon entering them, she removed her cloak and hung it in the wardrobe that sat unused on the far end of the room. Since she had joined the Volturi over four centuries ago, she had worn their cloak as a sign of her allegiance. She had never had any reason to set it aside, not even to exchange it for street-ware, as her talents elevated her above the menial tasks that called for their kind to mingle with humans. Now the dark grey fabric was gathered on a hanger and shut away in the wooden closet. She felt uncomfortably bare without it. As she glanced in the mirror that hung on the wall nearby, she was almost blinded by the stark whiteness of her peasant blouse. Unsettled but still determined, Jane shifted her eyes away from her reflection and set about preparing for her departure.

She moved swiftly about her room, collecting the few things she couldn’t bear to part with, leaving everything else untouched. As Jane’s hand closed around the tiny miniature of her brother, she closed her ruby eyes and sighed. Her face, always so carefully blank, cracked for a moment, revealing the heartbreak and frustration of a constantly thwarted girl. For an instant she appeared as what she had once been: no more than a child, overwhelmed by the world and so very powerless in the face of those around her. A quiet, tearless sob leaked out of her mouth and she clutched the image of her brother against her, holding onto it as if it were a talisman against her grief. A moment passed and her face calmed; the tightening of her jaw the only indication that any emotions had just passed over her visage. She tucked the miniature inside her shirt, just below where her heart had once beaten, then turned and calmly walked out the door.

The playlist song for this chapter is Hell's Bells by AC/DC:

In the Blood Chapter 15 Teaser

2010-01-18T18:32:00.001-06:00

Comfort, Munch, 1907

During Aro's story, Bella sat up in the bed, pulling her knees to her chest and wrapping herself up into a tight ball. Emmett held her, stroking her hair as she rocked back and forth in stunned silence.

"Why will you not destroy me?" she finally whispered into the phone.

"You have asked me this favor twice before: once when I found you with Adam, and once when I told you Edward had died. Do you remember my answer?"

Bella leaned her head against Emmett's shoulder. "I remember, but I want you to say it."

Aro sighed. "A parent would never destroy their own child."

Venom pooled in her mouth and sprayed as she screamed at the phone. "Yes, but a parent would apparently betray their child!"

Bella knew that, even though Aro loved her, she was risking death by speaking to him this way. Part of her wanted the freedom and peace death would give her, but it was slowly losing ground to the part that was deeply wounded by Aro's lie and desperate to find a way to overcome it. She felt Emmett's body stiffen next to her, and she remembered her existence was no longer simply her own. She'd been selfish and forgotten her protector and friend needed her.

The playlist song for this chapter is "Back in Black" by AC/DC:

P.S. One Pushy Fox and I are each contributing a one-shot to MsKathy's Haiti Relief Twi FanFic Authors Compilation. Donate at least $5 through 1/24/10 and receive fanfic from over 200 Twific authors. For more information, visit MsKathy's blog.

Chapter 14 is up

2010-01-13T22:25:00.001-06:00

Chapter 14 is up and I completely forgot to mention in my Author's Note that the inspiration for the Denali scene with the Vanquish was none other than Mrs. Vanquish herself. She was so helpful to me with the science stuff in Chapter 12, I just wanted give her some loving. :)

Claire Danes is my Tanya

Mrs V. - Sorry I couldn't write you into the story line, but.... hope you enjoy the lemon anyway.

In The Blood Chapter 14 Teaser

2010-01-11T00:00:00.002-06:00

Photo by Justin Williams courtesy of fineartamerica.com

I know things are getting hairy for our erstwhile lovers and some of you are wondering if they're ever going to find their way back to each other. I'll tell you up front, that's not going to happen in this chapter. No, unfortunately, Edward hasn't hit his rock bottom yet. He has to sink just an inch or two lower into the sea of angst.

But before I give you the teaser I wanted to address the question of why. Why are we torturing these two characters? Why can't we just let them have a bit of happiness? Why do we insist on being cruel women? Good questions. And the answer, in my humble opinion, is because angst is an essential part of the narrative arch. There can be no light without dark, no love without hate and frankly Edward can't come to grips with who Bella truly is without walking down some dark roads of his own.

So he's a bit of an asshole when he's hurt. He says things he shouldn't. He does things he shouldn't. And it's not just there to yank your chain, it's because that's what real people do. At least it is in my experience. But at least working through these challenges is what allows us to grow. Right? And Edward needs to grow and in particular, grow up. However many years he's existed, he's still an 18 year old boy when it comes to romantic relationships because he's never allowed him self to experience these emotions with anyone else. And clearly he needs to work through some issues.

Who knows angst better than a 15 year old guy living out in rural Virginia?
I don't know but Justin Williams, the artist who took this photo,
definitely has my vote for best pictorial capturing of this emotion.

So....please bear with us through these next few dark chapters. We're getting to the end of the self-inflicted pain and soon we'll be moving on into the land of catharsis. And just so you know, Catharsis-ville is filled with lemons. Whole groves of them. *wink* And now, this week's teaser:

“Slow down there, Edward,” she grabbed his arm, breaking his stride as he tried to streak past her. “Who lit a fire under your ass?”

Edward shook her off angrily. “Leave me the hell alone, Rosalie,” he spat back before pointing an accusatory finger in her face. “Not one more word out of you. ‘Maybe you still have a chance at happiness,’” he sneered as he quoted her words from just a few days ago. “’Don’t you want some sort of closure?’ Ha! Closure?” He savagely dragged his hand through his hair in order to prevent himself from shaking the living daylights out of his sister. “Do you know what kind of ‘closure’ I got, Rosalie? Can you guess?”

Rose’s eyes were wide and wary. “I’d be willing to bet it wasn’t what you were hoping for.”

“And the lucky streak continues!” Edward whirled away, forcing the palms of his hands into his eye sockets as if he could somehow block out the vision of Bella entwined with her lover. “No, it wasn’t what I was hoping for,” he whispered bitterly.

So what now? You’re going to run away, then? There was no accusation in her thoughts, just regret for somehow precipitating the pain her brother was in and sorrow for how their parents would ache for him during his absence. Will you come back?

“I don’t know,” he sighed wearily. “I just can’t…I can’t be here; not knowing she’s here too.” With him, he silently added. He looked up into Rose’s eyes, struggling not to break down like a child, begging for her to understand.

Go…I’ll explain to Carlisle and Esme. She stepped aside so he could get to his car. “Just…please call them so they know you’re ok.” Don’t stay away long, Edward. Please. He saw her standing in the open door of the garage, watching him as he sped down the drive and out of sight.

The playlist song for this chapter is Wasted by Def Leppard:

In the Blood Chapter 13 Teaser

2010-01-04T06:24:00.001-06:00

Edward has found his Isabella in the throes of passion with Emmett. His discovery is has broken his heart and made him question everything he thought he knew. What he doesn't realize is that his sudden appearance at Bella's window has made her question her own sanity. Once she sees truly sees Edward and hears his words, her entire world is turned upside down.

She was haunted by Edward's black eyes, full of hate and contempt, piercing her as his beautiful mouth spewed acrimony. He called her a monster. He compared her to the man who changed her and tortured her body and soul. She tried to explain, but he wouldn't listen.

He didn't care why she changed him.

He didn't care why she left him.

He didn't care that she thought she'd lost him forever.

He didn't care that she loved him.

He didn't care, because he didn't love her anymore. The realization left her cold and empty, and she lay in the wet, grimy street, praying that the same God who'd seen fit to take away Edward's love would see fit to take away her pain as well.

When I read Pushy's wonderful last chapter, it was painful, and she told me how hard it was for her to write. After writing this chapter, I understand what she meant on a whole new level.

The playlist song for this chapter is "Bringin' on the Heartbreak" by Def Leppard.

In The Blood Chapter 12 Teaser

2009-12-28T00:00:00.002-06:00

If you haven't figured it out already, allow me to warn you now: this story is going into the dark place in Edward and Bella's relationship. That's right, there's enough pain to go around and everybody's going to get a big, heaping plate of angst. But just remember, no good thing comes without a price. In order for our erstwhile lovers to get their happy ending (and I do love me a happy ending), they're going to have to make it through the tough times.

artwork by dholl

Unlike my last chapter, I have known EXACTLY how this chapter would work from the very beginning. Let me set it up for you just a bit:

On a whim, he stopped by the park where she had found him again so many years ago. He wandered past the field with the tall oak trees where they had kissed for the first time. As he did, Edward caught the faintest whiff of something…not human. It was soft and lush like vanilla with a sweet undertone of ripe strawberries. But there was something else mixed in with it: an underlying odor of chocolate? Coffee? The aroma nagged at him. Like a sleepwalker, Edward followed it past the formal gardens, past the reflecting pond, and out onto the street and into the city again.

It led him to the heart of Isabella’s old neighborhood, only a few blocks from where her house once stood. For a moment he forgot the scent he had been following and remembered how he had stood on the porch of that house the day they had made love, how nervous he had been and how very much in love. In the thirties, not long after he had left Chicago to follow Carlisle to the Pacific Northwest, he had purchased the grand, old Queen Anne and had it demolished. It was the only time he acknowledged the anger and betrayal he had felt and done something about it. Though cathartic, it had not done much to cleanse his heart of the ichor with which Isabella’s leaving had filled him.

The wind shifted again, and the scent he had been following called him onward, past the seedy corner currency exchange with its neon sign alternately blinking “2:12” and “39˚F.” Edward barely noted the time, something that would have sent warning tremors through him normally, especially combined with the perfume he identified as Isabella’s. He inhaled deeply, turning his head up to where the aroma was strongest. He easily scaled the building and was streaking along the rooftops of the warehouses that dotted the main street when he heard her voice.

“Baby, please…come with me.”

Uh, oh.... something tells me Edward's about to see something he REALLY won't like. Oh well...

One thing I did want to mention was that the park described above (and in Chapter 5 when Bella kisses Edward) is based on Douglas Park in Chicago. It is still a beautiful place today. The following pictures were borrowed from The Jens Jensen Legacy Project.

The main park building

The lagoona

The playlist song for this chapter is The Chain by Fleetwood Mac:

In the Blood Chapter 11 Teaser

2009-12-21T00:02:00.007-06:00

If you found the last chapter beautiful and lovely (which it was - onepushyfox wrote an incredible chapter), you will have emotional whiplash after reading chapter 11, "Give You My World." While Edward is returning to Chicago to find his Isabella, Bella is leading Emmett through his first day as a vampire:

“Bella? Is it over, Bella?”

Emmett's voice was shaky and quiet, but it was a symphony to Bella. She looked into his eyes, no longer clear blue but now inky black, and she smiled.

“Yes, baby,” she said, stroking his head soothingly, “it's over. I missed you so much.” She kissed his lips tenderly.

Sitting up slowly, Emmett carefully scanned the room. “Everything looks so different.” He reached out and cupped her face with his hand. “You're even more beautiful, if that's possible. You even feel different.”

These moments were the ones she had dreamed of having with the beautiful boy. Watching as Emmett opened his eyes and truly saw her for the first time, she once again mourned the loss of her mate. Still, she was devoted to guiding Emmett through the difficult newborn years, making sure he was the perfect vampire she knew he could be. She would not fail this time.

I feel I should warn you: it's chapters like this one that give this story its strong M rating, and, like we've said before, we're so not kidding about that.

It will be posted on FFn at 12:01AM-ish on Wednesday. We are still waiting for the last chapter to be validated on Twilighted, and we hope we're caught up soon.

The playlist song for this chapter is "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac.

Bella's Loft...and a little Emmett

2009-12-19T22:11:00.001-06:00

A lot of the early chapters of In The Blood take place in Bella's loft. I've been meaning to post the pictures of the loft on which her's is based, and I'm finally remembering to do it :)

When Bella returns to Chicago, she returns to the same neighborhood in which she lived when she first met Edward: Canaryville.

Canaryville is a predominantly Irish American neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, located within the New City community of Chicago. The borders of Canaryville are from 40th to 49th streets to the South. It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Chicago and enjoys a reputation for insularity or hostility to outsiders. It was also considered to be one of Chicago's toughest neighborhoods throughout most of its existence, from the late 19th century and much of the 20th century.

Canaryville is undergoing a gentrification of sorts, and several old buildings have been converted into lofts. Bella's loft is based on a loft in an old department store on South Ashland.

Bella's nice loft needed a nice bed for Emmett to make...and sleep in. This is what her bed looks like:

I'd pay to watch Emmett make that bed - how 'bout you? *evil grin*

Speaking of Emmett: while our Bella and Edward aren't modeled after the usual suspects, our Emmett is totally modeled after Kellan:

In The Blood thread on Twilighted

2009-12-17T12:14:00.002-06:00

For those of you who haunt the Twilighted forums, we've just set up a thread to discuss In The Blood which can be found by clicking here. Enjoy!!!

Fragile Foxes gets a great new look!

2009-12-16T05:59:00.004-06:00

What a Christmas gift, hunh? Can I just scream, "Thank you, Fragile!!!!!" When my sweet co-author asked if I wanted to get our blog redesigned by the AWESOME Mrs. Vanquish, I of course said, "Yes!" But when she also said she'd foot the bill as a gift to me, I just SQUEED!

She was great, working with us to get the background we wanted, making the FANTABULOUS header, putting up with my crazy love of fonts (I picked out less than 10 this time, not bad, 'eh?) and our many questions about the ivy leaves (should they be green? orange? black? removed altogether? GAH!)

Anyway, she's a dream to work with and we absolutely adore what she did for our . It makes me want to write another story after ITB finishes. Fragile, you think you'll be up for more collaborations??? *smile*

Thanks again, Mrs. Vanquish and Fragile!!!

In The Blood Chapter 10 Teaser

2009-12-14T00:00:00.001-06:00

So this chapter has me nervous. More nervous than the earlier Edward chapters because I feel Edward finally has to deliver in this one and he and I really struggled with how he would actually make good on his promise. Is he sweet? Sure. Angsty? Like a mo-fo! But has he ever looked back at his time with Bella fondly? Remembered it without anguish, self-doubt and the taint of betrayal? Nope.

But that's the gift that Aro gives him with his memory of Bella: the ability to see her in a way Edward hasn't since he was human. And believe me, they had great times together. They were unconditionally and irrevocably in love, once upon a time. It's just that Edward's kind of protective of that time with Bella and often doesn't want to talk about all the details I want. Finally, after much begging and whining on my part, he's consented to share some of it with me and consequently with you. I do hope it lives up to your expectations.

So first off, the tease. And before you get your hopes up, the tease contains NO LEMONS. I'm not saying there are no lemons in Chapter 10, but you can bet if there are, I'm not teasing them. You'll have to wait just like I do. Sorry!!

Bella's house in Chicago, 1918

Edward nervously straightened his tie, building up the courage to knock on the door of Isabella’s house. He could see from his reflection in the window to his left that he looked perfectly presentable: he was wearing his dove grey tweed suit with a crisp white shirt and light blue tie. His hair, always somewhat unruly, was slicked back on the sides neatly, the rest contained as much as possible under his dark grey fedora. He knew he looked every inch the picture of the perfect gentleman. So why, then, did he feel like such a fraud? He stood there frowning at his reflection for another minute when he nearly jumped out of his skin as the front door whipped open. An older woman with graying red hair and a faded work dress that marked her as a domestic stood there scowling at him.

“Are you going to stare through our windows all day, young man? Or were you planning to knock on the door and introduce yourself like a decent fellow?” The woman’s imperious tone was so discordant with her dress that Edward stood there gaping, unable to formulate the correct response.

“What, no answer?” she continued, a hint of Irish showing up in her accent as she got more put out with him. “Must be one of them mental blokes they write about in the papers all the time,” she murmured to herself, apparently deducing that Edward’s lack of verbal response indicated a deficiency in his hearing as well. Before he could inform the woman that he was neither deaf nor insane, he heard the voice that haunted his dreams drift down the stairs.

“Sadie, is there someone at the door?” He could tell from the smile in her voice that she knew it was him but was letting her housekeeper torture him just a bit longer.

A few additional notes that I think are important to the chapter:

1) Edward brings Bella some flowers in this chapter. Flowers in this era still were chosen to say things that lovers were discouraged from voicing aloud. Edward definitely chose his flowers for that reason. Here's the bouquet he gives Bella:

And here's a list of what the flowers in the bouquet mean:
Purple lilacs – first emotion of love
White lilacs – youthful innocence
Blue/lilac rose – mystery
Lavender rose – love at first sight
White rose – Eternal love, silence/innocence, wistfulness, virtue, purity, secrecy, reverence and humility
Snowdrops – consolation or hope
Snapdragons – deception, graciousness, presumption
[Note, I've purposefully left some ambiguity including all possible meanings for certain flowers. Edward may have meant one thing when he bought the flowers but retrospect often adds a touch of irony.]

2) Bella has a painting in her house, a version of Judith by Gustav Klimt. Here is a copy of it, if you're unfamiliar with the work:

And I apologize if all of these notes make the chapter sound a bit pedantic, but I promise I'm just a bit OCD on the details. The chapter won't read like a university lecture!

The playlist song is "Angie" by The Rolling Stones.

In The Blood Chapter 9 Teaser

2009-12-07T00:02:00.003-06:00

Edward is in Italy, and Bella has just revealed to Emmett what she really is. In chapter 9, "I Watched You Suffer," Bella recounts her life to Emmett:

"I was born in Georgia in 1797. My father was the county judge, and my mother was a whore who abandoned us when I was twelve years old. My father's name was Charles, and he loved me very much. When he remarried, it caused quite a scandal because his wife was half Cherokee, and we were immediately shunned. Still, my new mother was a lovely woman, and her children with my father were beautiful as well."

Bella tried her best to forget her family, the four people who had loved her most in the world and had suffered because of her. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts and remain focused. "In 1818, when I turned 21, I should have been married to some local boy looking to start a family. Because of my father's marriage, however, no one wanted me. I spent a great deal of time alone, reading the books my father would acquire for us. I often sat alone in a meadow in the woods near our home, reading and wondering if I would ever have a life of my own.

"One day, I was approached by a man in my meadow. He was handsome and attentive, but he made me uneasy. When I tried to return to my father's house, the man grabbed me. He tore at my clothes, exposing my neck and shoulders. I tried to fight, but he was so strong." Her words trailed off, and, for a moment, she was silent. She tried to ignore the horrified look Emmett had on his face as he finally stared her way. "I thought he was going to rape me. Instead, I felt his teeth tear into my neck and his mouth drink the blood from my veins."

Now that Emmett knows, really knows, about Bella, will he still want to protect her?

The playlist song for this chapter is "Wild Horses" by the Rolling Stones.

In The Blood Chapter 8 Teaser

2009-11-30T00:00:00.001-06:00

So when we last left our hero, he was waiting for his audience with Aro, ready to see if he or any of the vampires there know anything of his lady love, Isabella. Unfortunately, nothing is easy for Edward, is it? Yes, he gets in to see Aro, but from the teaser you'll have to ask yourself whether or not he'll be happy he did.

“Aro, you know my thoughts now, so you know why I’ve come,” he said trying to redirect the conversation to a more expedient path. Aro nodded slowly.

“Edward comes looking for his sire,” he said simply to Caius.

“What are you talking about,” his brother shot back with exasperation, tired of Aro’s show and ready to be rid of Edward. “Jane already told us that Carlisle’s mate is his sire.”

Unfortunately for Caius, Aro was just warming up. “Ah…yes. Well, it seems our dear Jane was wrong there as well.” Jane’s eyes flashed irately from Aro to Edward. Aro held up a hand to prevent her from launching into another denial or explanation. “Carlisle lied, dear one.”

Caius’s mind went ballistic. How dare that freak flout our authority? “Aro! Jane and Felix were our official representatives. They were acting in your stead. Can we allow this behavior? Is this how Carlisle repays our kindness and friendship? With lies and betrayal?” Caius’s past jealousy over Aro’s preference for Carlisle flowed back into him like a tidal wave.

Jane’s mind was no less vitriolic, although she could barely form a complete sentence in her mind. The words Hate! and Burn! pounded through her brain in a relentless litany. The only person in the room who wasn’t full of fear and jealousy and hate was Aro. I can only imagine what you’re hearing right now, he smirked at Edward.

Edward realized it was time for a dramatic stance and unfortunately it would require him to bow to Aro’s authority: publically and physically. He walked directly toward the Volturi leader, who waved back his guard before turning back to Edward. Surely you’re not going to be foolish, young one?

Edward looked confidently into Aro’s crimson eyes, then slowly lowered himself to his knees and bowed his head.

“Carlisle only did what he did because he was afraid I would be summarily executed. He had noticed the up-tick in murders as well and had been watching me, although he had no inkling of my talent. When he lied to your guard, he did so only with the hope of saving me, a stranger. Please don’t repay his kindness and compassion to me by punishing him for it. If anyone is to be punished, let it be me.” Edward continued to stare at Aro’s black, slippered feet. Please, God, don’t let them kill me. Not when I'm this close to her.

And he is close isn't he? Or is he? Well, you'll have to keep reading to find out. Mwwwwahhhahahaha!!!!

Who's evil now, eh?

The playlist song is "Breakdown" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

In The Blood Chapter 7 Teaser

2009-11-23T00:01:00.007-06:00

While Edward is in Italy trying to get some answers, Bella is in Chicago with Emmett. Emmett's wonderful, attentive, and sexy...and not the beautiful boy:

Their declarations of love the night before should have been the fulfillment of Bella's deepest desires. Instead, she was confused. Sitting next to Emmett in the dark, her thoughts of him were mixed with her memories of Edward. When Emmett was awake, Bella attention was solely centered on her lover. As he slept, she imagined Edward's mouth on hers, his hands in her hair, his body weighing down on her. She'd spent almost a century trying to forget the beautiful boy, yet suddenly, in the darkness, he seemed to be all she could think about.

Emmett stirred next to her, pulling her down and reclaiming her, mind and body. Their bodies tangled, they exploded together, and Bella looked deep into his eyes. There was love there, definitely, but it was not the bottomless gaze the beautiful boy had when he looked at her. She wanted someone to look at her like that again.

And poor Emmett, he just doesn't know what he's gotten himself into.

The playlist song for this chapter is "Refugee" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

You can find the new chapter at the same bat time (Wednesday), same bat channel (FFn & Twilighted).

P.S. And wasn't New Moon WONDERFUL? *swoon*

P.P.S. Oh, and how 'bout that Remember Me trailer?! *swoon* *thud*

Edward kicks it into action

2009-11-18T05:27:00.001-06:00

Chapter 6 is up, dears! Enjoy!! http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5441647/6/

In The Blood Chapter 6 Teaser

2009-11-16T00:00:00.001-06:00

Chapter six already? So much has happened. *sigh* Last time we saw Edward, we left with Rosalie telling him to get off his emo-butt and "figure it out!" Go, Rosie! And thank God Edward's not reading fragile's chapters because Chapter 5 saw Bella and Emmett grow that much closer. *queue the suspenseful music* But even though he doesn't know what's been going on with Bella for the past ninety-one years, Edward's ready to find out. And this is the chapter where he'll start that journey.

Part of that journey will take him to Alaska and the Denali clan, as you'll see in the teaser below, and I wanted to give you an idea of the house I was thinking of when I wrote this part.

Edward opted for speed over inconspicuousness and drove the Vanquish to Denali, making the over 3500 mile trip in less than a day. He called Tanya on his way to ask her if she would mind an impromptu visit from him, and she had been more than happy to hear the news. He had, of course, noted the time when he ended the call on his cell phone: 2:14 am. God damn it! He cursed. The daily reminder made Edward more determined than ever to get to the bottom of why Isabella had left him.

As he drove up the backwoods road to her home, he hoped Tanya’s enthusiasm would remain of the friendly variety. He knew she found him attractive but, even though she was as stunning as any of their kind could be, Edward had never thought of the strawberry blonde beauty in that way. Tanya had always felt like a cousin to him. As he saw her waiting for him in front of the house, on the wide flagstone patio that stretched from the entryway to the driveway, he could only hope the feeling was now mutual.

“Edward, it’s such a pleasure to see you again.” She pulled him close and kissed first his left cheek then the right. She inhaled his scent, and Edward tried not to hear her thoughts as she involuntarily wondered how he would be in bed.

Good Lord, I bet he’s got a lot of pent up sexual frustration. Rosalie said he hasn’t slept with anyone in the seventy-some years she’s been with the Cullens. That’s just far too long to go without sex. Oh, how I wish he would just let me kiss him, just once…

The playlist song is "Devil Delight" by Heart. I particularly enjoy the guitarist in this video with the crazy '70s vest that's cut to show his nipples (way to rock it out, dude!!!), although this has absolutely no bearing on the chapter itself (thank goodness for that!).

As always, the new chapter will be posted to FFn and Twilighted on Wednesday. I hope you all enjoy it.

In The Blood Chapter 5 Teaser

2009-11-09T00:01:00.007-06:00

In last week's chapter, Edward remembers how he met his Isabella. In this week's chapter, "I'll Take My Chances," Bella shares some of her memories of her beautiful boy.

The day she first saw the beautiful boy, bent down to tie his shoe, she'd had every intention of dragging him to the nearest alley and draining him. She'd smelled his blood two blocks away, and only his attention to his untied laces prevented him seeing her approach at inhuman speed. When he looked up at her, his eyes a sparkling deep emerald and his mouth in a crooked smile, everything changed. She wanted him in a way wholly foreign to her; she wanted him for eternity. To disguise her shock, she had flirted with him in a manner called shameless in 1918. He responded by taking her hand, and the intense waves of electricity that passed through her body made her wonder if her shield had failed.

He looked so crestfallen when he thought he wouldn't see her again. However, she never truly left him when they parted on the street. She followed him for days, watching him with his family and friends, learning everything she could about him. She climbed into his second story window and watched him sleep. The chances she took to be near him would have made Aro cringe, but she couldn't stay away. Finally, she summoned the courage to approach him.

Maybe she's not as eeeeevil as she seems ;)

The playlist song for this chapter is "Straight On" by Heart.

Finally, Edward and Bella Meet...

2009-11-04T06:06:00.003-06:00

Well, actually it happened about ninety years ago, but it's new for us, right? Chapter 4 is up over at FFn and Twilighted. Enjoy!

In The Blood Chapter 4 Teaser

2009-11-02T00:00:00.002-06:00

So, wow, Bella and Emmett make a pretty hot pair, don't they? I wonder if those crazy kids will wind up together.....WAIT!!!! I'm not Team Emmett! I'm Team Edward! So for all of you whose allegiance was wavering after fragile's amazing last chapter, what if I told you I thought I could win you back with the story of how Bella and Edward met? Intrigued? Good! Because I present to you the teaser for Chapter 4, No Time To Wallow:

“Are you waiting for me to knight you?” she teased, her voice flowed like honey: soft and slow and unbearably sweet. Edward knew he was making a idiot of himself, but he continued to kneel before her. It just seemed the most prudent thing to do in the face of such perfection.

“Would you?” he replied with amusement. He stood up and looked down in to her unusual dark eyes. They seemed to be a peculiar shade of violet, almost burgundy, but he paid less attention to their color than he did to the jovial light in them. This gorgeous creature was flirting with him, and he wasn’t going to let the moment slip away on trivialities.

“Well now, I’m not sure,” he continued with mock deliberation. “Would my lady liege be beneficent or cruel?” While the woman before him was clearly stunning, there was something about her expression that told him she wasn’t all sunshine and light. It made her oddly more attractive, although he’d never been one to chase after vixens.

She laughed, and the sound of it made him think of the first time he had caught a single, perfect snowflake on his tongue as a child: cool and crisp and miraculous. He shook his head a little, trying to focus on the woman before him and not the way she was turning him into a giddy fool.

“Oh, definitely cruel,” she assured him. “Good is so over-rated.” She continued to stare into his eyes as if she were searching for something in them. His heart stuttered at the thought that she might see something special in him, then beat harder, wishing with every beat that she would.

The playlist song is "Light My Fire" by The Doors. Sorry you can't see it here, they've disabled the embedding, but I love this particular version, where they sing it on the Ed Sullivan Show. I hope you enjoy!

The new chapter will be posted to FFn Wednesday. Our Twilighted beta is LIGHTENING fast so I have high hopes that the chapter will post there on Wednesday as well.

And then there were three...

2009-10-28T01:12:00.002-05:00

Chapter three is now online at FFn - enjoy!!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5441647/3/In_The_Blood

In The Blood Chapter 3 Teaser

2009-10-26T08:00:00.003-05:00

So, you've met Badly-Drawn Bella and EmoE. Now, in chapter 3, you get to meet another lovely: Emmett.

"Either you won the lottery," he said jokingly, "or you lost your luggage. Which is it?"

"The movers misplaced the boxes with my clothes and linens." Lying was an essential skill, one Bella mastered long ago. She didn't pause or hesitate. "I only had a few things I'd carried in my car, and, well, that just wouldn't do."

Emmett followed her as she walked to the shoe department. "No, I suppose not. Which city is mourning your loss tonight?"

Bella turned to stare at him, a leather over-the-knee boot dangling in her hand. She was always shocked when someone flirted with her without being under the influence of her special voice. "I moved here from Los Angeles. Missed having actual seasons."

"Well, you definitely picked the right time of year to experience a season. Fall is great here." He moved closer, leaning down to whisper in her ear. "And you should definitely get those boots. They'll look incredible on you."

The new chapter will be posted on FFn on Wednesday. We've also submitted the story to Twilighted and hope the first chapter will be up there soon.

The playlist song for this chapter is "L.A. Woman" by the Doors.

Hello, my name is EmoE. It's a pleasure to meet you.

2009-10-20T23:46:00.001-05:00

Yup! EmoE is in the house. Enjoy!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5441647/2/

In The Blood Chapter 2 Teaser

2009-10-19T00:00:00.001-05:00

Ok. *deep breath* So to say that following fragile is nerve-wracking is an understatement. Not only is she a fabulous writer (duh!) but her chapters are going to be IMMENSELY more fun than mine for at least the next month. Because Bella doesn't know Edward's still alive. So she's off on her merry way enjoying all the sumptuous men life has to offer her. Edward on the other hand . . . well, we don't call him EmoE for nothing.

Anyway, if you can put up with the angst for a few chapters I promise you he will get better. :) And without further apologies or ado, I give you the teaser for EmoE's first chapter, Choosing a Path:

He would have been happier to remain in the lab all night, basking in the blissful silence of that near empty building. It was one of the few places he could go and be alone, not forced to hear the thoughts of every person around him. He had few memories of his human life, but from the moment he had woken as a vampire, he had been assailed by the thoughts of others. Constantly shouting their petty desires, their trivial dramas or the inane minutia of their days, the thoughts of the people around him hammered their way into his brain incessantly. It was only at night or in isolation that there was some relief.

Unfortunately, seclusion was not good for Edward. He brooded. He sulked. He eventually thought of her, the goddess whom he had adored ages ago: the elusive, exquisite Isabella Swan. But thoughts of Bella and the life he had hoped to share with her invariably led to thoughts of her betrayal and the anger those memories invoked. Thoughts of Bella were a perpetual temptation to embrace his evil side.

The playlist song is "As The World Falls Down" by David Bowie:

Well, I hope you're intrigued by Edward and all the pain he's about to share with you. I'm very much looking forward to hearing your thoughts (pun totally intend) on Wednesday.

Congratulations onepushyfox!

2009-10-18T19:32:00.002-05:00

This week, my wonderful co-authoress won the Judges pick in the Love of the Unloved contest with her story Dazzling. The contest judges had great things to say about the story:

Dazzling is the judges' pick for Best Overall story because we loved the way onePushyFox built her story into the canon time-line, creating a plausible back story for Kate and Garrett. This story is well thought out and flows well between the past and present. The author expanded on the little bit of back story given on the Denali sisters to create a lush and deep past, showing how much they had changed from then to now. Dazzling completely encompassed the spirit of the contest by delivering a beautiful tale of lust and eventually, love. It showed us glimpses of Breaking Dawn from a different perspective, by focusing on characters which were merely set dressing in Meyer's book. The lemon is hot, as is the chemistry between Kate and Garrett.

Congratulations!!!

If you haven't read the story, what the hell are you waiting for? It's AWESOME!

It's alive!!!

2009-10-14T00:14:00.002-05:00

Chapter 1 has been posted on FFn - run, don't walk, over to read it! :)

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5441647/1/In_The_Blood

We write the story, we make the rules

2009-10-13T10:30:00.002-05:00

Only one more day until the big unveiling! Just because I apparently can't go a day without posting something *wink*, here's some more story background for you.

While writing ITB, we've decided to play a little loose with some of SM's canon and rules of vampirism. Here's a list of the things we have purposely changed

- No granite flesh, ever. Come on, who wants to get busy with someone who feels like a statue, even if that statue does have angelic features and tousled bronze hair? Exactly. So, our lovely vamps have nice, comfy, touchable flesh.

- No walking popsicles. While our vamps are unnaturally cool, they are not ice cold, nor does anyone need a blanket to cuddle next to them.

- No jailbait. If we can't ogle Taylor until he turns 18 (on February 11, 2010, not that I'm keeping track), then Bella, who's 21, can't ogle Edward unless he's 18. So he is...or he was.

- No limits on the consumption of bodily fluids. And, dear God, please don't ask for further explanation. It was all I could do to type that.

Anything else seem different? Well, those things are brought to you by the letters A and U, and we'll explain them...eventually *evil grin*

In The Blood Chapter 1 Teaser

2009-10-12T13:36:00.005-05:00

Kinda what BDB looks like in chapter 1

It's hard to believe it's only two more days until the debut of In The Blood. onepushyfox and I are so excited, and we're glad that everyone is excited along with us! So, as promised, is the teaser for chapter 1, Time May Change Me:

Walking around the end of the expansive bookshelf, she found it concealed a king-sized canopy bed, made of dark walnut. The canopy was bare, and the bedding was simple white cotton. It occupied almost the entire area bordered by the bookshelf. Against the wall facing the bed was an antique chifforobe, made of beautiful cherry wood, and it contained a few items Bella could wear her first few days in Chicago. She made a mental note to go to Saks and Nordstrom the next day to buy new clothes and bedding.

Inside the chifforobe door was a large mirror, and Bella stood, taking a long look at herself. She noticed how deceptively innocent she looked, in her rumpled linen dress, her mahogany hair pulled back in a messy ponytail. She appeared only 21 years old, although sometimes she felt every day of her 212 years. Her face was soft and rounded, her eyes a deep burgundy. The pout of her full lips lessened only slightly as she grinned wickedly at her reflection.

The playlist song is "Changes" by David Bowie:

P.S. The second round of voting in the For the Love of Jasper contest has begun, and, if you read my story Take What You Need and liked it, please considering voting for it. This round ends October 18th.

An awesome button by an awesome lady

2009-10-11T01:40:00.003-05:00

Betti @ Betti. Music. Twilight. is the wonderment! Not only did she create the wonderful buttons for our individual blogs, she created the most beautiful new button for out new endeavor! Thank you so much Betti - we love you hard!

Please feel free to use Betti's beautiful button (how to you like that for alliteration? *wink*) to link to our blog our our FFn or Twilighed profiles.

Introducing In The Blood, a new Twilight fanfic by fragilefoxes

2009-10-09T18:56:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago, some unsuspecting Tweeples introduced two fanfic authors: onepushyfox, the author of I Favor Fire and Dazzled, and afragilelittlehuman, the author of Breathe Me. Conversing via tweets, DMs, and emails, the two found they were both dedicated Edward/Bella shippers and in the mood to write something dark. "Why not write something together?" they asked. And In The Blood by fragilefoxes was born.

Better Than Ezra - New Music - More Music Videos

Bella, AKA Badly-Drawn Bella (BDB)

Bella is a 212 year-old vampire, who, after some time in Europe, has decided to come back to Chicago to find a mate. She's definitely not your SM's Bella. She dark, sexy, and not a vegetarian. Searching for someone with whom she can share her existence, she can't forget the beautiful boy she loved and lost. She makes no apologies for what she is or what she must do to survive.

Edward, AKA Emo-Edward (EmoE)

Edward is a 109 year-old vampire, who was sired and abandoned by the only woman he ever loved, Isabella Marie Swan. After a few, troubled, newborn years, he was befriended and adopted by Carlisle Cullen and embraced Carlisle's humane life-style, learning to live as something other than a monster. While he tries daily to make up for a life he never wanted, he both mourns the loss of his one true love and curses the evil temptress who turned him into the evil creature he fears he will always be, whether or not he feeds on humans.

What happens when BDB and EmoE meet again? Well, you'll just have to read and find out.

Publication schedule: New chapter on FFn each Wednesday *fingers crossed* beginning Oct. 14th

Teasers: Here and on the Fictionators each Monday *fingers crossed* beginning Oct. 12th

In addition to teasers, we'll use this blog to post pictures and other background info (and a playlist, of course!) for the story, as well as new chapter announcements and news for our individual fics.

Be sure to continue to visit our individual blogs for all kinds of other goodness: