Hestia's always been shy. She's always been caught up in her own world, and she's sure as the world that she's perfectly happy being a wallflower. And then she meets Aspen Rockwell, who doesn't stop for anyone. Determined, fiery, and maybe just a little bit too curious, Aspen leaves Hestia in his dust just like he does everything else. Well, as much as he can, at least.
Fortunately for her, Hestia's brother and Aspen happen to be two peas in a pod. But, of course, Aspen's eyes are on something else. And Hestia knows it's about time to break free of her shell, no matter how embarrassing, odd, or flat out funny the process may be. And it all started with one simple letter.
.o* *o.
A heartwarming story about how anonymity isn't always bad by lordiecutie. Dedicated to @nickiemouse__ .
Ella is falling apart trying to live a "perfect" high school life. Then she meets Ren, who can see past her scars. Suddenly perfection isn't her only option.
*****
Ella Volkov is a gifted music student, but she's depressed and starting to crack under the pressure of high school. Her overbearing father won't even let her choose what instrument she plays. Then she finds herself alone at a party with Ren, her best friend's crush. She'd always thought he was rude, but after that night he's all Ella can think about. Now she's trapped. If Ella dates Ren, it will ruin her friendship with Jenny. But if she stays true to Jenny, she's losing the one person who can see past her scars. It's up to Ella to decide if she will forge her own path, or stay in the "perfect" box designed for her...
Content and/or Trigger Warning: depression, anxiety, self-harm, violence, sexual assault.
[[word count: 50,000-100,000 words]]