#Even though in Amita's case | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

airanke · 7 years ago

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Love Came Down at Winter’s Veil

Holiday prompt #3! Sent in by @nadiaofazeroth!

👪 ….visiting/spending time with family!

Characters: Amita Dakini, Alba’vida (focus), Vo’ljin, Flidais Nevanthi, Pakhet Tohopka, Lor’themar Theron, Rokhan, Vanira, Jalga, Bujune Dakini.

Once I had this image in my mind, I had to get it out of my system. Not sure if this is how this conversation will go in Amita’s canon story (Lascivious Ophidian), but if anything, it’s been a good experiment to write! It was also a fun experiment in writing Amita interacting with her good friends, Flidais and Pakhet. Of course, it was also a lot of fun to include more interactions between the leaders and how I Headcanon them. The title is also a modification of the Christmas Carol title, “Love Came Down at Christmas”. Hope you enjoy it! -- oh, and yes. Amita’s Zandali name makes an appearance.

Amita scowled at her door. She scowled at Jalga. Scowled at Bujune.

“I won’ be goin’.”

“Muuka!” Bujune exclaimed, his brows narrowing back, “it just be a small party--”

“No.”

The boy faltered. His ears drooped, and Jalga set a hand on his shoulder. Amita had crossed her arms over her chest, every inch of her body rigid. The rogue leaned down to whisper something to the young boy.

Amita set her jaw as Bujune turned, hanging his head. Jalga watched him go, then turned to face the druid. Agitation swelled in her chest when Jalga mimicked her posture.

“You don’ be knowin’ how it’s gonna’ go,” he said flatly, holding her gaze. Amita balled one of her hands into a fist.

“I don’ care. I’m not goin’, not if she’s gonna’ be dere.”

“She be wantin’ a relationship wit’ ya, Amita, an’ despite wat Bujune be sayin’ it won’ be a small parteh,” Jalga argued, “it’ll be a pretteh big parteh.”

Amita turned on her heel, stalking to another part of her room. Jalga stayed where he was.

“I don’ care.”

“Amita, don’ be like dis.”

The druid whirled on the rogue, jabbing a finger at the door, “she left me!”

How she regretted the words when she saw Jalga’s eyes flash.

“Like how you be leavin’ Bujune?”

Amita clenched her teeth so tightly her jaw began to ache.

“Shouldn’ ya at least be happeh dat ya muuka wants you?”

Amita’s roar shook the entire building. Sharp teeth and gaping maw were centimeters from Jalga’s face.

Jalga was visibly shaken, amethyst eyes wide. Amita shifted back into her troll form, the lashing hydra tail the last to go, though she was still snarling in Jalga’s face.

“Don’ you dare imply dat I nevah wanted Bujune, Jalga Darkspear,” she balled her hands into tight fists, feeling the familiar sting of tears in her eyes, “you don’t know what I went through. I had ta choose between freedom an’ imprisonment, AND!” she slammed her fist against Jalga’s chest when he made to interrupt, “I alreadeh be talkin’ ta Bujune ‘bout dis! ‘Bout why I left him!”

“An’ you don’ be lettin’ Alba tell you why she be disappearin’!” Jalga spat, staring her down, “mebbe you should be givin’ ya muuka de same chance dat Bujune be givin’ you!”

Loa she hated this. All she could do was release an ear-splitting screech, then storm out of the room. Hot, furious tears burned as they cut angry lines down her cheeks. She rubbed at her face, frustrated, not even realizing she had run right past her mother.

The older woman had every intention to go after her daughter, but seconds after she got to her feet, she felt Rath’s grip.

“Don’t, Alba’vida.”

She frowned deeply, neck craning to try and see her daughter despite knowing the druid was already gone, “bu’ dat be her yelling. She be upset--”

“I know. That’s why you shouldn’t go,” Rath sighed, looking off to the side, “I can only imagine what she was upset about.”

“I’ll be going,” Alba’vida stated, pulling her arm out of Rath’s grasp. The orc’s eyes tightened.

“Please-”

“She be my fen’di, Rath - my daughter. I don’ want her ta tink she be right, dat I nevah cared fah her, dat I jus’ be leaving her ta live on her own.”

Alba’vida didn’t wait any longer for Rath’s input on the matter . She left the bar, hesitating for only a moment to call her raptor to her side. She whispered to the beast, stroking along her eye ridges. The raptor churred, then stuck her nose in the air. A few sniffs later, and she was bounding off.

The old huntress had already leapt onto her pet’s back, letting the raptor carry her.

It didn’t take Alba’vida too long to find her daughter.

“Amita?” she called softly after hopping off her pet’s back. The cobra reared up immediately, flaring her hood. It brought a great deal of pain to Alba’vida’s heart, to see her daughter be so hostile toward her.

But I can’t blame her, can I?

“Wat be wrong, fen’di?” Alba asked, hard-pressed to give up. Amita flicked her tongue, eyes narrowing. She remained in her cobra form. Alba’vida pressed her lips together, and tried again;

“Why you be crying?”

Watching her daughter shift back into a troll was a sight to behold. The older troll felt her chest swell with pride, even as Amita fixed her with a harsh gaze.

“Don’ mattah,” Amita said, her voice as sharp as her eyes. She hugged herself, and Alba accepted that Amita wasn’t going to tell her anything.

So she did what any mother did best.

“Will you be comin’ to de celebration t’night?”

Amita didn’t look entirely pleased with the change of subject. Her eyes shifted to the left, then the right; her weight too shifted from one leg to the other.

“... I guess.”

Alba’vida took a few cautious steps forward. She had unintentionally pushed Amita into a corner.

“Listen, you don’ hafta’ come if you don’ wan’ to,” she mustered up the best smile she could when Amita raised her gaze, eyes questioning, “I jus’ be curious. You realleh don’ hafta’ come.”

There was a deep pain in her daughter’s eyes - as much as Amita appeared desperate to mask it with anger, it wasn’t a detail that the old huntress missed.

“I don’ know who be telling ya you have ta be coming,” Alba continued, taking another step forward. She was just within arm’s reach. Amita held her silence.

“Bu’, whoeva be telling you dat be wrong. If you don’ wanna’ come, you don’. Dere’s no point coming ta someting if ya not gonna’ enjoy it.”

“No, I um,” Amita shifted uncomfortably again, hugging herself more tightly, “I’ll come. Bujune be wantin’ me ta go anyhow…”

A soft chuckle left Alba’vida - though she still wondered who Bujune was and why his opinion mattered so much to Amita - and she took the risk. She shuffled a few inches closer, and raised her hand to rest her palm against Amita’s cheek. The druid’s green eyes widened, but to Alba’s joy, didn’t pull away.

“I be hearing dat red-head you fancy will be dere.”

Amita flushed, pulling away from her mother’s hand to cup her cheeks in her own hands, “um!! I dunno’ wat you be talkin’ ‘bout…!”

This time, Alba’vida’s laugh was louder, and Amita’s blush only deepened. She swatted at the air in front of her mother, making a series of pitiful whines; a mixture of “no”’s and “shush”’s.

“You haven’ been telling me much about him,” Alba’vida said, unable to resist the opportunity to tease her daughter, “bu’ rumor has it he be tall--”

“Shush!!”

“Dat he be handsome--”

“Shush!!”

“An’ dat he be de Warchief--”

“MUUKA!” Amita shrieked, her face and neck positively red. Alba’vida laughed heartily, then raised her hand again to set it against Amita’s cheek.

“I love you, Amita.”

Amita could only stare. The word was on the tip of her tongue - liar - but as she continued to stare at her mother - you liar - there was no trace of deception in the older woman’s face. Alba’vida’s hand slipped off of Amita’s cheek, and Amita hurriedly shifted into a raptor. She tapped her feet against the ground in agitation, unsure of what to make of her mother’s words.

Amita took a small step closer to the huntress, nudging Alba’s cheek with her scaly nose. Alba, of course, brought both of her hands up to run her nails along Amita’s eye ridges.

The druid let Alba’vida climb on her back, and Amita set off on her way back to Ratchet. She ignored anyone who stared - particularly Jalga - and the moment her mother was off her back, Amita shot off. Half-way home she shifted into a wind serpent, wondering what she had gotten herself into.

I don’t want to go.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror, cheeks still flushed, hair in disarray. Again, Amita felt a stinging at her eyes. The druid sunk to her knees on the floor, burying her face in her hands.

What sick joke does she have to be playing on me, telling me she loves me.

Amita wracked her mind for any excuse she could use to not go - but, at the same time, she had told her mother she was going to go. She’d agreed to go, so she had to now, right? Her chest heaved with a sob. Amita didn’t even know if she had anything she could wear. Sure, she had dresses, hundreds of them - but it was going to be one of those parties. One of the ones where she could never make up her mind on what she wanted to wear, and as a result, she always showed up late and underdressed.

A knock at her door made Amita rub furiously at her eyes, what point be there in wasting my time sitting around crying about it? Why am I even crying about?

Wearily she got to her feet, plastering the best smile she could manage over her lips.

“Ye--...”

Brilliant gold eyes met her gaze.

Loa, Amita hadn’t intended to break down into tears again, but Flidais held out her strong arms without hesitation, a sound of concern leaving her.

“Oh, love,” she crooned as Amita leaned into her, “whatever is the matter?”

“Who made my bitch cry huh?!” that voice unmistakably belonged to Pakhet, “I’ll smash their face in!!”

“I- I um,” Amita sniffed against Flidais’ shoulder, “guess you might be havin’ ta smash my face in.”

Pakhet scrunched up her face, planting her hands firmly on her hips, “girl, what’d you get yourself all upset over?”

“Em… dere be dat parteh tonight,” and Amita’s heart sank when Pakhet’s face lit up, “de one in de Valley o’ Spirits.”

“Yeah!! Dais and I were comin’ over to get ready with you!”

Right.

In her blind anger after learning that Alba’vida was going to be there, Amita had forgotten she had already agreed to go to the celebration with her two friends.

“Pakhet.”

The goblin pursed her lips, “yeah?”

“Why don’t you pop over to Ratchet? See how Bujune is doing,” the tauren laughed when Pakhet scrunched up her face further, “you know that boy likes having your fashion advice.”

“Nnnn okay fine,” Pakhet huffed, then made Amita yelp when she delivered a firm slap to the druid’s rear, “I’ll be back in an hour or so!! And then we’ll get our asses over to Orgrimmar, ya know, after I’m done gettin’ all dolled up!”

The mage scrambled onto her wolf - darkly colored, purple accented - and rode off on her way to Ratchet. For all she was aware of her surroundings, Pakhet could be painfully oblivious for a mage.

Amita let Flidais hustle her back into the house, and without prompting the paladin begin pulling out various make-up products and war paints that Amita kept on hand. She made to protest, because if anyone was going to listen to her it would be Flidais - to Amita’s dismay, the tauren sat her down on the plush stool in front of Amita’s vanity. Flidais had already covered the desk with the various pots and products.

“You don’t want to come to the party, do you?”

Amita’s mouth dropped open. She blinked her eyes when Flidais started rubbing at her cheeks with a soft, dry cloth. Amita clamped her mouth shut, lips in a thin line, and Flidais gave her a gentle smile.

“... no,” Amita finally admitted, releasing the breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. She pointed at one of the paint pots, “it be Winter’s Veil so… mebbe de gold?”

Flidais nodded in approval, picking up the pot of white, “sure, but I think I might be best for me to start with white. Why don’t you want to come to the party anymore?”

Amita was silent, and Flidais started tracing her slim fingers over Amita’s face, lips moving as she plotted out whatever design she was going to use to decorate Amita’s face. The tauren herself already had her white marks in place, reminiscent of bones, but with red here and there, and most notably a “necklace” of white specks, red flowers, and spiky green leaves around her neck. Amita recognized the flowers as rain poppies - not exactly a Winter’s Veil flower, but a red flower that made sense to use for the holiday.

“Better than mistletoe,” Flidais mused, enticing a giggle out of Amita, “last thing I need is a group of clever bucks coming around and asking for free kisses because of mistletoe I had painted on my neck.”

The druid had to smile at that, “well… you be havin’ a good point.”

“I’ll give you some delicate snowflakes,” Flidais announced, fingers dancing over the various brushes to her right. She finally picked out a small one, “and of course, some floral flourishes, golden freckles… and I’ll definitely fill in some flourishes with red to make petals.”

Amita nodded, then sighed, “my muuka will be dere.”

“Ahh…” Flidais frowned. The brush in her hand was poised to dip into the white.

“Is that the only reason, or…?”

“... no…” Amita blinked her eyes rapidly, “Jalga, he um…”

She found herself looking around, worried that Pakhet would make a sudden reappearance. Flidais set a finger against Amita’s cheek and turned the troll’s face back to her.

“Pakhet isn’t here, Amita. She’ll be another hour at least,” the paladin’s expression was unreadable, and Amita was forced to remain looking at her as Flidais began to paint the delicate designs she had in mind for Amita’s make-up.

“He be sayin’ sometin’... pretteh cruel ta me,” Amita breathed deeply, biting her cheek to resist the urge to cry.

“Don’t worry love, I’m starting on your forehead.”

Amita swallowed, “he be sayin’... dat I should be givin’ her a chance, like June be giving me. Dat at least my muuka be wantin’ me.”

Flidais jerked her hand away from Amita’s face.

Her hand was shaking with anger.

“He had no right to say that to you,” Flidais growled, her teeth clenched tightly together, “your situation and Bujune’s situation aren’t even close to being the same. Yes, you left your son, but you left him with his father, and a tribe. Your mother left you alone, with just a raptor to keep you company.”

“Dat’s true but…” Amita hurriedly wiped at her eyes, “I don’ know, Dais. Do you--”

“No,” Flidais held a finger up to Amita’s lips, her normally gentle eyes narrowed in anger, “you and Bujune already spoke about this. You know he isn’t mad at you. You know he doesn’t blame you. You know he understands. You didn’t avoid that conversation, but your mother hasn’t made any obvious indications that it’s a conversation she wants to have with you.”

“Dat might be because I don’ give her de chance ta even start a convahsation…” Amita muttered, turning her head to the left after some prodding from Flidais. The tauren hummed, her brush strokes steady now that her anger had faded.

“Amita… you have to understand, you’re still really hurting from your mother abandoning you. No one else seems to realize that even if your mother is ready for the conversation, you are not, and you’re the one who has to be ready - tilt your head back a little for me?”

An unsteady breath left the druid, and she tilted her head back, “you be havin’ a point. Bu’ I don’ know if I can be waitin’ until I be ready. I might be waitin’ fo’evah…”

“Then maybe this party will be a blessing in disguise.”

Amita stared blankly at the ceiling.

“Maybe you’ll get the chance to learn why your mother left you alone, if you come to the party.”

The druid mulled over her options while Flidais finished her work. She was adding some golden rhinestones to Amita’s cheekbones when Pakhet finally returned - loudly, of course, boasting about how handsome Bujune looked once the mage was done with him.

Soon enough the three women were getting into their dresses - though Amita sat on her vanity stool, nothing on save for her jewellery and some black lace underwear. She sighed - then jumped when Pakhet attempted to hold a cherry red dress in front of her face.

“Oh girl you gotta’ wear this one!!” the goblin chirped, peering around the dress at her friend, wide grin spread over her face, “plus it has this great dip in the middle so everybody will see all those deets that Dais put into your chest there!”

Amita had to suppress a laugh at how excited Pakhet was, and - growing impatient - Pakhat began waving the dress around in the air.

“Listen!! We like fifty minutes maybe, an hour tops! Get your pretty ass into this dress!!!”

Amita snatched the item away from the mage, then let out a soft shriek and sprinted to her bathing area; Pakhat had delivered a solid smack to her rear yet again.

“Gods,” the gobin exclaimed as Amita carefully stepped into the dress - after all, she didn’t want to ruin all of Flidais’ hard work, nor did she want to get gold glitter all over the fabric. It was spread over her chest, cheeks, and ears.

“Amita has the firmest ass.”

“I’m not entirely surprised,” Flidais said, then yelped herself, “PAKHET!”

“You don’t understand!! She’s a druid!! She should have a soft, supple ass! Her ass is firmer than yours and you’re a paladin!”

“By the Light you shouldn’t just go around slapping peoples’ butts!”

“Hey now big girl, I only slap the butts of people I know. There’s a difference!”

Amita could feel her face beginning to heat. She might as well be the same cherry red as her dress. She stomped out of her bathing room, dress on, ears tipped down.

“I don’ be havin’ a firm ass!”

Pakhat spun on her, eyes sparkling, “do so!”

“Do not!”

“I slapped that ass, I would know!”

“You be slappin’ any ass it prolly gonna’ feel firm!”

“I suppose we’ll have to consult Vol’jin on the matter,” Flidais chirped. When Amita whirled to glare at her, face growing hotter by the second, the tauren was busy inspecting her nails. She looked up after a moment, batting her eyes innocently.

“What? I think of all people, the Warchief would know whether or not you have a firm butt.”

“One day, Flidais,” Pakhet muttered, kicking one of her feet, “I’m gonna’ get you to say ‘ass’.”

The paladin smiled, rising from her seat, “one day, my dear?”

“One day.”

“Well! If we’re ready… we might as well head off.”

Amita hurried back over to her vanity, “ah, jus’, gimme a minute ta git my jewellery on.”

“Oh! Well, if you’re going to do that…” Flidais grabbed the pots of paint again and sat down on the floor, pushing the unslit part of Amita’s short dress up, “let me fancy up this thigh!”

“Girl needs to put some bling on this thigh,” Pakhet announced, poking Amita’s right thigh, “I mean, gotta’ draw attention to this fine leg and this slit!”

“Good ting I have jus’ de item fah dat,” Amita murmured, holding a set of jewellery for the goblin. Pakhet snatched it and began to fit it on Amita’s leg. The druid smiled broadly when Pakhet howled with laughter.

“Perfect!! Best set of jewellery for a Winter’s Veil party!! I mean, a damn Winter’s Veil tree? This is amazing, Amita!”

“Thought you might be likin’ it~”

Orgrimmar was filled with people. Vol’jin had hardly managed to escape to the Valley of Spirits. Everything was over decorated, and he had to shield his eyes when he walked into the valley because of all the flashing lights.

Apparently the goblins had one hell of an enjoyable time setting up who knows how many lights all over the huts.

“Warchief!”

The voice unmistakably belonged to Legati, and Vol’jin offered the old rogue a smile, “Legati.”

“Glad you be makin’ it, mon,” Legati chirped, clapping Vol’jin on the shoulder a few times, “finally we git you away from dat desk o’ ya’s.”

“Shaddap,” Vol’jin muttered, crossing his arms over his chest. Legati chuckled, and was about to continue the conversation when a disgruntled wail flew over the crowd.

“Voooooooooooooooool’jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin---”

“Okay, you know wat, I tink I’m gonna’ leave,” Vol’jin started back-pedaling, but Legati grabbed him firmly by the bicep, his grip too strong for Vol’jin to simply break away from.

“Oooh no,” the rogue said, shaking a finger at Vol’jin, even as the crowd parted to let a wobbling blood elven warrior sashay his way over, his singular eye focused on the warchief, “we not lettin’ ya git away. Like I be sayin’, aftah we finally git ya off ya ass an’ outta’ de Hold? You be stayin’.”

Lor’themar’s face smacked right into Vol’jin’s gut. The latter grunted, then both trolls - and anyone else nearby - stared down at the elf’s head. For a moment, there was silence.

“... FINALLY!!” Lor’themar jerked his head back, eye wide and completely oblivious to the snorts of laughter around him. Vol’jin inhaled deeply after recovering from the suddenness of the elf’s exclamation. The last thing he had wanted to do was deal with Lor’themar - and for the Loa’s sake, how was the man already drunk?

“You… are out of the Hold,” the warrior hiccuped, and jabbed a finger into Vol’jin’s chest, “wear dark colors. More often. You look very good.”

“Tanks, Regent Lord.”

“Delicious.”

“Mmhm.”

“Very handsome.”

“O’ course, o’ course,” Vol’jin muttered, not paying attention to the elf at all - he’d grown used to Lor’themar’s antics by now, and he could make out Lor’themar’s form swaying back and forth in front of him. Legati wouldn’t stop chuckling.

“You be needing some watah,” Vol’jin said, looking down at Lor’themar. The man held up a hand, one finger extended, shaking his head and then shaking his hand.

“No… no… no I don’t… what I need,” his eye focused on Vol’jin again, gaze blazing with determination, “is a very, very tall drink of water.”

The Warchief frowned deeply--

And Lor’themar turned to Legati.

“You look like a tall drink of water-- don’T YOU RUN AWAY FROM ME!! GET BACK HERE!”

Vol’jin had to laugh into his fist as Legati sprinted away and Lor’themar gave adamant chase. A sigh to his left made Vol’jin turn to look past his shoulder; Vanira had come to stand beside him.

“Who be takin’ care o’ dat warriah, eh?”

Vol’jin shrugged, crossing his arms over his chest, “my guess would be eithah Rommath, or Brightwing.”

“You don’ usually call him Regent Lord.”

“One be learning dat it sometimes be bettah ta call ‘im by his title,” Vol’jin explained, “though I don’ be close ta Lor’themar on any account, if he be callin’ me ‘Vol’jin’ den I best be callin’ ‘im ‘Lor’themar’.”

“Right, right,” Vanira nodded, “dat be polite, at least. Dere be more people here den I expected.”

“Mm,” Vol’jin scanned the crowd again. Lor’themar was still chasing Legati, though the rogue had leapt onto a nearby hut and sat jeering from the roof, while Lor’themar seemed determined to get to him. Baine was busy chatting to Thrall, and Vol’jin could barely make out Sylvanas’ form lurking in the shadows. He stared at her for a moment, until her red gaze settled on him as well. With a nod of acknowledgement, Vol’jin looked away.

It may have been a feat to get him out of the Hold, but to drag Sylvanas away from the Undercity to a Winter’s Veil party must have been an incredible feat for whomever had accomplished it. From what he could tell, she was wearing a flowy black dress with off the shoulder sleeves - it suited her.

Bright cherry red distracted him soon enough.

He’d seen Amita in red before, yes, but this red was more pink, and Vol’jin could only stare. He was unaware that Lor’themar was making his way back over, and that Baine and Thrall had spotted him and were making their way through the crowd as well. He’d even forgotten that Vanira was standing at his side, a knowing smile crossing her lips.

Amita’s jewellery glinted in the colorful lights. There was a golden glow on her skin. It was like everyone around her faded into a blur of faces and colors, and Amita was the only one Vol’jin’s molten eyes could focus on.

Then a green and yellow dot started making its way toward him.

Oh no.

Vol’jin would have backed up into the shadows and made a quick escape, but Rokhan had chosen that moment to sneak up on the Warchief and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“‘Ey mon-- you be okay, ya look like ya seen a ghost--”

“WARCHIEF!!”

Loa, the voice this goblin had on her.

Oooh no.

Pakhet’s exclamation had garnered the attention of many in the area, including Amita and the tauren that was standing at her side. In fact, when the tauren noticed what was going on, she immediately began to walk hastily toward Vol’jin as well, her bright eyes fixated on the goblin that had now taken a solid stance in front of him. Pakhet’s expression belied that she had a serious question to ask:

“Firm or soft?”

The question caught him off-guard, and he stumbled over his words, “wat-- I… wat?”

Pakhet’s eyes bulged and she inhaled deeply through her nose before screaming, “AMITA’S ASS, FIRM OR SOFT!?”

Vol’jin wanted to sink into the shadows. Death itself could come and wrap it's cold hands around his neck and he would be perfectly fine with that. Beads of sweat collected on his forehead.

The goblin mage was clearly expecting an answer. She was also completely oblivious to the attention she had attracted. Flidais had dropped to her knees and was praying to something, perhaps the Earthmother - for what, Vol’jin wasn’t sure, but he was well aware that thousands of eyes were now fixed on him. Vol’jin stared straight ahead, ignoring Lor’themar’s gaping face, ignoring Rokhan’s barely contained laughter, ignoring Baine’s wide eyes and Thrall’s look of surprise. He dug his claws into his biceps.

“Well??”

“Dis don’ be seeming like it be imperative,” Vol’jin said steadily, looking down at Pakhet. He couldn’t see Amita anywhere in his field of vision. He could keep his composure for now, “do you be having a real question fah me?”

Pakhet’s face reddened, and Vol’jin cocked a brow, “no?”

“Actually, Warchief.”

Vol’jin pressed his lips together, not daring to look at Lor’themar’s face.

“I’d be very curious to know the answer to this question as well,” the elf hiccuped, and brought a fist to his mouth for a moment before continuing, “also who, exactly, is this Amita?”

“Yeah! Firm or soft? We need to know!”

Naturally, several other voices had to join in with their own statements of curiosity. Rokhan leaned against Vol’jin, his elbow on the other troll’s shoulder now. Vol’jin could feel his face reddening under his war paint.

“Yeeeeeeah Vol’jin, why don’ you be tellin’ us all ‘bout dat ass?”

The teasing in Rokhan’s voice was unmistakable, and Vol’jin cursed the older shadow hunter repeatedly in his mind. Of course Rokhan would jump at the chance to tease him about Amita.

“You… I…” Vol’jin grappled with the words to say, and felt his face grow hotter when it became apparent that Sylvanas had been attracted to the commotion as well. She was standing at Lor’themar’s side, one slim brow raised.

Saving face was going to be difficult at this point, and Vol’jin found himself grateful that Amita had gone and hidden somewhere, at the very least, it be keeping me from looking at her. Not everyone be knowing who she is - and that be meaning, only those who be knowing her can pester her about it.

“Why be dis important?” he finally said, growing exasperated himself. There were so many answers to his question that all Vol’jin could do was elbow Rokhan as hard as he could in the ribs, if only to prevent the other shadow hunter from collapsing in a fit of laughter. He wheezed after Vol’jin delivered the blow.

“LISTEN!” Pakhet snapped, “I just need to know, okay!? I think it’s firm, Flidais thinks it’s soft, and we-- ACK!”

“I am so sorry, Warchief,” Flidais said, her smile clearly forced. Her hand was clapped firmly over Pakhet’s mouth, and with ease the paladin had Pakhet wrapped securely under her arm. Mage or not, there was no way the goblin was getting out of Flidais’ hold.

“Don’... worry ‘bout it,” Vol’jin managed, though his eyes flicked toward movement. Loa, how many people were going to come over to see what this was all about? His ears flicked at the many whispering voices he heard, and at this point he was beginning to believe it would have been better for him to paint his face red with how hot it felt.

More questions were lobbed in Vol’jin’s direction: who was this person, was he in a relationship, why had no one else heard about it, why did he always have to be so secretive, was it really work he was doing in the Hold or was he spending all his time there for another reason?

In exasperation, Vol’jin threw both arms up in the air, “I can’ be believing dat dis is happening! I won’ be answerin’ any o’ dese questions!”

A series of “aww”’s and “why not”’s rose from the crowd, though movement once again caught Vol’jin’s eye.

The crowd seemed to part and make way. This woman - as he could see now - had her auburn eyes fixed on him. Golden beads stood out brilliantly against her dark roots, and she had what appeared to be fiery hair swept up into a bun. Vol’jin could only stare in confusion, because something about her was so familiar. Her gait, her facial features, even her choice of dress - long, sleeveless, the skirt made up of bunched fabric that swayed as she walked toward him with a confidence that clearly intimidated those that stepped aside so she could proceed unhindered.

Vol’jin could tell that she was a huntress the moment she stopped in front of him. She had the gaze of a predator, and right now, he was her prey.

“I be rathah curious ta know, Warchief, de ansah to de goblin’s question.”

Even her voice be familiar.

Despite all the familiarity, Vol’jin’s inability to put his finger on who she reminded him of caused him to become all the more agitated, and all the more flustered. With a groan, he demanded, “and why would you be wanting ta know de answer ta dat question?”

She smiled - but it was not friendly. There was something maternal about it. Her eyes had the ferocity of a mother raptor preparing to strike in defence of her young.

“I be her muuka.”

Silence had never fallen over an area so quickly. Those that remained undistracted by the commotion were blissfully unaware, continuing on with the party. The music was a distant hum.

Never had there been a day where Vol’jin had felt his face grow pale and clammy while simultaneously being hot and assuredly red.

Amita’s mother.

This was news, even to him, but it be explaining why she be so familiar to me.

“Uh… I uh…” he felt obligated to give an answer, and after a few more seconds of uncomfortable hesitation, Vol’jin swallowed, “soft...”

The huntress at least, appeared pleased to know the answer.

As did the crowd, if their roars of approval were anything to go by. They sure got rambunctious quick.

Vol’jin rubbed his hand over the lower half of his face, and was soon jostled by Lor’themar, who seemed far too excited about this news than one should be.

“Well, well, well! Looks like the Warchief is getting himself some nice ass!!” he hooted, garnering quite a response from the crowd that had gathered.

“By de Loa not in front of her mothah do you be havin’ no decency!?” Vanira snapped, yanking Lor’themar away from Vol’jin. Rokhan grabbed Vol’jin by both shoulders, apology written over his face when he turned the younger shadow hunter to face him. Amita’s mother had already disappeared.

“Soooo, how be tings uh down in Stranglethorn?”

At the very least, several others offered their own distracting questions, clearly feeling some sort of sympathy for their Warchief. Vol’jin allowed himself to be distracted by answering those questions instead, and his ignoring of the others still pestering him about who this Amita woman was discouraged them enough to make the crowd dwindle in number.

“SOFT?!”

Flidais groaned, covering her face with a hand.

“Her ass is not soft!!”

“Listen!” Flidais whispered harshly, baring her teeth at Pakhet, “I cannot believe you just asked him that - no, shouted it at him! In the middle of a party full of people!”

“You suggested--”

“Yes I suggested but I didn’t mean right at the next moment that you see him!!” the paladin interrupted. She groaned again, “Light, Pakhet, why don’t you have any self-control?! I actually had to ask the Earthmother for guidance because I was this close to punting you!”

Pakhet blinked at Flidais as the tauren held her fingers - a mere millimeter from touching - right in front of the goblin’s nose.

“... okay. That’s um. That’s pretty close to actually punting me.”

“Yes. And then of all the people who had to catch wind of this entire spectacle while it was happening, it had to be Alba’vida.”

Pakhet finally looked down at the ground in some form of guilt, “well… yeah. Fine. That was dumb of me. Really dumb.”

With a sigh, Flidais brought a mug of beer to her lips, “never mind… let’s just try to keep a low profile for now.”

“Ugh… fine… okay…” Pakhet picked at the grains in the wood table, then looked around. She hopped off her seat after a moment, stretching her arms above her head and adjusting the top of her bright yellow mini dress, “I’m gonna’ go find Amita--”

“No. You are not.”

Pakhet stared up at Flidais. This was the only time that the paladin was going to let herself be pleased that the fierce tone in her voice gave even Pakhet reason to pause.

“If you go looking for her, you’re going to bring a lot of unwanted attention her way. Not everyone knows who she is, or what she looks like, but most of the people who saw you stomp your way over to the Warchief are going to recognize you,” Flidais inhaled deeply before continuing in an angry whisper, “did you forget that Amita has been doing everything in her power to keep the fact that she knows Vol’jin on a personal and highly intimate level as low-key as possible?”

Pakhet paled. She immediately jumped back onto her seat and stared at her lap, twiddling her thumbs.

I just hope Amita can keep herself out of the limelight. No way she’s introducing herself to anyone tonight, Flidais stared solemnly into her drink, and I hope she can still enjoy herself. I really wanted her to be able to smooth things over with her mother, but now she has to deal with Pakhet opening her big mouth and all the repercussions that could come from that. And that her mother knows her butt is soft, according to the Warchief. What a great start to the evening we’ve had.

Amita only slithered out from under a far, far table when she was positive it was safe for her to leave. Her face no longer felt hot to the touch, and the crowd that had gathered around Vol’jin after Pakhet’s exclamation had dispersed. She prayed to any Loa willing to listen that the majority of them would completely forget what had been asked, and not be looking for me. I can’t believe she be doing that, right then!

She was grateful that she had immediately turned into a cobra, melted into the shadows, and slunk under the emptiest table she could find. The one Amita had come out from under lacked any decoration, and before making her reappearance, she was sure to remain stealthed and in her cobra form until she could drop herself right in the middle of a group of red clothed men and women. Loa, part of her wanted to cry. Pakhet knew that she wanted to keep the fact that she even knew Vol’jin personally on the low.

At least I be able to shift quickly. At least nobody really be getting a glimpse of me after Pakhet yelled.

She enjoyed dancing for a while. Kept herself just out of reach of anyone who tried to pull her in close - and also because she felt his gaze. Caught glimpses of him every time she spun, because the dark outfit he wore made his bright red hair stick out like a frost nipped nose.

Amita escaped to the bars eventually, getting herself a drink. It was a simple wine, probably from Silvermoon, and not her favorite - but it would do. It was sweet, went down smoothly, and didn’t go right to her head. She could sip it.

Her eyes swept over the many bodies present. Flidais and Pakhet were a fair distance away. Pakhet was looking mopey, hanging her head and staring at her feet, Dais probably be giving her a talking to… I know she be meaning no harm but… the firmness of my ass really don’t be important.

Flidais, on the other hand, seemed to be cheerful. She eventually caught Amita staring, and sent a fleeting wave in her direction; Amita waved back, though it made her heart sink to see Pakhet perk up, only to watch the goblin droop her head again, shoulders lifting in a sigh.

A large green hand appearing in her peripheral vision distracted Amita’s attention from her friends. The orc was quite a looker, and she let her eyes flick over him before returning to his face. His eyes were a striking blue, and he was looking at her in curiosity.

“Hey. Are you Amita?”

She could have sworn that everything in her body stopped working: brain, heart, lungs, everything.

“Oh no mon, you be mistaken,” Amita smiled, waving a hand dismissively, “I be Zulfi’drepani. Don’ know who dis Amita is you be speakin’ of.”

I don’t give it out like that.

The orc seemed disappointed.

Not even Vol’jin knows that name.

“Oh… well! Are you here alone?”

And before Amita could even respond, a familiar hand came to rest on her shoulder.

“I be sorreh, but she be spoken fah dis evening.”

Shocked, Amita looked up at Alba’vida - then again, why was Amita surprised? Her mother was a huntress, an expert tracker. Pinpointing where her daughter was had become second nature to the older woman in the short span of two weeks, even if nearly two months had passed since Alba’vida’s return into Amita’s life.

The orc frowned, “oh? By who?”

Alba’s grip on Amita’s shoulder tightened ever so much.

“By her mothah.”

With that, Alba snatched one of Amita’s hands and dragged her into the crowd of dancers. Amita was at a loss. How was she supposed to feel about this, being held in a proper closed position by her own mother.

“So, you be seeming rathah popular.”

Amita frowned, and looked off to the side. She followed her mother’s steps regardless, “well… I guess you could be sayin’ dat.”

Silence, save for Alba humming. The music was too loud, and too slow.

“... I didn’ know you could tango,” Amita muttered, switching to Zandali because it was easier. Alba’vida laughed.

“I be learning a few things in my old age. Traditional human and elven dances be some of them.”

“You travelled.”

“I be a huntress, of course I travelled.”

Silence again.

“He looks quite handsome tonight.”

Amita blushed fiercely, her eyes immediately flicking in the direction she had last seen Vol’jin. He was standing off to the side with Baine, Thrall, and - oddly - Sylvanas. The Banshee Queen was handing him a glass.

“I um, I s-suppose,” she stammered after tearing her eyes away from him. Alba smiled fondly.

“Apparently he be thinking you be soft.”

Amita frowned, her blush deepening, “I was hoping I wouldn’t be learning the outcome of that conversation… don’t you be laughing!”

“I be curious about the man that be catching my daughter’s eye,” Alba’s gaze softened as her laughter died, and she pulled Amita closer, her palm flat between Amita’s shoulder blades. Amita was rigid for a moment, eyes pinched inward. Alba’s expression grew saddened.

“I missed so much of your life…”

Amita faltered in her steps. Truth be told, she would rather talk about boys.

“He be my friend before he be anything else,” she found herself saying, “he be determined to bring me into the tribe after he be finding me the first time.”

There was a hopeful glint in Alba’s old eyes, “was he?”

“Yes. Maybe it be because I saved him and Zalazane once. He finally be gettin’ his wish when the coming of age ceremony be happenin’. We um… kept playin’ a game of chase, I suppose. He be tryin’ to catch me, and I be tryin’ to stay out of his reach. He didn’t… catch me, exactly, but in the end I just… be stayin’.”

The music changed. It was softer now, and Alba’vida pulled Amita into an embrace. Once again, Amita was rigid - but unlike before, she didn’t relax. Alba’s grip loosened.

“Ah! That boy that always be with you. He was dressed up nicely.”

That be my son, “ah, yeah, Pakhet likes to be dressin’ him up for parties.”

“He be having your eyes.”

Because he be my son, Amita laughed weakly, “do he?”

Alba’vida was quiet for a moment.

“Amita?”

“Yes…?”

“Do he be yours?”

Amita stared at their feet. They were no longer moving in time to the music, and with more and more pairs filling the area, Amita was beginning to feel trapped.

She answered her mother anyway, “yes.”

“Is he--”

“No,” Amita interrupted, her voice firm, “he be part Zandalari.”

“Oh,” Alba’vida tried to pull Amita closer again, but the druid stubbornly kept her distance. Her fingers were nearly digging into her mother’s shoulders.

Did you know I be leaving him like you left me? I guess I don’t be different from you at all, Amita bit the inside of her cheek. She needed to know the truth, because what if Alba’vida hadn’t left her at all?

“It be looking like you be raising him well,” Alba said with a smile, blissfully unaware because Amita had no intention of telling her that the boy had been left - with a tribe and his father, yes, but Amita had still left him.

“Ah… I guess… we had to be havin’ a… conversation,” Amita admitted, her grip on her mother’s shoulders tightening, then loosening. Alba’vida made a sound of consolement under her breath, but left it at that.

The dance seemed to drag on for hours. Only a few seconds had passed, and Amita’s mind was a flurry of thoughts and a fog of worry. She had to ask, but she didn’t want to, but she had to bring it up, but it wasn’t something she cared to know, but she needed an answer.

Her hands slipped off Alba’vida’s shoulders and Amita loosely grasped her mother’s sides instead. She inclined her head to Alba’s collarbone, and her voice was a broken whisper when she spoke;

“If you be telling me you love me, then why did you leave me?”

Alba’vida stopped moving, and Amita squeezed her eyes shut as tightly as she could, “you be saying I be worth it - but why did you leave me alone?”

The huntress wrapped her arms securely around Amita’s shoulders and back. Her cheek pressed against Amita’s head.

“I didn’t leave you because I be wanting to.”

Amita leaned heavily against her mother, her body finally relaxing.

“I be up before you. It be kind of unusual! You used to always be awake before your muuka, but I be wanting to make use of the time. I be going to get breakfast.”

The one thing Amita never thought she would ever feel was her mother’s tears seeping into her scalp.

“The naga be coming across me. I don’t be thinking. The only thing I cared about was making sure they be as far away from you as possible. At first I be thinking I could be getting away and get back to you, but they be determined to catch me. I be telling Jashik to run as far away as he could be running, and then be coming back to you,” Alba’vida’s grip intensified, “I be proving useful to the naga, that be the only reason they don’t be sacrificing me, and I didn’t be escaping until Sen’jin be brought in. Loa, Amita, he be fighting so gallantly after being so docile. Many of us be escaping because he be buying us time.

“But it be too late. When I be going looking for you, you already be gone, and when I be coming to Kalimdor with Master Gadrin, I must have just missed you.”

Amita found herself wrapping her arms around her mother more fully; they swayed to the music.

“... Jashik be taking good care of me, muuka. He be making sure I always be having food. He be teaching me how to hunt, and fight. He even be the first animal I be saving with my magic,” Amita inhaled deeply to fend off her own tears, “he be protecting me until he couldn’t. Did you be finding his grave?”

“Yes. You be decorating it well.”

“Vol’jin and Vanira be helping. But I be making sure those flowers will never be dying.”

Alba’vida laughed wetly, “I suppose I should be giving him my thanks, and her. And you.”

The huntress pressed a kiss to Amita’s forehead, “thank you.”

Amita nodded her head, and finally, finally felt the weight that had settled so heavily on her heart lift.

After several more songs, Alba’vida shifted, “should we be going to find your son?”

Amita shook her head against Alba’s shoulder, “ah, no… if it be okay… I would like to be staying like this, for a little longer…”

Alba’vida hummed. Mother and daughter remained swaying to the music until Bujune came to them himself and wriggled his way between them.

(( It means “baby witch scythe”. Jashik means “Protector; Defender; Guardian”. I realize that WITH Jashik, Amita wasn’t technically alone (in fact Gonk was always there too), but she considers herself to have been left alone, because Jashik was a raptor, not another troll ; w ;

Also, I literally could NOT find a better image than the one I’ve modified there for this post. I was looking so hard for a picture of a girl with her head against her mother’s chest or smth, but I couldn’t find anything appropriate. The image is from a still from the movie Frida (I think that’s what it’s called). ))

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swanimagines · 3 years ago

Text

Browsing Freddy's instagram's comment section causes me deep embarrassment. Especially with pics he has put of his girlfriend...

Like sure, I understand that it would be nice if he put a pic of you and called you his darling but please don't go to his instagram and be like "she's not your darling, I'm your darling, break up with her and be with me, I'm better than her" 🤦🏻‍♀️ What, do you expect him to break up with Caroline and maybe wait for a while so he could date you when you turn 16? And other half screams that he's cheating on Zoe or that he should be with Zoe/Jaylen because she's better than Caroline?? Oh god.

And yeah I know Freddy/Caroline probably doesn't take them personally but like... it's still super disrespectful and actually really mean to say such things and people go way overboard with those comments.

And yeah, same thing with every other celebrity. I'm just tired to see fans who think it's right to comment on their personal relationships and berate their partners just because you're jealous? You can fantasize all you want and dream that you actually were their partner but please don't push it on them, it's fantasy and the cold hard truth is that it most likely will never be reality. I might be cynical when I say that, but if you're not a celebrity yourself, you most likely won't even befriend them, let alone date. You wouldn't like it either if your partner constantly got comments from other people being like "OH BREAK UP WITH Y/N AND BE WITH ME, I'M BETTER THAN THEM!!!11"

Just be happy that Freddy is happy. And if you really wish he could fall in love with you someday, start by not spamming him with comments where you say that Caroline isn't good for him and you would be better 😅 He most likely wouldn't appreciate it if you got on a date someday in the future should he break up with Caroline and he got to know by some way that you were one of the most active people who spammed him with NOTICE ME NOTICE ME BREAK UP WITH CAROLINE AND BE WITH MEEEEE

---

//edit: Aaaand people who got hurt by this, I'd advise to read this again. I did say that "You can fantasize all you want and dream that you actually were their partner"...

It's different to dream and fantasize about that and to actually go to your celebrity crush and telling them that their partner isn't good enough for them and that you'd be better... I just think that's really rude to go up to them and say that. Also in the end, you're crushing on their public image, you don't know if you would have a crush on them if you knew them irl. Like of course Freddy shows only his best side publicly, because any visible faults would easily be attacked but everyone has faults, nobody is perfect.

Also I didn't say that even if you did end up befriending Freddy, he wouldn't like you 😅 I said that he probably wouldn't appreciate it if he befriended you or ended up on a date with you and he would find by some way that you've been active with your messages where you have berated Caroline while he's been dating her.

I've said some pretty bad and embarrassing stuff myself on the internet, last time last year and I almost immediately regret saying them after I've posted them, but I've never gone on people's instagrams and been rude to them in any way. You might think that Freddy's flattered when you say that you want him to break up with Caroline and begin to date you instead, but in truth you hurt Caroline by that = you hurt Freddy too (even though I know they probably aren't affected that much because they know a lot of Freddy's fans are really young, but in any case it can't feel nice either).

Again, imagine you're dating Freddy and he puts an image of you on your birthday. The comment section has three kinds of people, 20% of them congratulate you and say you're cute together, 30% say that Freddy should be together with Zoe/Amita/whoever is his character's romantic interest in a movie/show and not you and the rest spam him with YIKES YOU'RE WITH Y/N?????? OH NO THEY'RE NOT GOOD FOR YOU, THEY'RE SO UGLY AND JUST NOT COMPATIBLE WITH YOU, I'M BETTER THAN THEM, DUMP THEM AND DATE MEEEEE INSTEAD!!!

Would that feel good? 😅 I know I wouldn't feel good about that, though I probably would learn to ignore it but it would sting at first.

#freddy carter #jentalks

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blackacre13 · 3 years ago

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Oh pleasee continue the teacher/student au

Here's Part Five! (Lots of art references in here that should be searchable by the titles/artists included...forgive my laymen-ness when it comes to this. My background is English Lit/Communications and then Law, so this is entirely out of my ass)

Lou was practically floating on air and of course, Tammy had no issue pointing that out and teasing her mercilessly about it whenever she could.

Debbie’s course was no joke. Students were drowning in the reading and flabbergasted when Dr. Ocean put them on the spot asking prying, deep questions about the material that just skimming could never suffice. But Lou had never been exposed to so much art in so little time in her life and she was thriving.

She took on Debbie’s curveballs with expert swings, craving the twinkling eyes and knowing smile that Dr. Ocean would reward her with when she knew the answer the brunette was searching for. Even better were the days when Lou could show off a bit and flourish her answer with some added knowledge or an alternative reference on top of what Dr. Ocean had asked for. She could practically see Debbie check off invisible boxes in her head, Lou slowly and meticulously ticking off the boxes that Debbie dreamed up but hadn’t said aloud in their meeting.

Lou was ready.

It had been about two weeks of Dr. Ocean’s class in full swing and today was her interview with both she and Amita. There were ten names on the list of students competing for the TA spot and even that had been slashed from a slew of resumes that showed up shoved under Dr. Ocean’s door or left on her desk. As far as Lou knew, she was one of a handful, if not the only one, to have watched Debbie read hers personally, though she was sure she wasn’t the only student who came highly recommended from other faculty or would be impressive for the position because of her qualifications. Anything could happen.

“You’re gonna get it,” Tammy smiled, straightening out the collar on Lou’s shirt before smoothing the lapels of her blazer. The blonde had sprung for a new suit for the interview after realizing she’d already worn her usual interview suit to meet Dr. Ocean the first time and had scrambled two days ago using everything from her work-study savings to change in the couch cushions throughout the student union to throw something together.

“I shouldn’t have chosen blue,” Lou sighed, tugging at the pants.

“Disagree. Brings out your eyes. Makes you more memorable than everyone else in black,” Tammy smiled. “The gold shoes, however…”

“Non. Negotiable.”

“At least I was there to talk you out of that powder blue one,” Tammy grinned. “Can’t have you going in there looking like Bowie.”

“On the contrary, if I get this, that’s the first thing I’m racing back to buy,” Lou smirked, checking herself in the mirror one last time. “What about hair?”

“Eh, leave it,” the younger woman shrugged. “It’s you. She likes you.”

“We don’t know that,” Lou sighed, but she hoped with all of her heart that was true. On any level.

****************************************************************

“Ms. Miller?” Amita asked, poking her head out the door as Lou stood up from the chair in the hallway where she’d been waiting, nervously tapping her gold boot against the dirty carpet as she hummed under her breath.

“That’s me,” Lou smiled, extending her hand.

“The favorite,” Amita smirked, wiggling her eyebrows.

“What?” Lou gaped, picking up her bag and portfolio case.

“Shhh, our secret,” the woman grinned, her face warm and welcoming. “And I mean, you’re the only one who ever volunteers in class while everyone else cowers behind their laptop screen. I mean come on. Of course Debbie would love you.”

Of course she would. Lou’s heart started thumping faster. Louder. She wondered if Amita could hear it hammering against her chest the way she could hear the blood rushing in her ears like she was chugging mouthwash.

“Best for last,” Amita sang before closing the door and taking a seat in a chair beside Debbie, who sat behind her desk in a black dress with an open white trench coat making her look more medical than art history when it came to doctor. And Lou was obsessed with it.

“You’ve got that right,” Debbie smiled, motioning for Lou to sit. “Lou. An official welcome.”

“Thank you both,” Lou smiled, nodding at them each politely, wanting to make Amita feel as included as possible.

From there, it was a blur. Most of the questions came from Amita while Debbie seemed to observe Lou and her responses silently, watching her face like she was a human lie detector as she took in the timing and expressions between each question and Lou’s well-prepared answer. The questions were all business. Lesson plans. Future goals. Where did she see herself in the next five and ten years. What papers had she written. What was her senior thesis going to be about. Was she prepared for the rigor of the position on top of the coursework. Why was she the ideal candidate.

And then the world stopped.

“You did great,” Amita whispered as Debbie tossed Lou a wink like she’d done in the cafeteria.

“And now for my question,” Debbie smirked. “What did you bring me?”

Lou swallowed, nodding as she reached down for her portfolio case, unzipping it slowly.

“Show me what you brought for me first,” Debbie murmured encouragingly. “Then the one for yourself.”

Lou took a deep breath before handing over the painting.

“To be honest,” Lou laughed. “I don’t think you or anyone can be summed up by one piece of art alone, but for the purpose of this test, I’ve chosen an Ethel Wright. First exhibited in 1909 I believe. The woman in the painting is Christabel Pankhurst, but it’s less about the woman herself and more the movement she represents.”

“A suffragette,” Amita nodded, her eyes widening as she smiled. “Debbie, that is so—“

Dr. Ocean elbowed her as Amita fell silent and urged Lou to continue.

“She drove the force behind the women’s movement. Founded by her mother. A lobbyist, if you will. But not the snuffy Washington DC kind of today. And she wears those colors proudly. White for purity, green for hope, and purple for dignity. It was rejected for inclusion and the suffragettes had something to say about that of course,” Lou smiled.

“So why this piece?” Debbie pressed, a smile twitching at her lips.

“You’re not a solitary piece of art,” Lou shrugged. “You’re a movement. But it’s not enough to say you’re an impressionist or modernist. There’s a force behind it. A political message. A goal. It’s not just about the history of art for you. It’s about what lies beneath the mediums and the end results and the artists’ lives. You want us to know what was happening outside their window in the outside world while they were cooped up at their kitchen table painting that bowl of fruit. How they ate and slept and supported their families. And I think you’re the same. You want to give others a voice. The living and the deceased. Especially representing those who hid behind their art or let it speak for themselves.”

“Well, shit,” Amita breathed quietly.

Debbie gave nothing away as far as her reaction. “And for yourself?”

“You asked me who Lou Miller was the last time we spoke. So I’ve cheated and brought two pieces for myself,” Lou breathed shakily, offering two pieces to Amita and Debbie from her portfolio.

She nodded to the first.

“I still don’t know who I want to be, but right now, I think this is me.”

“Medusa?” Debbie frowned, her fingers running along the photograph of the statute.

“By Harriet Hosmer,” Lou nodded. “Known for a scandalous relationship with Louisa Baring. Known for a lot of sayings but mostly that she has “strength enough to stand up and be laughed at, if necessary”. She even spoke up for Medusa through her art. Often vilified. Rarely understood. Portrayed to be so monstrous when she really should represent empowerment and female rage.”

“You have snakes hiding behind that fringe, Lou?” Debbie grinned.

“Maybe,” Lou grinned in return. “But I…” Lou took a deep breath. “I relate more to how she was punished for being a victim. For desecrating someone else’s space when she was the one violated. She’s a warrior. She’s empowered. But so misunderstood.”

“And the other?” Debbie asked softly, almost a whisper now that the tone had changed, the three women understanding the implications Lou was hinting at below the surface.

“Something I discovered on my journey to being understood as a misunderstood person,” Lou smiled. “Something I needed to understand myself.”

“Le Sommeil by Gustave Coubert,” Debbie smiled, her eyes tearing a bit.

“The sleepers,” Lou nodded. “I was thirteen when I saw this for the first time. And frankly, I fell to the floor and cried. I know Coubert gets flack for painting some warped heterosexual fantasy of women in the nude, but I don’t think that’s it. I know that’s not it. The intertwining of their legs. One woman tucked into the other. The lightness and darkness of blonde and brunette, sun and moon, day and night, good and evil. It was banned from being exhibited…”

“Oh, Lou,” Debbie whispered, a sad smile on her face that wasn’t pity. It was knowing. It was Lou’s own expression reflected back.

Lou busied herself with zipping the portfolio, now empty, back up, sitting back up to find Debbie and Amita sharing a look as she sucked in a deep breath for the dozenth time that day.

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rora-s · 3 years ago

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The Derivative Chapter 15: Seventeen

Chapter 1 <- Chapter 14

I came trudging into my uncle's office and threw my backpack down in his chair. The three men within the office gave me a concerned look. “Trouble adapting to college life?” Charlie inquired.

I let off a breath leaning on the desk “college students are better but no less annoying than high schoolers” I declared “I just talked to a girl in one of my classes who asked and I quote ‘are you visiting on a high school field trip?’” I mocked the girl's squawky voice.

Don chuckled slightly “well you are sixteen. Not a lot of kids your age running around these halls”

“She sees me every other day in our class. She borrowed my pencil once” I exclaimed indignantly.

“Ah it seems this fair student was wrapped in her own world to the point of tuning the rest out” Larry declared.

“Yeah or she’s just an asshole” I muttered then glanced at the computer screen on the desk “is that some kind of code?”

“Yes it’s a rolling code for a car remote” Charlie explained, holding up the remote in question in his hand. “It’s actually part of a kidnapping case”

“Kidnapping?” I questioned.

Don sighed and shot his brother a look “yeah it’s a case we’re working.”

I nodded, resisting the urge to ask if I could help. Just then my phone alarm went off. “I have class” I sighed, turning off the alarm and grabbing my backpack.

“I’ll walk with you,” Don offered. I nodded and waved farewell to Charlie and Larry as we exited the office. We only got a couple feet from the door before Don was talking again “so your birthday is this weekend.”

“What? Really? I had no idea” I replied sarcastically.

Don scoffed “I was just wondering if you wanted to do anything? I mean just me and you could hangout or we could have a barbecue at the house with everybody. Whatever you want” he shrugged.

“Uh yeah a barbecue would be cool” I murmured the grip on my backpack tightening a bit.

“You sure?” Don asked. I glanced over to see him looking at me with mild concern in his features.

“Yeah fine” I assured him as we reached the door to my classroom “it’s just…” I hesitated “don’t worry about it it's nothing”

“Okay” Don nodded “have fun on your field trip” he teased.

“Ha ha very funny” I muttered a small smile on his face. He turned to leave and I ducked into the classroom. There was a sinking feeling in my gut and another feeling that I couldn’t quite place and didn’t really like.

________________

3rd POV.

“And no, no contact, in almost seven hours” Don murmured looking at the board set up in the war room. “What the hell are they after?”

“I still think Erica Logan has to be the key” Megan declared standing up as Don began to pace the room. “This kind of radical shift in behavior? There has to be some sort of trigger.”

“Trigger?” David questioned from his seat “like what?”

“I can tell you what a textbook would say,” Megan explained. “Statistically, it’s things like a near-death experience. A person can exhibit an extreme shift in behavior if they survived a plane crash. Another could be a person who’s told they only have a month to live, may act on fantasies of an alter ego.”

“Doesn’t fit, though in this case” Colby objected. “The autopsy would have flagged that.”

“All right, so what else?” Don inquired leaning on the table.

“Uh, parental instinct” Megan offered “the perception of a serious threat to a child.”

“That also doesn’t fit” Colby spoke up again “I mean, her father said she doesn’t have kids, right?”

Don thought about his talk with the man for a second and the pictures in the house realization hitting him “but there was a brother, right?” he asked, gesturing to David who had also been there for the interview “the old man said she practically raised him.”

“Yeah,” David nodded in agreement, sitting up in his seat.

“A younger sibling could be the trigger, if they had developed that kind of relationship” Megan agreed.

“Younger brothers can definitely be a trigger, trust me on that one” Don stated with an edge of humor before going back to business mode turning to David “why don’t you go talk to the old man see if you can get an address on the son.” the agent nodded and started grabbing his things “I mean, I want to get everything we can on this kid, right?”

Colby grabbed his things and followed David out of the room. When it was just them Megan turned to Don. “Speaking of parental instincts, how's that daughter of yours doing?”

“Abby? She’s fine” Don shrugged.

“Really? I mean it can’t be easy being a sixteen year old kid in college” Megan voiced.

Don scoffed “she complains less about it than she did about high school so” he shrugged.

“Well since she’s in a house full of men. Why don’t you tell her if she ever needs a woman’s advice she can have my number” Megan offered.

“Thanks” Don smiled at his partner before she turned and left. Don shifted some files and thought a bit to himself. He’d never thought about it before but Abby was constantly surrounded by guys. The only female influence in her life right now that he could think of was Amita. Was that why she had been so weird about the barbecue?

Don doubted it. Maybe he was just coming to weird conclusions. Maybe the barbecue wasn’t even an issue and she was just preoccupied with the class she was about to walk into when he asked. No, she had a look on her face that told him she wasn’t happy about something. He just had no idea what and now he had to figure it out.

As he turned to leave the board caught his attention again. Parental instincts could change behavior. He thought that was a bit of an understatement.

_______________

Abby POV.

“Oh come on Charlie it couldn’t have been that bad.” Alan objected from the kitchen as the mathematician sulked at the dining room table.

“Actually, I truly can’t explain how awful it was,” Charlie muttered as Alan came out and sat a mug of hot tea down in front of his son and two plates of cake, one for him and one for me.

“Oh, I don’t understand it.” Gramps grumbled “You and Amita. You always got along so well.”

Charlie shrugged “I’m just as confused as you are”

“Yeah well, maybe it’ll be better next time, hmm?” Alan suggested as I just ate my cake and read quietly.

“Yeah, I don’t think there’s going to be a next time in the future” Uncle C sighed as my father entered the house through the front door.

“No, no, you do not give up.” Alan objected. “You never give up”

“Who’s giving up what?” Don inquired.

“Charlie. He blew his first date with Amita” Gramps informed.

“And he’s being very pouty about it,” I added, earning me a small glare from my uncle.

“I wouldn’t say that I- I blew it, Dad or that I’m pouting” the professor objected. “I mean that’s…” he trailed off as Alan gave him a look “yeah, maybe I blew it.”

“And are pouty” I chimed in and got another half hearted glare.

“Wait, what happened, buddy?” Don asked, shedding his coat.

“It’s just we found out that we really don’t have much to talk about outside math” Charlie explained as Gramps got to his feet.

“And you can’t talk about math because?” I questioned.

“Well it’s our work and we want to talk about more than just work” Charlie muttered.

“Oh, man.” Don sighed “Yeah, I know about that. Maybe it’s an Eppes thing you know? When Terry and I started dating, the first thing we said was we weren’t going to talk about work, right? You know, not a word.”

“Don’t say it’s an Eppes thing cuz that curses me too” I complained.

“Hey last I checked your last name was still Calvin so you get exempt” Don pointed out.

“So, how’d you work it out?” Alan inquired, handing his eldest the beer he had just retrieved from the kitchen. “With Terry?’

“Well, I mean, she’s back with her ex but..” Don murmured.

“That’s really very encouraging,” Charlie grumbled sarcastically.

“I didn't mean it like that” Don objected with a slight chuckle “I’m sorry. It’s different with you guys. You’ll work it out.” Charlie just let off a breath. “Meanwhile, I’m hitting a wall with this case.”

“You haven’t found them yet?” Charlie inquired.

“Found who?” Alan asked as Don headed back into the foyer to grab his file off the table.

“A mother and her eight year old daughter, kidnapped.” Don informed heading into the living room with his file.

“That’s horrible,” Alan declared.

“This is the same case with the car key code thing?” I asked.

“Yeah” Charlie replied with a nod as the three of us stood to follow Don into the living room. I brought my book and slice of cake with me.

“Who took them?” Gramps questioned.

“I don’t know yet” Don explained sitting on the couch “I mean, we got this one suspect who’s a bookie, and we think there’s some connection, but we got these files off his computer, and they’re impossible to analyze”

“What are you looking for in here?” Charlie questioned, going to look over the file Don offered him as I sat on the couch next to my father. .

“Well, I mean, the people who financed the operation.” Don explained “this guy’s been running bets through a website called Statswire that dead-ends at a URL in China. And with all the money he’s pulling in and paying out, we can’t tell the difference between the backer and bettors.”

“Well these abbreviations may be names and dates” Uncle C suggested looking the file over “but the numbers in this column here 35-17-11” he muttered as Gramps went to look over his shoulder. “23-17-5, 24-12-3 ½? Yeah I’m assuming that they’re part of some sort of odds making, but they just appear to be at random and they can’t be.”

“You’re right. They’re not random” Alan voiced as I shifted my cake away from my thieving father.

“What are you talking about?” Don inquired.

“Where’s that paper?” Alan muttered standing up and going over to a stack of newspapers “this weekend’s football scores.” he stated grabbing the paper he was looking for and coming back over as we all huddled over the file to look. “Let me see. 35-17-11 here.” he pointed to the newspaper “the Packers beat the Vikings 35-17, and the spread was 11”

“Whoa,” Don murmured.

“Nice catch Gramps” I said with a slight smirk.

“Thank you. 23-17-5. That here, Niners in San Diego, five-point spread, right?” Alan found another “24 to 12 was the Jaguars over the Colts. Huh?”

“Let me see that” Don took the paper and looked it over.

“3 ½ was a ridiculous spread” Gramps commented “I took the Jaguars and made a hundred bucks”

“What, you have a bookie?” Don questioned his father in surprise.

“Busted,” I murmured.

“Should I have a lawyer present?” Alan replied.

“No, I’ll let you slide.” Don murmured looking back over the paper. As I chuckled lightly.

“Wait a minute. If this column is the point spread, I can use it to calculate the ratio of winners to losers” Charlie explained “and potentially trace the payouts and the money flow.”

“Yay teamwork” I murmured.

“Says the girl who sat there eating cake the entire time” Don pointed out. I just shrugged with a smirk.

_________________

3rd POV.

Don got out of his car with a sigh. He was relieved that she had at least thought to text him this time. As he made his way across the grass to his daughter she glanced up at him before her eyes became fixated on the ground.

He sat down next to her in front of the head stone. After a moment of silence he finally spoke “what’s wrong?”

“Why do you assume something’s wrong?” Abby replied, still not looking up at him and she fiddled with her blinders in her hand.

“Because I know you well enough now to know when something’s bothering you” he replied softly. Abby shifted but didn’t speak. “You know if you don’t want to have a party or something for your birthday that’s fine. It’s okay if you don’t even want to celebrate it but I’d like to know why” he explained.

“It’s not that I don’t want to celebrate it” Abby objected. “It’s just-” she took a shaky breath “I suddenly have people to celebrate with and I’ve never had that before because-” she cut off.

“Because what?” Don encouraged.

She took another deep breath “last year we sat here and I told you how much I love and miss my mom now I’m sitting here and- and I’m just mad at her. I’m mad because she didn’t tell you about me. Didn’t let us meet sooner because I spent nearly sixteen years of my life not knowing you, or Grandpa, or Uncle C and because I want to have that stupid barbecue with you guys and I wish I could have had that sooner but-” Abby cut off again and tears rolled down her cheek. “I’m never going to see her again and all I am is mad at her”

Don wrapped a gentle arm around Abby pulling her closer. “Listen Abby, the last year of my life spent with you has been an incredible time. We’ve gotten to know each other and despite some preconceived notions I haven’t managed to screw up being a dad too bad. Right?” Abby scoffed at the last statement, sniffing back her tears. “That said I was a very different person years ago when I met your mother. And the truth is I don’t know if I could have been the father I would have wanted to be to you all those years ago. Heck I’m not even sure I’m the father I want for you right now.” he bit his lip pausing before he continued “not having you in my life all these years… it hurt and when I found out honestly I was mad too but- but I know your mother loved you Abbs and she only did what she did. She only kept this secret because she loved you and she thought it was the best for you.”

“I know,” Abby sighed.

“And now we do have each other and the rest of my crazy family,” he muttered, making her laugh a little. “It’s me and you kid and I’m not going anywhere”

“Thanks dad” she murmured sniffing back tears “but I’m still mad”

“I know,” Don murmured, pulling Abby into a hug “but I’m sure you’ve been mad at your mom before. She can take it and one day you’ll figure out how to forgive her, trust me.”

Chapter 16 ->

#don eppes #alan eppes #charlie eppes #larry fleinhardt #amita ramanujuan #numb3rs season 2 #numb3rs #colby granger #david sinclair #megan reeves #abby calvin #fanfiction #episode related #episode per chapter

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amerrierworld · 5 years ago

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Birthday Buzz

Ocean’s 8 - one shot

For anon :)

Summary: It’s your birthday and your fellow team of eight didn’t hesitate to go full out for the party. Especially not a certain blonde biker who’s had her eyes on you all night.

Characters: Lou x fem!reader, the Ocean’s gang

Word Count: 2,074

Warnings: swearing, fluff, drinking. also, uh, kinda nsfw ;)

You could barely hear yourself think. The music was loud and your feet were killing you. You’d long discarded your heels, and you were sitting by the bar on one of the high stools to relieve the pain that was in your toes.

Still, you were happy. You were sipping on a drink and watching as Tammy tried to showcase her classic ‘mom-moves’ on the dance floor as Daphne and Nineball cackled at the sight.

Your fellow heist ladies had all come together for your birthday, which made you over-joyed. Lou had made her club exclusive for one night, all for your birthday. The nine of you had partied, drank and danced long before anyone else was allowed to show up.

There was a bag of presents safely behind the bar you hadn’t yet opened. As the night wore on, and the club opened to all extended friends and dates who had been invited, the space slowly filled up with dancers and drinkers.

A live band was playing on stage instead of the usual DJ, and the decor had been changed for your birthday. Haphazard balloons were strewn about with your name written sloppily on a big banner. You wore a pin that said ‘BIRTHDAY GIRL’ in big swirly pink letters on your dark red dress and you had a tiara that the girls had given you as a joke. You danced around with it for a while before it flew from your messy hair and you hadn’t been able to find it since.

“Enjoying yourself?” You turned and saw Debbie Ocean standing next to you. You grinned widely at her and lifted up your glass in response.

“Never better, Debs,” you shouted back over the music. “I can’t believe you all did this for me. Seriously.”

“Oh god, you’re not a sappy drunk, are you?”

You huffed and stared at her in disbelief. “Oh no, god no, I would absolutely never in a million years!”

Debbie laughed and came up to order a drink from the bartender.

“But like, actually though,” you continued. “This is too much!”

Debbie shrugged. “It was all Lou’s idea, really. She went to the moon and back to get you this whole evening. Had to bribe Tams to get a babysitter just to come out here, and promised Constance and Nine free dinner.”

You blushed and shook your head. “Really? God, I can’t believe she’d do that for me.”

“Yes you can,” Debbie retorted playfully. “We’ve all seen the way you guys look at each other, not to mention what you two get up to in the bedr-,”

“Fuck off, Ocean,” you growled, though your eyes were twinkling.

She smirked at you. “All I’m saying is, the ladies and I are just waiting for a proper wedding invitation, alright?”

With that, Debbie sauntered off in her blue party dress, giving you one last salute of her glass before disappearing into the crowd.

You shook your head and scoffed at her figure walking away from you, finishing your drink before moving onto the dance floor again.

Lou had been keeping an eye on you all night, making sure nothing was happening to you in case you drank too much, or exerted yourself on your special day. She was surprised how well you were holding up, considering she’d made sure you could barely walk by the time you had to get ready for the proper birthday party.

You had insisted Lou didn’t get you anything for your birthday, and she seemingly obliged. The only birthday present she gave you was her hands and mouth before the party. Which she gave to you over and over again. But then again, she was a con, which made you believe that she probably wasn’t done with you yet.

Despite wanting to be by your side dancing and laughing, Lou had to keep her club in check as well. It was an unbreakable habit. Part of her felt guilty that she had to work to keep the party going, but also relieved because she knew the place like the back of her hand, meaning that your group could party in peace with people that they all knew instead of going around slummy bars in other parts of the city.

It also meant that you had access to all the booze that Lou had to offer, since you were the birthday girl and she was the owner.

Making sure that all invited guests had been checked off the list, Lou let herself breathe for a moment and follow you with her eyes. She was mesmerized by you, even as you were talking animatedly to Amita, hands flailing and cheeks flushed like you’d run a marathon.

Her gaze raked over your figure, not a curve left unseen under the tight material of the dress you were wearing. It was a very good look on you, and Lou grinned at the memory of her convincing you to wear it tonight.

She then set her shoulders and made her way into the crowd, determined to enjoy the rest of your special night by your side.

A warm hand came to wrap around your waist and you didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. You could recognize from the smell of leather and that distinct perfume who was pressing up against your back instantly, swaying to the music.

“Having fun?” Lou purred in your ear. The music from the band seemed to slow into a comfortable swinging rhythm, and Lou took full advantage of it.

“Mhm,” you grinned. “Best birthday ever.”

The lights were flashing neon where the dance floor was filled up, but it was still dark enough for Lou to unhurriedly press her lips underneath your ear. You sighed at the feeling and leaned further back.

“I’m glad you like it,” Lou said.

“I more than like it, Lou. I’m so happy right now I could die.”

“I hope you don’t mean that. I still had plans for when we got back to the loft.”

You snorted and turned in her arms to wrap your arms around her neck. “If you didn’t want me to die, you shouldn’t have said I had free range of your bar tonight.”

“Hm, I guess you’re right. No more booze for you tonight then, missy.”

You pouted dramatically and Lou laughed, her face lighting up in that way you loved so much. She was wearing a red velvet suit to match your dress, with rose gold jewelry adorning her neck as well as a silk black tie that tucked neatly into her cleavage, constantly drawing your eyes down.

You lifted a hand to wrap around the tie and Lou’s eyes visibly darkened.

“I’ve always liked you in suits and ties,” you murmured.

“Oh yeah?” her voice was almost a growl. Her hands trailed daringly lower to rest on the curve of your hips, playing with the fabric of your dress.

“Yeah,” you said. “I might even wanna wear some of it sometime.”

Lou’s eyebrow quirked up. “And what’ll I wear then? While you’re prancing around in my wardrobe?”

You shrugged and flashed your teeth at her. “We can always go dress-shopping for you.”

Lou grinned back at you with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Never in a million years.”

You pouted again. “Not even for my birthday?”

“The only clothes involved with your birthday, young lady, are the ones that are going to end up on the floor,” Lou said, pulling you flush against her body with her lips trailing along your neck. Your knees trembled at the feeling.

“Let’s go back to my place, baby, before the others get there,” Lou murmured softly in your ear. “There’s still time to have a little more fun.”

“Hm, but we gotta get a cab and stuff,” you responded stupidly.

“I'm still sober, darling. I can drive us back,” Lou said. You looked in her eyes and saw the want in them, so you nodded, and hurried off to find your shoes before meeting Lou out front to get on her bike.

Now that you were home, you moved to the kitchen to pour Lou and yourself a proper drink as you were sobering up by the minute, only to be stopped by two firm hands pressing you against the countertop, lips attacking your neck feverishly.

You moaned at the feeling of Lou’s warm lips leaving a trail from your collarbone up to your mouth. She pulled away to press a firm leg in between yours and you gasped at the feeling. You grabbed her tie and pulled her closer, mashing you lips together until neither of you knew how to breathe anymore.

“I want you,” you said softly. Lou’s hands trailed across your cheeks lovingly and she smiled at you, eyes crinkling behind her makeup.

“But I already gave you so many birthday presents today, baby,” she argued, her Australian lilt coming in stronger now that she was aroused. You groaned in frustration and grabbed her ass, pulling Lou’s body fully against yours, grinding up against her. Lou’s jaw dropped in shock at the feeling and one hand came to tangle in your hair and pull, hard.

It felt dirty, humping with your clothes on like this. But you were still a bit too buzzed and lovestruck to care.

And horny. Don’t forget horny.

Lou pulled away, breathless, her hair a mess. She took a gulp from the drinks you had poured before looking at you.

“Go upstairs, before the others get here. I want my way with you in peace and quiet,” she ordered. Your head swam with arousal whenever she took control over anything and you nodded meekly.

“But who says that we were gonna be quiet, Miss Miller?” you said cheekily as you sprinted up the stairs. Lou wasn’t far behind, shedding her blazer and leaving it on the kitchen countertop as you opened the door to the bedroom.

You stopped in your tracks.

Lou wasn’t usually one for romantic gestures, but you supposed it being your birthday, she decided to go full out. There were rosy lights lit up around the room and a bouquet of roses on the bedside table filling the room with sweet scents. On the bed were a selection of toys that you no doubt had a choice from. You blushed as you recognized some of the ones you had used only that morning.

“Happy birthday, baby girl,” Lou murmured in your ear before appearing in front of you and capturing your mouth with hers. Her hand pressed something in yours and you looked down to see two tickets to a live show you’d been dying to see for weeks, wrapped in a neat little bow. Your mouth opened in shock and you looked up at Lou, who took the opportunity to kiss you again, pushing her tongue into your mouth.

You’d have to thank her with words later, because no matter how special the gift was, your mind was somewhere completely different. Lou led you to the bed and pulled away to take a deep breath.

“Take your pick,” she said, nodding to the collection on the bed. You’d already made up your mind, but to feign innocence, you glanced at the assortment. You were impressed; there were a couple of new ones you hadn’t seen before.

But instead you met Lou’s eyes again and grinned before grabbing the black silk tie around her neck. Her eyes widened in surprise as you lifted and twisted it around so it was blocking her vision.

She chuckled as you pulled at the knot, tightening the blindfold. You pushed her onto the bed, straddling her and kicking your heels off in the process.

As your hands began working on the buttons of her vest, hers blindly began working on the ties of your dress and you smirked as she cursed under her breath, failing miserably. Her ministrations were stopped when you attacked her neck by surprise, nipping and sucking. Hands trailed low before slipping under the waistband of her pants and Lou’s grip slackened in defeat.

As soon as she gave in, and suddenly let you have control, you knew you’d won this round. You couldn’t help but smile a little at the sight of her as you worked to make her come undone.

A happy birthday indeed.

A/N: I said I’d give it a ‘few days’ but I couldn’t resist just posting it now, so here you go :3 the gays ask and so I deliver. Let me know what you think <3

#lou x you #lou x reader #lou miller x reader #lou miller #oceans8 #oceans 8 #fanfiction #gay #cate blanchett #sandra bullock #sarah paulson #lou miller x you #cate blanchett x you #lgbtq #wlw #merry writes

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tinumiel · 4 years ago

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Thoughts on Shadow and Bone

obviously, spoilers, ALL THE SPOILERS BELOW....

What they nailed:

Alina Starkov. I really loved Jessie Mei Li as Alina. She’s fresh, genuine, and she has the cutest smile ever. I’m usually not a fan of adding elements that aren’t in the original material, but I loved how they incorporated Jessie’s ancestry into the story and made Alina half Shu-Han. Not only does it make 100% sense, with Alina being from an area with a lot of Ravkan/Shu-Han interchange, but it also respects both the actress and the story rather than saying “Oh yes, Alina’s looks slightly asian now”. I loved how she was portrayed, I felt like she was a blank canvas that slowly filled with color as her story progressed, and Jessie really brought her to life.

The Darkling. First things first. I love the Darkling, in case that wasn’t already obvious. And I love Ben Barnes, in case that wasn’t obvious either. For some reason, it seemed like the show creators really wanted to rub the “he’s the BAD GUY” powder in my face, but joke’s on them, because Ben Barnes portrayal really added to the tragedy of his character, to everything that he’s been through and to the corruption of his ideals. How he went from an outcast wanting to stand up for himself and his people, to a tyrant fueled mainly by vengeance (if they wanted to make him less sympathetic so badly, why on earth would they include that flashback scene? How lonely he was, how manipulating, how driven. Also, how plainly hot he is.

Darklina. On the same note, the chemistry between Jessie Mei Li and Ben Barnes is insane. There were only a couple of Darklina scenes, but they were so powerful, that I find it hard to believe even non darklina shippers didn’t feel it. To be fair, I’m a Darklina fan (I’m actually a Nikolina fan, but Darklina is my second favorite), so I guess there might be a slight bias on the subject. Just as they were trying too hard to state the Darkling was evil, they tried too hard to make Darklina less appealing (like, they took away the whole Darkling’s real name element, what was that about?). But the actors had such good chemistry that despite whatever attempt the creators might have had to make it clear Darklina is “wrong”, it flopped. They had the best romantic chemistry. Even when they were fighting. Shivers.

The Crows. Flawless. Perfection. Chef kisses. Every single one of my traumatized teenager found family members was perfectly introduces, portrayed and everything was perfectly set up for Six of Crows storyline. Kaz Brekker? Flawless. Freddy Carted had all the aesthetic. Maybe they could have shown more signals of his phobia to being touched, but I guess we’ll see more of that next season. The scene of Kaz vs. Darkling? Didn’t even know I needed it. Of course the one person that could have outsmarted the Darkling would be the Bastard of the Barrel. Kick his shadow summoner ass, baby. Inej? An absolute queen. Her devotion, her faith, her skill. She was simply perfect. Amita Suman is gorgeous and she’s exactly how I pictured Inej to be. Kit Young? He brought the personification of chaotic energy that is Jesper and elevated it to a new plane of existence. Jesper was perfect. His loyalty, his cockiness, his skill, but also his weaknesses, his addiction, his playful side. God, he was amazing.

Nina and Mathias? Nothing to say other than I love them your honor. I loved that they stuck to Nina’s body type and casted a curvier actress. And Mathias? All tall and blonde and stubborn? My sweet, dumb himbo. Their chemistry was amazing too. The scene in the whaler’s cabin? Even better than I imagined it in the books.

The visuals. The Fold. Ketterdam. The keftas, Os Alta, Tsybeya. It was all so beautiful. Ketterdam was almost just as i imagined it. The fold was even better. I think the one mark they missed was the Little Palace (where’s the golden dome?) and Bahgra’s hut (which wasn’t a hut, it was a cave). The Grisha power. The shadows controlled by the Darkling, the light controlled by Alina, Genya’s tailoring, the Summoners in general. It all looked so cool

Special shoutout to Milo the goat. You brought all the cuteness to the Crows.

What they missed:

Mal. Yes, yes, I know a lot of people are very defensive of Mal because he’s the “good guy”. But my thoughts regarding the character and how lowkey toxic he is belong to another post, because this isn’t about Mal in general, but about Show Mal. I think Archie Renaux did great with what was handed to him, but he was handed a pretty dull deck. I had the feeling I was going to like show!Mal much more than Book!Mal. In fact, I didn’t even think it was possible for it to be differently, but it was. I was rolling my eyes at Mal more times in one season of the show than I did in all three books. I saw none of his charming scenes, his womanizer moments, his sarcastic comments that landed so well with the situation. Mal’s sense of humor was one of the key factors that make me like the character to some extent in the books, and I felt none of that in the show. They wanted so badly to show him as this Mr. Right Person for Alina, that it was like that was his only personality trait. They really did Archie Renaux dirty because I’m sure he could have done wonders if the writers had included just a little more of Mal’s humorous side.

Malina. Kind of goes hand in hand. Just like with Mal, I won’t go into why I dislike the ship as a whole, but why I felt like the show missed the mark on it. It felt so incredibly forced, like they were trying to shove it down the audience’s throat. The actors had great chemistry portraying best friends, but I felt 0 romantic chemistry. Look at Kaz and Inej, they never once adressed their relationship directly, and yet the chemistry was still there. So then it seemed like they tried to compensate that by throwing in all those flashback scenes, but you can’t construct a ship solely on that, because we are not following that story, we’re following the present story. The thing about Malina in the books, is that the readers could actually decide for themselves whether they liked it or not, while in the show they were pretty much forcing you to. Also, I felt like they missed Alina’s initial crush on Mal while he didn’t really see her that way at first. If they had included that, maybe it would have seemed a little bit less forced rather than having Mal make heart eyes at her from the first moment.

Zoya. I was low-key disappointed of her because I missed a lot of ehr coldness, her superiority and her elegance. Zoya was this powerful, ambitious grisha, proud, cold, charming, sassy. While they gave her most of her lines from the book, I felt like the show reduced her to simply a local mean girl pinning for the Darkling, with little self control over her emotions, when we know in truth no one had a better control over her emotions than Zoya, and that it takes a lot more than two punches to trigger her. I wanted to see more of the #Queen and less of the #Meangirl

That was pretty much all. The rest of the secondary characters were all good, I just didn’t mention them because I focused on what really popped out to me. I’m excited for season 2, especially to see the Ice Court Heist, and, of course, to see the arrival of our lord and savior Nikolai Lantsov (all though I am terrified of his casting because he’s just one of those character you NEED to be perfect).

#shadow and bone #grishaverse #six of crows #shadow and bone netflix #the darkling #alina starkov #kaz brekker #inej ghafa #jesper #nina zenik #mathias helvar #mal oretsev #zoya nazyalensky #shadow and bone spoilers #beware the: shadow and bone spoilers #out the door (ooc)

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aion-rsa · 4 years ago

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Shadow and Bone Review: Netflix Adaptation Brings the Magic

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This Shadow and Bone review contains no spoilers.

Millions of readers worldwide love young adult fantasy fiction, but even the most wildly popular titles—Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series, Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunters books, Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games trilogy, and many more—are generally written off as “guilty pleasure” escapism, shallow, meaningless stories for people who just aren’t ready to take real literature seriously. (Barf.)

Part of this reaction likely stems from the widespread public backlash to the few young adult fantasy series to gain mainstream popularity, like the Twilight saga or the aforementioned Hunger Games. But, in truth, the dismissive attitude toward these stories most often feels like straight-up misogyny. After all, this is a genre that not only tends to be most openly appreciated by women but also one that unabashedly centers complex female characters in its stories. Often several of them at the same time!

Therefore, the arrival of Netflix’s Shadow and Bone is exciting enough for its own sake: It’s a propulsive story with great characters set in a fascinating, fully realized fantasy world. But it’s also something of a statement: That this sort of fiction—and the women who both champion and most frequently star in it—have an important place in the world of genre storytelling. And, thankfully, this is a series that more than lives up to the pre-release hype.

Leigh Bardugo’s bestselling Grishaverse novels are full of the sorts of details that tend to make for great fantasy television at its most basic level. There’s a war-torn kingdom battling both foreign enemies and an ever-expanding literal darkness, a complex system of magic that both empowers and alienates those who possess it from the bulk of society, and a girl looking for a place to belong who must ultimately claim her own power. (Quite literally in this case.)

Shadow and Bone: Why Netflix Cast Its Fantasy Adaptation With Relative Unknowns

By Kayti Burt

Books

Twilight: What Was The Deal With Jacob and Renesmee?

By Nicole Hill

In the kingdom of Ravka, elite magical soldiers known as Grisha can manipulate matter at its most fundamental levels, allowing their orders to control specific elements like fire (Inferni) and water (Tidemakers), solid objects like metal or textiles (Durasts), and even various aspects of the human body (Healers and Heartrenders). The primary story of Shadow and Bone follows Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li), an orphaned soldier and map maker whose mixed-race heritage has often left her feeling out of place in the only country she’s ever known. (The decision to complicate Alina’s racial background is one made specifically for the Netflix series, by the way, and it’s a great choice.) But when her childhood best friend Malyen Oretsev (Archie Renaux) is named as part of a military unit ordered to cross the deadly Shadow Fold —literally a giant wall of darkness full of monsters that’s hundreds of miles wide—she unleashes a power she never realized she herself possessed. Alina, you see, is not just a Grisha, but a legendary Sun Summoner, whose powerful light-based magic could destroy the Fold forever.

Whisked off by the mysterious General Kirigan (Ben Barnes), the commander of Ravka’s Second Army—a.k.a. the one with all the Grisha in it—to learn to use her newfound abilities, Alina finds herself separated from Mal and everything she’s ever known. Thrust into a world she doesn’t understand and with powers she can’t entirely control, Alina will have to decide whether to trust Kirigan, with his equally rare shadow-based abilities and promises that they can change the world together.

The Netflix drama actually combines two of Bardugo’s book series into one—the fantasy adventure trilogy also titled Shadow and Bone, from which this adaptation takes its name and the bulk of its plot, and the more heist-oriented duology called Six of Crows. Since the latter technically takes place several years after the former, chronologically speaking, the Netflix series invents a prequel plot for key Six of Crows characters Kaz Brekker (Freddy Carter), Inej Ghafa (Amita Suman), Jesper Fahey (Kit Young), and Nina Zenik (Danielle Galligan) that ties them all more firmly into the main Shadow and Bone story.

If you’ve read Bardugo’s books, your mileage is likely to vary on how you feel about this choice. For the most part, it works, even if it takes several episodes for the Crows crew to feel like they aren’t having a completely different adventure on a totally different show. Jesper and Inej particularly benefit from the additional backstory provided here, and Galligan’s Nina is every inch as delightful as anyone might have hoped. Viewers who have not read Six of Crows may struggle to understand precisely what motivates Kaz, but his complicated relationship with Inej is almost compelling enough to make up for it.

In fact, one of the most striking elements of Shadow and Bone is the care it takes with all its central relationships—potentially romantic or otherwise. One of the criticisms most frequently leveled at popular YA fiction is that their stories are often flimsy excuses to create love triangles for fans to fight over. (See also: Gale/Katniss/Peeta, Edward/Bella/Jacob, etc.) But this series actually goes above and beyond in this department, adding a depth and nuance to Alina’s relationship with Mal that isn’t always present in the novel—and has nothing to do with romance. (Though, reader, I ship it a lot.) That same care and thoughtfulness is applied to pairings throughout the show’s canvas, and it’s truly wonderful to see.

Netflix has also clearly spared no expense in its creation of Bardugo’s fictional world, from the dense, crowded streets of Ketterdam to the magic-filled training grounds of Os Alta’s Little Palace. This is a universe that not only feels carefully thought out but fully lived in. Sure, Shadow and Bone might have done a better job of explaining the specifics about how these locations all relate to one another (Kerch is actually a separate country! West Ravka is not!) but it’s hard to be but so angry at something that generally feels like the pages of a beloved story come to life.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

It’s true, Shadow and Bone is not a perfect adaptation of Bardugo’s novels. Several important secondary characters barely seem to merit a mention onscreen here (sorry, David Kostyk), and the rushed sequences at the Little Palace generally leave most of the secondary Grisha and their abilities feeling sadly interchangeable. And the series doesn’t always do the greatest job explaining the basics of Grisha life for casual viewers—I’m not sure it ever really spells out the differences between the various orders, nor does it go into tremendous depth about why things like Morozova’s stag exist. Yet, as a whole, the series feels often feels downright magical, a thrilling adventure that always remains firmly anchored in the story of the complex heroine at its center. Bring on Siege and Storm.

The post Shadow and Bone Review: Netflix Adaptation Brings the Magic appeared first on Den of Geek.

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#aion-rsa #Den of Geek

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ververa · 5 years ago

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Bruised hearts

@misssmephisto thank you for help with the title <3

Tammy x fem!reader

You're the youngest member of the Ocean's family. It didn't really give you a better choice of your life path than being a criminal like all the rest. Well, of course you could be like other people in their early twenties. That's what your grandparents, as it was them who brought you up mostly wanted for you. Go to the university, study the medicine or any other subject that wouldn't be connected with crime. Your grandmother kept on saying that she'd always wanted you to be a doctor. To have a normal, non criminal life, but you were too stubborn. You wanted to show them, especially your father, what you're capable of. Though it didn't exactly go smoothly. The plan you had failed miserably and you ended up in jail just as your aunt did.

There wasn't a way to escape that fix. Even the group of lawyers, that your grandparents had hired, wasn't able to help you avoid the troubles.

"I'm too young to go to jail" you used to laugh, but the court didn't care about your age. You're 19 and sentenced to 5 years in prison. There was no point in fighting. Actually you're hurt too much to even think about it. Your friends, partners in crime set you up. It wasn't that you didn't do that. You did rob the bank, but you didn't do it alone. However, all evidences were against you and so the jail became your new place of stay.

You didn't have an easy time there. Everyone knew who you're and they didn't like you at all.

At the beginning you're a mix of cynicism and confidence. The fact that you couldn't keep your mouth shut didn't spare you from getting into a few fights, in which they beat the brains out of you. Also being young and pretty had a huge impact on their actions.

Luckily for you the court agreed to conditionally release you after 2 years. Mainly because of the poor state of your health. The reason didn't really matter. For you the most important thing was the freedom. You're going to be free again, on certain conditions of course, but everything was better than that hell.

Your parents were death, grandparents were done. They didn't believe the rehabilitation could work in your case and didn't even want to try it, so they sent you to your aunt.

Well actually they'd sent your aunt to pick you up. She didn't have a choice and was basically forced to take you, which made everything worse for you. You hated being a burden, but there you were. Standing outside the building and waiting for her. You're dressed in a black pair of jeans and a pink hoodie. Normally you'd never wear something that's not black, but well that was what your lawyer had brought you from your grandparents' house to wear. It was of course your grandmother's idea to buy you that pink shit, but did you have a choice? So, you put it on. You were well aware that you looked nothing, but ridiculous in that pink clothing and with your black eye, but lip and tattoos on your hands that were still visible despite the long sleeves your hoodie had. You could feel the guards looking at you, but luckily your aunt arrived and finally you're able to hide in the car.

There she was - Deborah Ocean in person.

"You decided to change your style or something?" she joked looking at you "Also what happened to your face?"

"Well, that shit is what grandma has sent me" you pointed to the hoodie "And my face… let's say that people in jail don't like me"

"Okay. I get it. Well, when we get home I'll give you something, so you can take off that piece of shit… and we'll take care of your face too"

You smiled. It's been a long time since you had seen each other, but your bond was so strong that no time could empoverish it. Debbie was your godmother and since your biological mother died she was far more. She was the only real mother figure you had ever had. And being close to her alone made you feel a bit more safe and calm. Though you still couldn't forget about your negative experiences from prison.

"You look like a shit" Lou stated as soon as you entered

"It's nice to see you too"

"Oooh, come here" she pulled you into a hug

"Ow!"

"What? What's wrong?"

"Well, I had my ribs broken, but it's a long and boring story"

Lou looked at Debbie, but said nothing.

"Anyway" began your aunt "We're going to stay here for now. I'll show you your room. Lou, could you give Y/N something else to wear?"

"Sure" she nodded

"We're going to meet with the rest today. So you'll meet the whole squad" Debbie said leading you to your room

"Cool"

"And we'll need to lay down some rules"

After Lou gave you some normal clothes you decided to go to your old place and get yourself your own stuff. It took you more than you expected, so when you finally came back it was already the evening. You entered the warehouse and slowly closed the door not realising that the place was full of people. You turned back ready to head out to your room and you froze. You stood there dumbfounded with your mouth full of gum, (which you couldn't help and needed to buy, simply because you had forgotten how it tastes) and the group of 7 women, from who you knew only 2, was looking at you.

"Who the fuck are you?" asked the one with dreadlocks

"Guys" Debbie started coming towards you "This is my niece. Y/N"

"Niece? You mean… she's Danny's daughter?"

"Yes, exactly" Lou answered moving to stand next to you "Y/N, meet our squad. Nine Ball, Amita, Constance, Rose and Tammy"

"Hi…" you said

"Okay. It's time to establish rules. Y/N is now living here, though she's not allowed to be around the heist or any other things like that. You hear me?" she looked at you

"Yes, boss" you nodded

"Why? I mean is that an overprotective mothers' thing or what?" asked Constance

"Not really" said Lou

"She just got out of jail and we don't want her to go back there, right?"

"Yeah" you chimed in

"So, you're allowed to help here, but you can't leave and you know… just don't break the law and try to be invisible"

You did as you're told. You acted as if you weren't there, though it turned out to be harder than you assumed at first. They let you help, of course, but not in the way you'd want to. They treated you more like a servant who was doing all the donkey work. They were hungry? You're there to buy and bring the food. They needed a transport? You're there to drive them anywhere. It got to the point that you're taking care of Nine Ball's sister and taking Amita's mother to the doctor, because Debbie needed them at that time. The only one who wasn't using you seemed to be Tammy. She was always so kind and you found it strange. You're so used to being treated badly by everyone that you simply didn't know how to act around her. It was hard to explain, but even though you're done and frustrated with all the rest, when she appeared you're just happy. You're so genuinely happy that you couldn't stop smiling, which probably made you look like an idiot.

It was one evening, when both Nine Ball and Tammy were staying at your place for the night. You're supposed to share your room with Nine Ball. It was fun, but only at the beginning. After some time you're done. As you got out of prison you wanted space. You craved privacy and peace more than anything, so you left the room and went out to the balcony. You're enjoying the night and your own company, when she appeared from nowhere.

"You'll catch a cold" you turned back and saw Tammy

She was dressed in a white T-shirt, black jogging pants and a long grey cardigan sweater. Her blonde curls were falling on her shoulders and she looked even more adorable than usually.

"What are you doing here? It's late you know"

"I can't sleep" you smiled weakly "I just you know… don't like sharing room with anyone I guess"

"Why? I mean… well when I was younger I really liked spending nights at my friend's. You know we had pyjama parties" she smiled at the reminiscence

You didn't say anything. It was hard to talk about jail, so you preferred not to talk at all.

"Nice tattoos by the way" she said

Only then did you realise you're there only in a T-shirt and shorts that were exposing your ink-covered hands and legs.

"Thanks" you said shyly

"Does each one of them has a special meaning?"

"Probably…" you shrugged

"Okay. You're part of a "don't ask, don't tell" culture. I get it"

"No. I mean yes. I mean not exactly…" you started rambling

"It's okay. I'm fine with it. We don't need to talk if you don't want to"

"No. I mean I want to just I… I'm not like me since I got out. I'm still trying to get used to being free, but it's hard when all I'm doing all the time is being a kind of servant"

"You're not a servant! Well, I was going to ask you if you'd like to help me with... you know the fence's things" she laughed "I thought that since you cannot really be around heists maybe you'd like that"

"I would love that" you said happily

"So, have you ever worked with any fence before or… am I your first?" Tammy asked arching her eyebrow playfully

"Oh, well, yeah… I guess I did. Though you're the best of them all"

" You're sweet" she smiled and wanted to say something more, but her phone called "I'm sorry, it's my son"

"It's okay"

Tammy smiled apologetically and pick up the phone. Listening to her talking with the kid made your heart melt. She was so kind and caring. She was perfect and just by listening you could say she was a great mother.

"We want to tell you something" Lou said that evening when you're all gathered in the living room of the warehouse

"Yeah?" Constance began

"What's up guys?" Tammy asked

"So…" Lou continued

"We're together" Debbie finished for her

"We know that already" Amita said

"You do?" Lou looked at us

"Told you, you're a little family with your dear daughter Y/N" Nine Ball affirmed

"Ooo guys, but I was always curious" Constance began

"Curious about?" Debbie asked

"Who's the top?"

You almost choked with the juice you're drinking.

"Are you okay?" Tammy asked

You only nodded not being able to speak.

"I am" both Debbie and Lou said at the same time

"I don't want to listen to it" you said standing up and making your way to the balcony

You stood there for a while alone, before Tammy joined you.

"You alright?"

"Yeah. Just listening about my aunt's sexual life is not my thing"

Tammy laughed

"I see"

"By the way" you began "Your kids are really lucky to have such a mother like you. I mean you're for sure a great mother. You're so kind, caring and patient"

"Thank you. But I think I'm nothing special. I mean I'm like all the other mothers. Yours is the same probably"

"Actually no. My mother died when I was a kid"

"Oh my god. I'm really sorry. I didn't know"

"It's okay"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure"

"How it happened that you ended up in jail?"

"Well it just probably that I'm attracting all the possible problems and I tend to trust wrong people… and you know it kind of scares me. I don't want to go back to prison, but knowing me…"

"Not this time, sweetheart. I'll keep an eye on you and nothing bad will happen"

There were only 4 days to the heist when the babysitter, who were taking care of Tammy's children got sick.

"Deb, I can't stay. I need to go and take care of my children" Tammy said collecting her things

"You cannot work not being here" Ocean stated

"I know that. I'm really sorry, but I have to go"

"Tammy, we need you here. I need you here"

"My children need me too. I'm the mother. In responsible for two living human beings, who are too little to stay in their own"

"Y/N will go" Debbie said as you entered the room

"Will go where?" you asked confused

"You'll go to Tammy's house and stay with her kids for a few days"

The word 'kids' hit you harder than anything. You had never been responsible for any other breathing creature other than yourself and the thought of not only one, but two little kids scared the shit out of you. The three of you stood there in an awkward silence for a few minutes. They're both looking at you with anticipation. Debbie's look was nagging. She didn't hear a 'no' too often, so for her it was rather obvious that you must agree. It was different with Tammy. She didn't want to push you into anything, definitely not into staying with her children, who she knew can be bratty at times. She was looking at you and you could say she's worried and stressed. How could you say no to those beautiful, brown eyes? How could you say no to the woman that you absolutely adored?

"Okay. I will" you agreed

"You will?" Tammy exclaimed

"I will" you repeated

"I don't know how to thank you" Tammy said when you're on the way to their school

"You're welcome TamTam" you said and realised that you actually used the nickname "Oh shit. Sorry. I…"

"No no. It's okay. You can call me 'TamTam'. I like it" she smiled

You reciprocated the action and nodded.

"Aren't you afraid of you know… leaving your kids with me?"

"No" she answered "No" she looked at you "Why would I?" she asked frowning

"I was in jail…"

"So what?"

"Usually normal people…"

"Sunshine, I'm the fence. I'm definitely not a normal person" she laughed "Look, we all make mistakes sometimes, but it's normal. We're only humans after all"

"But…"

"I'm more worried about you than them. I know they'll be safe with you" she said placing her hand on top of yours

"I'll be fine" you smiled looking at her hand.

"I hope so" she said lightly squeezing your hand

The kids ran to their mother as soon as they saw her.

"Hi guys" Tammy greeted them

"Your back!" a girl exclaimed

"We've missed you" a boy said shyly

"Oooh, I missed you too" she hugged them

"Mommy! Mommy! Bella invited me to her birthday. Can I go?" the girl asked excitedly

"I think you can…"

"Ooo I won the competition for the best drawing"

"That's great sweetie"

"If May can go to Bella, can I go to Matt?"

"Sure buddy"

You watched Tammy listening to her kids rambling, before she finally managed to cut them off.

"Hey! Hey guys! We'll talk about it all later. I want you to meet someone" she turned back to look at you "Mabel, Max this is Y/N"

And in one second all their attention was on you.

"Hi" you said

"Hello, I'm Mabel" the girl smiled sweetly, just like her mother always did

"It's nice to meet you" you smiled back "And it's nice to meet you too" you moved towards the boy, who seemed to be shy "I'm Y/N" you offered him your hand

"I'm Max"

"That's a cool name"

"Thanks"

"Listen, I need to go back to the town for a few more days and Y/N is going to stay with you"

The kids nodded.

"Let's go back home, okay?"

"Can I sit in the front seat?" asked Mabel

Tammy looked at you questioningly

"Sure" you said

"Thank you" Mabel said happily

"You're welcome"

You sat at the back seat with Max, who got really interested by your tattoos. So you started telling him various stories about each of them. You got so absorbed that at first you didn't notice Tammy looking at the two of you in the rear-view mirror. But when you did, oh man, that huge grin on her face. Your eyes met in the mirror and the only thing you could do was smile shyly, as you could feel how your cheeks turned pink.

"When will you come back?" Max asked

"Soon. Mommy will be back as soon as possible" Tammy hugged the boy and kissed the top of his head "Come here" she addressed Mable "Be a good girl and help Y/N take care of your brother, okay?"

The girl nodded and then took her brother home leaving the two of you alone.

"Y/N, I don't know how to thank you"

"There's no need to thank me"

"I promise I'll make it up to you. If anything happens call me. I'll be calling everyday. They can be bratty, so if anything don't go easy on them"

"Don't worry. I'll handle everything"

"I know you will"

"Okay. You should go back, it's getting late and we don't want you to drive at night, do we?"

"Of course not" she smiled

Tammy came closer and hugged you. She wanted to kiss your cheek, but at the same time you wanted to say something more. And that's when it happened. Her lips were on yours.

"Oh fuck, TamTam, I'm so sorry" you immediately stepped back terrified of what had happened

"First don't curse. Second, it's okay. It wasn't your fault. Well actually it was nobody's fault. I don't know if we can even talk about any fault. Never mind, have a good night sweetheart. I'll call you when I'm back at Lou's"

You only nodded not trusting your voice. You waited until she drove away and then entered the house. You touched your lips remembering the gentle touch of her lips. You wanted to memorise it, knowing that it was the first and probably the last time when you were that close.

Tammy's kids were simply adorable. And you couldn't help, but like them more and more with each day.

They're siblings, but they're completely different. Mabel - was older. She's 7 and definitely was more outgoing than her brother. She was a little chatterbox and it was impossible for anyone to outtalk her. Of course you're the exception to this. It was only thanks to the fact that you knew a few different languages and your ability to talk in them amazed the girl to the point when she was just silent and wanted to listen to you instead of talking.

Max was completely different. He's 2 years younger than Mabel. And if you hadn't knew better you'd say he's just shy, but with all the experience that you had after being in prison you knew almost at once that he was bullied. You tried to talk with him about it and wanted to find a way to help him, but he closed up feeling too insecure.

"Mabel, do you know who's bullying your brother?" you asked the girl one evening

"I'm not sure, but I think it's the PE teacher. You know Max doesn't really like to play any sports… and the man is just rude"

"Did he talk about it with your parents?"

"He tried and told our dad, but he told him to stop blubbing. You know, our dad sometimes get really nervous…"

It took you some time to finally got to the boy. He told you everything about the teacher, who kept on poking fun at him, because he was smaller than other boys and didn't like playing with the rest. When you found out that Max got a suspension, because of that arsehole you seethed with anger.

You didn't really think it over. The next day you just called your friends - two muscular men - and went to school. You didn't need to try to hard, as the two men accompanying you were enough to scared the shit out of the guy. You just put things straight.

You knew it helped when you picked the kids up later that day. Max was talking all the way back home, not giving his sister a chance to cut him off. He was so excited and happy.

"You're so much better than our dad" Mabel said when you're sitting in the living room "You took care of Max. You never yell and you're not rude towards mommy..." she counted as you're getting ready to brush her long hair

You didn't know what to say. Luckily for you Max rescued you - stating excitedly that Tammy's calling. She was doing it every evening. It was a kind of habit - her checking on children and partially on you too. You're usually brushing Mabel's honey hair and just listening to them talking. But that time it's different. Instead of calling on the phone Tammy used Skype, so Max put his laptop on the coffee table right in front of you and Mabel.

They're telling her about their days, how it's at school and so on. But you stayed silent. You're still thinking about what Mabel told you and were definitely too focused on the girl's hair to even notice that Max climbed onto the sofa and hugged you from behind. You're already used to. He was doing it basically every evening, though Tammy hadn't called on Skype before. For her it was the first time to see the three of you like that - you on the sofa with Mabel sitting on the floor, between your legs, so that you could have a better access to her hair and Max - almost completely leaning against your back, with his tiny hands embracing you in a hug. That was absolutely incredible for Tammy, because her son hugged nobody, but her. When you're finally done with Mabel's hair you looked up only to see Tammy starring at you with something that you hadn't seen in her eyes before.

"It's time to sleep" she stated still looking at you

"Noooo" "We don't want to" the kids started complaining

"Hey, guys no. Your mom is right. It's late and tomorrow you both have school. It's time for bed" you said

They exchanged a knowing look and went for a hug. You hugged them both and soon they disappeared in their rooms.

"What?" you asked seeing Tammy's surprised face

"Nothing. Just you… I don't know how you did that, but my kids adore you"

"That's my charm" you joked

"I have no doubts it's that" she smiled

You blushed and you're sure that your heart skipped a beat.

"You should get some sleep too, TamTam"

"Yeah, probably. Well, my charming lady, I'll come to see you tomorrow"

Tammy couldn't remember the last time she left her children for that long. She missed them and that was something normal, but missing you? She was confused because of the feelings she couldn't identify with anything she had felt before.

The evening of the Gala finally arrived. Everything was ready. They were ready.

Tammy was on her position, completely focused on her task until she saw you. Her eyes widened as she noticed you dressed in a black suit. You smiled at her and for those few seconds nothing around her matter.

"Ask her out already" Nine Ball whispered passing next to her

"It's about the time" she heard Lou's voice

"I don't know what you're talking about" she said readjusting a headset in her ear

"Are you kidding me? Are you seriously that oblivious to it TamTam? Can't you see it?"

"Geez Lou! See what?"

"The way her face lights up every time she sees you"

"Ladies, can you postpone this talk?" Debbie spoke up "Also, we need to talk TamTam"

"Deborah Ocean, stop it, right now. Don't stress Tammy out"

"I'm only saying that if she's into my niece, we need to talk about it"

"Can we maybe focus and stick to the plan?" Tammy asked

"Don't think you can go without it, TamTam. That's not how things work"

You didn't really participate in the heist. You're there only for a few minutes, as you helped Lou get in the building. You let them work and waited till they're done. You wanted to pick Tammy up. She didn't ask you to, but you just felt like that. And just because you could you did it. Sitting in the car you got a bit impatient, but when you finally saw her again you came to the conclusion that the sight was worth it. She looked gorgeous in that long, black dress. Even more beautiful than usual, which you thought was impossible.

Tammy spotted you immediately. She was approaching you and your eyes were glued to her figure.

"You look…" you didn't have a chance to finish, because she cut you off with a kiss

For a few seconds you didn't know what was happening. You needed a moment to process things, but when you finally did you happily kissed her back.

"Will you stay with me?" she asked

You weren't able to speak, so you only nodded and she smiled again.

"I want all of you tonight" Tammy said gently pushing you on her bed

You let her take off your jacket and watched as she was stripping off the dress. You felt great. Amazing actually, until she reached and wanted to take off your shirt. That's when you freaked out.

"Wait. No. I can't…"

"What?" she asked confused

"I…"

"Did I pressure you? It's too fast? I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I didn't mean to…"

"No" you cut her off "No. I promise, you didn't pressure. It's just… do you remember our talk when you said I'm a part of a "don't ask, don't talk" culture?"

"Yes" she nodded

"It's not I didn't want to tell you. I wanted to, because I trust you and you… you're always so nice and caring. And you make me feel safe, but it's hard. I don't want you to change your opinion about me…"

"Sweetheart, I could never" she leaned in and kissed your forehead "Look, we don't have to do anything now. You can tell me about it whenever you're ready and want to. Okay?"

"I want to tell you now"

"Okay"

And you did. You opened up and welcomed her to the darkest side of your mind. You told her about everything that other inmates had done to you. How they're harassing you under the showers. How the guards made you strip for them and how they're touching you. You told her about each time you were trying to fight back and got beaten. You confided in her completely.

Tammy barely managed to stop her tears from falling.

"Honey, I'm so sorry that it all happened. But you're safe now. I'll never hurt you. I'll never disrespect you… if you let me I'll always love you"

Instead of responding you slowly took off your shirt.

"You sure?"

"Yes" you whispered

"If you change your mind just tell me and I'll stop"

You nodded and Tammy kissed you deeply.

You let her explore every part of your body. She made sure you're comfortable with being completely exposed to her and looking at you with awe start saying how perfect and beautiful you're. To prove her point Tammy made sure to kiss every inch of your body. She showed you what real love feels like and that was truly amazing. She smiled fondly seeing that you're about to pass out from exhaustion. And so she pulled you close to herself and let you sleep almost completely on top of her. Falling asleep to the steady beat of her heart felt incredible. And you're pretty sure that she was everything you may ever wanted in your life.

But it was too perfect. It couldn't last forever, could it?

The problems started in the morning. A sudden noise woke you up. You opened your eyes only to see the empty bed. You groaned slowly getting up. You were too sleepy to look for your clothes, so you put on one of Tammy's lovely sweaters. As you're moving towards the door you heard Tammy's voice. She's arguing with someone

"What are you doing here?" she asked

"I'm living here. That's my fucking house!" you heard a male voice and realised it's her ex husband that she was arguing with

"No it's not. It's not your house any more"

"It is!!!"

"Shut up. You'll wake up the kids"

"I want to wake them up. It's time to play with daddy"

"Ow god. You're drunk"

"I'm not drunk!"

"I told you to stop yelling"

"Don't tell me what to do. This is my house! You hear me bitch?"

"Watch your language jerk" you said standing beside Tammy

"Who the fuck are you?"

"Here we go again" you rolled your eyes

The man looked at you then at Tammy.

"You slut!" he yelled "You cheated on me!"

"What? Are you insane?! You're not my husband any more"

"You think you can leave me just like that?" he moved in Tammy's direction and she instinctively took a step back

He looked as if he wanted to hit her and that's when you acted. You stepped between them and pushed him back.

"Get out of here" you said

He looked at you, but didn't move.

"Do you need me to spell it for you or what?"

"You think you're something special for her? That she loves you? You're nobody! You're her toy. A slut like her…" he didn't finish, because something inside you snapped and you punched him

"Y/N!" Tammy screamed

"You bitch! You broke my nose!" he yelled

You didn't think about the consequences your act may have. How could you foresee that he would go to the police?

In your situation it meant only one - coming back to prison.

Two police officers came and took you when Tammy was at Lou's. They immediately handcuffed you and then made you put on an orange prison uniform.

"You happy to come back? They're missing you" one of the guards said before locking you in cell

You said nothing. You weren't able to speak, as you're slowly cracking from inside. The thought of coming back to that hell was paralyzing you. You sat down on the floor and curled into a ball. All bad memories were back and you couldn't stop thinking about what had happened. You could already feel the pain that was going to come again. But the thought of that wasn't the worst. The worst was your second guessing what happened between you and Tammy the previous night. She wasn't really talking to you since you hit her ex husband and it made you feel insecure. You're on the verge of tearing up, when suddenly someone opened your cell.

"Get up! You're leaving"

You shook your head. You didn't want to go. You didn't want to go back to that hell. As the guard was approaching you the tears began to flow. You closed your eyes for a mere second trying to compose yourself and then suddenly he uncuffed you. You looked at your free hands and then at the guard.

"You're free" he stated

Was it a joke? You didn't know what was going on, but followed the man to the exit.

There she was. Tammy in all her glory. She was waiting for you and as soon as she saw you she moved towards you. When she embraced you in a tight hug you couldn't hold it back any more. All the stress and fear of the possibility of going back to prison made you broke down.

"Shhhh. Hush baby" Tammy soothed "Hush. Everything is alright"

"I-I thought…I'll never see you again. I t-thought they'll take me back to that he'll" you sobbed

"Oh honey, did you really think I'd let them do that? I promised you to keep an eye on you, didn't I?"

You chuckled at the memory

"Yes" you nodded

"Also, I hope you know that when I asked if you'll stay I didn't mean only one night" she smiled and kissed you

#hope you like it #let me know what you think #tammy #tammy x reader #sarah paulson x reader #sarah paulson imagine #ocean's 8 #ocean's eight

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fruitso · 5 years ago

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Anemone: Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution Analysis + Theories!

Okay, so here are my thoughts/ramblings on what’s going on in “Anemone: Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution” and what it means for the series and the future. Obviously spoilers, so read below at your own discretion.

The biggest question for anyone going in who is familiar with the series is: where are we? The world we see is obviously NOT the one we’re introduced to in the first film. This is an Earth that is not covered by the scab coral, so is it from the past? An alternate dimension? It’s similar to the alternate Earth we see in Eureka Seven AO (there’s even a Generation Bleu sign in one of the backgrounds), though there aren’t any LFO or IFOs.

Now, this film does establish that alternate worlds exist, so that latter option isn’t too far fetched. However that doesn’t explain why certain characters like Anemone and Mischa exist in this world, while others like Renton or the rest of the Gekko crew don’t. And if you recall from the first film, there were posters of Anemone around, so SHE clearly existed in some form in that world.

And then there’s Dewey. He’s the biggest clue to what is really going on, since he is the one with seeming knowledge about these alternate worlds. It’s not entirely clear yet what his deal is, or even how he got there. The last time we saw him, he’d been attacked by the Silver Box’s red ribbons, but appeared to be okay afterward—if a little shaken. From what Dr. Bear says, they found Dewey shortly after the scab coral began appearing in their world, and Dewey mentions something about being caught up in it. So was Dewey somehow split into two worlds following the events of the Summer of Love? And what’s going on with his eyes when he releases himself at the end? I assume we’ll find that out in the following film (though I’m guessing it has something to do with Silver Box), but as to how he arrived in this world, I have a theory, which also ties into what’s going on with Eureka.

So when explaining what’s going on to Dr. Bear and Anemone, Dewey talks about a Child of God being chosen to be sacrificed, and that where he came from it was Renton who was chosen and subsequently killed. It’s hard to tell whether Dewey is simply mad at this point, but he does go on to talk about how the Child of God was sent to show God’s mercy, but not to use that power for evil. He also says that the child fell to the “witch”—the witch being Eureka. However there’s later a discrepancy, at the end of the film when the scab coral mutates into that monstrous form, Dewey tells Dr. Bear that the Child was “swallowed up” by God’s power and then abandoned when he tried to demonstrate that power “fairly”. Before he kills(?) Dr. Bear, Dewey says that since the Child won’t do it, HE will, and then proclaims that the incarnation is “complete” and that the world will be overwritten by him. So I think it’s safe to say he was lying about Renton dying—or he was unclear about what happened to Renton. However this still doesn’t explain what he’s talking about, since Renton was only a kid when the Summer of Love happened. Unless the ‘sacrifice’ he’s talking about was when Eureka went through Acperience…

Okay, so this point is muddled partly because the first film did such a poor job of providing clarity, but this is what I think happened. In the first film, after the Summer of Love, Eureka is placed within the custody of Facility Guard—that universe’s version of the Gekko State. The purpose of the Guard is ostensibly to keep a watch over Eureka, but Holland plans on going rogue and taking her and the Nirvash away from the Federation. Now either before or after this rebellion, the Gekko arrives in Bell Forest where Renton is attending a middle-school/military academy while his adoptive parents, Charles and Ray, are taking vacation. Eureka and the Nirvash crash into Renton’s home, just like in the series, and presumably that’s when Renton decides to join the Gekko. Renton ends up developing feelings for Eureka and wants to ‘free’ her like she did for him, and so they somehow end up trying to go through Acperience. How and why is never clear (though according to Eureka’s dialogue in the second film, it’s because they went to the Silver Box, though the first film doesn’t clarify this) but afterward Eureka ends up in her scab form, at which point Holland forbids Renton from contact with Eureka and he runs away.

SO, this is probably what Dewey is talking about when he mentions that the Child was “swallowed up” by God’s power, since during the Acperience we see that Eureka’s arm begins mutating and threatens to swallow up Renton. But how he could be aware of this is unclear, as is what Dewey believes is the ‘proper’ use of God’s power. (I’m also assuming “God’s power” in this case is the Nirvash, and/or the Amita Drive).

Speaking of Acperience and Eureka, this is also an important point of divergence between the two films. In that first film, we saw that Renton stopped the Acperience when he grabbed the Amita Drive before Eureka’s arm could swallow him, and afterward discovered Eureka had reversed into her Scab form. BUT in the second film, when Anemone finally confronts Eureka, she claims that she did kill Renton when her arm swallowed him, and that she woke up alone in her scab form. At that point Eureka says she began to use the Silver Box’s power to dream up alternate realities in an effort to bring Renton back to life. We’re then treated to a montage of various scenes and images from all the entries in the Eureka Seven franchise—the series, 2009 film, AO, Hi-Evolution, and even the video game and manga! (I have thoughts on this, but I’ll get to them later)

This is apparently why the scab coral were taking over Anemone’s world, as each dream Eureka tried to conjure into existence ended up forming more of the scab. However it’s shown that Eureka was wrong: Renton didn’t die. At the end of the film, the Nirvash type Z appears out of an egg (which Dewey calls the “Guide to Nirvana” and apparently its “final form”?) which Eureka feels is calling her, before the scene transitions literally to another world where we see Renton holding up the Compact Drive (and also wearing his costume from episode 50).

So what I think this means is that Renton and Eureka went to the Silver Box where they were sucked into Acperience. Renton managed to get them out, but a part of Eureka was absorbed into Silver Box, and that part believed she had killed Renton and thus fell into despair, and at that point started dreaming up those alternate realities. This somehow began manifesting in Anemone’s world as giant scab coral which began to overtake the planet. Dewey somehow ended up in that world and taken prisoner, where he revealed that the scab’s core was Eureka. Thus dubbed “Eureka Seven”, the government formed ASSID and Anemone’s father found a way to enter the scab’s consciousness through “diving” technology. He, and a team of girls labeled the Super Six tried to infiltrate and destroy the scab through the inside, but each of them were absorbed by the scab, later manifesting as the cores of the giant mech Nirvash X which appears to defend the scab coral from attackers.

Now at this point, what is still unclear is what happened between the end of Hi-Evo 1 and this film; when we left Renton in the first film he was on his way to reunite with Eureka (and the text tells us this would occur within 18 hours). It was also before Charles and Ray were to attack the Gekko to kill Eureka on orders from the Federation. But at the end of the second film, after Anemone and Eureka escape the Command Cluster and/or Silver Box, the crew of the Gekko as well as Charles and Ray appear from the destroyed scab coral, as well as the girls of the Super Six. However Renton is still apparently on another world. So why did the Gekko and the Beams appear? My theory: it has something to do with the Eureka that Renton managed to rescue from Acperience. In the first film, we clearly see that Eureka was conscious after Renton pulled her out from the scab. And when we left things off in that film, the Gekko was about to be attacked by Charles and Ray, like we saw in the original series. So I think something happened with Eureka when Charles and Ray infiltrated the Gekko which absorbed them all and transported them into the scab coral forming in Anemone’s world. Of course this raises the question of what happened to the Eureka of that world, and how far the “Eureka Seven” scab coral was spreading—was it just Anemone’s world, or were more realities affected?

The answers I feel all lie with Silver Box and the nature of all these alternate worlds. There’s still a lot about Silver Box that we don’t know, but it’s clear it can reveal and affect multiple worlds. When Adrock stops the Summer of Love event, he sees a vision of multiple planets and an infinity symbol which morphs into a cube. At the end of the second film when we transition to Renton on the other world, we see that same cube again briefly, but red. Could this be similar to the Quartz from AO, which allowed the scab to travel to alternate dimensions? Adroc does say something about what he sees being the “true world”.

And this ties into the montage when Eureka talks about the realities she created. Dewey mentions that these worlds are garbage remnants created by a false God, as opposed to the true worlds. I don’t think this is supposed to mean that all the previous entries in the Eureka Seven franchise are ‘false’; when we see the worlds that Eureka came up with in the scab coral, they’re just random scenarios from the series that have nothing to do with the other entries. However I think when we see that montage, it’s supposed to represent the alternate worlds that Eureka saw when she was within the Silver Box, not necessarily the ones she created, because she says that no matter how many times she dreamed she couldn’t bring Renton back to life, even though Renton never dies in any of the other E7 entries.

So what will happen next? Well I think it’s clear that Eureka is going to take the Nirvash Z and use it to find Renton, which supposedly will bring them to ‘Nirvana’. What is Nirvana? My guess is that it’s something that will tie into all the alternate universes. Dewey says that God doesn’t destroy a world he creates, but rather “washes away the evil society and rebuilds it”. This sounds a lot like the Limit of Questions, which in the original series was explained as an event which would collapse reality if too much sentient life existed in the same space, and I imagine that Dewey’s role in the next film will be to bring about a similar event across all the alternate worlds.

#Eureka Seven #Anemone #Hi-Evolution #anime

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