Official Description: B & E have always had a spark between them, though they’re now ex-flames. But their latest assignment- to investigate the strange happenings in Forks- is about to light a fire under both of them. But it’s just the town…right? Canon couples. M. Romance, humor, supernatural elements. B & E are human.

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Twilight + X-files + Castle = Whatsmynomdeplume’s Once More, With Feeling (oh hi, Buffy reference!)

We are introduced to the story by getting the run-down of the Paranormal Investigative and Supernatural Services Division. Haven’t heard of it? Not surprising; it’s a secret division of the FBI. PISSD (What? It’s the acronym!) has called in their Special Investigation Agents (and ex-lovers, because hell, let’s make it interesting!), Bella Swan and Edward Masen. The case is a special one in Bella’s hometown of Forks, where her estranged father is the Chief.

To say that neither is particularly pleased with their pairing would be an understatement.

“No!” Both Bella and Edward reach the same conclusion in unison and explode in a flurry of protestation.
“After everything that’s happened—”
“You’ve got to be kidding me!”
“Is she still even field rated?”
“I just told you I was!”
“Yeah, because I’m going to believe what you say.”
“Yes, well you do have a tendency to underestimate my capabilities.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“Just that—”
“Enough!” Both bickerers fall silent immediately. “Yes, Agent Swan and Agent Masen, you will be working on this case together.” He [Aro] holds up his hand and glares, squelching their protests just as they start. “Speak. One at a time. Like rational adults and the fully trained agents you are. Otherwise, you’re off the case and on paperwork duty.”

Throughout the three posted chapters, it’s clear to see that while the back and forth between these two is hostile, there is something more that is lurking underneath. Each looks for the other’s reactions to comments, pushing and urging that reaction further.

So he tries again. “I mean, this could either be an entire crock of shit and a complete waste of our time or we could be trying to head off a pandemic.” Still no answer. “That could take over the world.” Nothing. “Then we’d all be doing stuff like these crazy townies.” Nada. He wonders if she’s maybe just not listening to him. “I mean, your fa… Chief Sw… the contact has put together some pretty worrying evidence.” Still, she stares at the file, giving no indication she’s heard a word of his babbling. “What exactly is going on in this place?” He decides to test her. “Sometimes, I like to wear women’s underwear.” It’s quick but he sees it, the flicker of her eyes, straining against the urge to meet his, the quirk of her lips, quick and almost imperceptible. She’s listening. He’s pleased. “What kind of bat-shit crazy town are you from, Swan?”

So what’s going on in crazy town a.k.a. Forks? What’s the back story between the Special Agents and just why did they break up when they clearly have some seriously pheromone mojo dancing between them? I must know. Many unanswered questions that Whatsmynom has set up, ripe for the plot picking!

Still not convinced?

But the biggest problem with Bella and Edward was not that they both had different opinions on who was the ender vs. the endee, or whether infidelity, or at least betrayal, had occurred. No, their biggest problem was arguably the single most shitty thing about having to spend a lot of time around an ex.
That person has seen you naked.
There’s a certain dynamic you share with someone who’s seen you naked. It’s the dynamic of power. Power where they can turn around and say, “I can see you naked whenever I want—even if you don’t let me anymore. All I have to do is remember it”. It’s that, out of the blue, the person could call you and say, “I am picturing you naked right now as I walk down the street” (or “as you sit next to me in this car”). It’s odd and can be uncomfortable, can feel exploitative and awkward, but the one thing it absolutely is is irreversible.
It’s all of the above and ten times more true if you still find said ex attractive.

I’ll see you over there.

There’s not much to Once More, With Feeling yet – only 3 chapters so far – but it’s definitely a goofy, fun roller coaster ride so far. To me, it feels sort of like a cross between The X-Files and Men in Black, drawing on the supernatural aspect and sexual tension of the former, combined nicely with the humorous view of the paranormal and weird provided in the latter.

There’s really not much else I can say because, really, you have to read it to understand, but it’s a light read, so hop to it!

But the biggest problem with Bella and Edward was not that they both had different opinions on who was the ender vs. the endee, or whether infidelity, or at least betrayal, had occurred. No, their biggest problem was arguably the single most shitty thing about having to spend a lot of time around an ex.

That person has seen you naked.

There’s a certain dynamic you share with someone who’s seen you naked. It’s the dynamic of power. Power where they can turn around and say, “I can see you naked whenever I want—even if you don’t let me anymore. All I have to do is remember it”. It’s that, out of the blue, the person could call you and say, “I am picturing you naked right now as I walk down the street” (or “as you sit next to me in this car”). It’s odd and can be uncomfortable, can feel exploitative and awkward, but the one thing it absolutely is is irreversible.

It’s all of the above and ten times more true if you still find said ex attractive.

So there’s your sexual tension and lulz all wrapped up in one. Enjoy, little fictionees!

I don’t know what I can say about Once More, with Feeling to convince you to read it because I really can’t explain it in a review.

There are many types of magic in the world. There’s the type of magic between a man and a woman—the sparks and stuttering hearts, the sex and the heat. There’s the type of magic in a smile between strangers, linked in a moment by their one simple action. There’s even magic in a lonesome moment, where a sinking sunset or a beautiful vista births intangible dreams and indescribable feeling.

And there’s the type of magic that none of us are quite sure exists. The magic that goes bump in the night. The magic that gives you goose bumps and prickles on the back of your neck. The magic that keeps your nightlight lit well past childhood. You know… not magic but Magic.

This story is different. It’s funny. It’s hot. It’s…different. You have to check it out!