#(HI LIZZIE NO HARD FEELINGS. YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO ME)

[brummiereader]

@mischievouslittlecreature yeh, that definitely felt more like a business deal than anything else 😳😂!

I gotta say, I'm kinda relieved it did feel and read like that. Rules will be put in place and arrangements made, but everyone, EVERYONE *looks to Lizzie 👀, knows where they stand. Are we all clear on that, Tommy? Lucy? LIZZIE??...ok good 😌 😂.

“As we’ve already discussed to exhaustion.” His jaw ticked. “I won’t do it.” I love how he adamantly refuses to agree to her plan at first. And I honestly think that it's not just him trying to convince Lucy of his love for her and her importance to him, but he genuinely doesn't want to do this!

Why was she even arguing for this so bloody hard? She should be happy that he’d instantly dismissed the suggestion the very first time that she brought it up. Hell, she was, from a purely selfish standpoint. But Lucy...😭. Urgh I felt for her in this part. Because in a way I fee like this is her way of being the better person, showing Tommy how she's not affected by the whole mess and that it won't affect her. She's putting on this strong stance on the matter but we know she's crumbling inside. And Tommy's constant refusal is his response to those feelings he knows she has. It's like an unspoken conversation between them about their insecurities, but they both know what has to be done 😩.

“That’s one hell of a way to propose to someone.” Suck it up Lizzie, it's that or nothing 😂!

“Technically you aren’t being proposed to until we know that you agree to our…conditions,” at least he's not sugar coating it. I gotta admit, I'm all for this business like attitude to this faux marriage. He doesn't want to give Lizzie false hope. He's learnt that she can be easily mislead into thinking otherwise, so he's definitely treading carefully, making sure everything is understood and clear.

Lucy struggled to meet her gaze when it shifted periodically over to her, guilt roiling through her like a tempestuous storm. She’d never been able to shake the feeling that if she were not around, Tommy and Lizzie may have actually stood a chance together. And she was pretty certain that Lizzie thought the same exact thing. Stop, nope nope nope! I won't have her beat herself up over this! And plus, we all know how they didn't stand a chance in the series. So...😌.

“I wish it was you,” he mumbled sorrowfully against her throat, and for a dreadful moment Lucy actually thought that she might start to cry. I mean, this nearly made me cry too 😭💔. God, he loves her so much. It's gonna be a real hard read if you have their wedding included in this series and anymore mentions of their honeymoon. I mean, what will Lizzie expect on their wedding night...on their honeymoon? I'm already anticipating Lucy's insecurities over these two moments, and I really hope Tommy stands his ground on both.

Looking forward to catching up with the next chapter as soon as I can, because I'm already falling behind and i hate being out of the loop 😭. Amazing as always, hun 😍!

Part 22: This Misery We've Made

Fandom: Peaky Blinders

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x OC

Summary: Approval numbers and public perception of Tommy's personal life force him and Lucy to face some painful realities.

Word Count: 3,519

Notes: Not really sure if I'm entirely happy with this chapter, but I've been fiddling with it for so long and I just need to move on. Hope you all still like it! Warnings for depictions of insecurity and references to past abuse and polyamory.

Previous Part • Series • Fic • Next Chapter

Chapter 1: Too Late

“No.”

Lucy sighed, looking pleadingly into Tommy’s glacial eyes as they hardened over with stubbornness. 

“Tommy, love, we both know it would fix all of these problems…”

“As we’ve already discussed to exhaustion.” His jaw ticked. “I won’t do it.”

“Sweetheart,” she broke eye contact with him to look down at the papers settled in her lap. Her hands fiddled with her rings, gaze glued  to the infernal numbers emblazoned upon the reports, as if staring at them hard enough would cause them to shift and change. “It’s not getting any better. If anything, it’s only going to get worse.”

“The constituents don’t seem to care,” he huffed, reaching into his pocket for his cigarette case. “Considering that they elected me.”

She frowned. “Because we bribed your way in. And besides, I’m not sure if a lot of them even knew then. You weren’t exactly shouting your marital status and Ruby’s parentage from the rooftops.” Not that he’d hid it, per say. He just avoided discussing it during the campaign and while in settings related to his work. “And they might not care now, but what about when your political rivals start harping about it in the press? They’re already using it to try to shut you out of certain things. Not to mention that arsehole from Oxford who keeps using it to try to cut down all your arguments in the house.”

“Fucking ridiculous,” Tommy shook his head, lighting his cigarette and releasing a puff of smoke from his lips up towards the ceiling.

They were seated in his office in the House of Commons, the big wooden double doors that led out into the workroom that she shared with the other secretary, Adam, closed. Not that they needed to be. Adam had already gone home for the evening, as had most of the other MPs and their staff. No one would be interrupting them. It was late, nothing but darkness and a flickering streetlight visible out the window. 

She was still getting used to spending her days working in the offices of the House of Commons rather than the betting shop or the office in Birmingham. While the general decor and design of the building was not all that dissimilar–outside of just being bigger–there was something distinctively different about this place. A stuffiness and sense of propriety that served as a thin veil for the egos and superiority that radiated from so many of the men who sauntered through its halls. It was a bit of a shock to go from Small Heath, where just about everyone knew her name and she was decidedly near the top of the food chain as far as both authority and respect goes, to here where she was lucky if the MP just next door could even remember her name. In these offices, she was not the Red Demon, or even Lucy Winters. Here she was just Thomas Shelby’s Assistant. And was treated as such. 

It wasn’t all bad, of course. She still got to spend most of her days at Tommy’s side, and the work was not that different from what she’d been doing for him before. 

“I agree, but that’s the way that things are, love.” She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “And your constituents do care. That’s what these numbers are all about,” she nodded to the report in her lap. “More and more of them indicated that while they’re happy with your performance and policies, they’re troubled by your conduct regarding your personal life.” She held out the papers, and he took them with a reluctant sigh, pulling his glasses from his pocket and sliding them onto his nose so he could look them over himself. 

“Doing…doing this,” Lucy swallowed, unable to bring herself to utter the thing that, ever since Ruby’s birth–and certainly ever since he was elected–hovered threateningly over them. The guillotine teetering precariously above their heads. “It would help improve your standing with the more traditional and family focused members of your constituents. And might even open up some more doors for you here with the conservative MPs. God knows we already have a hard enough time working with them.” Bunch of racist, classist dickheads was what they were. All too eager to look down their nose at the man who had clawed his way from the bowels of Small Heath’s dirty streets to the halls of power. They already had enough reasons to attempt to shut Tommy out, they really didn’t need to be giving them anymore ammunition. 

Tommy met her eyes, and she saw a crack appear in his resolve. Deep down, they both knew that she was right. This needed to be done. 

Even if it was going to break both their hearts. 

Tommy closed his eyes, head tilting up as he released another stream of smoke from his lips. His brow pinched with stress, the skin around his temples tightening. 

She forced herself to be strong. “You know just as well as I do how important image is to the people we’re now surrounded by. And to the people you’ve been elected to serve. We can’t just…shrug off what other people think of our personal lives anymore. Presenting the image of a proper family will solve nearly all the current problems outlined in those numbers.” 

His lips pursed. He was not seated behind his desk, but rather in the chair next to hers in front of it, one leg crossed over the other. One of his hands lifted to touch the side of his face, thumb moving across his lips while he examined her shrewdly and listened to her argument.

“We can’t ignore this forever. It has the potential to ruin everything you’ve worked so hard for.” She looked him hard in the eye, beseeching him to understand. He still just stared at her, clearly fighting against the knowledge that he knew she was right. “There’s only one clear solution that I can see that fixes pretty much all problems at once.”

How many times had they discussed this? Too many to count. And he always shot the idea down instantaneously. When Polly tried to push it harder on one of their more recent meetings, he’d nearly ripped her head off. 

“Look, you know what my suggestion for a solution is. If you have any others, I’m happy to hear them.” She was suddenly in dire need of a cigarette. Sensing her need, Tommy silently held out the one clutched between his fingers towards her. She took it with a noticeably unsteady hand, bringing it gratefully to her lips. Tommy watched all of her movements closely, knuckles pressed up against his lips, frown still firmly in place. Picking up the report of his approval numbers, his eyes skimmed over the front page once more before tossing it onto his desk, removing his glasses and putting them back in his pocket.

The silence while he mulled over her words seemed to stretch on forever, only interrupted by the rhythmic ticking of the clock on the mantle. Lucy had to fight back the desire to fill it with more near nonsensical babbling. 

Why was she even arguing for this so bloody hard? She should be happy that he’d instantly dismissed the suggestion the very first time that she brought it up. Hell, she was, from a purely selfish standpoint.

Tommy’s hand dropped from where it was resting against his lips to take one of hers, thumb running along her knuckles. 

“I don’t want to marry Lizzie,” he said softly.

She met his gaze sadly. “I know.” I don’t want you to marry her either. But she knew if she told him that, she would never manage to convince him to go through with it. He’d refuse forever all on account of her feelings, even if it meant that he could lose everything he’d worked so hard for.  

The idea that he could lose it all and it would be her fault made her feel sick with guilt.

“But we’re being backed into a corner here, love,” she chose her words carefully. “Being unmarried with an illegitimate child makes some of your constituents think that you don’t value families. If you want to stop your approval numbers from dipping, and even have a shot at reelection in a few years…”

“I haven’t even thought about reelection, yet.”

She gave him a look that was both stern and fond in equal measure. “Now, we both know that isn’t true.”

His lips quirked upwards slightly, eyes warming at how well she knew him. But when he scooted closer to her, sadness quickly leaked back into his expression, lips turning downwards.

“I don’t love her.”

“I know,” she repeated, feeling even worse at the spark of relief that statement brought her. Poor Lizzie. 

He shot her a look of deep, unending regret, brushing some hair out of her face. Her eyes fluttered at the warm press of his palm against her cheek when he cupped it. “I promised you that I wouldn’t marry her,” he whispered. 

“You said that you didn’t plan to,” she corrected, recalling the conversation when he first informed her of Lizzie’s pregnancy. The things he’d murmured to her whilst holding her on the floor of their bedroom while she cried. “Plans can change.”

“I am not leaving you,” there was zero room for argument in his voice, jaw shifting stubbornly. 

“Lizzie might not agree to marry you if you don’t.”

Tommy shook his head. “It’ll be a marriage of convenience only. You and me still being able to be together is non-negotiable. I’m not budging on that.”

She smiled a little in spite of herself at his devotion, leaning her face deeper into his palm. “It feels terribly unfair to her.”

“She can always say no if she really can’t handle it. We’ll be clear about what it’ll all entail, so she doesn’t get the wrong idea about any of it meaning something between me and her. Besides, she’s been warmer towards you lately.”

That was true. Though who knew how long that would actually last.

Scooting his chair closer to hers, Tommy leaned forward, holding her face with both hands, forehead resting against hers. 

“Are you sure you’re okay with it?” he asked urgently. Lucy swallowed hard. The thought of watching him stand up at an altar and make vows and promises to another woman, of having to live under the same roof as Lizzie and share him with her for the rest of their lives…

It burned harshly in her chest, cracks forming in her already fragile heart. 

But she could live with it. It was a sacrifice she was willing to make if it meant that Tommy would not lose all he’d worked so extremely hard to achieve. 

Maybe…maybe it actually wouldn’t be all that bad. He was right that Lizzie had been kinder and more amicable towards her as of late. Perhaps she would even be agreeable to all three of them sharing a bed from time to time, like they used to. And it would be nice to have Ruby in the same house as them so they could see her more. She and Charlie could be raised as proper siblings. 

“Yes,” she said, unknowingly sealing both their fates. “So long as we don’t have to break up.”

“I won’t ever let that happen,” Tommy promised. She leaned in closer to him, hands resting on his forearms. Tommy gave her a little tug. “Come here,” drawing her from her chair, he pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her and burying his face in her hair. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” she murmured into his chest, arms winding around his neck. “I hate to say ‘I told you so,’ but…”

He snorted, lightly pinching her hip. “Yeah, yeah.” Lips ghosting across her temple, he silently urged her face back enough so that he could kiss her softly. “I mean it. I won’t let us be torn apart.”

A small smile pulled at her lips, his reassurance like a band-aid over her fracturing heart while he kissed her again. 

∗ ∗ ∗

“Well,” Lizzie said, adjusting her fingers around her cigarette, straightening in her chair. Even sitting down, she looked tall, the way in which she sat with her spine entirely straight only adding to the effect. She looked between Tommy and Lucy seated before her at the other side of the round table in front of the fireplace in Tommy’s Birmingham office. “That’s one hell of a way to propose to someone.”

Lucy winced a little at the underlayer of bitterness in Lizzie’s voice, looking down at her hands in shame.

“Technically you aren’t being proposed to until we know that you agree to our…conditions,” Tommy was much less phased by Lizzie’s reaction, puffing on his cigarette whilst eyeing her from around the vase of deep red roses on the table between them. 

“I’m pretty sure that I know what those are already,” Lizzie huffed, shifting in her seat, briefly glancing at the fire crackling away in the hearth. She looked back at them, and gave a little gesture with the hand holding her cigarette for him to continue. “But let’s hear them anyway.” 

Tommy adjusted himself in his seat, leaning forward with one of his arms resting on the table. When he spoke, his voice had taken on the commanding edge that Lucy had heard him use when giving orders to his men or family members. 

“After we are married, you and Ruby will come to live at Arrow House. You will enjoy all luxuries that the home and the title as my wife offers. All we expect is that you help take care of the children and manage things that have to do with the household. You can continue to hold a position on the company’s board, if you’d like. But most importantly,” he glanced over at Lucy, holding her gaze steadfastly before turning back to Lizzie, “Lucy and I will still get to be together.”

The area around Lizzie’s lips tightened slightly. “So you aren’t offering me a real marriage, but only one of convenience.”

To his credit, Tommy did not flinch away from her stern, accusing gaze. “Yes; that’s exactly what I’m offering you.” 

Lizzie leaned back into her chair, nursing at her cigarette as she contemplated. Lucy struggled to meet her gaze when it shifted periodically over to her, guilt roiling through her like a tempestuous storm. She’d never been able to shake the feeling that if she were not around, Tommy and Lizzie may have actually stood a chance together. And she was pretty certain that Lizzie thought the same exact thing. 

“I want you to promise that you will be discreet,” Lizzie finally said very slowly. “I will not be publicly humiliated by my husband openly fucking another woman.”

“Of course,” Lucy nodded. They already had toned down most displays of physical affection whilst in public, presenting instead as simply colleagues who happened to be good friends. Gestures of romance were saved for behind closed doors. It was not unlike it was prior to Grace’s death, when the three of them had to practice restraint to avoid a scandal. “And we’re willing to make accommodations to make sure you and Ruby are comfortable.”

“Within reason,” Tommy interjected quickly. 

“I want a honeymoon,” Lizzie said decisively. “A real one. With just you and me.” Her eyes wavered from Tommy to fix on Lucy, then darted back to him. Lucy thought she caught a glimpse of pleading in her face. 

The mere idea of them going on a romantic vacation together without her left insecurity brewing beneath her skin, but Lucy forced herself to ignore it. Considering what they were asking of her, it felt like it was the least that they could do. “Okay.”

Tommy shot her a glance. “We’ll have to talk about it,” he modified. 

Lizzie nodded. “Of course.” The clock on the mantle chimed. “I have to head home. I promised the nanny I’d be back by half past five. I can come by this weekend to work out more of the details if you’d like.”

“Yes, that would be good. You have a ride home?” Tommy asked, both he and Lucy standing after Lizzie stubbed out her cigarette in the ashtray and rose to her feet. 

“Yes, Skudboat offered to drop me off.”

“Right. We’ll see you this weekend, then.”

“Give Ruby a kiss from us,” Lucy requested timidly. Lizzie shot her a smile that actually seemed half genuine. 

“I will.”

They bid her goodbye, Lucy waiting until the door swung shut behind her before sinking exhaustedly back into her chair. She was struck at how transactional the whole exchange had been. Like ironing out a business deal rather than arranging a marriage.  

The floorboards creaked under Tommy’s heavy footsteps as he approached her. Reaching out, he rubbed a hand up and down on her upper arm, bending to kiss her forehead. 

“Are you alright?”

She stuffed the guilt bubbling up within her back down, locking it away in a far corner of her mind. “Yeah.”

“I can get out of the honeymoon if it makes you uncomfortable. Or insist that you come along.”

“It’s fine,” she probably said it too quickly to be convincing. “It’s the least that we can do for her, considering.”

“I don’t like the idea of going without you.”

“Me neither,” she admittedly, finally looking up to meet his concerned blue orbs. “But it’s just one week.” She knew him better than to expect that he’d be willing to take more than that off work. “We’ll live.”

He stroked her face tenderly, brow furrowing slightly. “You don’t have to give her everything that she wants. I know that you feel bad, even though you really shouldn’t, but…” he trailed off, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, thumb brushing down her cheek. “If she pushes too far, if she’s unkind to you, or asks for something you aren’t comfortable with, all you have to do is tell me, and I’ll take care of it, alright?”

Nodding, she turned her face to kiss the center of his palm. “Thank you,” covering his hand with hers, she smiled weakly. “Congratulations on your engagement.”

“Ugh,” he made a face as though he’d just been told he was sentenced to be executed, rather than engaged to be married, and dropped his head forward until it was resting against her shoulder. Lucy wrapped her arms around him, burrowing her face into his hair, breathing in the scent of his soap and cologne. “I wish it was you,” he mumbled sorrowfully against her throat, and for a dreadful moment Lucy actually thought that she might start to cry. 

“I know.” And though she did not say it–for fear that if she did, he would call the whole damn thing off and throw his reputation and all professional prospects in the bin–they both knew the words circulating within her head:

Me too.  

When he first brought up the topic of marriage, all the way back in 1918, before Grace had even walked into their lives, she had told him that it was not something she was sure that she wanted. She was still living with the trauma of being previously engaged to a monster who hurt and abused her, and the only example of marriage she’d had was the loveless, horrific mess that was her parents. It was something he’d respected, unconcernedly promising that marriage or no marriage, he would still love her forever.

After Grace died, the topic had passed briefly every once in a while across her mind. With times changing and modern perspectives growing in popularity, it was no longer a necessity that she stop working if she were married. And with the slow passage of time, the idea of marriage no longer seemed to her like a cage to be bound and gagged within. She knew that Tommy would never expect her to change simply because he placed a ring on her finger. 

But she didn’t bring it up to him, both of them were still aching too terribly from Grace’s death. It was too soon. For them personally, for Charlie, and for either of their reputations. 

And then the vendetta had happened. And for a bit of fun they took Lizzie down to the canal for a fuck like they so often did before Grace stepped into their lives. 

If only she hadn’t still been so messed up on the topic the first time that he asked. If only she’d expressed her changing feelings on the matter with him before Lizzie got pregnant. Maybe things would be different. 

She could not say anything about it now. If she did, he would abandon this plan that was poised to solve so many problems for him. Not to mention that marrying her instead of Lizzie would create a whole new set of issues for him to deal with, some with the potential to wreck everything he’d accomplished.

It was too late.  

Previous Part • Series • Fic • Next Chapter

Thank you for reading! Please consider leaving a comment, reblog, or like. I always appreciate feedback and love getting the opportunity to interact with you and hear your thoughts!

[lucidowl]

My friend of nine years, everyone

[andorskenobi]

...What Are We? | J. Seresin

Pairing: Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x F!Reader

Summary: After four months of being in a whatever the hell it was between you and Jake you finally grow tired of the lack of commitment and give Jake one last chance before he loses you for good.

Warnings: angst, no use of y/n

A/N: I should be working on my research paper but this is more important to me rn. This is based around the song ...What Are We? by Lizzy McAlpine, if you haven't heard it I recommend listening to it (maybe even while reading this but I won't care if you do or not) I was listening to it driving home today and got the idea for this so, enjoy.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You aren't sure when your feelings towards Jake changed, but you knew they had. In the beginning it was okay, the whole no labels thing. You were the one who asked for no labels to start with, but now four months down the line you knew that you were serious about this.

However, Jake didn't appear to be in the same mindset you were. To you it seemed like he was just fine with what you had. It drove you insane, but you would never force him into anything he didn't want. Which is why you would understand, given the circumstances, if he ever wanted to walk away from this.

What made this all even worse was the fact that, despite your better judgement, when you thought of the future and what it held for you Jake was always in it. Deep down you knew this wasn't the case for Jake, you knew that for him this was only a temporary thing and soon he'd get bored of you and be done. It's what everyone before him had done, so why would it be different now?

But for now you would just stuff these feelings deep inside you until they went away and pretend that everything is okay between you and Jake. For now you would suck it up, go to his house, and be just what he needs you to be for the night.

It had become an everyday ritual at this point, Jake would finish what he was doing for the day and call you to ask if you were free, which you always were for him, and the two of you would meet up for dinner and go back to one of your houses for the night.

"You seem distracted today, what's worrying that pretty head of yours?" Jake's voice pulls you from the precipice of your thoughts. You shake your head and smile a small smile.

"'s nothing, really, just tired. Work was rough today."

Jake wasn't completely satisfied with your answer and you knew that. It was blatant by the face he made as soon as the words left your lips.

"We will talk about it later, I don't want to talk about it here," He still didn't look pleased with your answer so you added a small please to the end, begging him to drop it.

"Wanna head back to your place or mine tonight?" You released a sigh of relief at the slight change in subject before answering his place.

You liked his place more, it made you feel closer to him, and plus it smelled like him. His smell was intoxicating, almost knocking you over anytime he hovered around you. It was the first thing you noticed when you met him that night at the Hard Deck four months ago.

Now it was all you could pay attention to as he helped you into his truck. You sat quietly hoping he wouldn't start up conversation about what was on your mind again and just let the two of you sit in a comfortable silence. However, your hope was useless because you knew Jake too well.

"We're alone now so start talking, what's wrong with you tonight?" You sighed, looking out the window to avoid looking at him.

"Do you think we're wasting time?" Your voice was small when you asked it, Jake took notice and glanced over to where you sat.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean do you think we are wasting time, with this. Is this wasting time? Are we just borrowing time we don't have? Shit Jake I don't know," You were getting overwhelmed by your emotions at this point but you kept going before Jake had a chance to respond. "I feel like we're just buying time before the storm hits and this inevitably falls apart and I end up alone again."

You wipe a stray tear from your cheek, turning to look at Jake.

"Don't look at me like that."

"Like what?"

"Like the way you're looking at me Jake, because if you look at me like that then I'm not going to be able to say what I need to say. Besides you should be looking at the road not me." Jake laughs a little before turning his attention back to the road.

"What is it you need to say?"

"Does this mean anything to you, us I mean, like is this actually something or is it just a sorry excuse for love?"

"That's a little harsh, I mean yeah it means something to me. Of course it does, why else would we be here if it didn't."

"I don't know, for fun?"

Jake stopped the truck in his driveway, putting it in park and turning to face you. You found yourself itching to be out of the truck as soon as possible under his gaze.

"Why do you think this doesn't mean anything to me? Do you think that little of me that I would just use you fun?" Jake's expression left you with a pang in your chest.

"I mean it's never stopped anyone."

Jake slowly placed his hand under your chin making you look over at him, "This is more than just something to pass the time until someone new comes around. You are more than that to me."

"You mean it, you aren't just saying that because you think it's what you have to say to shut me up?"

"I mean it." You knew he was telling the truth because of the way his eyes softened when he said it, so you allowed him to pull you in for a kiss. The kiss said everything that Jake couldn't say to you just yet, at least that's what you told yourself.

"I can feel you thinking, its hurting my head." Jake resting his forehead against yours looking into your eyes. "I want strings, I want all the strings if you'll give them to me, I just know that I can't keep going on with this the way it is if it's hurting you."

You smiled to yourself, moving your hand to your jacket pocket and pulling out a string that you'd pulled off your shirt earlier while waiting for your food, placing it in Jake's hand.

He laughed before placing the string in his own pocket, "C'mon lets go inside."

[ljz002-world]

Assistant, Part 4

“Look what I’ve got here Michael”, Thomas spoke as Finn and Isaiah were in Thomas’ office already, the oldest present holding up a telegram which he handed Michael who read it before laughing to himself and ditching it back onto the table. “You’re lying.” “I’m not.” Thomas spoke coldly, holding eye-contact with his young cousin who crossed his arms over his chest. “Why’d you give this to me?” Thomas looked at his youngest brother and his friend before nodding towards the door, “Out, both of you.” Once the two younger boys had left Thomas leant back in his chair as he looked smugly at Michael, “To tell you the truth. I thought, if you want to get involved with a girl like Anastasia, you might as well do it while knowing the truth. She’s a flirtatious girl Michael. You can fuck and she won’t care about that. She’d still smile and laugh with other boys, she’ll still flirt with other boys. The fact that you’re fucking her doesn’t change that. And tell me one boy or man who’d pass up on the chance of being with such a beauty? Eh?” “You keep all men away from her.” “I did. But if she wants to play grown up with you, she can. On her own. Why would I continue to keep men away from her when she has you now?”

“So you’re not mad that I’m with your girl?”

“Oh no, I’m fuming”, Thomas said bluntly as he raised his eyebrows, “But she’ll come to her senses soon enough. Finn did, all you have is lust for her. It’ll pass, and when it does, I’ll be here for her. But she’ll come back on her own. Latest when she notices all the negative attention she draws in. When you bring her into danger.”

“And if it doesn’t pass? If I decide to marry her? What then?” “It’ll pass.”

Michael just scoffed with a grin pulling on his lips as he shook his head, “I say it won’t.” “Then I’ll make it pass. Girls like Anastasia get bored easily, she’ll drop you the moment she gets bored.” Michael just shook his head even more, looking out of the window which showed the streets of Small Heath, “Do you have to throw yourself at any and every pretty girl you meet? Like Grace or Lizzie.” As Thomas eyes slightly widened the younger boy let out a laugh, “Pol told me about Grace. When I asked her about Ana. And what you hold for her. She told me about the way you had served with her father in the war. He had left Ana in her care since Ana’s mother had passed not too long after birthing Ana. He didn’t come back. You did and ever since then have been different towards her. Promised her father you’d take care of her.” “I went to war Michael, I served alongside Anastasia’s father, he was a good man. He told me to protect his little girl if he dies. I’m doing that, but sometimes, kids have to learn the hard way. So go on Michael. Break Anastasia’s heart. Shatter her love, or whatever you think she gives you.”

“I’ve been waiting for you!”, the girl cheered as she looked at Michael, “Haven’t seen you at work. Where’ve you been?” “Had some other business to attend to with Tommy.” Anastasia nodded as Michael took off his cap and coat once he was inside the girl’s home. “What business?” “Blinder business.” “Odd. Mr. Shelby didn’t tell me about it.” “You know about the illegal side of business?” “Who do you think keeps it all in check and writes it off? It sure as hell ain’t Mr. Shelby or Arthur.” “I have to ask you something. Something important.” “Huh? Sure ask ahead”, Anastasia muttered as she walked into her living room, a small plate with biscuits on it in hand. She had gotten those earlier from the baker. Considering that Anastasia couldn’t live without her biscuits she had gotten herself a cat to keep the mice away.

“What do you feel for Tommy?”

“What a silly question”, Ana smiled as she put the plate down by the small table in front of the fire-place. “Answer it.” “Why so serious?”, the girl huffed, “He’s a family-friend, my dad used to work for the Shelbys before the war. Mr. Shelby returned, my dad didn’t. Pol took care of me during the war, until I started working Mr. Shelby supported me. Why?” “Did you ever have anything with Tommy?” “Romantically? No. He always tried to boss me around and treat me like I’m below him. I don’t like that.” Michael nodded, “And now?” “He still thinks I’m that young girl he has to protect and boss around. I guess he’ll never stop doing that.” “He’d stop if you marry someone. You’d be free of Tommy.” “Who? No boys dare to go out with me. Who’d marry me?” “I’d do.” “Don’t act silly”, Anastasia said, her heartbeat quickening.

She liked Michael a lot, she really did. He treated her like a normal human being. But did she want to marry him? No. She wanted to live. Wanted to live freely. If she would marry a weak man she could. A man who’d let her walk all over him and let her keep her freedom. But she knew the truth. If Michael wanted to marry her, he would. He was a Shelby on his mother’s side after all, and telling a Shelby no could end in your death.

“I’m not”, Michael stayed stern, “You want to be free of Tommy and his nagging? Marry me.” “His nagging is not that bad-“ “Marry me.” “Michael”, Anastasia began, looking down at her hands, her voice almost pleading with the boy, “We don’t even know each other that long. You- You’re rushing it a bit, no?” “I’m a man who knows what he wants. And I want to marry you.” “But I don’t.” Michael raised an eyebrow, “Why not? Tell me one man more qualified to marry you.” “Thomas…”

At this Michael scoffed rolling his eyes, “You complain about him wanting him to get off your back, but you’d rather marry him than me? I have been nothing but nice to you, while he just commands you around.” Anastasia looked out of her window, feeling her hands getting clammy, “Thomas is a wise man, as much as I hate his guts sometimes, he knows what he does-“ “What did he tell you about me?” “I should be asking you that-“

“Answer my fucking question”, Michael got up and pushed Anastasia against the wall, caging her in between his arms, “Answer my question sweetheart.” “He told me that you’re reckless, you don’t know the ways around here, how to behave with the people here. How to act with the people who know the Peaky Blinders, the people Mr. Shelby does business with. I don’t want to get caught up in trouble.” “As if Thomas wouldn’t get you into troubles.” “I know that he can get me out of that trouble safely.”

Tag list: @meadows5 , @hollyluvseveryone4ever13 , @mamawiggers1980

[erstwhilesparrow]

They've lit fires for the night; just a few low-burning ones that everyone tells the children are for hiding from the monsters because it's not as scary as thinking too hard about their caravan's dwindling supplies. Pix is in one of his grimmer moods.

"What if," he says in an undertone, "our empires die with us, Joel?"

He and Pix are huddled at the edge of firelight, by the small wagons and hardy pack animals. (Pix volunteered for first watch, and Joel doesn't particularly want to look bad next to Pixandria's king.)

"I mean, I don't know about Pixandria, but Mezalea will," Joel says. "Lizzie-- Lizzie's not exactly here, is she?"

Pix turns his head from where it was tipped toward the stars, and the fresh wave of grief that washes across his face feels nearly tangible. (Where does he get off acting like the whole world's mourning has to be his, anyway?)

"There's no one...?" Pix shakes his head, cracks a mirthless smile. "Sorry, that's a terrible question."

"Won't be. Won't ever be." Joel shrugs. "Figured I'd get people somewhere safe and... let them sort it out amongst themselves."

"Where would you go?"

"Well, let's not scare the children," Joel mutters.

"Your people need you."

Joel's sure Pix has said as much to himself more times than either of them can or will count. Because he isn't cruel, he doesn't say, Do they?

He says, "What about you, then? Anyone you wish were here?"

For just a tick, Pix looks stricken, as if it's a question with real consequences. As if either of them could really do that, could tear through time and space and haul out of the blood and wreckage one single person from thousands.

"I think I could sit here for a thousand years searching for their names and I would still fall short." Pix runs a hand through his beard. Idly, Joel wonders if he's cleaned his hands since this afternoon.

One of the Mezaleans, earlier today, tipped over the side of a wagon like a fish tumbling out of a bucket. A burial, someone insisted. We have to have a burial.

So they had a burial, and looking at his hands, coated in the grime of the badlands, Joel glanced at Pix's hands and thought, Ha. We match.

At any rate, it's clear Pix understands the importance of letting other people mourn properly. It's strange to Joel that he won't extend the same courtesy to himself. Joel's no good at it, but he's here, still. He's counting it for something.

"I'm sorry about..." Pix doesn't finish the sentence, doesn't even seem to notice that the sentence went unfinished.

"Yeah," Joel says. "Me too."

[hippolotamus]

Seven Sentence Sunday 🥂

tagged by @weewootruck @eddiebabygirldiaz (definitely go check their snippets!)

Still in the rework phase. Please take this snippet of come close (let me be home) (prev snippets here) under the cut for the sake of your dash 😘

“I know it’s tough, kid. I’m sure this isn’t easy for you,” Bobby says, leading them through the crowd to a table near the back. “Athena won’t steer her wrong, though.” “I don’t doubt it, Lor- Bobby. I just didn’t think it would be this difficult, honestly. I want her to be happy, but–” “You want to keep her safe.”  “Exactly!” Evan accepts a champagne flute, noticing Bobby takes a lemonade for himself. “I guess I always felt like I had no say before, even though I knew Lord Kendall was a terrible choice. It’s difficult not to want to be more involved this time.” “That’s understandable. Commendable even.” Bobby pauses to take a sip of his drink before cryptically adding, “Sometimes no matter how much we try to protect the people we love, it’s never enough.”  Evan thinks there might be a story there, but doesn’t press for more information. He’s not going to ruin any trust being built by prying into his host’s past. He also tries not to think too hard about how true Bobby’s statement has been in his own life. Instead he shifts his focus back to where Maddie is talking with Athena, smiling at all the right times and looking like she’s genuinely enjoying herself. He walks with Bobby to rejoin their small group, handing a glass to Maddie.  “Anyone promising?” He asks, when suddenly a familiar face catches his eye across the room. It’s the man from the park, surrounded by a mob of enthusiastic socialites not so subtly shoving their dance cards at him.   “I know him,” Evan murmurs without thinking.  “Viscount Diaz?” Bobby questions.  Athena cuts in before Evan can answer. “I didn’t realize you had met. I know I certainly didn’t make the introduction. Bobby, did you?” “Not that I recall, my love.” “I, uh-” Evan gulps down the last of his champagne, feeling his cheeks flush. Apparently his etiquette has slipped his mind, causing him to forget how important it is that any introductions are made through Athena or Bobby. “I must be mistaken then.”  “He is handsome,” Maddie whispers, leaning in close.  “Y-yes, I suppose he is,” Evan mumbles, feeling his cheeks flush.  His sister’s observation isn’t wrong. Still, something about her acknowledging the obvious fact, coupled with the man – Viscount Diaz – being here at all doesn’t sit right under his skin.  “Your sister could do much worse than the Viscount,” Athena comments, looking quite pleased with herself. “He’s an honorable man with plenty of land and income. I daresay he would make an admirable choice. In fact, I’m not sure why I didn’t consider it before.”  “May I have this dance?” A gentleman – thankfully not the Marquis or the Viscount – approaches Maddie, extending his hand. He’s of average height and build with mousy brown hair and a forgettable face. As far as Evan can tell there is absolutely nothing noteworthy about him. Nevertheless, Maddie smiles and accepts his hand, letting him lead her to the floor as the music begins.

so many of you have recently posted so absolutely no pressure tagging @shortsighted-owl @stereopticons @elvensorceress @disasterbuckdiaz LOML @lizzie-bennetdarcy @vanillahigh00 @rmd-writes @welcometololaland @apothecarose @jesuisici33 @daffi-990 @callmenewbie @giddyupbuck @wikiangela @jamespearce9-1-1 @spotsandsocks @exhuastedpigeon @lemonzestywrites @thewolvesof1998 @steadfastsaturnsrings @loserdiaz @heartshapedvows @underwater-ninja-13 @fortheloveofbuddie @eowon @watchyourbuck @monsterrae1 @spagheddiediaz @chaosandwolves @wildlife4life @buddierights @911onabc @the-likesofus @spaceprincessem @fionaswhvre @barbiediaz @honestlydarkprincess @pirrusstuff @gayedmundodiaz @theplaceyoustillrememberdreaming @maygrantgf @statueinthestone @indestructibleheart and anyone else who wants to share 💖

[writingonleaves]

and there are some days when i think that, somewhere, you're watching - the blue au

universe: the blue au

warnings: cancer, grief, sadness, the usual with anything to do with the blue au's premise lol

title: "chemtrails" by lizzy mcalpine

word count: 1.1k

author's note: lol hey!! there are a million other wips i should be working on but here we are! if you haven't read at least the first part of this au yet, you probs should for context. we are also manifesting here all three hughes brothers make it to the olympics. inspired by the beautiful players tribune article kevin hayes wrote for his late brother jimmy. i thought a lot about which brother would write something like this and ended up settling on quinn <3 enjoy and let me know your thoughts!

*****

The Ones We Play For 

for The Players Tribune 

by Quinn Hughes 

Written February 4, 2026

I’ll never forget the first time I put on a USA jersey for an international competition. 

It was for the 2015 World Under-17 Challenge when I had just turned 16. I didn’t think much of it at the time. The only thing I thought about was playing well, but it was an honor nonetheless. 

Every time you get the opportunity to represent your country in any way, it’s an honor. I know everyone says it, but it’s true. The whole nation is looking at you and cheering you and your teammates on. The playing of the anthem means more than ever. You look at the jersey and feel like you’re part of something bigger.

Next week, hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina will begin. I’ve always dreamed of being about to play at the Olympics, but now that it’s actually here, it’s surreal. 

The team is great, and I feel lucky to even be here. As I look around at my teammates, I feel confident that we can bring home a gold medal. But it’ll take hard work. That’s nothing that we don’t know though. 

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to put on the jersey and who we wear it for. Of course, I think I speak for every single person at these Olympics when we say we wear it for our country and the fans watching us, whether here in Italy or back home. 

But we’re all playing for someone in our own support group. The village that has brought each of us here.

First, my parents, who have been there since the very first day. My mom, who taught me how to skate and my dad, who taught me how to see the game. My extended family: my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and family who aren’t technically family but who might as well be. Everyone in my life who’s always offered support and encouraging words, who has sat in cold rinks and watched me play. Whether they’re here in Italy or watching from various parts of the world, I’m playing for them. 

I’m also playing for my brothers, who will be on the ice with me. That’s still crazy for me to think about. We never could’ve imagined this when we were playing mini sticks in the basement as kids. Of course, we dreamed about it. But to see it come to reality? I feel very grateful. In the locker room, I look at Jack on my right and then Luke at my left. We’re playing for each other. 

But most importantly, I’m playing for Miguel Sandoval. 

I don’t talk about Miguel often, but he was one of the most important people in my life. Still is. He met my parents before I was born and automatically became a second father to me. To be honest, I don’t think I talk about him often because it still hurts to think about. 

Miguel was one of my biggest cheerleaders from the beginning. The fact that he’s not alive to see me take the ice next week is, well, it’s a lot of things. Sad is the first word that pops to mind. Unfair is another. The one who was at the rink next to my father in the stands before I even really knew how to play hockey isn’t alive to see me play in the Olympics? There’s no words to describe how devastating that is. 

He never got to see me play in any USA jersey, even though he was always confident I would put one on eventually. He died of pancreatic cancer on New Year’s Day, 2015. 

It’s been over 11 years without him, but he’s still in everything I do. A huge part of the reason I wear 43 is because of him — his birthday is April 3. I still remember his boisterous laugh and his kind eyes. He wrote Jack, Luke and I letters before he died that were specifically addressed to be given to us on our draft days. I still carry mine with me on every road trip. That’s how long and how strongly he believed in us. Somehow, he just knew that we would be drafted long before it happened. 

I have every word of that letter memorized. Sometimes, I trace over his handwriting with my thumb, and it feels like he's still with us.

During his brief battle with cancer, even when his body had almost no strength left, he always greeted us with a smile and an enthusiastic greeting. Even when he was advised not to, he made it to the games he could until his last days. To the very last day, he lived life with the biggest smile on his face.

If anyone should be here to see his “talented boys” take on the ice, it’s him. Not everyone is lucky enough to have someone like Miguel who loved them so unconditionally. I’m grateful for the time I had with him, even if I desperately wish it was more. We weren’t his sons by blood, but he treated us like family. But sometimes life is unfair, and we have to hold on to the fact that everything happens for a reason.

Here’s a reason: Miguel’s wife, Maeve, who is like a second mother to me, will be watching from Boston. Maeve is the best, always keeping it lighthearted and reminding me that life is supposed to be lived to the fullest. She has this youthful energy that’s just so infectious. She’s the one who always reminds me that hockey is supposed to be fun. I wouldn't be half the person I am today without her support.

And then their daughter, Clementine. Clem, I call her. Jack calls her Clee and Luke calls her Clemmy. Clem’s my best friend / older sister — the universal older sister, to be honest. It doesn’t matter if our last names aren’t the same. She’s been there for me ever since I could remember. Even when we were states, sometimes countries, away, I knew that if I called her, she’d always pick up. Currently on the journey to becoming a doctor, Clem is the kindest, most intelligent, most selfless and strongest woman I’ve ever met. She was the one who lost her father, but she made sure that all of us were okay. Even now, she can’t ever seem to take off the big-sister hat. But I wouldn’t have her any other way. 

Miguel, wherever you are, I can tell you a few things. First, I promise that we’re taking care of your wife and daughter as best as we can. We’re gonna try our best to get to the final rounds of this tournament so that they can fly out and watch us play. We love them and they’ll always be family. Second, whenever I feel a bit lost or need to be grounded, I think of you and your calm demeanor and bear hugs. I wish I could have just one more hug. Squeeze you one more time.

Miguel, when I put on that USA jersey and step on the ice, I will be playing for you. Jack, Luke and I will all be skating for you.

We miss you. 

We love you.

This is for you.

Yours, 

Quinn

[bratshaws]

through the hourglass 367. brb x oc

a/n: uwuwuwuwuw (comments and reblogs are super welcome and encouraged!)

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: kinda suggestive,nothing more

goodness gracious (pls read this one to know more what this fic is about!!)

chapter

1/

/316/317/318/319/320/321/322/323/324/325/326/327/328/329/330/331/332/333/334/335/336/337/338/339/340/341/342/343/344/345/346/347/348/349/350/351/352/353/354/355/356/357/358/359/360/361/362/363/364/365/366

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist! )

taglist: @mirandastuckinthe80s @roosterschanelslut @wiipes @lcahwriter @novastories @gretagerwigsmuse @frenchtoastix @lizzie-rdj @fanboyluvr @atarmychick007 @comebacktoearthpls

@peachiicherries @mak-32 @lizziespidiepridie @roosterswifey @ollyoxenfrees @piceous21 @sqrlgrl22 @hofficoffi @lexhalstead3 @lorilane33 @legendarydreamersharkparty @luckyladycreator2

@emilybradshaw @louisahale @leobabbyyy @booklover2sblog @winter-run @ktjmac @graciereads @bigpoppajes @taytaylala12

@caitsymichelle13 @becks-things @caatheeriinee07 @fanboyswhore9 @jesfreedark @katiemcrae @lilmonstrjedi @hobiismyhopeu @teacupsandtopgun @insominac23 @gh0stsgoodgirl @mygyn @chavivaelisheva @kmc1989 @enchantingharmonyalpaca @callsign-magnolia @mrsbradshaw01

-

He feels soft kissing on his cheekbone, followed by a quiet giggle that only makes his brows furrow. He pats her side of the bed only to find it empty at the same time a pair of arms hug his shoulders from behind, “Morning,morning Lieutenant-Commander.” she smiles, “Tomorrow is your big day.”

“...Bea?”

She kisses his cheek again, “Morning Roos.” and she waits for him to finally wake up, figure out where the hell he was with his eyes squinted. He rubs his eyes as he slowly props himself up, turning his torso on the bed and seeing Beatrice sitting on the chair there, with a breakfast tray just for him, “...gorgeous,what’s this?”

Beatrice's smile widened as Rooster's confusion melted away, replaced by sleepy curiosity. She leaned forward, placing the breakfast tray on his lap before pressing a tender kiss to his forehead. "It's breakfast in bed," she replied, her voice soft with affection. "I thought you might like a special treat before your big day tomorrow."

Rooster's eyes lit up with delight as he took in the spread before him. There were fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, crispy bacon strips, scrambled eggs, and a steaming cup of coffee. His stomach rumbled in anticipation, and he couldn't help but grin at Beatrice's thoughtfulness.

"This looks amazing, Bea," he said gratefully, his voice filled with warmth. "Baby,you didn't have to go through all this trouble."

Beatrice waved off his concern with a dismissive gesture, "Nonsense," she replied, her tone playful. "You deserve to be pampered, especially on the eve of such an important day."

Rooster chuckled, reaching for a pancake and taking a hearty bite. The flavors exploded in his mouth, warm and comforting, and he couldn't help but close his eyes in bliss as he savored the delicious meal.

As he ate, Beatrice watched him with adoration, her heart swelling with pride at the sight of her husband enjoying her cooking. She had woken up early to prepare the breakfast, pouring her love and care into every dish, and seeing Rooster's appreciation made it all worthwhile.

"You're quiet," Rooster observed between mouthfuls, his gaze flicking up to meet Beatrice's eyes. "What's on your mind, gorgeous?"

Beatrice hesitated for a moment, her fingers tracing patterns on the edge of the chair. She took a deep breath, summoning the courage to voice her thoughts. "I just...I want you to know how proud I am of you, Roos," she said softly, her voice tinged with emotion. "You've worked so hard for this promotion, and you deserve every bit of success that comes your way."

Rooster's expression softened at Beatrice's heartfelt words, and he reached out, taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Thank you, Bea," he replied sincerely, his voice filled with gratitude. "All this pampering? So early in the morning.”

"Consider it a small token of my love and appreciation for you," she replied, her tone warm. "I just want to make sure you start your day feeling loved and supported."

"Well, you've certainly succeeded,"  he says “The kids still asleep?”

“Yes, completely out.” she says, gently wiping some syrup off his cheek, “You got home late yesterday, your talk with Mav must’ve been long.”

"Yeah, it was a productive conversation," Rooster replied, his thoughts momentarily lingering on Maverick's words. "He always knows how to put things into…perspective."

“Oh?”

“Yeah,we just talked…been a while since we did.”

She nodded,leaning on a hand as she smiles at him even more, “I won’t prod you about it,Roos.It can be your boy chat.” he snorts a laugh when she says it and she just grins more, “...I know these past days have been…crazy,so I just wanted to make it a little easier for you. You know?”

He slows his chewing and smiles, then pats the spot next to him, “Cause my lap is busy.” he gestures to the tray, “C’mere.”

Beatrice chuckled at Rooster's invitation, and she wasted no time in rising from her seat and settled onto the bed beside him, curling up against his side as he continued to enjoy his breakfast.

Rooster wrapped an arm around Beatrice's shoulders, pulling her close as they sat together in comfortable silence. He savored the warmth of her presence, feeling a sense of peace wash over him in her company.

"Thank you for this, Bea," he murmured, pressing a tender kiss to the top of her head. "It means a lot to me."

Beatrice leaned into his touch, her smile soft and genuine. "Anything for you, Roos," she replied "I just want to make sure you start your day off on the right foot."

“With pancakes.”

“With pancakes.” she smiles, “You know pancakes have a strong connection with us.” she blushes just a bit “...it was the first thing you made for me after we had our night together.”

His eyes drop down her face, to her pink lips then back into her eyes, “Then there’s only one thing missing. But,” he coos,kissing her lips twice, leaving the taste of syrup on her mouth, “We can arrange that,hm?”

Beatrice's cheeks flushed at Rooster's suggestion, her heart fluttering in her chest at that promise, fluttering like butterflies…clearly nothing changed,he still had that effect on her. She leaned into his kiss, savoring the sweetness of the syrup on his lips as she melted against him."Mmm, sounds like a perfect plan," she murmured against his lips,giggling when he licked her lips playfully.

Rooster grinned as he pulled back slightly to meet Beatrice's gaze. "I aim to please, gorgeous," he replied huskily, his tone sending shivers down her spine. “As you are well aware.”

“I sure am LC.”

With a shared smile, he set aside the breakfast tray and allowed themselves to get lost in the moment. Rooster's lips met Beatrice's with a hunger that ignited a fire within her, and she responded eagerly, her hands tangling in his hair as she deepened the kiss still giggling.

Their kiss was filled with a raw passion that spoke volumes, if there was any sound that reminded them of it was the sound of a marching band truly.She cupped his jawline,rubbing her thumb over the long scar there as he pulled her to finally sit on his lap, hands immediately latching on her buttcheeks, playing with the elastic of her underwear.

When they finally broke apart, they were both breathless and flushed with desire, Beatrice rested her forehead against Rooster's, her chest rising and falling with each ragged breath.

"Wow," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rooster chuckled softly, his thumb gently stroking her cheek as he gazed at her with complete adoration. "Yeah, wow," he agreed, his voice filled with reverence.

They remained like that for a moment, simply basking in the afterglow of their kiss, content to be wrapped up in each other's arms. Eventually, Beatrice shifted to lean back so she could have a better look at him "Are you nervous about tomorrow?" she asked softly, her fingers tracing lazy circles on his nape.

Rooster sighed, his arms tightening around her as he considered her question. "A little," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "It's a big day, and there's a lot riding on it."

"You'll do great, Roos," she said confidently, her voice filled with conviction. "You've worked so hard for this, and you have the skills to succeed. I really am proud of you."

Rooster's gaze softened at Beatrice's words, his heart swelling with gratitude for her unwavering support. "Thank you, Bea," he murmured, pressing a tender kiss to the top of her head. "But I’ll be okay.”

“Did you write your speech?”

“...yes.”

She blinked up at him, “Really?’ he nods with a little grimace, “Can I see it?”

Rooster hesitated for a moment, his expression conflicted. He knew Beatrice was eager to see his speech, but he couldn't shake the feeling of insecurity that gnawed at him. 

What if she didn't like it? 

What if it wasn't good enough?

But then he glanced down at Beatrice, her eyes filled with nothing but trust and admiration, and he knew he couldn't keep it from her any longer. With a gentle resigned sigh, he reached for the notebook on the bedside table and handed it to her.

"Here," he said softly,. "It's not much, just some thoughts I jotted down."

Beatrice took the notebook from him with a grateful smile, and she carefully flipped open the cover and began to read, her eyes scanning the handwritten words with attention.

As she read, he couldn’t help but flick his gaze down at her. She was so quiet, was it that bad? He clears his throat once, ‘...so…is it…good?”

Beatrice's eyes remained glued to the notebook, her brows furrowing slightly as she read through Rooster's speech. He watched her intently, his heart pounding in his chest with anticipation. 

After a few moments, Beatrice finally looked up from the notebook, her expression thoughtful. She met Rooster's gaze, her eyes shining with warmth and admiration. "Roos," she began softly, "this is...beautiful."

Rooster's breath caught in his throat at her words, a sense of relief washing over him. "You think so?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

She nodded eagerly, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Yes, it's...it's perfect," she replied, her tone filled with sincerity. "You've really captured the essence of what this means to you and...and to us."

Rooster's chest swelled with pride at Beatrice's praise, a sense of validation washing over him. He had poured his heart and soul into crafting the speech, and knowing that Beatrice approved meant everything to him.

"Thank you, Bea," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm so glad you liked it."

"I more than like it, Roos," she said earnestly, her gaze unwavering. "I love it. And I know you're going to do an amazing job delivering it tomorrow." she smiles, “I personally love how many times you wrote ‘my wife’ and ‘my kids in here’.”

"Well, they're my world," he replied softly, his gaze softening with affection. "I couldn't have achieved any of this without you and the kids by my side."

She reached out, tangling her fingers with his, their hands fitting together like pieces of a puzzle. "You do make everything better, just by being you."

Rooster leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to Beatrice's forehead. "I love you, Bea. More than words can express. Oh baby, don’t cry.”

Beatrice blinked back the tears that threatened to spill, finding herself enveloped in Rooster's comforting embrace. His arms wrapped around her, offering solace in the face of her emotions. "I'm just emotional is all,” she managed to say between sniffles, “Maybe I’m pregnant again.”

Her poor husband paled for a moment, then leaned his head back to look down at her, only for Bea to grin mischievously, “Just kidding, LC.”

“Oh GOD,” he relaxed, then placed his hand on his heart, “Gorgeous, you scared me - not that I don’t want more kids, but,” he laughed nervously, “We already got three and I don’t want you to, you know, go through all that stress again. I remember the toll it took on you.”

Beatrice chuckled at his reaction, his concern for her well-being evident in every word. She reached up, cupping his cheek affectionately. "I know, LC. Three is plenty for now." she smiles, sitting on his lap comfortably, “Did I scare you,Roos?”

Rooster chuckled, the tension of the moment easing as he wrapped his arms around Beatrice's waist, pulling her closer to him. "You definitely got me for a second there, gorgeous," he admitted, "But I think we're good with three little troublemakers running around for now."

“Well,Nikki is the only one waddling, the twins are just starting to crawl but…i agree," she replied, her voice soft with contentment. "Besides, we've got more than enough love to go around with just the five of us."

Rooster pressed a gentle kiss to Beatrice's temple, his lips lingering against her skin for a moment before he pulled back to meet her gaze. "We sure do," he murmured, his eyes shining with adoration. "And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world."

After a while, Beatrice shifted in Rooster's lap, reaching for the notebook he had given her earlier. "I still can't believe how beautiful your speech is," she remarked, flipping through the pages once more. "I'm so proud of you, Roos."

His cheeks darkened a bit, but he smiles, “You are going to make me blush.” he says, “I really wanted to do good, this is probably the fifth version of my speech.”

Beatrice grinned, her eyes sparkling with pride as she looked at Rooster. "Well, it paid off. It's perfect, Roos," she praised, leaning in to plant a sweet kiss on his lips. "You're going to knock everyone's socks off at the ceremony."

Rooster returned her kiss with equal affection,  “Even the old admirals who’d much rather be home asleep than hearing me talk?”

Beatrice chuckled at Rooster's question, her laughter ringing out like music in the room. "Especially the old admirals," she replied with a playful grin, "They'll be hanging on your every word, Roos. Just you wait and see."

Rooster grinned at Beatrice's confidence in him. He knew that delivering the speech in front of such esteemed company would be no small feat, but with Beatrice by his side, he felt ready to take on the challenge.

"Well, I'll do my best to keep them awake," he joked, his tone light and playful. "But no promises."

Beatrice laughed, her hand reaching up to gently ruffle Rooster's hair. "I have no doubt that you'll captivate every single person in that room, Roos," she assured him, her voice filled with unwavering belief. "You always do." she slides off his lap, “Now, finish your breakfast, I have to make sure the kids are okay-” he pouted, holding her wrist, “And once I’m done I’ll come back.”

‘Promise?”

“..of course Roos.” and she kisses his forehead, “Of course.”

[3lsmp]

PROLOGUE - SIDE; SHADOW

The shadowland kingdom has been a prosperous land for many centuries. It has a wealth of traders and markets and farmers and forgers, It's people get along well and they work hard within their daily lives. Queen Lizzie is known to be a kind person. Her leadership is a beacon of hope to all her people. Her people we happy. And Lizzie was happy for it to stay that way. Until-

"MY QUEEN- YOUR HIGHNESS- THERE'S-" shouted a panting Ren, who had seemingly come running to find his queen. He leaned against the tall marble doorway and caught his breath, gasping for air. (Lizzie made a mental note to remind him to exercise if a little running had him this worked up..)

"Come, sit with me." She gestured to a seat opposite her at a small table upon the balcony they both stood on. It overlooked the lush forests and frothing rivers of her kingdom and was often a place she came to when craving a moment of quiet. "As you know, this place is meant for relaxation. Do you care to explain why you've come in huffing and puffing like so?" Ren slowly and tiredly made his way over to the table, sitting across from his queen. He tried his best to look presentable, fixing his neckerchief and adjusting his glasses. "My lady, the shadowiest of queens.. There's a problem of the utmost importance you must know of post-haste."

She raised an eyebrow. It must be something bad if Ren had come running like this.. "Alright, go on. What is this problem?"

Ren looked at her, his face painted with worry. "One of our people, a farmer from the southern village, has been slain."

That wasn't good. It was never nice to hear one of her people had lost their lives, and in the southland no less, that village was a mostly peaceful place.. How could someone have been killed there? "Is this not a matter to take to the guards? I'm sure the chief knight would solve this quite efficiently."

"I've spoken to Sir Bigb, Milady. He set out with a platoon immediately." The brunette nodded.

That certainly was odd. This whole thing was starting to feel slightly fishy. "How strange. Why would Bigb go in person himself?" She stood and paced back and forth on the balcony, feeling herself become more lost in thought. Before she could get too lost, however, a lower ranking knight came barrelling outside onto the balcony to meet them. Quite similarly to Ren's entrance prior, the knight was huffing and seemed to have been in quite the rush. "Your highness!! The southland murder- It wasn't murder!" She felt all her tension disappear. Thank goodness she didn't have to send her dear knightly friends out to hunt down a murderer. That was such a relief.

"Lovely, I will resume my relaxing afternoon then. I wish this farmer's family my sincerest condolences for their loss."

The knight shifted on the spot, with a large gulp he spoke up.

"No, M-Ma'am. It wasn't murder. It wasn't a murder because that man was.. Was maimed. Maimed by a werewolf."

[creativepawsworld]

Silence - Chapter 50

Pairing = Thomas Shelby x OC

Summary = Tommy goes back to London to check on his horse. Major Campbell plays mind games with Ana.

Warnings = Language...Grammar...mentions of sex... guns...violence, arrests

Word Count = 2079

 Since returning from London I had felt more stressed than ever. I wanted to know what was going on with Tommy. Why was he so secretive about that file he kept hidden in his office? What was it? Who was it about it about? I had so many questions but not one answer. Anytime I asked him about it he, brushed it off in typical Tommy fashion: Cradling my bump and kissing me deeply making me lose all sense of thought. Damn hormones.

Early one Tuesday morning Tommy went off to London, to check on Arthur and the horse he purchased at the Derby. I knew that it meant he was going to see that horse trainer, that woman, May Carleton. I didn’t trust her, she was rich and no doubt was used to getting what she wanted. Tommy was a fine specimen of a man, anyone with eyes can see it. But he was a man. And men were weak.

To ease my concerns and jealously he allowed me to journey with him down South while he worked. As much as I wanted too I felt like he was testing me and my trust in him so I declined. Deciding to focus on the wellbeing of my parents. They were discharged from the hospital yesterday.

Tommy had stationed several men around their home, hoping to ease their and my worries. But the memory was still fresh, my mother refused to step into her bedroom instead opting to stay in my old bedroom. Something I understood, it was hard but it was an adjustment. I prayed they both found the strength they needed to carry on as I hated seeing them so weak and vulnerable. Even though our relationship was rocky, they were still my parents.

Finding myself unable to settle and seeing an opportunity. After lunch, I took myself to Tommy’s office. Passing Lizzie as I walked in, I started pulling open his filing cabinets, looking for this file. I hoped that he messed up and left it laying out in the open or tried to hide it in plain sight. But this was Tommy Shelby we were talking about here. Each breathe he takes is planned.

“What are you looking for?” Lizzie asked casually resting her shoulder against the frame of the door way.

“A file” I answered quickly, moving over to his desk. Opening the top drawer with ease, I found stray pens, paperclips and a gun. Shoving it closed I tried to open the last drawer but couldn’t. I pulled at it a bit harder.

“I think it’s locked” Lizzie chuckled, I looked up at her with an annoyed glare. “What’s so important? Do you think that is where he is keeping his secret wedding plans or something?”

“No, no not that” I shake my head grabbing a paperclip and trying to pick the lock. “It’s a file on someone or something he is hiding from me”

“Tommy hides a lot from you Ana its to keep you safe” Lizzie sighs fixing herself a glass of whiskey from Tommy’s collection in his office. “He keeps a lot from everyone even Polly. Don’t be so worried”

I look up at her annoyed before going back to jiggling with the locked drawer. “Well when my future husband starts setting up trusts funds and talking about his death. I want to know exactly what he is getting up to…” I huffed slapping the drawer with my hand. “Can you pick locks?”

“No but I can try” Lizzie sighed walking towards me ushering me away from the seat with her hands and taking the paperclip. I stood, leaning on his desk as Lizzie tried to work open the drawer to no avail. “I can’t do it.”

“Do you know any other way of opening a locked drawer?” I asked holding my baby bump, the baby was moving like crazy today. I felt like they were doing circles, round and round my stomach. It was the most surreal feeling.

“Not without Tommy knowing we were looking through his stuff, no” Lizzie shook her head standing up. “Sorry Ana.”

“What if I get a desk identical to this one and we switch them?” I proposed but as the words left my mouth I realised how ridiculous it sounded. If we switched the desk Tomy wouldn’t definitely know as the lock would be different. “Never mind.” I shake my head rubbing my temples. This would be the end of me.

******

Leaving Tommy’s office I walked in the direction of the betting shop. I wanted to talk to Polly and get her opinion, her thoughts on the whole situation. I got to the top of Watery Lane when I heard the sounds of a cane behind me. Turning around I noticed the seedy police major who had it out for Tommy and his family. Without a word, I made a move to go inside the shop when he finally spoke.

“Not saying hello Miss Adler? Rather rude of you wouldn’t you say?” His thick Belfast accent coming through. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Every word he spoke sounded degrading. He truly believed he was above us all.

“What do you want Major Campbell?” I snapped turning to face him. My hands protectively holding my bump as I looked at him. His face was repulsive. The dark sneer on his lips and the darkness behind his eyes had spread a cold chill through my spine.

“I was just wondering, how you could stay with a man… who disrespects and mistreats you so badly?” He asked with an underlying menace to his tone. “I mean, going off to London on the pretence of he is checking a horse? You don’t really believe that now do you?”

“No. I know how you work you're trying to turn me against Tommy. It’s not going to work” I scoffed, turning away, moving again towards the black door leading to the betting shop.

“And here I thought you were a smart girl Miss Adler. I appear to have been mistaken.” He chuckled darkly. “A little friendly advice, call the Carleton Estate. Ask to speak with your beloved and see if he accepts your call.” He sneered walking past me, cane clacking off the pavement. “I bet you will find he is… a little preoccupied with other pleasures.”

Glaring at the man until he left the street I stomped inside the betting office. The place was bustling as usual. I saw John from the corner of my eye writing on the blackboard. He was completely oblivious to me as I stormed through the shop. I found Polly who, once she saw me immediately gestured for me to follow her into her former home through the double green doors.

“What’s happened?” Polly asked instantly fusing over me. Her hands went to my swollen stomach, feeling around it like she would feel the problem. “Is the baby alright?”

“Yes, yes they are fine moving around a lot today. I need to borrow your phone” I bit my cheek. As much as I hated to admit it, the Majors words had gotten to me. I tried to convince myself that I trusted him and nothing was wrong but that voice. That horrible voice in the back of my head wouldn’t shut up.

“What’s happened?” Polly asked her suspicions heightened. She removed her hands from my stomach, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Nothing, nothing…” I tried to brush off but it was clear she didn’t believe me. Instead, she raised an eyebrow, giving me that disapproving look until I broke. “That Major Campbell, he got into my head, said Tommy was enjoying the pleasures of that.. that horse trainer.”

“Oh Ana now, come on. Tommy is completely blinded by you, by his love for you. He knows if he steps one foot out of line you and that baby are gone. With my support.” Polly assured lifting her hand, giving me her index finger as a warning.

“I just want to be sure.” I sighed, tilting my head to the side as I rubbed my stomach. “Please.”

“Fine, fine.” Polly rolled her eyes ushering me into the living room area of their home. I sat on the large armchair as I rang the switchboard asking to be put through to the Carleton Estate.

I watched Polly place a piece of bread and jam in front of me, telling me to eat for the baby’s sake and a glass of water. I nodded thanking her as I waited from the other end to pick up the phone.

“Carleton Residence how may I help you?” A firm, female voice answered. I immediately assumed it was the head maid of the estate.

“Hello, I was hoping to speak with a gentleman who is visiting the estate today. A Mr Thomas Shelby.” I asked politely looking down, picking at the crust of the bread with my index finger and thumb.

“I’m afraid that isn’t possible right now.” The woman on the other line spoke. The denial caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting to be told no over such a simple request.

“Alright, may I speak with the lady of the house? A Ms May Carleton?” I asked, my heart beating wildly in my chest. Polly looked over at me, eyebrows furrowed.

“I’m afraid that is also not possible. Ms Carleton has retreated to her room for the evening and has asked not to be disturbed.” The woman replied and I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

“Is the gentleman still there? Thomas Shelby, is he still there?” I asked my voice going up an octave higher in my panic.

“Yes, I believe he is.” The woman replied and I put my hand over my mouth. I almost dropped the phone when Polly grabbed it holding it to her ear. Asking questions of her own.

I was in shock, how could he do this to me I thought as I lay back on the chair holding my swollen stomach. Silent tears fell down my checks. This couldn’t be happening.

After hanging up the phone, Polly set about comforting me. Insisting we returned to her home at Bridge Cottage to think.  I rubbed the sides of my temples willing myself to stay strong and calm. This couldn’t possibly be true. He wouldn’t, he couldn’t. I told myself.

Michael returned home after a long day in the office. I remained quiet sitting on Polly's sofa before a commotion at the door caught my attention. Polly was screaming, and Michael was yelling. I rushed quickly towards the front door noticing, three or four policemen pulling and shoving Michael into the back of the police car. Polly was screaming profanities as she rushed towards the car, slapping the glass, yelling for the release of her son.

“One by one you all will fall Miss Adler.” That voice that haunted me spoke. I turned seeing him leaning against the front of the house. That evil smile on his face. “Best get that baby and your parents out of here before I come knocking on your door next.” Major Campbell chuckled darkly, walking off and smirking at Polly as she was restrained.

I rushed out towards her wrapping my arm around her shoulders as Campbell and his men drove off, Michael in the back looking scared and lost.

“We will fix this. Tommy will fix this.” I assured Polly not sure if I believed my own words.

Taglist

@shelbyteller @seleneshelby @forgottenpeakywriter @babayaga67 @sweetmilkshakeluminary @slutforcoffein @sydneyyyya @happysparklingshadows @margew76   @midnightmagpiemama  @pierre-gasssllyy  @duckybird101 @muhahaha303 @thenattitude  @dolllol2405

Anyone wanting on or off the tag list please just let me know 💙

[creative-caramel-coffee]

Update

Hey guys sorry for the delay in posting. I know I said I would hopefully be uploading the next chapter for spiders sister / fics in general soon(ish) but I have a few things going on.

1. I have work for my job I have to do.

2. I am extremely exhausted as of late because of worsening heart issues. I’m scheduled to see a cardiologist soon to find out more which is really sad because Im actually quite young (but still over 18 dw hehe). I went to the doctor and they did an ECG I got diagnosed with tachycardia (my heart beats too fast). And aside from being really tired, I am out of breath and almost faint when I stand up. The almost fainting thing happens because my heart rate spikes when I stand / do things which makes daily life a bit difficult rn. And it’ll probably remain an issue until I can know more about what’s going on and how to treat it. So far all we know is it’s a heart issue of some kind.

3. My both of my grandmas are sick and it’s not looking good for either of them. Which is hard to deal with because of how important they are to me and my life.

I am not giving up on my writing (at this point I don’t think I ever even could if I wanted to ((WHICH I DONT)) it might just be anywhere between a few days to weeks until I’m able to write more (for either my ongoing series or just one shots). Basically if my workload eases up or I’m not so tired / have some motivation I might get some more writing done. But for the next little bit I may be a bit slower in bringing out new works.

I probably will be writing a fair few fics ✨projecting✨ though so … yeah.

And I need ALL FOUR of my wisdom teeth out but can’t until we sort the heart issues.

Don’t worry about me though I’ll be ok. And I just thought I should explain why I’m a bit absent lately which has also been partly due to uni workload (in term time).

Also idk if I have said this but I’ll assume I should reiterate based on my lack on anons in my inbox but I’m taking requests (that I deem fit) for both marvel characters (wanda, pepper, Natasha) and marvel cast (Lizzie and Scarlett but I can also have the Olsen twins show up if you want but not as the main characters).

Make sure y’all drink water today and take breaks.

Also if ur one of my anons and you feel like it, come say hi I miss y’all (hehehe)

- ccc ☕️

[kitten-kokomo]

Day 4 - “no, we’re not doing that”

Fanfiction - Murder Drones

T

tw: canon-typical murder, canon-typical amounts of corpses, intrusive thoughts

Full fic below!

“So, when are we going to eat her?”

“V!” N glanced at the chair she had been chained to. “We’re not eating Uzi!”

V rolled her eyes. “Why not? It’s perfectly good oil.”

“No! We’re not doing that! Uzi is my friend!”

“Sure, your friend. And what happens when you get hungry?”

N froze. “I-I-I HAVE TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE NOW!” He spread his wings and flashed out of the pod. Circling once, twice, and landing on a small ledge near the top of the spire.

He wasn’t going to eat Uzi. He had self-control, she would be fine.

He wasn’t that hungry anyways. Plenty of oil reserves.

Plenty.

And what happens when they run out?

No! Shut up brain! It will be fine!

It wouldn’t be hard. A slice down her neck, she wouldn’t even feel it. She’d be so sweet.

No! He was better than that!

…maybe he should go check on her. 

“H-hey buddy!”

Uzi turned back to face him. She was sitting on a broken car, her frame silhouetted in the sunlight that N was carefully avoiding. “Oh, hi N.”

N forced himself to grin. Was that a normal amount of teeth? “I’d join you if the sun didn’t kill me. Hope you’re having important character growth or something though!”

Uzi grinned and laughed back something about destroying humans.

(And something about that felt weird to N, wrong in a way that felt old and different and had he always been this tall?)

“Okay, cool!” N said, backing away from the entrance. “See you later then!”

She was outside. That meant she was safe, because he couldn’t go in the sun, so she’d be safe.

She’s going to come inside eventually.

What happens when the sun goes down again?

Maybe she’ll scream.

[giggle] the screams are yummy

No no no no no no no he wouldn't

You would

No, Uzi would be fine, he could control himself, he had to control himself, he–

“N?”

N froze. Uzi. He launched himself into the air, clinging to the corpses in the wall with his claws. “D-don’t come any closer!”

Uzi looked at him, a flicker of concern on her visor. “N? Are you okay?” She took another step, and N flinched.

“Dont! I might–”

 “You might what?”

N squeezed his eyes shut. “I might hurt you.” His secondary optics caught the little o Uzi’s mouth made. “I kill people, Uzi. It’s what I’m built for. And-and I don’t want to hurt you. So. You should just stay away from me.”

“That’s dumb.”

N glanced down at her. “What?”

“You’re being dumb,” Uzi said, rolling her eyes a little. “If you were going to kill me, you would have done it already. Like, I’m standing right here, in the open. Easy kill.”

“Yeah…? So?”

“Robo-god, you are such a dork,” Uzi muttered. “You could have killed me a dozen times today. But you haven’t. And you won’t. So you can come down from there now.”

N dug his claws in a little tighter. “No.”

“Yes.”

“What happens when I get hungry?”

Uzi paused for a moment, thinking. “That’s a thing?”

“Yeah…”

She shrugged. “Eat Lizzy. She’s a bitch.”

“Uzi!” N laughed, despite himself.

“I’m serious! She’s horrible!” Uzi waved her arms dramatically, but she was smiling too. “Ooh, or Braiden. Braiden sucks. Or, I dunno, whoever you’ve been eating this whole time.” She shrugged, looking up at him. Purple eyes met gold. “I’ll be fine.”

N gave a small nod, and let go, landing next to her.

Uzi grinned, nudging him with her shoulder. “C’mon, let’s go torment V.”

When N smiled, his teeth were razor-sharp and visible. Uzi didn’t flinch.

And tucked somewhere deep in his processor, a golden little program huffed a [disappointed sigh] and turned its attention elsewhere.

[divinekangaroo]

Based on your reading of the characters I have a few questions if you dont mind answering them

Will Tommy have a new love in the movie?

Did S6 make it clear that Lizzys trajectory and her relationship with Tommy has ended?

Sorry for taking so long to get to this!!

I hope not? In 3 hours max, there is so much else I would like to see than giving him a romantic arc. I also don't think erotic or romantic love is all that much of a driver for him, so to devote time to a new erotic or romantic arc would feel very strange - *familial* love is important to him. I hope the movie is about family, especially Charlie. And given the era of focus as just prior to WWII, I think there's opportunity for some very interesting setup that takes Tommy out of the claustrophobia/inner focus of the last few seasons and starts to more cleverly use the zoom in and zoom out of family and political context. I mean, I *do* think they'll probably throw Tommy into bed with someone because that, too, is a significant part of who Tommy Shelby is, but I just don't see all that much room for a "love" arc. (Also I hate the idea of "find the right woman = all his problems solved!" because of what it does to women as well as an outcome that just doesn't exist in the real world -> I think if they did throw in a new love arc in 3 hours it would be very difficult to avoid that shortcut of Fix the Broken Man with the Love of a Woman being made. That's such a crappy motif :/)

Hard to say. Structurally, Lizzie was in every season, and we know end of S6 still left her with significant power in the business as well as custodianship of Charlie, so I really hope she's still in the movie - except with a major power shift. CEO Lizzie is absolutely my bag and that's what I would totally want to see, and her moving up the social/economic ladder in every series would structurally support that kind of leap in the movie. That in itself necessitates a relationship between her and Tommy, but I'm kind of impartial as to whether it's sexual, whatever - what I'd like to see is a different relationship, because every season also showed a very, very different evolution of a Lizzie & Tommy relationship. To show a final evolution where she is the one with the power would be interesting. I think a 'marriage' arc for them is done, though. Personally I never like arcs that end in marriage as the 'goal' - I've been more interested in how S5 and S6 showed marriage as a daily thing not as a goal - so to move beyond that and show a very different relationship filter would make structural sense as well as be interesting to me. I think if Charlie comes into the movie, it'd be hard to cut Lizzie out, too, but I can also see a scenario where she doesn't come back, because within that time constraint of a movie they'd have to be really careful picking a focus.

[purpleandstarlight]

I feel like chapter two of the Kuroshitsuji manga does a horrible job of introducing Lizzy and her relationship with o!Ciel?

I love them both to death and (although I don't ship them bc they're literally cousins) I am very fond of their interactions most of the time.

But that one chapter really wasn't it. Maybe it was Yana's intention, like a fake out, or maybe it was just that she didn't have all of the details about them straight yet, but compared to any other interaction they have, it's off character for both of them.

In that chapter, o!Ciel acts like Lizzie's presence is a bother he's just putting up with, almost slaps her (in a justified fit of anger, but it's not the best move nonetheless) and at the end, while he does end up making her happy, it doesn't give me the good vibes it usually gives me, since this one time he had a right with being upset and he was just putting on a mask for her sake.

Lizzie appears much more selfish than she usually is. Lizzy's whole deal is that she wants to protect "Ciel" and be there for him to support him and make him happy. Even if he's different from when they were kids because of his trauma she knows nothing about (and the fact that he isn't the same person in the first place, but she didn't know that yet), she never makes it a fault of him and she still loves him. This is very mature, and something shes been doing since she was literally eleven. She can go a bit overboard sometimes when trying to cheer him up, as she herself states in the birthday chapter, and ending up making things worse (Because she's literally a kid, no one can fault her for that) but she's doesn't get into his business too much. She never brings up his past in front of him. She's also observant enough to notice that he wears high heels to feel taller and genuinely goes out of her way to make him less self conscious about his height, so I find it hard to believe that she would be so insistent on taking off his Family Ring and even going as far as breaking in because "she didn't know it was important.".

Sure, she can notice something as minimal and unspoken as him wearing heels to look less like a tiny child when working in an adult world, but not think that 'Hey, maybe the family ring (you know, the family who died in very traumatic circumstances only a few years ago) could be kind of important to him"? I find that hard to believe.

Also the thing that Mei-Rin, Finny and Bard didn't know who she was, even though they've been working there for AT LEAST a year. I know Yana probably just wanted a way to introduce her as his fiance and cousin to the readers, but she could have done it in a way that doesnt make it seem like Lizzie's never around when, actually, she's frequently shown coming into the Manor from that point onward during the entirety of the manga. The Phantomhive Manor is home as much as her own house is. She spent a lot of time there with R!Ciel, Angelina and Rachel. It is also the house of his fiance, and she's canonically shown to not give a shit and show up completely by surprise there often (Her first introduction. The Circus arc when o!Ciel wasn't even home. That time where she came into the Manor to tell him about her trip on the Campania at the beginning of the arc). So forgive me for finding it hard to believe that they wouldn't know her.

Anyway yeah these are just my thoughts. Live love laugh Ciel and Lizzie

[deityoftherain]

the canary broke his curse - Seablings Life Series/Traffic Life Fanfic

Rating: Teen

Relationship: Gen

Archive Warnings: Creator Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Status: Completed Oneshot

Word Count: 740 seeing such a small word count on a rain fic feels so strange lol

Summary: Lizzie and Jimmy just vibing together, dead in a void, and talking about their recent deaths.

Full fanfic underneath the cut! Please reblog, leave kudos on the AO3 fic slash notes/likes here on Tumblr, comment either place, and etc if you enjoy the story :D

“That’s all that matters. That’s all that matters.” Jimmy repeated over and over, rocking back and forth on the floor with his fingers pulling at his hair. “That’s all that matters. That’s all that matters. That’s all that matters. That’s all that-”

“Jimmy? You’re okay.” Lizzie crouched down in front of him, tilting her head at him. “You did it, you know.”

“I still died.” Jimmy whimpered (yes, whimpered), arms tight around his knees as he continued to rock. “You- I? We broke the curse and I still died so quickly. I- I-”

“You survived longer than me.” Lizzie shifted so she was now sitting on the floor in front of him, humming softly. “That is already so important. This just proves you aren’t bound to the canary curse anymore.”

Jimmy didn’t look up at her and just fluttered those yellow wings that liked to stick around. “I still look like the canary.” “We all have scars.” Lizzie shrugged and one of her joints popped. She wrinkled her nose for a split second but she didn’t comment on it. “We all have memories of the past on our bodies, big and small.”

“I broke the curse yet the wings are still there. Those are more than just scars.” Jimmy was growing more irritated. Why was she so calm about this? He didn’t need to be babied and cooed at to soothe him. “They are just a sign that it still haunts me. You dying may be a fluke and it’ll be stronger than ever next time..” “It could be. We never truly know,” Jimmy scoffed at her but Lizzie continued anyway, “but if you let it control you, it is going to stay like that. You need to turn your hatred for your wings and turn it more positive.” “How do you suggest I do that?” He raised an eyebrow at her, mildly entertaining her attempt to comfort him.

“Don’t let your wings be a sign of the coal mine.” Lizzie’s tone was too casual for the weight behind the words. “Let them be a sign that you made it out alive. Let them be a sign that you are still fighting and that you have overcome the curse forced upon you.” Jimmy didn’t respond, staring off at nothing. Tears started to swell up in his eyes again, blurring his vision. “I… I did it. The curse is broken. I fought hard enough to break it.” “You did!” Lizzie sounded like she was grinning but Jimmy could only see blobs of colors at the moment so he wasn’t sure. “Next time, you will live even longer. I know you will.” “Maybe so.” Jimmy started to laugh. It was a laugh of disbelief, grief, and joy. The feelings swirling around inside of him were strange but it felt so much better than he had when the lightning struck and he got pulled out of his body this last time.

The two sat together, processing their recent deaths and everything that had happened up until that point.

Jimmy broke the silence, bringing them both out of their own minds.  “I was going to throw a party to celebrate.”

Lizzie burst out laughing at that so hard she pressed her arms against her stomach. “You were going to celebrate me dying? Oh, Jimmy, that is certainly something. I can feel the love from here.” “What? No! No, no,” Jimmy’s face flushed with embarrassment and he waved his hands in front of him to show that was not his intention, “it wasn’t to celebrating your death! It was to celebrate me breaking the curse. I thought it would be cool to invite the server and maybe ask for some gifted hearts.”

“Good luck with that!” Lizzie was still laughing but it had quieted. “No one came to my party except Joel… and I’m married to him so that doesn’t count!”

Jimmy snorted at that, resting his head on his knees. “Maybe we can have a shared party once more of them die.”

“Oh, now you are wanting to celebrate more death!” Lizzie continued to tease him. “You’re so sweet, aren’t you?”

Jimmy stammered on his words, ears now red. “You know what I mean! Maybe we can wait until a winner is declared and just have a party until the next game draws us in.” Lizzie shook her head but a smile was plastered on her face. “I think we would all enjoy that.”

[the-blorb-system]

Welcome! Please take a look:

Intro:

Hi! I am the host of the system, and you can call me Lizzy. I (and the body of our system) am in my mid 20s. I'm front stuck, so I'm pretty much always present for social interactions, but my headmates often share front with me.

I've been debating for a while, and finally I decided I'd like to make a blog for my system. I discovered the system a little over a year and a half ago, and I've been learning things left and right since. There are a lot of misconceptions about multiplicity, about the identity disorders they are defined by, and the experiences of systems.

I won't claim to be an expert, not by any legitimate means, but I have done a fair amount of research, and I consider myself very open-minded. In creating this blog, I'm wanting to create a safe space. You can ask your "stupid" questions without judgement, you can ask about stereotypes, you can talk to fictives that come from characters you like if you're curious, you can discuss your system experiences, you can ask for information as a singlet- it's also a safe place to exist regardless of your identity. This is a safe place for poc (though please be aware I am not one), for anyone under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, for other systems and alters, for singlets, for anyone going through mental illness or hard things in life, etc... And many of my headmates aren't fully human, so I don't even have grounds to judge that, either. Therians and otherkin, respectfully, I find a bit strange, but that's likely because I'm not one, so I promise there will be no real judgement or discrimination. I may not be one, but so what? I celebrated with a friend a few weeks ago about how they got a new wolf tail that helps them feel more themselves, and it was so cool and I'm so happy for them!

This blog is still under construction, currently. I'll be making an alter list (at least for those I know of and that are comfortable with being listed), and will let the blog be a safe space for my headmates above all else. You might see reblogged fanart from our sources, or mood boards for my headmates' interests, or text posts about how weird it is to have more than three fingers when in front... But as it stands now, the blog is pretty empty.

Some rules for sending asks:

• Example rule. This is the important part to read. The rest of this is just explanation- why the rule is important and the parameters for it, maybe an example to try to make it make sense. You don't have to read this part as long as you follow the rule, but it might help.

• Please, please, please be open-minded and respectful! I understand how utterly bizarre multiplicity and identity disorders are, but for many people this is reality, and I'm really hoping to help normalize that and be informative about it. Be respectful not just for my sake, but for others' too.

• Please nothing explicitly NSFW. Swearing is just fine, but do not be unnecessarily excessive. I don't even mind lightly touching on darker and more intimate subjects, but given my goals with this blog I do not want to make anyone especially uncomfortable, so be aware of that.

• Do not automatically treat fictives like they are their sources. I mean this very light-heartedly, by the way- many fictives see themselves as their characters, not just in my system but in others. But many also do not, and do not want to be seen that way. More often than not, fictives are not the same as the characters they resemble. They are... people, very real, and very independent, and they split for specific reasons that can define their nature a little differently. Many of my fictive headmates identify with their sources pretty heavily, and have many memories from their sources, but they aren't exactly the same.

• Similarly, please do not treat fictives' sources like jokes or just made-up stories when you're talking to them. For an example so I can explain what I mean, we have quite a few Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fictives. No, they're not exact duplicates of their characters, but the events of the rise movie were real for them. If you are kind about it, you're welcome to still ask about it and discuss the movie and show- often they even enjoy that. But be aware that for them that was and still is very real trauma. They carry the memories of injury and fear and life-and-death battles, so it's important to me that they aren't needlessly poked at for things that hurt them.

• Alter List Here!

• Tagging System Guide Here!

Thanks for stopping by! 💚