Merry Minstrel

Pairings: Original Verso x female OC

Summary:

Neither of them intends to fall for the other.

It’s foolish. Dangerous. And absolutely unavoidable.

He refuses to see the danger—until the flames come for him. She knows exactly how it will end—and chooses him anyway.

Love, after all, cannot be controlled.

Rating: E

Slow burn / character-driven / mutual pining / tension you could cut with a knife

Pre-Canon -> Canon

Belle Èpoque Paris

ballerina x musician

Romeo & Juliet elements

Pairings: Original Verso x female OC

Chapter Summary: Aurélie and Verso create something dangerously intimate as the weight of the world beyond encroaches on their golden time in Florence.

Excerpt:

“Here it is,” the man said, laying the fine green book on the counter before her.  It was larger than a regular social calendar or a lady’s diary, but still compact enough to fit one’s hands well.  Aurélie ran her fingers over the deep green binding. Warm and supple. Faintly grainy, subtle lines running through the smooth leather like hairline cracks upon stone. The golden clasp gleamed in the light – a miniature sun set against a guarded backdrop. She opened it cautiously, as though the empty pages waiting inside held secrets too fragile to reveal.  Marbled endpapers, pristine ivory sheets. Thick enough to bear the weight of ink, charcoal, perhaps even a wash of paint.  “We’ll take it.” Verso’s voice dragged her from her reverie. 

Rating: E (Explicit)

Slow burn / character-driven / mutual pining / tension you could cut with a knife

Pre-Canon -> Canon

Belle Èpoque Paris

ballerina x musician

Romeo & Juliet elements

Lemon Ambush

Pairings: Original Verso x female OC

Chapter Summary: Happiness.

Excerpt:

Near Ponte Vecchio, they found an ice-cream vendor offering twelve different flavors, and Verso insisted she try every last one. After chocolate, vanilla, and pistachio, Aurélie shook her head.  “You’re insane if you think I can eat a single bite more –”  He silenced her with a spoonful from his cup. Helplessly, she swallowed it down.  Lemon.  Her lips twisted at the tartness contrasting the sweet flavors from before.  “Devil! Ugh, that’s much too sharp,” Aurélie complained, crinkling her nose.  “Here, let me sweeten it,” Verso said, eyes lambent with roguish vigor.  She didn’t stop him as he leaned in for a fleeting kiss, the tip of his tongue like cool silk against her lips, his taste a delicious blend between citrus and spice and sweet joy. 

Rating: E (Explicit)

Slow burn / character-driven / mutual pining / tension you could cut with a knife

Pre-Canon -> Canon

Belle Èpoque Paris

ballerina x musician

Romeo & Juliet elements

Pairings: Original Verso x female OC

Summary: After watching Aurélie tame a spirited young horse with gentle authority and a firm hand, Verso spends the rest of the day committing elegant crimes to orchestrate his own downfall.

Excerpt:

He carried them both smoothly through the next sequence, letting the rhythm reassert itself – before altering it again. A step drawn out longer than necessary, requiring her to adjust rather than simply follow his lead. To anyone watching, their dance remained flawless. To a woman who danced for a living, it was absolute flagrancy. He didn’t stop, guiding her into another turn where he held her just a touch too long before releasing her back into the pattern. Her gaze flicked to his, something deliciously dangerous flashing in her hazel eyes. “Verso.” A warning. Soft. Assertive. “You are not amusing.” Yes. There it is.

Rating: Explicit. Very E.

This is a shameless self-indulgent oneshot that happens during the events of Ink and Blood.

It can be read as a standalone. Just... mind the ao3 tags :>

Pairings: Original Verso x female OC

Chapter Summary: Having decided to leave for Italy with Aurélie, Verso faces the cost of independence within the family he loves.

Excerpt:

“This can’t be right.”  “Hm? Oh, it’s quite right. I shouldn’t have to tell you not to spend it all in one place, I hope?” Renoir surveyed him for an instant. “There is enough for your travel, your lodging, and whatever other arrangements may become necessary in the future. Your… studies in Florence may be temporary, but I’m aware your departure from this house is not. I recognize a man planning for permanence.”  The meaning of his words made Verso’s eyes dart up to his father’s face. He released the folder. The cover fell shut with a soft rustle. It was the only sound in the room.  “Papa… thank you.”  “Don’t thank me yet. I still think you are making a grave mistake.” 

Rating: E (Explicit)

Slow burn / character-driven / mutual pining / tension you could cut with a knife

Pre-Canon -> Canon

Belle Èpoque Paris

ballerina x musician

Romeo & Juliet elements

L'amour d'un Père

Pairings: Original Verso x female OC

Chapter Summary: The breaking point.

Excerpt:

He pushed open the window just enough to slip through. The thick rug muffled his landing, but it still sounded too loud in the absolute silence. Shadows blanketed the sitting room, with only a single strip of dim, red light filtering through the crack left open by the bedroom door.  Verso stepped through.  The click was deafening. Something ancient locked down every muscle in his body. Stay still. 

Rating: E (Explicit)

Slow burn / character-driven / mutual pining / tension you could cut with a knife

Pre-Canon -> Canon

Belle Èpoque Paris

ballerina x musician

Romeo & Juliet elements

No dawn, no day, I'm always in this twilight In the shadow of your heart

Cosmic Love - Florence + The Machine