#He will definitely say “this is the smell of Tahiti”

[gremlin-boah]

100% handing this over to Dutch.

(It does smell very good 👍)

TAHITI?!?

Hmmm. Tahiti Island Dream.

Thank you @maecollins.

I just know he'll never shut up how good it smells.

[honey-andtea1889]

Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice

AN: Hi babies! So I am obsessed with Fall and I want to do this with someone eventually because I’m v lonely and want to express my hopeless romantic side to literally everyone on the Internet lol and I chose the song because this is literally one of my favorite songs ever and I feel like it fits so well with this!! Please request things my lovelies! 

Summary: Matthew just wants to spend his one day off with Y/N

Song: I Remember You by Seth MacFarlane

Warnings: Extreme fluff, like might make you puke glitter kinda fluff

Word Count: 1974 (kinda small but still)

October is one of Matthew’s favorite months. He loved the smell of the fresh fall air, the crunchy leaves under his feet, Halloween, and just the overall aesthetic of the season. He also enjoyed the cooler temperatures only because that meant more snuggles from his girl. It’s been hard recently due to filming movies and working on his new book, but you were so understanding of it all. That’s what Matthew adored about you.

You knew that with dating an actor, he’d be away filming movies or tv shows, doing what he loves. That’s what you admired about Matthew. He was so passionate about his work and took pride in everything he did. You were so proud of him and everything he accomplished. Not to say he wasn’t proud of you either. You had been attending college and you’ve been working so hard with your course work. 

One of the props to days like this is that both you and Matthew had the day off together. You both had been working so hard and definitely deserved a break. It was also very rare that the two of you had days off together. Usually, it would alternate which made it hard to see each other throughout the day but you two always made time in the evening to catch up and talk about how the day went.

Matthew woke up to the warm feeling of the Fall sun beaming through the shared bedroom. He rubbed his eyes and yawned as he turned over to you. A smile graced his face as he saw you asleep next to him. He ran his fingers over your cheek as he admired your features. He noticed how your mouth was slightly opened as you breathed in and out. Your hair was a messy due to tossing and turning, dreaming sweet dreams. The blankets covered you comfortably, making you look like a cute little burrito.

Matthew could feel his heart expand and he studied you. Your eyes soon flutter open to be met with his chocolate brown eyes. You smile and snuggle closer to him, feeling his body heat take over you.

“Good morning, Darling.” Matthew whispered, kissing your head.

“Good morning, my love.” You smiled.

You glanced up at the man you are so lucky to call your boyfriend and begin to play with his hair. He chuckles as you continue to tamper with the growing locks that you’ve come to adore oh so much. 

You and Matthew have been dating for almost two years now, which was a huge accomplishment on your end because you weren’t really into the dating scene. He was actually the first person in a long time to have you even consider dating. It was almost love at first sight. the two of you have pretty much been inseparable since. 

Matthew kissed your lips sweetly as you snuggled into his neck. 

“So, what’re our plans today lovie? You choose.” You said as you ran your fingers up and down his chest. 

Matthew sighed contently and thought about the one thing he’d want to do. His smile began to break through as he looked down at you with gleaming eyes. You raised an eyebrow as he bit into his lip. 

“If you want my honest answer, I really just want to stay home with you. maybe we can bake up some stuff and watch a movie! We haven’t really had a day where we just stayed home and relaxed with each other, think we may be long overdue for that.” Matthew grinned. 

You beamed at the idea. 

He wasn’t wrong. The two of you never really had an at home day. Either you were at school or the library and Matthew was out doing actor stuff. It wasn’t easy and sometimes, it became very stressful on you both. An R&R (rest and relaxation) day is just what the Doctor ordered. 

“Okay! Do you want breakfast?” You asked as you shot out of bed. 

Matthew chuckled at your enthusiasm, moving over and planting his feet on the floor. 

“That doesn’t sound bad. But if I can be frank, we do have pancakes and eggs often, can I make a new suggestion?” He asked. 

“Of course baby, I never mind switching things up.” You winked. 

Matthew smirked back at you as he stood up and stretched out his lanky limbs. 

“How about Cinnamon Rolls? My mom could text me her recipe and we can make them ourselves!” he said as he made his way to you. 

You giggled as you took his hand and led the way downstairs into your shared kitchen. You and Matthew have been living together for about three months now and you couldn’t be happier. He had asked while you were having lunch together at a little Bistro down the block from your college. Your heart had filled with so much love that you squealed in the middle of the small café, causing customers to stare at you two. Since then, you’ve made his snug little home into yours. 

Matthew was awaiting the text from his mom while you began to make some pumpkin spice coffee. It was one of your favorite flavors, and with how the weather was, it only made sense to divulge into the sweet flavored coffee. Matthew chuckled at your choice of drink. He didn’t mind the flavor but it wasn’t his favorite. However, he knew how you felt about it, so he never even tried to poke fun at it. 

“Ya know what movie you wanna watch?” He asked, looking up from his phone. 

“I know it’s super corny, but The Nightmare Before Christmas. I haven’t seen it in a while.” You said as you finished making your coffee. 

You took a sip of the warm liquid and sighed happily. Matthew smiled. His phone soon binged, signaling that his mother had responded with the recipe for her famous Cinnamon Rolls. Matthew handed the phone to you. You looked at the recipe and began to grab the ingredients. You began to follow the steps to create the delicious pastry. Matthew watched with attentive, loving eyes. 

Matthew had been thinking about your futures together. He knew he wanted to be with you for the rest of his life, he just wasn’t sure how or when he should do it. All of his friends pushed him to ask, hell even his older sister was wanting them to tie the damn knot. He just wasn't sure when was the right time. 

You slipped the freshly twisted cinnamon rolls in the oven. You cleaned up a bit and went back to sipping your coffee. 

“Do you think they’ll be as good as your mom’s?” You asked. 

“Of course they will, darling. Your cooking is amazing!” Matthew boasted. 

“Well thank you, lovie. I greatly appreciate it.” You smiled. 

Matthew leaned over the counter and pecked your lips softly. You softly placed your hand on his cheek after he pulled away and studied his features. His deep brown eyes were something you could get lost in. He had the cutest little button nose, and his full lips were a dream that you so enjoyed on yours. In your eyes, he is the most perfect human, your perfect human. 

“You know what we need? Some music!” You squealed. 

You turned to your phone and searched for the song that you and Matthew immensely enjoyed. You typed in I Remember You sung by Seth Macfarlane. Matthew broke into a smile as the sweet song began to play through the speakers. 

Was it in Tahiti? Were we on the Nile? Long, long ago Say an hour or so I recall that I saw your smile

You grinned as you slowly swayed to the song. The warm feeling took over you as the song continued. 

I remember you You're the one who made My dreams come true A few kisses ago

Matthew made his way over to you, his arms wrapping around your waist and carefully taking your delicate hand in his. The two of you began to slow dance in your kitchen, the smell of cinnamon rolls and pumpkin spice engulfing the both of you and the sound of Jazz music taking control of the sweet moment. 

The song continued to play as you danced. 

I remember you You're the one who said "I love you, too," I do Didn't you know? 

 I remember, too A distant bell And stars that fell like rain Out of the blue 

You rested your head on Matthew’s shoulder, the smell of bergamot, mahogany, and patchouli taking over your sense. You loved the way he smelled. It was warm and welcoming. He kissed your head as he spun you around the tiled floor. 

When my life is through And the angels ask me to recall The thrill of them all Then I shall tell them I remember you

  Just as the song ended, the oven beeped for the cinnamon rolls, indicating that the pastries were done. You parted with Matthew, grabbing the oven mitt and pulling the cinnamon rolls out. As they cooled, you made the delicious frosting to top off the pastries. Once you were finished with it, you poured the frosting on the cinnamon rolls and quickly cleaned up. Matthew helped himself to one and moaned at the taste of it. 

“Oh my god babe. These are amazing!” Matthew complimented as he took another bite. 

You giggled and grabbed a cinnamon roll for yourself, taking a bite of the warm pastry. 

“Come on, let’s get the movie started.” You perked, taking his hand and leading him to the living room. 

Matthew grabbed the remote and got the movie started. The opening scene to the movie gave you goosebumps as you sang along. Matthew joined you, the two of you giggling once the song was over. 

The final scene came quicker than you thought it would’ve. This scene topped every other in the movie. You were singing along with Jack and Sally, a smile breaking out on your face 

 My dearest friend, If you don't mind I'd like to join you by your side

Matthew quietly joined in as he watched you. 

Where we could gaze into the stars And sit together now and forever For it is plain as anyone could see We're simply meant to be 

The scene ended with the famous Jack and Sally kiss. You looked over to see Matthew staring at you with slight tears in his eyes. 

“Lovie, what’s wrong?” You questioned, scooting closer to him. 

“I love you so much Y/N. I really, really do. I didn’t think I’d be able to love anyone as much as I love you and I think today solidified my thoughts and feelings.” He gazed as you played with his hair. 

Matthew then proceeded to get down on one knee and your breath got caught in your throat. 

“Y/N, I don’t have a ring right now but today with dancing with you and just being with you, I know that I want days like this for the rest of my life. I love you. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you, will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?” Matthew smiled as he sniffled. 

Tears ran down your cheek as you nodded quickly. You kissed him passionately. Tears both staining your faces as you shared the kiss. He pulled away and looked into your eyes as he held yours hands. 

“Sorry, I didn’t really plan this out all that well. I just couldn’t wait.” He whispered. 

You sniffled and played with his hair. 

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” You smiled. 

Matthew grinned and kissed you again. 

From here on out, Matthew wasn’t your boyfriend, he was your fiancé. 

[enoughslices]

Unicorns

Written as part of a Terrible Tropes drunk drabble with @provocative-envy, @scullymurphy, and @pacific-rimbaud Pairing: Sirius/Luna Rating: M, probably? Tags: Muggle AU, Terrible Tropes, Funeral Home Meet-Cute Warnings: Age Difference (both over 18), verrry light bondage, I wrote this while I was drunk so keep that in mind, I am calling this a drabble but it is ?? 1600+ words It’s Sirius’s second Thursday back at the family business when he first sees her.

Fuck, East L.A. is hot. Hot in a different way than Thailand was hot or Aruba was hot or even than Mexico was hot. Those were all a lounge on the beach with your sixth mai tai kind of hot. A fresh white linens in a king resort suite with mosquito netting around the bed kind of hot. This is a depressing, sizzling pavement in front of a strip mall funeral home next to a dubious-looking mattress store kind of hot.

And of course his pride will not allow him business apparel less formal than these black slacks, this pressed black button down, this insufferable gray and purple paisley silk tie, usually beloved but now cursed and damp with his neck sweat. Even without the suit coat his ensemble is murder in this weather.

Lovegood Funeral Services has a sort of dingy and disappointing feeling to it, the same general vibe as if you were leaving your beloved dead to rest at a Greyhound bus station, but at least it is air conditioned. As soon as Sirius steps through the door, he’s blasted with a wave of blissfully cold air so forceful that his sweat-slick black curls, down to his shoulders now, are tossed back like he is in a shampoo commercial.

The girl at the desk is texting furiously, her blond ponytail bobbing. Perky, even in avoidance. A little chime announces his entrance, the same four notes an old clock might make on a quarter of the hour, but she doesn’t look up. Sirius plasters on his best sales smile and glances at the silver magnetic name tag fastened precariously close to the cleavage-heavy bust line of what can only be described as an LBD.

“Lavender,” he says, with his trademark easy charm. “How are you today? Hot one, huh?”

Lavender, presumably, does nothing to acknowledge his existence. Her brow furrows as she stabs at her smartphone.

“Listen, Lavender, I’m sure you’re busy, but I’m out here with Black Family Caskets. We had a contract with you all in the past, and I’d like to talk to you about your renewal options…”

The hairs on Sirius’s neck rise, and he has the curious, prickling, discomfiting sensation that he is being watched. It is definitely not by Lavender, who has merged entirely with her rose gold iPhone 11.

He looks up.

“Jesus fucking Christ!”

At the top landing of the Gothic staircase rising behind the front desk, a woman in her mid-twenties with flowing white blonde hair down to her waist is standing silently in a white linen shift dress, staring at him with somewhat vacant clear blue eyes.

She’s pretty. Kind of disturbing, but definitely pretty.

Lavender finally looks up, and seeing the horror on his face, glances over her shoulder. “Oh,” she says with a shrug. “Yeah. That’s Luna.”

“Luna?” Sirius swallows as Luna, apparently, floats down the stairs and comes to stand directly between him and Lavender, approximately six inches closer to him than social etiquette would deem appropriate.

She peers right into his eyes, and he falls into the blue sea of her gaze, transfixed.

“The dead are … quiet today.” She speaks softly, directly into the deepest realest part of him, then turns abruptly and drifts back up the stairs, sing-songing a nursery rhyme in a minor key.

Sirius stares after her, blinking hard.

“She’s the owner’s daughter,” Lavender says, tossing her hands up noncommittally. “You get used to it.”

“Oh.” Usually Sirius would be able to snap back, offer some friendly retort. Make Lavender like him. But he feels … strangely shaken. Strangely taken with this strange funeral home’s strange daughter.

“If you give me your card,” — Lavender pops her gum and resumes texting, not looking up as she speaks to him — “I’ll give it to Xeno. I know he likes your caskets.” She suddenly beams, a dazzling smile, which is puzzling because she isn’t looking at Sirius at all. Then he hears a digital click and realizes that she is taking a selfie.

Sirius slides his business card across the counter. For the rest of the day, he contemplates Luna’s blue eyes, ponders the silence of the dead.

—

The second time he sees her is on his third Friday back on the job. He’s popped by Lovegood Funeral Services to make sure the caskets were delivered as planned. To make sure they are properly arranged in the display room as befits the Black Family name, under Regulus’s orders.

Lavender, communing with her phone again, and in another black dress that is about four inches too short for the situation, leads him wordlessly to the showroom and gestures him in, then leaves him there under the roar of the air conditioner.

It’s cool and quiet in the showroom. Refreshingly still, the only noise the white noise of the AC. Sirius runs one hand over the Joshua Natural Grained Solid Oak Casket with gray silk lining, admires the Homestead Teak Casket with a tasteful black interior.

And then his neck tingles again. He senses her before he sees her.

Luna Lovegood sits bolt upright from where she has seemingly ensconced herself in the Orion Mahogany Deluxe casket with vermilion satin cushioning. Her smile is jarring, ever so slightly unhinged. Sirius feels his pulse throb in his throat. He isn’t sure if it is fear or desire. He isn’t sure he cares.

“Oh, hello Sirius. I’ve just had the loveliest nap.”

Sirius, who cannot recall ever telling her his name, freezes. Until she beckons him with one milky white hand.

He goes to her as though pulled by invisible magnetic forces.

She grabs hold of his tie. Crimson today, peppered with little gold fleur de lis. She waves her other pale hand in a spiral around his right temple. “You have so many nargles,” she says dreamily. “You do know the best cure for nargles?”

“Nargles?” he asks blankly. She’s wearing another white dress, this one with long lace bell sleeves, and she smells like patchouli, sandalwood, something else he can’t quite place. Her earrings appear to be … a pair of French radishes? Relatively fresh. But he barely registers this before he falls again, transfixed, into her fathomless eyes. “The best cure?”

“Sex of course, silly,” Luna says with a girlish giggle, passing one velvet soft thumb down his jawline.

Sirius swallows and tries, wistfully, to recall the last time he fucked someone. Amy, probably, that swimwear model, in Tahiti. That was three months gone now, before Regulus had called him back.

“I could help you with that, you know.” Luna has wrapped his tie around her hand twice, and she pulls him closer, closer, until their faces are only inches apart. She is still making uncomfortably intense eye contact, still sitting inside the model casket. Sirius’s favorite casket, if he had to choose.

“LUUUU-NA!” Lavender bellows from the other room. “YOUR DAD WANTS YOU!”

She hops out of the casket, steadying herself on his shoulder.

“Come see me,” Luna croons over her shoulder as she skips off with a childish giggle.

At the desk, Sirius passes another of his business cards to Lavender. “Would you give this to Luna for me?”

Lavender rolls her eyes, unceasing in the tapping of her thumb against her phone. “Fine.”

On the forty-five minute commute back to his soulless marble-encrusted bachelor pad, Sirius wonders about nargles.

—

The third time he sees her is on his fourth Saturday back.

This time, he is not here on business.

He parks his Lexus on the street behind the funeral home, looking towards the back door, where she’s asked him to meet her.

While he waits, he scrolls through her texts again. Seven crystal balls. Something apocryphal and indecipherable about nargles. Three sparkle emojis on either side of “you are beautiful.”

What is he even doing?

And then Luna emerges from the battered backdoor of Lovegood Funeral Services, moving past the enormous blue dumpster with so much grace that she almost appears to be hovering off the ground. Her dress is white, of course, but strappy, tighter than he has come to expect. 

It’s so hot that even from thirty feet away, she looks hazy to him through the heat waves rising from the blacktop.

Feeling as though he has left his body, he slams the car door behind him, locks it with the fob. He crosses towards her, and she meets him halfway. Her hand, when it clutches his, is improbably cool.

She leads him next door to the fleabag motel. He does not ask any questions when she produces a key card. He does not ask any questions when she pushes him down on the bed and wraps his tie — a delicate floral in yellow, gray, and black — around his wrists and knots it. He does not ask any questions as she sinks down onto him, moaning more sincerely, more earnestly than anyone he has been with has in at least a decade.

“You have to say my name — mmm —  when you come,” she whispers, bobbing above him. “To — oh — dispell — mmm — the nargles.”

He ejaculates so hard that he almost cries. He comes, of course, shouting her name.

“There,” she whispers after, draping herself over him very thoroughly, and even if it is a bit cloying, she kisses his nose with endearing tenderness. “Your nargles are gone now.”

It is the best sex of his life, and that is saying something.

On the long drive home through the slow crawl of traffic, Sirius considers Luna.

He is ready to believe in nargles, unicorns, ley lines, Tantric orgasms, the various stutterings and silences of the dead. He is ready to buy a dozen dead roses and have them delivered to her door.

Because, you know, she would get it.

Sirius is pretty sure that Luna is magic.

[ussjellyfish]

fic: work-life balance pt 4 | AoS| Philinda | mature (wheee!)

Note: Thank you so much for your support, likes, comments, kudos, I’m having a fantastic time writing this and it means so much to me that people enjoy it.

Summary: They've been friends for years but only got to be a couple for weeks before he died last time. How do they move forward as partners?

read on Ao3

Interdisciplinary Seminar 209 - Working in Partnerships

Her apartment smells like waffles when she wakes up. Phil's gone to the kitchen to cook, and the other side of the bed is cool. She leaves the bed naked, grabbing her robe from the closet. Phil's standing over a waffle iron that was not in her apartment yesterday, coffee in hand. He smiles at her in his pajamas, hair ruffled, wearing his glasses.   

"Morning."

"You weren't kidding about waffles."

"They're fun."

"They smell good." 

He circles the island, touching her shoulder. "Sleep okay?"

"It's nice, having you here."

"Because I'm warm?"

"And you cook." She turns into his arms, wrapping her hands around his neck. "I'm used to you already."

"I'm not going anywhere."

She kisses him, because then she doesn't have to talk. He always leaves. He doesn't want to, but he dies on her. Now he's back and they're really not in dangerous places but- does he want to stay? Can they really do this? They're good at being friends, partners, but they only ever got to be together for a few weeks in Tahiti. That was without jobs, without family, without anything to worry about except each other. Of course that worked. She couldn't mess it up. 

Phil strokes her cheek. "Hey, so, which of us is anxious?"

"What?"

"There's a knot in my stomach like a ice ball."

"Must be the coffee." 

He holds her hands, walks her to the table. "Sit, have some tea. What is it?"

"This is great."

"It is." Phil takes a moment, staying into her eyes. "And that bothers you."

Melinda wraps her hands around her tea, staring at the empty plates he's already set. "We don't get great."

"We do, we did, Tahiti--"

"Was wonderful until you died."

"I'm not dying now." 

He's not. He's healthy, whole. There's color in his face and he carried her up from the garage. He could barely stand at the end. He's fine. He could stay. They could really be together, get married, go to the movies and grovery shop and spend decades together. 

They could, but they're still them. They're not really good at domestic, staying in one place or relationships. Between them they have more than a handful of failed loves, almost including each other. 

She shouldn't say it, but she does. "But you died. I watched."

He winces, reaching across the table to touch her hand. "I'm sorry."

She shakes her head, starting to take a sip of her tea, then stopping. It's not fair to blame him, but he is him. He made the same choices. "It's not even the dying, I got through that. It's that you chose."

Phil pulls his hand back and that hurt. She can feel the little cracks, like ice.  "I had to."

She should be better than this, but he's wrong. "You didn't."

"Wait a sec." He heads to the kitchen and returns, dropping a hot waffle onto her plate. Phil pushes the butter and syrup towards her, and points at the berries. "Eat while you yell at me."

"I'm not yelling."

"Maybe you should, might feel better." He takes a bite of his own and smiles, all gentle, apologetic. She can feel his remorse well up inside of him, and the affection beneath it. He loves her, and it's bright, almost too much so, like the sun over the clouds and she can't protect herself. 

"You chose to die."

"Daisy needed to save the world."

She stares at her fork, then her hands, and looks up. "I don't care." 

He nearly drops his own fork, eyes widening. "Oh?"

"I would have let the world crumble to save you."

Phil takes a breath, and her frozen knot of anxiety melts with his, twisting her stomach. "I know."

"Do you? Do you really know? I would give up everything for you." She would have let the planet crumple like wet paper if she got to keep him with her. That's terrifying. She's trained her life to save people. To serve, to give of herself until there's nothing left, but some part of her drew the line at him. She can make peace with Katya's death in Bahrain. She can grieve for Andrew and move on, but she can't face a universe without Phil Coulson. 

He toys with his napkin, twisting it in his hands. "You're too good for me."

"No."

"You are."

"Phil--"

He leaves his chair, circles the table and leans on it, right beside her. "You chose me, you always chose me. I don't."

"You don't have to, you shouldn't." She doesn't deserve that. Happiness is too fleeting for her, always has been. These beautiful days are going to leave, he's going to leave. She only has herself and people she looks after. That's all she's allowed. 

"Hey. If we're going to do this, us, I want to do it right. You and me, not for weeks, but for years, decades, I want to see your hair go grey, finally, at ninety." 

He's still too nerdy for her, except it's perfect, because if he was serious, she wouldn't be able to smile now. 

He doesn't know what he's asking. She can't look at him, because her eyes will give everything away. If she hasn't already radiated her worries through him. "It might not be that simple."

Slipping down, he kneels in front of her, hands on her lap. "Let's try it. You and me, for as long as we have."

"This feels like a proposal."

"Maybe. A little." He blushes a little so it wasn't what he meant but there's hope in his chest. That sings out through her so loudly that he might as well say it. 

"Do you want to?"

He kisses her hand and stands up, kissing her forehead as well before returning to his chair. "Kind of. Should do it better."

"Give me a few days?"

"That's not no."

He would always get a yes, and she smiles, weary and hopeful, almost dizzy with love. "It's not no."

"Okay then." Phil centers himself, and something in him finds a home. His resolve soothes her. There's a confidence- no- a choice. This time, now, when they don't have to save the world, now he can choose them. Her. "Should we talk about something else?"

She points with her fork at her plate, taking another bite. Talking around the waffle in her mouth, she smiles. "These are good."

"Better than take out?"

"I've never tried the Academy's waffles."

"Sneak some home and we'll compare."

"The company's better here."

"Good." He gets up again and returns with another waffle, setting it on a plate between them. 

"How many people are you cooking for?"

"They freeze."

Melinda nods. "You're staying long enough to start filling my freezer?"

"Frozen pizza and ice cubes isn't really enough."

"I think I have some pork buns."

He tears the waffle in half and adds half to her plate. "Eat."

"Phil, they really are good."

"Took me forever to get the recipe right."

"Oh?"

"It's all about egg whites, finding the right balance, but the first few times you try it just says 'fold them in' and that's not helpful."

"It doesn't sound helpful."

"You'd fold them like a shirt, wouldn't you?"

"Or a towel. My laundry skills are fine."

"Your laundry skills have never been in doubt."

"I'm glad you can give me credit somewhere."

"Your linen closet is impeccable."

"Thank you." 

He clears her plate, but lingers, touching her shoulder. She sighs, content, even in the pit of her stomach. He might have something more permanent than just allowing the Academy to think they're married in mind, but he'll wait. He's never quick with things, so a few days could easily be weeks. That's fine. This is all right. If they're going to choose each other, they should do it when most things have been said. 

Tugging him down by his pajama shirt, she kisses him, deep and slow. This they don't have to wait for. She has time this morning and for once she's not wishing desperately for a nap. Phil sets the plate down on the far side of the table, giving his full attention to what she's doing to his mouth. 

"Well, good morning," he teases, catching his breath. 

"It is." Melinda leaves her chair, opening her robe a little over her chest and pulling his hands to her hips. He strokes her skin through the thin fabric, running his hands up towards her waist while he looks at the table. The sensible thing to do is drag him back to the bedroom and tear off his pajamas, but it's a sturdy table. She takes a step back, pressing her thighs against the wood.

"Here?"

"You want to wait?"

He lifts her up, setting her on the table as he opens her robe as if unwrapping something precious. His rush of arousal brings color to his face and settles hot between her thighs. He wants, she needs, she demands, he offers: it all spins in her head. Colors and sensations, chaotic, desiring-- holding onto his shoulders helps keep her head from spinning and the sensation frustrates her. She's been lightheaded hundred of times, usually because she's bleeding, but this time she doesn't have that to blame.

"You okay?"

She hums in response, pulling him closer with her legs behind his back. 

His thumb brushes her cheek and he kisses her again, too gentle. "Suppose it's too easy to figure out what I'm thinking now." 

"I have a few ideas."

His thin pajamas leave very little to the imagination, and they're definitely sharing the same heat, even if her head's struggling to connect to the rest of her. 

"Should we?" he starts to ask, sliding his fingers up her bare thighs. 

"What?"

"Are you- birth control--"

She kisses his neck, making it impossible for him to finish a thought, let alone keep asking if they need to be careful. "You can't get me pregnant right now."

He rubs his thumb over her thigh, staring at little, pausing, and she sighs, tilting her hips closer to his hand. That distracts him. Phil toys with her a few moments longer, not touching but close, so close that the heat of his hand taunts her. He distracts her with kisses, with his tongue on her breasts, but she wants and he's ready and they touch, deepen, melt--

She grabs his back, digging her fingers into his muscles, tugging him close, rocking her hips against his. 

She moans, sighing into her skin.  "I missed--" 

He doesn't let her finish, and she loves that about him. He slips within, full, hot, familiar. Nodding, she arches her back towards him, head spinning with pleasure instead of the other thing. He guides her thighs closer to the edge of the table, parts her legs, shifts the angle and there- fuck-- his hand dances over her clit, teasing, promising and it's quick, but it's been forever and days and being in contact was so necessary that it ran over their skin like static. His rising orgasm heats her neck, pulsing through her while he thrusts. 

She gasps, panting, teetering on the brink of her control. It's too soon, but he's so close she can taste his release and they've been orbiting each other, growing closer like missiles. They needed this.

She crashes and he groans and she tightens, holding him until he thrusts again, the orgasms. Her teeth tingle as her blood rushes hot, filling all of her, even the foggy corners of her brain. He holds her close, letting her slump against him while she catches her breath.

"You're incredible."

Kissing his neck, then his shoulder, she creeps back to his mouth. "We can do better."

"Do we need more practice?"

"Just like cooking, I imagine."

"Imagine is right."

She glares, then drops her robe to the table and slips off, walking naked towards the bedroom. "I can let you imagine by yourself if you'd rather."

"Practical experience might be more fun."

"Then get your clothes off, Phil." 

He meets her in the doorway to her bedroom, catching her waist. He kisses her neck, then down her shoulders, moving her hair out of the way. "I remember wanting to do this in Tahiti."

"You did."

"It wasn't the same." He runs his hands over her hips, teasing. "I couldn't pick up you up and put you on the table."

"That was nice."

Phil kisses her, insistent, hungry, wanting, and she melts into him. He's half-hard again against her stomach, and he'll need time. Her head's a little foggy, but it's so much better than being exhausted that she can't explain. Maybe not up against the wall this time. 

She leads them towards the bed, letting his hands wander her skin while they kiss. He has so much more strength than Tahiti, and there's nothing to fear. No waiting darkness for them. They can take their time, enjoy it. There's no bitter. 

"I'm going to need a few minutes."

"I'm sure you can find some way to entertain yourself." She leads him to the bed, tugging him back. He starts to sit, but she shakes her head. "You can be on top."

Phil's eyes widen. "You're always--"

"You're special." 

"Oh I am?" He's teasing but her heart trembles. He's everything. She loves him, and being in love, letting go is so hard. She doesn't deserve it. She can't-- Believing is so hard for her and so easy for him. 

Phil's hand runs down her stomach, stroking lower, delicate and playful. "I can think of a good way to pass some time." 

"That's why you're special." 

He brushes her breast with his other hand, toying with her nipple. They're a little heavy, even sore. Does he feel that? Did she share it? He softens, turning his focus downward. He guides her onto the bed. "Sit." He parts her legs, kissing her inner thigh while she runs her hand through his hair. 

Phil glances up at her breasts, kissing her chest once before parting her thighs. Has he noticed they're different? He spent so much time with them... she can't worry about that. He's here and they shouldn't waste this time before she has to go to work. She puts the thought away, focusing on Phil and this moment. He adored making her orgasm in Tahiti, leaving her gasping while they waited for him to recover. It wasn't minutes there. He was tired. 

Now he's full of life. 

He kisses his way up, opening her up with his fingers before he finds her clit with his tongue. She moans, panting while he slips his fingers inside. He curls them up, in, sliding deep because she's so wet, wanting. 

"Phil--" She digs her hands into his hair, pulling him closer, trying to get him rougher, more pressure, but he's a tease. He softens his tongue and she could flip him away and finish it herself.

Or wait. Tremble. Beg. 

"Please." 

He sucks, brushing her clit against his chin, his lips and sparks rush behind her eyes. Pleasure builds, threatening, taunting- can she share it with him? Can she hold it back? Control slips from her, falling away and he knows, so he slows his hand, he licks instead of sucking and without the pressure it's like she's lost the air in the room.

"Dammit, Phil, please."

Harder, tighter, closer- he's such a tease. He loves that. He wants her to beg. She rocks closer and he pushes her back. One hand runs down her chest, squeezing her breasts, running his palm over her stomach. His hand inside curls a little deeper, rougher and her head spirals. He sucks again, hot and sweet and she twists her hands in the sheets, arching her back.

He pauses.

Of course.

"If you stop now I will kill you."

And she could, in several quick ways, slow ways, but he knows better. He likes the brink, the begging, the tension. This time, she can share it with him. Project her desire, desperation, longing, that maddening--

Orgasm hits hard, rushing up from her belly, blooming hot behind her eyes. Melinda might share that too, she's not sure how her abilities work with such things. His eyes are dark when she opens hers, and he strokes her cheek, kissing the sweat from her forehead. He pulls back but she tugs him in. He'll give her a minute, bring her water, hold her--

Or he could take her again, press her into the mattress, fill her. She opens her thighs, wraps her legs around his, pulls him over her. 

"Melinda--" 

"It's all right."

"I can feel you." He kisses her, resting on his elbows. "It's incredible."

"You were incredible."

"I was, wasn't I?" He smirks, lowering his hand to slip his cock inside of her. 

Her body's still trembling from the last, but she can control that, pull him in. Her teeth tingle and he's heavy over her, hot inside. He thrusts, brightening the stars behind her eyes. She arches into him, tilting her hips, letting him take her deep, He moans, panting in her neck. She digs her fingers into his back, holding him close, pulling him in, sharing that wanting- needing- completeness. 

Melinda focuses on her affection, her love, her desire, and lets him feel it. She drops her control and meets his eyes, pouring her soul into him, heart and body. For a second they breathe as one, overlapping before they crash. He orgasms, hot and deep, and she laughs, moaning and content

"That's a hell of a thing," he says, breathless in her arms. "That's what it feels like for you?"

"Just with you."

"Melinda-" 

"You're the only one who've I've been able to share that with." 

"It's intense."

"You okay?" 

He laughs, kissing her forehead. "You'll have to give me more than a minute."

Curling into him, she sighs, closing her eyes. "I have class in an hour, meetings after that."

Phil toys with her hair. "That's a lot."

"This is my slow day." She snuggles in, taking the time she has.

"It's a lot."

"Yes."

"Are you all right?" He asks so sweetly that her chest aches. 

"Tired."

"I've never seen you this tired, and I've seen you during three week deep over assignments where no one slept."

"We were younger." 

"We're not that old."

Phil chuckles. "Speak for yourself."

"Hey, I'm older than you now."

"What?"

"Think about it. You're from more than two years ago. I'm older, so I'm tired." 

He sits up, resting on his elbows. "That's all it is?"

"Mmm-hmm." She kisses his chest, eyes still closed. "I'm all right."

"Let me help."

"You are helping."

"This is all you need?"

She strokes his chest. "This is nice." 

He sighs, and she can picture his face without looking. That face means she needs to open her eyes. She lifts her head, meeting his gaze. 

"How can you help?"

"How many classes are you teaching?"

"Several."

"May--"

"It's fine."

"And meetings, you must have at least three a day." 

"Meetings aren't new, Phil."

"I know, I know." He lifts her face with his hand under her chin. "I'm good at meetings."

"You're not the director of the Academy."

"I could be her right hand."

She laughs, resting her hand on his chest. "Are you offering yourself a job?"

"You've been everything I needed, for years, decades. You were my council, my support. Let me support you."

She sits up, her hair falling heavy over her shoulders. "Phil--"

"You don't have to answer right away, just, think about it. You're carrying a lot. You're exhausted. I can help. I know SHIELD. I know you. I'd be good at it." 

Melinda kisses him, smiling as she shakes her head. "You'd be great at it." 

"Think about it in your meetings."

"When I think about you, I'll think about much more fun things than work." She kisses him one more time, then leaves the bed. 

"Well that's a great use of your meeting." 

She ducks into the bathroom, cleaning herself up. He'll probably distract her more if she takes more time to get ready. He's still in bed when she returns, smiling, flushed, very pleased with himself, as he should be. She starts getting dressed and he watches, patient, fascinated, and still very much enamored with her. That tingles on the back of her neck, warm and wonderful.

Buttoning her blouse, she returns to the bed to kiss him. "Offering to do my work with me is one of the sweetest things you've ever done."

"Thanks for not asking me to shoot you in the head."

She shuts her eyes, smiles, laughs in relief. "You couldn't handle that."

"Not at all." He stands up, chooses her earrings and hands them over. "These ones."

"Thanks." Melinda kisses him again, standing on her tiptoes and pulling him close. This should give him something to think about all day. "See you tonight."

[ellsey]

Agents of Shield Rewatch 1x07 The Hub

You know what gang, sometimes legends are born, and sometimes they’re made. Literally. As in someone makes a sandwich and then that sandwich rises up to become a symbol of everything that’s pure and good in the world. Folks, the time for that sandwich is now.

But first, we have some other stuff to get through.

Oh noes, Coulson has been captured by evillle Russians or something

Wait up, did Coulson just say Agent Shaw?? I realize that’s not like a rare last name, but uh, is that just a coincidence or is this Deke’s other grandfather...I’m starting to smell some lemons up in here

Not-Bobo has the intel in his sinus cavity? This is gross. But Not-Bobo is suprisingly calm.

Fitzsimmons are so excited. It’s adorable. 

VICTORIA HAND DESERVED BETTER

Fitz fought the door and the door won

Ok, so there’s a lot to unpack in this scene. Let’s start with Jemma. She’s obviously very worried about Fitz. But there’s more. There’s a certain tentativeness to how she’s talking to him. Some of it is just nerves I’m sure, but I’m feeling like there has been a major shift in their relationship after FZZT. They both seem to be feeling it, but neither seems sure on what to do about it. Jemma “I excel at preparation” Simmons has settled on making sure Fitz has everything he could possibly need for the task at hand, thus ensuring he’ll make it back to her. Because the other alternative is...not an alternative.

Meanwhile, Fitz tells her not to be rash while he’s gone (”like jumping out of an airplane”), then tells Jemma, “I’ve handled worse.” The thought of Jemma dying in FZZT was it. That was the worst thing he could imagine. Everything seems easy compared to that.

And then we get to the sandwich. I think we can all admit that this sandwich has taken on a life of it’s own in fandom circles. This is the sandwich that launched 1,000 ship(per)s. How many fics have included this sandwich? And why? What was so special about it? I think that really it’s because it was made with love and became a symbol of that love. We had so little to work with for so long, and all our hopes and dreams were wrapped up in one cute paper package. The fact that the sandwich actually made a reappearance is hilarious and definitely a wink in our direction. Can we get the sandwich to show up one more time before the end?

Ward is not amused by Fitz’s amazing Jemma-is-the-best-person-ever stories. We should have known he was evil just because of this. Because those stories are adorable af and deserve to be appreciated.

Jemma also has Fitz on the mind awwwwwwww

Also notice that little hiccup in Coulson’s auto response to Tahiti. He’s starting to realize something is wrong.

“Simmons is seriously starting to unravel without Fitz” OH MY HEART YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW

“He’s acting like a robot version of himself right now” Are we sure Daisy isn’t clairvoyant?

I’m with Simmons. I like following the rules. It does make me feel nice.

Although recently I’ve felt like protesting a lot? I’m a woman of contradictions.

I think Fitz thinks faster on his feet than they thought he would 

This whole scene with Coulson talking while May does tai chi kills me

Jemma Simmons is SO BAD at this hahahaha it’s amazing

“I like men that are about my height but are heavier than me” JEMMA NO

“Our boys” Yay! But also noooooooooooo.

Yeah, Fitz still has some issues about Ward being the one to save Jemma

Daisy makes a very important decision here between what she wants for herself and helping others

She obviously chooses to help others. What a queen.

Fitz is a level of petty about this sandwich that I admire

“I am every bit the Shield agent that you are” YOU ARE BETTER

Ward obviously knows that Fitz is in love with Jemma at this point

“I had Ward’s back the whole time” then Jemma does this little hand and face movement like ‘Of course” and they just love each other so much

Fitz’s face when Jemma tells him she shot a superior officer in the chest though...that was clearly “I am never leaving you again because you do WILD THINGS”

The mystery of Daisy continues

As does the mystery of Tahiti

Y’all, this rates 11 Bus Kids Behaving Badly/10 on the Bus Kids Scale. And of course, it gets a 10/10 on the Romantic Sandwich Scale.

My song for this episode is “Fills Me Up” by Big Little Lions because it speaks to the way the world is changing for this team in general and Fitzsimmons specifically...but also the sandwich...RIP sandwich

[clarkgreggreporter]

The Reddit MarvelStudios AMA (Ask Me Anything) with Clark Gregg, May 16, 2017 (click here to read all the questions)

A: (out of sequence, so no question): Well, this week I'm really missing Bill Paxton and Powers Boothe because we lost them and they were both such excellent guys.

A: Missed a few questions there. I'll try to answer some. I love the MCU and love watching the movies and I miss my friends in those casts. That said, I am really proud of where we've gone with Agents of SHIELD and I love this bunch of actors and writers (and crew) as much as any I've ever worked with.

Q What upcoming MCU property are you looking forward to the most? Tahiti is a magical place! A: Anything with Adam Warlock and that may have just been teased in GOTG2

Q Do you have any stories and/or favourite memories of working with the late Bill Paxton? Thanks! A: So many. Just the big grin he'd show up with every day and say, "Bud-dy..." Just a great guy and a wonderful actor/filmmaker with more stories than anyone I've ever met.

Q: What is your favourite MCU movie? A: Pretty damn psyched for Captain Marvel especially with the amazing Brie Larson

Q: Hi! Thank you so much for being SO awesome. In Avengers, when Coulson has been stabbed by Loki and gets to shoot him with the massive gun, he says "oh, that's what that does". What do you wish that gun had done? A: Gone off on its own a minute earlier.

Q: Hi! Thanks for doing this. What's your favorite hand? And if you could have any new hand for your character, what could it do? Thank you! A: The SHIELD attachment does not suck

Q: Hi Clark! Thanks for doing this AMA and everything you've done for the MCU. Love your portrayal of A.C. (Daisy needs to bring that back imo). Have you had any input or influence on the development of Coulson? A: I have some input but most of the great stuff on our show is straight from the writers.   Dream storyline involves saving the Defenders and the Avengers and the Guardians and the Royal Family and everyone in Legion when they get themselves in trouble with Thanos. In a musical episode by Lin Manuel Miranda. (Hamilton)

Q: u/70astralaxe wanted to ask you those question but he coudn't so I'll Phil in [sorry for the pun...]    Favourite Star Wars movie.    Favourite MCU movie.    Whether he had any "holy shit" moments during script-read/when filming a scene.    What he wants for the future of MCU/SHIELD.    If he is planning on doing non-MCU stuff anytime in the near future.    Favourite Ice-Cream Flavour.    Favourite Holiday Destination. A: I'll pick 2. Empire and that coconut something from Ben and jerry's

Q: Clark, it was great seeing you at Denver Comic Con last year. I was the one who told you I loved Choke as well as the intro you wrote for Avengers: Endless Wartime. My question though, do you have any projects coming up that you are writing/directing? Choke was 2008, and Trust me was 2013, so I was hoping we were due for something else soon. Thanks, love your work. A: Writing a film and a sci-fi pilot. Hope to make something next hiatus.

Q: When Joss called you up about Much Ado About Nothing, what was your reaction? Did you get any say in your role? Have you done any other Shakespeare? Thanks for doing this AMA today! A: I was terrified when Joss called, but excited because I had just had a dream I was doing some Shakespeare and it felt ordained. And I love Joss.

Q: Have you watched GOTG Vol. 2 yet? A: Yes. Laughed my ass off.

Q: Hello, What's your favourite MCU movie? Also, what does RDJ smell like? A: I'm a big fan of the Avengers and anything with Cap. Or Stark. Or Thor or the Guardians. Or Strange. Let's face it, I'm a Marvel slut. Robert smells like warm beaches and babies laughing and a freshly washed thong.

Q: What kind of changes in perspective on your character did you work on to bring the 3 different versions of Coulson to life this season? We've had Agent Coulson, Robo Coulson, and Mr. Coulson. What was the most fun about doing that? Also, minor question, do you happen to know what brand / model of glasses you were rocking in the Framework? (I tweeted @amandalynnriley, but alas no response). A: It was fun to have new takes on Phil. Amazing work by the writers. Especially geeking out teacher Phil with his soap. The glasses are called Barton Pereira (sp)

Q: What would like to do for a living if you weren't an actor, besides dominating in lip sync battles? A: Music something. probably not very well. But I loved being in a band. A lot.

Q: Hi Clark! Awesome for you to do this before the big season finale. How do you think your character has changed between now and the beginning of Iron Man 1? In other words, do you think your acting of Phil Coulson has changed that much in 9 years? A: Ah, jeez, I don't know. The character has been through a lot and gotten older, so maybe he's less innocent and a little darker, but I probably am too. I don't know about the acting. I try to forget that's what it is.

Q: Do you read your fanmail? If so, what's something cool a fan has sent you? A: I do. I get amazing stuff and try to answer it all. I've been sent crocheted blankets and lola pillows and maybe some underwear.

Q: Thank you for putting your all into Coulson. He's my favourite character in the entire Marvel universe. As for my question, how much of Clark has gone into the role? Specificially the frequent Star Wars references... is that your input or does it come purely from the writers? A: The writers and I love Star Wars and couldn't imagine Coulson wouldn't as well. There's a bunch of me and then some stiff that's verrrrry different from me.

Q: More serious question: One of the things I love about AoS is how men and women fight each other as equals. But I've wondered if that took the male actors a little getting used to, going all out punching and kicking female actors. Did you find that awkward at first? A: Definitely. Really did not like punching May or Daisy even though neither was a real punch.

Q: Hey Clark! Huge fan of your work in the MCU. My question. Did you know that when you died in the Avengers that you would be brought back for SHIELD? Thanks! A: I did not. Neither did they. #CoulsonLives gave them the idea. So thanks.

Q: What's the weirdest thing a fan ever asked you to do? A: Sign a boob. But it was a big boob so I wrote my full name and then Agent Coulson.

Q: With the amount of time Coulson has been spending in the field in AOS, it has become more and more unlikely that the Avengers wouldn't know that Phil is still alive. Do you personally think any of them know? A: I really wish I had a good answer for that, but I don't. Some day.

Q: Yo Clark! I'm sure you're gonna get a bunch of marvel questions and that's awesome. But I know you're a basketball fan so this is my first question. Who ya got winning the finals? And secondly: Any advice for someone who's dream is to work within marvel either on the tv side or movie side? A: Warriors look soooo good. To work for Marvel it helps to love comics and marvel and then just try to be really good at what you want to do there.

Q: Hey Clark! Read any good books lately? A: Yes. The Wind Up Bird Chronicle by Mirukami

Q: What was it like meeting Melissa Benoist for the dubsmash battle? And have you met any of the other CW heroes? A: I think she's amazing. Loved her in Whiplash. And the fact that she took part in that for charity made me love her even more.

Q: I've been marvel fan since my early childhood, having been born without half of my right hand, my parents and superheroes have always been the biggest source of inspiration. Even in my wildest dreams, i couldnt have predicted these last 10 years, what MCU has achieved and how popular these stories would become all around the world, in that way im living my childhood dream- to see it all done well on the silver screen. What is even crazier- I wouldnt have predicted that the Son of Coul, a shield agent from phase one movies, would start his own show- his own team. Over the years, Aos became , in my humble opinion, the best that superhero tv shows can offer right now, and most recently, even a better source of fun than some of the MCU movies. Past week, i have been buzzing, that we re getting another season. Mostly, i want to say THANK YOU, to everyone who helps to make this show what it is, a source of inspiration and fun to look forward to almost every week. Thank you Mr. Gregg, for breathing life into this awesome character, and also for motivating me in my own studies, and career. I just wanted to express my gratitude, and ask, recently, the Ghost Rider, LMD and Framework arcs have cemented the greatness of this show. When you got first approached to make a shield show, did you think it would end up as such a compelling characters, stories, effects and going for 5 seasons on a small screen? Did you have any doubts? Was there ever a moment when you got a script/shot a scene, where u said to yourself : "Wow, this is amazing" ? Thank you, wish you and the whole cast/crew all the best in making another successful season. A big fan, all they way from Slovakia A: This made my day. Thank you.

Q: What did you think of Iron Fist on Netflix? Do you think it deserves the criticism? What would you have done different if you were the showrunner? A: I love Iron Fist. Both seasons. (then...another reply) Oops. I meant Daredevil. Didn't sleep too well.

Q: Do you remember your time on The Shield well? Great performance. Any fun stories from the set? A: My friend David Mamet directed and the character was so uhinged I felt wrong afterwards. Also, Billy Gierhart who has directed the most eps of AoS was the cameraman on that ep.

Q: As a big fan of What Lies Beneath and Choke, can we expect to see you work behind the camera on Agents of SHIELD any time soon? A: I may direct an episode in season 5. if I don't pass out from exhaustion just thinking about it.

Q: Jed Whedon recently made his directing debut in SHIELD's episode Self Control, which is probably my favorite episode of the show now. What was it like having him direct? Do you think we can look forward to more episodes helmed by him? Great job this season by the way! Coulson's speech a few episodes ago rocked, Captain America would be proud A: jed was amazing and that may be my favorite too. He better direct some more or we'll drag him down to set and make him.

Q: Hey Clark! Thanks for coming by! In about a year we'll be coming up on Iron Man's 10th Anniversary, which means you'll have been playing Coulson for 10 years. How does that feel? And, if you could have Coulson appear in any Marvel-related property, what would it be? A: Wow. Ten years. I feel very lucky. I could have been stuck that long playing a character I didn't love in a world I didn't care about. #Grateful

Q: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D has been renewed for a fifth season, but does not appear on ABC's Fall schedule. Obviously, it will start later, but we've been getting mixed signals. Do you know if Season 5 will be a full, 22 episode season or has it been shortened? A: Yes. Full season after the 8 eps of The Inhumans. Then we do our whole run. Could be cool that way.

Q: Can you tell us anything about today's AoS finale? A: Coulson will change.

Q: This is also a question from my girlfriend, who is at work and can't ask herself: Do you think Phil and May will have a happy ending? A: I won't touch that one.

Q: How would coulson react to meeting the defenders? A: He would geek out. But who knows, maybe they would too.

Q: Two questions: first, I'm currently binge watching the West Wing and I have to ask what it was like working with dialog written by Aaron Sorkin?  Second, are we ever going to see your wife, Jennifer Grey, on AoS? A: Aaron's dialogue is like no one else's. I did Sports Night, TWW and A Few Good Men on Broadway. So I'm lucky. He did a lot to put me on the map.

Q; Hi Clark! Thank you for doing this! I can’t wait for tonight’s finale. Can you take us through what it was like auditioning and successfully getting the role of Coulson? Did you ever imagine that the role would develop and expand like it has over time? A: Never auditioned. Got an offer to play a part that was two scenes in IM. Then they added more and more scenes. Cut to Phil nine years later about to walk into the season 4 finale where he will finally (REDACTED)

Q: Clark, you all have been doing such a great job over the last few years. Why do you think Agents of SHIELD has resonated with so many fans around the world? A: Because thanks to the cast, crew, the writers and Marvel the show keeps getting better all the time. That's very rare.

Last Words From Clark: Thanks so much of the great questions. Sorry I couldn't answer more of them. Acting in an independent film today so I have to run. Join me on the twitter for the S.4 finale tonight. Love you all.

[leabharlannkay]

A Peculiar Unfathomable Combination (14/14)

Title: A Peculiar Unfathomable Combination

Pairing: Nine x Rose

Rating: Adult

Warnings: Sexy times

Summary:  Nathan and Rose are colleagues, not friends. Certainly not lovers. Nathan isn’t even her type. So when his family misunderstands their relationship, she’s more surprised than anyone to find herself in no hurry to set them straight.

Note: Here’s the epilogue! I was supposed to post this like two weeks ago, but I just couldn’t bear to be done with this fic! I’ve loved writing it, and I hope you’ve all loved reading it!

Previously on APUC

Epilogue – One Year Later

Nathan bolted upright in bed. A rude pounding on the door startled him out of a dream, one he’s struggling to remember. His heart was pounding, but it wasn’t a nightmare. He didn’t smell the acrid tang of blood like he usually does following his nightmares, and he hadn’t had one in months. But what…and then he remembered. Lying curled in bed with Rose on a rainy morning, the rapid thump of little feet against the floor, the cries of “Da” and “Mama” as he lifted their little one into bed with them. Definitely not a nightmare, but the best kind of dream.

Someone pounded on the door again, and he groaned.

“Good morning, sunshine!” Donna called through the door. “You’d better shift if you don’t want to be late to your own wedding!”

Looking around the room, Nathan realized that he was in his bedroom at Conkwell Grange. Rose wasn’t bedside him, Sylvia had insisted they keep just that one tradition. He scrubbed a hand over his face and smiled. In just a few hours, he’d never have to sleep without her again. How he managed to convince Rose to marry him, an old, wounded soldier, he still couldn’t fathom.

“Nathan!”

“I’m awake!” He heard Donna retreat down the hall and then start pounding on the door to Rose’s room. He grinned again.

He was getting married.

#

Rose groaned at the pounding on the door, resting her forehead against the blessedly cool porcelain.

“Rose! Wake up!” Donna called.

“I’m up!” Rose yelled, using all her strength. She fervently hoped Donna wouldn’t demand to come in. She didn’t want her sister-in-law to be the first person to discover her secret.

Bile pushed it’s way up her throat and she grimaced as she threw up again. How Nathan hadn’t already figured it out, she wasn’t sure. He had been fascinated with her larger breasts lately, but maybe he hadn’t put two and two together. Why would he? They’d been careful, except for one night she barely remembered and he certainly didn’t. They’d gone to the pub with Nathan’s siblings and things had gotten rowdy. When they arrived home, they hadn’t been able to keep their hands off each other, and they’d forgotten a condom.

Rose was thrilled. Well, sort of. She loved that she was having Nathan’s baby, but Nathan…would he be thrilled? They hadn’t ever discussed kids and suddenly Rose was smacking herself for that oversight. How did they manage to get all the way to their wedding day without talking about having kids? The only insight she had was how he’d reacted over Thomas’s pregnancy scare, and it hadn’t been good. Oh, he wouldn’t want to marry her now.

She sighed. She’d tell him, just as soon as she could stop throwing up.

#

Nathan double checked his tux, making sure everything was in its place. The ceremony was due to start in half an hour, and he could barely stand to wait another minute. He hadn’t seen Rose all day, outside of the occasional glimpse before his mother or sister shepherded her away. He couldn’t wait for the honeymoon; two weeks of just the two of them on the beach in Tahiti. No meddling family to keep them apart.

Donna burst through the door to his room.

“We’ve got a problem.”

“What?” Nathan asked. Donna twisted her fingers together. He’d never seen her so nervous.

“Rose…well, she’s locked herself in and she won’t come out.”

“What are you talking about, Donna?”

“The bridesmaids all left to put their things away, and when we got back Rose had locked the door to mum and dad’s room. She won’t let anyone in, and she says she isn’t coming out.”

Nathan felt lightheaded. Was Rose having second thoughts? Did she not want to marry him? He followed Donna quickly to the master bedroom and rapped on the door.

“Rose?” he asked.

He heard sniffling on the other side of the door.

“Rose, love, what’s going on? Talk to me?”

There was a rustle of fabric and more sniffling. It sounded like she was sitting against the door. Nathan slid down to the floor, resting a hand on the solid wood and wishing he could take Rose in his arms and sooth away her fears.

“I can’t,” she whispered. He could barely hear it through the door.

“Why not? Are you getting cold feet? Do you want to call this off?” Nathan took a deep breath, steeling himself for the words he was about to say. “We can, love. If you don’t want to marry me, we can still call this off.”

He heard sobs through the door and his heart clenched.

“Rose?”

“Of course I want to marry you!”

“Then what’s wrong?”

Rose sobbed for a moment and then went quiet. “I’m afraid you’re not going to want to marry me.”

“I’ve never wanted anything more! Why wouldn’t I?” Nathan tried to think of anything he might have said or done in the last few days to make Rose feel that way, but he couldn’t. They’d had a wonderful weekend preparing for the wedding and spending time with their family and friends. Two nights ago, they’d snuck out to the gardens and made love under the stars. He could find no moment that would make Rose feel that way.

Rose was quiet for a long time. So long that he almost missed her answer.

“I’m pregnant, Nathan.”

His heart stopped in his chest. A baby? He remembered his dream, the feelings of utter contentment at having their child wrapped up with them. Why in the world would Rose think he didn’t want that? They’d never discussed it really but…

“Rose, is this about what I said to Thomas?”

“You made children seem like the worst thing that could happen to you,” Rose said, sniffling.

“Open the door.”

“No, Nathan. I can’t. If you’re going to leave…”

“Rose, open the door.” He stood and rattled at the doorknob. If he had to kick the door in, he would.

He heard the lock snick and Rose moved away from the door. He wasted no time rushing inside, barely pausing before he swept Rose into his arms.

“You’re not supposed to see my dress,” she whimpered.

“Sod it, Rose.” He pulled back just enough to take her face in his hands, looking her straight in the eyes. He brushed his thumbs over her cheeks, clearing away the tears. “Love, I meant that a child would be bad for Thomas, a child himself. I didn’t mean those things in the context of a committed, adult relationship. I’m thrilled you’re pregnant. I had a dream about it just last night.”

“Really?” Rose asked.

“Really. Rose, this is the greatest gift you could ever give me.”

Rose choked on a sob and laughed. Nathan leaned in to kiss her, his heart swelling with joy. He wrapped her in his arms and lifted her off her feet, twirling her around. She laughed fully, and Nathan thought he’d never heard a sweeter sound. He set her down and kissed her.

“Let’s go get married.”

The End

[migrately]

World Cruise Update: Exploring French Polynesia and Papeete, Tahiti

Oceania Marina docked next to us at night in Papeete

Our next stop on our world cruise on board Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s Black Watch is Papeete, Tahiti. Everyone was looking forward to French Polynesia, especially Danielle and myself, but we had no idea we would arrive early. In fact, we were scheduled to arrive the morning of 13 February 2018 and we arrived into port the night before. Don’t you just love little unexpected surprises like that?

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Where Is Papeete?

In case you didn’t know, Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia, which is an overseas collective of France in the Pacific Ocean.

TSG Tip: Did you know that Papeete means “water from a basket.”

Ordinarily, we would embrace the extra night in a port, but we had a ship tour planned for the following day. We were super excited to get out and into our Jeep adventure tour so we decided to stay in. Plus we were hoping to say goodbye to one of our cruise friends, Eve, who had taken a spill a few days earlier. She broke her hip and was leaving the ship to to go directly to the hospital in Tahiti.

Tour Or No Tour

The next morning the skies were looking a little angry and we had our fingers crossed that we would be able to join two of our friends, Jackie and Sandy, for the Jeep tour. We made our way down to the Neptune Lounge at the prearranged time with all of our gear and waterproof clothing only to find out the tour had been cancelled. So back to the cabin we went to drop off our gear and make new plans.

Walking from the port to the market directions

Instead of a Jeep tour, you can pretty much always find Danielle and I shopping. In Papeete, Tahiti, the place to go for shopping is the Papeete Market or Marché Papeete, which is all of a 4 minute walk from the cruise port.

Our quay side greeting in Papeete, Tahiti

But first, we passed the Tahitian dancers welcoming us to the port and to Tahiti.

Papeete Market

Inside the market there's a cacophony of sounds from vendors selling to music playing to the rain splashing down all around you.Click To Tweet

Marche de Papeete

We quickly made our way to the market just as the skies opened up and rain poured down all over Papeete.

Inside the market in Papeete

The market is a two-level marketplace selling not only fruits, vegetables, and fish, but also souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and much more. Inside the market there’s a cacophony of sounds from vendors selling to music playing to the rain splashing down all around you.

Inside the Market in Papeete

Between the sights, sounds, and smells, you can easily feel overwhelmed, but in the best of all possible ways.

I loved the variety of fruits and vegetables as they were all laid out on display for passing buyers.

Fresh fish anyone?

Even me, the vegan and non-meat eater, appreciated the fresh fish for sale. We are talking super, super fresh fish here.

Inside the Market in Papeete

But we weren’t here to buy fresh fish or fruits and veggies. What were we hoping to buy? We didn’t know, but we suspected it was somewhere here in one of these stores. I knew I wanted to buy some Tahitian vanilla as well as some Tahitian tanning oil among other things.

Inside the market in Papeete

After taking the escalator up to the second floor, we discovered a variety of small shops selling traditional Tahitian goods including pareos or wraps, wooden carved figures, clothing, and jewelry. Danielle fell in love with several items in a store and asked for the total in US dollars and was given the amount. After spending probably close to an hour choosing her items, the amount was provided again. Somehow it had increased from just over $100 to over $1000. That’s not exactly the same and yes, she left the store and her items behind.

Lunch in Papeete

Chips and a beer in Papeete

Let’s just say that we kind of lost the urge to shop after that incident in the market and so we decided to grab a quick lunch. Finding anything vegan was going to be difficult, but I did locate some chips and a beer. Not exactly nutritious, but it worked for me.

Hinano Tahiti beer in Papeete

Of course, we had to try the local beer, Hinano, even though I’m definitely not much of a beer drinker. It was pretty good considering it was so hot and humid that day in Papeete.

Hinano Tahiti beer advert

Then when we left, we saw the Hinano Beer ad on a building and I had to have a pic.

Street art in Papeete

I also then spotted this on a building near the market, which is so cool that I have to share. Don’t you just love her hair?

My Tahitian Tattoo

NK Tattoo

From there we walked to another café along the esplanade just to sit and relax over a quick drink. I made an impulsive decision to get a tattoo, something I always advise against and yet, here I was doing it.

NK Tattoo

We passed this tattoo shop on the way to the café and I noticed that they did “traditional” tattoos, something that has always intrigued me. I thought, “Why not just go in and ask?” and I did.

NK Tattoo in Papeete

Unfortunately, they weren’t doing any traditional tattoos, but they could squeeze me in. I asked about one on my foot or on my ribs, thinking about an area I could keep protected  from the sun.

Bam Bambridge from NK Tattoo in Papeete

When I came back with cash in hand, my tattoo artist, Bam Bambridge (bam_bridge on Instagram) said he had another idea for me and I was definitely interested. He suggested a freehand piece on my chest and I was all for it. We are talking freehand work — no stencil, no guide, no other pieces of art to guide him. It all came from him and he quickly got to work on it.

The line work is precise and it's so delicate and pretty, like a permanent piece of jewelry.Click To Tweet

My freehand tattoo from bam_bridge at NK Tattoo in Papeete, Tahiiti

Keeping in my mind my French is limited and his English was also limited, I think it worked out quite well in the end. The line work is precise and it’s so delicate and pretty, like a permanent piece of jewelry. I absolutely and unequivocally love it.

Nighttime in Papeete

After my tattoo, we returned to the ship to eat dinner and get ready for our night out in Papeete. We had learned that we would be staying an extra day in Papeete and leaving on the 14th, but also skipping two of our ports of call. That means there would be no Bora Bora and no Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Danielle was very upset about missing both as she considered these two of her beach days. I’ve always wanted to go to the Cook Islands, so yes — I was disappointed as well.

Looks like this is the closest we will get to Bora Bora after all

But don’t be too worried. We did make our way over to Bora Bora. Well, kind of. Bora Bora the bar in Papeete with crazy karaoke going on. Not quite the same, but at least I can say I was there. The nightlife in Papeete is varied from sedate bars inside restaurants to bars like Bora Bora to nightclubs. There’s definitely something for everyone if you’re looking to have a good night out.

Our Last Day in Papeete

From the ship overlooking Papeete, Tahiiti

On our last morning in Papeete, I went up to deck 8 to get a better view over the area. As the clouds appeared to be lifting, I felt like I was viewing a completely different Papeete.

Danielle had enough of Papeete and couldn’t be bothered walking around the city again. I was determined to find something of interest including my lost FitBit. In the hot days leading up to Tahiti, my FitBit kept popping off my arm and somehow in Papeete, I lost it for good. Hopefully, there’s a Tahitian getting some benefit from my Alta HR.

I was so happy to have found an acai bowl in Papeete

While walking around on my own, I discovered a small shopping center opposite McDonald’s of all places. Inside, there was an Açaí Bowl shop and I felt I’d just landed in heaven.

Super yummy acai bowl

If you don’t know what an açaí bowl is, think of it as a smoothie you eat with a spoon. Mine had all kinds of good things in it including açaí, bananas, coconut, kiwi, almond butter, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and granola. I was soooooooooooooo happy to have something healthy and nutritious to eat like an açaí bowl. Yum!

Back to Black Watch

Black Watch docked in Papeete, Tahiti

Without my FitBit, but a few purchases for myself and Danielle, I made my way back to the ship avoiding as much rain as possible.

Fish mosaic in the sidewalk in Papeete

That must be why there are so many fish on the sidewalks in Papeete.

Just before we departed Papeete

I convinced Danielle to walk with me to the tourist center just near the edge of the port gates and she found a little wooden carved figure to take home with her in the end. Then it was time to get on the ship for good and prepare for sailaway.

Sailaway out of Papeete

Sailaway out of Papeete

Sailaway out of Papeete

Leaving Papeete, Tahiti

Sailaway out of Papeete

Sailaway out of Papeete

The pilot alongside us as we sail out of Papeete

Our last view of Papeete

Our last view of Papeete

Even though I was expecting a hot and sunny stay in Tahiti, I definitely enjoyed my time there. I learned that April is probably the best time to visit so if I ever get a chance to return, I’ll schedule it for April.

I loved the Polynesian tattoos that everyone had and it’s one of the few places that I didn’t stick out quite as much with my own tattoos so that was nice. My red hair, of course, was still shockingly obvious. If you’re looking for a laid back kind of port with shopping, food, and nightlife, Papeete is a port you should definitely look into visiting. Stay a day, a week, or a month. It’s all up to you.

Have you visited Papeete? Share your experiences of Tahiti in the comments below. Discover some other great destinations and travel ideas here on the Travel Shop Girl website .

On my new SPONTANEOUS TRAVEL SCALE of 1-5, with 1 being super easy and spontaneous and 5 being you better plan far in advance, Papeete scores a 5 for spontaneous travel since it’s definitely expensive to get to from the US and Europe and expensive upon arrival.

The post World Cruise Update: Exploring French Polynesia and Papeete, Tahiti appeared first on Travel Shop Girl.

World Cruise Update: Exploring French Polynesia and Papeete, Tahiti published first on https://medium.com/@888MigrationServices

[cartzypage]

World Cruise Update: Exploring French Polynesia and Papeete, Tahiti

Oceania Marina docked next to us at night in Papeete

Our next stop on our world cruise on board Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s Black Watch is Papeete, Tahiti. Everyone was looking forward to French Polynesia, especially Danielle and myself, but we had no idea we would arrive early. In fact, we were scheduled to arrive the morning of 13 February 2018 and we arrived into port the night before. Don’t you just love little unexpected surprises like that?

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Where Is Papeete?

In case you didn’t know, Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia, which is an overseas collective of France in the Pacific Ocean.

TSG Tip: Did you know that Papeete means “water from a basket.”

Ordinarily, we would embrace the extra night in a port, but we had a ship tour planned for the following day. We were super excited to get out and into our Jeep adventure tour so we decided to stay in. Plus we were hoping to say goodbye to one of our cruise friends, Eve, who had taken a spill a few days earlier. She broke her hip and was leaving the ship to to go directly to the hospital in Tahiti.

Tour Or No Tour

The next morning the skies were looking a little angry and we had our fingers crossed that we would be able to join two of our friends, Jackie and Sandy, for the Jeep tour. We made our way down to the Neptune Lounge at the prearranged time with all of our gear and waterproof clothing only to find out the tour had been cancelled. So back to the cabin we went to drop off our gear and make new plans.

Walking from the port to the market directions

Instead of a Jeep tour, you can pretty much always find Danielle and I shopping. In Papeete, Tahiti, the place to go for shopping is the Papeete Market or Marché Papeete, which is all of a 4 minute walk from the cruise port.

Our quay side greeting in Papeete, Tahiti

But first, we passed the Tahitian dancers welcoming us to the port and to Tahiti.

Papeete Market

Inside the market there's a cacophony of sounds from vendors selling to music playing to the rain splashing down all around you.Click To Tweet

Marche de Papeete

We quickly made our way to the market just as the skies opened up and rain poured down all over Papeete.

Inside the market in Papeete

The market is a two-level marketplace selling not only fruits, vegetables, and fish, but also souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and much more. Inside the market there’s a cacophony of sounds from vendors selling to music playing to the rain splashing down all around you.

Inside the Market in Papeete

Between the sights, sounds, and smells, you can easily feel overwhelmed, but in the best of all possible ways.

I loved the variety of fruits and vegetables as they were all laid out on display for passing buyers.

Fresh fish anyone?

Even me, the vegan and non-meat eater, appreciated the fresh fish for sale. We are talking super, super fresh fish here.

Inside the Market in Papeete

But we weren’t here to buy fresh fish or fruits and veggies. What were we hoping to buy? We didn’t know, but we suspected it was somewhere here in one of these stores. I knew I wanted to buy some Tahitian vanilla as well as some Tahitian tanning oil among other things.

Inside the market in Papeete

After taking the escalator up to the second floor, we discovered a variety of small shops selling traditional Tahitian goods including pareos or wraps, wooden carved figures, clothing, and jewelry. Danielle fell in love with several items in a store and asked for the total in US dollars and was given the amount. After spending probably close to an hour choosing her items, the amount was provided again. Somehow it had increased from just over $100 to over $1000. That’s not exactly the same and yes, she left the store and her items behind.

Lunch in Papeete

Chips and a beer in Papeete

Let’s just say that we kind of lost the urge to shop after that incident in the market and so we decided to grab a quick lunch. Finding anything vegan was going to be difficult, but I did locate some chips and a beer. Not exactly nutritious, but it worked for me.

Hinano Tahiti beer in Papeete

Of course, we had to try the local beer, Hinano, even though I’m definitely not much of a beer drinker. It was pretty good considering it was so hot and humid that day in Papeete.

Hinano Tahiti beer advert

Then when we left, we saw the Hinano Beer ad on a building and I had to have a pic.

Street art in Papeete

I also then spotted this on a building near the market, which is so cool that I have to share. Don’t you just love her hair?

My Tahitian Tattoo

NK Tattoo

From there we walked to another café along the esplanade just to sit and relax over a quick drink. I made an impulsive decision to get a tattoo, something I always advise against and yet, here I was doing it.

NK Tattoo

We passed this tattoo shop on the way to the café and I noticed that they did “traditional” tattoos, something that has always intrigued me. I thought, “Why not just go in and ask?” and I did.

NK Tattoo in Papeete

Unfortunately, they weren’t doing any traditional tattoos, but they could squeeze me in. I asked about one on my foot or on my ribs, thinking about an area I could keep protected  from the sun.

Bam Bambridge from NK Tattoo in Papeete

When I came back with cash in hand, my tattoo artist, Bam Bambridge (bam_bridge on Instagram) said he had another idea for me and I was definitely interested. He suggested a freehand piece on my chest and I was all for it. We are talking freehand work — no stencil, no guide, no other pieces of art to guide him. It all came from him and he quickly got to work on it.

The line work is precise and it's so delicate and pretty, like a permanent piece of jewelry.Click To Tweet

My freehand tattoo from bam_bridge at NK Tattoo in Papeete, Tahiiti

Keeping in my mind my French is limited and his English was also limited, I think it worked out quite well in the end. The line work is precise and it’s so delicate and pretty, like a permanent piece of jewelry. I absolutely and unequivocally love it.

Nighttime in Papeete

After my tattoo, we returned to the ship to eat dinner and get ready for our night out in Papeete. We had learned that we would be staying an extra day in Papeete and leaving on the 14th, but also skipping two of our ports of call. That means there would be no Bora Bora and no Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Danielle was very upset about missing both as she considered these two of her beach days. I’ve always wanted to go to the Cook Islands, so yes — I was disappointed as well.

Looks like this is the closest we will get to Bora Bora after all

But don’t be too worried. We did make our way over to Bora Bora. Well, kind of. Bora Bora the bar in Papeete with crazy karaoke going on. Not quite the same, but at least I can say I was there. The nightlife in Papeete is varied from sedate bars inside restaurants to bars like Bora Bora to nightclubs. There’s definitely something for everyone if you’re looking to have a good night out.

Our Last Day in Papeete

From the ship overlooking Papeete, Tahiiti

On our last morning in Papeete, I went up to deck 8 to get a better view over the area. As the clouds appeared to be lifting, I felt like I was viewing a completely different Papeete.

Danielle had enough of Papeete and couldn’t be bothered walking around the city again. I was determined to find something of interest including my lost FitBit. In the hot days leading up to Tahiti, my FitBit kept popping off my arm and somehow in Papeete, I lost it for good. Hopefully, there’s a Tahitian getting some benefit from my Alta HR.

I was so happy to have found an acai bowl in Papeete

While walking around on my own, I discovered a small shopping center opposite McDonald’s of all places. Inside, there was an Açaí Bowl shop and I felt I’d just landed in heaven.

Super yummy acai bowl

If you don’t know what an açaí bowl is, think of it as a smoothie you eat with a spoon. Mine had all kinds of good things in it including açaí, bananas, coconut, kiwi, almond butter, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and granola. I was soooooooooooooo happy to have something healthy and nutritious to eat like an açaí bowl. Yum!

Back to Black Watch

Black Watch docked in Papeete, Tahiti

Without my FitBit, but a few purchases for myself and Danielle, I made my way back to the ship avoiding as much rain as possible.

Fish mosaic in the sidewalk in Papeete

That must be why there are so many fish on the sidewalks in Papeete.

Just before we departed Papeete

I convinced Danielle to walk with me to the tourist center just near the edge of the port gates and she found a little wooden carved figure to take home with her in the end. Then it was time to get on the ship for good and prepare for sailaway.

Sailaway out of Papeete

Sailaway out of Papeete

Sailaway out of Papeete

Leaving Papeete, Tahiti

Sailaway out of Papeete

Sailaway out of Papeete

The pilot alongside us as we sail out of Papeete

Our last view of Papeete

Our last view of Papeete

Even though I was expecting a hot and sunny stay in Tahiti, I definitely enjoyed my time there. I learned that April is probably the best time to visit so if I ever get a chance to return, I’ll schedule it for April.

I loved the Polynesian tattoos that everyone had and it’s one of the few places that I didn’t stick out quite as much with my own tattoos so that was nice. My red hair, of course, was still shockingly obvious. If you’re looking for a laid back kind of port with shopping, food, and nightlife, Papeete is a port you should definitely look into visiting. Stay a day, a week, or a month. It’s all up to you.

Have you visited Papeete? Share your experiences of Tahiti in the comments below. Discover some other great destinations and travel ideas here on the Travel Shop Girl website .

On my new SPONTANEOUS TRAVEL SCALE of 1-5, with 1 being super easy and spontaneous and 5 being you better plan far in advance, Papeete scores a 5 for spontaneous travel since it’s definitely expensive to get to from the US and Europe and expensive upon arrival.

The post World Cruise Update: Exploring French Polynesia and Papeete, Tahiti appeared first on Travel Shop Girl.

World Cruise Update: Exploring French Polynesia and Papeete, Tahiti published first on https://medium.com/@GoShopSingapore

[universeinform-blog]

MAC Whirl Lipstick Is the Shade Your Makeup Bag Needs

New Post has been published on https://universeinform.com/2017/03/15/mac-whirl-lipstick-is-the-shade-your-makeup-bag-needs/

MAC Whirl Lipstick Is the Shade Your Makeup Bag Needs

The color: A matte dirty rose.

The backstory: Globally, MAC sells one lipstick each 2d, and of loads of sun shades available, Whirl is one of the most famous. After launching in 2015, it has become the second one-great-promoting shade—with Ruby Woo on the wide variety one spot.

Why professionals find it irresistible: “Whirl is a ton of crimson that would obviously arise in a truthful to medium-darkish pores and skin tone,” says MAC senior artist Regan Rabanal. “It is nearly like a purple latte. The lipstick works for anyone because of its depth and likeness to hues that naturally arise inside the skin. When used on deeper skin tones, it turns to a lighter neutral, purple color. ”

Amusing truth: The lip pencil version of Whirl is a Jenner circle of relatives favorite. In 2016, Kylie revealed that It’s one in every of her pass to lip liner sunglasses; in advance this yr, Caitlyn Jenner covered it in her second MAC series.

What our testers notion: Suki: “An exceptional ordinary colour—it lasts a clearly long time, and it fits my pores and skin tone actually properly.” Concord: “This almost suggests up as a nude tone in opposition to my skin, so I truly appreciate the subtlety of the coloration. It additionally has an amazing, easy texture—not chalky or chunky!—that glides on without problems. It also smells super. All around, It is a first-rate nude coloration with only a trace of shade to make it greater-special.” Sophia: “I like this color on my light pores and skin. It is an easy-to-put-on neutral that can be worn every day without feeling too dressed up. Once in a while shades like this could look a chunk too ’90s and gray, but this one has a nice warm undertone that softens the coloration. It can be gently dabbed on for a hint of coloration or fully applied for a stronger appearance.”

Recording Fleetwood Mac’s “Tusk”: The largest Recording Studio Ever

The title track to Fleetwood Mac’s 1979 album “Tusk” improved from a brief fragment of the song into a Goliath that wished a baseball stadium to report.

The tune itself started as nothing extra than a brief 4-bar riff that Lindsey Buckingham had invented for Fleetwood Mac to play even as they had been being introduced after the band had gone onstage and the lighting had long past down but before they started their starting variety. The riff doubled as an immediate sound take a look at in order that manufacturer Richard Dashut ought to set volume degrees right immediately. At Mick Fleetwood’s request, Dashut prepared a twenty-2nd tape loop of the riff.

The inspiration for the tune definitely got here from Barfleur, a seacoast village in Normandy in northwest France that Mick Fleetwood had visited the preceding summer season in 1978. One Sunday morning he became woken up (at the same time as laid low with an extreme hangover) through joyous tune a nearby village brass band was playing as a part of a pageant honoring a neighborhood saint. Fleetwood threw open his home windows and saw all people in the metropolis from children to vintage peasants decked out in vegetation and celebrating. Recalling this incident Fleetwood was moved to recreate this song on top of their “riff”.

The best problem turned into wherein to locate both a marching band and a recording studio that had been massive sufficient. Fleetwood, in an in shape of hubris, proposed the use of Dodger Stadium. He becomes in success: Judy Wong, a longtime pal of the band, knew someone there. The role of the village band could, in the end, be played through AmericaC.’s Trojan Marching Band. The cease result turned into that some weeks later the song was recorded at no less than an empty Dodger Stadium, web hosting Fleetwood Mac, a film team and the largest wide variety of musicians ever to carry out on a single up till that point, setting a report.

Because of “Tusk”, the album, went platinum the Trojan Marching Band earned a platinum disc. Fleetwood, Buckingham, and Nicks supplied it to them on October four, 1980 all through a sport at the l. A. Memorial Coliseum. The stands were now not empty this time.

If you watch the video you’ll additionally see Stevie Nicks demonstrating her little-known baton twirling competencies. you may additionally see only four of the five individuals of the band. It’s Because John McVie had already performed his bass part of the track and set out with some buddies on a boat certain for Hawaii (his “role” might be provided by using a lifestyles-sized cardboard cut-out). McVie in all likelihood wished that he had stayed in L. A. on account that his boat was rammed by means of a whale on its manner from Hawaii to Tahiti.

Fleetwood Mac’s “Tusk” turned into considered a “failure” through Warner Brothers, even though it offered 4 hundreds of thousands of copies. some failure! The album is a wealthy college which, as some distance as I’m involved, become worth every nickel of the $a million plus it took to create.

How-To: The ideal Lipstick Software

Lipstick Application isn’t always as easy as swiping in your favorite coloration! Here you’ll locate specific instructions and makeup ideas to stroll you thru the complete system.

First, pre-Utility: You’re clearly going to need to exfoliate your lips, specifically in case you plan on wearing a matte lipstick. One manner to exfoliate your lips is to rub them with a toothbrush or a damp towel for several seconds. An alternative is to buy or make a sugar scrub. To make a sugar scrub, definitely use one component sugar and one component oil (jojoba oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or even honey are all alternatives) and use it on the lips. After the usage of the sugar scrub or another exfoliating approach, observe a lip balm. Allow it take a seat for as a minimum a few minutes.

Earlier than applying your lipstick, dispose of any extra lip balm. Your lips need to now sense clean and moisturized. in case you need to keep away from staining your lips or need to convey out the proper color of the lipstick, you may observe basis over your lips. in case you pick out to do that, smile while applying the muse on your lips–it’s going to make sure you cool all the crevices and depart an easy slate for lip colour.

Subsequent, you may use lip liner in case you’d like. It’s encouraged as it makes lipstick ultimate longer and stays in place. For a formidable lipstick color, pick a lip liner that is barely darker than the color of the lipstick. For a greater impartial look, fit your lip liner in your lip shade. While making use of lip liner, you need to first define your lips Earlier than filling them in. you could additionally “over-line” or “underneath-line” your lips to change their form if you’d like.

Ultimately, applying lipstick. Start within the middle of your lips and paintings your way out. you can use the blanketed applicator or a lip brush if you sense you need extra precision. some other method is to use lipstick on your bottom lip, press your lips collectively to transfer the product, and then fill on your cupid’s bow for a really perfect Software.

in case you’re the use of a cream lipstick, you may want to feature the 2nd coat. in case you’re using a matte lipstick, use your first-class judgment–a few matte lipsticks gets cakey if you upload a 2nd coat.

Finally, for brought staying electricity, lightly blot your lipstick with blotting paper. Leaving the blotting paper to your lips, easy some pressed powder over it to really lock to your lip color

Importance of Lamp Sunglasses

Further to work, the home is where human beings spend maximum in their time. This will be inside the bedroom or dwelling room. Anywhere it’s far, you need something that is going to compliment the room and display it off in a stylish fashion. You may do that by using renovating which may be time eating. Or in case you want to do something that is short and easy on the way to modify the mood of your environment then You may select the clip on lamp Sunglasses. In latest busy global nobody wants to be spending hours becoming a color. You really need to take the time in finding lamp Sunglasses for your private home and never underestimate their Significance.

Many owners have a tendency to miss the fact that an excessive great shade can convey an excellent appearance and sense to a room. You need to analyze but and make certain the only you choose offers off the proper amount of mild. After returning from a tough day at paintings you really want to sense comfy in your home and a super coloration can do this. The excellent ones will emit simply sufficient mild that isn’t always too vivid and nonetheless lighting up the room. They will cast a softer extra diffused light is not intense on your eyes and pretty enjoyable.

In regards to lamp Sunglasses to buy one such type which might be an excellent option are glass lamp Sunglasses. They address many lighting fixtures problems and are fantastically cheaper for what you get. They’re possibly a chunk extra money than ordinary Shades but as far as the advantages go They are virtually well worth it. Those glass lamp Shades are superb at diffusing the light and ensuring that isn’t that brilliant and gives off a nice stupid light. The mood of any room can appreciably be changed with the usage of the glass coloration in any color you wish.

There are a giant amount of designs that may be determined for glass lamp Sunglasses. The maximum popular ones around nowadays are the storm glass Sun shades and the gasoline glass Shades. The storm types are noted for his or her profile that is like an hour glass in look. It bulges on the waist and then gradually gets narrower as it heads up to the neck. The fuel kind hails back a few years and is extremely conventional. Both of those two are very fashionable and fashionable round your property and could genuinely draw a few interest from guests. Additionally, They will provide up a secure atmosphere to loosen up and unwind in.

[ussjellyfish]

fic: Work-Life Balance pt 3 | AoS | Philinda | mature

(this chapter is still barely teen, mature things next chapter)

Melinda and Phil attend a fancy fundraiser, which has dancing, which isn't that terrible. They also get to see Mack and Yo-yo.

Many thanks to @plechka for your help with DC stuff.

read on Ao3

Espionage 218 - the Dance Elective

He makes her breakfast, which involves running out for bagels, but she sleeps in, contented and calm. She slept better in Tahiti than he's ever seen her to, so maybe it's just being free from the encroaching danger. Nothing's coming to get them. There's no giant conspiracy out there waiting to destroy the world, just classes and field reports, seminars and exams. 

Mack, Director Mack, said he can do some recruitment, when he's up for it. Phil's read the file a few times. Part-time, very flexible, based at the Hub which is right near the Academy. Very short drive, shorter still in Lola. Sounds ideal if he wants to stay involved. There are plenty of things to do at the Academy too. May has a full course load, plus extra fitness training classes, and she's mentoring the newest crop of SOs in the field. Just looking at her calendar is headache worthy. No wonder she doesn't have anything in her fridge. 

That morning Phil lets her eat her bagel in the car on the way into campus, even though usually eating in Lola is strictly forbidden. He didn't have the heart to wake her, especially when she'd shut off her own alarm three times. Must be making up for years of lost sleep, or teaching exhausts her in a way flying the Bus and saving the world did not.  

After he drops her off, he spends the morning in kitchen stores, and then buying his own clothes. He has one bag, and a handful of old stuff in storage in Wisconsin, but he keeps dying and leaving the planet and getting his suits blown up. It's frustrating because he had some nice suits, some books that had that great old book smell. 

May emails him the invite to the Congressional Security Committee fundraiser that she has to attend tonight, because she's one of the most respected professors at the Academy. Also, she's gorgeous, and Mack likes how much that distracts people.

It'll be a long night of mediocre drinks, passable hors d'oeuvres and terrible conversation. The dancing might be all right. Maybe he can sneak May off to look at some of the art because he's always liked the National Potrait Gallery, and the courtyard's really something to see. She'll fit right in at an art museum. 

He has to use SHIELD resources to get good black tie at the last minute, but he knows a guy who's pretty quick and he just has to look good enough to be with May. She probably has some absolutely stunning dress and he keeps losing his train of thought as he's buying spices, imagining how she'll look. He's far enough away that she can't feel his particular emotions right this moment, hopefully. Didn't ask what the range was, and it seems like it's different with him. 

Mack got them dinner reservations, and it's not really double date, but it's Mack, Yo-yo, Melinda and him, which is basically the double date set up. Maybe it is. Maybe it's just really good friends with a lot of history. Getting to see them again is wonderful, but he's a little nervous. 

Putting pots and pans away as he rearranges Melinda's kitchen helps him think. She has whole cabinets that just sit empty until he adds measuring cups, mixing bowls, and a coffee maker. One of the perks of never being able to be out in public is that he has years of salary just sitting in his bank account. Melinda doesn't need a stand mixer, but he does. 

Because he's moving in. Well, moved in to be fair. His new toothbrush sits right next to hers and there's plenty of closet space when he has clothes. He's just got the utensils right by the stove when Melinda texts. The day has flown by; it's already four, her last class just ended. 

She's running late, students need help. They're supposed to be at the restaurant at five thirty which doesn't give her much time to get ready. He gets dressed in his tuxedo, smirking at the cufflinks. He loves when he gets to wear them because they're such a classy, old school kind of touch. He throws his tie around his neck, but doesn't tie it yet. Melinda does it better. 

He grabs her dress, makeup, jewelry, hairpins, hairspray- collecting the arsenal it'll take to get her ready for black tie. Not that she needs it. She could go in a t-shirt, but this is a fancy politician charming thing. Carrying her dress in a garment bag and the rest of her things in a duffel, he parks Lola outside her office and heads in. 

There are still students in the hall, most of them dressed as waiters and it clicks. They're going undercover. Melinda's sending some her students undercover to the fundraiser for practice. Smart. They'll be catering a lot in the field. No one really pays attention to the hands serving the food. 

They talk between themselves, but part when he arrives. Melinda's all the way down the hall, at the heart of their group, explaining how to swap champagne flutes in order to get fingerprints and DNA. 

"Professor May, your husband's here," one of the cadets calls down the hall. 

"That's right, dear," he says, beaming. Might as well roll wih it. "I think I have everything."

"Great, I'm sorry, we got carried away, okay, I'll see you tonight, remember, when you're undercover, you're invisible, so don't impress anyone, not Director Mack, and definitely not me."

They laugh and Phil has to smile. She's pretty hard to impress. He sets her dress on the desk and pulls the blinds while the students leave them. Melinda pulls off her blazer and starts unbuttoning her shirt. 

"How much time do we have?"

"Slightly less than half an hour, which is plenty, you're already beautiful."

"Not black tie beautiful."

She sighs, dropping her bra to the desk and he has to swallow. He will never get over how beautiful she is, and it's been a terrifying constant in his life for decades. 

"Let me help you with the dress." He gently removes the black and gold dress from the garment bag. He shakes it out, opening the clasps while she changes her underwear and pulls on her stockings. 

"Okay, let me get this over your head." The complicated straps cross high on her chest and leaves her back bare. He whistles as it slips into place. "I think this is better than the sequins."

"Oh?" She starts pinning up her hair, smiling. "It's more comfortable."

"Your breasts make the dress look great."

Melinda laughs. "I thought you'd like it." 

He sits on her desk, handing her pins as she puts her hair up. He holds up a handful and looks over the pictures on her desk. "These are nice, Daisy, FitzSimmons and Alya, don't know if that's the best picture of me."

"I've always liked that one." She titls her head towards the hairspray and he hands it over. 

"I look too stern."

"You are stern."

"Me?" He takes the hairspray and hands her the eyeliner, holding it while she yawns into her hand.  "Couldn't fit a nap in, huh?"

"I slept at lunch."

"Good plan, these things always go so late." 

Melinda sighs, shaking her head. "I know." 

"Lipstick,"

"Give me that first." He looks, following her hand. A abandoned mug of coffee sits on her desk. 

"You hate coffee."

"It's vile, but it keeps me awake."

"Well, it's definitely worse cold and without anything in it."

"Just hand it to me, Phil." She shuts her eyes and swallows it, grimacing. He's seen children make that face when they've been told to eat brussel sprouts. 

"You hate it."

"I hate falling asleep at dinner more."

He touches her shoulder. "This is hard. You're carrying a lot. Don't push yourself beyond your limits."

"Tomorrow's an easy day, no lectures, just seminar, and it's in the afternoon."

"I'll make waffles."

"And no coffee."

"None, for you." 

She laughs, finishing her lipstick. "What earrings did you bring?"

"These matched the best."

"I would have gone with the gold."

"The dress is more bronze."

"Oh I see."

"These bring out your eyes more."

"Yes, that's what you've been looking at. My eyes." She toys with his hand, smiling. 

"Exactly." He rests his gaze on the exquisite display of her breasts, then looks up, 

She leans in, kissing him lightly. "You still can't tie these."

"I have you." 

The next kiss is a little deeper, hungrier, and they don't have time. Mack and Yo-yo will be at the restaurant in a few minutes ad they're already pushing it, even with Lola. Flying through DC isn't exactly subtle. The cloaking will help but--

Melinda finishes tying his bow tie and pats his chest. "Shoes."

He sets them up and she steps into her impossibly high heels, holding on his shoulder. 

"Ready?"

She takes another moment, taking a breath. "I still don't understand how you drink that every day."

"It grows on you."

"Like a tumor." 

He rests his hand on her bare back, chuckling. "Exactly, a delicious, caffeinated tumor." 

 Mack and Yo-yo are waiting for them at the table, already laughing over their drinks.

"Sorry, parking is terrible." 

"Our quinjet is on the roof," Yo-yo says, getting up to hug Melinda. "You look amazing."

"Doesn't she?" 

"You don't look too bad yourself," Mack says, getting up to shake his hand. They stare, take hands and then hug. He didn't think he'd see Mack again, or Yo-yo or...anyone, and here they are. Mack pats Melinda's shoulder and Yo-yo pulls out her chair. 

"Sit, eat, we don't have that much time before we have to talk to the boring people." 

"Thanks, sorry--"

"She had cadets swarming her office."

"All ready for tonight?"

"They're some of my best, about half of the catering team are future agents. Tell me how many before the night's over and I'll buy dinner next time." 

Mack lifts his glass, grinning. "Oh you're on."

Yo-yo leans forward, elegant in a dark blue dress, with her hair down in waves. Mack's pocket square complements her dress and they look fantastic together. The way they talk, laughing, filling in each other's stories, they're happy. It's good to see. This time has been good for them. 

The food arrives a few minutes later, concerned for time, Mack and Yo-yo ordered, and it smells incredible. Melinda yawns into her hand again and flags down the server for tea instead of wine. 

"They might have coffee."

"Oh no, one is my limit." 

"You had coffee?" Yo-yo asks over her naan bread. "The Academy's that bad, huh?" 

"It's disgusting but it keeps me awake." 

"I'm gone for a little while and look how things change." It's a poor joke but Melinda's little smile has forgiveness in it. 

"It felt a little long." She reaches across, squeezing his hand. 

"It's nice to have you back." Mack digs into the chicken. "This is incredible."

Melinda sets down her fork and reaches for her tea. "It's hard to get reservations here, but my mom likes it."

"Do they do take out?" Phil passes her one of the sauces and she gives him that look. "May's a connoisseur of take out." 

"Very funny."

"Do they? This is near the Hub, I'd love this for lunch."

"Places like this don't do take out," Yo-yo says, pointing at her napkin. "Real napkins, fancy silverware."

Mack shakes his head, wiping his mouth. "We'll have to find a way to get them to make an exception."

"Use those director perks." Phil jokes, meeting Melinda's gaze. 

"What director perks?' The server hands Mack the check and Yo-yo chuckles.

"There's a perk."

"I asked for this." Mack waves the check at them. "I know how hard it is to live on an academic's salary."

Phil titls his head towards Melinda. "You should see how empty her apartment was, couldn't afford anything in the kitchen."

"I am funny, I'm the director." He hands over a card and they reluctantly leave their seats. 

Phil offers Melinda his hand to get to her feet, touching her bare back as they head for the door. Her skin's warm and smooth under his hand and she allows it to remain there. The clouds overhead are dark and heavy, and the air smells like rain. The gallery's only a quick walk, and it almost feels like old times. Very fancy old times. 

At the door he hands over their IDs from Melinda's purse. Hers is a little worn, and his brand new. Billy did good work on it. They head through security, have their retinas scanned and fingerprints checked. Eventually they end up at another table, and two of Melinda's students bring them drinks. 

She takes a sip, then sets her glass down. "Well, lets get it over with"

"It?"

"You're going to make me dance."

He listens to the orchestra and smirks. "That's a waltz." 

Melinda holds out her hand, reaching for his and smiling. "Do you want to wait for a tango?"

"Are you just using me to avoid Senator Ellis?"

"You caught me." She leans in, brushing her lips agains his ear. "Also, my students are watching."

"So we're making your students uncomfortable?"

"If they're watching us dance, they're not watching other things."

"I'd be watching you."

She glances down at her chest and her smile brightens. "I know what you'e watching."

Dancing with her is easy, comfortable. She'll have to talk to senators and congresspeople,  be charming, talk about the Academy, but for now, and maybe the next dance, he can hold her. 

The next song is a tango and she rolls her eyes, but she remembers the steps. Her muscle memory's always been incredible. She leads him into a dip near some of her students and she's right, they're watching them, not observing the room. 

"How are you going to get them to stop watching us?"

"We'll talk about it in seminar."

"That sounds fun."

"You should come, it's my most interesting class."  Melinda wraps her leg around the back of his and executes another dip. She's so good at it. The bonus for him is that he gets to hold her, tight and close and it's too bad that can't last all night. 

Eventually he has to surrender her to Mack, and a few senators. He gets one song to dance with Yo-yo, who tells him all about her team: Piper and Davis, and her adventures. She finds time for Mack too, and they seem happy.

"She needed you back," Yo-yo says over his shoulder, smiling at Melinda. "She said she was happy, but this is happy."

"What was she before?"

"Busy." Yo-yo twirls out and then back to him. "Really busy."

"She's still busy." 

"But now at least you can cook for her." 

"Yeah."

"Which makes you happy."

"It's such a little thing."

"Not little." Yo-yo walks with him back to the table, reaching for her champagne while Phil scans the crowd for Melinda. "Mack fixes my car when I'm home, worries about my motorcycle, tunes the engine. You cook."

"Melinda's a terrible cook."

"And I never remember when my car needs an oil change. Love brings us people who look after what we can't. May did that for you, for years. Maybe now you switch." 

"Yeah?" He finishes his drink. 

"You love her."

"I do."

"And she's happier now, today, than I've seen her in years, maybe ever." 

Melinda walks towards them, smiling, free of the last lobbyist who wanted something. She walks past one of the caterers, must be a student because she walks straight up to him and kises him like the world is ending thirty seconds from now, or they're being shot at. He nearly stumbles back but it's too wonderful to be pressed against her. 

Yo-yo laughs and leaves them to it. 

"Hi," he whispers, catching his breath. 

"My students are easily distracted."

"They like you."

Melinda rolls her eyes and he loves her so much in this instant. She's supervising all of these cadets, making them better agents, saving the world one showy kiss at a time. "They like my stories."

"May, you're an incredible teacher."

She sighs, shutting her eyes. She kisses his cheek then rests against him, her head on his shoulder. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"Just, thank you." 

He strokes her cheek. "It's good to be back."

"You didn't even know you were gone." Her voice is light but her eyes hold so much more. 

"I see it." He holds her face, staring at her, drinking her in. She's been through so much and she's still here, powerful, beautiful and so resilient. "I'm sorry."

"You always come back."

He laughs and she kisses him again. She pushes him back towards the table, scandalizing the students, maybe part of Congress. She's worth it. 

"I love you," he whispers into her hair, running his hand down her spine. 

 The sky's opened up while they've been in the gallery, and the rain drums on the glass roof. It's late, and the last stragglers at the party are drunk and headed home in a line of cabs. Lola's only a block away but the storm's rolled in hard. Lightning flashes overhead and the heavy humidity's erupting into drenching rain.

"Stay here, I'll bring the car," he offers.

Melinda shakes her head. She reaches down, holding his arm for balance as she takes off her shoes. She sighs, even wavers a little. 

Phil shrugs off his tuxedo jacket, passing it to her. "Here."

"I'm fine."

"So am I."

Melinda rolls her eyes again but takes it, wrapping herself in his coat. 

"There could be broken glass."  

"You want to carry me?"

"I--"

"It's fine, Phil." She offers her arm and together they walk out into the rain. 

The air's still warm and the rain crashes down cool over them. They walk quickly, arm in arm, and it's too loud to talk but thy don't need too. She remembers being a student, when they were cadets together, all the moments that got them to here. They climb into Lola, soaking wet, laughing as the rain patters on the roof. He starts the car and the windows fog as they dry. 

Melinda leans back in her seat, eyes closed. "That was better."

"See, you do like dancing."

"It's all right with you."

He heads through the nearly empty streets, making his way back to her apartment. "And mortifying your students."

"Now that was fun."

"I love your sense of humor." 

"You love a lot of things about me." 

"Your hair. Your breasts. The way you talk in your sleep."

She doesn't, and she can't remind him of that because she is asleep. He pats her knee in her soaking wet dress and drives them home. 

The garage at her apartment is out of the rain and she remains asleep as he shuts off the car. Circling to the passenger side, he bends, straightens his back and lifts her up.

She murmurs, waking a little as they move through the elevator and then the hall. 

"Are you being chivalrous?"

"I was trying to let you sleep."

Melinda slips from his arms, regaining her feet in the hall as he takes out her keys. "That was kind."

"You're doing a lot."

"I know."

"Let me help."

"I am, aren't I?" She stands on her tiptoes to kiss him. "I'll let you take the pins out of my hair."

"Okay." He guides her to a chair, pulling the hairpins out of her wet hair while she smiles at him, nearly falling asleep again at the table. He guides th =e dress off her shoulders, then takes her earrings. "Come on. Time for bed." 

He strips off his own wet clothes in the bathroom. Leaving them on the floor before crawling into bed next to her. 

"I love you," she whispers, curling into his chest. "You're warm."

Chuckling, he holds her close. "Glad to be of service."