Official Description: Bella’s having a terrible day, until a series of clues lead her to something she didn’t know she was looking for. AH. Pure, cavity-inducing fluff. Overall First Place winner of the FML Judges Vote & Naelany’s judge’s pick.
Word Count: 6,729
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While perusing through the entries for the FML Contest, I came across this little gem. It’s no secret that I love EchoesofTwilight and everything she writes, but this is so sweet and delicious, it’s definitely one of my favorite one-shots.
The story starts off with Bella at her coffee-shop job, stomping around and being generally unhappy that no one–not even her parents remembered her birthday. Around 6pm, she finally gets a call from her brother, Emmett, only to realize he’s only calling to ask for money. She storms out into the Seattle chill. While waiting for her apartment building elevator, she runs into Mr. 4D, the relatively-new fuckhot green-eyed neighbor. He asks her why she’s so glum, and she explains:
“Do you ever watch 24?” I asked abruptly.
“Um. Yes?” He was clearly confused by the question.
Stay with me here; I have a point. I promise.
“Okay. Remember how during the first few seasons – aside from wanting to punch Kim in the face for existing, because her brand of stupidity is usually eliminated from the gene pool by natural selection – it was really believable, and you felt bad for Jack? But now we’re on season eight, and it’s all getting a bit ridiculous and you wonder just how many bad days one guy can reasonably have?”
4D laughed, running a hand through messy hair that looked bronze in the flickery yellow light of the elevator. “Yeah, I know what you mean.”
“I’m having a season six day,” I said. “Not quite at the height of ludicrousness, but still an I can’t believe this shit actually happens kind of day. I was late for class, then late for work, then my brother called to ask me if he could borrow money. I talked to people all freaking day, and not one of them – even the one I’m related to – remembered that today’s my birthday. Sure, I get that one day I will want to pretend it’s just another day, but I didn’t really count on other people making that decision for me at the ripe old age of twenty-two.”
She goes into her apartment, drowning her sorrows in Half Baked and wine, when she hears a knock at her door. Opening it and finding nothing but a crinkled note and an ice-cold carton of milk, she begins on a treasure-hunting adventure that is sweet and “cavity-inducing” and ohsogood as she follows the clues that direct her to new locations and new incredients each time. I’m not even gonna lie. I actually, literally squealed when I read the last clue. It’s that cute.
Not only is the plot great, but I really love how much characterization and back-story EchoesofTwilight was able to inject into this one-shot. Bella is snarky and real, and Edward is sweet and authentic.
An internal argument that was less debate and more epic battle began inside my head at the realization. My solitary boyfriend experience had left me hurt and a little unwilling to try again, but if the way my craptastic day had turned great was teaching me anything, it was that sometimes it only takes one special person to make a huge difference. And there was no doubt that Edward was special – what kind of guy puts something like this together at the last minute?
“Dessert?” Edward asked, breaking into my thoughts.
Can I have you?
Having an FML kinda day and need a little pick-me-up? Check.
Looking for something fluffy and fun? Check.
Great plot? Realistic banter? Crazy old bat lady and Edward licking the batter off a beater? Check, Check, and Double fucking Check.
Sounds like this fic has all the ingredients for a Great one-shot. Definitely take a chance with this one, you won’t be disappointed.
Sheesh, Kassiah, you’ve made me all speechless and shuffleblush-y now. I don’t know what to say, other than thank you so much and I’m glad you liked the sweetness. I had fun writing that because it was a lot lighter and more easygoing than almost everything else I write, so it’s just so nice (and such a relief) to see that other people like it, too.
MWAH x1000.
ILY
Em